bullyxtreme Chapter 146 It's not so much that others are favored, but that you are.
Chapter 146 It's not so much that others are favored, but that you are.
I received the news two months ago, but I didn't tell you then.
Madam Yun paused for a moment, and Mother Wei frowned as she looked at Hua Yan. She saw that Hua Yan was standing properly at the lower end of the table, with no obvious change in her expression.
"Firstly, the border has been unstable recently, and it will take time for Emperor Jing to send someone to verify the information. Secondly, I originally wanted to wait for Zhou Bai's news to be confirmed before informing you."
Hua Yan's fingers began to tremble involuntarily, and her palms became sweaty from nervousness, making her even more uneasy.
She knelt on the ground, forcing herself to remain calm before asking, "Madam, I wonder if my uncle is safe now?"
"I won't lie to you, the fur merchant saw Zhou Bai at the Xiongnu royal court 90% of the time, but that was five or six years ago. Han Jing's people only vaguely found out that Zhou Bai seemed to have changed his Xiongnu name... This matter is of great importance, and the head of the family has issued an order to Zheng Shan to send a team to investigate."
Hua Yan was dejected. The matter the lady spoke of was of great importance. Did she not imply that she suspected her uncle of treason?
"Madam, please forgive me. My mother always said that although my uncle was not good at studying, he was the most upright and honest man. He also relied on honesty and trustworthiness in his business in Haijin Town. Also, my maternal grandparents' ancestral home was not in Haijin Town..."
Hua Yan's maternal grandfather's ancestral home was Guangyang Prefecture in the Northwest. He settled in Haijin Town, Jinan, because of the war. Although Guangyang Prefecture was not on the Northwest border, he often heard about the Xiongnu harassing the border. Given his uncle's character, he would never do anything to betray the country.
Madam Yun personally got up and helped Hua Yan up from the ground, saying earnestly:
"No need to say more. Perhaps there are hidden reasons for this. It just so happens that General Xunhui is going to the Northwest. Our Great Zhou is rich and powerful. Even if there are frictions on the border, there should be no trouble. News should come from Zhengshan in about a year."
Looking at Hua Yan, who had grown into a graceful young woman, Madam Wei picked up a cup of tea from the table beside her and handed it to her, saying as she did so:
"The master and madam have put in a lot of effort. Zheng Shan and Madam Zhou have sent out skilled men, so you can rest assured."
Hua Yan took the teacup and quickly curtsied to thank Mother Wei.
Over the years, Madam Wei's opinion of Hua Yan has changed. The Second Miss is a bit too gentle when it comes to domestic matters, and having Hua Yan by her side to protect her is indeed reassuring. In addition, Madam originally intended to let Meng Zhu stay in the mansion, but it was only through Hua Yan's intercession with the Second Miss that she was allowed to accompany her as part of the dowry. Madam Wei is indebted to Hua Yan for this.
Madam Yun briefly mentioned some news about Xuanquan Post Station, then changed the subject to the Prince of Jin's residence.
"Although the Prince of Jin's residence is newly built, the Emperor has recently shown great favor to the Prince of Jin. The residence is fully staffed, and Consort Hui from the palace has also sent several of her personal maids into the residence."
Therefore, General Xunhui's mansion only provides four maids and two households as dowry. We can't bypass that. You and Donggua are good friends, so give her a heads-up beforehand. Her status in the mansion will be registered under your Aunt Mei's husband's household.
This made sense, especially since Aunt Mei had always been very kind to Donggua because of Steward An, so Huayan humbly agreed on Donggua's behalf.
"With the day of entering the manor fast approaching, Madam has been quite worried lately. Consort Jiang is the youngest daughter of the General's Mansion, and must have been spoiled since childhood. After Huayan enters the manor, she should advise Miss to act cautiously and proceed with caution in everything, so as not to let Consort Jiang find fault with her."
After helping Madam Yun sit down again, Madam Wei spoke to Hua Yan.
Hua Yan took out a thin book from her sleeve, moved lightly, and respectfully presented it to the lady.
Madam Yun opened it out of curiosity—
The document was densely covered with writing, ranging from details about clothing, etiquette, and gait to major matters such as daily greetings, banquet etiquette, internal management, and external diplomacy. It also included information on the Prince of Jin's preferences, totaling more than thirty entries.
Turning to the middle, it lists more than ten self-rescue rules for dangerous situations. For example, it guides Mengzhu and others on everything from checking the flowers and plants in the courtyard to the gifts, from spices to food incompatibilities, and the crises that may be encountered in the inner quarters. The comprehensiveness of the rules is astonishing even to Madam Yun, who has been immersed in the inner quarters for more than 30 years.
Flipping to the end, even the rules for serving the emperor in bed were listed with seven points...
Wei's mother watched from the side, her eyes twitching.
Madam Yun: "..."
I didn't know what to say for a moment. What more could I possibly need to say? They've already considered everything in great detail.
"This book must not be shown to anyone."
Madam Yun looked up at Hua Yan with gentle eyes and only gave this one dry reminder.
Hua Yan replied obediently, "Don't worry, Madam. I've only wasted my time. The headmistress is very dedicated, and Miss will definitely not find any fault with her manners and etiquette."
These past few days, with the year drawing to a close, Miss has been very busy with social engagements. Whenever I'm on night duty, I mostly advise her on how to deal with difficult or provocative situations.
Hua Yan's nonchalant attitude pleased Madam Yun even more. "We must abide by the rules of the manor, but we must not let Wan'er suffer any injustice."
The governess was from Consort Hui's palace, and her instruction these days has been quite diligent. This is mainly because Madam Yun has given her too much; not only are there fine silks, satins, gold and silver, but even the tea is served as pre-rain Longjing tea.
Twice a day, the old lady sent Huaying to Yunyi Courtyard to serve tea, fruit, and snacks to the nanny. When she had free time, she would also invite the nanny to Fu'an Residence for a chat. Huayan was quite happy to see the nanny and didn't want to leave.
Yesterday, when she returned to the palace, she kept turning back to look at the Second Miss, probably praising her to the skies when she got back to Consort Hui's palace.
"It's kind of you to have worked so hard these days. Don't worry, I can give you a definite answer about Zhou Bai's matter: the entire Tang family will do everything in its power."
Hua Yan finally relaxed after receiving Madam Yun's promise. Her uncle was her only family in the world, and Huan Yun was also looking forward to the day they could meet again. She believed that day was not far off.
Madam Yun then mentioned, seemingly unintentionally:
"If you are willing to serve Prince Jin, as long as you do not overstep Wan'er's bounds, the Tang family will also help you."
Hua Yan lowered her head and knelt on the ground, saying, "This servant dares not, and has never had such thoughts. Love and power are far less important to this servant than the affection that Miss has shown me. This servant serves you wholeheartedly, not only to repay the kindness of the manor in saving me, but also, to put it presumptuously, to regard Miss as my own sister."
Hua Yan was nervous as she said this, fearing that the lady would think she was trying to make an ulterior motive.
Madam Wei was so happy she wanted to clap her hands. She glanced at the lady and immediately stepped forward to help Hua Yan up.
Madam Yun smiled, her eyes shining. "This promise has always stood. Wan'er has told you that of the dowry brought by the concubine, one person will be chosen as a concubine, and the rest will be palace servants. All monthly allowances will be in accordance with the regulations of the Prince's Mansion."
However, since you are Wan'er's dowry maids, the Tang family will still provide you with a monthly allowance.
Madam Yun raised her hand, and Hua Yan couldn't utter the words she was about to say. Instead, Madam Yun said, word by word:
“The Prince of Jin’s mansion will not have only one concubine. According to the ancestral system of the Great Zhou Dynasty, the Prince’s mansion has two concubines and two consorts, four consorts and four consorts, six concubines, and at the very bottom are a number of concubines and selected attendants.”
There are many women in the inner quarters, which means many troubles. Rather than someone else being favored, it's better to be you.
With Wan'er and you supporting each other, I, as your wife, can finally feel more at ease.