Chapter 78: The Art of Command Requires Careful Measure

That night, Chu Xiu slept deeply and peacefully, waking only when daylight had already filled the sky. Attended by Danxin, she rose and washed, then proceeded as usual to Rongjin Hall to pay her respects to the Grand Madam.

After Yun Ci’s passing had been commemorated for seven days, the Yun household seemed to revert to its former rhythms; many old customs returned, such as the two concubines accompanying the Grand Madam for breakfast. Chu Xiu had no intention of delaying the Grand Madam’s meal and, after paying her respects, prepared to return to Zhiyan Pavilion.

“Since you’re here, stay and join us for breakfast,” the Grand Madam said casually, yet her brief glance at Chu Xiu made it clear this meal was not without significance.

Since her promotion to the principal wife, aside from seeing the concubines during the formal visitations, Chu Xiu had not encountered them again. Whether by design or coincidence, they seemed to avoid each other.

Accompanying the Grand Madam into the dining hall, Chu Xiu noticed a flicker of surprise cross the faces of the two concubines. Third Concubine, Wen Xian, quickly composed herself and was the first to greet, “Grand Madam, Madam, good morning.”

Second Concubine, Hua Wuying, followed closely: “Grand Madam, good morning. Madam… good morning.” Her words were awkward, her smile forced and uneasy.

The Grand Madam nodded slightly, and Chu Xiu responded, “Second Aunt, Third Aunt, you are too courteous.”

No sooner had she finished speaking than the Grand Madam took her seat, patting the spot beside her with intent. Chu Xiu understood and sat next to her. Only then did the two concubines take their seats.

As they settled, dishes began to be served. The Grand Madam spoke kindly to Chu Xiu, “You are expecting, and though it isn’t yet obvious, the first three months are the most delicate. After today, you needn’t come for morning and evening greetings. If I need you, I will send for you.”

Chu Xiu was surprised; she hadn’t expected the Grand Madam to say this in front of the concubines and quickly accepted the order. Wen Xian shared some advice about caring for oneself during pregnancy, then said with concern, “This is your first child, and none of the maids in Zhiyan Pavilion have experience with childbirth. If you don’t mind, perhaps I could send Mama Lan from my courtyard to assist. She nursed the Third Master and cared for the Second Master as well—she’s quite knowledgeable.”

Chu Xiu could not allow an outsider into Zhiyan Pavilion, lest her feigned pregnancy be exposed. She glanced at the Grand Madam, hoping she would intervene, but the Grand Madam merely looked approvingly at Wen Xian, giving her a nod of praise.

In that moment, Chu Xiu understood—the Grand Madam intended to reinforce the pretense of her pregnancy through this harmonious display.

With this in mind, Chu Xiu feigned hesitation, then said to Wen Xian, “If I use your staff, people might say I am getting arrogant because of my child. Thank you for your kindness, but my situation is special, and I dare not give anyone grounds for gossip.”

Her words were measured, declining politely yet revealing her concerns. Everyone present could sense Chu Xiu’s cautiousness. Wen Xian, recognizing this, offered comfort: “Is there anything more important in this household now than your pregnancy? With the Grand Madam here, who would dare gossip?”

Chu Xiu pressed her lips together, remaining silent, but then Hua Wuying suddenly smiled faintly and said, “Thinking too much during pregnancy can be harmful. Madam, you must be careful.”

Though Hua Wuying spoke with a smile, Chu Xiu detected a hint of sarcasm. Should she seize the opportunity to assert herself, or simply smile and let it pass?

She weighed her options quickly, but the Grand Madam interjected, displeased, “Wuying, after all these years, you still speak with such small-mindedness.”

At first, the words seemed innocuous, but upon closer examination, their meaning was clear. The Grand Madam did not address Hua Wuying as “Second Concubine” or “Madam Hua”; the familiar “Wuying” was her name from when she was a servant.

It was a deliberate rebuke—reminding Hua Wuying of her humble origins and her lack of propriety.

As expected, Hua Wuying paled and fell silent.

Chu Xiu glanced up. There were four women at the table, all nominally mistresses of the Yun household, yet three had risen from servitude—Hua Wuying was the Grand Madam’s maid, Wen Xian was the old Marquis's maid, and she herself had served Yun Ci.

---

Suddenly, Chu Xiu realized why the Grand Madam was so particular about status. She, a legitimate daughter of the esteemed Xie family and renowned mistress of the Yun clan, now shared a table with three women of servant origin. No doubt, this grated on her.

The atmosphere at breakfast soured swiftly after the Grand Madam’s rebuke of Hua Wuying. The meal was finished in silence, everyone awaiting further instructions.

The Grand Madam, seemingly oblivious, calmly wiped her mouth and rinsed her hands, then said leisurely to Chu Xiu, “Let Mama Chi take care of you during your pregnancy.” Without offering a chance for anyone to speak, she waved the two concubines away: “You may go now.”

She was sending Mama Chi from Rongjin Hall to care for Chu Xiu! The two concubines were caught off guard. Mama Chi was Yun Ci’s nurse, brought from the Grand Madam’s own family, and in the Yun household, only the Grand Madam dared command her. The whole household regarded Mama Chi as half a mistress herself.

What an honor for Chu Xiu! Hua Wuying and Wen Xian exchanged quick glances and bowed, taking their leave.

Once they were gone, the Grand Madam rose and walked with Chu Xiu out of the dining hall. “Did you notice their expressions?”

Chu Xiu nodded, “You were establishing my authority before them.”

“I was, but how long that authority lasts depends on you,” the Grand Madam said, her words layered with meaning.

“I remember your advice about managing people—when to be strict, when to be gentle. Today, I have a request,” Chu Xiu said quietly, “Qian Yun has been kept in the punishment hall these past days. I wish for her to return to Zhiyan Pavilion.”

The Grand Madam stopped, looking thoughtfully at her. “Qian Yun now hates you deeply—she even tried to kill you. Yet you plead for her?”

Chu Xiu lowered her eyes and sighed, “She had reason to try. The Marquis did die because of me… Her actions only prove her loyalty to him.”

The Grand Madam raised an eyebrow. “I fear you might not be able to keep her under control.”

Chu Xiu managed a faint smile. “You once said that with subordinates, sometimes you must be harsh, sometimes gentle, and I should find the proper balance. She has spent many days in the punishment hall; she’s suffered enough. Besides, she is your person and served the Marquis. I… cannot bear to see her suffer.”

The Grand Madam nodded slightly. “Shen Yu says Qian Yun has gone mad—an excuse to punish her. If you wish to use her, be careful.”

Chu Xiu had gotten her wish and was about to thank the Grand Madam when she saw her frown and ponder, then say, “Zhu Ying was Ci's bodyguard, but he is a man and cannot stay with you now. I will assign you a female guard. She will come to Zhiyan Pavilion tomorrow to pay her respects.”

A female guard? Chu Xiu silently admired the Grand Madam’s foresight and promptly thanked her. After a brief conversation, the Grand Madam ordered someone to escort Chu Xiu to the punishment hall and instructed her to release Qian Yun personally.

*****

The dim cells of Yun household’s punishment hall always held errant servants. Ironically, the cell holding Qian Yun was the same one that had once imprisoned Chu Xiu.

Chu Xiu stepped inside, the familiar layout stirring old memories. Qian Yun within was nothing like the madwoman people claimed—she sat blank-eyed on the floor, her mourning dress stained beyond recognition. No one now would guess she once served the Grand Madam and the Marquis as chief maid.

When the cell door opened, Qian Yun looked up at Chu Xiu. Her lifeless eyes gradually filled with fierce hatred. She opened her mouth to speak, but days of silence had left her voice hoarse: “Kill me.”

Though Chu Xiu knew Qian Yun disliked her, seeing her in this state made her nose sting with emotion. She asked softly, “Why should I kill you?”

Qian Yun sneered and said no more.

---

Chu Xiu thought a moment and said, “I am now the Marquis’s widow.”

“Widow?” Qian Yun was clearly surprised by the word.

Chu Xiu placed her hand over her stomach and sighed, “I carry the Marquis’s posthumous child… Moreover, the Grand Madam found a marriage contract among his belongings. With witnesses, it has been officially recognized.”

She expected this revelation to provoke more jealousy and hatred in Qian Yun, but instead, Qian Yun’s gaze fell slowly to her abdomen, murmuring, “The Marquis’s child…”

Gradually, Qian Yun’s hatred changed to regret. She choked out, “Heavens! I nearly harmed my master’s child…” Her eyes stayed fixed on Chu Xiu’s belly. “How many months?”

“Two.” Chu Xiu had not wanted to deceive Qian Yun, but now she had no choice—partly to protect herself, partly to use her.

“The Grand Madam has permitted you to return to Zhiyan Pavilion,” Chu Xiu said, hands folded over her stomach. “Qian Yun, I cannot let anyone harm this child. Mama Chi will come tomorrow to help me care for the pregnancy. I hope you will return and assist me.”

“Assist you how?” Qian Yun regained some composure, her voice still cold, but now with a trace of vitality.

Seeing her moved, Chu Xiu replied honestly, “From now on, my food and clothing will be your responsibility. Don’t let anyone seize an opportunity to harm my child.”

“You want me to serve you?” Qian Yun glared at Chu Xiu and spat, “In your dreams!”

“Not to serve me—to protect the Marquis’s child,” Chu Xiu said calmly. “You owe this to him.”

“Owe him?” Qian Yun protested. “Don’t try to pin blame on me!”

“The Marquis was poisoned by a love toxin, which must be administered through daily life—clothing, food, drink… You were always in charge of his daily needs. If you hadn’t been negligent, how could he have been poisoned?” Chu Xiu spoke firmly.

The accusation struck Qian Yun like a sharp thorn to the heart. “So… it was my mistake…” Her eyes grew vacant again, guilt and remorse flooding her face, tears streaming down, ending in uncontrollable sobs.

Chu Xiu had no desire to prolong this pain; after all, she hurt Qian Yun as much as herself. The cries in the cell became increasingly heartbreaking. Chu Xiu, unwilling to linger, feared her own fragile composure would shatter if she stayed any longer.

Hearing Qian Yun’s anguished sobs and suppressing her own sorrow, Chu Xiu turned and left the cell, calling back, “I’ll give you three days to recover. After that, you will take over Danxin’s duties.”

Her white skirt fluttered lightly as she hurried from the punishment hall, returning toward Zhiyan Pavilion. Her chest felt empty; only now did she dare admit she resented Yun Ci—resented him for hiding the truth, for trading his life without warning.

If someone truly had to die, she wished it had been herself, so long as he was with her in her final moments. Not like now—forced to confront the cruel truth after his death, left only with regret and awakening, too late to change anything.

Chu Xiu returned to Zhiyan Pavilion in grief. Just as she calmed her emotions, a maid hurried in to report, “Madam, Young Lord Shen has been waiting for you for some time.”