Chapter 492

Chapter 498: Striving (Part 2)

"Meet with a family member in my chamber?" Eleventh Miss looked at Qiuyu, who had come to relay the message, and smiled faintly.

Qiuyu lowered her head. "That’s what Lady Yang said."

Eleventh Miss gave a light smile. "Then invite Lady Yang to receive her guest in the parlor near the moon gate."

Qiuyu let out a relieved breath and quickly replied, "Yes." Then, hesitating slightly, she added, "My lady... what if that Da Bao is here to deliver a message from the Yang family..."

"Even if he is, Lord Xu surely already knows," Eleventh Miss said calmly. "Just go and relay my words." She said no more.

Qiuyu naturally dared not ask more and curtsied before withdrawing.

Eleventh Miss sat quietly for a while.

These were troubled times. Though the household appeared as usual, Xiu Lian had mentioned that the guards had their leave canceled. With such matters unfolding, Lord Xu couldn’t possibly be unaware, nor would the guards act without orders to let Yang Mama acknowledge a relative... Since that was the case, she had no cause to interfere.

With that thought, she rose with a smile and headed to the sunroom.

Perhaps because Eleventh Miss often encouraged Jin Geer to practice rolling over, he had now mastered the skill, flipping one after another with ease. Gu Mama could no longer manage him alone, and A Jin and Hong Wen had to constantly attend to him.

When she entered, Jin Geer was lying on the heated platform bed, his little head raised. Seeing his mother, he beamed.

Eleventh Miss stepped forward and picked him up, asking softly, "What are you doing, Jin Geer?"

The child kicked excitedly and squirmed in her arms.

A Jin quickly explained, "The young lord refuses to be held—he wants to play on the heated platform bed."

"Is that so?" Eleventh Miss kissed her son’s cheek, her smile overflowing. "You’re such a mischievous little one!"

Jin Geer seemed to understand his mother was speaking to him and responded with delighted cooing.

Meanwhile, beneath the eaves, Lady Yang’s expression darkened. "My lady wants me to meet Da Bao in the parlor near the moon gate?" In other words, she had no interest in hearing what Da Bao had to say!

Was it ignorance, or outright indifference?

Her mind became unsettled.

Qiuyu, unaware of Lady Yang’s turmoil, simply found it inappropriate for her to request meeting Da Bao in Eleventh Miss’s main chamber. Noticing Lady Yang’s displeasure, she offered a polite smile. "That’s what My lady said. She also instructed me to tell you that since a family member has come to visit, you should entertain them properly. The kitchen, stables, and accounting office have all been notified—everything is prepared for the feast, carriage upon departure, and farewell gifts."

Lady Yang opened her mouth to speak, but Qiuyu continued, "My lady also tasked me with delivering the guest list for the Double Third Festival banquet to the elder madam. If you need anything, just ask Yu Mei. I must attend to my duties now." With that, she curtsied and left, escorted by two maids toward the elder madam’s quarters.

Yang Mama watched Qiuyu depart and whispered anxiously, "My lady, what should we do now?"

"Since My lady has given her orders," Lady Yang replied coldly, "we’ll simply follow them."

Before Yang Mama could say more, Lady Yang turned and walked toward the moon gate.

There stood a small reception hall, typically used to receive esteemed stewards from other households, furnished plainly yet tastefully.

Da Bao, badly beaten, his head and hands wrapped in coarse linen bandages, waited inside.

"...After learning of the Xu family's property being confiscated, local thugs began targeting us. They extorted us repeatedly and even produced an old promissory note from who-knows-where—three taels of silver, yet they demanded thirty thousand in interest. And those local officials and Township Heads who once called our master ‘brother’ now pretend not to know a thing. With no other choice, the family sent me to seek your help, miss. Please ask Lord Xu to deal with those scoundrels and avenge our master's honor."

The two maids attending the hall suppressed smiles.

Lady Yang’s face turned red, but she could say nothing further. She instructed Yang Mama to escort Da Bao to dine.

Da Bao pleaded with Lady Yang, "My lady, please let me take back some word on how this matter will be handled. Otherwise, our master won’t survive!"

Lady Yang felt a sharp pain in her chest from anger. "Tell him that paying debts is a matter of principle. If he thinks the interest is too high, he can take it to the authorities!" With that, she stormed off.

Yang Mama hurried after her.

Seething with anger, Lady Yang walked twice as fast as usual. The moment she returned home, she pressed a hand to her chest and sank onto the bed.

Seeing her pale face, Yang Mama quickly poured a cup of hot tea and helped her drink it.

Tears spilled down Lady Yang’s face.

Yang Mama knew her heart was heavy and gently consoled her, "For all his faults, he still raised you. Without him, you wouldn’t be here. And back then, though life was hard, he never sold you off like others did in lean years..."

Lady Yang pressed her face into the pillow and sobbed.

Yang Mama sat beside her, not urging her to stop, only softly stroking her hair.

After a long while, Lady Yang gradually calmed down, then slowly sat up. "Mama, have the maids fetch water for me to freshen up. Then go to the main house and see if Lord Xu has returned."

Yang Mama knew she had come around and smiled in agreement, going to instruct the maids and check on Lord Xu’s whereabouts.

Eleven Lady was also surprised when she heard Da Bao’s purpose.

Was this not a case of "rats desert a sinking ship"?

She sighed softly and instructed Qiuyu, "I’ve been resting at home these days, but by the third of March, Lady Zhou, Madam Huang, and Lady Lin will surely come to visit. Go tell Ji Ting’s wife to see what blooming flowers are available in the greenhouse and have a few pots brought over to decorate my quarters. Also, have her send two knowledgeable gardeners tomorrow with Song Mama to Count Zhongqin’s residence to see if Elder Madam Gan’s courtyard needs new plantings or upkeep."

She had been sending people to tend to Elder Madam Gan’s garden these past few days.

Qiuyu acknowledged and left.

Zhuxiang, who was attending nearby, said, "Madam, even if the bone is broken, the sinews remain connected. Even if Lady Yang complains about her family, in such a situation, she’ll likely still plead for them. Just look at Lady Wen. Perhaps you should discuss this with Lord Xu so you can respond directly to Lady Yang and prevent her from going to him."

Though her words were tactful, the meaning was clear.

She worried Lord Xu might take pity on a weeping beauty. It would be better to agree with him beforehand so Eleven Lady could grant Lady Yang this favor, letting her know the extent of her influence.

But Eleven Lady only smiled at her and said, "I don’t intend to help her with this."

Zhuxiang was surprised.

She had been assigned to her by the fifth concubine and was clever and capable—her right-hand woman. Eleven Lady lowered her voice. "From Da Bao’s words, you can tell what kind of man Lady Yang’s father is! Instead of seeking to resolve the matter peacefully, he only wants revenge. He may sound wronged now, but think carefully—he likely bullied the villagers. Why should I help such a person?"

Zhuxiang nodded slightly, blushing. "I only thought… since you’ve been helping Lady Wen so wholeheartedly, she now shows you genuine sincerity..."

"Not all sincerity is worth accepting," Eleven Lady murmured, then resumed her usual tone. "Lady Wen and Lady Yang are different. Elder Madam Wen’s troubles came from her son."

Zhuxiang’s face flushed redder. "I... I understand."

Eleven Lady said no more and changed the subject with a smile. "Is Amber really lacking nothing?"

Zhuxiang had just come from Amber’s place.

"Truly, she lacks nothing!" Zhuxiang smiled. "Amber said that even though she’s left service in the mansion, she still has the dowry money you gave her, and Guan Qing earns a wage. She doesn’t need new clothes or jewelry, so if they spend frugally, they’ll live comfortably for three to five years. Besides, Sister Binju sent some old clothes from Chang’an, and she’s been sewing with her to sell at the bridal shop. She told you not to worry and that she’ll visit once you’re feeling better."

Of all the maids who’ve married out, Guan Qing was the least competent, so Eleven Lady worried most about Amber. Hearing this, she considered sending some of Jin Geer’s old clothes through Zhuxiang, but then thought better of it—the fabrics were too fine, and Amber might hesitate to dress her child in them. Instead, she repeatedly reminded Zhuxiang, "Don’t sugarcoat things for Amber. If there’s anything, tell me directly!"

Zhuxiang laughed and promised earnestly.

Fangxi came in: "Madam, Lady Yang has gone to Half-Moon Pavilion!"

Eleventh Miss raised an eyebrow.

Zhuxiang immediately said sternly, "She's got some nerve!"

Both of their gazes turned to Eleventh Miss, waiting for her decision.

Eleventh Miss slowly stood up: "Let's go and see as well!"

The path to Half-Moon Pavilion was narrow. Though carrying a lantern, the sound of tearing fabric in the air made Yang Shi realize that her newly made pea-green pleated skirt had likely been torn in several places.

Someone challenged quietly, "Who goes there?"

Yang Shi halted her steps, steadied her breathing, and replied quietly, "I am Yang Shi. Would you kindly announce that I have urgent matters to discuss with Lord Xu?"

The person who had called out hesitated for a moment before responding in a low voice, "One moment, my lady. I shall inform His Lordship at once!"

Yang Shi murmured her thanks and stood straight, unmoving.

They say the moon is fullest on the sixteenth, but this year, it was the twenty-fourth—a waning crescent under starless skies. The wind rustled through the treetops, casting eerie shadows and rustling like ocean waves. The isolation pressed in on her, yet she dared not make the slightest movement.

She had once heard that the study of high-ranking officials like Lord Xu was often guarded by skilled martial artists. A single misstep could lead to being mistaken for a trespasser and shot dead...

Once she'd been the Empress Dowager's gift. Now she was just the niece of a disgraced official.

If she were to disappear tonight, who would even remember her?

The thought made the wait unbearable.

Fortunately, her waiting paid off.

A low voice spoke: "Lady Yang, please follow me!"