Chapter 127

Chapter 127: The Twelve Flower Deity Vases

Whether they were willing or not, the fact that they had to leave remained unchanged.

This time, they consulted a different fortune-teller to select an auspicious day, having dismissed the previous one. After all, the last "auspicious day" had been marred by unexpected incidents, leading both the old lady and Zhao Fuying to deem the former fortune-teller unreliable. They sought out a moderately well-known Taoist nun instead.

Dong Yuting thought skeptically, wondering what connection there could possibly be between the two events.

The departure was scheduled for the middle of the month. With time still on their hands, they packed at a more leisurely pace.

In the interim, the children planned another get-together, and even the adults held one. The old lady, too, set aside her grievances and sat down to eat with Li Qingdai.

Dong Yuting, however, suspected that the old lady felt a pang of guilt upon realizing that the person she had long regarded as the culprit was actually innocent. Additionally, since they were leaving and it was uncertain when they would meet again, the old lady no longer bothered about her.

Although the two did not exchange a single word during the meal, the mere fact that they could sit together brought joy to everyone else.

They say meals should be savored slowly, and given time, it was believed that the ice between them would eventually thaw.

Li Xiuhong was overjoyed to see his sister and sister-in-law sitting together—a sight he had never dared to hope for. He became so elated that he drank until he was drunk at the banquet. Fortunately, men and women were seated separately, and his sons and the Second Master were there to look after him.

Zhao Fuying also took Dong Yuting’s hand and expressed how much she would miss her.

Dong Yuting exchanged some personal confidences with her as well, eventually bringing up Lin Qingxuan. "I’ve grown fond of Xuan-jie, and Mother likes her too. She even reminded me to send her gifts during festivals for her amusement. But once we return to the capital, the distance will make it difficult—sometimes gifts may arrive late. Since you reside in Danzhou, could you look out for her for Mother?"

After all, Lin Qingxuan was her future daughter-in-law, so Dong Yuting naturally wanted to look out for her. However, she had no proper reason to take someone else’s daughter away, so she could only ask Zhao Fuying to watch over her.

Zhao Fuying quickly replied with a smile, "You don’t even need to ask—I’ll naturally take care of her. Her father is my husband’s sworn brother, and our families have always been close."

Dong Yuting nodded but thought to herself, "Your idea of 'closeness' probably means having gifts delivered to the gatehouse, but what I mean is ensuring the gifts reach Lin Qingxuan personally."

Just as she hesitated whether to hint further, Zhao Fuying teased, "If you and the Aunt like her so much, why not take her back to the capital to be your daughter-in-law?"

Zhao Fuying, always tactful, dared to say this only because she believed it was impossible. Li Lingchuan was an official in the capital, while the Lin family were local powerful gentry in Danzhou. How could the two families be considered a match? It might be more suitable for the eldest branch of the Li family in Danzhou, but Zhao Fuying and Li Lingchao had no such intentions.

Dong Yuting smiled without responding or showing any displeasure. Her calm, smiling demeanor made the perceptive Zhao Fuying wonder if her sister-in-law actually harbored such an idea.

Zhao Fuying then became more serious and said, "Alright, I’ve watched Xuan-jie grow up. Since Mrs. Wang pays her no mind, I’ll make sure to look after her. How about I invite her to the estate once a month?"

Dong Yuting replied, "Thank you, Sister-in-law."

With this matter settled, Dong Yuting felt relieved.

By the middle of the month, the group set off for the capital. Zhao Fuying hired a two-deck boat for them, far superior to the one they had arrived on—not only larger but also exquisitely furnished with rosewood carved doors and windows, boxwood daybeds, fragrant incense wafting through the rooms, lightweight silk screens placed around, and carefully selected decorations such as long-necked plum vases, a Dinghai Mountain incense burner, and bluish-white glazed porcelain depicting the Eight Immortals crossing the sea.

Aside from bedrooms and a kitchen, the guest cabins also included a study filled with books. The Second Master happily buried himself there, though whether he actually studied remained unknown.

At her age, the old lady had no intention of supervising him closely. Seeing her son so engrossed made her content, and she even instructed Si Min to bring him two plates of his favorite savory pastries.

The pastries had been purchased before boarding and needed to be eaten soon, as they would spoil over time.

Si Min entered the study with the tray to find the Second Master dozing, book in hand.

Back at the old residence, Si Min had heard rumors about the Second Master. When she learned he had retreated to the study shortly after boarding, she initially thought the rumors were exaggerated. Now, however, she realized they might not be entirely unfounded.

Glancing at her own rough, sallow hands, Si Min felt a sense of relief. She had worked hard for years in the old residence, finally making it to indoor service. Yet, years of labor outdoors had aged her skin beyond her years, something difficult to reverse. Still, she hoped that upon returning to the capital with the old lady, her complexion would get better—if not to the smoothness of a peeled egg, at least better than now.

Si Min smiled cheerfully. "Second Master, the mistress asked me to bring you some pastries."

The Second Master, slumped in his chair, opened his eyes drowsily and mumbled in response. As he straightened up, the book on his lap fell to the floor. Si Min quickly set the pastries on the table, knelt to retrieve the book, and handed it to him. He had already averted his gaze after a brief, disinterested glance at her face.

Si Min wasn't bothered. "Second Master, I won’t disturb your reading."

The Second Master picked up a savory pastry and lazily grunted again.

Si Min felt no irritation—such dismissive attitudes were all too familiar from her time in the old residence.

When she returned to the bedroom, Dong Yuting was sitting with the old lady.

It wasn’t that she had a particularly close relationship with the old lady; rather, she feared the strain of the journey might cause the old lady to fall ill, requiring care. It was better to prevent illness from the start than to tend to her later.

Si Min bowed, and the old lady, in good cheer due to their return to the capital, asked cheerfully, "What book is Second Master reading?"

Si Min replied sheepishly, "Madam, I don’t know how to read, so I couldn’t tell what book Second Master was reading." Silently, she added, "Second Master was fast asleep—how could he be reading?"

The old lady laughed. "That’s alright. Once we’re back in the capital, have Yuan Xiang teach you."

Overjoyed, Si Min knelt and bowed deeply in thanks. "Thank you, Madam!"

In Si Min’s eyes, literacy was a skill reserved for senior maids. She never imagined she would have such an opportunity. Her original goal was to become a second-class maid serving indoors. If she could advance to senior maid, it would be a great honor, and even after leaving service, it would bring her respect.

Rising to her feet, Si Min turned to Yuan Xiang. "Sister, please don’t think me foolish."

Since both were maids, there was no need for another kowtow, but a little flattery was expected. She had heard that senior maids even had junior maids serving them.

Yuan Xiang smiled warmly. "I only know a few characters myself—there’s not much I can teach you."

Si Min replied, "You’re still far better than me. I don’t know a single character."

On their return journey from Danzhou, they passed through Youzhou, Jizhou, and other regions. During their initial trip to Danzhou, the family patriarch was critically ill, so they had rushed with little time for stops. This time, however, there was no need to hurry. They docked at several places, allowing passengers to rest, explore ashore, or purchase local delicacies and snacks.

Seizing the opportunity, Dong Yuting took her sons and daughters and the entire family ashore to stroll through the streets.

Somehow, the news of their identity as Li Lingchuan’s family reached the prefect of Youzhou. The prefect’s wife arrived with gifts: four bolts of silk, two of gauze, a painting of "Hundred Sons and Thousand Descendants," a gold filigree hairpin, two jade dew bottles, two packages of preserved meats, and a basket of kumquats. She also invited them to visit the prefect’s home.

Well-versed in the etiquette of gift-giving, Dong Yuting noticed the generosity and politely declined, explaining that they were merely passing through and would depart that afternoon. She said they would visit next time if they had the chance.

Back on the boat, Dong Yuting reported the incident to the old lady.

"You did the right thing," the old lady praised. "If you had accepted her gifts, who knows what she might have asked of you?"

The Second Master, sitting nearby, chuckled. "Perhaps the couple simply wanted to express gratitude to Elder Brother. If not for him resolving the flood crisis last time, countless people in Youzhou would have been displaced."

The old lady shot him a sidelong glance. "Instead of thanking your brother, he should spend that silver on the people."

Dong Yuting glanced at her in surprise—the old lady could say something like that, showing that even women in deep households have their own wisdom.

Seeing that the Second Master seemed unconcerned, the old lady grabbed his arm and lectured him. "Don’t take this lightly. Your brother is the pillar of our family. Don’t be a burden to him by secretly accepting gifts from others. If I find out, you might as well not stay in the capital—return to Danzhou. Frankly, you seemed more diligent there anyway."

The Second Master guiltily touched his nose and awkwardly agreed.

After completing the water journey, they continued their travels by carriage.

Perhaps because they traveled leisurely, sightseeing along the way, the elderly matriarch experienced no severe discomfort this time—only mild fatigue at most.

After roughly a month of travel, the group finally arrived in the capital. Second Wife, having received advance notice, had already been waiting early at the city gate with Third Master and his wife.

Had it been only Dong Yuting arriving, she might have dispatched merely a servant—but since the matriarch was present, she naturally wished to demonstrate her filial devotion. Upon seeing the matriarch, she even shed tears of emotion.

Yet during the journey, the matriarch’s heart had been set on He Jinglin’s daughter. After exchanging a few polite greetings with Second Wife, her gaze fixed solely upon the swaddled Zhen Jieer.

Perhaps feeling remorseful for having missed her granddaughter’s birth, the matriarch grew especially fond of her. She removed the nanmu-wood bodhi prayer beads she habitually wore for Buddhist devotions and handed them to Zhen Jieer to play with.

Since the household maintained a small Buddhist shrine, the ladies frequently accompanied her in prayer and were thoroughly familiar with these beads.

Ceng Huiyan tutted softly and quickly interjected, “Mother, how can you do this? These beads were consecrated at Baoguang Temple and you wear them daily for prayer—they may even have acquired spiritual potency. How can you give them to an infant?”

He Jinglin added, “Mother, please take them back. I also possess prayer beads at my residence.”

She lacked Ceng Huiyan’s tact.

But the matriarch understood her temperament well—and, being in high spirits, chose not to dwell on such trivialities.

Upon hearing He Jinglin’s words, Zhen Jieer’s wet nurse immediately attempted to return the beads to the matriarch. Yet Zhen Jieer, at that age when infants delight in grasping objects, clutched them tightly in her tiny, soft hand and refused to let go.

The wet nurse dared not apply excessive force and could only gently coax Zhen Jieer to release them.

The matriarch chuckled warmly and said, “Precisely because they were consecrated at Baoguang Temple, I wish to bestow them upon Zhen Jieer—to bless her with safety and smooth fortune.”

Had it been Ceng Huiyan, she would have declined again—but this was He Jinglin. Hearing the matriarch’s words, she promptly shifted her stance and replied, “Then thank you, Mother.”

Nanmu wood originates from the Western Regions and possesses a natural fragrance. Consecrated by the masters of Baoguang Temple, these beads would command great value if sold outside the household.

Ceng Huiyan smiled and asked, “Mother, you’ve gifted your granddaughter such a precious item—what will you bestow upon the Sixth Young Master later?”

Dong Yuting, who had been whispering nearby to her daughter, glanced toward Ceng Huiyan upon hearing this.

Having not seen her for many days, she remained unchanged—speaking carelessly to belittle others.

To outshine Zhen Jieer, she even dragged Han Yan’s son into the comparison.

Ceng Huiyan lightly touched her abdomen, regretting that she hadn’t conceived another child after giving birth to Hui Geer; otherwise, she too might have secured fine gifts from the matriarch.

Still, over the past several months, she had accumulated a considerable sum of silver—had Elder Sister-in-Law not returned.

Dong Yuting noticed Ceng Huiyan’s glance and felt a chill run down her spine.

That look held ill intent—and though fleeting, she caught it clearly.

Though Dong Yuting couldn’t fathom why Ceng Huiyan had looked at her thus, after several encounters, she’d gained some understanding of her. Such expressions usually signaled mischief afoot.

Dong Yuting smiled and asked, “Then why didn’t you bring the Sixth Young Master with you, sister-in-law?”

Ceng Huiyan’s expression remained unchanged. “The Sixth Young Master is currently under Wang Mama’s care.”

It wasn’t that she didn’t wish to bring him—it was that Wang Mama treated her as an adversary and forbade her from approaching him. Just because she’d forgotten to close the window last time during cold weather—but caring for him wasn’t her duty anyway; that fell to the maids. How could she be blamed?

Ceng Huiyan turned to glance at the matriarch and saw she was absorbed in playing with Zhen Jieer, seemingly unaware of the exchange—so she breathed a quiet sigh of relief.

Ceng Huiyan shot Dong Yuting a sharp glare.

If not for her, she wouldn’t have spoken so rashly. Clearly, this was deliberate.

Wang Mama had been specially assigned by the matriarch. If Ceng Huiyan had done nothing wrong, why would Wang Mama step in to care for a concubine-born son?

Si Min, standing behind the matriarch, hunched her shoulders. The excitement of arriving in the capital had largely faded. Having served as a maid for many years and been named Si Min by the matriarch, she was highly observant. The First and Second Wives appeared openly at odds—and she hoped she wouldn’t get drawn into their conflict later.

As the saying goes: when elephants fight, the grass suffers. The two mistresses might emerge unscathed, but the servants would bear the consequences.

Dong Yuting said, “Mother, we’ve traveled so long—let’s hurry home. Lingering here isn’t advisable. Once back at the estate, Wang Mama can bring the Sixth Young Master for you to see.” She cast a sidelong glance at Ceng Huiyan, whose face flushed with anger.

The group boarded the Li family’s carriages and departed for the Li estate.

With few carriages and many servants, some had to walk slowly on foot. Fortunately, they were now in the capital, and the distance wasn’t far—walking a stretch posed no great difficulty.

Si Min, naturally, had no privilege of riding in a carriage—but this suited her perfectly. She gazed around with keen excitement.

Xia Qing chatted with her, and within just a few exchanges, Si Min recounted everything. Xia Qing nodded and said, “So that’s how it is. The matriarch is very kind. As long as you serve loyally, she won’t treat you poorly.”

Si Min nodded eagerly. Learning that Xia Qing was Dong Yuting’s maid, she adopted a more deferential tone.

She’d originally intended to avoid entanglement in the subtle power struggles between the First and Second Wives—but cultivating friendly relations with maids from both households should pose no risk. As a newcomer with no established footing in the estate, she needed first to build her own network.

Si Min surveyed the streets but spotted no shops whatsoever. Unable to resist, she asked Xia Qing about it.

Xia Qing smiled, visibly pleased to explain—and thereby assert a sense of superiority. “The shops are all on another street. This one serves only as a thoroughfare. During festivals, temporary stalls are permitted here, drawing crowds of people. Every household turns out to enjoy the street—it’s extremely lively.”

Her description vividly captured Si Min’s imagination.

Xia Qing added, “When the festival arrives, the estate grants us time off—I’ll take you out then.”

“Thank you, elder sister!” Si Min gazed into the distance. Beyond the city walls, she faintly discerned a towering mountain and asked, “Elder sister, what mountain is that? Danzhou has a mountain outside its city too—but it’s not nearly as tall as this one.”

“That’s Yuqing Mountain. Each year during the hottest days, the Emperor takes his consorts there to escape the heat. I’ve heard it’s as beautiful as a fairyland, with a Jade Terrace and Immortal Pool.” Mentioning the Emperor, Xia Qing lowered her voice.

But Si Min trembled inwardly—daring not utter a word about the Emperor in his presence.

Back at the estate, the matriarch met the Sixth Young Master. Learning he still bore no formal name and was addressed only as “the Sixth Young Master,” she immediately bestowed upon him the nickname “Hu Geer.”

When Wang Mama brought him forward, Hu Geer appeared sickly and frail. Though a month older than Zhen Jieer, the two children were nearly identical in size.

Naming him Hu Geer expressed the hope that he would grow as strong and vigorous as a tiger.

The matriarch felt pained and presented Hu Geer with a jade gourd pendant.

Wang Mama thanked her on Hu Geer’s behalf. Second Master, observing Hu Geer’s frailty, felt pity—and recalled his birth mother, Yiniang Han—the gentle woman.

“Wang Mama, let me hold him for a moment.” Second Master took Hu Geer from Wang Mama—but soon, Hu Geer burst into loud cries. Second Master hastily handed him back, as if passing off a scalding hot potato.

Ceng Huiyan witnessed all this and secretly curled the corners of her mouth.

It wasn’t that Second Master lacked love for his son—he simply feared trouble excessively. When the child lay quietly in Wang Mama’s arms, he sought closeness; yet the moment crying began, Second Master swiftly distanced himself.

After all, they were long-married, and Ceng Huiyan knew this well.

After greeting everyone, the matriarch felt somewhat fatigued, so they all withdrew to their respective courtyards to rest first. Now that they were back at the estate, there was no urgency to attend to matters immediately.

“Have you been well at the estate? Has anyone bullied you?” Dong Yuting took her daughter’s hand and gazed tenderly into her eyes.

Li Nianyao’s eyes reddened. “No, Mother—don’t worry. With Qiu He jie and Wang Mama, the servants wouldn’t dare neglect me.”

Dong Yuting asked, "What about the palace?"

Li Nianyao shook her head, "We haven't heard anything from the palace."

"That's just as well. We don’t need to go to the palace anyway. In the future, your mother and grandmother will help you choose a suitable husband."

Li Nianyao’s cheeks turned faintly pink, "Mother." But inwardly, she was pleased. The imperial family had too many rules; even her own parents had to behave formally in front of the princes.

After Li Nianyao and Liu Wanqing left, Zhu Yueru and a few other confidantes arrived.

Qian Kun, who had made a mistake earlier, was still allowed to stay in the household only because Dong Yuting had given him a second chance. Since then, Qian Kun had become increasingly loyal.

While Dong Yuting was away from the capital, he had kept an eye on the second wife and indeed noticed something unusual.

"Madam, while you were away, she purchased a complete set of decorative items. I heard from the maids in Qingfeng Courtyard that it includes twelve jade vases made of different materials—nephrite, mutton-fat jade, jadeite... Each vase is painted with a different flower. I heard the set is called the 'Twelve Flower Goddesses.' Heaven knows what it cost! You should look into it!" Qian Kun reported.

The "she" he referred to was naturally Ceng Huiyan.

"Well, she’s only just taken charge of the household finances. It’s understandable that she’d want to buy something she likes while she has the chance," Dong Yuting remarked.

Steward Zhu added, "But the second wife has really crossed a line. Besides the Twelve Flower Goddesses vases, she also bought a jade Guanyin screen twice a person's height. I heard the embroidery on it alone uses over ten different techniques. She claims it’s to pray for blessings for the old madam, you, and the master. From what we've tallied, she has already bought three expensive items while you were away."

Dong Yuting asked doubtfully, "Have any of you seen these items?"

They all shook their heads. "We haven’t seen them ourselves, but the maids in Qingfeng Courtyard described them so vividly. They wouldn’t have been able to provide such details if they hadn’t seen them."

Dong Yuting massaged her temples. "I see. Send for Ji Ming."

Ji Ming was the steward in charge of the storeroom and accounts. He arrived shortly with the account books.

Dong Yuting skimmed through them and indeed found three large expenditures, totaling over a thousand taels.

Why would she buy such expensive things?

Just to show off?

Remember, their lavish spending in the capital was only possible because the main family provided the financial support. But even so, they couldn’t spend so recklessly, or they would have to ask the old estate for money again within six months.

Dong Yuting sneered, "Steward Ji, you didn't try to stop the second wife from buying such expensive items?"

Steward Ji replied fearfully, "Madam, you jest. The second wife is the mistress—how could I dare to stop her?"

"I didn’t realize Steward Ji was so timid," Dong Yuting snorted.

After Ji Ming left, Dong Yuting held her forehead, feeling dizzy, her head throbbing.

Zhu Yueru and Qian Kun hurriedly said, "Madam, you should rest well for now. Now that you’re back, we can definitely resolve this."

Dong Yuting responded with a faint "Hmm." Ji Ming had been selected by the old madam from her own retinue. Did the old madam know about what he had been doing?