Chapter 6, Upwind

He is only 8 years old; what use would it be to bring him to the capital?

Before her, there was no scene of a harem being swept by red waves as she had imagined. In front of the window, there was a table on the kang, where Zhang Changyong and Zhang Han sat facing each other. On the table were four small dishes, and Zhang Han was pouring wine for Zhang Changyong, not even lifting her eyelids to glance at her! At this moment, she felt that the lightness and pleasure she had just experienced had receded completely like a tide, replaced by a mix of shock and anger.

Madam Song could hardly believe her ears when such a sudden turn of events occurred after just half a day's effort. Almost instinctively, she shouted in a high-pitched voice: "Sir, do not be deceived by this wretched girl; she must be fabricating lies to fool you. How can you let her go to the capital? Isn't that akin to letting a tiger return to the mountain?"

Madam Song did not expect Zhang Han to suddenly bring this up. Seeing Zhang Changyong looking at her with a somewhat cold gaze, she immediately felt a bit flustered. After a while, she finally forced a smile and said: "Sir, I just wanted to take Changqing to the capital to see the world..."

Where is the master

No wonder people say that beauty brings disaster... As a woman, if one lacks a family background and the ability to protect oneself, or if one does not encounter an exceptionally good man, then most will end in tragedy! In the past, when Madam Gu inadvertently said this to Mother Zheng, she was too young to understand, but now she finally comprehends!

Mother Song was well aware that the leverage she held could certainly threaten Zhang Changyong, but unless she was willing to sacrifice her family's safety and lives, this matter could never be brought to light; otherwise, it would be a case of mutual destruction. She did not care about her useless husband and the books, but her son was her heart's flesh. At this moment, no matter how unwilling she was to leave her son in Guidufu, she could only swallow her anger and accept this situation. As for what Zhang Changyong mentioned about Zhang Han suggesting moving to another courtyard, she had thought of it before but had not yet had the chance to bring it up. The matter of purchasing another maid was clearly a precaution taken by Zhang Han against her sending a maid to spy. Yet, no matter how furious she was, she could only endure it.

Alright! Zhang Changyong recalled how just now, in a moment of urgency, Mama Song had spoken to him without regard for social hierarchy, completely forgetting the distinctions of rank. He immediately frowned and said, "The second girl can barely recognize a few characters, and she knows nothing of etiquette and rules. With Huan'er accompanying her to the capital, she can learn various things along the way, and there will be someone to guide her when she encounters any issues. She was personally brought out by the madam, so it will naturally be easier for her to win the favor of the matriarch!"

When Zhang Changyong initially came over for dinner, he felt a lingering regret for not being able to enjoy her beauty. However, as Zhang Han cheerfully explained the personnel matters of the Hou family that Madam Gu had previously mentioned, such as who could speak in front of the matriarch and the Marquis of Wuning, and what connections the Gu family had among the civil officials, he found that his desires were significantly diluted by ambition. After consuming two cups of wine, he even began to feel a bit lightheaded. At this moment, noticing Mama Song staring intently at Zhang Han, he frowned in displeasure and set down his chopsticks.

Hearing a voice coming from behind, Zhang Han finally suppressed her emotions and called out without turning her head. Upon seeing the figure reflected in the bronze mirror, which was the maid Hu'er who had originally been responsible for cleaning, she was momentarily taken aback, realizing that she had now been assigned to assist her with her grooming. Remembering that Zhang Changyong must have dealt with many maids and servants to conceal Zhang Yu's death, either by disposing of them or sending them to the estate, she thought that only a few small pets remained in the house now. Feeling a stir in her heart, she handed over the comb in her hand.

Only then did Mother Song realize the reason why Zhang Han had persuaded Zhang Changyong. She was filled with both anger and hatred, but at this moment, it was clear that Zhang Changyong had already been thoroughly enchanted. Unable to come up with any other arguments to refute this, she could only plead earnestly: "Sir, this matter is of great importance, so please think it over carefully. If this incident were to leak out..."

As the representatives from the two noble houses were about to arrive, coupled with the need to tidy up the previous mess, Mama Song spent the entire day running around inside and out, leaving her utterly exhausted. However, she felt exceptionally light-hearted and joyful.

Jian Hu'er gestured towards the east wing with a slight nod, and Mama Song was momentarily taken aback, soon revealing a sarcastic smile. She walked slowly to the door of the east wing, first clearing her throat gently, and then called out: "Master, I have something to report."

With the passing of Mother Zheng, the household truly cannot do without Mother Song. I have fallen ill again, and I am grateful for her capability

Indeed, I heard that Mama Song was having her little maid help with packing, and she was also preparing clothes for her son, Changqing. Are they going somewhere? If Mama Song is no longer here, this place will be even more disheveled

And let you, this little wretch, revel in your moment of triumph with your bookish frenzy!

There is something I need to inform you; regarding sending Qi'er to the capital this time, I have already decided to have Han'er accompany her.

Miss Han, I am here to assist you with your grooming

Madam Song initially thought that Zhang Changyong would undoubtedly be eager to achieve his goal and would delay for a while before coming out to see her. However, she did not expect to be called in at that moment. Just thinking about what it would be like to see that usually pretentious and pure girl lying on the bed made her lips curl into a smirk as she lifted the door curtain and entered the room. Yet, as she stepped into the southern room, she was taken aback.

Come in

If the news leaks out, everyone will face the same fate. Does Mother Song really think that if I were to inform Lord Wuning or the Madam Tai, they would spare me? Furthermore, my mother's brother is in the Guide Prefecture; even if I do not consider my own safety, I must think of them. By the way, Mother Song, I heard that you are preparing supplies for your son Changqing? This trip to the capital is to send my sister to the Marquis's residence to meet her family and relatives. What do you need to bring such a tiny son along for?

Zhang Changyong recalled that every matter handled by Mama Song was critical, and that Zhang Han and his family were in his hands. If Mama Song were to turn against him, it would be disastrous. Therefore, he immediately stated without any doubt: "I happen to be short of a book boy to assist with my writing in the study, so let him serve in my study. In my spare time, I can also teach him to recognize a few characters. If I am able to successfully return to the capital, I will certainly take him and your man with me.

This slight advantage has indeed come at great difficulty! However, no matter what, we have finally made it through the first hurdle

Of course, it is overwhelming, as the lady has passed away and there are books to manage. Mother Zheng has devoted herself to the cause, and the master, in his anger, has sent many people away. Suddenly, there are so few people left in the house. Fortunately, Mother Song has been running around to take care of things and even borrowed a few people from Chief Chen to help with the cleaning.

Is it possible to manage everything at home?

You ... ...

Unintentionally speaking, yet with intent listening, Zhang Han, who was casually conversing with Hu Er, could not help but tighten his grip on the jade hairpin in his hand upon hearing that Mama Song had already prepared the mother and child’s belongings.

Madam Gu is not a good mistress. When young ladies from other families marry, they often bring along maidservants as dowries, primarily to secure future connections with the main wife or to marry into the family as capable managers, thereby maintaining tight control over both internal and external affairs. However, Madam Gu, at the slightest hint from Zhang Changyong, would immediately and mercilessly send them away. As for the remaining ones, their marriages were entirely based on personal preference. Among the six maidservants, only she and Mama Zheng ultimately became managers. Unlike Mama Zheng, who was foolishly loyal, she always thought of herself first in any situation, and her work was not as efficient as Mama Zheng's. Thus, she never enjoyed much favor in front of Madam Gu. Now that Madam Gu has passed away, she has finally removed the troublesome Mama Zheng and avenged herself, making her steps noticeably lighter.

Despite having found a long-sleeved shirt, the marks on her wrists were impossible to conceal. After much contemplation, Zhang Han could only wrap her wrists with two silk handkerchiefs before sitting down at the dressing table. Looking at the face in the bronze mirror, her slightly swollen eyes did not detract from her radiant beauty; rather, they made her appear even more pitiful. Her unpowdered skin was clear and fair, showing no signs of dullness or yellowing. At that moment, she tightly gripped the rouge box in her hand, barely managing to suppress the urge to smash it against the mirror.

"Mother Song, how many idioms do you know? Is it really that easy to mix things up? What does 'returning the tiger to the mountain' even mean? I am all alone in the capital, which cannot compare to you, who has a whole bunch of relatives working at the Wuning Marquis's residence in the capital. What mountain are you talking about!" Seeing that Mother Song's face turned pale with anger, Zhang Han mockingly said, "As for my mother and brother, they are all in Guidufu; this is my true home!"

After Mother Song agreed one by one and exited the room, she had to negotiate with Zhang Changyong for quite a while to see him off. Only then did Zhang Han let out a sigh of relief; although she could still maintain her composure on the surface, her back was already completely soaked.

"My lord, what is this..."

Hu Er was merely a maid responsible for cleaning, and had never performed such delicate tasks of personal service. Trembling with fear, she combed through the hair a few times, inadvertently pulling out several strands of Zhang Han's hair, which left her in a state of shock. When she saw Zhang Han instead guiding her with a few pointers and speaking to her kindly, she finally relaxed a little. While carefully styling the hair into an updo, she distractedly responded to Zhang Han's words.

By the way, Han'er just told me that the house has just been cleaned, and not everyone is present. It would be quite rare to find two suitable girls among them for Qi'er. Moreover, with so many people around, it would be better for her to buy two girls from outside, train them along the way, and by the time they reach the capital, it would be sufficient. After all, she is not a proper young lady, so there is no need for formality. Additionally, there are too many people in the backyard who recognize Yu'er and Qi'er, so it would be convenient to use the excuse that the madam has passed away and Yu'er is ill with grief, allowing them to stay in a separate courtyard and meet the people from the two marquis families there.