Chapter 2, Visitation

But before long, those low murmurs were shattered by a stern reprimand: "What time is it, and yet you are still whispering endlessly like snakes and scorpions? Is there nothing else to do?"

"Zhu's family, the maid in the third young lady's room, you should provide guidance outside; there is no reason to disturb the third young lady."

How to cleverly squeeze someone in, this kind of maneuver is naturally well understood by Chen Lan, who has long been in the workplace. Therefore, the slight smile on her face remained unchanged; instead, she nodded more obediently and said: "Thank you for the reminder"

Chen Lan sat against the pillow, noticing that Mother Zhu kept her eyes downcast, merely responding while the corners of her mouth curled up slightly. It was clear that she was compliant in words but not in spirit. Her memory was still somewhat muddled; she recognized two faces and had some impression of their titles. At this moment, she recalled one was the old lady's confidante and the other was associated with the second madam. Although they had come together, they were not on the same side, so she chose to remain silent. After Mother Zheng finished her reprimand and saw that everyone was silent as a grave, she softened her tone: "Third Miss, the old lady has specifically asked me to convey a message to you."

"Is your head still hurting?" Mother Zheng was somewhat taken aback, and then turned around to glare fiercely at the person beside her. "The old lady has sent people to inquire several times. You all said the person has woken up and everything is fine. Why does the third young lady still say her head hurts? The fourth young master is still young; could it be that you are also confused? Even if others are confused, you from the Zhu family should be aware of the situation. The second madam has sent you to check several times; how come you do not know to report back? How can you be so negligent!"

Is Miss San feeling better?

Ah, Happy Mother's Day

The warm winter sunlight generously bathes the spacious courtyard, filtering through the thick layers of high-quality Korean paper, illuminating the room and infusing the dim space with a touch of warmth. Lying on the bed, Chen Lan is covered with a heavy brocade quilt, occasionally glancing at the stone blue embroidered floral canopy beside her, and at other times, lost in thought while staring at the ceiling. At this moment, the faint whispers from outside drift through the layer of Korean paper, but the voices are so soft that they cannot be clearly discerned. Lying on the bed, Chen Lan is covered with a heavy brocade quilt, occasionally glancing at the stone blue embroidered floral canopy beside her, and at other times, lost in thought while staring at the ceiling. At this moment, the faint whispers from outside drift through the layer of Korean paper, but the voices are so soft that they cannot be clearly discerned

At that moment, an older woman approached. Her hair, interspersed with numerous silver strands, was neatly arranged, with a single silver hairpin inserted among it. She wore a long, lotus green, front-opening gown and a loose, pine flower-colored jacket. Despite her extremely simple attire, she appeared more dignified and imposing than Madam Zhu, who adorned herself with gold bracelets on her wrists and a pearl hairpin in her hair, seemingly worried that her silk garments were not sufficiently crisp.

Sister, sister, I am back

Madam Zheng examined Chen Lan for a moment and then sighed: "Third Miss, the Dongchang Marquis's family has sent people to apologize repeatedly. At that time, there were so many people that it was difficult to discern which young lady or young master pushed. Therefore, you had to suffer this grievance. However, now the noble families in the capital all know that our Yangning Marquis's Third Miss cares for her younger brother, even to the point of injuring herself while ensuring her brother got to safety first. While the bond between siblings is commendable, it is unfortunate that after your injury, the Fourth Young Master has even stopped attending school, which is not ideal. The young masters are all grown up now; not long ago, the Second and Third Madams mentioned to the Old Madam that they plan to choose an auspicious day to move the other young masters to the outer courtyard, except for the Sixth Young Master."

As the courtyard suddenly fell silent, a sound of footsteps and conversation came from outside the door, as if a group of people had entered. Chen Lan glanced at the maid sitting on a small stool beside her, nodding off with her head drooping. She intended to speak up but ultimately remained silent. After a while, she heard the sound of the door curtain moving, followed by a cough, so she simply closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep

After seeing Chen Lan, that Mama Zhu stepped back and smiled, saying: "Third Miss, the old lady has sent Mama Zheng to see you."

I knew it, Miss San is the most sensible. Moreover, the servants need to be strictly managed; those young maids outside are like three-legged cats, only knowing how to bicker and gossip, yet they are unreliable when it comes to actual work. The one just guarding the room is Qinfang, right? She is about fourteen or fifteen years old, yet she is so clumsy; how can she manage those young maids? It would be better to ask the old lady for a capable one to command. First, it would be easier to work with someone skilled, second, it would intimidate others, and third, it would also take care of you.

Since she is already here, she should make peace with it. She has already died once; what else is there that she cannot accept? Moreover, even if she opposes it, even if she resists, can she really return to the environment she once knew? In the past, she built everything from scratch while being utterly destitute. Now, having fallen into this seemingly glamorous yet filthy place, she cannot resign herself to fate.

This is the capital of the Great Chu, and the street where her residence is located is called Yangning Street, named after her grandfather, Duke Yangning Chen Yong. Grandfather Chen Yong was initially only the Earl of Yangning, but he followed Emperor Wuzong in overthrowing the deposed emperor's regime and seized the throne. Subsequently, he was rewarded for his merits and was thus granted the title of Duke Yangning.

She gently clenched her fist, and with that remark from Mother Zheng, she recalled the thoughts she had sorted out over the past few days. It is now the Yongxi era of the Chu Dynasty. As for what this Chu Dynasty is all about, and how its territory is defined, she would have to find a way to look through historical texts later, as she does not remember such a dynasty existing in Chinese history.

Her second uncle, Chen Jiu, is content after inheriting the title, and he does not mind holding a nominal position. He has no children to this day, having married a woman from the Ma family. His only illegitimate son fell ill and passed away last year, leaving him with only two daughters: one legitimate, Chen Bing, and one illegitimate, Chen Yan.

After the ordeal three days ago, Chen Lan finally overcame her helplessness and disappointment, reluctantly accepting her current circumstances. She had always been a person with excellent adaptability, which is why, despite several changes in company leadership, her position had steadily risen. However, the current situation is quite different from merely changing supervisors, and thus she had to come up with the most appropriate excuse.

Chang Fang, that is to say, her father Chen Wei was conferred the title of Xunwei in his early years, but due to his reckless behavior and repeated impeachment by the censors, after his death, all his misdeeds were brought to light. The noble title that should have been inherited by him according to seniority fell to the second branch. Consequently, he became increasingly reckless and indulgent, and even lost his position as Xunwei, passing away three years ago. His legitimate wife, Fang, had passed away even earlier, leaving behind Chen Lan and Chen Yan, a son and a daughter. Chen Lan is now thirteen years old, and Chen Yan is eleven.

As for the third branch... her uncle Chen Ying had long ago sought a military position and rose from a thousand households to the rank of commander, currently stationed in the southern border with the main army. It is said that he has a wide circle of friends and is known for his righteousness outside. Moreover, in matters concerning women, he greatly resembles his father, having had numerous affairs during his years away. Now, Concubine Luo accompanies him in the southern border, while his legitimate wife, Madam Xu, who was married after the death of his first wife, along with other concubines and all their children, remain in the capital. Madam Xu's eldest legitimate son, Chen Kuang, died at the age of six, and now the youngest son, Chen Ting, is ranked sixth and is only three years old. Concubine Luo has given birth to a daughter, Chen Xi, and sons Chen Qing and Chen Han, in addition to two other illegitimate daughters.

Hearing the sound grow increasingly high, Chen Lan gently turned over. Indeed, a slow and unhurried voice sounded beside her.

Listening to this voice, although Mother Zhu was extremely reluctant, she still led the little girl who had come with her to step back. The maid in the room then hurriedly brought over a brocade stool for Mother Zheng to sit down. At this moment, Mother Zheng finally changed to a look of deep concern.

The girl who was keeping watch by the bedside suddenly jolted awake, and upon seeing the newcomer, she was startled and exclaimed, hurriedly bowing in greeting. In her fluster, she accidentally knocked over a small stool. Witnessing this scene, the leading maid, Madam Zhu, could no longer contain her anger and scolded, "You are supposed to be watching over the Third Miss, yet you have fallen asleep yourself, and you are so clumsy. Is this how you serve?"

Just as I was pondering, a hurried sound of footsteps came from outside

Upon hearing these words, the high-pitched voice was abruptly cut off. Chen Lan opened her eyes and saw a smiling face leaning in, who courteously said a few words, causing her to slightly furrow her brow. At that moment, the girl who had just been scolded until her eyes were red hurried forward, carefully helping her up and placing a somewhat worn ink-painted silk pillow behind her for support.

Regardless of the circumstances, she and Chen Yan, this pair of siblings, are the most pitiable, a lonely sister and a weak brother. Although they have a grandmother above them, she is not their biological relative, and it is unclear how they have endured all these years. Moreover, if I remember correctly, she seemed to be a dough-like person in the past, which is why the maid she brought out, like Qin Fang, also has a submissive disposition. It is likely that one is calm while the other is impulsive and irritable; otherwise, they would not have quarreled while visiting someone else's home. Furthermore, if I remember correctly, she seemed to be a dough-like person in the past, which is why the maid she brought out, like Qin Fang, also has a submissive disposition. It is likely that one is calm while the other is impulsive and irritable; otherwise, they would not have quarreled while visiting someone else's home

I am feeling much better, thank you, Mother Zheng, for visiting me. I still occasionally have headaches, and my mind feels a bit foggy.

Chen Lan remained silent for a moment before nodding: "I understand what you have said. I will thank the old lady on behalf of Mama later."

Only Chen Yongzhan has achieved remarkable military exploits, and his prowess in the pursuit of beauty is also widely renowned. After marrying his primary wife, due to his long-term postings away from home, he maintained numerous concubines, and even kept dozens of household servants, making him well-known among the noble families and distinguished officials in the capital. Moreover, he is even more famous for having survived through five dynasties, having faced charges multiple times and been reinstated just as many, yet he remained unyielding, living to the age of eighty-eight

Mother Zheng nodded with satisfaction, but did not stop there; instead, she continued to give Chen Lan a thorough set of instructions. Chen Lan, feeling lost in the current situation, nodded in agreement from time to time, putting on a humble demeanor as she naturally extracted a wealth of information and received numerous kind reminders. After Mother Zheng personally helped her to bed and left with a large group of people, she finally turned inward and began to reflect.

However, although there were many women around him, his first wife passed away early, leaving no children. His second wife, the Zhu family, bore only one legitimate daughter, while only three illegitimate sons grew up smoothly. Additionally, there were several illegitimate daughters who had already married.