Chapter 2, Great Change (Middle)

In a corner of the mourning hall, Zhang Han, who insisted on keeping vigil for a night after waking up, was bowing her head and burning paper money one by one. From time to time, she would raise her head to glance at the glaring spirit tablet. Rather than feeling sorrowful, it was more accurate to say she felt an emptiness that was unfathomable.

The scene she heard in the evening constantly pierced her heart. Just thinking about how Zhang Changyong had announced with a face full of sorrow that Mother Zheng had "died for her master" made her wish she could escape through the door immediately, leaving this terrifying place behind.

Just as she felt a dull ache in her head from thinking too much, a chilling noise suddenly came from outside, as if someone was straining to scream with a hoarse voice but could not make a sound, or as if someone was rolling on the ground in agony. She could hardly suppress her curiosity to go down and take a look, but ultimately her reaction was to tightly shut her eyes.

You ... ... you ... ...

The lady of the governor, hailing from a prestigious family, could not cure them, and now they can only blame the illness on themselves

"Wait until you descend to the Nine Netherworlds before we speak!" Mother Song stood up and kicked Mother Zheng in disgust. Seeing someone die with their eyes wide open, she couldn't help but feel a bit creeped out. She squatted down several times to try to close the eyelids, but they wouldn't shut no matter what. Infuriated, she cursed under her breath and then said fiercely, "This is your retribution for pretending to be a loyal servant all day! You walk your own narrow path, and I will walk my own broad road. Only you will go to hell; who told you to only recognize the lady and not the master!"

In the dim room, seeing Mother Zheng on the ground with disheveled hair and blood flowing from her seven orifices, she finally managed to utter these two words from her throat, as if she had exhausted all her strength, her chest heaving violently. Mother Song couldn't help but let out a chilling smile: "After you leave, I will be the only one left among the maidservants brought by the lady from the Hou residence. Of course, I will serve the master and the young lady well, taking care of the lady's dowry properties. You can rest assured and leave!"

Entering through the lifted curtain was Zhang Changyong. Zhang Yu had never been afraid of this father; with a shout, she rushed out without looking back. It was only then that Zhang Qi, who was at a loss, reacted, hastily taking a couple of steps as if to chase after her, but was stopped by Zhang Changyong.

Unconsciously tossing a few pieces of paper money into the charcoal basin, she suddenly heard a faint sound of footsteps behind her. She quickly lowered her head and said: "Godmother, although I am sorry to you, since my sister has spoken today, I will no longer shamelessly stay in the Zhang family. Tomorrow, I will return home to observe mourning for you for a year. Your kindness to me, I will remember for the rest of my life."

Zhang Han nodded firmly upon seeing the little girl, forcing a smile to thank her. As she walked out, she couldn't help but feel a bit dazed. Even without Zhang Yu's urging to leave, she had long intended to depart from the Zhang family, a place fraught with troubles. Due to Madam Gu's instructions, she was not allowed to return home casually. Therefore, she had arranged with Sister Liu, who did business on the back street, a long time ago. Each month, Sister Liu would visit her family to see her mother and younger brother, and in return, she would buy some embroidery threads and similar items from her. However, this time, just when she hoped Sister Liu would send a message for her mother to come and pick her up, her family was taken away by someone else. Zhang Qi even mentioned that Mama Song had inquired about her family, which was rather unusual

Zhang Han arrived at the back door of the government office, burdened with thoughts. She was surprised to see two sturdy maidservants guarding the entrance, clearly from the Zhang family. She hesitated and did not rush out, but instead naturally turned into the office of Lu Tongzhi. As a frequent visitor, before entering Miss Lu's room, she called over an eight-year-old girl who was skipping rope outside, gave her a few coins, and instructed her briefly. The girl immediately dropped the rope and ran out. Only then did she enter the room and casually find a reason to chat with Miss Lu for a while. As a frequent visitor, before entering Miss Lu's room, she called over an eight-year-old girl who was skipping rope outside, gave her a few coins, and instructed her briefly. The girl immediately dropped the rope and ran out. Only then did she enter the room and casually find a reason to chat with Miss Lu for a while

"Miss, Miss, Madam... Madam has passed away..."

After waiting for a considerable time, Zhang Han still did not see the young girl return, which finally allowed her to breathe a sigh of relief. She did not recklessly move her body, but instead carefully contemplated what to do next

The soft call lasted only a brief moment, and soon faded away with a series of light footsteps. However, Zhang Han still dared not move at all; even in the absence of any sound from outside, she remained rigidly in her position, her mind racing to contemplate what had just occurred.

Miss, Miss Han

With her eyes closed and lying still, Zhang Han remained attentive to the sounds outside. Initially, all she could hear was the restless little girl shaking the chair. It was unclear how long she had endured this prolonged wait until she finally heard Mama Song calling from outside. The little girl then scampered out the door, followed by sounds of agreement and acknowledgment. In a moment, the outside fell silent once more

Was someone picked up?

Upon witnessing this scene, Zhang Changyong was taken aback, while Zhang Qi hurriedly stepped forward to assist the person. Mother Zheng was also startled, calling for the maid and instructing someone outside to summon a doctor. After a considerable amount of commotion, they finally managed to settle the person in the eastern side room. Because Madam Gu's illness had persisted, two doctors from the government office, trembling with apprehension, came to take her pulse. After exchanging glances, they firmly concluded that it was due to excessive fatigue and lack of rest.

Zhang Han's expression suddenly became somewhat dazed. Zhang Changyong stepped forward, smiling as he tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear: "Although Guide Prefecture was once prosperous, it is no longer what it used to be. To have raised someone of your character is truly exceptional. After following your godmother for so many years, you should have learned that the local gentry is worth nothing compared to the true noble families in the capital. Do you intend to let your parents casually arrange a marriage, thus ruining your future?"

During this period when Madam Gu was seriously ill, Zhang Yu's health had always been poor, and Zhang Qi was also untrusting. It was only Zhang Hanyi, Zheng Mama, and a few maidservants who were attending to her. In the process, they had also collapsed twice, so when the diagnosis was made, no one else found it strange. Zhang Changyong left the prescription, instructed to take the doctor out, and left a little maidservant to assist before exiting the eastern room. Zhang Qi did not dare to linger, offering a few words of advice before following him out.

For now, I will pretend to be ill for a few days, and then find a way to let that little girl slip out a couple of words, allowing Zhang Yu to take the opportunity to create a disturbance. I could use the excuse of being unwell to have myself driven out, or I could simply feign illness to seek help from my godfather Zhang Changyong, trying to find a way to return home. However, compared to how to get back, it is more important to understand why there suddenly seems to be no one at home.

Upon entering the west chamber, she saw Madam Gu on the bed, seemingly asleep, appearing even more serene than when she was ill. Beside her, Mama Zheng had a waxen complexion and dull eyes. However, before she could approach, Zhang Yu suddenly turned her head, staring at her for a long moment before abruptly rising and saying sharply: "You are so attentive in front of Mother usually, yet at this moment you keep your distance. You ungrateful wretch! We do not need your feigned kindness here; get out, get far away!"

Zhang He and Tu Shuhan were infuriated by the malicious glare from Zhang Yu. Although she wanted to turn and leave, she remembered the teachings of Madam Gu and still spoke in a low voice: "After all these years of guidance from my godmother, I bowed my head to her and then left"

Despite being mentally prepared, when the young girl rushed over to deliver the news, Zhang Han, who had just returned to the back garden with a heavy heart, shivered involuntarily and hurriedly lifted her skirt to run back. Sure enough, as she reached the front door, she heard Zhang Yu's cries for her mother coming from inside. Realizing that the cries sounded more like a dry wail, she hesitated for a moment before finally stepping inside.

Sister Zheng, could it be that you do not wish to accompany the lady? This is the master's grace bestowed upon you. Who does not know that among the entire household, you are the most loyal to the lady? Now that the lady is gone, your loyalty in death would be a great honor and reputation for a loyal servant. Even if the two marquis families learn of this, they will surely provide benefits to your relatives at home. Rest assured, the men and children in your family will be well taken care of by the master

Zhang Changyong stared intently at the girl before him. Although she wore no makeup and her smooth face showed signs of slight swelling around her eyes, dressed only in a loose hemp garment and adorned with a mourning ribbon on her head, she nevertheless exuded a captivating charm that evoked sympathy. After narrowing his eyes slightly, he gently said: "You need not worry. Although your godmother is no longer here, from now on, I will treat you just as well as she did."

She cannot stay in this house any longer; she must return home as soon as possible

Zhang Han originally hoped that Zhang Changyong would follow Zhang Yu's wishes and let her return, but at this moment, she couldn't help but feel greatly disappointed. Nevertheless, she still nodded in agreement. After bowing three times to Madam Gu, a sudden idea sprang to her mind, and she unexpectedly collapsed forward.

"What outsider? Your godmother treats you as family, and I do the same!" Zhang Changyong interrupted Zhang Han's words with a smile on his face, yet the words he spoke were starkly contrary to this warm sentiment, "As for idle talk, who in the family dares to speak recklessly? They will be dealt with immediately! Your godmother has raised you for so many years, and naturally, she has long regarded you as a member of the Zhang family."

Suddenly hearing these words, and recalling the death of Mother Zheng, Zhang Han felt a chill run down her spine and hurriedly declined, saying: "Godfather, how can this be? I am an outsider, and being young, I cannot command respect. This will inevitably lead to gossip..."

Zhang Yu let out a cold laugh and was about to retort, when a furious shout came from the doorway: "Enough! Your mother has just passed away, and you are here making such a commotion. What kind of decorum is this for others to see and hear! What did you promise your mother before? Why are you causing a scene now!"

Ah, I wanted that wretched girl to witness your fate as well, but I never expected she would actually faint. She still hasn't woken up, and I went to the trouble of sending everyone away!

Zhang Han was already quite wary of Zhang Changyong. Upon hearing this, he quickly knelt and bowed, saying: "Thank you, godfather, for your concern. I am fine, but my sister's health has always been poor, and now she is overly distressed. It is more urgent to have a doctor examine her first."

Well, well, with mother gone, you are still helping this outsider!

Zhang Han in the room listened intently to everything happening outside, and was momentarily struck with a chilling fear. The words spoken by Mama Song revealed too many unbelievable pieces of information, especially the shocking revelation that the murder of Mama Zheng was actually orchestrated by Zhang Changyong, which left her trembling with fear. She forced herself to keep her eyes closed and pretended to be asleep. When another rustling sound came, she still cautiously maintained her motionless posture, her mouth and nose producing even breaths.

Zhang Han cautiously raised her head and saw Zhang Changyong, who was dressed in a linen robe. She quickly stood up, paid her respects, and called him "godfather." Then she lowered her eyes and said, "Godfather, you are right. However, I am indeed an outsider, and it would be inappropriate for me to continue staying here. Moreover, my sister has just fallen ill and cannot even attend the mourning rites. She is currently recuperating, so why should I cause her any distress? If her condition worsens, it would be my fault."

Suddenly, her ears sharply caught a sound, as if someone had lifted the curtain of the door nearby, and that chilling sound grew louder in an instant. With her heart racing, she tried her best to remain perfectly still, and the next moment, a cold laugh reached her ears

The night has deepened, and there is not a whisper of wind outside. The branches and leaves of the large locust tree in front of the mourning hall remain motionless under the pale moonlight, casting heavy shadows that appear increasingly eerie. The cries that rose and fell throughout the day in the mourning hall are now almost inaudible, with only the occasional sound of soft weeping breaking the silence.

Zhang Han recognized the voices of Mama Song and the book, and was immediately startled by the malicious title and the words "the outcome," causing his heart to tremble. In a moment, the curtain fell, and shortly thereafter, Mama Song's voice sounded somewhat faint due to the barrier of the curtain.

As she waited for a reaction behind her, a voice finally reached her ears: "What a brazen thing to say, although your godmother has passed away, you may continue to live in the Zhang family. Yu'er was momentarily overwhelmed with grief; do not hold it against her. If your godmother were to have any spirit in the heavens, she would not wish for you to be overly saddened and harm your health."

She is about to leave, it is better to avoid unnecessary trouble

Life and death are predetermined, wealth and nobility are in the hands of heaven; even emperors and high-ranking officials cannot escape death. If she is so narrow-minded, that is her fate, and regardless of good or bad, it cannot be blamed on you

When she came out, the little girl had already returned. Seeing her come out, she hurriedly approached and said: "Miss Han, that old woman Liu who sells needles and threads said she went to your house yesterday, but there was no one at home. She knocked on the door for quite a while but received no response. After asking the neighbors, she was told that someone had taken your family away."

Behind the Guide Prefectural Yamen, in addition to the Prefect Zhang Changyong, there were originally several subordinate officials such as the Deputy Prefect and the Assistant Prefect. However, Zhang Changyong, hailing from a wealthy family in the capital and a two-time successful candidate in the imperial examinations, had the powerful Yue family backing him, which naturally deterred anyone from competing with him. The other families gradually moved out, leaving only the Deputy Prefect Lu, who had a good relationship with Zhang Changyong, occupying a small area.

It is indeed your attentiveness. That girl Yu'er is fortunate to have a sister like you looking after her; I wonder how many lifetimes of good fortune it took for her to deserve this. Yet, she remains unaware of her blessings. As for Qi'er, although others may look down on her, you have always treated her with kindness. Han'er, your godmother has just passed away. Although there are still two aunts in the house, they are of little use, and Yu'er's health is so fragile that it could be blown away by a gust of wind. Therefore, I have thought it over, and for the time being, it would be best if you managed the household affairs.

Mother Zheng glared fiercely at Mother Song, and finally managed to utter a sentence with all her strength, though her voice was somewhat unclear: "Song Xinlian, I will haunt you even as a ghost!"

"Let her go! Her willful and arrogant temper needs to be changed!" Upon saying this, Zhang Changyong nodded to Zhang Han with a gentle expression and said, "Han'er, you should bow a few times to your godmother; it would not be in vain for you two as mother and daughter. If you want to leave, there's no need to mention it further."