Madam Marquis Dingyuan did not stay at Qingxin Temple for long, and returned home after five days. During this period, neither Madam Marquis Dingyuan nor Zhou Niannan came to see Xie Miao again.
Xie Miao was not surprised by this. With her status, it was an exception to be summoned by Madam Marquis Dingyuan last time.
Time is like water, passing by slowly.
Strings of small lanterns were hung under the eaves to dry in the bright autumn sunshine. Every four days, Qiaogu led several people to knead the persimmons. After three times, the persimmon cakes were formed. After about half a month, a layer of white frost appeared on the surface of the persimmons and the persimmons were ready.
Xie Miao tasted one. The pulp was glutinous, sweet and chewy, and the taste was unexpectedly good.
Several people praised Qiaogu and settled her wages. There were eighty-nine persimmon cakes in total. Xie Miao gave her three hundred copper coins. Qiaogu didn't hold out, and she happily accepted it.
The moment of separation comes in the blink of an eye.
Although Qiaogu is young, due to her life experience, she is used to seeing the warmth and coldness of people. The encounter with Xie Miao's master and servants was like the light that split the clouds during the rainy season, illuminating her thin and frail body with warmth. It's a pity that this beam of sunshine will shine back to Cui Mansion now.
Qiaogu secretly inquired with the Master in the temple and found out that several of the masters in the Cui Mansion were imperial officials. Sister Miao and she are from two different worlds, and she is afraid that it will be difficult to see each other again after separation.
Thinking of this, she became depressed.
The carriage sent by the Cui Mansion to pick them up was not far away. Qiaogu thought twice then grabbed Xie Miao's sleeves. She looked up with a pair of grape-like black eyes, and asked pitifully: "Sister Miao, can I go to Cui Mansion to look for you in the future?"
Xie Miao smiled and touched her head, "Of course. If I leave the house, I will go to the village to find you, or if you come to Cui Mansion to find Wang Da, I will know that it is you who is looking for me."
Wang Da is the coachman brought by Xie Miao from Pingjiang. Nowadays he works on miscellaneous errands in Cui Mansion.
Seeing that she didn't seem to be perfunctory, Qiaogu became happy and stretched out her little finger to make a hook shape, "Hang yourself with the hook, and it won't change for a hundred years!"
Xie Miao made the agreement seriously.
After a month of getting along with her, she felt very fond of Qiaogu, a child with a pitiful background but who was still working hard. She wanted to help Qiaogu as much as possible within her ability, but she had to go back and think carefully about how to implement it.
They said goodbye reluctantly, and Xie Miao stepped on the carriage to return to Cui Mansion.
Madam Xie sent people to tidy up Haihua Yuan in advance, and the two girls were waiting in the courtyard for the cousin to return. They usually did not live in Haihua Yuan. After finishing their work every day, they would go back to the backyard to wait for arrangements. This time, Madam Xie made it clear that they would be given to her niece.
The two girls are young and unstable in temperament, so they will inevitably complain: Who in the house does not know the status of this cousin? If it weren't for Madam Xie's love, others wouldn't even bother to look at her. What kind of future can there be with such a master?
They was dissatisfied, but didn't dare to resist their mistress. They just kept a pretty face and bowed to Xie Miao unwillingly.
"This slave {Guiyuan}/{Lizhi} is at your disposal."
Xie Miao didn't take these two girls to heart, and went to see Madam Xie after taking a rest.
Madam Xie was explaining to her maid about Madam Cui's birthday. When she saw Xie Miao coming in, she pushed aside the account books piled in front of her and affectionately pulled her to sit down.
She looked at her carefully and breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Xie Miao's complexion was rosy and her eyes were clear.
"After being raised in the temple for a month, you finally regained some of your energy. The incense in Qingxin Temple is strong, and it really nourishes people."
Xie Miao's eyes lit up when she heard this, and with a burning gaze she said: "Aunt, I like Qingxin Temple. I like it very much, quite a bit. I like it so much that I want to live there forever."
Madam Xie's eyelids twitched inexplicably, and her eyes fell on her niece's hairstyle empty of ornaments and elegant dress.
"This outfit doesn't suit you." She called Yanzi, speaking quickly, "Send the gold flower entwined with ruby bracelet that was newly purchased, the emerald pearl earrings, and the Hotan jade lotus hairpin from the warehouse to my niece's room."
Xie Miao shook her head repeatedly, trying to refuse: "Aunt, I don't need..."
"In a few days, ask the people from Jushang Pavilion to deliver some clothing materials and jewellery to the door, and choose new coats for the Ladies. By the way, the colours should be brighter."
"Aunt, I really..."
"Okay, don't talk." Madam Xie clapped her hand and said angrily: "My niece should be bright and beautiful. Why is she dressed so plainly? It's not like she wants to become a nun."
Well.
After hearing the truth being spoken, Xie Miao lowered her eyes with a guilty conscience. After a while, she said tentatively: "Aunt, if I want to become a nun..."
Madam Xie was smiling, but her tone was completely opposite and sinister, "Then I'll break your legs."
"..."
Xie Miao's shoulders trembled and she swallowed.
Now she still can't afford to offend her.
*
They haven't seen each other for a month, and the aunt and niece had a lot to say. Madam Xie and Xie Miao had lunch together. Because she was in a good mood, she ate half a bowl of rice more than usual. After the meal, Madam Xie drank strong tea and ate some candied fruits.
Xie Miao followed her example and put an apricot into her mouth. The sour taste soared straight to the middle of her forehead, and she had to endure it before spitting it out.
Madam Xie said with a smile: "I always want to eat something sour these days, so I bought a lot of candied fruits. You can take some back later."
"Okay, thank you Aunt." She was not good at rejecting her aunt's kindness. She nodded and looked straight at Madam Xie with her bright eyes.
Madam Xie is only twenty-five years old this year. She has an oval face, a pointed chin, and her facial features are not soft. Together, they are beautiful, but they also reveal a bit of shrewdness.
Seeing that her appetite had increased and her energy was high, Xie Miao already knew.
Just like in her previous life, Madam Xie must be pregnant.
Madam Xie had been married into the Cui Mansion for many years. At first, she was worried about the mood of Cui Muli and Cui Xijun, so she discussed with Cui Shishuo not to have children for the time being. After a few years passed, Madam Xie established a firm foothold in the family, but when she wanted to have a child, there was still no movement. Madam Xie pretended not to care on her face, but felt disappointed in her heart.
Others didn't know it yet, but Xie Miao knew that Madam Xie would have a smart child. On the day of Madam Cui's sixtieth birthday, Madam Xie was diagnosed with pregnancy, which brought double happiness to her. Not to mention how happy Madam Cui and Cui Shishuo were.
Xie Miao was also happy. Her aunt lost her mother and brother when she was young. Although she was loved by her husband after marrying into the Cui Mansion, she still struggled for many years. Although her stepson and stepdaughter were respectful to her, they were not related by blood. Now that she can have her own child, it is truly a blessing from God.
Even if her younger brother takes away her aunt's care after he is born, Xie Miao didn't care at all. With her younger brother accompanying her aunt, she can be a nun with peace of mind, right?
"A-Miao?" Seeing Xie Miao's sudden silence, Madam Xie quickly probed her forehead, "Where do you feel uncomfortable?"
"No." Xie Miao took her hand, tilted her head and leaned on her shoulder, "Aunt, A-Miao has grown up."
Madam Xie teased: "Of course, A-Miao has grown up and is old enough to get married."
Xie Miao pretended not to hear and said: "Aunt, there are many things in the house. You don't need to do everything yourself. Just leave the trivial matters to the steward and Yanzi."
"You, little girl, are you worried about your aunt?"
"Just follow me, okay?"
"Okay, okay, it's up to you."
"If you are tired, take a rest. Eat less cold food and more hot food on weekdays. Don't be insatiable for cold weather. It's winter, so you should wear more clothes..."
Listening to her niece's ramble, Madam Xie felt as if she had gone back to the time when her brother and sister-in-law were still there.
Her sister-in-law also told her to take care of herself.
The tip of Madam Xie's nose felt sour. She pressed the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief, and said sadly and happily: "My A-Miao has grown up."
Before leaving, Xie Miao handed the wrapped persimmon cakes to Madam Xie, "Aunt, these are the persimmon cakes I made by myself. Although it doesn't look good, it tastes good."
She did not bring the beautiful persimmon cakes made by Qiaogu and Fu Lu, but brought the weird and not very beautiful persimmon cakes she made to Madam Xie.
Madam Xie opened the oil paper bag and said in surprise: "Did you make it yourself?"
"Well, you shouldn't eat too much of persimmons because they are cold food. You and uncle should share the food and don't be greedy."
"Okay, did you send it to other rooms?"
"They've all been sent."
"What about Muli?"
Xie Miao's throat froze, and she said calmly: "I've sent it too."
That's strange.
If there weren't enough persimmons, she would naturally miss out on Cui Muli's share. Anyway, he doesn't care about it, so she isn't willing to give it to him.
*
Early the next morning, Madam Xie took Xie Miao to pay her respects to Madam Cui.
Only half a month away from her sixtieth birthday, Madam Cui was in a very good mood. Third Master Cui was sent to Yincheng for two years and was finally transferred back to the capital a few months ago. On this birthday, all three of her sons will be by her side. Her daughters-in-law are filial, her grandsons are upbeat, and her granddaughters are all well-behaved.
All she wanted in her life was for her children and grandchildren to live in harmony and for her family to be harmonious.
As such, she became even more kind to Xie Miao and chatted with her about many trivial matters. If Cui Xijun was there, she would inevitably get angry again.
Today, the only people who came to pay their respects were Madam Li and Cui Xining. Cui Xijun made an appointment with her friend Su Panyan to go horse riding. The third family branch went on a lively trip because of Cui Shiren's return.
Madan Xie happened to have something to discuss with Madam Li, and the two quickly left together. Cui Xining and Xie Miao chatted with Madam Cui, talking happily and harmoniously.
Madam Cui was used to taking a nap after lunch, so Xie Miao and Cui Xining walked out of the courtyard together.
Madam Cui's residence is quiet and some distance from the front yard. The two walked side by side leisurely, smiling slightly and not talking excessively.
Cui Xining is the most dignified among the ladies of the Cui family. Her words and deeds are so outstanding that no one can find anything wrong with her. Regarding Xie Miao, she was not like Cui Xijun who targeted her everywhere, and she had no intention of deepening their friendship.
In the past, Cui Xining would find the right opportunity to show her kindness, and she would handle it in a measured manner, without making Xie Miao feel embarrassed or making Cui Xijun angry.
Now......
Cui Xining glanced at Xie Miao and thought to herself: After a fall at Qingxin Temple, her temper seemed to have changed. Those who take advantage of every opportunity to find ways to please disappeared and what was left was generous, neither humble nor arrogant.
Cui Xining was surprised by Xie Miao's change, and Xie Miao also lamented Cui Xining's "duplicity in appearance".
Who would have thought that such a beautiful daughter of a boudoir would dare to fight against patriarchy and destiny for a poor scholar? Even though the ending was unsatisfactory, Xie Miao still felt deep admiration despite feeling regretful.
What Xie Miao wants in this life is not to make the same mistakes again, but what about Cui Xining? Will she still be as fearless as in her previous life, willing to fly into a flame just to marry the man she loves?
The two of them stepped into the waterfront corridor with their own thoughts.
The long corridor twists and turns, like a wandering dragon, drawing a shallow stroke on Cui Mansion. After exiting the promenade, there is Shangqing Lake. There is a pavilion in the lake and trees are planted around it. The golden osmanthus has not yet fully faded and is dotted sporadically on the branches. The fragrance is almost negligible.
Whispers floated from unknown corners.
"I heard that the cousin came back home yesterday and sent persimmon cakes to every room. She spread the word everywhere that she made them herself."
"It's so funny that if it was not done with one's own hands. Could it be that it was done with one's own feet?"
"Hahahaha, only she can give away such poor things. She is really not afraid of embarrassing the Second Lady."
"The Second Madam loves her so much that even if she gives her a stone, she will still say it is flint falling from the sky."
"Humph, it's just for the sake of the Second Madam, otherwise who else would accept her junk?"
"That is, if it were me, I would turn around and throw it into the stinking ditch. A few persimmon cakes, who is so shameful?"
The voice was neither loud nor quiet, just enough for Cui Xining and her party to hear clearly.
Cui Xining's face darkened and she looked at her personal maid Su Zhen. Su Zhen understood, hurriedly took a few steps forward, and scolded sternly: "Which maid in the yard is lazy, get out here!"
There was silence in the bushes for a moment, and then three maids came out with their heads shrunk, pushing and shoving. After seeing Cui Xining and Xie Miao, their faces instantly turned the colour of pig liver.
The three of them knelt down in panic, not knowing whether they were dishonest or stupid, and said repeatedly: "Second Miss, please forgive us, but these slaves are embroidery workers in Jinxiu Garden. After finishing the work at hand, we came here to take a rest!"
Cui Xining didn't blink and said calmly: "You're still not aware of your fault for making false remarks about your masters. Su Zhen, come and slap them for me."
The three of them were trembling, kowtowing and begging for mercy: "Second Miss, please spare my life. I will not dare to do this next time. I beg you, Second Miss, please spare me!"
Cui Xining didn't say anything, so Su Zhen gave each of them two hard slaps.
The three of them covered their faces and cried bitterly. It was so pitiful.
Cui Xining asked again: "Who did you gossip about just now? What should you do?"
The three of them came back to their senses and turned to Xie Miao to apologize and beg for mercy.
Fu Lu, who was standing behind Xie Miao, was angry for a moment, but soon became numb again. In the past three years, no matter what the Young Lady does, she will be ridiculed, and they are used to it.
The sound of crying made Xie Miao's head hurt. She sighed and said to Cui Xining, "That's enough."
Cui Xining nodded slightly towards her, then turned coldly to the three maids, "Why don't you go to Steward Bai to receive your punishment!"
Several people covered their cheeks and ran away crying.
The air was quiet for a moment. Cui Xining took a breath and said apologetically: "I'm sorry for making you feel wronged."
Since those maids were servants of the Cui Mansion, their words and deeds were rude and offended Xie Miao, which was an embarrassment to Cui Xining.
Xie Miao's expression remained unchanged and she smiled: "It's just a few gossips, I don't care."
Her generous attitude made Cui Xining even more embarrassed. However, she was not a talkative person. She walked forward for a while and suddenly said: "The persimmon cakes you gave me taste very good. I like them very much."
Two people happened to approach, and the man in front heard the words and said, "Indeed, I also think that the persimmon cakes tastes very good."
Xie Miao raised her eyelashes slightly and saw Cui Shishuo coming towards her, flanked by a famous young man in blue robes, handsome eyebrows and a face like a crown of jade - Cui Muli.