Chapter 002: The Cao Family Mother and Daughter

Understood. Madam Chen pushed Danfei, "You are also sweating profusely, hurry and change your clothes. Madam Guo's health is not very good, come with me to pay her respects in a while."

Danfei is always quick in her work, flipping through the account books with one hand while calculating with an abacus in the other, her fingers flying as the sounds of clacking fill the air. In the blink of an eye, she has completed half of the account book. She uses a red pen to mark unclear amounts in the account book and writes notes in another booklet, all in an orderly manner

Madam Guo smiled until she grew tired, and a faint blush appeared on her originally pale face. She cleared her throat twice and suddenly sighed sadly: "I do not know who in the future will be worthy of you."

"How dare you?" Mrs. Chen spat.

"What happened? Is someone else injured?" Mrs. Chen complained, "Afei, it's one thing for you to act recklessly, but Jin Niang is not as tough as you. If she gets hurt accidentally, how will you make amends? Jin Niang, look at you all sweaty. La Mei, take Jin Niang to change her clothes, and be careful not to let her catch a cold."

"Miss. " Madam Guo held Madam Chen's hand, her eyes directed towards the beams of the ceiling, "Your family has been in Shaming for three years now. It has been nearly two years since Lord Cao passed away."

Your calculations are even better than mine; it would be a pity not to settle accounts. Working hard for you at home is not enough, and now that you are married, do I have to follow you and be a maid? When younger sisters grow up and get married, they start their own families; how can I accompany you for a lifetime

"Daughters should not marry," Liu Yujin pouted, "I will be your daughter for a lifetime"

Dan Fei scoffed, "Those who can pass the imperial examination are at least in their thirties; which of them is not married? Do you wish to marry an old man?"

Madam Chen looked at her silhouette and sighed affectionately

Danfei quickly walked into the room. Madam Guo was leaning against the kang, with a thin blanket covering her knees. She had a slender and beautiful appearance, but unfortunately, she had been suffering from illness for a long time, and her complexion was weak and pale

She spread out half of the account books, took the abacus, and pulled Liu Yujin to the table, "You haven't finished calculating today's accounts. All you know is to run out and play, throwing tantrums, while the things you should do are left undone. You even plan to deal with your stepmother. You can't even figure out when a heartless steward steals money."

Dan Fei sighed and consoled, "Madam Guo may just be overthinking. Those who have been ill for a long time inevitably tend to indulge in wild thoughts all day. Perhaps she will live to hold her heavy grandson in her arms"

"Oh my, my dear Afei!" Liu Yujin laughed and playfully dodged, shaking her hand that was linked with hers. "You are the only sister I have; if I don't ask you for help, who else can I rely on? At most, I will give you a beautiful flower crown. I noticed that Duan Ningjiang and Wei Jiayin have both been wearing flower crowns when they go out lately, and they look stunning. Ye Ye has already agreed to buy me one. I will give you a gold crown inlaid with jade, and I will make myself one inlaid with rubies and coral beads. How does that sound?"

Madam Guo's illness has shown some improvement, and Jin Niang has finally found the time to step out of the residence. Since there is nothing to attend to, you should complain less. " Madam Chen patted her daughter's shoulder, giving her a thorough look up and down, and sighed, "Look at you like this, how can you resemble a proper young lady?"

At the base of the blade, there is a small engraving of the character "Cao".

Madam Chen shook her head: "Clearly, this child is reckless"

Upon saying this, Madam Guo was in tears. Madam Chen repeatedly comforted her

Madam Chen jested: "Sister Guo will choose a sincere and honest husband for Jin Niang in the future, and will continue to hold her in the palm of her hand, wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Mother said you understand everything, so why do I still need to learn to be a steward?

Danfei pushed the ledger back, pulling her down to the edge of the table, "Your surname is Liu, mine is Cao. How can a member of the Cao family interfere in the affairs of the Liu family?"

"Once you are married, you are no longer your mother's daughter?" Mrs. Chen teased

How do you know that this flower crown is already out of fashion in the capital city? Liu Yujin was astonished

Haven't you always been helping Ye Ye with the accounts and managing the business? Why are you being so distant with me now?" Liu Yujin pushed the account book back, using both hands and feet to crawl out, "Those with skills must work harder; you can take care of it for a few days. After all, I can't manage it well either, and if something goes wrong, Ye Ye will scold me again.

Madam Guo's maid, Chunjuan, lifted the curtain to let the doctor out, and there she saw Danfei approaching with a brisk stride, which made her smile involuntarily

Dan Fei was indignant, "It was they who were in the wrong from the beginning. I merely wanted them to apologize, yet they treated me like a beggar, using money to insult me. General Duan is just and close to the people, yet my nephew turns out to be such a wastrel!"

Liu Yujin said: "I heard that they also encountered General Duan's nephew. That group was quite reckless, mistakenly thinking that we were robbing them, and injured several of our servants. A Fei went up to reason with them, but instead, they slapped him in the face with money. Dan Fei, unable to contain his anger later, blew the horse whistle, and that young man fell down in a sorry state! Unfortunately, I didn't see it either."

"Auntie is the best!" Liu Yujin said playfully while holding Madam Chen's hand, "Where are my parents?"

"Dalao is currently reconciling accounts with the steward in the study. Your mother is inside the house. I did not inform her that you slipped out, so be careful yourself."

Madam Guo smiled and said: "Shaming is a small place, and it is rare to see distinguished individuals. Afai is young and does not fear the powerful, which is quite common. General Duan is just and strict, and he would not hold a grudge over such trivial matters."

Madam Guo could not help but chuckle, "Afei, do not listen to your mother’s nonsense. I see you as intelligent and capable, not only literate and wise, but also able to manage household affairs. You are a rare gem of a supportive wife. Anyone with eyes would not overlook your virtues. As for Ajin, being so lazy and foolish, I worry that she will not find a husband."

Dan Fei anxiously set down the bowl and pulled Liu Yujin back. Liu Yujin gave Dan Fei a glance and, disregarding her objections, dragged her to hide behind the door

"This is no joke," Madam Guo suddenly became serious, grasping Danfei's hand and carefully examining her features. "With your looks... I truly cannot imagine which young man will have the fortune to marry you in the future..."

Inside the box lay a dagger, a compact crossbow, and a curved sword, all relics of Danfei's father. Due to frequent polishing, the items were preserved in excellent condition, with the rhinoceros hide of the scabbard polished to a sheen. These bows and swords were meticulously crafted, all of exceptional quality, far beyond what an ordinary hunter could possess

"Dan Niang is here." Chun Juan lifted the curtain to let Dan Fei in, "I heard that you kicked Zhao Quan out today, is it true? It's such a pity I didn't get to see it"

"No matter how affectionate we are, there are still regrets in our hearts." Madam Guo held Madam Chen's hand and said, "Sister, I am well aware of my own condition. I fear I may not survive this winter. In the future, when I am gone, my husband will surely take another wife. I have no regrets, but I am worried about A Jin. Sister, you must take good care of this child for me in the future, and do not let her stepmother scheme against her dowry. My maternal family is far and unreliable; if A Jin is bullied, she won't even have an uncle to come and reason with them... Sister, you must take good care of this child for me in the future, and do not let her stepmother scheme against her dowry. My maternal family is far and unreliable; if A Jin is bullied, she won't even have an uncle to come and reason with them..."

"Madam has a kind heart, she is merely praising me," Danfei said lightly, "Go and do your homework!"

As soon as Dan Fei adopted a tough stance, Liu Yujin realized that there was truly no hope. She could only pout and open her notebook to start her homework

But is it the Cui family of Qinghe

Madam Guo said: "Afei is also seeking justice for the fellows, so you should not blame her. Who is that young man?"

Is my mother really going to die? Am I going to have a stepmother?

This girl is wild all day long, and this is just a little bit of cleverness.

"Aunt Qian, don't worry," Liu Yujin said as she jumped off the horse. "By the time I got there, it was already over, and I didn't even get to see the excitement. Ah Fei didn't wait for me either; that's really lacking in loyalty."

A neatly dressed woman, accompanied by several servants, approached quickly. She had delicate and gentle features, bearing a resemblance to Cao Danfei, being none other than Chen, the mother of Cao Danfei

"Afei, why did you take Jinniang with you again?" Madam Chen frowned, "Why do you look so disheveled? Did you go hunting in the mountains again?"

I am just a village girl, why pretend to be a refined lady? Danfei was unconcerned, saying, "Moreover, I go out every day to handle affairs, and wearing men's clothing is much more convenient."

"Are you writing again?" Danfei tapped her on the head with the book, "You haven't lost your hands or feet, so why are you being so lazy? You have dozens of assignments each year, and most of them I have written for you. The rest are just copied from mine. Why are you even going to school for girls? You might as well get married early."

"You really have to get involved in all the commotion, thinking this matter is amusing?" Danfei said, "Haven't you seen the injuries of those servants?"

Dan Fei was both amused and perplexed. As she fumbled with the abacus, the calculations she had made were thrown into disarray. She returned the beads to their proper positions, flipped back a few pages of the ledger, and began to calculate anew

At night, as Danfei retired to her chamber alone, she dragged a camphor wood box from beneath the bed. She pulled a red string from her collar and used the brass key attached to it to unlock the box.

"The young lady is modest," Madam Guo sighed, "How could the daughter of Lord Cao be a delicate flower in the boudoir? Ah Fei has grown increasingly spirited and impressive; she truly possesses the demeanor of Lord Cao in his prime.

Liu Yujin caught Dan Fei sneering and pointed at her, saying: "A Fei is only two months younger than me, why isn't the aunt concerned about her?"

Liu Yujin rested her chin on her hand and watched for a while, filled with both envy and admiration. Suddenly, she laughed and said: "A Fei is truly capable; no wonder Mother praises you so much. Look at you, not only can you play with me, but you can also help me with my homework, and you are skilled at managing finances. There is no smarter wife in the world than you. A Fei, when I get married in the future, I must take you with me. If I have a son-in-law, you will help me manage the household. If my father really marries me to a stepmother, you will help me deal with that woman. What do you think?"

"That is true," Liu Yujin said, "But why does Mother value you so much, insisting that no one is worthy of you? She has never said such a thing about me."

Madam Guo felt somewhat melancholic and said, "In the blink of an eye, you and A Fei will soon come of age, and you will not be able to stay by your mother’s side for many more years. This is the most heart-wrenching aspect of raising a daughter. After all the hard work in nurturing you, you will become someone else's."

Danfei looked down upon it, "Who would be willing to wear such a large, golden, and dazzling ornament on their head? This style has long been out of fashion in the capital, yet somehow it has become trendy here in Shaming."

Danfei is not one to pry into the affairs of others, and out of respect and admiration for Madam Guo, she is even less inclined to discuss her controversies

"Dan Niang, come and sit down." Madam Guo revealed a loving smile and extended her hand towards Dan Fei, "A Jin came back and complained for quite a while, saying that you didn't take her to play. I scolded her thoroughly. You are going to attend to important matters; if she goes, she will only cause trouble."

Liu Yujin threw the pillows and bedding all over the floor and said, "I absolutely do not want a stepmother! If my father remarries, I will smash the house to pieces!"

"Indeed, you are naive!" Danfei pointed at her and laughed, "Madam is being modest, and you can't even tell that!"

Madam Chen smiled and said, "It is a pity that he is not a boy"

The several women in the room could not help but burst into laughter

"Liu Gong, your affection is such..."

Danfei felt a warmth in her eyes and lowered her head

Danfei nestled in her mother's arms, no longer speaking

Both Madam Guo and Madam Chen were taken aback. Madam Chen exclaimed, "Afei, how could you be so reckless? General Duan's nephew is from a prestigious family; how could you possibly offend him?"

Madam Chen helped Madam Guo lie down and took a damp cloth to wipe the sweat from her forehead

"Yayaya." Danfei held the knife close to her chest, whispering softly. The dim candlelight illuminated her frail and slender figure, making her appear even more lonely and desolate

Madam Guo said: "I find Afai's cheerful disposition quite admirable; she is intelligent and capable, and has no worries about anything. However, A Jin has been spoiled by my indulgence, and I am uncertain how she will manage in the future"

Danfei returned to the small courtyard, changed into a dress, gathered her hair into a bun, hastily inserted a pearl flower, and then proceeded towards the inner hall of the back residence

Dan Fei is not like ordinary girls; she does not shy away and lower her head at the mention of marriage. With a raised eyebrow and a smile, she said, "My mother has long said that with my rough and unruly temperament, I will probably never get married in this lifetime. Since that is the case, why should I worry?"

The women burst into laughter. Liu Yujin's face turned red in an instant, and she exclaimed loudly, "Aunt Qian, you are so naughty!"

Dan Fei curled her lips in a cold smile, "The direct descendants of the Cui family, the sons of nobility, no wonder they are so arrogant. In the future, when I see him, it would be best to keep my distance."

"Your mother knows," Mrs. Chen sighed, "Your straightforward and open-minded nature truly resembles that of your grandfather. If he were to see you today, he would certainly feel quite proud.

My maternal family is indeed a mere facade Liu Yujin said My mother is of illegitimate birth and often says that her stepmother is unkind which is why she was married off far away Therefore she is also impatient with dealings with her family

Madam Chen saw her daughter looking exhausted and said with concern: "Has Jin Niang given you more tasks again?"

Madam Chen is a distant relative of Madam Guo from the Liu family. After her husband passed away, the Cao family mother and daughter sought refuge in the Liu residence, and it has been two years since then. Currently, Madam Chen assists the frail and ailing Madam Guo in managing the household. Danfei serves as Liu Yujin's attendant and also helps Liu Gong with accounts, purchasing, and handling various chores. The Liu couple is kind-hearted and treats the mother and daughter well. With this distant relative status, Danfei is also able to attend the girls' school alongside Liu Yujin.

Danfei drew her curved dagger, the blade gleaming with a sharp silver light that could slice through iron like mud, the bright blade reflecting her delicate features.

After dinner, Danfei was busy in the account room for another hour, and only after finishing the tasks at hand did he return to his room

Madam Chen gently stroked her daughter's head and said, "At such a young age, it is best not to let those grievances make your disposition gloomy. There is justice in the world, and your grandfather firmly believes in it."

Madam Chen sighed, "In the blink of an eye, it has already been two years since your grandfather passed away. It feels as though it has been a lifetime, even though it has only been two years"

The crowd burst into another round of laughter

Liu Yujin responded with a sound, and like a rabbit, blinked and disappeared without a trace

Dan Fei did not lift her head and said: "You are both foolish and lazy, who knows which fool would marry you. What if his brother is also foolish? I know very well that I will be at your beck and call, so how could I possibly offer myself up willingly?"

Outside the door, Danfei and Liu Yujin could no longer bear to listen and quietly slipped away

I only feel that time passes slowly. Danfei said, "The events of the past are just like yesterday."

Dan Fei was both amused and exasperated, "This house originally belonged to you; if it gets damaged, it is you who will suffer the loss. If your father had no son, it would be a substantial inheritance, and who knows how many people would scheme against you. If you had a brother, there would always be someone to support you. Your maternal family is in the capital; even if your uncle has good intentions, it is still too far to provide immediate help."

Liu Yujin was completely indifferent to Cao Danfei's words, "I have already written most of it; you just need to finish the rest for me. After all, you can write in my style, and the teacher won't be able to tell the difference."

"Do not be upset, this is simply the power of circumstances over individuals." Madam Chen patted her daughter's head, "I do not know where the problem lies. I have always raised you as my daughter, yet you insist on looking like a tomboy. Just look at you, even dressed in red, you do not resemble a young lady at all."

Madam Chen said: "General Duan has only one elder sister, who is married to the second son of the founding marquis of the Cui family. One of her aunts is a nobleman, and the other is a princess, which can be considered a family of high status. This young man must also hold an official position."

Liu Yujin was the least patient, having calculated only two pages of the account book before becoming impatient, and thus handed it all over to Danfei

Liu Yujin played with her braid and said with a naive and carefree smile, "It would be nice if the two of us became sisters-in-law in the future"

"Madam, are you joking?" Danfei handed over a bowl of warm medicinal soup and gently patted her back

Indeed. Mrs. Chen said with a bitter smile, "The anniversary of my husband's death is approaching again. Thanks to the two of you for taking the risk to shelter us, my daughter and I finally have a place to stay."

I didn't see it either! Liu Yujin shouted from inside the room, "By the time I got there, Zhao Quan had already been tied up like a rice dumpling!"

"Yeye said he would find me a talented scholar and a successful candidate in the imperial examination." Liu Yujin cradled her face

Dan Fei inadvertently let slip, saying: "Stop talking nonsense, I will take care of the accounts, so you must do your homework yourself"

"What are you talking about? It is only right for us sisters to support each other in this matter." Madam Guo smiled and said, "I am bedridden and still need to thank you for helping me manage the household. Ah Fei is so capable; at such a young age, she can assist her husband with accounts and affairs, and she manages the business in the shop exceptionally well. Her husband praises her as being able to handle the work of two or three capable managers by herself."

"It doesn't matter at all," Danfei said with a smile. "If A Jin really causes trouble, we can just tie her up like a zongzi and set her aside."

Dan Fei returned to Liu's residence with the cart, causing a stir throughout the household

"It doesn't matter if you don't look at the accounts." Danfei grabbed her collar and forcefully pulled her back, "Have you finished the homework assigned by the teacher? If you go to the girls' school on the first day of next month and can't hand in your homework, be careful not to get beaten again."

"Indeed, it is still a direct descendant," Madam Chen turned to her daughter and reproached, "Knowing full well that they are of noble status, yet still refusing to yield, causing unnecessary trouble for the Liu family!"

A son may not necessarily be better than A Fei. Now I have come to terms with it; even if I were to have a son in exchange for A Jin, I would not agree to it. It is just that in this lifetime, I have not been able to bear a son for my husband, and I feel quite guilty towards him

Madam Chen sensed something was amiss and interjected, saying: "Sister, you are tired; why not take a rest? A Fei, Jin Niang, you may go out to play."

If my daughter does not become a bit more assertive, she will surely be looked down upon when she goes out to handle matters. Danfei was unconvinced, "By the way, Mother, remember to reward each of the companions who accompanied me with fifty wen and a jar of green ant wine. Everyone has braved quite a bit of cold wind with me today, so have the kitchen prepare some mutton soup to send over."

Mother has been too indulgent with her Danfei handed the horse over to the stable hand I had repeatedly instructed her not to follow along yet she still sneaked away If anything goes wrong it will all fall on me

Liu Yujin ran all the way back to her room, irritably dismissing the maid, and collapsed onto the bed, crying uncontrollably

"Mother!" Liu Yujin exclaimed anxiously, "How can one bolster the ambitions of others while undermining one's own prestige?"

"It's just a small matter," Danfei shrugged and smiled. "The Liu family has taken us in, so naturally, we should do more to repay this kindness. Jin Niang is just a bit lazy and needs someone to constantly urge her."