Zhu Manor Liu Shi

　　Wang Chuan had looked over the contents of the letter, but she currently needed to act as though she could not understand. Fortunately, Zhu Kongyue was not on guard against her. While reading the letter, she gave her a thorough lesson on this whole matter.

　　It had to be said that Zhu Kongyue’s ability to phrase things was very good. She began from Zhu Kongshan and Liu shi’s position in the Zhu manor before continuing to the background of their status. She then brought up the eighth prince’s letter inviting her into the capital and how she had sent the two servants to follow her. In the end, she called them out. After the two servants entered the capital, they never sent any letters back, leaving her to believe that the two servants had been swayed or bought out by Zhu Kongshan.

　　After saying these things, she handed the letter in her hand to Wang Chuan: “Take a look! It turns out that it was that slut, Zhu Kongshan, who did such bad things. It was such that A-Huan and A-Ruo have been living such bitter lives, not even being able to send out a letter.”

　　Wang Chuan pretended to seriously read over the letter. After reading it, she immediately shared a bitter hatred for the enemy with Zhu Kongyue, and they began to ridicule Zhu Kongshan. She said: “Before a girl is married, she should treat her family as her foundation. This family should be the one that raised her, not her relative’s family. If everything written in this letter is true, that third young miss is too close with her relative’s family, and it’s such that the Zhu family…”

　　“The Zhu family is nothing in her eyes!” Zhu Kongyue picked up from where she had left off, feeling that things were very unfair: “That little slut is only thinking of her cousin and aunts. Yes, her cousin is a prince, and her aunts are members of the imperial harem, while our Liu family is just a measly little sixth-ranked official’s family. It’s natural that she would look down on us. Hah, but no matter how unfair things are, what can we do? She has a prince supporting her, and didn’t our family lower its head in the face of the gifts sent by the prince. Don’t think that I don’t know what her concubine mother is thinking. It’s just to have her marry a prince. Regardless of whether it’s the eighth prince or the sixth prince, either way, they would get even closer. Like this, the entire Zhu family would listen to her.”

　　Wang Chuan looked pensive and said: “Marry a prince? Isn’t the third young miss a daughter of a concubine? Normally speaking, a daughter of a concubine is unable to become a prince’s official princess. Even if there is a marriage, it should be the Zhu family’s daughter of the first wife!” As she spoke, she looked at Zhu Kongyue, “Eldest young miss, you’re the daughter of the first wife! The head madam is the head wife! If the Zhu family really wants to get even closer, the one to marry a prince should be you. No matter what, it should not fall to the young miss born of a concubine.”

　　Wang Chuan’s words had roused Zhu Kongyue, as she slapped the table: “That’s right! Why did I not think of that! If there is someone to get married, it should be me. She should not even get a chance. A daughter of a concubine has a low standing. If she marries a prince, she will only lose face and be an eyesore. She would not even be able to fight for the position of official princess. In the end, wouldn’t she still rely on the family to support her. That’s no good. I will need to go and tell mother about this. We must not allow Zhu Kongshan to move about too happily in the capital.”

　　Wang Chuan continued to egg her on: “Young miss, no matter how many precautions you take, family is hardest to defend against. It’s not that this servant’s heart is wicked, but ever since this servant has been with young miss, I must help young miss think more thoroughly. No matter how this servant thinks about this matter, it is quite frightening. If the third young miss must marry a prince, based on her status as their cousin, it would be impossible that she would be reconciled with being a lowly concubine. That’s why she must think of a way to obtain the position of official princess. Since she is a daughter of a concubine, being the official princess is impossible, thus… there is only one choice.”

　　“You mean to say…” Zhu Kongyue inhaled sharply, “She wants to become the daughter of the first wife? She wants to steal my spot?”

　　“It’s not just that she wants to steal your spot. I fear that her mother will also want to steal the head madam’s spot!” Wang Chuan earnestly analyzed things for Zhu Kongyue, “Eldest young miss, calming down a bit first, even if they don’t have such an intention, they still aren’t thinking of the Zhu manor. Look-” She pointed at the letter and said: “The third young miss has performed good deeds in the capital, and the Emperor returned Noble Lady Li to the position of imperial concubine because of this, and the eighth prince’s reputation has improved greatly. They are quite happy in the capital. But she is the Zhu manor’s young miss! Why is it that she does not put in a single word for her family with all of the good things that she has done? If she could think a bit for the Zhu family, master would not still just be a lowly sixth rank official. Even if he was not promoted, the reward should have arrived in Peng Zhou, right? But what now? The Zhu family has not benefited in the slightest!”

　　Zhu Kongyue had been incited by Wang Chuan, and her anger was burning brighter and brighter. As long as she thought of the possibility of her spot as the daughter of the first wife being stolen, and her mother no longer being the head wife, her eyes began to spin with anger. When she then thought about how Zhu Kongshan did not think of the Zhu family in the slightest, she felt that the Zhu family had truly spent so many years raising an ingrate; however, it was an ingrate with a pillar of support. How should they handle this?

　　After thinking a bit about Liu shi, she could not help but hatefully say: “Mother and daughter are both worthless! One is a worthless old thing and the other is a worthless young thing! With a bewitching aura, it’s clear that she’s nothing good, yet she happens to have good fortune. Aside from having two imperial concubines in the family, there are also two princes. A-Chuan, did you know that ever since the eighth prince sent two sets of gifts to the manor, father has been spending nights in Liu shi’s courtyard!”

　　Wang Chuan nodded, “When this servant was coming back, I heard that master would be staying there tonight. Fourth concubine mother is quite unhappy and is currently causing a fuss.”

　　“Hmph!” Zhu Kongyue coldly snorted, “What’s the point of her causing a fuss? If she has the ability, go to Liu shi’s courtyard to snatch him away! Still so young yet unable to keep hold of a man, even letting an old mother gain the upper hand. She has the nerve to cause a fuss?” Zhu Kongyue heaved a heavy sigh as she spoke, “A-Chuan, say, what can I do despite this misfortune? In the end, I don’t have any pillar of support. The only one I can rely on for support is the Zhu family, and the powerful position I have is the Zhu manor’s daughter of the first wife. My maternal family is comprised of businesspeople, while Da Shun favors agricultural merchants. Businesspeople have the lowest standing. Aside from providing some money, they can’t be relied on for anything. But what about them? Their relatives are connected to the Emperor. How honorable a position is that, and she has princes for cousins to support her. How can I compete with her?”

　　Seeing that Zhu Kongyue’s anger was about to die down, Wang Chuan shook her head and said: “Regardless of what is said, is only thinking of her relatives, which is to say that she’s defying the Zhu family. Even if it was brought to master, it would be decided on by the Zhu family’s rules. This servant is just a servant and is unable to provide much help. I can only accompany eldest young miss and hope that eldest young miss is able to live happily.”

　　Zhu Kongyue sighed repeatedly. This continued until dinnertime, where she still had not yet recovered. She was very dispirited.

　　That night, the Zhu family’s master, Zhu Xinjie, ate dinner with the head madam; however, just after finishing dinner, he stood up and moved to leave. The head madam felt anxious and asked: “Is husband going to Liu shi’s courtyard? How many days in a row has it been? Even if it’s to give face to the eighth prince, it should not be done like this. Tan shi spent the entire afternoon causing a fuss. Even if you don’t like Tan shi, there is are still Xu shi and Zhang shi. Why is it that you’re staying latched to Liu shi?”

　　The head madam’s words were very impolite. She had endured Liu shi for too long. She initially thought that Liu shi’s bluster had been completely suppressed when her two sisters had been demoted to noble ladies; however, who knew that Zhu Kongshan’s trip to the capital would actually allow Liu shi to stage a comeback! This really was outside of her expectations.

　　Faced with the head madam’s accusation and impediment, Zhu Xinjie came to a stop but did not stop putting on his cloak, saying: “Xu shi, Zhang shi? What can they bring to my Zhu family? They’re just young and beautiful. How many women are there like that? As for Liu shi, with two elder sisters behind her and two princes as nephews, she is someone that this manor should keep. That’s the type of person I should favor!” After saying this, he looked at the head madam and said: “You are the head wife. There’s no need to compete with them for favor.”

　　“What sort of thing is husband saying?” The head madam stepped forward and said: “This wife is not competing for favor. This wife is thinking of husband’s health.” In the past, husband did not spend each night favoring the inner courtyard, but how many days in a row has this been, yet you have continued to go and spend each night with Liu shi. This wife noticed that there are dark circles around your eyes. How about we call a doctor from Hundred Herb Hall tomorrow to have them take a look at your health!”

　　Zhu Xinjie rubbed his eyes, “Is that so? They’re turning dark?” He thought about how Liu shi had recently been clinging to him and seeking pleasure every night. He also felt that this was a bit much, thus he turned around and sat back down. Thinking for a bit, he said: “Then I won’t go today! I will be resting here with you.”

　　The head madam nodded her head in satisfaction, “This wife has not been feeling well recently and is unable to take care of husband. This is perfect for allowing husband to get some rest.” While saying this, she stepped forward and removed the cloak that Zhu Xinjie had just put on. She then continued: “That child, Kongshan, has been in the capital for such a long time. I wonder if she is living well. The capital is filled with noble families. Is there anyone bullying her? Hah, speaking of, that child is quite capable. In just a short period of time, she has done so many good deeds. It’s such that her second aunt was able to return to the position of imperial concubine!”

　　Word of Imperial Concubine Li returning to the position of imperial concubine had reached Peng Zhou. Now that the head madam brought it up, Zhu Xinjie furrowed his brow tightly. Not the slightest bit of joy could be seen. The head madam saw this and sneered internally; however, she said: “What’s wrong, husband? Shouldn’t you be happy?”

　　Zhu Xinjie snorted coldly, “Happy? The ones to feel happy is their Liu family. What is there for my Zhu family to feel happy about?”

　　The head madam sighed and agreed, saying: “Husband is right. Although Kongshan has done so many good things, all of the benefits have gone to the Liu family. It’s been completely unrelated to our Zhu manor. Speaking of, husband, you are Kongshan’s father. I heard that it was the Emperor who personally granted the reward, so why was the reward not given to husband? How about… we send a letter to Kongshan to speak about it?”

　　Zhu Xinjie did not say anything; however, he thought things over. His daughter was one with plans. This trip to the capital was clearly for the sake of the eighth prince. If she really wanted, the Zhu family would not be unable to get any benefits. But looking at the current situation, that daughter was only looking out for her own future and was not planning for the Zhu family.

　　Zhu Xinjie felt displeased, and he had quite a few complaints toward that third daughter and Liu shi. The head madam saw the change in his mood and began to rejoice.

　　That night, Zhu Xinjie, who had said that he would be spending the night in Liu shi’s courtyard, spent the night in the head madam’s room. When news of this reached Liu shi, Liu shi was in the middle of telling her personal maidservant, Chu Tao, about how amazing her daughter was, and how her two elder sisters were thinking of her. She was even saying: “Husband has finally understood the situation. The head madam’s family is just a merchant family and cannot provide his any help. As for me, once Kongshan marries the eighth prince, whether he wants a promotion or wealth, wouldn’t it be something as simple as a few words from my daughter. Just look at how he keeps coming to my room each night. I knew that he wasn’t a fool and understood things clearly.”

　　Chun Tao had a fawning look on her face. While massaging Liu shi’s leg, she said: “Who is there that doesn’t know that it’s concubine mother Liu who is most powerful! The head madam only has the title in name. As this servant sees it, this title will eventually be given over to concubine mother Liu. Our concubine mother will be taking this title soon.”

　　Liu shi pinched the maidservant’s cheeks with a smile, “Don’t worry. If such a day really comes, you will not be treated poorly. It’s impossible for husband’s heart to remain with just one woman. Even if I become the head wife, I will need someone close to help take care of master. Our manor has many courtyards. Sooner or later, one will be given to you.”

　　Chun Tao coyly smiled: “This servant thanks madam!” In her joy, she stopped calling her concubine mother and called her madam.

　　However, it was at this time that a servant in the courtyard came to report: “Someone from master’s side came to pass along a message, saying that he will be spending the night with the head madam. He will not be coming here!”