Chapter 2

The concubine in this household has a poor reputation, not only among the concubines but also among the sisters, who secretly insult the young girl, saying she is raised like a servant. As a result, one day, the sixth sister, who is two years younger than her, called her out in person, leading to a scuffle between them as they rolled on the ground. Consequently, the madam ordered someone to hold her down and administer several strokes.

Sister San smiled as she gently touched her younger sister's face, but in the blink of an eye, she let out a sigh

After kneeling for a while, Xuelan's knees became extremely uncomfortable

Upon seeing Xuelan enter, Aunt Li immediately tugged at her sleeve and knelt down with a thud, her movements so fluid that it left onlookers in awe

Two sisters, holding oiled paper umbrellas, walk through the porch. The courtyard is square-shaped, divided into the front and back sections. The front section features a spacious and well-laid stone and brick pathway leading to the main house. The back section is a refined courtyard with a garden and a small pond, surrounded by a large circle of single-story houses where the women reside

The old woman did not linger, and it was unclear whether it was due to the effects of opium, but bright streaks of moisture flowed from the corners of her eyes and mouth. After yawning, she waved her hand at Xuelan and then lay down.

Fifth sister was wrong, truly wrong, I implore the master and mistress for forgiveness... How pitiful it is to speak such words

I had intended to indulge in a hearty meal, but I found that the young ladies around me were only taking small bites, with not even the sound of chewing or sipping soup. They only served themselves from the two dishes in front of them. Each one sat up straight, with careful movements, making it seem less like a meal and more like a meeting

This is smoking opium, isn't it

Madam said a few words to you, all for your own good. Do not be ungrateful, understood

It is not for us to say that her temper is so bad and that she is obsessed with books; how will she manage when she gets married in the future? If this gets out, it will tarnish the reputation of our entire family of daughters

Xuelan carefully backed out, her knees numb and unable to walk at all; she had been kneeling for nearly an hour

I... I will provide everyone with something that is not...

What are you dissatisfied with? Did Sixth Sister also say something wrong about your aunt? The lady's half-smiling remark forced the prideful young girl to jump into the pond

If one speaks an unpleasant word and then seeks death, which good family would still want them

Xuelan quietly fiddled with the rice grains in her bowl. On the table, there were a total of 10 dishes and 2 soups, both meat and vegetarian, with vibrant colors. Just looking at them made her stomach feel as if it were infested with worms, twisting and turning, rumbling loudly.

This entire family, in a state of uproar, made Xuelan feel exhausted just by looking at them

Xuelan did not recognize who was who at all

As a modern individual, aside from kneeling to heaven, to the earth, and to one's parents, kneeling to others often evokes a sense of humiliation to one's dignity. Moreover, when she knelt in this dining hall, it was as if she was kneeling to everyone present, bowing her head to the entire room, and she even noticed someone subtly curling their lips in a smirk.

Alright, let's eat.

Xuelan only recognizes a few familiar faces, all of whom visit her frequently

With a determined heart and closed eyes, Xuelan began to knock her head repeatedly.

Moreover, it is quite frustrating to kneel before a stranger, an elderly woman, and she simply allows you to remain in that position, as if she hasn't seen you at all

Later, I learned that the Liu family had only been wealthy for one generation. In the past, they operated a rice shop, but suddenly became prosperous in the early years of the Republic. Consequently, they aspired to emulate the lifestyle of those from official and scholarly families. Mr. Liu not only spent money to secure an official position in the government but also sent both of his sons to university and his daughters to school to receive an education.

Seven or eight maids dressed in floral jackets were busy serving dishes and pouring wine. A total of three tables were set up: one table was occupied by the master, the mistress, and several male relatives; another table was for the girls and an aunt who had returned home; the last table was entirely for the concubines

"Sir, Madam, Fifth Sister has come to apologize. She has been lamenting her mistakes all day, hoping to bow to Madam and earn her forgiveness for her youthful ignorance. Please, Madam, spare her this time. Fifth Sister, quickly! Bow to Sir and Madam."

Although it is couched in concern, it is either a lesson or a jab

Xuelan endured that feeling of frustration, bowed her head to her, and quietly repeated the words her third sister had taught her

Those unfamiliar family members mostly rolled their eyes at her, coolly calling out, 'Fifth Sister, you’re out.'

The person speaking these words is quite self-righteous, almost indignant. Despite her young age, she shows no embarrassment in reprimanding others, her little mouth chattering away like a machine gun, firing off remarks in all directions

Her aged voice carried a sticky quality, reminiscent of the cigarette she had just smoked

The side room of the main hall was preparing dinner, and many oil lamps were lit inside. The flickering lights cast the shadows of everyone on the walls, creating a dazzling spectacle for the onlookers

Thus, Xuelan could only pick at the rice grains, at most managing to pick up a chopstick full of the celery in front of her. When she stayed indoors all day, there was still meat, vegetables, and thin porridge, along with hot steamed buns; this meal was truly uncomfortable to eat

Indeed, this child should be taught a lesson

Do not be angry, Auntie. She is just a child; how much can she understand? It is not that they have pressured her too much..." Third Sister advised.

Do not behave like this in the future, learn to be more dignified. Seeking death is tiresome; no matter how many lives you have, it will never be enough for you to waste. The old lady has been driven to illness by your actions. Is there anyone as unfilial as you?

Xuelan was already quite anxious, and now she is even more so. It is uncertain whether this is a compensation or not; should one kneel and bow, or squat down and wave a handkerchief?

However, circumstances are stronger than individuals. In such an incomprehensible situation, what else can she do but silently accept it

Finally, the old woman handed the smoking pipe to a maid behind her and then slowly sat up

The rain is still falling, and the sky is about to turn completely dark

The old lady is wearing a deep blue vest with longevity patterns, and beneath her skirt are two small feet clad in brown embroidered shoes, which are not as long as a person's palm. On her head, she wears a black-bordered headband, adorned with a gold pendant and a jade hairpin, resembling an old witch from a comic strip.

Enough, enough, don't be so hot-tempered in the future. Fortunately, nothing happened; if you had died, not to mention how your concubine and Fifth Sister would feel, wouldn't our Madam be filled with guilt? Later, make sure to bow and apologize to Madam properly

Her elder sister, Liu Sanjie, is fifteen years old this year. She resembles Aunt Li very much, with a snow-white face, arched eyebrows, and large eyes. She is wearing a blue cotton jacket, paired with a black cloth skirt and black cotton shoes.

I am furious; look at the mischief you have caused

This is Liu Sijie, who was also born of a concubine. However, listening to her defend the madam, one might think she is protecting her own mother.

A group of women were chattering away, harshly criticizing Xuelan and Aunt Li with pointed remarks and barbed comments

Kneeling on the hard, cold brick floor, how can it not be uncomfortable

Later, I will bow to the master and the lady, and this matter will be considered settled

In a formal sitting posture, a woman dressed in a blue satin cotton jacket tidied her loose hair by her ear and spoke in a neutral tone

After this, the atmosphere at the table became lively

She walked over and took Xuelan's hand, smiling as she said, "Did you hear that? Everyone is thinking of you, so why not quickly apologize to everyone."

Her strength is considerable, and Xuelan can hardly resist.

Xuelan originally thought that Aunt Li had a fiery temper, but to her surprise, Aunt Li was smiling and would echo even the most unpleasant remarks.

Fifth sister realizes her mistake, causing the elderly lady to feel upset. In the future, she will listen carefully and will not dare to do so again

Before entering the house, Liu Sanjie was still tugging at her ears, saying: "Once you go in, don't resist. If I tell you to kneel, don't get up. If I scold you, listen carefully. If you dare to be stubborn again, you will never think of going out for the rest of your life"

No need for that, I cannot afford it. If any harsh words are said again, Miss Wu might seek her end, and I would be wrongfully accused of her death

Their father, Liu Pinsan, also known as Lord Liu, along with one wife and five concubines, had a total of seven daughters and three sons

Sister San was still waiting at the door, and seeing her come out in full form, she let out a sigh of relief

"Quick, bow to the madam," Aunt Li directly pressed Xuelan's head to the ground

Xuelan then realized that Liu Wujie was truly angry and had jumped into the pond. Aunt Li was originally a woman from the brothel, born into the red corner, specializing in singing the role of a young male character. She was not a virtuous woman, but was favored by Master Liu and brought back home.

The seven aunts and eight uncles...

Then Xuelan was led into the main room and bowed her head to an elderly woman sitting at the head of the kang

Finally, she dryly remarked.

Liu Wujie, this young girl, receives a modern education befitting a lady of high standing, yet lives in a closed household characterized by multiple wives and concubines. This is a perfect combination of high aspirations and low status, so it is not surprising that such a result has come to pass

Aunt Li's expression changed, and she lay on the bed crying

After returning to the house from the meal, Aunt Li threw the teacup.

Xuelan glanced at the smoking pipe, noticing that it was unlike an ordinary tobacco pipe; instead, it had a bulbous, garlic-like bowl. The black tobacco oil caught fire, flickering intermittently, emitting a pungent and acrid odor.

When Xuelan was kneeling on the ground, the old woman was leaning against the kang head, puffing out smoke. She squinted her eyes, her wrinkled face appearing drowsy, not uttering a single word

Upon leaving the house, I did not encounter many friendly faces

Did you make a mistake?

Finally, after bowing his head several times in Selangor, a dignified male voice finally spoke

This family appears to have strict rules, with great attention paid to clothing, food, housing, and transportation, yet it is still quite chaotic

Xuelan found it very strange

Eldest sister and second sister have both married, and elder brother and second brother have also taken wives. The elder brother even has two concubines and three children.