Chapter Six: The Decision

“Now that you've recovered, it's time to deal with those insolent servants who bullied their masters. There’s no time like the present—let’s handle it today.” As Lu Yabai finished, he realized the person before him was not his subordinate, and, worried that his second sister would go easy on them because of others’ words, he explained, “I’m free today and will back you up. You needn’t fear anyone’s gossip.”

The air in Fortune Hall was fragrant and warm, making one drowsy. The Second Concubine was massaging the old lady’s legs, murmuring about matters she couldn’t decide on, when a maid quietly entered and signaled to her.

Just as Second Concubine was about to find an excuse to leave, the old lady, eyes closed in feigned sleep, spoke: “Go on, then. You young people all have your own affairs. I won’t hold you back.”

Second Concubine dared not leave after hearing that. “What are you saying? We juniors only hope for your long life. With you anchoring the household, we can handle matters with peace of mind.”

Turning, she scolded the maid, “Why act so furtive? If you’ve something to say, say it here. With the old lady present, what is there to fear?”

The maid bowed, “Old Lady, Second Madam, the young master has decided to let Second Miss deal with those servants locked in the woodshed.”

The old lady opened her eyes. “Are these the servants from Yilan Court who forgot their place earlier?”

Receiving confirmation, the old lady leaned back onto her cushion. “Very well, you may go.”

This was tacit approval.

Second Concubine twisted her handkerchief, steeling herself to continue massaging the old lady’s legs. “In all of Salt City, none surpasses the young master—capable, upright, caring towards his sisters. You raised him so well, Old Lady. Please teach me more in the future.”

Seeing the old lady pleased, Second Concubine continued, “But neither the young master nor Second Miss has handled such matters before. As you know, affairs of the inner household require a delicate balance—too harsh or too lenient will only earn a reputation for mistreating servants, which worries me. Besides, it’s not just one or two at fault. Most of Yilan Court has been locked up. Not only do different people require different punishments, but losing so many at once could create chaos, which would go against the young master’s intentions.”

“Go keep an eye on things. The young ones don’t have a firm grasp yet.” The old lady patted Second Concubine’s hand. “You’re a good one—bear with it a little more.”

Second Concubine agreed and hurried out, her expression souring as soon as she left Fortune Hall.

That old crone! Not only does she refuse to let me handle it, she wants me to take the blame. Bah!

Her maid caught up to her. “What about the promise you made to Nanny Qian?”

“Ha! If things go well, they’ll say the family is well managed. If there’s a mistake, it’ll be my fault for not doing my duty. They want it both ways—how wishful! That old witch never considered that Second Miss is utterly useless. After a few words, she’ll soften. As for the young master, he probably doesn’t understand the twists and turns of the inner court. As long as Second Miss speaks up, he won’t object.”

“But, it’s said that Second Miss has changed...”

“That’s only because they bullied her too much. Even a clay statue has some temper. Second Miss has been like this for more than ten years; she won’t change overnight. Once she vents her anger, things will return to normal. Has she lost her temper again, except for ignoring those who pleaded with her?”

The maid, enlightened, praised Second Concubine for her strategic mind—a heroine among women.

Inside Fortune Hall, after Second Concubine left, quiet returned. The maids moved with heightened caution.

Nanny Qin emerged from behind the screen, perching on a footrest to massage the old lady’s legs.

“If you have questions, ask.”

The old lady kept her eyes closed, appearing deaf and mute, but even with her eyes shut, she saw everyone as clear as day.

“The young master and Second Miss are inexperienced—Second Concubine may outmaneuver them. Why send her if you want those servants dealt with?”

The old lady asked in return, “Have you noticed Second Girl’s behavior lately?” She meant Lu Yalan’s indifference to those pleading for mercy.

Nanny Qin reflected, then sighed, “You worry yourself to pieces for your grandchildren, Old Lady.”

Her words stirred the old lady’s memories.

“When the eldest girl was around, her mother was still alive—kind, wise, and capable. I felt at ease entrusting the household to her, content to dote on my grandchildren. But when it came to Second Girl, her mother was gone, and I had to take up the reins again, though I was old and tired, unable to spare the effort to guide her properly.”

The old lady sat up, signaling Nanny Qin to pause. “I thought Madam Qian was a good sort, but she turned out to be another Madam Leng. And Second Girl’s temperament is unlike her elder brother’s—no matter how much you beat her, she keeps everything bottled inside. If handled poorly, she’ll hold a grudge forever, so I had to watch Madam Qian run rampant. Lately, I’ve seen that Second Girl may yet turn things around, so I’ll let her use this as practice.”

Madam Leng had been the old lady’s most trusted maid, surpassing even Nanny Qin. When the old lady was locked in battle with the other concubines, she had no time for the master of the house, so she entrusted her children to Madam Leng. Who would have thought Madam Leng would get ideas above her station, secretly introducing her niece to the master, ensnaring the young man and causing him to become Salt City’s most notorious libertine.

The old lady had been so furious she had Madam Leng beaten to death, with Nanny Qian witnessing the punishment.

When Lu Yalan was sent back to the ancestral home, the old lady had carefully chosen her wet nurse, knowing that, with her parents absent, the wet nurse would have the greatest influence. Madam Qian, seeming honest and loyal, had been selected, but in the end, the old lady’s judgment proved wrong.

“Indeed. I lived with Madam Qian day in and day out and never saw through her. She managed to suppress Second Miss with rules and regulations until she nearly suffocated.”

The old lady grew angry remembering Second Girl’s meticulous, rule-bound appearance. “We learn etiquette so as not to disgrace ourselves in public, not to be enslaved by it. Now they say it’s the Republic—everyone is free—but look at those unruly girl students; what family would want them? Yet Second Girl, at eighteen, lives like she’s eighty.”

Nanny Qin, appearing unfazed, comforted her, “Why take it to heart? Without parents to protect her, Second Miss is naturally cautious. But she seems to have matured.”

“I hope she can turn things around. If she marries out, she’ll be an asset to the family.”

Early spring winds swirled across the open ground, occasionally shaking loose a few yellowed leaves. Servants passing beneath the trees hunched their shoulders against the chill.

Because so many were to be punished, and to avoid disturbing the inner court, everyone was brought to the large open area in the outer courtyard.

The open space, not far from the inner quarters and square in shape, was said to be used by the Lu family for clan gatherings, though it hadn’t been used in years. The corridor connecting the inner and outer courts wound and twisted, so many servants cut across the open ground for convenience. It was a common route for maids and stewards.

As the servants were dumped there, onlookers paused in their work. Seeing the stewards made no move to disperse them, those who enjoyed a spectacle quickly called their friends. Soon, the ground was full of people.

Lu Yalan had never been here before, nor faced so many people. In fact, she could count on her fingers the times she had been outside the house. Confronted suddenly with a strange environment and crowd, her heart thudded wildly as if it would leap from her chest, and she couldn’t help but clutch her sleeve tightly.

Hongxiu stepped forward, standing close so her mistress could see her at a glance. Catching Lu Yalan’s gaze, she immediately offered an encouraging smile.

Lu Yabai had been watching Lu Yalan and her maid. The boldness Hongxing had shown the other day had left a deep impression on him, and seeing their interaction now, he couldn’t help but smile.

Why did it seem as though the maid was supporting the mistress?

His laughter drew their attention. The two pairs of similarly confused eyes turned to him, which only made him laugh harder.

“Hongxing, taking care of your mistress must be hard work,” he said.

Hongxing bowed. “Young Master jests. Serving such a good mistress is my fortune. She is considerate; caring for her is no hardship at all.”

Lu Yabai nodded. Seeing everyone had arrived, he said to Lu Yalan, “These are your servants. You should decide their fate.”

Lu Yalan hesitated and swallowed nervously. “Brother, I...”

Lu Yabai was unmoved. “Second Sister, whatever you decide, I’ll support you. But know this: I can already see so many who have neglected their duties. You should know better than I how things usually are. If you don’t make an example today, things will only get harder for you.”

Lu Yalan said nothing, but she knew her brother was right. She had imagined this scene a hundred times before coming, but actually standing here, she wanted to shrink back into her shell.

“Second Sister, we all worry about you. Even if your family wants to help, you need to be willing too.” Seeing her expression soften, Lu Yabai glanced at Hongxing. “You are the mistress—even if the servants misbehave, they won’t dare go too far. But what about Hongxing? If you don’t stand up for her, will she be so lucky next time?”

At these words, Lu Yalan looked at Hongxing, who nodded encouragingly.

Lu Yalan clenched her fists. “Brother, you’re right. Let’s begin!”

Lu Yabai covered his mouth and coughed lightly, then signaled to Zhuzi.

Zhuzi stepped forward and began reciting the charges. Because there were so many, and their offenses were similar, the list went on for ten full pages.

The servants, having been locked in the woodshed for over half a month, were disheveled and weak. When they were brought out, they thought they were finally being released from suffering. But when their misdeeds were read aloud before everyone, their faces turned ashen.

Deceiving their superiors, stealing, neglecting their duties, stirring up trouble—any one of these, in times past, would have merited a beating to death.

Even the onlookers grew restless.

“Those servants from Yilan Court really are brazen—there’s nothing they don’t dare do.”

“Given such a kind mistress, instead of being grateful, they take advantage. If the one I serve were half as gentle as Second Miss, I’d laugh in my sleep.”

“If Second Miss were a bit tougher, these people wouldn’t have climbed all over her.”

“Hush, the charges are all laid out—looks like Second Miss is serious this time.”

Perhaps it was despair, or shame from being pointed at and discussed by so many, but someone among the kneeling servants began to cry. Soon, others joined in, and the sound of weeping spread through the crowd.