Chapter 1, Great Change (Part 1)

Madam, you need not worry; everything has already been arranged. I will do my utmost to take care of the young lady, even at the cost of my life. I will certainly convey these words to the young lady in the future

Upon seeing Zhang Qi leave, Zhang Han felt a chill in her heart from her words. She caught a glimpse of Mama Song's sharp gaze, which had never left her. A thought crossed her mind, and she decided not to return to the east wing, where even the furniture and decor had been personally overseen by Madam Gu. Instead, she simply walked straight out of the courtyard

Seeing Zhang Changyong leave the room without looking back, Madam Gu finally withdrew her gaze, but weakly said to Zhang Yu and Zhang Han: "You both may leave as well... Go and call Mama Zheng in, I have something to instruct her."

In the main west side room, there were not many people in the spacious space at this moment. In front of the inlaid bed against the wall, two young girls were kneeling there, both with tears streaming down their faces. Behind them stood a middle-aged man with a gloomy expression, and behind him was a timid, slender young girl. On the bed, a haggard woman was weakly leaning against the large pillow, appearing to be only around thirty-four or thirty-five years old. At this moment, one of her hands was tightly gripping the hand of a girl at the edge of the bed, her voice hoarse and faint.

The girl whose hand was tightly grasped is Zhang Yu, the legitimate eldest daughter of Zhang Changyong, the governor of Guidé. At this moment, seeing her mother’s anxious inquiry, she wiped the corner of her eyes with a handkerchief, and her eyes immediately turned red. After a long while, she finally uttered three barely audible words: "I remember..."

You know it, and that's enough

Upon hearing these words, Zhang Han merely tightened her handkerchief and said in a low voice: "I am originally a person with both a father and a mother; when the time comes, I will naturally return to my own home"

Since six years ago, when she was taken by her mother to offer incense at the Guide Prefecture City God Temple, she fortuitously saved Madam Gu's daughter, Zhang Yu, who had suddenly fainted among the flowers. Consequently, Madam Gu often invited her to the yamen for a visit, ultimately recognizing her as a goddaughter and insisting that she stay at their home to accompany her daughter. Naturally, her mother was initially unwilling to let her daughter leave home, and she herself was reluctant as well. However, Madam Gu explained the benefits to her mother and promised to look after her father and elder brother, who were serving in the military. Considering that her younger siblings were still small and worrying about her husband and son outside, her mother wept for a while while holding her, and in the end, had no choice but to send her away with a heavy heart.

The contracts are all in this box. Before Yu'er gets married, you must take good care of these items. Remember, these are all for Yu'er. Even my mother and my second brother do not know how much profit my dowry has generated over the years, nor how many new items have been acquired. You must not reveal the details to them; at most, you can hand over the previous properties for them to manage. If they truly wish to help me, they would not have allowed me to waste so many years here with my daughter.

Good, as long as you remember!

Upon hearing this, Mama Song quickly rushed forward and pulled the door curtain open a tiny bit. She immediately saw Mama Zheng receiving a small red lacquer box with a little brass lock from Madam Gu. Recognizing it as the item she had inadvertently glimpsed once in the dark cabinet by Madam Gu's bedside, she couldn't help but take a deep breath and then squinted her eyes.

Remember, by currently having control over Zhang Han's family, when the time comes, as long as she accompanies the concubine, with the skills I have taught her, she will certainly be able to establish herself in the back courtyard of the Wang residence. Moreover, considering her family, she will not overstep Yu'er, and after giving birth, she can still present the child to Yu'er. As long as you help Yu'er firmly grasp the internal authority, she will be able to sit back and watch the tigers fight, enjoying a lifetime of wealth and honor without end, and I will be able to rest easy.

"Master, there is no need to comfort me with pictures and books; do I not know my own body?" Madam Gu cast a scornful glance at the illegitimate daughter Zhang Qi, who did not even dare to raise her head behind Zhang Changyong. A hint of silent cold laughter appeared at the corner of her mouth, yet her voice softened further, "I have been strong all my life, yet after all these years, I have not been able to bear a child for the master. Now that I am leaving, I feel I have let down the ancestors of the Zhang family. I have already written to the capital, asking my mother and second brother to help the master choose a reputable and virtuous young lady..." I have been strong all my life, yet after all these years, I have not been able to bear a child for the master. Now that I am leaving, I feel I have let down the ancestors of the Zhang family. I have already written to the capital, asking my mother and second brother to help the master choose a reputable and virtuous young lady..."

However, after spending a long time in Zhangjia, she discerned that Madam Gu's feelings towards her were less of affection and more of curiosity. Madam Gu invited renowned masters to teach her music, chess, poetry, and dance, as well as skilled seamstresses to instruct her in embroidery and tailoring. She also engaged learned scholars to impart the teachings and admonitions for women, along with classical texts. The instruction was strict and unyielding, and she often faced punishment for failing to meet those harsh expectations

Under the blazing sun, the courtyard of the Guide Prefectural Office is shrouded in a thick haze of sorrow. The servants coming in and out hold their breath, fearful that any noise might provoke the displeasure of the master within. At the entrance of the five main rooms in the courtyard, a woman in her forties stands solemnly guard, while inside the yard, another woman of similar age but more robust stature watches two young maids preparing medicine, pacing back and forth. Occasionally, she stops to glance into the house, shaking her head and sighing deeply.

Madam Gu, lying on the bed, turned her head with difficulty to glance at her husband standing behind her, and her gaze fell upon another young girl kneeling in front of the bed: "Han'er, do you remember what I told you?"

Zhang Han is not Madam Gu's biological daughter, yet she has lived in the Zhang family for ten months out of each year over the past several years. This response was given clearly, without any hint of ambiguity. Upon hearing this, a faint smile finally appeared on Madam Gu's face. She reached out and firmly squeezed Zhang Han's hand, saying "Good child," before finally raising her gaze.

Yuer, do you remember everything I said to you

At this point, she slightly raised her voice and said, "I will return to my room first," and hurriedly walked away. A little maid who had come with her took a moment to react and hurriedly chased after her

This statement immediately caused Zhang Yu to change color slightly, and after a while, she stammered, "Mother asked me to work together with Sister Han to manage this household well, and not to act willfully in any matters."

"Yes, my godmother asked me to take good care of my sister and not let her suffer any grievances"

Zhang Yu disdainfully curled her lips and glanced back at Zhang Qi with contempt. Seeing her half-sister hurriedly lower her head, not daring to meet her gaze, she raised an eyebrow and, without looking back, strode away, supported by a maid. Watching her retreating figure, Zhang Han bit her lip, feeling little dissatisfaction; instead, she felt a sense of relief.

Master, after I leave, I have no other concerns, only that I am most worried about Yu'er and Han'er. I hope that, considering our bond as husband and wife...

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yu immediately lowered her head and replied affirmatively before standing up. Meanwhile, Zhang Han tucked the quilt for Madam Gu before following suit. Behind them, Zhang Qi did not dare to approach and instead stood in place, bending her knees to pay her respects, silently following the two ahead out of the room. Once they exited the main room, Zhang Yu conveyed her mother's message for the waiting Mama Zheng to enter. Mama Zheng called over a young maid to watch at the door and then sidled into the room. At this moment, Zhang Yu cast a scornful sidelong glance at Zhang Han. After exiting the main room, Zhang Yu conveyed her mother's message for the waiting Mama Zheng to enter. Mama Zheng called over a young maid to watch at the door and then sidled into the room. At this moment, Zhang Yu cast a scornful sidelong glance at Zhang Han.

Madam! Zhang Changyong could not help but once again admonish Madam Gu, his expression darkening as he said, "After so many years of marriage, is it necessary to bring up these baseless matters in front of the children? The two doctors outside are currently deliberating on the prescription. I will go and ask them what the situation is. If it is not feasible, we will find a more capable expert!"

With the sound of coughing, Mother Zheng hurriedly advised, "Madam, do not be upset. As long as you take care of your health, in the future, with the help of the Marquis and the Young Marquis, the Master will surely be able to rise in rank and title!"

Zhang Yu has suffered from a physical ailment since childhood, resulting in a frail constitution. However, her temper is irritable and quick to anger. As she observes Madam Gu showing her more attention, she often resorts to cold sarcasm and ridicule, and does not hesitate to create obstacles for her. Unable to confide in others, it appears that she lives a life of luxury and comfort in the mansion, yet the suffering she endures is not something that can be shared with outsiders

Fortunately, although Zhang Qi, the half-sister of Zhang Yu, is timid, she possesses a kind heart. One of them is in an awkward position as a resident of the government office, while the other, being a concubine's child, is not given much attention. Over time, although they dare not speak much in front of others, they quietly look out for each other behind the scenes, finally having someone to converse with.

As soon as she left, Mama Song immediately instructed two young maids to keep an eye on the medicine's cooking time, while she quickly made her way to the front of the main room. She glanced at the young maid guarding the door, noticing that the girl was looking down and did not dare to speak. Only then did she confidently lift the curtain and enter. Indeed, upon entering the room, she found that there was not a single person in the main room, while soft voices could be heard coming from the side room.

I no longer have any expectations... It's just a pity that my elder brother, who cared for me the most, left even earlier than I did; otherwise, he would never have allowed himself to watch...

The several young princes of the capital are of a similar age to Yu'er. If Yu'er remains in good health, with her maternal grandmother making decisions, and considering our sisterly bond, the Prince of Zi, whom my elder sister has proposed, is indeed a suitable match for Yu'er. I have come to understand that no matter how esteemed the officials and ministers may be, they cannot compare to the royal family. However, Yu'er is proud and haughty, and given her frail constitution, it is not easy for her to bear children. This is why I have kept Zhang Han by my side for so many years

Mother has truly lost her senses, allowing me, her own daughter, to work hand in hand with an outsider like you! Don't think that just because you have received a bit of Mother's favor, you can truly consider yourself a Miss of the Zhang family. You are nothing more than a pet kept by Mother for her amusement. If Mother were not here, the first thing you would do is get out of here!

Upon hearing this, Mother Song secretly let out a cold laugh, quietly lowered the curtain in her hand, and silently retreated. Once she exited the main room, she noticed the little maid who had just let her in was silent, and the two maids watching the medicine furnace also did not lift their heads. She walked back as if nothing had happened, yet a few traces of a sinister light flickered in her eyes.

"Enough!" Zhang Changyong finally could not help but interrupt his wife's words, and then he said decisively, "The doctor said your condition still has great potential for improvement. Why are you speaking such pessimistic words! Just focus on taking care of yourself and don't think about these nonsensical things. Even if you don't think of me or our daughters, you should consider your mother in the capital who is of your age. How could it have come to this!"

Then please say it again

Yes, madam, rest assured

It was I who misjudged him back in the day... I thought he was a top scholar, a successful candidate in the imperial examinations. The emperor's establishment of the realm also relied on civil officials to manage it, so among so many people, he was surprisingly chosen. Who would have known he was just a good-for-nothing? After being released from the capital, he stumbled through many years in office, and he only managed to become the governor of Guidé, which is even less than those students from the Imperial Academy. Instead, I am blamed for not giving him a son... cough...

"Sister Han, the eldest sister must have been momentarily overwhelmed by our mother's illness; do not take it to heart." After Zhang Qi offered this advice, she noticed that Mama Song, who had been focused on preparing the medicine, was now casting a sharp glance in their direction. She hurriedly lowered her head, but her lips moved slightly, unnoticed by others, as she added, "Additionally, I heard that Mama Song inquired about your family's residence a few days ago."