Chapter 2: Entering the Mansion (Part 1)
In just three years, the Tao family has changed dramatically. Those who personally killed her have all become increasingly wealthy and glamorous, yet after going around in circles, she still ends up as a pitiful illegitimate daughter
No wonder the master has quietly kept a concubine for over twenty years; one can see the resemblance to her mother in this Eighth Miss, who is truly a rare beauty
Miss Eight responded and walked out, while the eldest madam sent a trustworthy maid to follow her
The two characters "Ronghua" suddenly snapped like two strings of a musical instrument, the lingering sound piercing and harsh, leaving everyone stunned. It was the eldest madam who first regained her composure, asking, "Which two characters?"
She understands the thoughts of the madam, fearing that if she becomes too concerned about her own parents, she will not be able to devote herself entirely to her work
What can be done about this, my lady...
The incense in the room wafted gently, and the lady took a deep breath, smiled, and completely cast aside all her worries
The matron pondered for a moment, took a sip of tea, and her expression revealed a hint of sadness. "Your fifth sister was a person of unfortunate fate, having passed away early. Since the master did not grant you a change before entering the residence, it is as if he has consented to it," she said, wiping her eyes with her sleeve, revealing a look of compassion. "Poor thing, you too are a person of misfortune, having been cast out since childhood, raised by a concubine, ultimately not as fortunate as those in the residence"
It is different, this tea is truly excellent
It was merely a coincidence, a chance occurrence
Serving such a master always makes one feel somewhat at ease
Madam Chen bent down and said, "Rest assured, madam, the new chefs we hired for the kitchen are among the best in Beijing, and there will definitely be no more mistakes."
Ronghua gently lifted the tea bowl and took a sip, savoring the fragrant aroma.
Is it not different
She intends to get to the bottom of the entire matter
The people in the main house had dispersed. The elder madam ate two pieces of candied fruit, tidied her clothes, and lay on the soft couch with her eyes half-closed, resting her spirit. After a while, she asked her mother beside her, "What do you think?"
Miss Eight respectfully replied, "The aunt has given me a name, called Ronghua"
Chun Yao steadied her mind and raised her head, only to be greeted by a smiling face
It was the madam who had someone force poison down her throat; even though she was a concubine's child, the madam did not dare to casually put her to death
On a clear autumn morning, the Tao residence was as orderly as usual. The masters had finished their morning routines and breakfast, while the young ladies chatted casually with the matriarch. Today, there were particularly many people in the main house, all eager to see what kind of person the old master’s mistress, whom he had kept outside for over twenty years, was. Unfortunately, just two days before entering the residence, that mistress had fallen ill and passed away, leaving behind a fifteen-year-old young lady who came to the residence alone today
A person is dead; what is there to fear about her coming back for revenge?
Miss Ba entered the room, properly performing the family greeting. The matriarch instructed her to come closer and raise her head. Everyone examined her appearance closely, involuntarily gasping. The young ladies of the Tao family were all beauties, yet none could compare to her. She had an oval face, willow-leaf eyebrows, and sparkling eyes that seemed to be veiled in a layer of mist. Her lips, as red and lush as cotton flowers, curved into a slight smile, showcasing her exquisite charm
However, it is a pity that I am not skilled with my hands and did not learn. However, if there is an opportunity in the future, I will invite the embroideress I know to the residence to teach you
The lady of the house set down her teacup, revealing a kind smile, "Truly handsome, surpassing all the young ladies in the residence; I find it quite pleasing to behold."
Indeed, I came here particularly because I was intrigued by it. Not many people are familiar with this embroidery technique; I heard it is a family heirloom method and not commonly used.
Then I will give it to you
Chun Yao lazily sat in the chair, fiddling with the thread in her hands. Miss Eight poured herself some water and made tea, and she pretended not to see it. After all, she was an informant sent by the First Madam, and as long as she reported the situation here in detail to the First Madam, her task would be considered accomplished
Miss Ba was struck by the truth of her innermost thoughts, unable to hold back the tears that slid down her cheeks
Ronghua could never figure out what compelling reason she had to die
She went missing at the age of six and was subsequently trafficked several times until she was sold to the Tao family at the age of eight, where she finally found some stability. The only possession she had was a handkerchief left to her by her parents. She had secretly inquired about it several times, but no one had seen such embroidery techniques. The matriarch treated her very well, always regarding her as a trusted confidante, but she was not particularly concerned about her biological parents.
For this wealth, sacrificing anything is worthwhile
It is time to settle accounts, allowing those individuals to atone for their wrongdoings
The lady seemed to be speaking to herself, "I hope it is a case of the same name but different nature. I only wish for her to be honest and straightforward; I do not wish for a second time..."
What is your name
Miss Eight answered cautiously, "I heard from my aunt that my father once said, 'Things have their appearance, and wood is called beauty.'"
Having made up her mind, Chun Yao felt even more at ease. She finished embroidering the hibiscus flower in her hand, and indeed, the Eighth Miss had exhausted her patience and came over to demand an explanation
Do you want to learn
Thank you very much, Miss. Or this Eighth Miss, truly her benefactor
The matron smiled, looking around as if she were seeking resonance. The people nearby smiled in a flattering manner, and only then did the matron speak again, "How could the master be so careless as to let you call her by this name? You did not grow up in the manor, so you do not know that our Fifth Miss is also named Ronghua, precisely these two characters."
"Miss, let me get you some tea!" Chun Yao replaced the tea for He and Tu Shu Rong Hua, "This tea is specially supplied by the residence; it tastes different from the ones outside. Although there isn't much allocated for this room, it is still nice to occasionally have a taste of something special"
... ...
Alright, there is plenty of time ahead. I will explain the matters of this residence to you in detail another day. You must be tired as well, so please go and rest for now
"Do not be so servile; I have just arrived at the residence. The madam has sent you to me, which can be considered our fate. We will have a long time together in the future, so why are you being so formal with me?"
Everything is proceeding according to plan, step by step. The lady thought of the colorful phoenix hairpin she had placed in the box, and her heart felt much more at ease; the true wealth of the Tao family is still to come
A charming face bore a hint of warmth and a friendly smile, devoid of any anger, only radiating genuine kindness. "Do you also like hibiscus flowers? I have a handkerchief here, adorned with hibiscus as well. Take a look and see if you like it," Miss Eight said, presenting the handkerchief while continuing, "I heard that this technique is quite special; the embroidered hibiscus flowers are different from those made with ordinary methods."
All beautiful women are destined for misfortune
I did not expect Miss Ba to be such an easygoing person. Chun Yao put away the handkerchief. Indeed, the road ahead is still long. As long as she remains by Miss Ba's side, there will surely come a day when the origin of this embroidered handkerchief will be uncovered.
Moreover, that matter was not her ... ...
This embroidery technique is quite unique
The lady on the soft couch seemed to be murmuring in her sleep, uttering two words, "Ronghua." Upon hearing "Ronghua," I recalled the look in that girl's eyes as she was dying, and I couldn't help but feel a chill run through me.
I haven't had it for a long time
Now that this beauty has fallen into the hands of the madam, one cannot help but wonder what fate awaits her. People unconsciously recall the fifth young lady, Ronghua, who fell ill suddenly and passed away after a few days of suffering.
Madam made a sound of "hm" and ceased to speak, while Mother Chen quietly withdrew to attend to her tasks
Chun Yao hesitated to speak, her heart racing and her fingers cold
A mistress who had been kept for over ten years was just killed like that, which is truly not worth it
Not even she had anticipated that one day she would return here, still using this name and this identity
Chun Yao looked at Rong Hua again and suddenly found that the Eighth Miss appeared somewhat pleasing to the eye. Perhaps it was due to her upbringing outside the mansion, as she seemed devoid of the arrogance and shrewdness exhibited by the other young ladies in the household. She resembled a piece of translucent jade, easily seen through at a glance
Now, her daughter has married a suitable husband, and the entire family is basking in endless glory. Her good days have just begun; why should she think about those unfortunate matters?
In Miss Eight's room, Chun Yao quietly observed this Miss Eight. Although she was as beautiful as a celestial being, unfortunately, she did not win the heart of the matriarch.
Madam was pleased as she relaxed her brows and eyes, "The most important thing right now is to prepare for the return of my elder sister and brother-in-law. Everyone must pay attention, especially the meals, which should be prepared according to what the brother-in-law likes. We must absolutely avoid a repeat of the situation from last time"
Miss Ba seemed to be in a state of panic, "Ronghua did not know... that she had actually committed the taboo of my sister's name. This name was originally given to me casually by my aunt, and I did not report it to the elders in the household. Now that I have entered the household, I still... I still ask the eldest madam to give Ronghua a new name."
Miss Ba now took out this embroidered handkerchief. Chun Yao received it, his hands trembling slightly, and his voice quivering, "Miss Ba, this embroidered handkerchief of yours is truly beautiful"
She is merely a daughter born out of wedlock, and her mother comes from a very humble background. The matriarch simply instructed the servants to tidy up a somewhat clean courtyard for her to reside in. Everyone knows that the matriarch has no fondness for this eighth young lady. Today, apart from being curious about the appearance of the eighth young lady, they have come to witness the spectacle, wondering how the matriarch will make things difficult for her.
She thought she would never see a hibiscus like this again at https://m.hetushu.com. After so many years in the Tao residence, she had seen countless embroidery techniques, yet she could never replicate such a pattern. She had already given up, but unexpectedly, she saw this design in the hands of the Eighth Miss.
She intends to root out each and every one of those who killed her
Now that she has returned, she intends to clarify everything
She does not harbor any ill intentions; it is just that whenever she recalls the days of her youth filled with maternal love and care, she cannot help but feel a sense of regret
Miss Eight entered the room, performed a greeting, and timidly called out to the eldest madam, "Mother"
A glimmer of hope ignited in Chun Yao's heart
A full three years
After her death, she was reborn into this body. Initially, she was taken aback, but once she calmed down, she smiled again. Perhaps this is how fate is arranged; there is no escaping this identity. However, this time, she could no longer submit as she had in the past.
Mother Chen immediately responded, "Yes, I will definitely remind her."
It is unlikely that anyone knows about her matters, especially the Eighth Miss who has just entered the residence
As for Miss Eight, if she is dissatisfied with her service and throws a tantrum, that would be for the best. It would allow her to go to the First Madam and lodge a complaint, making it known to everyone that this Miss Eight is not a compliant character, stirring up trouble right after entering the residence
Chun Yao stared at the Eighth Miss for a moment, then looked at the handkerchief. The hibiscus flowers on the handkerchief were indeed vibrant and lifelike, especially the embroidery technique... Chun Yao felt a sudden panic; the needle in her hand accidentally fell to the ground. She hurriedly crouched down to search for the needle, her fingers trembling so much that she had to pinch it twice before finally grasping the embroidery needle.
"Cowardly, lacking in great insight," replied Mother Chen, lowering her head. When the Eighth Miss entered the room and saw the resplendent decorations of the main lady's quarters, she took in the astonished and speechless expression, even noting how carefully the person was breathing. How much of a stir could such a person create? Over the years, she had never misjudged others.