Chapter 27: Serving

Rui Zhu hurriedly bent slightly to catch up, saying, “This servant will lead the way for the young madam. The marquis is likely still at the training grounds right now…”

Meinang paused, glancing back at them with a slight tilt of her head. “Cui jian and Cheng Er will be here shortly with breakfast. You two wait here. Wang Mama, you should stay too, and prepare the maids so everything is ready when the master returns to freshen up and have breakfast!”

After giving her instructions, Meinang, accompanied by Cui Si, headed to the training grounds.

Rui Bao and Rui Zhu froze, uncertain, until Wang Mama gave them a stern look. “What are you waiting for? Have you tidied the rooms? Is there warm water in the inner chambers? Check everything carefully! I’ll head to the East Flower Hall to see to things!”

As Wang Mama’s figure disappeared around the corner, Rui Bao glanced around nervously and whispered, “She was so sick before and looked like she wouldn’t last long. We could ignore her then. Now that she’s healthy again, how should we handle this? From now on, we dare not be careless in our service!”

Rui Zhu pursed her lips, saying, “What’s there to be afraid of? We’re from the old lady’s side, personally assigned to serve the marquis. As long as we don’t provoke her, what can she do to us?”

Rui Zhu had originally been a close maid of the old madam, but after the marquis married his young wife, the old madam was so furious that she feigned illness and even refused to attend the wedding ceremony. Despite the royal edict for marriage, the prestigious families married not only for beauty. This young madam lacked both family connections and wealth. Though she held the title and honor of the marquis’s wife, she did not receive even a glimmer of affection or blessing from her elders. Even after bearing a son, the old madam still held no affection for her. She rarely even glanced at her, and when she learned of her pregnancy, she told her to stay in her own courtyard for her confinement and no longer required her presence in the main hall. With such disregard from her elders, Rui Zhu believed the marquis’s heart had grown cold toward his wife as well.

When the marquis returned, the old madam gave him four maids from her own side to assist him. Rui Zhu had initially assumed that she and Rui Bao might be chosen as his personal attendants, but the marquis instead selected two other maids, Ru Yi and Xiu Er, relegating her and Rui Bao to regular service duties. To her frustration, Ru Yi and Xiu Er were soon promoted to concubines after a short time of service, enjoying allowances, personal maids, and even their own small courtyard. Rui Zhu, harboring her resentment, could not understand why the marquis had overlooked her for such a position despite her attractiveness.

Nevertheless, the marquis treated her and Rui Bao well, entrusting them with many tasks in the East Garden. Any delicacies or novelties that arrived were reserved specifically for Rui Zhu and Rui Bao. Thinking on this, Rui Zhu felt reassured. Perhaps the marquis intended to keep them close for now and would eventually bring them into his inner quarters.

Feeling better with this realization, Rui Zhu relaxed, thinking it best to stay alert and observant around the young madam. The marquis was accustomed to her and Rui Bao’s service and was unlikely to want anyone else.

At the training grounds, Xu Jun Ying sheathed his sword, handed it to Bai Zhan, and picked up a silver spear with a red tassel from the weapon rack. With a flick of his wrist, he moved with such precision that spear and man became one, creating whirlwinds of snow and fallen leaves. In less than the time it takes to drink two cups of tea, he had completed the entire routine. He flung the spear with great force, hitting a wooden target several steps away, piercing it through.

A gentle voice complimented him, “What strength!”

Without turning, Xu Jun Ying knew who had arrived. He took a towel from Bai Zhan to wipe his sweat and said, “Why are you up so early, Cousin Yu?”

Zheng Mei Yu, dressed in a rosy silk robe and green skirt, walked over with a smile, taking his cloak from Baijiu’s hands. Standing on tiptoe, she draped it over his shoulders. “If Cousin is awake, why shouldn’t I be? I love watching you practice with the spear. If it weren’t for that lazy maid not opening the gate on time, I would’ve arrived sooner.”

Xu Jun Ying fastened his cloak and said, “There aren’t always guards at the side gate. Why didn’t you use the front gate?”

“Because I wanted to see you sooner!” She laughed, holding his arm.

Xu Jun Ying cast her a brief look. “You’re such a lazy girl, not willing to take a few extra steps. There’s no need to dress me so neatly, I’ll be changing for a bath soon.”

Zheng Mei Yu giggled, “I’ll have Rui Bao and Rui Zhu prepare breakfast and help you bathe as well, then!”

A sweet voice interrupted, “If I knew you were here to help him, I wouldn’t have gotten up so early myself!” Emerging from behind a tree, Qin Meinang approached, smiling with graceful composure. Dressed in a luxurious pink silk coat with a crown of pearls on her head, she looked stunning without makeup, making it hard to look away.

Startled, Zheng Mei Yu let her hand drop from Xu Jun Ying’s arm.

With a bow, Mei Niang greeted Xu Jun Ying. “Good morning, my lord! I was worried that you’d be feeling unwell after last night’s wine, so I had the kitchen prepare a nourishing rice porridge with some light side dishes, which I think you’ll enjoy.”

Xu Jun Ying’s eyes softened. “Thank you, Meinang. I’ll change first. Yu, since you’re here, join us for breakfast.”

Eyes sparkling, Zheng Mei Yu replied, “Yes!”

Meinang’s smile remained as she stepped forward to support Xu Jun Ying, turning to Zheng Mei Yu. “Sister Yu, could you check if breakfast is ready in the flower hall? I’ll accompany my husband to get changed.”

Though hesitant, Xu Jun Ying allowed Meinang to lead him away as she whispered, “Rui Zhu and Rui Bao are already here, I’ll just stay nearby.”

Watching them leave, Zheng Mei Yu bit her lip and, after a pause, followed. But before she could catch up, Cui Si appeared, blocking her way and bowing. “Miss, as the young madam ordered, I’ll escort you to the East Flower Hall.”

Annoyed, Zheng Mei Yu snapped, “I know the way. Move aside!”

Cui Si, however, held her ground respectfully. “Miss, please show me some pity. If I don’t lead you there quickly, I’ll be scolded Wang Mama is waiting for you in the East Flower Hall. The young madam mentioned that since she’s just recovered, there are a lot of expenses, so she needs to collect the money you saved.”

Zheng Mei Yu’s face turned pale as she gave Cui Si a fierce glare, but she had no choice but to follow her.