08. Matters of the Government (Part II)

Indeed, it is as if one is bringing up a topic that should not be mentioned, and the matriarch's expression immediately turned somewhat cold. Chu Lianyi, recognizing the situation, sat up from her embrace. The three matrons had only just enjoyed a few days of happiness regarding the Sixth Young Lady's affairs, and now they began to stir up trouble again, fearing that someone might overshadow their prominence in front of the matriarch.

Chu Lianyi pondered for a moment and then smiled, "Indeed strange, I fear that the Gu family has silenced Aunt Gui."

"You little girl." The matron smiled as she patted Chu Lianyi's hand, turning her head to call for the maid Baohe to bring a bowl of peanut paste.

But what does this have to do with the Yan family?" An Xiang became anxious.

On the second day, early in the morning, Chu Lianyi's masters arrived one after another. In the morning, they studied the "Analects" for half an hour and practiced calligraphy for one hour, while the afternoon was scheduled for embroidery.

I observed that the Twelfth Young Lady is indeed a very clever person; after all, the eldest sister-in-law was the most clever person back in the day. The Third Madam, Pang, who was watching the harmonious interaction between Chu Lianyi and the matriarch with a cold gaze, spoke with a smile.

Later on, Chu Lianyi took charge and, at the age of eleven, encouraged Master Jin to open an embroidery shop. They invested one thousand taels of silver to lease a large storefront. Master Jin also hired more than ten young girls to assist in the embroidery work. Due to her skills being from the palace, with fashionable designs and intricate, lively stitching, her products were in high demand in the capital. Many girls and wives with poor embroidery skills would often come to her to purchase embroidered items for their dowries or everyday clothing.

Master Jin has been watching Chu Lianyi grow up since she was five or six years old. Having no children of his own, he regards her as a half-daughter. Naturally, he wants to inquire about the recent incident.

After lunch, I took a brief rest and then heard Anxiang say that Master Jin had arrived

However, the wet nurse truly feels heartache and ripples of pain, as such a beautiful and delicate young lady has been ruined in this lifetime by that unfortunate man from the Yan family

Oh, what food has grandmother prepared? It smells so good

Hmm," Chu Lianyi nodded, "Although autumn is approaching, it is still quite stuffy. Please assist me with my bath.

But now she finds herself unable to act freely. The matriarch is rather soft-hearted, and if she is not careful, her future could be ruined by that group of women. It is uncertain whether her father will stand up for her as his daughter. Thinking about visiting to pay her respects this evening, her father continues to avoid her. The father and daughter have barely seen each other once in half a month; no matter how deep the gratitude for raising her, feelings can still grow distant. Therefore, she must muster her spirits to deal with that entire family.

"Aunt Jin, are you aware of the matters concerning the Yan family?" Chu Lianyi had Shu Ying personally serve tea to Master Jin

When Lady Chu was still around, Chu Lianyi, fearing her mother's strictness, learned a bit. Once Lady Chu was gone, she merely reported for duty, while the ones who earnestly followed Master Jin to learn embroidery were Shuying and Anxiang, with the wet nurse also listening in.

You are quite perceptive, being able to discern the taste of just a bit of walnut and sesame, and even articulate such a lengthy reasoning about it. The matriarch gently tapped Chu Lianyi's forehead

Chu Lianyi took the peanut paste from Baohe's hands, gently sipped a mouthful, squinted her eyes, and curled her lips, as if feeling unsatisfied. She then took a big gulp, savoring it in her mouth for a long time before opening her eyes and smiling, saying: "No wonder the peanut paste in grandmother's house is so delicious; I wonder who had the clever idea to make it this way."

Wei Yu knew that Chu Lianyi did not like to take medicinal soups, so she thought of a way to incorporate those medicines into the meals, instructing Shu Ying, Yun Liu, and Yun Tao to remember this and prepare them for the young lady every day

This inevitably caused a delay until Chu Lianyi returned to the room after dinner

Today, we served Bijiang porridge, three main dishes, and three side dishes, which are respectively: wine-braised conch, five-leaf grilled chicken, and marinated duck meat jerky, along with ginger-spicy radish, salted radish greens, and sesame oil mixed bean sprouts

In this paste, in addition to peanuts, there are also yellow soybeans, which are quite common. The most fragrant ingredients are walnuts, sesame, and red dates. These two are particularly beneficial for women. The "Kaibao Bencao" states that walnut kernels nourish the skin and promote black hair. No wonder there isn't a single white hair to be found on my grandmother's head now.

"Yes, is it alright to prepare mint and honeysuckle soup today?" An Xiang inquired softly

Although the Duke's residence has been prestigious for generations, comparable to the Chu family, and even possesses a noble title, the matter of breaking off the engagement is indeed significant. One can only fear that there are hidden complexities within, and it will require time to investigate thoroughly

From the moment Chu Lianyi entered the Yilan Courtyard, she wore a smile that was already three parts bright. Upon seeing the matriarch, her smile naturally became even more radiant, sweetly calling out "Grandmother" and leaning closer.

Chu Lianyi lay quietly on the bed, her eyes wide open as she gazed at a hollowed-out copper and gold apricot blossom incense ball hanging from the canopy. She contemplated her future plans. In the past, she always thought that once an engagement was made, marriage was inevitable. A married daughter is like water that has been spilled; although the matriarch did not favor the first branch, she could do nothing to change that, making it rare for her to socialize with that family of masked ladies.

It is quite strange that just before the Yan family called off the engagement, I heard Aunt Gui from the Yan residence mention that Young Master Yan San seemed to have some connection with Miss Wang. It was said that during a banquet, upon seeing Miss Wang, he appeared as if he had lost his soul, returning home without eating or drinking. However, after the Yan family called off the engagement, when I asked Aunt Gui again, she refused to say anything. When pressed, she outright denied any involvement of Young Master Yan San. My dear, don't you find this peculiar?

Isn't it just Baohe? If you need the prescription, just have her bring it to you. You really do need to replenish your health; just look at that little face, it has lost all its color. The matriarch carefully examined Chu Lianyi's face.

Ultimately, it is the people in grandmother's room who are the most skillful; that granddaughter will have to come to grandmother's room often to enjoy the soup. Chu Lianyi smiled and nestled in the old lady's embrace.

This is quite strange, since no engagement has been arranged, what kind of dowry is being selected? Aunt, are you sure you are choosing a wedding dress for the eldest daughter of the Wang family?" Chu Lianyi found it somewhat odd, wondering what connection the Wang Duke's residence had with the Yan family.

As of now, Jin Xiu Ge's embroidery has become one of the top embroidery shops in the capital, and ordinary people can hardly purchase items from their store. Master Jin, cherishing Chu Lianyi's talents, makes it a point to come over for half a day every ten days to guide her and her servant in their craft, as well as to chat about everyday matters

The young maid Mingli, by the side of the lady, saw Chu Lianyi arriving and quickly lifted the soft silk curtain, saying, "The twelfth young lady has arrived, and the sixth and ninth young ladies have just come as well"

Such a good recipe, my granddaughter also wants it, but I do not know which clever person came up with it

An Xiang immediately followed Chu Lianyi's manner without entering the room, pulling Mingli to start a conversation, praising the beautiful embroidery of the purse at her waist. The two chatted animatedly, and when they parted, they couldn't help but invite each other to get together when they had time. An Xiang also gifted Mingli a five-fu braided cord that she had made herself.

Whenever I think of this, I feel restless. Chu Lianyi got up and pushed open the window, leaning against the beautiful couch by the window, enjoying the cool breeze, and eventually dozed off in a daze in the middle of the night

"Your nose resembles that of a dog, so sharp. I merely used a bowl of peanut paste, and you can smell it already." Lady Chu scratched Chu Lianyi's nose

Chu Lianyi stayed in the medicinal garden for a short while in the light rain, and was then urged by Wei Yu to have her pulse checked, during which she was given a few words of advice.

This is nothing; perhaps Miss Wang does not like to go out, just like our young ladies

Therefore, Chu Lianyi could not come up with any good way to prevent the matriarch from becoming the sword of Damocles hanging over her head. No matter how much you try to please her, you can never fully set your mind at ease regarding her.

"Nurse, why are you in such a hurry?" Chu Lianyi gently patted the nurse's hand, "This matter is merely hearsay for us, but they will eventually reveal their true colors. Given the current situation, the engagement between the two families cannot be delayed for long. If you go and say we have no evidence, others will only mock us. Let us wait until they expose themselves, then we can act, which would be more reasonable."

An Xiang served fragrant tea while Chu Lianyi rinsed her mouth. Afterward, Chu Lianyi asked the two of them to have their meal with the remaining untouched dishes, and then gently inquired, "How is the investigation into the Yan family progressing?"

After Aunt Jin left, the wet nurse hurriedly took Chu Lianyi's hand and said, "Miss, I knew you were wronged. That Young Master Yan is nothing but a Zhongshan wolf. He has set his sights on Miss Wang and wants to break off the engagement, yet he shifts all the blame onto you, tarnishing your reputation. I will go find the master right away and have him speak on your behalf."

Master Jin was originally a palace maid in the embroidery room. At the age of twenty-five, she was released. Her appearance was rather ordinary, and she had not married, nor did she have the intention to do so. When Madam Chu was still around, she invited her to teach Chu Lianyi embroidery, and this teaching lasted for many years

I came here in such a hurry today to discuss this matter with you. Master Jin lowered his voice, saying, "There hasn't been much movement from the Yan family, but the eldest daughter of the Wang Guogong's residence is preparing her wedding dress. It was Lady Wang herself who came to Jin Xiugao to select it. When I asked which young master she was to marry, she hesitated and stammered. Later, I inquired with the other ladies, and they all said they hadn't heard anything about the Wang family making a betrothal with anyone.

During the night rest, Chu Lianyi instructed Shu Ying to wake her at the beginning of the fourth watch, as tomorrow will be the fifth day again

Chu Lianyi also understood that the subtle fragrance was teasing her, so she smiled and said, "But the matriarch is too soft-hearted; if others whisper a few words in her ear, she will blame me again."

"Oh, what do you think of this peanut paste?" The lady fixed her gaze on Chu Lianyi.

The next morning, Anxiang accompanied Chu Lianyi to the Yilan Courtyard. Along the way, seeing that Chu Lianyi had a blank expression, Anxiang assumed she was in a bad mood from waking up early, and said with a smile: "Miss, I can see that the matriarch truly likes you, even willing to give you that golden silk jade bracelet."

"Young lady, why are you so tired? After all, we are not in a hurry..." An Xiang did not dare to continue her sentence, as it hinted at Chu Lianyi's sorrowful matters, so she refrained from speaking further

The faint fragrance lingered as Chu Lianyi drove away the mosquitoes in the white embroidered peach blossom gauze tent with a fan, tucked the tent neatly, and burned mugwort in the room for a week. She closed the windows, leaving only a small lamp on the corner table, which illuminated the calm waters. Only then did she quietly descend the stairs with Shu Ying.

Oh my, how could such a thing happen? Aunt, why didn't you tell my daughter earlier? Anxiang has a quick temper

Chu Lianyi lowered her eyelids and looked at her own fingers, "This is strange. For no reason at all, and not fearing to offend my father, they insist on breaking off the engagement. If you continue to investigate, I refuse to believe there is no hidden agenda."

"An Xiang, Jin Gu Gu is also well-meaning." Chu Lianyi lightly chided An Xiang, then chatted with Master Jin for a while about patterns. Although she did not enjoy embroidery, she always had unique ideas when it came to patterns, which is why Master Jin also enjoyed communicating with Chu Lianyi

In contrast, Chu Lianyi smiled radiantly, "Stop hiding it. That matter will happen whether we talk about it or not. Young Master Yan is the legitimate son, and if I marry into that family, I will inevitably have to serve my in-laws and live that life, which may not be comfortable. As it stands now, I am in charge of everything at home, and life is quite pleasant. I cannot even begin to compare how much better it is than getting married."

Anxiang also smiled, "It is best if the young lady can be open-minded. My sister Shuying and I are still worried..." Anxiang smiled shyly, "But the young lady doesn't need to push herself so hard. It's terribly hot, and you still have to sit still to practice calligraphy."

I am merely looking for something to do, as I have nothing else to occupy my time. Chu Lianyi feels that it is a rare opportunity in this lifetime to receive formal education in calligraphy and painting, which is quite worth cherishing

But the peanut paste there doesn't seem to be as fragrant, my grandmother must be deceiving me, afraid that I would eat it

Moreover, not to mention this side, let us only speak of Shuying following Chu Lianyi into the house. The maid inside had already reported to the matriarch, stating that the twelfth young lady had arrived

"Alright, alright, actually there is nothing wrong with me not getting married. Young Master Yan has another beloved, and even if I were to marry him, life would be difficult." Chu Lianyi comforted the wet nurse in return. However, Chu Lianyi felt that this matter was not necessarily so simple; if it were merely a case of romantic affection, how could the old fox that is Lord Yan possibly agree to break off the engagement

In fact, this recipe was devised by Baohe, and Chu Lianyi had long anticipated it. The person whom the matriarch trusts the most is Baohe, even entrusting her with the key to the box. As for matters concerning food, she trusts Baohe even more. Chu Lianyi's pretentious behavior is merely an attempt to extend an olive branch to Baohe, for a single word from her in front of the matriarch is likely worth more than ten words from others

The delicate shadows and subtle fragrances attended to Chu Lianyi as she washed her hands, preparing the dishes for her. However, she did not touch the three plates of meat dishes at all, and simply set down a small bowl of porridge accompanied by the side dishes.

Master Jin wore an awkward expression, as such matters were not suitable to be disclosed to the young lady. He feared it would hurt her dignity, and he was also concerned that if the Twelfth Young Lady were to marry Young Master Yan in the future, this incident might leave a lingering resentment in her heart.

"Where is it that precious?" Chu Lianyi smiled, for she understood Shuying's heart. She was worried about her own health, concerned whether this girl could live a long life. Only if she lived long would they have good days ahead. However, Chu Lianyi also had her own worries, fearing that one day, if the matriarch was in a bad mood, she might casually marry her off.

"Why is it that the red bridal veil selected by Lady Wang is a large red cover featuring a phoenix playing with peonies, and she has also chosen two red pillows depicting mandarin ducks playing in the water? It all looks like preparations for a dowry. Furthermore, the only person who could have Lady Wang personally select the wedding dress must be her only daughter; who else could it be but Miss Wang? It is just strange that usually, when a young lady is getting married, the ladies of the family would bring the young lady to personally choose the wedding dress, yet Miss Wang is an exception."

"Yes, Master Jin will come tomorrow; perhaps she has news from there," said Shu Ying.

This is not the case. I have seen Miss Wang a few times in the shop; she is the one who enjoys going out the most. I am puzzled this time because I did not see her.

Chu Lianyi stopped and smiled at Mingli, "It seems I have not arrived too late."

An fragrant whisper said: "Those who have heard the conversations say that there has been no activity from the Yan family, and Yan San'er spends all day locked in his study, diligently studying, with nothing particularly noteworthy about him." An fragrant whisper seems to be extremely dissatisfied with the Yan family, as even the once highly regarded Young Master Yan San has now been reduced to Yan San'er.

Miss, your health is not well, and the matron has instructed that you need not go to pay your respects. With the arrival of autumn, the mornings have turned cooler, and you must be careful not to catch a cold.