After Wufu expressed respect for her decision, she spoke no more to Madam Zhou about Wu Lihong, not even a single word. Madam Zhou, on the other hand, dared not ntion him either.
The carriage continued to travel through the Changan Imperial City, and Wufu only spoke to Madam Zhou about the prosperity of Changan City. She described the scene where nobles and blooming flowers were everywhere, talked about the hardships of ordinary commoners, and also about the life of ladies and young misses in large households, how they never ventured beyond the second gate, and so forth.
"...Mother, rest assured. I will buy two stable old nannies to attend to you. With their guidance, you’ll co to know the customs of Changan," Wufu said with a smile.
She didn’t adopt the habits of old folks. In the residence now, everyone is young. With Madam Zhou pregnant, the attendants around her are all young girls inexperienced in such matters, so they can’t be relied upon. Therefore, it was necessary to buy two stable old nannies.
Although these arrangents were ant for her own good, when Madam Zhou listened to Wufu’s words, she felt uncertain and rather fearful, always feeling as though she had lost sothing.
"Wufu..." Madam Zhou opened her mouth to speak.
Wufu continued, "I’ve arranged all the people for you. Additionally, I’ll put those two estates under your na. Annually, their output yields about a thousand or so taels, so there’s no need to worry."
Madam Zhou’s face turned pale, staring at her in stunned silence.
Wufu lifted one side of the curtain and smiled, "Mother, take a look at Changan City. It’s much more prosperous than Huayang!"
Madam Zhou chanically looked outside, yet it appeared as if flowers were everywhere, making her unable to see anything clearly. Her eyes brimd with tears.
Wufu caught a glimpse of her from the corner of her eye and sighed lightly.
The carriage proceeded to the side gate of Changqing Residence on Cypress Lane, where Purple Jade had already received the news and awaited there with people.
Wufu alighted from the carriage, carefully helping Madam Zhou down, saying, "Mother, we are ho."
"Welco, Madam." Purple Jade smiled and stepped forward, giving a curtsey, with several young maids behind her, all respectfully saluting.
Madam Zhou’s heart trembled slightly as she raised her hand and said, "No need for the formalities."
"Miss, Madam’s courtyard has been cleaned, and the kitchen has prepared stews. Although this journey wasn’t far, it was quite bumpy. Would Miss please accompany Madam for a wash and rest?" Purple Jade politely requested.
Wufu nodded and said to Madam Zhou, "Mother, let’s go inside."
Madam Zhou, supported by her, moved forward with unsteady steps into the residence as if walking on clouds.
Soone saw Wufu and the visibly pregnant Madam Zhou and ran off hurriedly.
Wu Residence.
Wu Lihong was in the study reading a newly published book when he heard the news from the young servant, causing him to overturn the nearby teacup, spilling tea everywhere.
"What? Are you sure? Did she really return?" Wu Lihong couldn’t believe his ears, wondering if Madam Zhou had really been brought back by that girl.
"I wouldn’t dare lie. I truly heard the young lady call the woman ’mother,’ and she has such a large belly," the servant glanced at his master.
Wu Lihong laughed heartily, "Good, it’s good that she’s back." Then, he took a purse from his waist and tossed it over, "You did well, here’s your reward."
The servant thanked him joyfully for the reward.
"Go, prepare the carriage. This master will go see her now." Wu Lihong was full of joy.
"Yes."
anwhile, in the main hall, Madam Wang, who was having her hair combed by a young maid, was so excited upon hearing the news that she tried to stand up, causing her long hair to be pulled with force, breaking several strands and eliciting a cry of pain.
"You brazen wench!" Madam Wang, without thinking, slapped the maid, who pitifully didn’t dare cry but only knelt on the ground pleading for rcy.
User Comments
0 comments from readers