Chapter 25: The Difficulties of a Stepmother

Chapter 25: The Difficulties of a Stepmother

The incident involving Wu Jingyun exposing Xiao Yuchen had spiraled beyond Tang Shuyi's expectations. She hadn't anticipated it becoming a topic at the morning court, let alone resulting in a fatality.

She couldn't help but sigh inwardly, lamenting how in this ancient feudal society, the lives of the poor were as trivial as grass.

……

Wu Jingyun hadn't been at peace these past few days either, with events unfolding far beyond her expectations. She never imagined that Mei Hua Alley would lack the presence of Liu Biqin, nor did she anticipate the matter escalating to the imperial court.

Now, her heart was in turmoil, fearful that the Liang family would discover she was the one who sent the letter. After painstakingly reviewing the entire incident, she was somewhat reassured, convinced she hadn't left behind the slightest clue.

At this moment, her personal maid, Xing’er, rushed in, her voice tinged with panic: "Miss, miss, the little beggar is dead."

Wu Jingyun was perplexed; the little beggar was too insignificant in the grand scheme of things, and she couldn't immediately see any connection to herself.

"Speak clearly, who died?" she asked.

But Xing'er's heart was racing with panic, knowing that she was the one who had found the little beggar to send the letter to the Liang family. She blurted out, "Miss, the little beggar I found to deliver the letter to the Liang family was killed by them."

Wu Jingyun was stunned, murmuring after a long while, "Dead?"

Xing'er nodded gravely, "Yes, killed by the Liang family. Miss, if the Liang family discovers it was me who sent the letter, will they..."

"They won’t," Wu Jingyun interrupted Xing'er, her voice becoming shrill. She added, "The Liang family won't find out it was us who sent the letter."

The letter was written with her left hand; no one would recognize her handwriting. When Xing'er had interacted with the little beggar, she wore a hood. Besides, she was betrothed to Xiao Yuchen—who would suspect her of exposing him?

Wu Jingyun reassured once more, her words a bolster for both Apricot and herself, "No one will know."

Apricot remained fearful; after all, she was the one who had handed the letter to the little beggar. Had she not sought him out to deliver the message, he would still be alive. She was still at a loss as to why her young mistress was so adamant about breaking off the engagement with the Marquis of Yongning's heir, and that too in such an extreme manner.

But she didn’t dare ask; her mistress had changed a lot these past few days.

“Let’s visit Chongguang Temple in a couple of days,” Wu Jingyun said somberly.

The death of the little beggar was, in some part, related to her. It was only right to offer incense in his memory.

"Miss," a voice called from outside the door, prompting Wu Jingyun to signal Apricot to check on the matter.

Apricot, no longer in a state of panic, turned and stepped out, only to see a young maid from Madam Wu's quarters standing outside, who greeted her with a smile, "The lady requests the presence of the Second Young Mistress."

"What is it about?" Apricot inquired.

The young maid replied with a smile, "The lady wishes to make clothes for the young mistresses and has asked the Second Young Mistress to choose the fabrics."

Apricot returned and relayed the message to Wu Jingyun, who after a brief preparation, accompanied by Apricot, headed to Madam Wu's quarters.

Upon arrival, the room was filled with laughter and chatter, which halted abruptly at Wu Jingyun's entrance. The moment was fleeting though, as Madam Wu beckoned her with a smile, "Come over, take a look at these fabrics. Which one do you like? Let's have two dresses made for you. In a few days, it's the Old Lady Qi's birthday celebration, and all you sisters should look bright and beautiful."

Wu Jingyun sneered inwardly, knowing that Feng Shi was always eager to display her benevolence and virtue to the outside world.

Approaching the table laid with colorful fabrics, she touched them one by one and finally pointed to a plain blue brocade with emerald patterns, "This one. The Marquis passed away less than three years ago, and the Marquis' household is still in mourning. Although I'm not yet married into the family, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to wear anything too ostentatious."

She spoke with feigned modesty, which to others appeared as boasting, once again leading to a tense atmosphere. Nonetheless, she casually took a seat beside her half-sister Wu Jingshu, catching a glimpse of her seething with resentment, even hearing the gritting of her teeth.

Wu Jingyun's mood instantly lifted.

Wu Jingshu harbored affection for Xiao Yuchen; in her previous life, she had conspired with Feng Shi to usurp her engagement, albeit unsuccessfully. Had she known the kind of life she'd lead with Xiao Yuchen, she would have willingly let them have it. In this life, however, she could grant them their wish.

Madam Wu's face stiffened momentarily, but she quickly masked it with a look of satisfaction, taking Wu Jingyun's hand, "You are a sensible child. The Marchioness will surely be fond of you."

Wu Jingyun smiled shyly again. After selecting the fabric and deciding on the style of the dress, she didn't linger, excusing herself on account of feeling unwell, too weary to partake in Feng Shi's charade.

After her departure, Wu Jingshu flung herself into Madam Wu's arms, her eyes brimming with tears, "Mother, you must help me."

Madam Wu hugged her, patting her back gently, her gaze towards the door growing increasingly profound. Being a stepmother was never easy; though a legitimate wife through formal marriage, she still had to live in the shadow of a deceased predecessor.

Every year, incense must be offered in memory of that deceased woman, whom they call 'sister.' Even in death, she cannot be interred with her husband, for he must be buried alongside his first legal wife — that's the tradition. Moreover, by these rules, her own daughter must play a subordinate role to the daughters born of the first wife, for they are the legitimate young ladies of the family.

Reflecting on the status and wealth of the Yongning Marquis's household, as well as the jade-like appearance of Xiao Yuxin, Madame Wu made up her mind.

She said, "Rest assured, mother will definitely help you."

Her daughter deserved nothing but the best.

………

The next day was a holiday, and neither Xiao Yuzhu nor Xiao Yuming had school, so Tang Shuyi simply decided to give Xiao Yuxin the day off as well. After breakfast, she had some fabrics brought out from the storeroom for the siblings to choose from for their new clothes.

Xiao Yuming, indifferent about his attire, waved his hand nonchalantly and said, "Anything is fine for me; you decide, mother. I've made plans with some friends and must be going."

He turned to leave.

"Stop right there," Tang Shuyi called out, halting him. "We need to take your measurements for the clothes. Besides, what's so important today that it can't wait?"

Xiao Yuming grinned sheepishly at Tang Shuyi, then urged Cuiyun, "Hurry up and take my measurements," acting utterly shameless.

Cuiyun looked to Tang Shuyi with a smile, and upon receiving her nod, proceeded to measure Xiao Yuming. Tang Shuyi held a piece of white Yunyan brocade against him, to which he quickly protested, "Not that, I don’t want white. It's too ostentatious and gets dirty easily. Black, I want black."

Tang Shuyi: "...Didn't you say anything would do?"

Xiao Yuming fell silent.

Tang Shuyi put away the white fabric, acknowledging that his darker complexion indeed didn't suit it. She then picked out a piece of dark green fabric, draping it against him, and asked, "Who did you make plans with?"

"Qi Er, Yan Wu, and a few others," Xiao Yuming replied, glancing at the dark green fabric without comment. A darker color was more practical, less likely to show dirt if he got into a scuffle and ended up rolling on the ground.

Tang Shuyi wasn't familiar with the names Qi Er or Yan Wu, so she inquired, "Whose children are they?"

Xiao Yuming answered casually, "Qi Er's father is the Minister of Revenue, Qi Liangsheng, and Yan Wu is from the Nanling Earl's household."

Tang Shuyi held a piece of navy blue fabric against him, continuing to probe, "What are you all planning to do?"

Xiao Yuming replied, "We're going to Yan Wu's estate to ride horses."

Tang Shuyi hummed in acknowledgment, not pressing further. She tried a few more fabrics against him, and once Cuiyun had finished taking his measurements, she let him go.