Chapter 18: Eavesdropping

Chapter 18: Digging for Information

Yi Niang spoke very politely: "Sixth Aunt, I heard something from my stepmother and wanted to verify it with you."

"Go ahead and say what you need to," Yu Shi replied calmly.

She originally had many things to attend to, but Yi Niang insisted on speaking with her clearly. Thinking that Yi Niang had come to cry about Cao Shi's matters, she agreed after some consideration. Otherwise, if the mother and daughter made a big scene later, she, the household manager, would be called over again, and it would be difficult to handle.

Unexpectedly, Yi Niang said: "I heard that my mother often went with you to Xuandu Temple to pray for a child. Later, the temple was destroyed, and it was said that the so-called child-giving rituals involved drugging women and having improper Taoist priests engage in illicit acts with them. The women who returned dared not speak up, and if they became pregnant, they naturally kept silent. My mother went there and became pregnant with me, but when the Xuandu Temple incident broke out, she took her own life. I just want to verify with you whether this is true or not."

Hearing this, She Niang could only think that for thousands of years, women had to bear children to secure their position in their husband's family. These charlatans took advantage of this mentality, acting without fear, but it was the women who suffered.

So this was what Third Sister wanted to ask Mother about. How would Mother respond?

She quietly peered inside. In the narrow side room stood two people: Yu Shi stood frozen in the light, while Yi Niang stood in the shadows, her face dark with resentment, as if silently accusing Yu Shi.

The room was extremely quiet, so quiet that one could hear a pin drop. After a long while, Yu Shi finally said: "Where did you hear such nonsense? Your mother died of illness. We only went to offer incense during the day. What woman in this household didn't go?"

"But this is what my stepmother said," Yi Niang insisted firmly. From the start, she felt Cao Shi’s attitude was strange and doubted she would fabricate such a story casually.

Upon hearing this, Yu Shi simply said: "I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m leaving now."

"Sixth Aunt, I heard from my wet nurse that before my mother died, she met with you. Could you tell me what she said to you?" Seeing Yu Shi’s evasive eyes, Yi Niang already knew she wasn’t a deep schemer and felt increasingly that she had the upper hand, her tone becoming somewhat aggressive.

Yu Shi opened her mouth but ultimately said: "That was over a decade ago. How could I possibly remember?"

Just as Yi Niang was about to say more, a clear voice called from outside: "Mother, what are you still discussing with Third Sister? The servants at home need to see you about something."

It was She Niang’s voice. Yu Shi immediately went out without even bidding farewell to Yi Niang.

Seeing her daughter, Yu Shi breathed a sigh of relief. She Niang took Yu Shi’s hand and said: "Mother, let’s hurry back. The carriage ornament is missing, and they’re waiting for you to retrieve the tally."

"Alright, alright, I’ll go back right away," Yu Shi said, quickly walking away.

After Yu Shi and her daughter left, Yi Niang emerged from the inner room. Chang Mama hurried forward and asked: "Miss, what did Sixth Mistress say?"

"Although she played dumb, I could tell she knows something. She just refused to say it for her own sake. Perhaps she had a hand in my mother’s death." Yi Niang even suspected that her mother might not have intended to take her own life; perhaps Yu Shi said something that drove her to it.

Otherwise, why would Yu Shi act so guiltily?

There wasn’t much she could do for the real Yi Niang anymore. If Yu Shi really caused her mother’s death, she would not let it slide. She could also ask Lu Shi. Fortunately, Lu Shi had secured a foothold with the old lady and had been trying to cozy up to her these past few days, not even resting during her illness.

Meanwhile, as She Niang walked with Yu Shi, Yu Shi asked: "Are the servants in a hurry for that item?"

"Mother, if I hadn’t said that, how could I have rescued you? I overheard your conversation with Third Sister from the back corridor and quickly came up with an excuse to fetch you," She Niang explained.

Yu Shi never expected She Niang to know about these matters. She quickly said: "Don’t mention these things to your father."

She Niang looked at Yu Shi, suspecting that her mother might also have been a victim at the temple. But she needed to ask clearly. If it were true, she would have to help her mother cover it up, as it wasn’t her fault.

So She Niang remained silent until they reached the main room, where she said: "Mother, I need to talk to you."

But Yu Shi showed no willingness to discuss the matter and said: "You’re just a child. Don’t dwell on these things. Mother will handle it."

"Mother…" She Niang tried to persuade her.

Just then, someone outside announced that Aunt Mo had arrived with her children to offer condolences and and would be staying for a few days, requesting Yu Shi to arrange accommodations. Mother and daughter had to go attend to this, leaving no time to discuss the matter.

Although Aunt Mo was born of a concubine, she was the only daughter of the Pei family’s previous generation and had married well. Her husband had risen to the fifth rank a few years ago but unfortunately died in office. This aunt had since been living with her children at her in-laws’ home.

Of course, now that Aunt Mo was widowed, she received much sympathy from Old Madam Pei, who allowed her to stay with the Pei family. Given Old Madam Pei’s consistent compassion for the poor and elderly, this was quite normal.

However, while Aunt Mo herself was plain-looking, her son Mo Yun was exceptionally talented, both in literary and martial arts. Old Madam Pei, impressed by his abilities, had him study with his uncles. Aunt Mo was extremely grateful and, seeing that Yu Shi was managing the household, came to speak with her at length.

That night, Lu Shi was resting in her room when Yue Niang entered, her face slightly flushed. With her keen awareness, Lu Shi was displeased: "Your grandmother received a letter from your sister saying that General Wang’s son is already engaged to the daughter of the Minister of Rites in Nanjing. Our matter has fallen through. The old lady is so fond of that Mo boy; I suspect she’s thinking of matching you with him."

General Wang was the brother of the Marquis of Shengping, and his son had passed the military examinations. This would have been an excellent match.

Unfortunately, the old master’s death couldn’t have come at a worse time. With his passing, the engagement wasn’t finalized—it hadn’t even reached the stage of formal meetings. They had only met once, and now that the other family had announced the engagement, there was nothing they could say.

But what was the Mo family? Their financial standing was weak, and they would likely rely on their family in the future. If her daughter married into such a family, she would suffer.

Yue Niang was initially saddened, but after meeting her Mo cousin, she felt somewhat inclined toward him. However, as a young lady, she couldn’t openly express her feelings. Hearing her mother look down on the Mo family, she couldn’t help but say: "Mother, didn’t Aunt say that Cousin manages the estate’s business and lives quite comfortably?"

"What does that amount to? If it were really good, why wouldn’t she have Shun Niang marry him?" Lu Shi also felt some dissatisfaction with Old Madam Pei.

This was a case of kindness being taken for granted. Yue Niang hesitantly said: "I heard he’s already passed the imperial examinations (becoming a scholar)."

Lu Shi snorted coldly: "You foolish child, have you really taken a liking to him? How foolish. Since ancient times, few women who married beneath them have lived well. Even if he were a provincial-level graduate, I wouldn’t be interested. Look at the families your sister interacts with. And Fourth Girl will soon marry into the Marquis of Dingbei’s family—they’re all top-tier figures in the capital. As the saying goes, it’s easy to enjoy shade under a big tree. Not to mention ducal and marquis households, even families like ours—with your father’s mediocrity—live ten times better than ordinary official families outside, all because we rely on the Pei family. The plain white silk jacket you’re wearing, the jade pendant at your waist, and the silk-embroidered skirt—just this set costs thirty taels. Your sixth uncle’s annual salary is only that much, and he’s a sixth-rank official."

"That Mo fellow clearly knows how to charm women. Otherwise, how could he fool both the old and the young? But he can’t deceive me. Even if he passes the imperial exams at a young age, without connections or money to grease the wheels, he’d be lucky to become a prefect in twenty years."

Yue Niang wiped her tears, feeling increasingly discouraged. But she said: "Mother, I understand your reasoning. But what can we do? The matter with the Wang family has fallen through anyway."

"We don’t want a family that shifts with the wind. Alas, if only I were in better health, I could socialize more and find you a good match without much difficulty." Though Lu Shi said this, she actually had very few connections.

Nowadays, marriages were about matching social status and dowry. Ordinary official families were manageable, but top-tier ones were hard to come by.

Yue Niang had initially felt a flicker of affection for her Mo cousin, but she was also someone who loved to outshine others. The thought of being inferior to others in the future dissipated whatever affection she had.

She wanted her mother to find her a good match so she could marry happily after the mourning period and hold her head high.

"Mother, rest well. I’ll take my leave now." Yue Niang truly believed Lu Shi had a solution and left with a hopeful expression.

After her daughter left, Lu Shi sighed deeply.

Just then, someone outside announced that Third Young Lady had arrived. Lu Shi immediately regained her usual sharpness, lay back, and thought to herself that Yi Niang must have come seeking a favor. But considering how well Yi Niang knew how to flatter and ingratiate herself—even Old Madam Pei was gradually valuing her—while she herself was getting older, and Yue Niang only knew how to compete among her sisters without winning the old lady’s favor.

Since Third Young Lady wasn’t close to her stepmother anyway, Lu Shi decided to deliberately win her over. This would show the old lady her kindness and make it easier to speak and act in the future.

So she said: "Invite Third Young Lady in."

After Yi Niang entered, she exchanged pleasantries with Lu Shi for a while, then took out a handkerchief to wipe her hands: "I originally intended to visit you earlier, but the old lady was hungry tonight and wanted steamed buns with pickled cucumber skin. I had to make them fresh, which took some time. Fortunately, Second Aunt was still awake."

"Oh, making pickled cucumber skin is no easy task. It’s very time-consuming," Lu Shi said, exaggerating a laugh.

Yi Niang chatted with her for a bit longer, then asked her to dismiss the servants before getting to the main topic: "I heard from an old servant that my mother shouldn’t have died. It was only after Sixth Aunt met with her that she passed away. I wonder if Second Aunt knows the details? I don’t want to remain in the dark. If you tell me, I will be eternally grateful."

Lu Shi was indeed well-informed about household matters, but she didn’t want to leave any evidence. So she shook her head: "It’s not that I won’t tell you; I truly don’t know."

"Second Aunt, you have eyes and ears everywhere. How could you not know? If you tell me, perhaps I can help with Second Sister’s marriage plans and your schemes. I may not be able to do much, but I can offer some assistance. Especially regarding the household management authority—the old lady often praises Sixth Mistress as a bodhisattva-like figure, methodical in her actions. Last time, she insisted on handing over authority to Sixth Mistress. This time, she might let her manage it long-term…" Yi Niang had a keen understanding of household affairs and knew how to persuade Lu Shi.

Indeed, upon hearing this, Lu Shi thought to herself that the quiet ones were often the most dangerous. She had always thought Yu Shi was unambitious, but it turned out she had quietly taken control!

Thus, she could no longer hold back and said: "I don’t know much more, but I remember your mother and Sixth Aunt became pregnant within a month of each other. Originally, this was a joyous event for the family. Your mother had a gentle temperament, and Sixth Aunt was also mild-mannered. I thought they got along very well. But one day, before your mother died, when I went to pay respects to the old lady, I happened to see them arguing. Your mother said to Sixth Aunt, 'Don’t think you can gloat just because your timing matches. You’re no different from me.' Sixth Aunt retorted, 'You’re the one who’s improper, yet you blame me.'"

"I didn’t know what they were arguing about, and I couldn’t linger to eavesdrop. I only know that after your mother gave birth to you, she was weak, and we all avoided disturbing her. But Sixth Aunt went to see her. I vaguely heard someone say that Sixth Aunt told your mother the incident had been exposed and she should make plans early. The servants at the time said your mother cried her eyes out and then passed away."

Hearing this, Yi Niang understood everything. It was all Yu Shi’s doing. Both had gone to Xuandu Temple, but because Yu Shi hadn’t conceived there, she could prove her child wasn’t illegitimate. Her mother, however, had no way to defend herself. In the end, Yu Shi delivered the final blow, telling her mother the incident had been exposed. To protect her purity and her daughter’s future, her mother took her own life.

That Yu Shi was truly a murderer without blood on her hands. Perhaps she thought that with her mother dead, no one would ever know the truth.