This time, however, Madam Gu thought for a moment before saying, “I flatter myself that I have some eye for judging people. That Miss Cheng is quite a good sort – she has a sense of propriety. Though her circumstances are unfortunate, she neither wallows in self-pity nor hankers after vanity and luxury.”
Xie Xuanying said, “That is well, then. When there is definite news, Auntie, let me know, and I will arrange the people.”
Madam Gu chided him affectionately, “Why stand on ceremony with me? This matter will certainly be handled for you.” She hesitated, then asked with a smile, “These days, will you still be going to Bennian Studio to study?”
Xie Xuanying, hearing the song and understanding its meaning, immediately replied, “It is called studying, but it is really just escaping the summer heat. If you do not mind, let Qi-lang come along with me.”
Madam Gu was overjoyed, “If Master Zizhen does not mind, I could not wish for more. If Qi-lang dares to be mischievous, feel free to punish him.”
“Rest assured, Auntie. I will certainly look after him.”
The two chatted idly for a few more words, and the matter was settled.
At almost the same time, the Chen family was discussing the same matter.
Lady Huang did not speak to Cheng Danruo first. Instead, she waited until Master Chen returned and then rather cautiously brought up Madam Gu’s request.
Just as Madam Gu had anticipated, Master Chen was also tempted.
“The Yan family…” He stroked his beard and mused, “How did they come to find Dan-niang?”
Lady Huang said, “I reckon Madam Gu had been keeping an eye out for some time, but simply could not find anyone suitable. It was only when something happened to Fifth Miss Gu at the Shangsi Festival that she learned Dan-niang knew medicine. I am afraid she did not take it to heart even then. Now that several months have passed and she has spoken of it, I think she truly could not find anyone else.”
Her analysis was reasonable and fair, and Master Chen could not help nodding repeatedly. “In your opinion, should we agree or not?”
Lady Huang lowered her voice, “My lord, you should think of Er-lang.”
When the legitimate eldest son was mentioned, Master Chen became even more tempted. “You mean…”
“Earlier when Er-lang wrote letters, he mentioned Master Zizhen more than once. Fine as Spring Breeze Academy is, who would object to having one more path? In the future, when we return to the capital, if Er-lang can receive even a few words of guidance, that would be better than anything.” Lady Huang was wholly devoted to considering her child’s interests, and every word she said was reasonable. “Since Dan-niang can form such a beneficial connection, why let it slip away before our very eyes?”
Master Chen agreed. “You and I have not been to the capital for many years, but Er-lang’s future still lies there.” He pondered for a short while, then decisively made up his mind. “It is settled, then.”
Lady Huang asked, “What about the Old Madam?”
“I will speak to her.” Master Chen was very forthright. “When it concerns Er-lang’s future, Mother will certainly not refuse.”
Lady Huang assented and said, “Then I will counsel Dan-niang properly.”
“She has always been filial. How could she not agree?” Master Chen did not take it to heart at all.
Since the matter was settled, he did not bother to rest and hurried to Xuancao Hall to pay his respects. Cheng Danruo was just then attending upon Old Madam Chen as she took her medicine. He smiled at her and praised, “Dan-niang is thoughtful.”
“Uncle, greetings.”
“I have a few private words to say to Old Madam. You may go down and rest first,” Master Chen said gently.
“Yes.”
Only after she had gone far did Master Chen inform his mother of the whole matter and beg her pardon. “I am sorry, Mother. Dan-niang ought to be caring for you, and I too cannot bear to part with her, but…”
He hesitated, stopping short of saying more.
Old Madam Chen rested with her eyes closed. After a long while, she said, “So you have already decided and are merely notifying me? I have only this one intimate companion, and even she you cannot tolerate?”
“Mother, you exaggerate. I would never dare do such a thing.” Master Chen hurriedly said, “I only mean to send Dan-niang away for a year or so, which will also conveniently allow us to find a good match for Xiao Ge’er. Once matters there are settled, everything will be as you wish, Mother. There will be plenty of time then for her to serve you filially.”
Old Madam Chen revealed a faint smile. “Your wife has agreed?”
“She would never go against Mother’s wishes. She only fears that taking a concubine before marriage would make it difficult to arrange a match.” Master Chen mediated between them. “As for Dan-niang’s matter, it will certainly be according to your wishes.”
Having received this assurance, Old Madam Chen was finally satisfied: “Very well. It is rare that Dan-niang has such a karmic connection. However…” She pondered for a moment, then asked pointedly, “If some trouble or complication should arise, what then?”
Master Chen had indeed considered this too, and sighed softly. “That will depend on her own fortune.” He urged, “Mother, Xiao Ge’er has already passed the xiucai examination. Next year, I intend to let him sit for the next one.”
Old Madam Chen, having raised a son who became a jinshi, was naturally no fool and knew what mattered most.
She gave a slight nod. “Then let it be so.”
Master Chen and his mother exchanged a glance and reached a consensus.
As for all of this, Cheng Danruo did not hear of it until two days later, from Lady Huang’s mouth.
“The Yan family wants to invite me to regulate their madam’s health?” She was greatly astonished, completely unable to make sense of it.
To be sure, this was a good thing. For over a month, she had often thought about how to propose establishing an independent household, yet had never been unable to find a suitable opportunity. Now there was a chance to leave the Chen family and seek another way of life – it was exactly what she wanted.
But she could not agree just like that. She hurriedly declined: “What do I know? I have only learned a smattering. How could I bear such a responsibility?”
“Madam Gu told me that female physicians are hard to find, and it is best to have one who is literate and free of family burdens. You are the most suitable choice. Why belittle yourself?” Since the matter was already settled, Lady Huang feared she might create complications and did not stint on praise.
Cheng Danruo still shook her head and said, “The old madam cannot do without people by her side.”
“The old madam’s illness requires nothing more than quiet recuperation. Not to mention there are maids attending her day and night. Rou-niang and Wan-niang have also grown up and should learn how to fulfill their filial duties.” Lady Huang laid it all out clearly. “If you are uneasy, simply teach them.”
Cheng Danruo was slightly stunned.
She had thought Lady Huang was merely being polite, and that inwardly she certainly hoped she would refuse. She had not expected the complete opposite.
The Chen family wanted her to go to the Yan family? Why?
“This…” She showed genuine embarrassment. “I have never properly treated anyone’s illness. I am afraid I would not do well.”
Lady Huang reassured her. “I imagine it is nothing urgent or difficult, otherwise why not summon an imperial physician? It is likely just some minor ailment of a woman’s constitution, and they are looking for someone to regulate it.”
Cheng Danruo said softly, “I fear I will not do it well and will end up disappointing Madam Gu’s kind intentions.”
Lady Huang said, “What is there to fear? Which physician would dare claim he can cure every illness? It is merely a trial. It will also let you know – your uncle will return to the capital after the new year to report on his duties, and at that time he will bring you back.”
With the matter put that way, Cheng Danruo was in no position to refuse.
How ridiculous. She had been thinking of nothing but leaving the Chen family, yet when they could not wait to send her away, it still made her feel a trace of bitterness.
“I understand what you mean.” She lowered her eyes. “What about the old madam…”
“She knows everything and has agreed as well.” Lady Huang patted her hand. “I will have Zi Su and Nanny Deng accompany you.”
Cheng Danruo declined. “Nanny Deng is someone Auntie relies on. How could she be spared for me? Besides, going to another family’s house, there is no reason to bring maids along.”
She paused, then asked instead, “May I ask what sort of family the Yan family is, and what illness Madam Yan suffers from?”
Lady Huang said, “They are a branch of the Yan family of Haining. Their grandfather was the teacher of Emperor Chengzu, and Master Zizhen himself is a famous great Confucian scholar. His wife resides in the capital with their eldest son.”
Cheng Danruo was startled for a moment. Thinking of that “Old Master Yan” from Tianxin Temple, she could not help asking, “Are they relatives of Madam Gu?”
“Master Zizhen has a disciple who is Madam Gu’s nephew, from the Marquis of Jinghai ‘s household.” Lady Huang reassured her, “Rest assured, we would not send you to some disreputable household. It will be good for you.”
surnamed Yan, and connected by kinship to Madam Gu – then it must indeed be the teacher and student pair from Tianxin Temple.
Cheng Danruo felt somewhat reassured. Though she still had doubts, her stance softened. “I…” she said with difficulty, “let me serve the old madam a few more days.”
“Your filial devotion is known to the old madam as well.” Lady Huang did not dare press too hard. “How about this: wait until after the Beginning of Autumn to set out?”
Cheng Danruo was silent for a moment, then gave a slight nod. “I will do as you say.”
For the next half month or so, Cheng Danruo continued to serve Old Madam Chen carefully, revealing not the slightest trace of joy.
Only after five or six days did Old Madam Chen take the initiative to say, “When you get to the Yan family, do your work carefully. Do not be frivolous.”
Cheng Danruo said, “I cannot bear to leave you, Old Madam.”
“Silly child.” Old Madam Chen smiled faintly. “Others do not have this good fortune.”
“To be able to remain by your side – that is the real good fortune.” She smiled too.
Old Madam Chen was even more pleased and hinted, “Next year we too will return to the capital, and naturally we will bring you back.”
Cheng Danruo said, “Only with your words do I feel at ease.”
“Good child, rest assured. As long as I still draw breath, I will arrange your future.” For the first time, Old Madam Chen clearly hinted at marriage. “With me, this old woman, here, you will not be shortchanged.”
Cheng Danruo set down the medicine cup and nestled close to the old woman, like a fledgling clinging to the forest. But in her heart she knew: no matter how sincerely she smiled on the surface, her chest was ice-cold, without the slightest warmth.
In the blink of an eye, the sixth month passed and the seventh month arrived.
By the solar terms, it was already the Beginning of Autumn, but the autumn tiger still lingered, and the Jiangnan region remained extremely hot.
During these days, Chen Rou-niang and Chen Wan-niang came early every day to Xuancao Hall to pay their respects, taking over Cheng Danruo’s duties – feeding the old madam medicine and tea, and wiping her body and face.
Cheng Danruo, treating them as successors to the patient’s care, told them in detail what needed attention with a stroke patient.
The two girls also studied earnestly, taking turns each day to brew medicine for their grandmother, and everyone in the household praised their filial piety.
Because of this, Cheng Danruo gained a little free time and seized every opportunity to handle some private matters.
She summoned Bai Zhi’s mother and told her, “I am going to the capital, and before long the Chen family will also go to the capital. I fear they will not return to Songjiang Prefecture again.”
Nanny Bai was greatly shocked. “Where are you going?”
Cheng Danruo explained the situation in a few words. Without waiting for the old servant to feel wronged, she directly laid out her plan. “I intend to release Bai Zhi. She is not young anymore. Find a match for her, and let her live a good life from now on.”
Bai Zhi was even more astonished and blurted out, “I am not leaving.”
“You escorted me all the way from Datong to the Chen family, and then followed me to Songjiang. It can be said that without your family, I would have died long ago.” Cheng Danruo sighed softly and said earnestly, “Now I am living under another’s roof, my future uncertain. If Bai Zhi follows me, it will only delay her whole life.”
Nanny Bai, however, was a loyal servant and said properly, “You jest. Serving one’s master is the proper thing. How is that delay?”
“I have already decided.” Cheng Danruo’s tone brooked no argument. “Once she is released from servitude, find her a good match. Jiangnan is wealthy; making a living will not be difficult.”
Bai Zhi knelt down, her voice already choking with tears, and pleaded, “Miss, do not send me away. I cannot bear to leave you.”
But Cheng Danruo had no intention of bargaining. “In a few days I will report to Madam and release her to return home. Come fetch her in a few days.”
Nanny Bai hesitated. She did truly miss her daughter, so she proposed a compromise: “Since the Chen family will soon go to the capital, then when the time comes, our family will go along too. After all, we cannot leave you alone in the capital without even a servant to attend you.”
Bai Zhi’s tears fell one by one: “Miss, you cannot be without someone of your own by your side.”
What they said made sense.
Cheng Danruo was silent for a moment, then smiled faintly. “Then let it be this way. You stay in Jiangnan for now. Once I have settled down and have a future, I will send word to you, and you may come find me. How is that?”
Bai Zhi broke into a smile through her tears. “Yes. In the future I will still serve you. You must not send me away.”
