Chapter 18: Allowance Cut

Lately, Jiang Chuyue had keenly sensed Xiao Ji’s growing distance from her.

By day, Xiao Ji was busy with official duties; by night, he almost always stayed in the chambers of his tenth concubine, Madam Jiang. On the rare occasions they met in the residence, he would only exchange a few perfunctory words, nothing like the closeness they once shared.

He seemed to have a particular fondness for Madam Jiang.

Not only did he spend the night with her daily, but Xiao Ji also proposed to the old madam that Madam Jiang try managing the household affairs.

The old madam, curious to test Madam Jiang’s abilities, temporarily entrusted her with the authority to run the household.

Once Madam Jiang had the reins, she managed the household affairs fairly well—competent enough that the old madam felt reasonably satisfied.

One day, with nothing else to do, Jiang Chuyue went fishing by the pavilion in the garden, taking Baozhu with her.

The lake water was calm, with a few crucian carp swimming lazily beneath the surface. Baozhu, glancing over the newly delivered fabrics, frowned slightly and muttered, “Miss, the supplies sent to you have been much fewer lately. We were promised three bolts of ‘floating light brocade,’ but now they’ve only sent one.”

It wasn’t just that—even the bird’s nest delivered daily to Jiang Chuyue’s courtyard had been reduced in quantity.

As they spoke, Dujuan, Madam Jiang’s personal maid, happened to pass by.

Seeing Jiang Chuyue fishing, Dujuan’s lips curled almost imperceptibly before she composed herself and bowed politely. “This servant greets Second Miss.”

Baozhu stepped forward to block her, demanding, “Dujuan, what’s going on with your mistress’s management? According to the old madam’s orders, in spring she’s supposed to buy three bolts of floating light brocade for my lady—why only one? Is your tenth mistress deliberately targeting her?”

Dujuan felt smug inside but put on a helpless look, spreading her hands. “Baozhu, you jest. The tenth mistress works tirelessly managing the household. How could she have time to single out Second Miss? She’s merely trying to save the Xiao household some silver.”

Baozhu grew angrier. “Save silver? Why start by saving from my lady’s share? If she’s so capable, why not save from the old madam or the general?”

Dujuan straightened her back, speaking righteously. “Baozhu, the tenth mistress is thinking of the Xiao family’s future. Second Miss will marry out sooner or later—how can the Xiao family’s assets be squandered on an outsider? This is the Xiao household, not the Jiang household.”

Ever since Madam Jiang took over the household, Dujuan had grown arrogant, acting as if she herself were the mistress. Servants whispered that the general might intend to raise Madam Jiang to official wife, so they flattered Dujuan as well.

Baozhu’s face flushed with rage. “How dare you! You’re truly insolent beyond measure!”

Dujuan, feeling even more self-assured, raised her voice. “I’m only speaking the truth. Second Miss spends her days admiring flowers and fishing, never lifting a finger—what would she know of the hardships of managing a household?”

Jiang Chuyue, who had been quietly fishing, set her rod down and lifted her gaze.

Dujuan met her eyes without fear, chin raised, brimming with arrogance.

Jiang Chuyue’s expression remained calm. She turned to Baozhu. “Go fetch the steward.”

Baozhu obeyed, returning with the steward within moments.

The steward bowed respectfully. “Second Miss, what are your orders?”

Jiang Chuyue glanced at Dujuan. “This maid’s tongue runs unchecked. Take her down, give her ten strokes of the rod, and dock her wages for a year.”

She might not bear the surname Xiao, but no servant had the right to question her lineage.

The steward immediately complied, gesturing to two male servants, who grabbed Dujuan on either side.

Only then did Dujuan panic, struggling. “How dare you! I’m the tenth mistress’s dowry maid—she treats me like a sister! She manages the household now and will be the future mistress! You wouldn’t dare touch me!”

The steward waved impatiently. “Gag her and take her away.”

Dujuan’s screams were cut short as she was dragged off in disgrace.

Peace returned to the pavilion.

Jiang Chuyue, no longer in the mood for fishing, instructed Baozhu to pack up their things.

Just then, the old madam’s trusted nanny arrived in haste. “Second Miss, the old madam requests your presence at Shou’an Hall.”

Jiang Chuyue nodded. “Very well.”

…

In Shou’an Hall, the old madam greeted her warmly. “Perfect timing—Jiangnan has just sent a batch of fine spring tea. Let’s try it together.”

The air was fragrant with fresh tea. Jiang Chuyue took a sip and praised, “Excellent tea.”

The old madam smiled. “If you like it, drink more. Take two boxes back with you later.”

Jiang Chuyue drank quietly, sensing that this invitation wasn’t merely for tea.

Sure enough, before long, the nanny led Madam Jiang into the hall.

Since taking over the household, Madam Jiang had been busy daily, and Jiang Chuyue hadn’t seen her for some time.

Today, Madam Jiang wore a plain outfit of ordinary fabric, with only a simple silver hairpin—no sign of luxury.

She bowed respectfully. “This concubine greets the old madam and Second Miss. May I know why I’ve been summoned?”

The old madam, seated at the head, asked coldly, “I ordered three bolts of floating light brocade for Second Miss this spring. Why was only one bought?”

Madam Jiang’s face was serene as she replied softly, “In response to the old madam—since childhood, I’ve been taught thrift and diligence. Recently, seeing much extravagance in the household, I thought to cut unnecessary expenses to save the general some silver.”

The old madam sipped her tea, her tone meaningful. “And reducing the bird’s nest sent to Second Miss—was that also part of your cost-cutting?”

Madam Jiang lowered her gaze. “Old madam, please understand—I did not deliberately target Second Miss. I lead by example: I wear no fine jewelry and no costly silks.”

She had anticipated the old madam’s displeasure and prepared her explanation in advance.

These days, Madam Jiang had grown a bit conceited.

With the household power in hand and Xiao Ji’s nightly favor, she almost believed herself the true mistress of the Xiao residence.

Xiao Ji’s neglect of Jiang Chuyue convinced her she had fully captured his heart.

She didn’t want his attention to return to Jiang Chuyue, nor did she want Xiao family wealth spent on an outsider. She even let Dujuan run wild, testing Jiang Chuyue’s limits.

With a look of sincerity, Madam Jiang said, “Old madam, everything I do is for the good of the Xiao household. I hope you’ll understand.”

The old madam set her cup down slowly and nodded. “Frugality is a virtue.”

Madam Jiang’s heart leapt with joy—she thought she had made the right move, winning praise for her thrift.

But then the old madam’s voice turned cold. “Unfortunately, such petty tricks cannot fool me. Allowing your maid to gossip and cutting Second Miss’s allowances is bullying my granddaughter. I will not tolerate it.”