Qian Jiaoniang knew her father was lying to her, but she still nodded.
After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Doctor Bai and Qian Liniang came out. Doctor Bai first saluted Qian Jiaoniang. Qian Liniang also looked at her and softly called, “Jiaoniang.” Qian Jiaoniang acted as though she hadn’t heard, asking only about Mother Qian’s illness.
Doctor Bai said that Mother Qian’s was a woman’s illness, made worse by years of hard labor and no proper care. Now the condition was heavier. These next few days would require strong medicine to save her, and only once the illness eased could it be nursed back gradually. Qian Jiaoniang trusted Doctor Bai’s skill, so she told her to write the prescription and have the medicine prepared. Doctor Bai hesitated: “If you wish to cure this illness quickly, several rare and costly herbs must be added…”
At this, Qian Jiaoniang paused. The three members of the Qian family all looked at her nervously, afraid she would be stingy and refuse to spend.
Qian Jiaoniang let out a barely audible sigh. “Doctor, just prescribe it. Give it to Steward Ding.”
So Doctor Bai left with Steward Ding.
Qian Jiaoniang went inside to see her mother, stopping at the bed curtain. Hongjuan did not immediately lift it; only when Jiaoniang nodded did she and Suier raise it.
Illness, days of traveling, and exposure to the elements had left Mother Qian thin and frail, her face bloodless and pale. Her grayish eyes were dull, but when she saw Qian Jiaoniang they suddenly lit up. Before Jiaoniang could speak, she rasped, “Third Niang.”
Qian Jiaoniang answered softly and called her “Mother.”
“Ah, ah.” Mother Qian’s eyes grew wet. Illness had made her much weaker; though she had always considered her daughter low-born, she was still her flesh and blood. Sometimes she thought of her. “You’ve grown so big.”
Qian Jiaoniang’s throat tightened; she only nodded.
“Good, good. You are blessed.” Mother Qian sighed in relief, stretching out a dry, calloused hand toward her. Jiaoniang’s hand clenched into a fist, hesitating before taking her mother’s. That hand was cold, rough, and unfamiliar—she had hardly ever held it tightly before.
Jiaoniang could not say what she felt—only a wad of cotton stuffed in her throat, blocking words. She merely told her to rest and heal.
Mother Qian had been worried that this highborn daughter would not recognize her. Hearing those words, she was finally at ease and soon fell into sleep. Jiaoniang sat for a while, instructing the servants to notify her once the medicine was boiled, then rose and left.
Qian Liniang had been waiting at the door. Seeing her come out, she hurried over. “Jiaoniang.”
Qian Jiaoniang said, “Second Sister, stay here with Mother. I still have things to attend to.”
Qian Liniang quickly caught her hand. “Jiaoniang, good sister, are you going to estrange yourself from me? Even sages err at times. I was only confused for a while. I know I was wrong! These days I’ve longed to apologize to you, but you always refuse to see me. I feel so wretched!” She clutched her chest.
Qian Jiaoniang lightly shook her hand off. “I know.” That was hardly the only time her sister had been “confused.” Did she think stopping her carriage with their parents halfway was a wise act? Did she want others to think her unfilial, or to force her hand into bringing them into the household?
Qian Liniang saw her cold expression and thought of the gentle smiles she once gave her. Knowing she hadn’t forgiven her, she caught her again, explaining: “Jiaoniang, it was only that I couldn’t reach you, and with Mother so sick, I was desperate, so I stopped your carriage. I feared you’d misunderstand, so I brought Mother along. I really had no other intention! The Sun family already knows we quarreled, and now they all despise me. I’m suffering so, with no money to treat Mother!”
As she spoke, she began to cry.
Qian Jiaoniang’s face did not change. She told Suier, “Second Madam is tired. Take her to rest.”
Suier quickly and cleverly pried Qian Liniang’s hand off her mistress and supported her. “Second Madam, this way please.”
Qian Liniang saw she could not sway Jiaoniang at all and felt disappointed. She watched her sister walk away without hesitation, gritted her teeth, and followed the maid, thinking she must plan for the long term.
***
When Xing Muzheng came back and heard of it, his face changed.
“Where is Old Mother Qian now?”
Steward Ding replied: “Madam had me clear the shaded guest quarters by the east pond, and let Old Madam, Old Master, and Young Master Qian live there. Madam gave Old Madam medicine herself, and she has fallen asleep. Chou’er just returned and is now in the main rooms with Madam.”
Xing Muzheng nodded and turned to leave. Steward Ding followed, hesitating before calling, “Master.”
“What is it?” Xing Muzheng did not turn his eyes.
Steward Ding said in a low voice: “I heard it was Second Madam who stopped Madam’s carriage in the street, with Old Madam lying in the handcart. That’s why Madam brought her back. Since then, Madam has not looked well. Not a single smile.”
As steward, Ding Zhang knew some things—that Jiaoniang had been sold to the Xing family. Since the deal was already done, now being forced to act filial would weigh on anyone’s heart.
Xing Muzheng did not respond for a long while. Ding Zhang nearly thought he hadn’t heard, until at last Xing Muzheng gave a low “Mm.”
Receiving that, Ding Zhang pressed on: “I fear Madam feels wronged. Wouldn’t it be better to give the Qian family some silver, let them buy a house, and have Young Master Qian take care of them? Wouldn’t that be the best of both worlds?”
Xing Muzheng’s eyes flickered. After a long pause, he shook his head. “She won’t.”
Then he strode off, leaving Ding Zhang dumbfounded. He could not tell what exactly “she won’t” meant—she won’t feel wronged, or she won’t give silver?
Xing Muzheng went straight to the main house. When he entered, Qian Jiaoniang was speaking with Xing Pingchun about her mother falling ill and moving into the estate. She froze upon seeing him, still thinking of how to bring it up, but Xing Pingchun, impulsive as ever, was already shouting: “Father, Father! Mother’s parents have come! My grandpa and grandma—and uncle too!”
Xing Muzheng lifted his eyes to Jiaoniang, and she looked back at him. But then both turned to glance at Xing Pingchun, neither saying a word. Xing Pingchun instead furrowed his brows, propping his chin on his hand, sinking deep into thought, sighing and moaning.
Qian Jiaoniang found his little-adult expression somewhat funny. She tapped his forehead lightly. “What are you thinking about?”
Xing Pingchun tilted his head. “I was thinking about Grandmother and Grandfather! They sold you for the sake of Uncle, so you’ve always been unhappy in your heart. If you’re unhappy, then I’m unhappy too. But now that Grandmother is sick, let’s wait until she’s better before being angry with her again!”
Qian Jiaoniang was slightly surprised and glanced at Xing Muzheng, then smiled as she hugged Xing Pingchun, stroking him with tenderness. “Thank you for being so thoughtful. Mother understands.”
Xing Muzheng looked quietly at Qian Jiaoniang. He knew she would care for her mother — no matter how hurt her heart was, she would still care for a sick person.
Just like when he was poisoned.
He had hurt her so badly, yet she had still looked after him without complaint or regret.
This woman was like this — she had a scale in her heart, but she always placed herself last.
