Chapter Four: Intentions

Qin Muchuan pondered for a moment. A refined lady like Gu Qiulan would surely prefer tranquil and elegant places. Though the Duke’s residence was that of a military household, its Clear Lotus Pavilion by the lake was a scenic spot. So, he led Gu Qiulan toward a small pavilion by the lakeside.

It was the height of summer. The willow trees by the lake were lush and verdant, a scene brimming with vitality. Qiao Yun silently followed the pair, noticing that Gu Qiulan secretly stifled a yawn when no one was looking—indeed, strolling through the gardens was dreadfully dull.

“The view here is lovely. If I could accompany my husband like this every day, it would be wonderful,” she said softly.

“Heh…” Qin Muchuan, previously bored, perked up at her words. “If you like it, then we shall come every day. In fact, besides the residence, our family also has several gardens outside the city. They may not be as refined as those here, but their rustic charm is not without appeal. When we have leisure, we might go for a walk there.” And if he could use the opportunity to gather a few rascally friends for a dice game, that would be perfect—without fear of his father’s scolding or being discovered. He need only tell Qiulan he was organizing a poetry gathering; once she was coaxed to sleep, the gambling could begin. Ah, such a life would be blissful!

At that moment, Qin Muchuan felt that marriage wasn’t such a bad thing after all. At least, every time he went out, he could bring Gu Qiulan as a pretext. And she was so obedient, so docile—it truly couldn’t be better.

“I’ll do as my husband wishes.”

See? She was indeed obedient.

Qin Muchuan couldn’t help but be delighted. His already handsome face, with that smile, seemed to melt the snows and usher in the warmth of spring. Gu Qiulan, watching him, felt a flush spread through her entire body, wishing she could tear away her virtuous mask and reveal her true, wild nature. As her heart fluttered, Qiao Yun approached, surreptitiously stepping on her foot, and said, “Young master, we’ve arrived at the pavilion in the middle of the lake. Shall we have the maids set out tea and refreshments for the lady to rest?”

“Yes, yes.” Qin Muchuan lightly tapped his forehead. “Look at me—I was so happy, I forgot. Qiulan, you’ve lived a sheltered life and mustn’t be used to so much walking. You must be tired by now, so let’s rest a bit. Otherwise, if my mother and grandmother hear of it, they’ll say I’m mistreating you.”

Mistreated? If only!

Gu Qiulan howled inwardly. Her heart, cooled somewhat by Qiao Yun’s step, began to burn again. She lowered her head, a suspicious blush on her cheeks, and followed Qin Muchuan to the pavilion to sit.

Each harbored their own thoughts. Qin Muchuan was intent on rallying his friends for gambling. Though newly wed, he worried less about gossip and more about what his father would do if he found out—he’d not escape a beating. “Qiulan, after the third day, once we’ve paid respects at your family’s home, let’s find a time to visit the estate.”

“Mm.” Gu Qiulan never opposed his suggestions.

“Now that you’re married into the Qin family, you’ll need to help Mother manage household affairs. I’ll take you to familiarize yourself with the estate so you can prepare in advance,” Qin Muchuan said, trying to justify himself, his conscience guilty. Seeing the sincerity in Qiulan’s eyes made him feel even guiltier. Fine, he’d at least have the stewards show her the account books—he wouldn’t be breaking his word.

Gu Qiulan raised her teacup, using the lid to shield her face, lest her expression betray her thoughts.

—The estate, just the two of them, without elders, only her and Qin Muchuan…

Mother, it’s not that your daughter is breaking her promise to you, but this was her husband’s idea—it can’t be considered a breach, can it?

Gu Qiulan struggled to suppress a nosebleed. She felt her emotions were too excitable today—she’d have Qiao Yun brew chrysanthemum tea later to cool her down, or else she’d never survive facing such a peerless man day after day.

Meanwhile, in the rear courtyard of the Qin residence, though Gu Qiulan was out strolling by the lake with Qin Muchuan, the dowry she brought after yesterday’s wedding had yet to be fully inventoried. After all, as the daughter of a minister marrying the young duke, her dowry stretched for miles—a parade of riches. There was a register for what left her family, and now a new one had to be made for what entered the Duke’s house, the two to be compared, lest some cunning hand tried to pilfer.

A plump, cheerful woman in her forties, smiling like the Buddha, was recording the dowry, assisted by a little maid fanning her. Despite sipping chilled plum juice to cool off, the woman—Madam Zhuang—was sweating profusely.

Under a large tree, several maids whispered amongst themselves.

“Look at that dowry. Ladies from noble families really are different.”

“Indeed, I heard that from the moment these young mistresses are born, the family starts preparing their dowry. Year after year, it accumulates—no wonder it’s like a mountain of gold!”

The maids sighed in admiration. Suddenly, one of them spotted two people approaching and raised her voice, “Exactly! Just look at our young mistress’s status—the legitimate daughter of the Minister of Rites. Some people should look in the mirror before trying to climb above their station. Sparrows turning into phoenixes? They’re not afraid of shattering their necks!”

At those words, the maids burst into laughter.

Qianqian trembled with anger, quickly stepping forward and pointing at them. “Where are you maids from, to behave so rudely? This is the young master’s Mingyue Pavilion—how dare you act so wantonly!”

Seeing the head maid approach, the gossiping maids quickly scattered, not forgetting to glare at her and mutter, “See, she really thinks she’s something.” Their words provoked another round of soft laughter.

Qianqian, furious and humiliated, was about to call for help when Yue’er stopped her.

“Sister, there’s no need to stoop to the level of such coarse maids,” Yue’er said gently, discreetly nodding toward Madam Zhuang, who was still intent on her records.

Qianqian shoved Yue’er aside and straightened her clothes. “I’ll remember this! The maids in this house are getting more and more unruly—daring even to gossip about the young lady and master. Just wait until I tell the madam—I’ll see them flogged!”

Yue’er said nothing, but inwardly she found it amusing—who did Qianqian think she was? Reporting to the madam, bypassing the young mistress to discipline the maids? All because she’d caught the young master’s eye with her looks? So what? Just this morning, Linglong was scolded terribly, and beauty didn’t help her at all.

The plump woman, Madam Zhuang, seemed utterly unconcerned with the commotion, her attention fixed on the ledger. Only when two gentle voices greeted her did she finally look up.

“Madam Zhuang, you’re busy,” Qianqian said with a smile. “The young master was worried you’d be overworked, so he sent me and Yue’er to help.” As she spoke, her gaze drifted to the dowry register.

Madam Zhuang had come as part of Gu Qiulan’s dowry. Oddly enough, while most brides from wealthy families brought several attendants to help with household matters, Gu Qiulan had brought only three: her personal maid Qiao Yun, her nursemaid Madam Zhuang, and a ten-year-old girl, Miaomiao.

“Our young master truly has a kind heart. Come, help me—this heat is dreadful.” Madam Zhuang immediately had two tables and chairs brought over, unhesitatingly assigning tasks to Qianqian and Yue’er.

Yue’er read out the items, while Qianqian recorded them. Madam Zhuang was quite content to supervise.

“The young master’s attendants truly are exceptional,” Madam Zhuang said, relaxing with her cool tea. “Unlike us country folk, who get dizzy just looking at a few words.”

Qianqian and Yue’er, however, had no mind for conversation. Especially Yue’er, whose eyes nearly popped as she recited item after item from the dowry. This wasn’t a dowry—it was a cascade of gold pouring into their household! The young mistress seemed gentle and delicate, unassuming and sheltered—could she possibly understand such matters of management?

Yue’er’s mind raced. If she performed well, perhaps she could earn a position as housekeeper under the young mistress? Unlike Qianqian, who only wanted to catch the young master’s eye and become a concubine, Yue’er saw the windfall that lay with the young mistress’s family. The young master, out of respect for his wife’s background, would surely treat her well. If she served the mistress, there would be real gold and silver to be had.

To become a concubine, she’d need to win the young master’s favor, the young mistress’s approval, and the madam’s consent—not to mention competing with the fox-faced Qianqian. Too difficult. But to be a housekeeper, only the young mistress’s approval was needed.

Yue’er, parched from reading names, silently set her own career path.

Qianqian, meanwhile, had other thoughts. She was already the favored maid, beautiful and well aware of Qin Muchuan’s preferences. He had no interest in ladies like Gu Qiulan—too dull for him. Once Qianqian became a concubine and bore a son, wealth and status would follow. From maid to mistress in a single leap—those gossiping little hussies would envy her then!

So what if the young mistress’s family was powerful? A married daughter was like spilled water; would they truly cause trouble over a concubine? These aristocratic families prized their reputation. Besides, Qianqian wouldn’t force Qiulan into a corner. As long as she secured the second position in the household, she would win. In the end, a delicate nature like Gu Qiulan’s would be at her mercy. Family background meant nothing—once the young master’s heart was hers, she’d never lose. If he eventually tired of his wife, Qiulan would be mistress in name only, a paper tiger—nothing to fear!

Yet, her strongest rival at present was Linglong.

That morning, the young mistress had Linglong help the young master dress—it seemed she was about to be promoted, though she was scolded afterward. Still, the young master always pitied beauties; if Linglong cried, he’d surely soften. That little vixen—besides crying, what else could she do!

At that very moment, Linglong was hiding in her room.

Her pretty little face was tearstained and her nose red, making her look all the more pitiable. She knew Qianqian and Yue’er had gone to see Madam Zhuang in the young master’s name, but she dared not join them. Never before had Qin Muchuan looked at her with such coldness as he had that morning. Everyone said the young mistress was kind, but for such a minor thing—helping the young master change clothes—she had been scolded so harshly!

The young mistress was not simple at all—they were all deceived! But no one would believe her. Linglong was afraid; the young mistress was a smiling tiger. What new bride could remain so calm after her groom fled on their wedding night? But she had managed it!

Linglong bit her handkerchief anxiously. She was the first maid to be targeted by the young mistress—surely she would suffer terribly.

What should she do? Who would save her?