Chapter 89: Affairs of the Inner Chambers

Chapter 89: Affairs of the Inner Chambers

Her encounter with Prince Huan was not a coincidence.

So, it was not right to blame the people of Chixiang Temple for arranging it.

After all, Prince Huan, being who he is, would hardly be defied even by a small temple.

Thus, when Lin Yunwan went to find Changgong, she refrained from blaming the abbot.

"Madam Lu, your eldest son’s calligraphy is truly exceptional."

It was a personal compliment from the abbot.

Lin Yunwan had anticipated such praise and, smiling, instructed Peach Leaf, "Donate some money for incense oil on behalf of the eldest son."

Peach Leaf handed over a small bag of silver coins.

The young novice monk accompanying the abbot came to collect it.

Lin Yunwan took the opportunity to ask the abbot, "Did Siddhartha Gautama truly dream of a spider and a gecko?"

The abbot was startled, thinking he had missed something in his studies.

Lin Yunwan immediately understood.

The whole story about meditating with the abbot was a fabrication.

She said to the abbot, "It's nothing, I just mentioned a folk tale I heard. You needn't take it to heart."

After bidding farewell to the abbot, Lin Yunwan prepared to take Lu Changgong back home.

The novice monk came to see them off.

Perhaps in light of the silver coins, he offered many auspicious phrases for happiness and longevity.

Lu Changgong was quite preoccupied with the silver coins, joking about himself, "My writing is valuable now, almost worth its weight in gold."

"It's a pity it's my mother who has to pay for it. If someone else bought my writings for my mother, that would be ideal."

Lin Yunwan couldn't help but smile.

She patted his shoulder, "Since when did you start minding spending silver?"

Lu Changgong's face flushed.

He defended himself, "I'm not stingy..."

He just didn't want his mother to spend unnecessarily on his behalf.

Lin Yunwan said, "In the future, there will be more occasions where such expenses are necessary. Rewarding them is as important as tipping our servants. Though the temple's residents are not worldly people, they have connections with many influential figures, and you never know who they might be close to privately."

"It's better to spend more silver than to offend them."

This was a lesson she had learned in her twenty years as the lady of the house.

Lu Changgong listened attentively, nodding, "I understand now."

The intricate etiquette of dealings within large families indeed required much attention.

Looking at Lin Yunwan’s face, he thought gratefully, how fortunate he was to have his mother.

They had planned to return to their quarters the next day.

But that night, a heavy snowfall began, and before dawn the next day, the temple started delivering vegetarian meals for the servants to eat first.

Lin Yunwan was still asleep. When she woke up, she heard Ping Leaf saying, "Madam, the roads are blocked. The temple people have gone down to clear the snow, and we can’t leave now."

They had agreed to return home today.

And if she couldn't leave, neither could Prince Huan, presumably!

Lin Yunwan frowned, asking, "When can we leave?"

Ping Leaf replied, "At the earliest, not until tomorrow. Please have your meal first."

Lin Yunwan nodded and called Lu Changgong to have breakfast together.

Lu Changgong was not idle; he rose earlier than Lin Yunwan and recited his books in the room.

Without pen and paper, he traced the words with his fingers on the tabletop.

He only stopped when it was time to eat.

Lin Yunwan didn't plan to visit the temple that day, so she stayed in her room.

Early the next morning, the temple's guest master came to inform them, "The path is cleared now; it's accessible."

Their wording was considerate, avoiding phrases like "you can leave now," which might sound like they were rushing the guests.

Lin Yunwan gave a few coins as a tip and then instructed her servants to pack up and return to the Marquis of Wuding's mansion.

Prince Huan must be leaving too...

On their way down the mountain, seeing the traces left by those who went ahead, she knew he must have left before dawn, traveling light, clearly not intending to disturb many people.

Probably only she and the abbot of Chixiang Temple knew that Prince Huan had also been there two days ago.

Once back at the Marquis of Wuding's mansion, Lin Yunwan began arranging for Lu Changgong's stay in the rear courtyard.

"Send for Mother Yuan."

She already had a suitable candidate in mind, having observed her for some time, and now intended to talk to Mother Yuan personally.

When Mother Yuan arrived, despite Lin Yunwan not managing the household anymore, she greeted her respectfully, "Madam."

"Come in, Mother Yuan, let's talk."

Mother Yuan lifted the curtain to enter the innermost room. The furnishings in Madam's room reflected her personality – stable and grand. There was a faint scent in the air, seemingly emanating naturally from Madam's belongings, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

She glanced around briefly before lowering her head to ask, "Madam, what do you need from me?"

Lin Yunwan got straight to the point, "Changgong is growing up; I need to select attendants for him."

Mother Yuan was delighted but tried not to show it.

Still keeping her head down, she smiled and said, "I wonder how I can assist you, Madam? Do you need me to train some maids, or…?"

But she knew, Madam summoning her specifically couldn't just be about training maids.

Sure enough, Lin Yunwan said, "Your daughter-in-law does her duties well. I want her to be in charge of Changgong's quarters."

"I haven't personally chosen the young servants in the front yard. It's time to let some go and pick a few clever ones. Your grandson is about the same age as Changgong and I remember him being smart. If you're willing to have him serve Changgong…"

"I'm willing!"

Bending her waist, Mother Yuan replied, "It's an honor for our family to be favored by you, Madam!"

Lin Yunwan nodded, instructing, "Discuss it with your daughter-in-law and son, and bring them to meet me."

Mother Yuan was eager to do so immediately.

The Marquis of Wuding's mansion was not what it used to be! Everyone knew that young master Changgong was the hope of the mansion. Serving him would be a great opportunity for her daughter-in-law and grandson!

Lin Yunwan instructed her, "Bring a few of the well-trained new maids from the mansion, slightly older than Changgong, for me to see, along with Peach Leaf."

"Yes, Madam."

Lin Yunwan emphasized, "No frivolous ones. Be discerning. If they're too young and start harboring inappropriate thoughts… I'll hold you responsible along with them."

“Don’t worry, Lady Lu! I definitely won’t choose any arrogant or reckless maids.”

Lin Yunwan added, “For the second young master, just arrange everything the same as for Changgong.”

She might not be managing the household anymore, but she couldn’t shirk the responsibilities of a birth mother.

But she didn’t need to be too concerned about it.

How could Nanny Yuan not understand her meaning?

She smiled and reassured, “Don’t worry, my lady, I have experience in these matters.”

After leaving, she called her daughter-in-law to discuss the important matters for the young masters. Privately, she told her, “Just arrange something standard for Qing, the son raised by a concubine. How can he compare with Changgong, the legitimate eldest son!”

“Just pick some servants for him that are decent enough to not upset the elder Lady Lu or the master.”

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law agreed on this arrangement.

Lu Zhengliu returned home late at night, clearly inebriated.

The next day, the elder Lady Lu, infuriated upon hearing this, vented to Nanny Yan, “He went out drinking again yesterday? Call him here to me!”

Nanny Yan replied, “...The master has already gone out with his servants.”

The elder Lady Lu felt a surge of frustration.

Her health had just improved slightly, and this almost infuriated her to the point of illness!

She said sternly, “Starting to drown your sorrows in alcohol over such trivial matters!”

“Alas. Is the Lu family really going to rely on Changgong in the future?”

After all, he’s not her own child.

Nanny Yan comforted the Old Madam, "Don't worry too much. The master isn't that foolish. Perhaps he went out for some important business."

Old Madam Lu didn't believe it, instructing Nanny Yan, "When he returns, have him come to see me immediately."

Lu Zhengliu had gone to Jialing Tower to drink with someone.

It was one of the best taverns in the capital.

Nanny Yan wasn't wrong; he wasn't out just for leisure.

"Please, sir, this way."

He entered a private room and courteously attended to his guest.

Two men followed up the stairs, Qi Lingheng and Zhang Cifu, walking side by side.

"The yellow wine here at Jialing Tower is excellent. You must try it."

Qi Lingheng mentioned the wine, appearing to be a regular at Jialing Tower.

Zhang Cifu politely replied, "If you recommend it, I must certainly try."

The two conversed and laughed together, but before entering the room, they stuck to inconsequential topics, being very cautious.