The Cheng family was unaware of the events that had transpired on Cheng Jiao-niang’s side. No matter how many incidents had occurred, and regardless of their willingness to accept them, life had to go on.
Second Madam Cheng covered her mouth as she coughed twice, then withdrew her hands from her warm sleeves, feeling a chill seep into her bones.
“What’s going on? Is everyone dead?” she snapped, her eyebrows furrowing sharply.
Two maids hurried in from outside the door.
“Why is it so cold in here? Have the braziers gone out, and no one bothered to tend to them?” Second Madam Cheng demanded.
The two maids bowed their heads timidly.
“Madam, the braziers are still lit,” one of them replied.
“If they’re still lit, then why is it so cold?” Second Madam Cheng retorted sharply.
“Madam, the charcoal that was purchased recently is of rather poor quality…” the maid explained, her head still lowered.
Second Madam Cheng was taken aback for a moment, then let out a scornful laugh.
“If they no longer wish to keep this household running, then they might as well say so,” she said, rising to her feet. “Venting their frustrations on us through basic necessities like food and warmth – do they not care about accumulating any virtue in this life or the next?”
She raised her voice, ensuring her words carried beyond the room.
“The consequences of their own misdeeds are dragging the entire family down, and yet they have the audacity to claim they adhere to Buddhist practices and vegetarianism.”
This kind of scolding had been going on for some time now. The servants in the courtyard kept their heads down, pretending not to hear a word.
“Mother!”
Cheng Qi-niang rushed out of the room and called out.
Second Madam Cheng’s voice trailed off.
“Qi-niang, after the New Year, you should go stay with your grandmother for a few days…” she began again.
“I won’t go,” Cheng Qi-niang interrupted, raising her voice. “I have a home. I refuse to go to someone else’s house.”
“Lately, things haven’t been peaceful at home. Wouldn’t it be nice for you to get away and enjoy some tranquility?” Second Madam Cheng said, frowning.
Cheng Qi-niang stared at her, her face tense for a moment.
“This is my home. No other place is my home – no matter how nice it is, it’s still not my home!” she cried, then turned and ran out.
Second Madam Cheng called after her several times but failed to stop her.
Cheng Qi-niang dashed all the way to the courtyard of First Madam Cheng’s residence and came to a sudden halt just outside.
In previous years, this had been the busiest place in the household during this season – swarms of servants seeking instructions for New Year preparations, messengers coming and going with gifts, and all the sisters and brothers gathered here. Though they couldn’t be of much help, they loved soaking in the lively atmosphere.
But now, there was no trace of New Year’s festivity—only a chilling desolation, as if the place had lost all its vitality.
Cheng Qi-niang slowly stepped inside.
The courtyard was filled with the scent of medicinal herbs. Two maids were washing something, and the door to the main room stood open, revealing First Madam Cheng kneeling inside and reviewing some documents.
“…This portion of the funds cannot be touched,” she was saying.
“But, Madam, the losses from the shops are too severe… The suppliers are pressing hard for payment…” the steward replied in a low voice.
“What do they need?”
Before First Madam Cheng could respond, First Master Cheng’s angry shout came from inside the room.
First Madam Cheng hurriedly waved her hand to signal the steward to stay silent and spoke up herself.
“We need to bring Mother and Liu-niang back from Aunt’s house, so we’ve been rearranging the rooms over there,” she explained.
Only then did First Master Cheng inside the room fall silent.
First Madam Cheng waved her hand dismissively at the steward. Though visibly troubled, the steward had no choice but to gather the account books and withdraw.
Only then did First Madam Cheng look up and notice Cheng Qi-niang standing in the courtyard. A flicker of surprise crossed her face before her expression turned blank and unreadable.
In the past, Cheng Qi-niang would have already bounded eagerly into the room, taken a seat beside First Madam Cheng, and chirped, “Auntie, I want some candied fruit!” – and First Madam Cheng would have responded with a warm smile, gently patting her head.
But when was the last time she had seen that kind of affectionate smile on her aunt’s face?
“Have you come to see Liu-niang?” First Madam Cheng said flatly. “She hasn’t returned yet. You may go play somewhere else for now.”
Cheng Qi-niang took a step forward and called out, “Auntie!” – but First Madam Cheng acted as though she hadn’t heard.
“It’s time for the Master to take his medicine. Is it ready?” she called out to the servants outside.
A maid promptly acknowledged the order. Watching as the servant entered and moved toward the inner room, Cheng Qi-niang stood alone, looking increasingly isolated. Tears welled in her eyes, her lips trembling. Then she turned and ran away once more.
“Seventh Lady, where are you going?”
The maids who had caught up called out to Cheng Qi-niang as she dashed away like the wind.
Cheng Qi-niang paid no attention and headed straight for the main gate.
“She’s going outside!” they cried, hurrying after her.
Once outside the house, she was immediately met with a wave of noise and liveliness.
In the shabby alley, the sound of firecrackers, children’s laughter, and the mixed chatter and scolding of adults created a cacophony. Yet, instead of feeling irritated, the commotion felt… vibrant and alive.
Even Cheng Qi-niang felt as though she were a fish stranded on land suddenly returned to water.
But this feeling was utterly wretched – how could it be that she hadn’t experienced it in her own home, but rather outside, here in the Southern Cheng quarter?
How bitterly ironic!
Noticing Cheng Qi-niang standing there, many of the children stopped their laughter and play.
Cheng Qi-niang stared back at them – these children dressed in rags, with grimy faces and hands, all grinning widely. What were they laughing about? Were they laughing at her?
“Get out of my way!” Cheng Qi-niang shouted, raising her sleeves to cover her head as she dashed forward- until she was finally stopped right outside Cheng Jiao-niang’s gate.
The street gate stood wide open. Cheng Qi-niang saw a number of people seated inside, with that girl sitting right at the center. Everyone looked at her with the same kind of respect they would show toward her uncle and aunt. Hearing the commotion at the gate, they all turned to look.
“Miss, we shall take our leave for now,” Cheng Ji said.
Cheng Jiao-niang nodded slightly, watching as the group withdrew. Steward Cao waved his hand, and the attendants who had been blocking Cheng Qi-niang stepped aside.
“Cheng Jiao-niang!” Cheng Qi-niang stormed in, her voice seething with anger as she gritted her teeth.
Her maids hurried in after her, breaking into a cold sweat at her words.
“Seventh Lady, mind your manners- you should address her as ‘Sister’,” they whispered urgently, forcing apologetic smiles toward Cheng Jiao-niang.
“Why should I call her ‘Sister’?” Cheng Qi-niang retorted, shaking off the servants’ hands and stepping forward to glare at Cheng Jiao-niang. “No one treats her as a sister. Calling you ‘Sister’ would only mean we see you as one- and if you believed it, you’d be a fool!”
The servants paled in horror.
But Cheng Jiao-niang, seated inside the room, simply smiled.
“Well said,” she replied. “Children speak without filter – their words hold no malice.”
“Miss, please don’t take a child’s words to heart,” the servants pleaded frantically, and without another word, they seized Cheng Qi-niang and hurriedly led her away.
“Cheng Jiao-niang, you’re a fool! None of us like you- is that why you’ve come to harm us? No one liking you is your own fault! Who told you to be an idiot? Who told you to be so unlikable? It’s your mistake – so why are you taking it out on us?” Cheng Qi-niang struggled and screamed.
Without hesitation, the maids clamped their hands over her mouth to silence her.
“Wait a moment,” Cheng Jiao-niang said, rising to her feet.
She’s going to shoot an arrow!
She’s going to kill someone!
The servants were so terrified their legs went weak beneath them.
“Miss…” they cried out, nearly dropping to their knees.
“Come here,” Cheng Jiao-niang said, beckoning to Cheng Qi-niang with a wave of her hand.
The maids tried to plead for mercy, but Cheng Qi-niang had already broken free from them and walked over with her head held high.
“I’m not afraid of you!” she shouted.
“Whether you fear me or not is your concern- it has nothing to do with me, and I don’t care,” Cheng Jiao-niang replied. “Whether you like me or not is also your business. It doesn’t involve me, and I pay it no mind.”
Cheng Qi-niang bit her lip and glared at her defiantly.
“You not liking me is neither my fault nor yours,” Cheng Jiao-niang continued.
Cheng Qi-niang kept her face stern and stubborn, refusing to speak.
“Disliking someone isn’t wrong- and neither is bullying, in a way. That’s just how the world is. People are naturally kind to those they like and harsh to those they don’t. It’s human nature, and there’s no point in blaming anyone for it,” Cheng Jiao-niang said with a faint smile.
What is she even talking about?
“If there’s any mistake, it’s probably in misjudging others,” Cheng Jiao-niang added, stepping forward. “One must be careful not to bully the wrong person.”
Cheng Qi-niang stared blankly at the girl before her, her anger momentarily forgotten.
Why couldn’t she understand a word she was saying? Just who was the real fool here?
“And what else did she say?”
First Master Cheng struggled to prop himself up on the bed, only to collapse back weakly, triggering a fit of violent coughing.
“Enough- why must you be so inconsiderate?” First Madam Cheng snapped sharply, giving Cheng Qi-niang a push.
Cheng Qi-niang stumbled and fell to the floor, staring up at First Madam Cheng.
Being pushed by her aunt should have felt even more heartbreaking than receiving a cold glare from her. Strangely, though, she didn’t feel all that upset now.
Disliking someone isn’t wrong… People are naturally kind to those they like and harsh to those they don’t…
“Let her speak,” First Master Cheng insisted, urging Cheng Qi-niang on. “What else did she say?”
“She said… in the future, when you meet someone you dislike, you must first see clearly whether they are stronger than you. If they are weaker, you can do as you wish. But if they are stronger, you must hide your dislike- don’t let them discover it, and certainly don’t bully them. Otherwise… you will pay a price,” Cheng Qi-niang recounted.
First Master Cheng laughed softly.
“So, this ‘price’ is self-inflicted- one shouldn’t resent others, but rather blame themselves. Is that it?” he said.
Naturally, Cheng Qi-niang couldn’t answer him. She had been completely bewildered at the time- merely remembering those words and repeating them was impressive enough, let alone posing questions in response.
Tears welled in First Madam Cheng’s eyes as she begged him to stop talking.
“Let’s just act as if she never existed in our family, Master. Please, don’t upset yourself anymore,” she pleaded.
“Master, Master!” The steward’s voice called from outside the door. Without waiting for permission, he hurried in. “Officials from the government are here!”
Government officials– again!
“Will they not even let us celebrate the New Year? Must they force me to dash myself to death at the magistrate gates before they relent?” First Madam Cheng cried out.
“No, no, Madam – it’s the verdict,” the steward quickly explained. “The ruling has been issued.”
The verdict?
First Master Cheng abruptly sat up. First Madam Cheng, forgetting her concern for her husband, took a hurried step forward.
“Is it true?” she asked.
Had the authorities really reached a decision so quickly? Were they actually willing to close the case instead of relentlessly draining the Cheng family dry?
“Yes- the dowry has been awarded to Lady Cheng,” the steward announced joyfully.
The dowry has been awarded to Lady Cheng…
First Master Cheng looked at the steward. Just two months ago, he would never have believed that such news could one day be received as good tidings in their hearts.
At this moment, seeing the steward’s smile and First Madam Cheng’s sigh of relief, he felt nothing but profound sorrow.
Fine, fine, fine.
I misjudged her– I failed to recognize how formidable she was. And so, our family fortune has been shattered, brothers have turned against each other, and we have become the laughingstock of the entire city.
Fine, fine, fine.
This price– I accept it!
First Master Cheng let out a heavy sigh and collapsed back onto the couch, as if too exhausted even to keep his eyes open. He weakly raised a hand to signal First Madam Cheng not to panic or cry out in alarm.
“I am tired. I need to rest,” he murmured.
Meanwhile, Second Madam Cheng was also overjoyed to hear the news.
“So it’s finally settled?” she asked.
In truth, this outcome had long been expected. By now, the issue was no longer whether the dowry would be given up, but rather when it would be claimed. It seemed that Lady Cheng had ultimately chosen to show them mercy and let the matter rest.
The maids offered awkward smiles.
“Wonderful! Just in time before the New Year- we can finally enjoy a peaceful celebration,” Second Madam Cheng exclaimed happily, rising to her feet. “Come, come, let’s hurry to see Jiao-niang. With so many matters to handle and so many shops to transfer and accounts to review, how could she manage it all alone?”
As her stepmother, she felt it was her duty to wholeheartedly take charge and assist in managing these affairs. After all, once the dowry was handed over, it would belong to them- and the main branch of the family would no longer have any claim to a share of the benefits.
Second Madam Cheng arrived at the South Cheng residence in high spirits, only to find the place deserted.
“Gone?” she exclaimed in shock and disbelief. “Where did they go?”
“The lady said she had matters to attend to and has moved elsewhere,” the gatekeeper woman replied dismissively, waving her broom and stirring up a cloud of dust that made Second Madam Cheng and her attendants cough and retreat.
“Where did she move to?” Second Madam Cheng pressed, forcing herself to remain patient.
“How would we know?” the woman retorted with a sneer.
Seeing no point in wasting more words on the woman, Second Madam Cheng knew further questions would be futile and had no choice but to turn back in frustration.
“With the New Year just around the corner, where could she have gone…” she muttered to herself. As she turned, she suddenly noticed three unfamiliar men standing behind her- she hadn’t realized when they had arrived- and let out a startled cry.
This place was truly filthy, chaotic, and lacking all sense of propriety- men and women roaming around without restraint. She quickly averted her gaze and hurried away.
Gone…
The words the woman had just spoken echoed in Duke Jin’an’s ears. He lifted his hood, his eyes fixed on the tightly shut gate, feeling a wave of weakness wash over him, his body trembling slightly.
“Your… Young Master,” one of his attendants behind him whispered hesitantly, “I told you we should have left someone to keep watch earlier…”
Keep watch? What difference would it have made– whether they watched her leave or simply realized she was gone after the fact?
Duke Jin’an clenched his fists.
“Excuse me,” he said, taking a step forward as though his feet weighed a thousand pounds. His voice was hoarse as he asked, “Has Lady Cheng… left?”
“Gone, gone – I already said so, why ask again…” the woman replied lazily. But as she looked up and caught sight of him, she paused, let out a soft sound of surprise, dropped her broom, and broke into a smile. “Are you the young gentleman from the capital that the lady mentioned?”
Those words made Duke Jin’an straighten up instantly. He turned his full attention to the woman.
“Yes,” he said, his voice trembling slightly with barely restrained emotion. “Do you recognize me?”
“The lady described a handsome young gentleman,” the woman said with a laugh, pulling a letter from her sleeve. “She said this place wasn’t suitable and that she’s found another residence where she’ll be waiting for you.”
A handsome young gentleman!
Duke Jin’an reached out and took the letter. A smile spread across his face, so bright it made his eyes glisten.
He knew it- she wouldn’t lie to him. She wouldn’t deceive him! She would never betray his trust! Never!
