Chapter 42: Contemplation

Chapter 42: Contemplation in Serenity

The northwest corner of the Xie Estate.

Yan Sanhe stood at the entrance of the courtyard, gazing upward at the plaque hanging above it.

"The Serene Contemplation Chamber" was written in a dynamic, cursive script resembling the flight of dragons and phoenixes, albeit with slightly less masterful brushstrokes.

"This courtyard was where the First Master used to reside while studying for the imperial examinations. It is the epitome of tranquility."

Manager Xie's smile crinkled his eyes into a narrow slit.

"I hope Miss has been comfortable during your stay. If there's anything that doesn't meet your satisfaction, please feel free to express it."

Yan Sanhe responded with an "oh" and inquired, "Who are the main figures in this household?"

Upon this topic, Manager Xie was more than knowledgeable.

"The highest authority here is the Old Lady. She resides in the Zhen'en Hall, and by her side, there are..."

"Too wordy."

Yan Sanhe had no interest in such trivial details. "I ask, you answer."

Head Steward Xie: "..."

Yan Sanhe: "How many consorts does your Master Xie have besides his wife?"

This question was rather...

Indeed, quite straightforward!

Manager Xie chuckled and said, "Madam is strict. My Lord has only one wife and two concubines."

Yan Sanhe asked, "How many legitimate sons and daughters do they have?"

Manager Xie replied, "The Eldest Young Master, Third Master, and the Lady are all the children of Lady."

Yan Sanhe followed up with, "And how many illegitimate sons and daughters?"

Manager Xie replied, "Second Master and Second Miss were born to Lady Liu. Lady Luo has no children."

It seemed relatively straightforward.

Yan Sanhe inquired further, "Of the three sons and two daughters, how many have been married?"

Manager Xie smiled and said, "Only the Eldest Master is wed, with one son under his care."

Yan Sanhe asked, "Who manages the household affairs?"

Manager Xie answered, "Neither Lord nor Lady are involved in managing the estate. The Eldest Master takes charge of external matters, while the Eldest Madam oversees the inner courtyard."

With a small family population and four generations living together, it was the eldest son and his wife who held the reins.

After a swift assessment in her mind, Yan Sanhe stated, "I understand now. You may leave."

"Please wait a moment, Miss. There are a few more matters for this old servant to convey."

Manager Xie carefully considered his words before proceeding.

"In the estate, whether it's a legitimate or a concubine-born young miss, each courtyard is assigned four maidservants for rough work, eight junior maids, and four senior maids. They receive two taels of silver monthly as allowance and thirty-six sets of clothing for all four seasons. As for jewelry..."

"The trouble is unnecessary. I don't need anyone in my courtyard, nor do I want the monthly allowance or clothes."

"Miss!"

Manager Xie knelt down again, wailing pathetically.

"How can a lady with such noble birth do menial tasks herself? If there's no one in this courtyard, even getting a warm cup of tea would require you to..."

"Do you enjoy kneeling?"

Manager Xie: "..."

It wasn't enjoyment; he was simply frustrated by the lady's persistence.

"I have a maid who will arrive in a month," Yan Sanhe said.

Manager Xie: "???"

Does the Yan family still have the means to hire servants?

Most likely, she's just a stray beggar girl they picked up somewhere!

Manager Xie was unwilling to accept this. "What about the monthly stipend and clothing allowance?"

Yan Sanhe sneered. "It seems we cannot continue staying in the Xie residence..."

"Auntie, I'll leave! I'll leave right now!"

Manager Xie climbed to her feet and was about to step away when something suddenly occurred to her.

"The young lady has officially taken residence today. The old madam specifically instructed that two tables be set up in the Zhen'en Hall tonight for her to meet the family members."

"There's no need for her to meet anyone. Just send my meals to my room. As for the rest..."

Yan Sanhe paused.

"Consider me a dead person to you all!"

Chief Steward Xie: "..."

Who am I?

Where am I?

What did I just hear?

...

"Master, Lady, I dare not add a single word nor omit a single one. She spoke exactly as I've recounted."

Xie Daozhi and Elder Madam Xie exchanged bewildered glances, at a loss for words.

"It's actually not that surprising when you think about it," Xie Erli said, setting down his teacup. "Grandfather Yan fell so low yet never begged for help. His granddaughter, whom he personally taught, surely wouldn't be one to crave wealth."

Elder Madam Xie began to weep again. "I still feel so guilty towards that child."

"There's plenty of time ahead!"

Xie Erli consoled, "She's just arrived and is cautious around us. As we spend more time together and she realizes our kindness, it won't be too late to take things further."

Xie Daozhi nodded in agreement. "Eldest Brother makes a valid point. We'll take it slow. People's hearts are made of flesh, after all."

"Then let's take it slow!"

But as soon as she said that, the old lady realized something was amiss. The servants in this household were known for their fickle attitudes, treating those with high status kindly while stepping on those without.

The old lady slammed her hand on the table.

"It's up to her whether she wants it or not, but we must remember in our hearts that she is a great benefactor to the Xie family. We need to cherish and love her. Head Steward Xie?"

"Madam!"

"You may not know her background, but no one knows her better than you. I don't care about anything else, but if she suffers the slightest injustice, I'll hold you accountable."

Head Steward Xie steeled himself and replied, "Yes, Madam!"

"Master."

"Mother, please speak your mind."

"If you come across someone suitable, do keep an eye out, even if their family background is modest. Character is what truly matters. How could I ignore it altogether?"

"Rest assured, Mother. I will give this matter my attention."

...

"Miss Yan, dinner has arrived."

"Place it down!"

After Tangyuan set down the food tray, she took a step forward and knelt on the ground.

"What is this...?"

"Miss's maid won't arrive for another month, and there isn't even a gatekeeper in this courtyard. This servant truly cannot be at ease."

{Tangyuan}: "If Miss doesn't mind my clumsiness, please let me stay. I'll leave once your maid arrives."

{Yan Sanhe} studied Tangyuan's slightly rounded face, then said, "If you want to stay, don't kneel."

Tangyuan was taken aback.

Yan Sanhe ignored her, focusing on opening the food basket instead.

Realizing the situation, Tangyuan hurriedly got up with a smile. "Please sit down, Miss. I'll serve your meal."

"Unnecessary, sit and eat with me."

Tangyuan was startled again.

"I have my rules," Yan Sanhe stated, eyeing the six dishes and one soup before her.

"You either follow my rules if you want to stay, or leave!"

Tangyuan's heart was as tumultuous as sizzling oil in a pan; she was unsure whether to sit or leave.

One who resided in "Jingsi Hall" would certainly not be an ordinary person; addressing them as "Master" wouldn't be out of place.

Yet she was a servant—how could a servant share a table with their master? It defied the rules!

"Scram!" Yan Sanhe showed no mercy when it came to dismissing others.

Tangyuan's heart trembled in fear, reminding herself of Chief Manager Xie's instructions. She promptly sat down obediently.

"Eat!" Yan Sanhe held a bowl in one hand and picked up chopsticks with the other.

Tangyuan turned her face away and gently shook her head, forcing back her tears.

At sixteen years of age, this was the first time she had ever sat on such a fine chair, enjoying such exquisite food.

...

Throughout the meal, Tangyuan ate with bated breath.

Seeing that Yan Sanhe had finished, she quickly put down her chopsticks and rose to her feet. "This courtyard has a small garden. If Miss wishes to digest your food, you may take a stroll at the back."

"Uh-huh!"

Yan Sanhe replied nonchalantly. "By the way, don't keep addressing yourself as a servant. I don't like it."

Tangyuan's hands trembled violently as she was clearing the table, and a crack appeared in her composed expression.

Yan Sanhe went to the small garden on her own.

Several plum blossom trees were planted in the garden. Due to the recent winds and rains, their petals had scattered all over the ground.

Yan Sanhe felt a bit dazed, inexplicably recalling that dream. Her brows knitted together before relaxing again.

"Did you meet them in heaven?"

"Are they all well?"

"I had more dreams after overcoming that haunting memory. I had parents, and someone who both tormented and comforted me."

"I remained in the capital to face the next ordeal. I stayed with the Xie family because I was worried the girl wouldn't be able to find me."

"I didn't expect you to visit Xie Daozhi in a dream. They say you've let go, but I believe you haven't truly let go, but rather, you've accepted it."

"Acceptance is good; it doesn't weigh you down."

Yan Sanhe's voice faded softly, almost imperceptibly.

"The Yellow Springs are deep, and the Blue Firmament is distant. Grandfather, drink the Lady Meng's soup, cross the Bridge of Helplessness. In your next life, be born into a good family, and find a woman who will love you sincerely."