Chapter 138 No, no!
"Madam, there is a visiting card."
That day, Niu Tielan was mixing incense in the courtyard as usual when the steward of the mansion came in.
She calmly placed the incense stick in her hand into the mold box, and then washed her hands with scented soap in a copper basin beside her.
Before the New Year, Song Xingzhi handed over the family account books to her for inspection. It was a lie to say that there were errors in the account books, but the real purpose was to let her know what things were in the family.
The warehouse was filled with piles of valuable antiques, paintings, jewelry, gold and silver, which Niu Tielan glanced at and then looked at. But the precious spices and medicinal herbs that were basically only going in and not going out made her feel a little heartbroken just looking at them.
These things can't be bought outside, so naturally they can't be sold for money, and just leaving them there is a pure waste.
Niu Tielan, a skilled incense maker, couldn't bear to part with the incense, so she simply took out the materials and started making it herself. Her incense-making skills were already unmatched, and now, thanks to the Gu worm, her sense of smell had improved several degrees compared to before. She was able to make incense with ease and even adjust it according to her own mood, which was highly praised.
All five Song brothers had their gifts made by her, and she even sent them to them, subtly expressing her hope that they would receive the same care from their mother in the future. Even Yang Yanjun and Cheng Siyi shamelessly went to her house to inquire about it once.
After the Lantern Festival, she has been tinkering with these things, from drying to grinding, she does it all by herself, not letting outsiders interfere, to prevent other flavors from mixing in.
He was extremely careful, not even letting his own daughter touch him.
Manager Yang knew what was going on, so he stood at a respectful distance and said, "Madam, this is an invitation from the Duke of Renguo's mansion."
As the steward of the Song family, he didn't feel at all that Niu Tielan making incense herself was beneath her dignity.
Although their own ingredients are precious and hard to find, they are only a few of the ingredients, and they are still valuable outside. Compared with the finished product, over the course of a year, the servants alone can save a thousand taels of silver, not to mention that the servants can also benefit from the leftover scraps.
The lady in the house is truly an extraordinary person; no wonder she was able to give birth to a princess with the Grand Secretary.
As Manager Yang pondered this, his demeanor became even more respectful. He lowered his head and didn't glance at Niu Tielan once, lest he offend her.
Niu Tielan slowly washed her hands, her eyebrows slightly furrowed, somewhat doubtful: "The Duke of Renguo's Mansion? I remember that the Song family and the Duke of Renguo's Mansion didn't have much contact. In early February, they had no birthday celebrations or marriage arrangements. Why did they suddenly come?"
His words implied that he was fully aware of the major affairs of each branch of the Duke of Renguo's mansion.
Manager Yang was somewhat surprised and subconsciously looked up, only to see her wiping with a silk handkerchief, revealing a small section of her fair wrist. It was delicate and white, shining like white jade under the light, so white that it was almost dazzling.
He glanced at it once, then immediately lowered his head, not daring to look any longer.
With just one glance, the person next to her looked over. Their phoenix eyes were deep and unfathomable, like a broken rock standing on a cliff, seemingly on the verge of collapse, but in reality, they possessed a destructive and overwhelming power, capable of shattering everything.
Having served as the steward of the Song family for twenty years, no one understands the master of the house better than Steward Yang. Compared to his physique, voice, and habits, his appearance has become the least noticeable evidence because he has never dared to look directly at him for many years.
He didn't know how his master did it, nor did he understand why he did it this way, but a master is always a master. Even if he were to turn into a drop of water and dissolve into the ocean, he would gradually assimilate him and do as he pleased.
Manager Yang's mind flashed with images of severed limbs and groans, and a chill ran down his spine. He lowered his head and respectfully presented the visiting card: "Madam, I am also unaware, but the Duke of Renguo's mansion enjoys considerable prestige in the court, and it is not appropriate to refuse so casually."
It means that even if you really don't want to see them, you need to come up with a decent reason.
The Renguo Duke's Mansion is quite prestigious, mainly because the previous one, the Yingguo Duke's Mansion, was the one that fell from power. Originally, there were two dukes standing side by side, but now only one is in the limelight. To put it nicely, it means that the Duke's Mansion holds a high position and is unique in power; to put it bluntly, it means that the Duke's Mansion is unique in power and influence.
The nail that sticks out gets hammered down, so there's no need to be overly wary.
Niu Tielan pondered for a moment, dried his hands, and was about to step forward to accept the visiting card when the person beside him stepped forward leisurely and casually took it. He glanced at the person with his head bowed and his lips curled up slightly.
"Manager Yang, you must be approaching forty, right?"
Hearing that gentle voice, Steward Yang tensed up and said cautiously, "This servant is thirty-seven this year, still three years short."
"So young, yet with so much white hair, it must be from overworking. Perhaps—" Qu Maoze paused slightly, his words carrying a deeper meaning.
Steward Yang felt a chill run down his spine and immediately said, "This servant is young and gray-haired. Young master, you've had white hair since you were only ten years old. It's not because of fatigue. The household is well-organized and there's not much to do. It's just that my youngest son skipped school today and was so angry that I forgot to dye my hair."
His life, stay safe, stay safe.
There's no need to retire and return to his hometown. He can still work hard for a few more years, save up some wealth for his wife and children, and eventually change his life and circumstances.
Qu Maoze chuckled lightly: "Is that so? I thought the steward was just too tired at home and could go back to rest for half a day. Since it's a family matter, let's leave it there. Going back would only cause trouble for yourself."
Manager Yang: ...
He's willing to be bothered, he's willing.
As the head steward, Steward Yang didn't have to deal with the usual chores like the other maids and servants. He only needed to come during the day to manage the servants and organize the household storeroom. After he got married and had children, Song Shang allocated him a small courtyard in the mansion, as well as a house outside, where he could spend his holidays so that the family could easily reunite.
He was a slave, and so were his wife and children. However, after three generations, the Song merchant was re-registered, freed from slavery, and had other opportunities.
Before this, even if the son in the family could not take the imperial examinations, he still had to be taught to read and write and open a shop.
The eldest son works as a manager in a shop outside, as does the second son. Only the youngest son has a talent for studying, and he is good at recognizing characters and doing arithmetic. He was arranged to study at a very good academy, but recently he has suddenly become averse to studying for some reason.
Manager Yang was worried.
"Alright, bring the visiting card over." Niu Tielan watched Qu Maoze making a fuss and was speechless. "Steward Yang has also been working hard lately. After the matter at the Duke of Renguo's mansion is over, he should go back and rest for a few days."
Steward Yang beamed with joy: "This servant thanks Madam for her kindness."
Qu Maoze clicked his tongue lightly, stood there, and opened the visiting card to read it, swaggering around without any attempt to hide it.
Niu Tielan glanced at him, then at Steward Yang who was pretending not to see, and shook her head: "What did you say?"
Qu Maoze raised an eyebrow, closed the invitation card, walked up to her and let her see it for herself, resting his elbow on her shoulder as they looked at the words on the card together.
I will visit at 1-3 PM.
That's just an hour later.
Niu Tielan closed the invitation, and her usually gentle and kind face lost some of its amiability. She smiled lightly and said, "As expected of the Duke of Renguo's mansion, you could have come directly, but you still sent us an invitation. How kind and humble you are."
Qu Maoze couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Niu Tielan was already in a bad mood, and when he smiled like that, he glared at him, pushed his arm away, and said irritably, "And you, what are you standing here for? If the people from the Duke of Renguo's mansion come, you, an unknown outsider, should hide yourself." Qu Maoze's smile vanished.
Niu Tielan didn't say much to him, but threw the invitation at his chest and took two steps forward to give instructions: "Manager Yang, go and have the maids tidy up the courtyard and prepare some tea and pastries. I remember there was a batch that went bad in the winter and was supposed to be distributed to the servants. It shouldn't have been distributed yet, right?"
It's not really spoiled, it's just a little bit damp, and the taste isn't as good.
In normal families, people would naturally continue eating the leftovers. But in large families, even the slightest bit less than the required amount would be unacceptable, and these inferior goods would be distributed to the servants.
Looking at the smile on Niu Tielan's face, Steward Yang hesitated for a moment before nodding: "Replying to Madam, there are still some."
The Song family had many people and a lot of things in their storerooms, especially during the Lunar New Year. They would buy things themselves and send things over from other families, resulting in a huge mess. Even if they managed to store everything properly, there would still be some minor problems every year.
Niu Tielan nodded: "Let's use these pastries, and the tea that Jinjin drinks. As for the rest, let's proceed as usual. The Duke of Renguo's mansion came in a hurry, and the mansion was not well prepared. I don't think they will mind."
He didn't know if the people from the Duke of Renguo's mansion minded, but his master certainly wouldn't.
Manager Yang glanced at his master, the former master, who was smiling like a flower, and obediently replied, "...Yes, Madam."
After saying that, he left respectfully.
Qu Maoze's gaze remained fixed on Niu Tielan the entire time. Seeing the irritation in her eyes, he teased, "Madam is quite formidable, daring to fool even the Duke's mansion."
Niu Tielan stepped on it and glared at her, saying, "I dare to step on the coffin lid of the Duke's mansion."
As she spoke, her willow-leaf eyebrows twitched, and her almond-shaped eyes narrowed slightly, revealing a more lively and arrogant side than her usual gentle and elegant demeanor.
Qu Maoze chuckled softly, looked up and stroked her eyebrows and eyes, took her hand and placed it on his chest, his voice trembling: "Stepping on a coffin lid is no fun, why not just step on a person directly, right here, and then..."
Before he could utter his shameless nonsense, Niu Tielan broke free, her cheeks flushed, and said angrily, "You shameless bastard, go back to your own courtyard."
Qu Maoze sighed, "Alas, it really doesn't work to please people with my looks. When guests come to visit, I can only hide in my courtyard."
Niu Tielan didn't say anything, just stared at him expressionlessly.
"Madam is not in good health. Please remember to see a doctor if you feel unwell."
Qu Maoze stopped making a fuss, curled his lips, left with these words, and leisurely left, giving the venue to her.
Niu Tielan pondered the meaning behind his words, and after a while, she raised the corners of her mouth and muttered in a low voice, "Insidious villain."
...
The Duke of Renguo's mansion was also an old-established ducal mansion from the previous dynasty. In the early days of the Dayan Dynasty, it appeased the court and helped to restore order and clean up the mess, making it a family of great merit.
Unfortunately, the family line has dwindled. Of the original six households, only three remained after the deaths of the previous dynasty. A few years ago, due to an accident, the second household was wiped out by a landslide, leaving only the two households alive. Despite their efforts to expand the family and have many wives and concubines over the years, they only have two sons, whom they cherish like the apple of their eye.
The eldest son is the current heir of the Duke's mansion. He is in his early thirties and, having set aside his womanizing and harem, is quite accomplished.
The second son, in his early twenties, was a good-for-nothing, a lecherous good-for-nothing. He had no legal wife, but had more than ten concubines, mistresses, and maids in his harem, not to mention his mistresses outside.
Niu Tielan thought that if that old hag dared to make a move on her Jinjin, she wouldn't be so rude.
Amidst her various speculations, the old matriarch of the Renguo Duke's Mansion arrived as scheduled.
This was an experienced and exceptionally shrewd old lady. She wore a dark green gilded satin dress, with dark green jade pendants on her wrists and neck, and a matching jade pendant on her forehead. She looked kind and gentle, but her eyes still shone with a sharp light, making her someone not to be underestimated.
Niu Tielan went to meet him.
She changed into a plain white dress, without any makeup. She was slender and thin, as white as a wisp of smoke, and carried an inescapable air of illness. She coughed every two steps and paused while walking. It was clear that she had been ill for many years.
Old Madam Ding was almost seventy and was looking forward to her eighties. But when she saw Niu Tielan's sickly appearance, she immediately lost some of her enthusiasm and no longer wanted to go up and hold his hand as before.
She casually pulled the girl aside, saying, "Poor girl, look how pale your face is. Have you called a doctor yet?"
Niu Tielan covered her mouth with a handkerchief and coughed, "I'm glad to see you, but my health isn't good, and I won't get better anytime soon. It's just that the old lady came in time, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to see you while I was sick. The old lady is getting on in years, so please stay away from me and be careful not to catch anything."
Old Madam Ding: "Alas, it's my fault for being so eager to see you, girl, that I disturbed your rest."
They intended to give them a hard time, but it turned out they stepped on cotton.
Niu Tielan: "It's my honor that the old lady can come. There's no need to use the word 'inconvenience' at all. It's just that the family wasn't prepared, so I can only ask that the old lady make do with what she has to do..."
Old Madam Ding thought to herself, if she's going to hit someone, it's this 'make do'.
Now that the treacherous minister Song Shang is gone, she doesn't want to see the Song family prosperous and wealthy as before. She wants to see them miserable, desolate, and decadent.
But it shouldn't be this miserable.
Where did this pastry come from? What kind of novel flavor is this, or is it moldy?
The fifth son of the Song family's shop went bankrupt?
And this tea looks quite presentable, packaged in a fine mother-of-pearl box, but it's all just loose scraps.
Sitting in the living room, Old Madam Ding's expression changed as she looked at the pile of food, feeling that not a single thing was palatable.
Niu Tielan covered the corner of his mouth with his handkerchief, coughed twice, picked up his teacup and took a sip. It had a leafy taste and was a little bitter, but it would turn sweet later. The taste was actually quite good, but it was cheap, so most people couldn't afford it.
She laughed, "I had a sore throat and mouth ulcers a while ago. This is tea that Jinjin specially picked for me from the mountains and made herself. It tastes better than any tea in the world to me. You should try it, Grandma."
Actually, it's the other way around. It was Song Jin who got a sore throat from eating snacks, so Niu Tielan, her mother, deliberately made it up for her. She also took away all her good tea leaves to prevent her from wasting them by drinking them in one go.
It's perfect for entertaining unwelcome guests now.
Old Madam Ding wasn't used to the strange taste, but it was her son's loving gesture, so she couldn't complain. She forced a smile: "It really tastes good. Mingguang is such a filial son."
Niu Tielan liked hearing these words and smiled, "Jinjin is indeed filial. He greets me every morning and evening, and he's always the first to give me anything rare he sees..."
Although the morning and evening greetings were simply because people could only see each other in the morning and evening, the rare items were not the gold and silver jewelry that people usually imagined, but rather strange and unusual insects, snakes and wild animals.
Old Madam Ding: "Really? What a filial child. It's a pity. If only Chief Minister Song were still here."
Niu Tielan lowered her eyes and sighed softly, looking like she didn't want to talk.
Old Madam Ding's eyes flickered slightly, and she said again, "Look at my mouth, I keep saying things I shouldn't. Speaking of which, where is Mingguang? Isn't she at home?"
Niu Tielan's expression turned slightly cold. She took a sip of tea and said softly, "That girl went out to play. If I had known the old lady was coming, I should have let her stay home to study and embroider, so she could at least pretend to be an old lady."
Grandma Ding laughed: "What you're saying is true. I've heard how popular Mingguang is. It's good for a young girl to be lively and energetic. She doesn't have to stay at home all day studying poetry, books, and music. People lose their vitality when they don't study enough. Mingguang is so energetic. If it weren't for my second son being disobedient, I would love to send him home. The whole courtyard is filled with the laughter of young girls. Isn't that wonderful?"
Niu Tielan chuckled: "Grandma is joking. This girl's energy is enough to make the house collapse from howling."
Given the situation of the Duke of Renguo's mansion, it's no surprise that there are a whole courtyard full of young girls.
Old Madam Ding: "A young lady like you should have this kind of spirit..."
As she spoke, she continued to praise Song Jin.
What are terms like innocent and carefree, witty and humorous, exquisite and insightful, and intelligent and virtuous...
Niu Tielan could hardly recognize these words anymore, but she had a clue. This person had come because of her daughter. Fortunately, she was sensible and didn't recommend that filthy, smelly place called the Duke of Renguo's Mansion, otherwise she would have really kicked him out.
She said softly, "You flatter me, Madam. I'm embarrassed by your compliment."
Old Madam Ding laughed: "What's there to be ashamed of if your daughters are so outstanding? Unlike the girls in my family, one by one, sigh, they're all just wooden dolls."
Niu Tielan: "You have too high expectations for your own children. I've heard that your daughter is the most well-behaved in the capital."
Old Madam Ding sighed, "No matter how good these rules are, none of your sons seem to like them."
"I don't know about that. The young masters in the family, alas." Niu Tielan's smile faltered slightly, and he coughed a few times, his expression darkening.
He looks like he can't make his own decisions and has suffered a lot of mistreatment.
Old Madam Ding thought about it and agreed. Even if Song Shang were still alive, Niu Tielan, a mistress, wouldn't amount to much. Besides, she had heard about the gigolos around him. The Song brothers probably only let her stay because of Song Jin, who was just like Song Shang.
She bypassed that question and returned to the main topic, sighing, "Your sons are all very capable, and naturally they have big tempers too. I'm afraid you'll have to put up with it."
Niu Tielan feigned sadness, then forced a smile: "I'm not aggrieved. My daughter and I are living in luxury every day now, something we could never have imagined before."
Old Madam Ding smiled, looking at the slightly stale pastries on display, and thought to herself that fine clothes were easy to come by, but delicacies were truly out of the question.
The two of them talked for a while longer, going around in circles.
Old Madam Ding returned to the main topic: "Actually, I came here this time on someone's behalf, to arrange a marriage for Princess Mingguang."
Niu Tielan had expected this, so she wasn't surprised at all, nor did she take it seriously. After all, her daughter's situation was basically settled, and it was just a matter of when the imperial decree would be issued.
However, she didn't show it, only asking, "May I ask which family's young master you are?"
Old Madam Ding laughed, a genuine laugh, even with a hint of envy: "This young master is considered one of the best in Yong'an City. He is handsome, talented, and comes from an excellent family. There's really nothing wrong with him."
Niu Tielan sipped his tea: "Really?"
Seeing her so calm, Old Madam Ding was somewhat surprised and added, "That is our third-place scholar this time."
Niu Tielan thought about how those people used such despicable methods, so he wasn't surprised, but his expression still turned indifferent.
Niu Tielan's reaction was completely unexpected by Old Madam Ding.
In her opinion, Chu Cheng'an was perfect in every way. She originally wanted to propose to her own granddaughter, but she didn't expect to be approached as a matchmaker first. She was a little disappointed.
You don't even want this country girl?
Seeing the suspicious look on Old Madam Ding's face, Niu Tielan regained her composure and was about to speak when asked to respond.
bang bang
A sound came from the other side of the courtyard.
Niu Tielan's brow twitched, but before she could even get up, the culprit came running in with heavy steps.
Those who were aggressive and had a cold look in their eyes could indeed be described as 'naive and innocent' and 'unrestrained'.
Upon seeing her expression, Niu Tielan knew she had misunderstood and spoke up before the words "old woman" could be uttered: "This is Old Madam Ding from the Duke of Renguo's mansion, here to arrange a marriage for you."
"You're going to arrange a marriage for me?"
The smoke rising from Song Jin's head gradually dissipated, and her previously sharp gaze became much clearer. She tilted her head, glanced at her mother, then at the old lady, and respectfully gave a bow.
"Greetings, Madam Ding."
As long as it's not about competing with her for her mother's affections, everything else is negotiable.
Old Madam Ding didn't mind Song Jin's forced bow. She and the old matriarch of the Duke of Ying's mansion had never gotten along. When Song Jin made someone lose face before, she secretly ate several extra bowls of rice.
Of course, it's impossible to get her close to me.
This girl is like a monkey; she has the power to be disciplined, the power to be reasonable, and the power to exploit weaknesses.
When these noble ladies from aristocratic families go out, what they fear most is not a ruthless or wicked woman, nor a weak or delicate woman, but a crazy woman like Song Jin who is reckless and has someone protecting her—she can only swallow the pain herself if she suffers a loss.
Grandma Ding had a lot on her mind, but her face remained loving as she asked, "Mingguang is back? Did you enjoy the outside world?"
Song Jin sat next to her mother, took a sip of water from her cup, frowned at the bitterness, glanced at her mother, swallowed with difficulty, and smacked her lips: "It's alright, it's lively with lots of people outside."
Old Madam Ding smiled again: "That's good. It's better to arrive at the right time than early. I just happened to be talking to your mother about the marriage proposal. She didn't seem too satisfied. Mingguang, why don't you take a look for yourself? If you ask me, this third-place scholar from the Chu family is already the best young man in Yong'an City..."
She went on to praise the person.
But she wasn't exaggerating. Whether it was family background, appearance, or talent, Chu Cheng'an was top-notch, wasn't he?
"That sickly fellow?" Song Jin's head throbbed at the mention of his name. She shook her head frantically. "No, no, with his frail body, he'd fall in the snow and wouldn't be able to get up. He's too fragile. One wrong move and he'd be crushed to death. Grandmother, please stop talking. Come, come, have some pastries."
As she spoke, she picked up some pastries and stuffed them into Old Madam Ding's mouth, and very considerately poured her a large cup of bitter tea.
"Eat and drink more, there's plenty of pastries and tea at home."
Old Madam Ding: ...
Is this girl trying to poison her?
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