Wu Dan’s sudden betrayal took Song Ci by surprise, but even more surprising was the reaction of the old master Song.
Wasn’t he hard of hearing? What did his peony just say earlier, asking for money instead of the person?
"You, Madam Wu, what did you just say?" The old master Song stared at Wu Dan, looking utterly shattered.
Wu Dan averted her eyes, lowering her head and said, "Old Master, Dan’er has a fragile fate and fears she can’t serve you anymore."
The old master Song’s heart tightened, and he stared at her intently. It took him a while before he got up, flicked his sleeve, and turned his back.
"Ungrateful."
Song Ci looked at Nanny Gong, who nodded and led Wu Dan out.
In the flower hall, only the two old folks were left.
Song Ci felt at ease. Getting rid of a young lady was smoother than she imagined. Originally, she thought she would have to arrange for soone to spruce up a small courtyard for Wu Dan.
But this girl, she’s more rational than she thought. Yet since she’s willing to submit to this fat old man, why did she change her mind at this juncture? She could have at least beco a concubine, ensuring a life without worry for food and clothing.
Suddenly, she heard so sobbing, and Song Ci was startled. Turning her head, she saw the old master Song’s shoulders shaking, trembling.
"Old man?"
The old master Song turned his head and said, "My plan to take a concubine was ruined by you. Are you happy now?"
"Mind you, it’s not that I wouldn’t let you, it’s her own choice." Song Ci looked at his red eyes and clicked her tongue, "Crying won’t help. She wants money, not you."
The old master Song plopped himself to the ground, "How can I face old man Fu now? He knows I was on good terms with the Peony, but she’s gone. Ah, ah, ah, I can’t face anyone anymore."
Song Ci: "..."
"Peony Lady is smarter than I imagined." Nanny Gong looked at Wu Dan and said.
Wu Dan forced a slight smile.
Didn’t she want to rise above others? She did. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have coaxed the old master Song to agree to make her his second wife. She also thought she would beco a respected concubine, surrounded by attendants.
But after seeing Pri Minister Song in that mont, she realized her thinking was too simplistic. Would Pri Minister Song, who wielded so much power, tolerate anyone challenging his mother’s authority?
That look from Pri Minister Song, as if looking at a dead person—if she really entered the Pri Minister’s Mansion, she might catch a mysterious illness soday and die without knowing why.
She wanted wealth and prosperity, but she also needed to stay alive to enjoy it.
Song Ci was right. With a thousand taels, she could marry a young man, have a few children, and with her skills in growing peonies and a hefty dowry in hand, she could beco the mistress of her own house, living freely without needing to depend on others.
"Nanny, if I get married in the future, Madam Taifu will provide so protection, right? After all, I did serve the old master." Wu Dan tentatively asked.
Nanny Gong glanced at her and said lightly, "You know how to cultivate peonies. The Pri Minister’s Mansion often trades flowers with farrs, and peonies are naturally needed. If you grow them well, you can definitely supply the mansion’s needs."
Wu Dan’s eyes lit up, "Is this true?"
"Of course, provided that Peony Lady doesn’t say what she shouldn’t. Especially anything about whom you’ve served, there’s no need to ntion. Our old master is famously fond of beauties. He’s had a few short-lived affairs; it’s the lady’s reputation..."
Wu Dan felt a bit ashad and hurried to say, "I understand."
Soone ca in holding a tray, on which was a wallet and a bowl of steaming dicinal soup.
Wu Dan was startled.
"This soup is also for the good of the lady. Drinking it will lead you to a bright future. Later on, find a husband and have a lovely child," Nanny Gong said as she picked up the wallet and handed it over, "This is a silver note of thousand taels."
Wu Dan wanted to take it, but Nanny Gong drew back her hand, glancing at the soup.
Wu Dan pressed her lips, picked up the bowl of dicine, and drank it in one go. Her hand went light as a delicate wallet took the bowl’s place in her grasp.
User Comments
0 comments from readers