Over the next few days, the atmosphere in Orchid Courtyard grew somewhat gloomy again.
Qiaoju saw it and fretted inwardly. Ever since Madam had run back from the study in tears that day, she had been listless and dispirited, though she said nothing about it. Sometimes, she even hid away to wipe her tears. Qiaoju had tried asking roundabout questions several times, but Cui Wan merely shook her head and whispered, "It's nothing," before her eyes grew even redder.
Qiaoju knew she must have fallen out with the young master again. His temper was so cold and hard, and his words were unpleasant to hear. How could someone as soft-natured as Madam bear it? But this could not go on. She had to find some way to lift Madam's spirits.
After turning it over in her mind, Qiaoju finally came up with an idea. That afternoon, she brought Cui Wan a plate of freshly made pastries, an ingratiating smile on her face.
"Madam, I've just received this month's allowance. Since it's getting cold, I thought I should get Mother a new, thick set of clothes. But I don't have a good eye, and I'm afraid she won't like the fabric I choose... You have such good taste, Madam, and you're so thoughtful. Could you... come out with me and help me choose?"
Cui Wan had been resting her chin in her hand, gazing absently out the window. She blinked at those words. Qiaoju's mother? Yes, Qiaoju had been born into the household's service. It was only right that she should want to spend her earnings on her mother.
"But... A-Qi..." Cui Wan hesitated instinctively again. If she went out, should she tell him?
"Madam!" Qiaoju hastily said. "You're not in prison! You're free to come and go! Surely you don't need to report to the young master and ask his permission every time you go out to buy something?"
Cui Wan thought that made sense and nodded. Qiaoju immediately beamed, deftly helped her change into clothes suitable for going out, and draped a cloak over her shoulders. Then mistress and maid left the marquis's residence through a side gate.
Setting foot on the capital's streets for the first time in a while, Cui Wan felt the winter wind rush against her face, but it eased her stifled spirits a little. People bustled along the street, and vendors' cries rang out incessantly, filling the air with the lively bustle of everyday life.
Qiaoju led Cui Wan along a familiar route to a fabric shop called the Fine Clothing Shop. It was not large, but the fabrics hanging inside came in a full range of colors and materials, from ordinary cotton and linen to fine silks and satins.
The proprietress, a kind-faced, middle-aged woman, was attending to customers. When she looked up and saw Qiaoju leading in an exquisitely dressed young woman with a gentle bearing, she immediately understood. Hurrying forward, she curtsied with a broad smile. "Second Madam, welcome. Please come in! Our humble shop is rather plain, but if anything catches your eye, just say the word."
Cui Wan froze at being addressed as "Second Madam." Looking blankly from Qiaoju to the proprietress, she asked softly, "How... how did you know I was..."
Qiaoju smiled and explained, "Madam, the Marquis of Ningyang's Residence owns many shops, and the Fine Clothing Shop is one of them. Naturally, the proprietress recognizes the household's servants. Seeing me accompanying you, and seeing your bearing, of course she guessed."
The proprietress smiled in agreement. "Exactly. It's our shop's good fortune to have you visit, Second Madam."
Only then did Cui Wan understand, an indescribable feeling stirring within her. Before, she had known only that she had married into a powerful household, without any real sense of just how powerful it was.
Only now, seeing the proprietress's respectful manner, did she begin to feel the weight of the name "Marquis of Ningyang's Residence."
Afraid she would feel uncomfortable, Qiaoju quickly changed the subject and drew her over to look at the fabric. "Madam, please help me see which fabric would suit my mother. She's getting on in years and likes things that are comfortable and hard-wearing."
Cui Wan collected herself, put her distracting thoughts aside for the moment, and began choosing for Qiaoju in earnest. She carefully compared colors, textures, and thicknesses, finally selecting a bolt of soft, fine cotton in a deep purple and a bolt of muted jujube-red satin with a subtle woven pattern.
"This color is subdued, and the fabric won't show dirt easily. It's warm, too, so it's good for winter clothes. This satin is soft. It could be made into a close-fitting jacket that would be comfortable under other clothes," Cui Wan explained gently.
Qiaoju nodded repeatedly, feeling that Madam's choices were excellent. She paid, then instructed a shop assistant to deliver the fabric directly to the residence's side gate and hand it to the woman in charge.
After leaving the Fine Clothing Shop, Qiaoju drew Cui Wan a little farther down the street to a more imposing shop with elegant decor. Three graceful characters on its sign spelled out its name-Flowing Cloud Pavilion.
"Madam, let's look in here!" Qiaoju pointed inside. "My allowance isn't much, so the clothing shop we just visited was fairly ordinary. But this place! It's a famous jewelry shop in the capital. The things inside are sure to be worthy of you!"
Flowing Cloud Pavilion was indeed bustling. Several richly dressed ladies and young misses were choosing jewelry at the counters while shop assistants eagerly described the pieces. The moment Qiaoju and Cui Wan entered, they caught the attention of Liu Ji and Xu Fuyu behind the counter.
The two exchanged a glance, each seeing surprise in the other's eyes.
Wasn't that Second Madam, with that girl Qiaoju following her?
Hadn't the second young master only visited half a month ago? Why had Second Madam come today as well?
Liu Ji hurried around the counter, and Xu Fuyu put down her work. They hastened forward, their smiles even more respectful than those they had shown Chu Moqi last time, and greeted her in unison. "Our respects to Second Madam!"
Startled by their display, Cui Wan instinctively shrank closer to Qiaoju and murmured, "There's... there's no need for such formalities..."
Xu Fuyu straightened, her smile unchanged, though her tone held a measure of caution and inquiry. "Have you come today... to inspect the accounts, Madam? I'll have the shop cleared at once and bring out the ledgers for you to review..."
Inspect the accounts?!
Cui Wan's eyes widened. She hastily waved her hands, shaking her head like a rattle-drum. "No, no! I'm just... looking around... really!"
Beside her, Qiaoju burst into a giggle. "Madam Xu, have you gone silly? Our madam is obviously here to look at jewelry! Why would she look at accounts? Those ledgers are packed so densely with words they give you a headache just looking at them!"
Somewhat embarrassed by this, Xu Fuyu laughed. "You little girl, lecturing me now! But last time..."
"Ahem!" Liu Ji hastily coughed loudly twice, cutting Xu Fuyu off. He shot her a look, warning her not to speak carelessly. "What last time? Don't go talking nonsense when your memory's poor!"
Then he turned back to Cui Wan, his smile even more solicitous. "Please don't take offense, Madam. My wife simply speaks too quickly. If you've come to look at jewelry, nothing could be better! Quick, show Madam our shop's finest pieces!"
Xu Fuyu caught on as well. Hastily composing herself, she warmly guided Cui Wan to the counter displaying the newest jewelry and began describing the pieces as familiarly as if counting her own treasures. "Look, Madam. This is a pure-gold pomegranate hairpin set with rubies. It signifies many children and abundant blessings-most auspicious. This butterfly hairpin uses the finest kingfisher feathers, so lifelike. And this white magnolia hairpin has such lustrous jade and exquisite carving. It would perfectly complement your refined bearing..."
Looking at the dazzling, exquisitely crafted jewelry beneath the glass covers, Cui Wan felt overwhelmed by the array. Every piece was beautiful. She listened attentively, nodding from time to time and praising them sincerely. "How lovely... this one is beautiful too..."
Pleased to see that she liked them, Xu Fuyu asked casually, "Were you satisfied with the hairpin you requested last time, Madam?"
Last time? Cui Wan paused, then remembered the intricately carved green jade hairpin Tang Xiang had placed in her hair at her coming-of-age ceremony. She smiled and nodded. "So... Sister-in-law chose it here! It's lovely. Her taste is certainly good."
"Eldest Madam?" Xu Fuyu was taken aback, but she immediately recovered and followed Cui Wan's lead. "Oh... yes, yes. Eldest Madam's taste is certainly one in ten thousand! Anything she chooses must be the very best!"
As she spoke, she stole a glance at Liu Ji. He shook his head too, indicating that he did not know what had happened in between.
Xu Fuyu warmly pointed to the jewelry in the counter again. "Since you're here today, Madam, why not choose a few pieces you like? This is your own household's shop. Whatever catches your eye, simply take it."
Her own household's shop... Looking at the glittering array of jewelry, Cui Wan could not honestly say she did not like it. What girl did not love beautiful things? Some of the delicate, distinctive little hairpins and earrings especially tempted her.
But...
Her gaze dimmed. A-Qi didn't like her anyway. However beautifully she adorned herself, he probably wouldn't spare her another glance.
Besides... they ran a shop to make money. Would it be wrong to use her title of "Second Madam" to take things for free? If A-Qi found out, would he think she was greedy and thoughtless, and get angry with her again?
At that thought, the faint flicker of excitement in Cui Wan's heart immediately went out. She gently shook her head, her voice still soft, but carrying a barely perceptible loneliness.
"No, thank you... I don't... really need any of it."
Watching from the side, Qiaoju sighed inwardly. She knew Madam was thinking of the young master again. It seemed this outing to lift her spirits... had not done much good.
After they left Flowing Cloud Pavilion, the winter wind seemed even more biting. Seeing Cui Wan still weighed down by worries and unable to take an interest in anything, Qiaoju grew anxious.
She racked her brains for something that might cheer Madam up. Suddenly, inspiration struck. Pointing at a nearby vendor carrying a straw pole studded with bright red candied hawthorn skewers, she said brightly:
"Madam, look! Candied hawthorns! I remember you saying they were your favorite when you were little! Shall we buy a skewer?"
Cui Wan looked where she pointed. The vivid red stood out on the winter street and was indeed tempting. In the past, her eyes would certainly have lit up.
But now...
Cui Wan gently shook her head without speaking.
Qiaoju's smile stiffened, but she did not give up. "Then... what would you like to eat, Madam? Shall we sit in a restaurant? Or try a roadside stall? My allowance isn't much, but it's enough to treat you to some pastries! As long as... you don't think my offering too shabby."
Cui Wan shook her head again, her voice rather low. "I'm not hungry."
Now Qiaoju truly had no ideas left. Her little face fell, and she muttered, "Madam... why don't you want anything...?"
Cui Wan raised her head and looked at the bustling yet unfamiliar crowd, listening to the noisy sounds that had nothing to do with her. All she felt was an emptiness inside.
"Let's go back," she said softly, a trace of disappointment in her voice. "I don't want to have fun anymore."
Seeing Cui Wan's downcast expression, Qiaoju knew further persuasion would be useless. She could only say, "All right," and support her as they prepared to return.
They slowly retraced their steps along the street, passing a tavern with an unremarkable storefront. On this winter afternoon, the roadside tavern had few respectable customers. Only a handful of men in coarse, short work clothes, looking like idlers, sat around a table, drinking cheap yellow wine and chatting loudly, spittle flying.
"...So what's the point of doing so much in this world? Who knows whether your head will still be on your neck tomorrow? Better to enjoy yourself while you can. If there's wine today, get drunk today!"
"Exactly! Look at the Marquis of Ningyang's Residence. Prestigious enough, wasn't it? Old Marquis Chu and Eldest Young Master Chu-weren't they both renowned figures? And what happened? Once they died on the battlefield, all those achievements and all that fame amounted to nothing, didn't they? And Second Young Master Chu ended up a cripple too... Tsk, tsk. Wealth and rank are like clouds in the sky. They can scatter in an instant!"
"Isn't that the truth! Eldest Young Master Chu married Grand Secretary Tang's eldest legitimate granddaughter, a true daughter of a distinguished family! What a glorious marriage alliance that was! But when it came to Second Young Master Chu-heh, guess what? I heard he married a disgraced official's daughter! What a fall, tsk, tsk..."
"Hey, speaking of that, I've heard an even more interesting rumor!" A sharp-mouthed, monkey-cheeked idler lowered his voice, though it remained clearly audible, and said with a lewd smile, "Do you know why Eldest Madam Chu hasn't remarried after all these years of widowhood?"
"Why?"
"Heh! They say she's long been having an affair with that crippled younger brother-in-law of hers, Second Young Master Chu! There's something improper between them! But he's paralyzed, isn't he? Can't perform anymore, and he's tired of playing with her, so he just brought some little girl into the household to keep up appearances and pull the wool over everyone's eyes!"
"Whoa! Really? That depraved? Paralyzed and still getting up to all that? Won't even leave his own sister-in-law alone? Tsk, tsk, shameless! Can his body take it? Hahahaha!"
Their filthy words were unbearable to hear...
Cui Wan stopped dead. She had merely been walking with her head lowered, but those words forced their way into her ears.
No! It wasn't like that!
A-Qi wasn't that kind of person! Neither was Sister-in-law! They were lying! How could they slander people like that?!
A fierce surge of anger and hurt, mingled with an overwhelming sense of injustice on Chu Moqi and Tang Xiang's behalf, instantly swept away the timidity in Cui Wan's heart.
Her body trembled slightly with anger, her face flushed scarlet, and her fingers curled tightly into fists.
Qiaoju had heard the filthy talk too and was shocked and furious. Her first instinct was to hurry Cui Wan away from this place of trouble. These street thugs were capable of anything. Madam absolutely must not get into a confrontation with them.
"Madam, let's go! Don't listen to their nonsense!" Qiaoju urged quietly, reaching for Cui Wan's sleeve.
But Cui Wan stood as though nailed to the spot. She abruptly raised her head. In those almond-shaped eyes, usually moist and timid, two small flames of anger now burned.
She did not know where her courage came from. Perhaps the hurt of the past several days, piled on top of the slander she had just heard, had pushed her beyond endurance. She pulled free of Qiaoju's hand, took two steps forward, and shouted with all her strength at the idlers still laughing inside the tavern:
"You're lying! It isn't like that!"
Her voice was thick with tears and trembled slightly with agitation and fear, yet it rang out with extraordinary clarity.
The idlers had been engrossed in their conversation. Interrupted by this sudden female voice, they froze, then turned their heads in unison.
When they saw a pretty young woman standing outside the tavern, glaring at them with reddened eyes, their initial surprise immediately turned to ill-intentioned interest.
"Hey! Where did this little lady come from? Quite a fresh, pretty thing!" A broad, burly man narrowed his eyes and looked Cui Wan up and down, his tone frivolous.
"And quite a temper! What's this? Defending the Chu Family so fiercely-what have they given you?" another sharp-mouthed, monkey-cheeked man chimed in, his gaze roaming over her.
"Tsk, tsk, that outfit, those looks... could she be the little girl Second Young Master Chu just married? Hahahaha!" A third idler suddenly slapped his thigh and gave an odd laugh. "Yes, yes! She must be! Come to stand up for her man, has she?"
"Hahahaha!" The ruffians roared with laughter, their filthy gazes wandering brazenly over Cui Wan.
Their stares made Cui Wan's skin crawl, filling her with extreme discomfort and fear. Under their naked malice and lewd scrutiny, her impulsive burst of courage quickly ebbed. Frightened, she instinctively wanted to back away and flee.
"Qiaoju... let's go..." Her voice shook as she reached for Qiaoju.
But it was already too late.
Seeing that she wanted to leave, how could the idlers let such entertainment delivered to their doorstep slip away? They exchanged looks, sprang to their feet, and rushed out of the teahouse in a few strides, surrounding Cui Wan and Qiaoju.
"Hey, little lady, don't go! We haven't finished talking!" One ruffian reached for Cui Wan's arm. "What's the fun in being with a paralytic? Let your big brother show you a good time?"
"What are you doing! Let go of my madam!" Shocked and furious, Qiaoju spread her arms to shield Cui Wan, only for another idler to shove her aside. She staggered and nearly fell.
Cui Wan's face went deathly pale with fright, and tears spilled from her eyes as she struggled desperately to avoid the filthy hand reaching for her.
Her struggles and tears only excited the ruffians further. Laughing, they began pawing at her, one tugging her sleeve, another trying to touch her face.
"Get away! You bastards!" Qiaoju was so frantic that tears sprang to her eyes. She lunged forward, trying to bite the ruffian closest to Cui Wan.
Everything descended into chaos. Cui Wan felt as though countless filthy hands were waving around her. Fear left her mind blank, and she could only dodge futilely and cry.
Amid the confusion, someone gave her shoulder a hard shove.
"Ah!" Cui Wan cried out. Losing her footing, she toppled backward and fell heavily onto the cold, hard ground.
A fiery sting shot through her elbow and palms; the skin must have been scraped raw. Her coiffure had come loose too, several stray locks clinging untidily to her tear-streaked cheeks. Dust covered her face and clothes, and her cloak lay crumpled around her.
"Madam!" Qiaoju screamed. Disregarding herself, she scrambled over to Cui Wan and tried to help her up.
The commotion finally drew the attention of more passersby. Many stopped, pointing and talking.
"Bullying a young girl in broad daylight! What kind of behavior is this?"
"Exactly! These thugs have no regard for law or heaven!"
"Fetch the authorities! Quickly!"
Faced with the crowd's strength in numbers, the idlers grew somewhat uneasy at having provoked public outrage.
They exchanged glances, spat toward Cui Wan and Qiaoju with a string of curses, then quickly pushed through the crowd and ran off like a wisp of smoke.
The crowd gradually dispersed, leaving Cui Wan sitting on the ground, her face covered as she sobbed quietly and uncontrollably. Qiaoju knelt beside her, crying too as she brushed dust from her clothes and checked the injuries on her hands.
"Madam... how are you? Do your hands hurt? Are you hurt anywhere else?" Qiaoju's heart ached terribly for her.
Cui Wan shook her head, unable to speak, and simply kept crying. The scrapes on her hands burned, but her heart hurt even more. Those people's vicious words, their filthy touches, the humiliation and fear of falling...
All her hurt and fear, all the injustice she felt on Chu Moqi's behalf, turned into a torrent of tears.
With considerable difficulty, Qiaoju finally helped her to her feet, and mistress and maid supported each other back to the residence. Cui Wan sobbed quietly the entire way, her hair disheveled, her clothes dirty, and her hands scraped raw. She looked utterly pitiful...