Chapter 36

The small Buddha Hall was a taboo within the household—nowadays, hardly anyone mentions it. The one residing in that Buddha Hall wasn’t just anyone; it was Jiang Wanrou’s mother-in-law, Madam Zhao.

Jiang Wanrou was truly intimidated by this mother-in-law.

Madam Zhao was the wife who had been with Duke Lu since his humble beginnings—a wife who endured hardship alongside him. It was said that she even went to the battlefield, and she bore three sons for the Lu family. The only daughter in the Lu household was born to a concubine—this concubine once served as Madam Zhao’s personal maid, and it was Madam Zhao herself who decided to take her in as Duke Lu’s concubine.

For someone like this, Jiang Wanrou put all her effort into flattering and pleasing her when she first married into the family, but unfortunately, personal affinities differ, and Madam Zhao has always disliked her.

Among the three daughters-in-law, by daily routine, she was the first to arrive and the last to leave—yet Madam Zhao never once gave her a kind glance.

She acknowledged that her reputation upon entering the family was awkward. Even if she didn’t provoke her, could she really avoid her?

So, she did her best to avoid Madam Zhao daily. Although Madam Zhao had a stern personality, she wasn’t one to actively pick on people, so at first, life was tolerable.

That was until she became pregnant.

Other people’s mothers-in-law—even if they dislike their daughters-in-law—won’t go too far as long as the daughter-in-law is pregnant for the sake of the grandson. But her family was just the opposite. At first, her mother-in-law maintained a willful indifference as though she were invisible, yet as soon as she became pregnant, she was met with flagrant disgust.

In the chilly early spring days, she had to stand outside with her protruding belly to enforce the rules. Her mother-in-law would claim to be “ill” and demand that the eldest daughter-in-law serve her medicinal soup, kneeling by her side—each day’s service measured by the time spent kneeling.

Then, in the scorching summer heat, on a whim, her mother-in-law craved roasted chestnuts and insisted that the eldest daughter-in-law prepare them herself. One moment, she would complain they were undercooked, the next that they were too hot, constantly fussing and tormenting her.

Every meal of the day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—could only be properly enjoyed if attended to by the pregnant eldest daughter-in-law.

…and many such grievances followed.

In the end, Madam Zhao was confined to the small Buddha Hall because the tea that Jiang Wanrou drank in her courtyard contained saffron. Duke Lu was furious; the next day, he cleared out the small Buddha Hall and commanded, “Madam, from now on, you will eat only vegetarian food and devote yourself to worship—no trifling matters are to disturb you.”

This was house arrest.

Jiang Wanrou had a secret. Although her mother-in-law always made her life difficult, that bowl with saffron truly had nothing to do with the old lady—it was Jiang Wanrou herself who had added it.

She truly had no other option. At that time, she was already five months pregnant, and with her mother‐in‐law tormenting her day and night, if she didn’t resort to some measures, her child would eventually be worn out by all the abuse.

The noble household’s regulations were extremely strict—what was outside was separate from what was inside. With the elders in their destined years no longer interfering, the inner quarters of the Lu household were entirely under Madam Zhao’s rule. The men never bothered with the affairs of the inner household, and her husband was equally unreliable—he wouldn’t return for ten or even fifteen days at a time. Even if the matter were to escalate to his attention, could he really dare to question his mother on behalf of this wife who had been forcefully thrust upon him?

After long deliberation, Jiang Wanrou realized she had no choice but to save herself.

Concubine Li had been ill for so long that her condition had become chronic, and the venomous Madam Qin wouldn’t even hire a doctor for them. So, Jiang Wanrou resorted to poring over medical texts and gathering herbs herself—becoming a makeshift doctor with only a rudimentary knowledge of herbal properties. She dared only to use the tiniest amount, then feigned excruciating abdominal pain. That very day, coincidentally, Duke Lu was taking a break, and he called for a doctor to examine her—unwittingly exposing the grim workings of the inner household.

Jiang Wanrou had never intended to harm Madam Zhao. After all, Madam Zhao had stood by Duke Lu from his humble beginnings and had borne him three children, so Jiang Wanrou never planned to take her down with this scheme. She only wished to deliver the child in her womb safely—ideally a son—so that she could secure a stable footing in the household.

But the turn of events that followed was something she had never anticipated.

Duke Lu acted decisively to clear out the small Buddha Hall, and an imperial edict was issued within the palace, broadly condemning Madam Zhao for her “lack of maternal compassion.” Overnight, the enormous burden weighing on Jiang Wanrou’s shoulders collapsed, and Lu Feng purposely returned to ask her, “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

Jiang Wanrou respectfully bowed and replied, “It is only natural for a daughter-in-law to serve her mother-in-law; I dare not complain.”

At that time, she never considered Lu Feng a lifesaver. Fortunately, Lu Feng gradually began caring for her after that incident. In the several assassination attempts she encountered as her due date approached, without Lu Feng’s watchful care, neither she nor Huaiyi would have survived.

Huaiyi was born frail—everyone silently understood it was due to the assassination attempts orchestrated by Lu Feng’s political enemies. Although Lu Feng felt guilty about it, Jiang Wanrou always harbored a lingering grievance in her heart. She believed the chief culprit was that bowl of saffron tea she had personally concocted.

Even though she had been careful enough, she was no immortal—how could she precisely control the dosage? At the time, she had thought that if it worked, it would at least keep her mother-in-law subdued for a while so she could give birth safely, but if things went terribly wrong and the child was to be lost, she could then expose the mother-in-law’s harsh treatment of her daughter-in-law. After all, her father-in-law was a just man, and someday, he would ensure she got a fair outcome.

As for the future, she was still young, had plenty of time to plan, and would have more children.

Jiang Wanrou often recalled that she had indeed been far too young then. If she were in her current state, she could have found a hundred better solutions without having to risk everything. Back then, she only cared about saving herself; the child in her womb was nothing more than a lump of flesh—whether round or flat, she did not really notice—she was only desperate to secure a foothold in the Lu household through that one child.

Later, when Lu Huaiyi was born, she was only sixteen—still clinging to the tender age reminiscent of being held by her mother—suddenly thrust into the role of a mother. He was clever, quick-witted, and sensible; his only fault was his fragile health.

Jiang Wanrou regretted it.

Over the years, she had indulged Huaiyi to excess—a fact even Lu Feng couldn’t overlook—and no one understood the guilt she harbored in her heart regarding him. She acted with utmost caution; that bowl of saffron had not been tampered with by anyone else—it was a secret festering inside her, one she would carry to her grave.

“Hiss—”

The child in her womb seemed affected by her mother’s mood. Jiang Wanrou clutched her belly as she sat down, her brows knitting together.

“Cui Zhu, decoct a bowl of pregnancy-stabilizing medicine for me.”

She didn’t like sweet flavors and loathed bitterness. With nothing to temper the bitter taste of the medicine, she had to endure it all by herself. Usually, Lu Feng would supervise her while she took the medicine, but now that no one was around, she had to manage it on her own.

After her light breakfast and the medicine, Jiang Wanrou called for Jin Tao and said, “Bring that person over; I want to see.”

Before his death, Duke Lu instructed the old lady to remain calm before the Buddha. From that moment on, the small Buddha Hall became a taboo within the household, and later, as Jiang Wanrou’s authority as housekeeper grew ever stronger, no one dared to mention it openly.

This young girl—if put in a nicer way, a delicate beauty fallen on hard times, but frankly nothing more than a criminal slave—dared to be so choosy in her master’s household?

Jiang Wanrou sensed that something was amiss.

Jin Tao quickly brought the person over—a girl who looked about fourteen or fifteen years old, with a face as small as a palm, willow-leaf eyebrows, round almond eyes, cherry lips, and delicate, soft skin. Even though she was dressed in a maid’s light-green jacket, she didn’t appear to be the sort used to serving others.

Jiang Wanrou stared at her for a moment before gently asking, “What is your name?”

“My surname is Zhou, and my name is Miaoyin,” the girl replied.

The young Zhou Miaoyin looked at Jiang Wanrou timidly and bowed her head. With a slender, willow-like waist, her figure was exceptionally graceful.

“No need for formality. If I’m not mistaken, you joined the household before the New Year? For someone as distinguished as you, I can’t believe I’ve never seen you before.”

“Madam is busy, so I dare not disturb you.”

Maintaining a half-crouched bow and with her head lowered, Zhou Miaoyin said, “I know I’ve been an imposition to your esteemed household; ever since I entered, I’ve been trembling with fear, barely ever stepping outside, and I dare not cause any trouble for Madam or the Second Madam. I had planned to spend the rest of my days like this—who would have thought… who would have thought…”

Tears welled at the corners of her eyes as she added, “Thank you so much for saving me, Madam. I will repay your kindness in the future and always be grateful for your great favor.”

“I don’t need you to repay me for anything. I just want to ask you—given your previous status, becoming a concubine would indeed be a disgrace. But Third Master is of noble standing, charming and elegant…”

Jiang Wanrou took a light sip of tea and continued, “In your current situation, my second sister-in-law can only take care of you for a while, not for a lifetime. The Third Master is gentle and affectionate, and my third sister-in-law is not a jealous woman who cannot tolerate others. Having someone to rely on for the rest of your life—why would you refuse?”

Zhou Miaoyin raised her head, her round almond eyes staring directly at Jiang Wanrou, and said, “My Zhou family has upheld a reputation for generations. I would rather be a servant than a concubine.”

Jiang Wanrou looked at her and suddenly laughed. “Is this what you told my second sister-in-law? Did you fool her into sending you to me?”

“Unwilling to become the Third Master’s woman, but aiming for the Eldest Master instead? Tell me, is being a concubine in the main household more prestigious than in the third household? Or are you having grand ambitions, waiting for me to make room for you?”

Jiang Wanrou laughed, her voice growing colder. Zhou Miaoyin immediately fell to her knees with a heavy thud, the sound stifling the air.

“Madam, you’ve misunderstood! I would never dare to have such thoughts—”

“My memory is quite good.” Jiang Wanrou abruptly interrupted her. “At the New Year’s Eve family banquet, there was a maid who almost spilled wine on the Eldest Master’s clothes. You should count yourself lucky—it was an auspicious day.”

Given Lu Feng’s temper, on any other day, a swift kick to the chest would have sent this frail girl straight to the underworld. There wouldn’t have been all this trouble now.

The previously confident Zhou Miaoyin instantly fell silent.

After a moment, Zhou Miaoyin looked at Jiang Wanrou and said, “Yes, I… I did have such thoughts. Madam, it is customary for men to have multiple wives and concubines. You are now six months pregnant—do you still intend to monopolize the Eldest Master?”

“You wretched girl, I’ll tear your mouth apart!”

“Cui Zhu—”

Before Jiang Wanrou could speak, Cui Zhu stepped forward and delivered a resounding slap to Zhou Miaoyin. Cui Zhu, being from a poor family, had considerable strength. Zhou Miaoyin’s head tilted from the impact, and five distinct finger marks appeared on her fair face.

“Cui Zhu, leave and fetch some ice for Miss Zhou to apply to her face.”

Jiang Wanrou rubbed her temples in discomfort and said flatly, “The maid just doesn’t understand—I’ll send you some healing medicine later.”

Zhou Miaoyin glared at her bitterly and retorted, “Even after being beaten, you still have to pretend, Madam?”

Jiang Wanrou sighed softly and asked, “Are you feeling wronged?”

“Me? I, a humble concubine serving faithfully, cannot even bear this little bit of grievance now—how can I possibly manage for the future?” Zhou Miaoyin replied.

“Miss Zhou,” Jiang Wanrou continued, “I can see you are both beautiful and intelligent. Yet, to become a concubine would be a great insult to you. The Lu household simply has no room for someone as exalted as you. Today, pack your things and return to where you came from.”

A trace of panic flashed in Zhou Miaoyin’s eyes. She bit her lip and said, “Madam, I do not dare to argue with you. If you remain uneasy, I am willing even to drink the poison that will end my lineage—in order to win the favor of the Eldest Master when you’re unavailable. Madam, since there must be someone for that role, why can’t it be me? I am but a wretched slave with nothing; crushing me would be as easy as squashing an ant. I only beg for a place to call my own—please!”

She kneeled down and continuously kowtowed, her voice laced with anguish. Jiang Wanrou lowered her brows and idly caressed the rim of her cup with a slow, thoughtful stroke.

Indeed, a mere wretched slave like Zhou Miaoyin was beneath her notice. Besides, she herself had never even entertained the thought of finding a young and beautiful concubine to secure favor for her own position. This girl’s ambitions were far too high; perhaps there was more to that matter with the Third Master. First, coming to Jinguang Courtyard had failed, and now she had even incited Zhou Ruotong to deliver her to the small Buddha Hall. What exactly was she after?

Jiang Wanrou asked in a gentle, even tone, making it clear that Lu Feng was the chief adjudicator in the Prince Gong case—in effect, her enemy. “Then why don’t you favor the gentle and amorous Third Master but instead take a liking to Lu Feng, whose face is as severe as that of Yama?”

Zhou Miaoyin burst into tears and replied, “Madam, even the thunder and the rain are gifts of the sovereign’s grace. I dare not resent His Majesty, nor can I bear any ill will toward Master Lu. Moreover… Master Lu has reversed so many cases; perhaps—perhaps if I serve him well enough, my father might even be able to turn his fortunes around.”

Because of the wrongful case involving the Prefect of Qingzhou, His Majesty issued an order after the New Year to re-investigate the Prince Gong case and indeed uncovered several instances of coerced false confessions and miscarriages of justice. Jiang Wanrou knew a thing or two about this, so Zhou Miaoyin’s reasoning wasn’t entirely unfounded.

Yet Jiang Wanrou always felt that something was off, though she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

She said, “Let me ask you once more—are you willing to leave? I can provide you with a generous sum as traveling expenses, enough for you to rely on for the rest of your life.”

Lowering her head, Zhou Miaoyin replied, “I only wish to have a place to call my own. I beg you, Madam, grant me that.”

After a moment’s thought, Jiang Wanrou smiled and said, “What you say is reasonable. With a body like mine, I am indeed not suited to serve the Master.”

“Here’s what we’ll do—you go back for now, and when the Master returns, I’ll have a word with him. If he too agrees, then I won’t be the one to go around breaking up lovebirds.”

For a moment, Zhou Miaoyin’s face went hazy as she struggled to believe that everything had come to this—her shock and joy intermingling so intensely that her delicate features took on a slightly grim, almost fierce expression.

“I swear by heaven,” she declared, pointing to the sky, “Madam, you can grant me the Child-Avoiding Decoction, and I will never quarrel with you—”

“Alright, alright. Who knows? In the future, you may all become like sisters. All this bickering and vying only harm the harmony.”

Jiang Wanrou massaged her stomach and smiled dignifiedly, “If you are fortunate enough to help the Lu household flourish, I’d be more than happy.”

Just then, Cui Zhu entered carrying an ice pack; her face stretched into a long, reluctant expression.

Jiang Wanrou sharply chided Cui Zhu a couple of times, ordering her to see Zhou Miaoyin out politely. Once the two had disappeared, the usually taciturn Jin Tao suddenly spoke up, “Madam, perhaps I should go and finish her off?”

The smile on Jiang Wanrou’s face gradually faded as she shot a sidelong glance at Jin Tao. “You—stop all day shouting about fighting. Mind you, you might just jinx your good fortune.”

Jin Tao pursed her lips, uncertain of Jiang Wanrou’s meaning. Having served by Jiang Wanrou’s side the longest, she had enjoyed many comfortable years, even as the Madam’s actions grew increasingly magnanimous. Yet, she never forgot the Madam’s methods.

“Madam, you have never been the kind to be softhearted.”

Jiang Wanrou gazed at the verdant orchids and said slowly, “If she were merely some headstrong, unthinking maid, handling her would be easy.”

This Miss Miaoyin had stirred up quite a fuss—and of all times, she chose the day when Lu Feng was away, which left Jiang Wanrou utterly puzzled. She sensed that Zhou Miaoyin was no ordinary girl.

After all, as she reasoned, the girl was nothing but a wretched slave—not something to worry about overly. Still, Jiang Wanrou was concerned there might be someone backing her. Rather than driving her away or beating her—which might, at some unforeseen moment, lead to a storm—it was better to keep her under close watch to see what she truly intended.

“Forget about any others; keep a close eye on her,” she commanded.

“Your humble servant obeys,” came the low reply from Jin Tao.

Jin Tao whispered, “And what… regarding the little Buddha Hall, what do you plan to do?”

Jiang Wanrou answered calmly, “Whatever needs to be done will be done as usual—nothing changes from before.”

Since Madam Zhao had been confined and the household authority had passed to Jiang Wanrou, the eldest daughter-in-law, she had never taken advantage of that to treat her mother-in-law harshly. In fact, the provisions for food, clothing, and all daily needs were maintained just as before—or even better.

Hate her, perhaps?

Jiang Wanrou mused that having suffered so much in the past, she must have once harbored deep hatred. Back then, her mother-in-law had weighed on her like an oppressive mountain, leaving her gasping for air. But now, with time passed and her being pregnant again, she could scarcely even recall the old woman’s features.

All she remembered was that her mother-in-law was tall and slim with prominent cheekbones. The last time she saw her was at her father-in-law’s funeral—when the woman had aged significantly, her temples already streaked with white.

She had initially assumed that her father-in-law and mother-in-law did not get along—at least, that’s how it appeared to her. Her father-in-law had only one concubine, who died young, yet he seldom went to the mother-in-law’s courtyard. Their respective courtyards were located apart—one in the south, the other in the north—and under normal circumstances, neither would visit the other. On holidays and during festivals, both would sit at the head table to receive the respect of the younger generation, never speaking to one another or meeting each other’s eyes.

Despite the indifferent bond between husband and wife, the dominating mother-in-law would weep inconsolably in front of her father-in-law’s coffin, nearly fainting several times.

On his deathbed, her father-in-law’s final words instructed that the mother-in-law should remain “tranquil” in the small Buddha Hall, with an added remark: “Do not treat her harshly.”

If it was said that Lu Feng did not let his emotions show, then Duke Lu, the father-in-law, was even more reserved. Jiang Wanrou had never seen any intense emotion on his face; on his deathbed, he explained, “Your mother… did not wish to be interred with me. A hundred years from now, you must follow your mother’s wishes and continue to offer incense in her honor without cessation.”

It was the first time she saw regret in her father-in-law’s steadfast face.

Later, the mother-in-law became much quieter and ceased her disruptions, contentedly staying in the Buddha Hall to worship—leaving Jiang Wanrou undisturbed ever since.

She asked, “How is the old madam’s health?”

Jin Tao replied, “She’s still the same. Ever since her husband passed away, the old Madam has been one to feign illness whether she’s sick or not, and she stubbornly refuses to take any medicine—she just endures it.”

Jiang Wanrou instructed, “Keep a close eye on that maid. Do not disturb the old Madam.”

Harboring hatred in one’s heart was an exhausting affair. Madam Zhao was the biological mother of all the masters of the Lu family, and she held a title personally bestowed by His Majesty as one of the first conferrals at the nation’s founding. Truly, there’s nothing one can do to her.

After so many years—while she languished in the Buddha Hall, her life practically half-buried in suffering—now that she was still young and about to bring her second child into the world, all past grievances seemed best to let go.

A trace of weariness furrowed Jiang Wanrou’s brows. Being pregnant made everything more arduous, and with so many worries weighing on her, Jin Tao hastily knelt to massage her legs.

Glancing at the sky, Jiang Wanrou sighed softly, “At this hour, he should have already left the capital, shouldn’t he?”