Chapter 21: Backing
As several gazes swiftly and uniformly landed on her, Ming Wei felt a chill crawl up her scalp, her whole body going numb.
What was Ming Rong trying to do, saying something like that at such a sensitive moment—was she deliberately pushing her into the fire pit? Though Ming Wei had long known that Ming Rong wasn’t as generous and kind as she appeared, she hadn’t expected that, as fellow illegitimate daughters, Ming Rong would stoop to kicking someone when they were down.
Maybe Ming Rong still held a grudge from Grandmother’s birthday, when Ming Wei had stolen the spotlight…
"Seventh Sister, you look a bit unwell," Ming Rong spoke boldly, confident the fire wouldn’t reach her. She smiled. "If you're feeling ill, perhaps you should ask Mother for leave—"
Ming Wei was furious, and her heart sank even further when she noticed Second Madame’s unfriendly gaze. Second Madame, already cornered by Second Master and Yan Hong, had nowhere to vent her suppressed anger—and now Ming Rong had pushed her right into the line of fire.
"I—I'm fine—" Ming Wei was filled with resentment but couldn’t think of any way to resolve the situation. No matter what, she couldn’t escape being Second Madame’s punching bag today.
Ming Lian stood nearby, visibly anxious and wanting to help but unsure how, while Ming Fang merely curled her lips. She disliked both Ming Rong and Ming Wei, but seeing Ming Wei about to get scolded, she looked ready to enjoy the show.
"One after another, you all come to poke at my sore spot!" Second Madame’s expression was icy, seizing the opportunity to lash out. "If you're unwell, then don’t come—why pretend and put on a show? I can’t stand it! Do I really look like the sort of bitter woman who forces you here daily just to make you follow rules?"
Ming Wei dared not respond.
"Or is it that everyone only feels unwell around me?" Second Madame cast a sideways glance at Yan Hong, then turned her sharp gaze back on Ming Wei. "Away from me, you're all lively and full of energy?"
The meaning was clear—not only was she accusing Ming Wei of faking illness to avoid discipline, but she was also indirectly insulting Yan Hong.
Yet Yan Hong acted as if she hadn’t understood a thing. Instead, she leaned even closer into Second Master’s embrace, as though frightened, triggering another wave of his pity.
Ming Wei felt utterly helpless. That man was her so-called father! Yet for a concubine, he could turn his household upside down. This body was still his biological daughter—yet he didn’t say a word in her defense…
Even more infuriated was Second Madame. She had already lost enough face today, but couldn’t truly start a fight with Second Master—lest the other branches of the family enjoy the spectacle.
The only way she could recover a bit of her dignity now was through Ming Wei.
With that thought, Second Madame’s brows lifted sharply. Her already sharp features turned even more severe.
Ming Wei almost resigned herself to fate, cursing Ming Rong—who was smiling sweetly like a thoughtful older sister—countless times in her heart.
Second Master focused all his attention on comforting the beauty in his arms, thinking that if Ming Wei could redirect Second Madame’s wrath, it would save him some trouble. If news of discord among his women spread, it wouldn’t reflect well on him.
Just as Second Madame was about to let loose her fury, a young maid’s crisp voice came from outside: "The old madam has sent Nanny Fang!"
Second Madame could not ignore someone sent by the old madam. She cast a threatening look at Ming Wei, then let her eyes sweep over Yan Hong like knives, before slowly rising to her feet.
Ming Wei finally let out a breath of relief. Even if only temporary, she'd take any chance to escape this ordeal. Hopefully, the old madam was calling Second Madame away entirely.
Of course, things didn’t go as smoothly as Ming Wei hoped.
Nanny Fang was the old madam’s second most trusted servant, having served at her side for over twenty years. Within the marquis household, she held real standing—even Second Master had to greet her respectfully.
"This servant greets Second Master, Second Madame, and all the young ladies," Nanny Fang said, polite and composed, not letting her status go to her head.
Second Master and Second Madame naturally couldn’t accept a full bow from her, and had their maids support her.
"Madam has a message and asked us to come over," Second Master said with a smile, his mood lightened thanks to Yan Hong. Even those from the old madam’s courtyard now looked more pleasing to him. "We’ve troubled Nanny to come all this way."
Though Second Madame also smiled and echoed his words, a flash of disdain passed through her eyes. Second Master had never been this courteous to the old madam’s people before!
"Today, the old madam sent me with two matters," Nanny Fang said calmly. "First, she wishes to ask how Second Master and Second Madame find Yan Hong’s service."
She said it so lightly, yet it was the very topic that nearly made Second Madame explode with rage.
As if it wasn’t bad enough that the old madam had sent over this seductive maid to become a concubine—now she was following up just to twist the knife!
Second Madame’s displeasure was plain. Though she cared about appearances, she had a temper, and this kind of humiliation could not be tolerated.
"Why, she’s absolutely perfect!" Second Madame deliberately raised her voice, sharp and grating. "Ever since this Yan Hong girl came in, this main courtyard has never been more lively!"
"Next time the marquis hosts guests, we won’t need to hire a troupe—just let them come here to watch Yan Hong perform! She sings, acts, dances, and fights—she does it all!"
Before she even finished, Second Master’s face darkened. Her words were outrageous. He scolded her in a low voice: "Watch what you say! Nanny and the children are here—have you no propriety as the main wife?"
"See? Was I wrong?" Second Madame sneered, grabbing onto Nanny Su. "She’s charmed the very soul out of you! Yan Hong is nothing more than a lowly courtesan!"
Second Master’s face turned ashen.
Yan Hong, who had been quietly wiping tears at the side, suddenly threw herself to her knees by Second Madame, wailing dramatically: "Madam, how can you say such things! I was born to a respectable family! I’ve served beside the old madam for years, and now I’m being compared to a performer, a painted harlot! I have no face to face the old madam—no face to live!"
"I beg you, Nanny, please tell the old madam for me—Yan Hong has no fate to repay her great kindness in this life. In the next life, I’ll be a cow or horse if that’s what it takes to return the favor!"
Saying this, she really did turn to hurl herself toward the column by the door.
Of course, the path she chose happened to take her right past Second Master. If it had been near Second Madame, the latter might have pushed her along for good measure. But this was Second Master—Ming Wei couldn’t help twitching at the corner of her mouth. The outcome was obvious. Second Master rushed to pull her back, looking heartbroken, as if he wished he could cradle her right into his bones.
Second Madame’s face turned an ugly shade of purple.
Her attendant, Madam Gu, quickly pulled her back, reminding her with a look that the old madam’s people were still present—she must not lose composure. Second Madame swallowed her fury with great effort.
Nanny Fang, clearly a seasoned hand, remained perfectly composed. She first invited Second Master and Second Madame to sit, then said calmly, "Yan Hong has served the old madam for years. No matter her faults, she was a reward from the old madam. She’s only been here a day—if anything happens, not only will the old madam be displeased, even your own reputation, Madam, may be compromised."
"If you and Second Master grow distant over her, that would ruin the old madam’s goodwill." Nanny Fang looked troubled. "If… Second Master had not already taken her, perhaps she could still be returned. But…" She glanced at Yan Hong, whose seductive gaze clearly showed she’d already been with a man.
That remark only deepened Second Madame’s rage. She shot Second Master a furious look, angry at his weakness.
Second Master chuckled awkwardly but clearly felt no shame.
"Since what’s done is done," Nanny Fang said, "I believe it best for Madam to maintain a peaceful household. The old madam is of advanced age and loves nothing more than seeing harmony among her descendants."
Second Madame remained full of resentment, unimpressed by such empty platitudes.
"The days are long ahead," Nanny Fang continued. "Madam can always teach her slowly." Her words did nothing to soften Second Madame’s expression. On the contrary, she felt this was clearly Nanny Fang supporting Yan Hong—she kept bringing up the old madam and Second Master, never once criticizing Yan Hong’s hysterics. That woman had just threatened suicide—and yet Nanny Fang remained calm!
But Nanny Fang was the old madam’s person—she couldn’t be touched. Knowing she couldn’t win, Second Madame could only swallow the humiliation for now.
"As expected of Madam—so magnanimous and wise, resolving things so quickly." Nanny Fang smiled, unconcerned by Second Madame’s true feelings. "Now, the second matter. The old madam has asked me to invite the Seventh Young Lady over."
Ming Wei, trying her best to melt into the background, thought she’d heard wrong.
The old madam was calling her?
Apparently, she wasn’t the only one shocked. Both Second Master and Second Madame widened their eyes, and the other girls were equally stunned.
The old madam had only just returned and barely interacted with the third branch. The granddaughters merely paid occasional respects, exchanged pleasantries, and left. She had never summoned anyone personally before.
And yet today, she had sent someone just to fetch Ming Wei.
Ming Lian, at least, was happy for her—it meant she could avoid the current disaster. Ming Fang, as usual, wore a look of envy, while Ming Rong’s face twisted with barely concealed resentment, her scheme having completely backfired.
"The old madam is still waiting for my return," Nanny Fang said, giving another bow to Second Master and Second Madame before smiling at the still-stunned Ming Wei. "Seventh Young Lady, if you please."
What was Ming Rong trying to do, saying something like that at such a sensitive moment—was she deliberately pushing her into the fire pit? Though Ming Wei had long known that Ming Rong wasn’t as generous and kind as she appeared, she hadn’t expected that, as fellow illegitimate daughters, Ming Rong would stoop to kicking someone when they were down.
Maybe Ming Rong still held a grudge from Grandmother’s birthday, when Ming Wei had stolen the spotlight…
"Seventh Sister, you look a bit unwell," Ming Rong spoke boldly, confident the fire wouldn’t reach her. She smiled. "If you're feeling ill, perhaps you should ask Mother for leave—"
Ming Wei was furious, and her heart sank even further when she noticed Second Madame’s unfriendly gaze. Second Madame, already cornered by Second Master and Yan Hong, had nowhere to vent her suppressed anger—and now Ming Rong had pushed her right into the line of fire.
"I—I'm fine—" Ming Wei was filled with resentment but couldn’t think of any way to resolve the situation. No matter what, she couldn’t escape being Second Madame’s punching bag today.
Ming Lian stood nearby, visibly anxious and wanting to help but unsure how, while Ming Fang merely curled her lips. She disliked both Ming Rong and Ming Wei, but seeing Ming Wei about to get scolded, she looked ready to enjoy the show.
"One after another, you all come to poke at my sore spot!" Second Madame’s expression was icy, seizing the opportunity to lash out. "If you're unwell, then don’t come—why pretend and put on a show? I can’t stand it! Do I really look like the sort of bitter woman who forces you here daily just to make you follow rules?"
Ming Wei dared not respond.
"Or is it that everyone only feels unwell around me?" Second Madame cast a sideways glance at Yan Hong, then turned her sharp gaze back on Ming Wei. "Away from me, you're all lively and full of energy?"
The meaning was clear—not only was she accusing Ming Wei of faking illness to avoid discipline, but she was also indirectly insulting Yan Hong.
Yet Yan Hong acted as if she hadn’t understood a thing. Instead, she leaned even closer into Second Master’s embrace, as though frightened, triggering another wave of his pity.
Ming Wei felt utterly helpless. That man was her so-called father! Yet for a concubine, he could turn his household upside down. This body was still his biological daughter—yet he didn’t say a word in her defense…
Even more infuriated was Second Madame. She had already lost enough face today, but couldn’t truly start a fight with Second Master—lest the other branches of the family enjoy the spectacle.
The only way she could recover a bit of her dignity now was through Ming Wei.
With that thought, Second Madame’s brows lifted sharply. Her already sharp features turned even more severe.
Ming Wei almost resigned herself to fate, cursing Ming Rong—who was smiling sweetly like a thoughtful older sister—countless times in her heart.
Second Master focused all his attention on comforting the beauty in his arms, thinking that if Ming Wei could redirect Second Madame’s wrath, it would save him some trouble. If news of discord among his women spread, it wouldn’t reflect well on him.
Just as Second Madame was about to let loose her fury, a young maid’s crisp voice came from outside: "The old madam has sent Nanny Fang!"
Second Madame could not ignore someone sent by the old madam. She cast a threatening look at Ming Wei, then let her eyes sweep over Yan Hong like knives, before slowly rising to her feet.
Ming Wei finally let out a breath of relief. Even if only temporary, she'd take any chance to escape this ordeal. Hopefully, the old madam was calling Second Madame away entirely.
Of course, things didn’t go as smoothly as Ming Wei hoped.
Nanny Fang was the old madam’s second most trusted servant, having served at her side for over twenty years. Within the marquis household, she held real standing—even Second Master had to greet her respectfully.
"This servant greets Second Master, Second Madame, and all the young ladies," Nanny Fang said, polite and composed, not letting her status go to her head.
Second Master and Second Madame naturally couldn’t accept a full bow from her, and had their maids support her.
"Madam has a message and asked us to come over," Second Master said with a smile, his mood lightened thanks to Yan Hong. Even those from the old madam’s courtyard now looked more pleasing to him. "We’ve troubled Nanny to come all this way."
Though Second Madame also smiled and echoed his words, a flash of disdain passed through her eyes. Second Master had never been this courteous to the old madam’s people before!
"Today, the old madam sent me with two matters," Nanny Fang said calmly. "First, she wishes to ask how Second Master and Second Madame find Yan Hong’s service."
She said it so lightly, yet it was the very topic that nearly made Second Madame explode with rage.
As if it wasn’t bad enough that the old madam had sent over this seductive maid to become a concubine—now she was following up just to twist the knife!
Second Madame’s displeasure was plain. Though she cared about appearances, she had a temper, and this kind of humiliation could not be tolerated.
"Why, she’s absolutely perfect!" Second Madame deliberately raised her voice, sharp and grating. "Ever since this Yan Hong girl came in, this main courtyard has never been more lively!"
"Next time the marquis hosts guests, we won’t need to hire a troupe—just let them come here to watch Yan Hong perform! She sings, acts, dances, and fights—she does it all!"
Before she even finished, Second Master’s face darkened. Her words were outrageous. He scolded her in a low voice: "Watch what you say! Nanny and the children are here—have you no propriety as the main wife?"
"See? Was I wrong?" Second Madame sneered, grabbing onto Nanny Su. "She’s charmed the very soul out of you! Yan Hong is nothing more than a lowly courtesan!"
Second Master’s face turned ashen.
Yan Hong, who had been quietly wiping tears at the side, suddenly threw herself to her knees by Second Madame, wailing dramatically: "Madam, how can you say such things! I was born to a respectable family! I’ve served beside the old madam for years, and now I’m being compared to a performer, a painted harlot! I have no face to face the old madam—no face to live!"
"I beg you, Nanny, please tell the old madam for me—Yan Hong has no fate to repay her great kindness in this life. In the next life, I’ll be a cow or horse if that’s what it takes to return the favor!"
Saying this, she really did turn to hurl herself toward the column by the door.
Of course, the path she chose happened to take her right past Second Master. If it had been near Second Madame, the latter might have pushed her along for good measure. But this was Second Master—Ming Wei couldn’t help twitching at the corner of her mouth. The outcome was obvious. Second Master rushed to pull her back, looking heartbroken, as if he wished he could cradle her right into his bones.
Second Madame’s face turned an ugly shade of purple.
Her attendant, Madam Gu, quickly pulled her back, reminding her with a look that the old madam’s people were still present—she must not lose composure. Second Madame swallowed her fury with great effort.
Nanny Fang, clearly a seasoned hand, remained perfectly composed. She first invited Second Master and Second Madame to sit, then said calmly, "Yan Hong has served the old madam for years. No matter her faults, she was a reward from the old madam. She’s only been here a day—if anything happens, not only will the old madam be displeased, even your own reputation, Madam, may be compromised."
"If you and Second Master grow distant over her, that would ruin the old madam’s goodwill." Nanny Fang looked troubled. "If… Second Master had not already taken her, perhaps she could still be returned. But…" She glanced at Yan Hong, whose seductive gaze clearly showed she’d already been with a man.
That remark only deepened Second Madame’s rage. She shot Second Master a furious look, angry at his weakness.
Second Master chuckled awkwardly but clearly felt no shame.
"Since what’s done is done," Nanny Fang said, "I believe it best for Madam to maintain a peaceful household. The old madam is of advanced age and loves nothing more than seeing harmony among her descendants."
Second Madame remained full of resentment, unimpressed by such empty platitudes.
"The days are long ahead," Nanny Fang continued. "Madam can always teach her slowly." Her words did nothing to soften Second Madame’s expression. On the contrary, she felt this was clearly Nanny Fang supporting Yan Hong—she kept bringing up the old madam and Second Master, never once criticizing Yan Hong’s hysterics. That woman had just threatened suicide—and yet Nanny Fang remained calm!
But Nanny Fang was the old madam’s person—she couldn’t be touched. Knowing she couldn’t win, Second Madame could only swallow the humiliation for now.
"As expected of Madam—so magnanimous and wise, resolving things so quickly." Nanny Fang smiled, unconcerned by Second Madame’s true feelings. "Now, the second matter. The old madam has asked me to invite the Seventh Young Lady over."
Ming Wei, trying her best to melt into the background, thought she’d heard wrong.
The old madam was calling her?
Apparently, she wasn’t the only one shocked. Both Second Master and Second Madame widened their eyes, and the other girls were equally stunned.
The old madam had only just returned and barely interacted with the third branch. The granddaughters merely paid occasional respects, exchanged pleasantries, and left. She had never summoned anyone personally before.
And yet today, she had sent someone just to fetch Ming Wei.
Ming Lian, at least, was happy for her—it meant she could avoid the current disaster. Ming Fang, as usual, wore a look of envy, while Ming Rong’s face twisted with barely concealed resentment, her scheme having completely backfired.
"The old madam is still waiting for my return," Nanny Fang said, giving another bow to Second Master and Second Madame before smiling at the still-stunned Ming Wei. "Seventh Young Lady, if you please."
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