Zhan Feiyu continued to study with the intensity of hanging hair on a beam and hammering an awl into the thigh, finally making Steward Xiao and Cui Ya understand what arduous study was. It was all the more surprising and astonishing that such a diligent student was a young lady. Even Steward Xiao, who had some experience working for the Wen family, was shocked and surprised.
"Auntie, doesn't Miss sleep?" The study was lit by candlelight again. Looking at the dark, unlit sky, Cui Ya rubbed her somewhat frozen hands and continued to wash rice.
Miss He was particularly meticulous about Miss's food. The porridge with purple rice and black rice had to be simmered over a low fire with firewood in a purple clay pot. There were four side dishes to accompany the porridge.
This did not include the water chestnut cake that Auntie Xiao was making, nor the scallion pancakes she would make later, nor the lotus seed and red date soup simmering on the stove.
Cui Ya used to think that working for the Wang family, with their abundance of meat and fish, was already extremely wealthy. Seeing the variety of dishes for her own Miss's breakfast, and how each one was a delicate masterpiece of slow cooking, Cui Ya realized that the Wang family's wealth was nothing in comparison.
"All scholars are like this. Little Ya, you don't need to be envious. Just work hard, and you'll have a good future following Miss," Steward Xiao said gently.
When she was in the Wen family, the eldest young lady was also like this, but she didn't focus solely on studying like Miss. The eldest young lady not only excelled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but also learned needlework from a seamstress, understood some medicinal cuisine, and even went horseback riding outside the city in her leisure time.
Every afternoon, she learned to manage household affairs from Madam, and she also needed to understand some business matters and be able to read accounts, otherwise, she wouldn't know if the shops and estates that came with her dowry were making or losing money after marriage.
Cui Ya nodded in understanding, "I know, I will definitely do my job well."
After the unshakeable half-hour of recitation, and then having He Nuan spar with her, it was almost the end of the morning when Zhan Feiyu finished washing up and eating breakfast.
He Nuan cleaned up the bowls and chopsticks, then whispered, "Today, the eldest young lady of the Wen family is going to the Zhe family to visit Zhe Jing."
After Zhe Jing caused a scene in the Eldest Madam's courtyard, she was punished by the Old Madam to kneel in the ancestral hall for reflection. Of course, the Eldest Madam, the Second Madam, and even the servants of the Zhe family knew that this was just a formality.
Indeed, news came in the evening that Zhe Jing had caught a chill and had a fever. The punishment of kneeling was naturally dropped, and Zhe Jing returned to her courtyard to recuperate.
"The eldest young lady of the Wen family is the foremost talented woman in the capital. It's truly extraordinary that she can be close to Zhe Jing," Zhan Feiyu admired these noble young ladies in this regard. No matter how much they disliked each other in their hearts, they would meet with smiles, as close as confidantes, but then turn around and wish they could stab the other person.
Mentioning the Wen family, Zhan Feiyu couldn't help but think of Consort Min in the palace. Wen Ruyi was Consort Min's niece. If the Second Prince were to achieve great things in the future, the Wen family's status would undoubtedly rise. The Zhe family held military power, so it was only natural for Wen Ruyi to befriend the Zhe family.
The political landscape of the capital was truly complex. Zhan Feiyu stood up, "A Nuan, prepare a gift. It's time for me to visit Zhe Jing as well."
"Yes." Although He Nuan did not understand, she adhered to her duties and did not ask further questions.
...
Originally, Zhe Jing had caused a scene yesterday, and the Eldest Madam had the moral high ground. However, now that Zhe Jing had fallen ill and even the doctor had been called, the Eldest Madam seemed to be in the wrong. Couldn't a sister-in-law be more accommodating to her sister-in-law?
"Granny Zhao, send that ginseng from the storeroom to Qiong Ju Courtyard," the Eldest Madam said calmly. She knew the Old Madam's methods, but as a daughter-in-law, she could only bow her head.
"Madam, that ginseng is for your health," Granny Zhao had always managed the Eldest Madam's storeroom. Although both the Zhe family and the Zhao family were short of medicinal herbs, good quality ginseng was rare and hard to come by.
Moreover, Granny Zhao knew that Zhe Jing's cold was just a pretense, so why should Madam part with this wild ginseng? She spoke again, "There is still a fifty-year-old ginseng in the storeroom. Why not send that one?"
"Never mind, it's just inanimate objects. I'll have Steward Hu keep a closer eye on things in the future," the Eldest Madam waved her hand dismissively. It was just a piece of ginseng. She had a pharmacy among her dowries, and any good medicinal herbs would be sent to her for inspection before being sent to the shop.
"Yes..." Granny Zhao replied. Just as she was about to say something, Hong Ying, who was guarding the courtyard, came in.
"Madam, news has come from the front courtyard that Miss Zhan from Yufeng Tower has sent a calling card, saying she wants to visit the Eldest Young Lady." Hong Ying saluted and reported the news she had just heard to the Eldest Madam.
The Eldest Madam was stunned. Although she had only met Zhan Feiyu once, she could tell that she was different from ordinary noble young ladies, with an air of grace in her every move.
Perhaps the noble young ladies of the capital had always been kept in their chambers. Even Wen Ruyi, such a talented woman, lacked this open and calm demeanor in her speech and actions.
The Eldest Madam couldn't help but recall her brother and his colleagues when she was unmarried. They were truly gentlemen, upright, and open-minded. She had never seen such an aura in a woman.
It wasn't until she married into the Zhe family and had to manage not only the inner chambers but also handle external affairs on behalf of the Zhe family that the Eldest Madam felt her perspective broaden, no longer confined to the deep inner courtyards.
Miss Zhan and her sister-in-law were both young ladies, but even without speaking, the Eldest Madam felt her composure and tranquility emanating from within, unfazed by even the greatest of pressures.
"Have someone prepare, and treat her with the courtesy of a distinguished guest." The Eldest Madam stood up and walked outside, continuing to speak to Hong Ying, "Take out that jar of Fangshan Lu Ya."
Hong Ying was surprised. This was Fangshan Lu Ya, and Madam only had two taels of it, which she rarely drank herself. It seemed Madam truly valued this Miss Zhan.
When Old Madam Zhe received Zhan Feiyu's calling card, she knew the Eldest Madam would come. Looking at the handwriting on the card: strong within grace, vigorous within gentleness, Old Madam Zhe, even though she was not skilled in calligraphy, could tell that the writing was excellent. Not to mention her youngest daughter Jing'er, even the educated young men of the Zhe family could not compare.
"Mother." The Eldest Madam and the Second Madam arrived together.
Seeing the Old Madam lost in thought while looking at the card, the sisters-in-law couldn't help but be startled. Did this calling card hide some secret?
The Old Madam smiled and handed the card to the Eldest Madam who was walking over, "The Zhao family has a deep scholarly tradition. Take a look at this card."
The Eldest Madam took it and was once again stunned. They all said that handwriting reflects the person. Writing a good hand was not easy; it required painstaking effort.
Noble young ladies started their education at the age of three or five, and they generally practiced the delicate "簪花小楷" (hairpin flower small script). Except for those with true talent in calligraphy, the handwriting of most noble ladies was beautiful, but it was impossible to reach an astonishing level. Anyone who was proficient in calligraphy would have calluses on their fingers.
"It's actually cursive script?" The Second Madam leaned over and was also very surprised. She asked the Eldest Madam, "Hasn't that young lady reached her capping ceremony yet? She must have started holding a brush and practicing calligraphy from the womb."
The Eldest Madam closed the card and placed it back on the table solemnly. "Before meeting her, my mother and I, like you, thought she was from a military family. After meeting her, I realized this young lady was full of spirit, and her every move exuded a scholarly aura. Looking at her handwriting, she must come from a scholarly family."
Military families generally valued martial arts over literature. Even if their children studied, it was superficial. Only those scholarly families that had been passed down for centuries would pay such attention to reading, and even the talents of their women would not be inferior to men.
Hearing the Eldest Madam's words, both Old Madam Zhe and the Second Madam wanted to see Zhan Feiyu with their own eyes. As for the conflict between her and Zhe Jing, to be honest, in the capital, besides the eldest young lady of the Wen family, no other young lady could get along with Zhe Jing.
Moreover, Zhan Feiyu's manners were impeccable. When Cheng Wu took people to the inn before, Zhan Feiyu had ensured that everyone returned unharmed. For this reason alone, Old Madam Zhe treated Zhan Feiyu with respect.
Half an hour later.
Qiong Ju Courtyard.
"Ruyi, you don't know that my sister-in-law is now trying to curry favor with some lowly girl of unknown origin. Won't people laugh if this gets out!"
Zhe Jing became more and more angry the more she thought about it, and she also resented her sister-in-law, the Eldest Madam. She sneered, "She made me kneel in the ancestral hall and then sent a piece of ginseng. It's like bribing a beggar."
Wen Ruyi was wearing a dark floral short jacket of blue-green flowing silk, paired with a horse-face skirt of the same color, and leather boots. She wore a white fox fur cloak over it, looking elegant and noble.
"Hearing you speak with such vigor, it seems you are not seriously ill." Wen Ruyi teased with a smile. After the maid took off her cloak, she sat by Zhe Jing's bed and patted her hand, comforting her, "It's normal for you to be angry, as the Eldest Madam's actions have indeed made you lose face."
Hearing Wen Ruyi's words, Zhe Jing, who had been furious moments ago, instantly felt better.
"But if the Eldest Madam doesn't show up, it will not only damage your reputation but also implicate the Zhe family. This would be a loss outweighing the gain." Wen Ruyi casually glanced at the two maids standing in the corner, thinking that her words would be reported to Old Madam Zhe word for word by them.
"As long as my Zhe family is in the capital, who would dare to look down on me?" Zhe Jing said proudly. The ancestors of the Zhe family had saved the founding emperor's life three times. In the capital, Zhe Jing feared no one.
Wen Ruyi smiled and pulled the quilt up to cover Zhe Jing, "Lie down quickly, don't catch a cold in this cold weather. Are you building a small kitchen in your courtyard? I have two chefs, one specializing in pastries and the other in Jiangnan cuisine. I'll send them over tomorrow."
If this wasn't mentioned, Zhe Jing wouldn't be angry. The moment she thought about failing to snatch the person at the pawnshop, anger once again appeared on Zhe Jing's bright and beautiful face. "My mother has already assigned two chefs, but I'm just so angry that that lowly girl dares to compete with me for people!"
Zhe Jing had never been so embarrassed in her life, yet she had been thwarted by Zhan Feiyu twice. But thinking of He Sheng and He Nuan's unfathomable martial arts, Zhe Jing gritted her teeth in hatred. If looks could kill, Zhan Feiyu would have been dismembered long ago.
With a flicker of her eyes, Wen Ruyi appeased Zhe Jing for a few more words. When Zhe Jing's anger subsided, her face, as gentle as water, showed a look of guilt. "Jing'er, speaking of this matter, it has something to do with the Wen family..."
"Was that chef sold by the Wen family?" Zhe Jing didn't expect such a coincidence. However, no matter how overbearing she was, she wouldn't take it out on Wen Ruyi. Instead, she showed a calculating smile.
"Ruyi, that chef was sold by your servant taking advantage of a loophole. She's just a steward's wife, and she dares to overstep her master and sell people. Who gave her the courage!" Zhe Jing's words were full of disdain and contempt. She lectured Wen Ruyi, "You are too kind, that's why your servants bully you. Look at the Zhe family, who dares to defy orders?"
Speaking of this, Zhe Jing proudly raised her chin. While she couldn't compare to Ruyi in talent, Ruyi was no match for her in managing and disciplining subordinates. This was the authority of a mistress of the house.
In the future, when she married into the Ning family, she would immediately sell off all those lowly maids in Chen An Ge's courtyard. They were all seductive and charming vixens, thinking all day about climbing into bed and becoming concubines. Bah, they weren't worthy!
Wen Ruyi's visit had greatly improved Zhe Jing's mood. She ordered the maid beside her, "Go to the kitchen and tell them to prepare a banquet and send it over at noon. I heard there are fresh bamboo shoots, so we can make Chicken Marrow Bamboo Shoots."
The capital was located in the north. Although it was the imperial capital, it was not easy to get fresh bamboo shoots. Winter bamboo shoots, with soil, could be preserved for half a month. However, it started snowing in November in the capital, and the weather was freezing. It would take at least more than a month for merchant caravans to transport winter bamboo shoots. With the delay, the winter bamboo shoots would lose their fresh flavor.
This basket of winter bamboo shoots in the Zhe family was saved by the Second Master Zhe, who was on an expedition to suppress bandits. Ninety-nine percent of the merchant caravan's goods were stolen, leaving only a cart of winter bamboo shoots. The caravan considered it "lightening the load" and continued on its way. Upon reaching the capital, they selected the best basket of winter bamboo shoots and sent them to the Zhe mansion.
"Yes." The maid dared not delay. After leaving the courtyard, she quickly went to the kitchen.
In the room, Zhe Jing had the maid help her get out of bed. She sat with Wen Ruyi in the flower hall in the outer room. "Steward Xiao was sold to the pawnshop without the Wen family's consent. That deed of sale is definitely invalid."
Thinking of the loophole, Zhe Jing became overjoyed and waited to go to Yufeng Tower to reclaim her dignity. The deed of sale was invalid, and Steward Xiao was still a servant of the Wen family. If she took the person away then, what would that lowly girl say?
"The procedures have already been completed at the yamen. I'm afraid it won't be easy to operate." Wen Ruyi did not think Zhe Jing's method would work. It was Tang Maocai's wife who sold the little chef to the pawnshop. It could be said that the Wen family's poor household management allowed Mrs. Tang to exploit the loophole.
"I'll send someone to the yamen to inquire about who handled the deed. As long as he admits that he received money from Mrs. Tang to handle the deed, the invalidity of the deed of sale can be confirmed." Zhe Jing did not take this matter seriously at all. At most, it was a minor official of the eighth or ninth rank. How dare he disobey the orders of the Zhe family?
Before Wen Ruyi could speak, the maid who had gone to the kitchen returned. However, she looked at Zhe Jing hesitantly and then knelt on the ground with a thud. "Eldest Young Lady, the kitchen said... said there are distinguished guests coming... Eldest Madam instructed that a banquet be prepared, so they can't make Chicken Marrow Bamboo Shoots."
It wasn't that they couldn't, but that there were only so many winter bamboo shoots left. Eldest Madam had already booked them, so Zhe Jing wouldn't have any. Although Zhe Jing was favored, the servants were not foolish. Zhe Jing would eventually get married, and the Eldest Madam would be the one in charge of the Zhe family in the future. Therefore, offending the Eldest Young Lady would at most result in a scolding, but offending the Eldest Madam might lead to being driven out of the mansion.
Zhe Jing's good mood instantly vanished, replaced by overwhelming anger. "Is my sister-in-law deliberately opposing me?"
Her voice was sharp and piercing. In her anger, Zhe Jing threw the teacup in her hand, ignoring Wen Ruyi, the guest. She kicked the maid who was kneeling and walked towards the door. She wanted to see what kind of distinguished guest her sister-in-law was entertaining. Did the eldest young lady of the Wen family not even catch her sister-in-law's eye?
"Jing'er!" Wen Ruyi called out anxiously, wanting to chase after her, but was stopped by her personal maid.
"Miss, you are not feeling well, and it's cold outside. Please put on your cloak before going out." The maid dared not let Wen Ruyi go out like this. Young Lady Zhe had practiced martial arts and was not afraid of the cold, but her young lady was still taking medicinal cuisine to recuperate. In winter, if she caught a cold, it would have a great impact on women.
The maids and servants of Qiong Ju Courtyard chased after her. Only the four servants attending Wen Ruyi were left. Without outsiders, Wen Ruyi's anxious expression disappeared. "What distinguished guests have come to the Zhe family?"
In the capital, besides royal princesses and county princesses, how many young ladies could be more distinguished than herself? Wen Ruyi's expression remained unchanged, but a cold glint quickly flashed in her eyes. Was the Eldest Madam of the Zhe family looking down on the Wen family or herself?
The two maids serving in the room naturally did not know, but Granny Tian, who entered from outside, glanced around and then whispered, "This old servant just inquired. It's that Miss Zhan from Yufeng Tower who has come."
"What?" Wen Ruyi was truly surprised, and then she smiled, her eyes flashing with shrewdness. "This young lady is quite interesting. Let's go and see."
One was an unknown girl from out of town, and the other was the eldest young lady of the Wen family. The Eldest Madam of the Zhe family treated Zhan Feiyu with such courtesy. Ostensibly, it was the Zhe family's hospitality, but in reality, wasn't the Eldest Madam deliberately suppressing Zhe Jing? After all, Wen Ruyi was her friend.
Zhe Jing was truly furious. She had lost face again and again, and now this person dared to come to her door to humiliate her. Zhe Jing only regretted finding out the news too late, otherwise, she would definitely have brought people to drive her out!
Seeing Zhe Jing rushing towards the Eldest Madam's courtyard with more than a dozen maids, A Da and A Er followed closely. The on-duty guards couldn't help but frown, "Captain, should we go over?"
Cheng Wu stood in the corner with a blank expression. In normal circumstances, Cheng Wu, as the captain of the guards, would definitely lead his men over.
However, Zhe Jing's behavior was well-known. She would make a scene whether she was right or wrong. The key point was that Miss Zhan was a distinguished guest of the Eldest Madam, and they were also indebted to her. If they went over now, they would be caught in a difficult position. Taking action would offend the Eldest Madam, and not taking action would offend the Eldest Young Lady.
"Send someone to inform the Old Madam. You two, come with me to see, but try not to be discovered." Cheng Wu finally decided to go, but he would try to remain unseen. Miss Zhan acted with discretion and would surely not make things difficult for the host.
When Zhan Feiyu came to the Zhe mansion, she first paid her respects to Old Madam Zhe. After a period of pleasantries and conversation, she left with the Eldest Madam and the Second Madam. After all, the Old Madam was advanced in age, and with her seniority and status, it was indeed inconvenient for her to personally entertain Zhan Feiyu.
"Sister-in-law, you don't need to cover up for my sister. Miss Zhan knows my sister's temper. She's just competitive and wants to suppress everyone she meets." The Second Madam was straightforward and spoke without any reservations.
Besides, what she said was not wrong. Given Zhe Jing's reputation, there was no need to cover up or embellish it. Everyone in the capital knew that the Eldest Young Lady of the Zhe family was arrogant and overbearing, chasing after the eldest young master of the Ning family all over the capital.
The Eldest Madam coughed twice, using the action of drinking tea to conceal the awkwardness and helplessness on her face. Fortunately, this was her own courtyard, and no matter what was said, it would not be spread outside.
Zhan Feiyu was amused by the Second Madam's resentful expression. She thought that the Second Madam had suffered a lot of humiliation from her sister-in-law, but the Old Madam, her mother-in-law, was suppressing her.
Suddenly, a commotion accompanied by Zhe Jing's scolding could be heard from outside.
The Second Madam pouted displeasedly, "See, I wasn't wrong. She's causing trouble again. Which sister-in-law is so ill-mannered as to force her way into her sister-in-law's courtyard?"
Yesterday, Zhe Jing had caused a scene and injured several servants in the Eldest Madam's courtyard. The most severely injured was Lü Liu, who had been whipped several times on her face and was likely disfigured.
Now Zhe Jing was coming again with great momentum. The servants in the courtyard were terrified. Even though they wore thick clothes in winter, they couldn't withstand the whip if it fell on them.
"Miss Zhan, please excuse me. I'll go out and see." The Eldest Madam suppressed her anger. Having such a sister-in-law was truly a sin from a past life.
Zhan Feiyu also stood up and walked out. Facing Zhe Jing's angry eyes in the courtyard, Zhan Feiyu knew without thinking that this was directed at her.
"Little sister, it's better to resolve conflicts than to create them. Miss Zhan heard you were ill and came specifically to visit," the Eldest Madam explained patiently, but her smile was somewhat strained.
Knowing Zhe Jing's temper, the Eldest Madam had temporarily placed the gift brought by Zhan Feiyu in her own courtyard, planning to send it to Qiong Ju Courtyard after she left. This was Zhan Feiyu's courtesy, and the Zhe family would have to accept this favor.
"Little sister, don't be angry. Miss Zhan came to visit Mother. Just now, Mother also told us to entertain Miss Zhan well and not to neglect the distinguished guest," the Second Madam added, bringing up Old Madam Zhe.
(End of Chapter)