Chapter 22: Doubt
Ming Wei followed behind Nanny Fang, and the one to suffer next became Ming Rong.
Her face showed both shame and resentment, seemingly unable to accept that the trap she had carefully laid had now ensnared herself.
“Nothing better to do all day but stir up trouble!” Second Madame, burning with rage, shifted all her anger onto Ming Rong. “Stop imitating those petty, lowborn tricks of your concubine mother! We’ve spared no expense hiring etiquette nannies and tutors for you girls—was it all for nothing?”
Ming Rong’s face flushed deep red. The concubine mother Second Madame spoke of was known to lack subtlety, though she was constantly scheming. Not only did Second Madame look down on her, even the other concubines in the second household held her in contempt.
Now being compared to her, Ming Rong felt utterly humiliated.
“You may not be my own flesh and blood, but I’ve treated all of you equally. I've done my best!” Second Madame took the opportunity to perform for Second Master, who was present, showing off her merits and hardships. “Don’t end up like bad apples and make me feel all my efforts were wasted!”
After all, she was the legitimate wife, holding up the entire second household. Cats and dogs alike thought they could barge in and throw their weight around—no chance!
Ming Rong had never been this embarrassed before. She had always played the role of the sweet, well-behaved one. Now, suddenly rebuked with such veiled and direct scolding, her face turned alternately green and red, though she could say nothing in return.
Second Master finally seemed to remember his duty as a father. Realizing that exposing household matters to his daughters would only erode his authority, he waved his hand and told the girls to withdraw.
But then he met Second Madame’s venomous glare. Wanting to avoid further confrontation, Second Master simply left, taking his lovely concubine along with him, making Second Madame so furious she began smashing things.
Nanny Gu had no choice but to offer another round of bitter consolation.
“Third Sister, don’t take Mother’s harsh words to heart,” Ming Lian said kindly, trying to ease the tension so Ming Rong wouldn’t feel too awkward. But Ming Rong wasn’t having it at all.
Clenching the handkerchief in her fist, she strode away briskly, not even waiting for Ming Lian and Ming Fang.
It was all Ming Wei’s fault! If she hadn’t been called away by Nanny Fang, the one who would’ve suffered would have been her! That day, Ming Wei had stolen her spotlight, and now, thanks to that clever Zong’er, she was favored by the old madam more than ever! And now she’d even dragged Ming Rong into disgrace!
Ming Rong gritted her teeth with hatred, her expression vicious.
One day, she would make sure Ming Wei suffered for it!
---
Ming Wei, of course, had no time to worry about how much Ming Rong hated her. She followed Nanny Fang toward Rongshantang, full of unease, completely uncertain why the old madam had summoned her.
If anything, the old madam probably saw her as just a timid, unremarkable illegitimate daughter of the second household—someone who kept her head down and stayed quiet. Only during the birthday banquet had she slightly caught the old madam’s attention with that embroidery piece.
But if it was really just about the embroidery, why call her over now, of all times?
Though Ming Wei hoped to cling tightly to the old madam’s favor, she also knew that a single embroidery piece couldn’t amount to much. The old madam had been Marchioness for many years—what rare treasures hadn’t she seen? If such a simple piece had truly astonished her, Ming Wei would hardly dare to believe it.
So what was the real reason?
She forced herself to stay calm and carefully recalled what had just happened.
Today, Nanny Fang’s first action upon arriving at the second household was to support Yan Hong, scolding and pressuring Second Madame at every turn. Yan Hong was, after all, someone from the old madam’s courtyard. Even if Second Madame wanted to fight her tooth and nail and risk the reputation of a jealous wife, she still needed to see if the old madam would permit it!
The old madam had never interfered with her sons’ household matters in all these years. Now suddenly inserting Yan Hong into the mix—it was surely in response to Second Madame’s careless handling of the Lianhua matter.
At this thought, Ming Wei’s heart sank.
She had been in the garden that day too. Could someone have seen her?
The possibility sent a chill creeping through her limbs.
She couldn’t just sit and wait for disaster to strike—she needed to test Nanny Fang’s tone, maybe learn something that would let her prepare. She carefully considered how to phrase her words—she couldn’t be too direct and seem rude, but if she didn’t get to the point, she might not learn anything at all.
Before she could speak, however, Nanny Fang had already noticed her unease.
Nanny Fang still had a favorable impression of Ming Wei from the birthday banquet. Thinking of how Second Madame normally mistreated the illegitimate daughters, she feared that if Ming Wei appeared too nervous, it might displease the old madam instead.
So she softened her tone and offered reassurance: “The old madam is your grandmother by blood. Her summoning you is only out of affection—you should be happy.”
“Thank you, Nanny, for your kind words.” Ming Wei smiled gratefully, finally relaxing a little.
From Nanny Fang’s tone, it didn’t seem like the old madam meant to punish her… but that only deepened her confusion. What other reason could the old madam have to summon her?
While she was still speculating wildly, she suddenly looked up to see Ming Luo and Ming Ling walking toward them. There was only one path here—it led to Rongshantang. Clearly, the two sisters had just come from the old madam’s courtyard.
“Nanny Fang, Seventh Sister!” Ming Luo greeted them with a cheerful smile. Though Ming Ling also greeted them, her expression had clearly changed.
“Eighth Miss, Ninth Miss,” Nanny Fang greeted them politely. Ming Wei also smiled and nodded, calling out, “Eighth Sister, Ninth Sister.”
Ming Luo always looked innocent and sweet. Today, she wore a light pink short-sleeved jacket over a pear blossom-white robe, making her appear even more adorable and charming. So even if her words crossed the line a little, no one found them offensive.
“Seventh Sister and Nanny just happened to run into each other on the road?” She pouted slightly in mock frustration. “Why is it I never get such lucky timing? Just the other day, Madame rewarded me with a fine piece of fabric. I was thinking of making outfits for both Madame and the old madam! But I’m not sure of the old madam’s measurements.”
She gave Nanny Fang a sweet smile and added playfully, “Nanny has served the old madam for so long—who could be more suitable for such a request than you?”
Ming Wei felt goosebumps all over—she couldn’t hope to match Ming Luo’s performance skills.
“I dare not accept such praise,” Nanny Fang said with a gentle smile. “But your filial heart is admirable. On behalf of the old madam, I’m happy to help however I can. Just not at the moment—the old madam has asked me to bring Seventh Miss to her right away. She’s probably waiting now.”
As soon as she finished speaking, a flash of envy and resentment passed through Ming Ling’s eyes. She half-mockingly said, “So that’s why Grandmother had no time to talk with us today—she was waiting for Seventh Sister!”
Ming Ling was clearly exaggerating. She was jealous, yet blamed it on the old madam instead.
The fact that she dared to say such a thing showed that she lacked subtlety. Even if she didn’t get along with Ming Wei, she shouldn’t have insulted the old madam! Especially with Nanny Fang standing right there—no need for Ming Wei to tattle; every word would be passed along anyway.
Ming Luo’s eyes flickered slightly, but she still managed a generous smile and said she would ask Nanny Fang another time. Then she pulled Ming Ling away.
Nanny Fang turned to Ming Wei with a smile. “Seventh Miss, please follow me.”
Ming Wei nodded, now filled with overwhelming curiosity about why the old madam wanted to see her.
If it’s a blessing, it won’t be a curse. If it’s a curse—there’s no avoiding it.
Her face showed both shame and resentment, seemingly unable to accept that the trap she had carefully laid had now ensnared herself.
“Nothing better to do all day but stir up trouble!” Second Madame, burning with rage, shifted all her anger onto Ming Rong. “Stop imitating those petty, lowborn tricks of your concubine mother! We’ve spared no expense hiring etiquette nannies and tutors for you girls—was it all for nothing?”
Ming Rong’s face flushed deep red. The concubine mother Second Madame spoke of was known to lack subtlety, though she was constantly scheming. Not only did Second Madame look down on her, even the other concubines in the second household held her in contempt.
Now being compared to her, Ming Rong felt utterly humiliated.
“You may not be my own flesh and blood, but I’ve treated all of you equally. I've done my best!” Second Madame took the opportunity to perform for Second Master, who was present, showing off her merits and hardships. “Don’t end up like bad apples and make me feel all my efforts were wasted!”
After all, she was the legitimate wife, holding up the entire second household. Cats and dogs alike thought they could barge in and throw their weight around—no chance!
Ming Rong had never been this embarrassed before. She had always played the role of the sweet, well-behaved one. Now, suddenly rebuked with such veiled and direct scolding, her face turned alternately green and red, though she could say nothing in return.
Second Master finally seemed to remember his duty as a father. Realizing that exposing household matters to his daughters would only erode his authority, he waved his hand and told the girls to withdraw.
But then he met Second Madame’s venomous glare. Wanting to avoid further confrontation, Second Master simply left, taking his lovely concubine along with him, making Second Madame so furious she began smashing things.
Nanny Gu had no choice but to offer another round of bitter consolation.
“Third Sister, don’t take Mother’s harsh words to heart,” Ming Lian said kindly, trying to ease the tension so Ming Rong wouldn’t feel too awkward. But Ming Rong wasn’t having it at all.
Clenching the handkerchief in her fist, she strode away briskly, not even waiting for Ming Lian and Ming Fang.
It was all Ming Wei’s fault! If she hadn’t been called away by Nanny Fang, the one who would’ve suffered would have been her! That day, Ming Wei had stolen her spotlight, and now, thanks to that clever Zong’er, she was favored by the old madam more than ever! And now she’d even dragged Ming Rong into disgrace!
Ming Rong gritted her teeth with hatred, her expression vicious.
One day, she would make sure Ming Wei suffered for it!
---
Ming Wei, of course, had no time to worry about how much Ming Rong hated her. She followed Nanny Fang toward Rongshantang, full of unease, completely uncertain why the old madam had summoned her.
If anything, the old madam probably saw her as just a timid, unremarkable illegitimate daughter of the second household—someone who kept her head down and stayed quiet. Only during the birthday banquet had she slightly caught the old madam’s attention with that embroidery piece.
But if it was really just about the embroidery, why call her over now, of all times?
Though Ming Wei hoped to cling tightly to the old madam’s favor, she also knew that a single embroidery piece couldn’t amount to much. The old madam had been Marchioness for many years—what rare treasures hadn’t she seen? If such a simple piece had truly astonished her, Ming Wei would hardly dare to believe it.
So what was the real reason?
She forced herself to stay calm and carefully recalled what had just happened.
Today, Nanny Fang’s first action upon arriving at the second household was to support Yan Hong, scolding and pressuring Second Madame at every turn. Yan Hong was, after all, someone from the old madam’s courtyard. Even if Second Madame wanted to fight her tooth and nail and risk the reputation of a jealous wife, she still needed to see if the old madam would permit it!
The old madam had never interfered with her sons’ household matters in all these years. Now suddenly inserting Yan Hong into the mix—it was surely in response to Second Madame’s careless handling of the Lianhua matter.
At this thought, Ming Wei’s heart sank.
She had been in the garden that day too. Could someone have seen her?
The possibility sent a chill creeping through her limbs.
She couldn’t just sit and wait for disaster to strike—she needed to test Nanny Fang’s tone, maybe learn something that would let her prepare. She carefully considered how to phrase her words—she couldn’t be too direct and seem rude, but if she didn’t get to the point, she might not learn anything at all.
Before she could speak, however, Nanny Fang had already noticed her unease.
Nanny Fang still had a favorable impression of Ming Wei from the birthday banquet. Thinking of how Second Madame normally mistreated the illegitimate daughters, she feared that if Ming Wei appeared too nervous, it might displease the old madam instead.
So she softened her tone and offered reassurance: “The old madam is your grandmother by blood. Her summoning you is only out of affection—you should be happy.”
“Thank you, Nanny, for your kind words.” Ming Wei smiled gratefully, finally relaxing a little.
From Nanny Fang’s tone, it didn’t seem like the old madam meant to punish her… but that only deepened her confusion. What other reason could the old madam have to summon her?
While she was still speculating wildly, she suddenly looked up to see Ming Luo and Ming Ling walking toward them. There was only one path here—it led to Rongshantang. Clearly, the two sisters had just come from the old madam’s courtyard.
“Nanny Fang, Seventh Sister!” Ming Luo greeted them with a cheerful smile. Though Ming Ling also greeted them, her expression had clearly changed.
“Eighth Miss, Ninth Miss,” Nanny Fang greeted them politely. Ming Wei also smiled and nodded, calling out, “Eighth Sister, Ninth Sister.”
Ming Luo always looked innocent and sweet. Today, she wore a light pink short-sleeved jacket over a pear blossom-white robe, making her appear even more adorable and charming. So even if her words crossed the line a little, no one found them offensive.
“Seventh Sister and Nanny just happened to run into each other on the road?” She pouted slightly in mock frustration. “Why is it I never get such lucky timing? Just the other day, Madame rewarded me with a fine piece of fabric. I was thinking of making outfits for both Madame and the old madam! But I’m not sure of the old madam’s measurements.”
She gave Nanny Fang a sweet smile and added playfully, “Nanny has served the old madam for so long—who could be more suitable for such a request than you?”
Ming Wei felt goosebumps all over—she couldn’t hope to match Ming Luo’s performance skills.
“I dare not accept such praise,” Nanny Fang said with a gentle smile. “But your filial heart is admirable. On behalf of the old madam, I’m happy to help however I can. Just not at the moment—the old madam has asked me to bring Seventh Miss to her right away. She’s probably waiting now.”
As soon as she finished speaking, a flash of envy and resentment passed through Ming Ling’s eyes. She half-mockingly said, “So that’s why Grandmother had no time to talk with us today—she was waiting for Seventh Sister!”
Ming Ling was clearly exaggerating. She was jealous, yet blamed it on the old madam instead.
The fact that she dared to say such a thing showed that she lacked subtlety. Even if she didn’t get along with Ming Wei, she shouldn’t have insulted the old madam! Especially with Nanny Fang standing right there—no need for Ming Wei to tattle; every word would be passed along anyway.
Ming Luo’s eyes flickered slightly, but she still managed a generous smile and said she would ask Nanny Fang another time. Then she pulled Ming Ling away.
Nanny Fang turned to Ming Wei with a smile. “Seventh Miss, please follow me.”
Ming Wei nodded, now filled with overwhelming curiosity about why the old madam wanted to see her.
If it’s a blessing, it won’t be a curse. If it’s a curse—there’s no avoiding it.
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