Chapter 5

Ying Yue was completely unaware of the schemes brewing in her stepmother and elder sister’s minds. For her, her streak of good luck continued into the next day when she received a visiting card from Madam Hong of the Pingjiang Earl’s residence early in the morning. Since Madam Xu was too preoccupied to bother with her, Ying Yue was dismissed the moment she stood at the entrance of the main courtyard.  

Delighted, she turned and left without hesitation. It wasn’t that she was careless—in fact, she had honed an almost instinctive sense for avoiding trouble over the years. The Pingjiang Earl’s residence and the Xu family now stood on vastly different social standings. Ever since the title was inherited two years ago, Madam Hong’s noble feet had never again graced the Xu family’s doorstep. This sudden visit could only mean one thing: it was undoubtedly about the marriage arrangement between their younger generations.  

But now that Wangyue had other ambitions, she wanted nothing more than to avoid the old engagement. Madam Xu would no longer welcome Madam Hong’s visit.  

Ying Yue feared that if she didn’t slip away quickly, Madam Xu—already in a foul mood—might spot her and force her to go count leaves again.  

At mid-morning, Madam Hong arrived in her precious carriage.  

The current Countess of Pingjiang was slightly younger than Madam Xu, thirty-eight years old, with a plump figure and a round, somewhat plain face. However, her makeup and attire were immaculate, and her spirited demeanor gave her the appearance of a striking middle-aged noblewoman.  

Once seated as host and guest, Madam Hong first smiled and offered an explanation for Fang Hanxiao’s continued absence: “Our Hanxiao is young and reckless. The moment he returned, I urged him to come and apologize to your esteemed family. But Old Master Fang was both overjoyed and furious to see his grandson again. At his age, such intense emotions took a toll on his health—his condition fluctuates between improvement and relapse. Hanxiao, being a filial grandson, dared not leave his grandfather’s side, which is why he’s been delayed.”  

She then inquired about Wangyue, “Where is the eldest young lady? Why hasn’t she come out to greet me? Was she too exhausted from yesterday’s visit to the Marquis of Longchang’s residence?”  

Madam Xu, while instructing the maids to serve tea, wore a worried expression. “Not exhaustion—she caught a chill from the wind. She just took medicine and is too weak to leave her bed.”  

Madam Xu had spent the previous night refining her countermeasures and had barely slept. At her age, the lack of rest was impossible to conceal with powder. Her complexion was dull, her eyelids puffy, and she truly looked like a mother distressed over her daughter’s illness.  

Hearing this, Madam Hong expressed concern, “So seriously ill? Then it’s my fault. If I hadn’t gone to the trouble of securing an invitation from the Marquis of Longchang’s residence, the young lady wouldn’t have fallen ill.”  

This was something even Yun Yiniang’s maids hadn’t uncovered—unlike previous instances where Madam Xu had requested invitations from the Pingjiang Earl’s residence under the pretext of her daughter’s melancholy needing diversion, this time, Madam Hong had proactively extended the invitation.  

Only this made sense logically. Otherwise, just a day earlier, Wangyue had been all but certain to marry Fang Hanxiao. For Madam Xu to demand an invitation for her daughter to go out and enjoy herself while Old Master Fang was critically ill would have been madness—she would never have sabotaged her own daughter like that.  

But since the invitation came from Madam Hong, it was different. Attending under a senior’s orders, even if slightly improper, was far easier to justify.  

Right now, Madam Xu could only think how fortunate and timely her daughter’s outing had been. Madam Hong’s invitation had truly been a lifesaver.

Given this, she responded amiably, “How could this be blamed on you, Madam? It is Wangyue’s fortune that you think of her.”

Yet Madam Hong still seemed concerned and proposed to visit the patient.

Since Wangyue was genuinely ill, and her condition was tied to Madam Xu’s future plans, it would be best for Madam Hong to see it for herself. Thus, Madam Xu stood up obligingly, saying, “This is too much honor for her,” and led Madam Hong to the side chamber.

While Ying Yue had her own small courtyard, Wangyue naturally had an even larger and finer one, located quite close to the main residence. However, having caught a chill upon her return the previous day, Madam Xu, despite the proximity, had insisted on settling her in the west wing for better care.

There had been some time between Madam Hong’s sending of the visiting card and her actual arrival, during which Wangyue had ample opportunity to prepare. Now, as the floral-patterned curtain was lifted, she lay with half-closed eyes, a brocade quilt pulled up to her neck, her dark hair cascading over the pillow. Her flushed face and furrowed brow clearly showed she was quite unwell.

Hearing the maid’s announcement, she opened her eyes, coughed softly, and made a feeble attempt to rise and greet her guest.

“Child, there’s no need for such formalities.”

Madam Hong quickened her steps and raised a hand to stop her. Xundie, the senior maid attending in the room, curtsied respectfully. Seeing Madam Hong standing by the bed, she hastily brought over a chair and invited her to sit.

Madam Xu, meanwhile, sat by the bedside, tucking the quilt around her daughter reassuringly. “Your Aunt Fang is no stranger. She’s here because she’s worried about you. Just rest easy.”

Wangyue weakly murmured, “Yes,” then turned to Madam Hong. “I apologize for my discourtesy, Madam. It’s just a minor ailment, yet I’ve troubled you to visit.”

Madam Hong studied her closely, her expression gentle. “How did you catch such a chill? Was your clothing too thin? Young ladies like you are delicate. Even though it’s spring, you mustn’t be careless. You should have brought extra layers.”

Wangyue lowered her lashes. “The plum blossoms in Longchang Marquis’s plum blossom forest were in full bloom. It was my first visit, and I lingered too long without realizing. You’re right—I should have dressed more warmly.”

“Their plum grove is truly unmatched,” Madam Hong remarked with a smile. “Nowhere else compares. Others have invited me, but at my age and with little appreciation for such refined pleasures, I’ve declined. I thought young ladies like you would enjoy it, so I sent you for a pleasant outing.”

Wangyue immediately replied, “How could someone as radiant as you speak of age? It’s almost laughable to hear.”

A glint flashed in Madam Hong’s eyes, and her smile deepened. “Listen to this child—just after bitter medicine, yet her words remain so sweet. Though I must say, it doesn’t sit well with me.”

Wangyue was taken aback. In her experience, Madam Hong was easily pleased. With ordinary looks, she thrived on compliments. Observing her maids, Wangyue had quickly discerned this trait and played to it flawlessly. Though Madam Hong often feigned indifference, the smug delight in her eyes was unmistakable. Why had it failed this time?

Madam Hong soon provided the answer: “I don’t know why, but you’ve suddenly grown distant with me, Miss. No more ‘Aunt,’ just ‘Madam’ this and ‘Madam’ that. How can I feel at ease like this?”

The Xu and Fang families had not yet formally married, but their betrothal had lasted over ten years. To outsiders, this marriage was as certain as nails on a board. The Xu family had previously sought favors from Madam Hong, who teased them by asking her future niece-in-law to address her more intimately. Thus, the term “Auntie” was not based on Fang Hanxiao’s relation but was commonly used among close families. So, Wangyue shyly complied. However, today, her heart harbored loftier ambitions, and she instinctively reverted to calling her “Madam.” This unconscious attempt to distance herself went unnoticed by her but was shrewdly picked up by Madam Hong.

Once pointed out, Wangyue’s expression faltered—her guilt was the cause.  

Madam Xu was also taken aback. Before Madam Hong highlighted it, she hadn’t noticed either. Fortunately, she maintained her composure and was about to laugh it off with a tactful remark when Madam Hong herself chuckled first and shifted the topic: “Ah, I see! Could it be that the young lady has guessed why I’m here and is too shy to speak?”  

The smile Madam Xu had just mustered nearly slipped—even Yingyue, who was as unobtrusive as a shadow, understood Madam Hong’s purpose. How could she not know? Yet, despite knowing, having the topic thrust upon her so directly made the resentment in her heart hard to suppress.  

The daughter she had raised like a pearl must never be tarnished in the hands of a mute cripple!  

Wangyue’s expression grew even more strained. She hastily lowered her lashes and turned her face slightly inward, feigning shyness to mask her discomfort.  

Whether it was due to the dim lighting in the room or not, Madam Hong seemed oblivious to the mother and daughter’s unease. She merely giggled and stood up. “Well, my apologies for embarrassing the young lady. Madam Xu, shall we step outside to talk?”  

This was only proper—discussing a young lady’s marriage in her presence was unthinkable. Madam Xu agreed and followed her back to the main hall.  

After sipping her tea, Madam Hong spoke eloquently: “Truth be told, the young lady has suffered these years. Fortunately, our Hanxiao has grown a few years older and come to his senses in time, sparing her further delay. Now, due to our Old Master’s circumstances, the wedding must be hastened a little. But rest assured, Madam, as I have no daughter of my own, your girl will be treated as my own flesh and blood. She need not adhere to any strict rules—so long as she and Hanxiao live happily, our Old Master, my husband, and I, as her uncle and aunt, will be overjoyed.”  

Madam Xu listened, feeling anything but joy. However, she steadied herself, betraying nothing on her face, and smiled in agreement. “Our daughter has also benefited greatly from your care over the years. She is young and inexperienced, so we must rely on your guidance in the future.”  

“Not at all! The young lady is clever and eloquent—far surpassing most girls her age,” Madam Hong praised before adding cheerfully, “Now that the clouds have parted for her, her brightest days lie ahead.”  

With the pleasantries out of the way, Madam Hong produced the auspicious day for the following month, calculated by the renowned Xiangguo Temple in the capital, and sought Madam Xu’s opinion. Resolved to play along, Madam Xu agreed without hesitation.  

With the most crucial matter settled, they discussed minor details before Madam Hong, satisfied with her mission’s success, rose to take her leave.

Madam Xu made a polite show of insisting they stay for a meal, but Madam Hong declined, saying she had to return home to deliver a message.

**

A short while later, Madam Hong returned to the Pingjiang Earl’s residence.

Lord Fang was at home and came to inquire about the outcome.

Standing before her dressing table as her maid helped remove her outer robe, Madam Hong’s carefully drawn eyebrows arched slightly, her crimson lips curling in undisguised triumph and disdain: “Rest assured, my lord, the fish has taken the bait.”

Lord Fang, a dignified middle-aged man with the bearing of an official, asked: “Truly? So easily?”

Madam Hong scoffed: “When a lecher meets a wanton woman, what difficulty is there in them coming together?”

After changing her clothes, she straightened her skirt and continued: “The moment I mentioned your elder nephew today, your future niece-in-law became visibly uncomfortable. She’s already eighteen—if she’s not eager to marry soon, does she plan to keep waiting? Who ever heard of a woman content to remain an old maid?”

Pleasure showed between Lord Fang’s brows as he nodded, then asked: “And what was the Xu family’s stance on the wedding date?”

“They agreed,” Madam Hong said with a curl of her lip. “Madam Xu was remarkably accommodating, accepting everything I said without argument. Hmph! Since when has she been so easy to deal with? All these years she’s come with excuses to squeeze favors from me because Hanxiao wouldn’t return. Now at this most crucial moment when she could make demands, she says nothing at all.”

By conventional reasoning, while Xu Wangyue should be anxious to marry into the family, Old Master Fang’s days were numbered. Between the two, matters of life and death were naturally more pressing.

Moving to Lord Fang’s side, Madam Hong asked: “What next, my lord? Should we find an opportunity to expose this affair?”

Lord Fang considered, then shook his head: “Not yet. Let’s wait and see what moves the Xu family makes.”

Madam Hong agreed: “Very well, as you say. The Xus must have some trick up their sleeves—let them play at being clever.”

Having finished their discussion, Lord Fang turned to leave but paused to add: “Keep the servants’ mouths shut. No matter what happens, the old master must not know.”

Madam Hong smiled: “You needn’t remind me. I’ve already ordered the Tranquil Virtue Courtyard sealed tight—not a whisper will get through.”

“Especially keep watch over the two from the main branch.”

Madam Hong nodded: “I know. Huijie’er is young and children can’t guard their tongues. When the time comes to expose this, we simply won’t let her near the old master.”

Lord Fang added: “And Hanxiao too.”

At the mention of Fang Hanxiao, Madam Hong showed slight disdain: “A mute—”

But she wouldn’t openly contradict Lord Fang, so she smiled and said, “Very well, understood. Half of the old master’s illness is because of him. Now that he’s back, of course he should stay dutifully by the old master’s side in the Tranquil Virtue Courtyard without wandering off—unless we have need of him elsewhere.”

Lord Fang nodded in satisfaction before taking his leave.