Gu Lan was so startled that she dropped the bowl of mung bean sweet soup from her hands.
Song Miaohua, however, fixed her gaze on Mama Chen and asked,
“What exactly did she say? Tell me word for word—leave nothing out.”
Mama Chen nodded repeatedly, pausing to recall before speaking.
“The two maids were originally assigned to Concubine Yun by Madam Ji. Both were deeply loyal to her, especially Cuiping—the one who died. The old servant told me that the herbal formulas for stabilizing the pregnancy and for inducing labor were stored in separate wooden cabinets in the small kitchen. It wouldn’t have been possible to mistake one for the other unless someone had switched the medicines.”
“After Concubine Yun became pregnant, Madam Ji often visited her—she’d even check what meals were being prepared in the kitchen… That kitchen was only ever entered by the two maids and Madam Ji. The maids were loyal—there’s no way they would harm her. That leaves only one possibility: Madam Ji swapped the medicine. Concubine Yun took the wrong decoction and died in premature labor…”
Song Miaohua fell silent.
In truth, she had long suspected that Concubine Yun had been murdered.
But she was certain it hadn’t been Madam Ji.
Madam Ji, despite her seemingly gentle demeanor, was in truth proud to the bone. She would never stoop to such methods—no matter the pressure, she wouldn’t do what she deemed beneath her. Compared to Yun Xiang, whom she’d grown up with like a sister, she likely had even less affection for Song Miaohua. But even so—why would Concubine Yun die while she, Song Miaohua, remained untouched?
There was no way Madam Ji was the one who killed Concubine Yun.
Song Miaohua remembered that, at the time of Concubine Yun’s death, she had quietly entered Yun’s room and seen someone sneaking out of the courtyard. Back then, she hadn’t yet secured her footing in the household and hadn’t told Madam Ji. Later, once she had more authority, she simply chose to keep quiet.
But if she said nothing, who would believe Madam Ji wasn’t the culprit?
At the time, some had indeed suspected Madam Ji. Both maids had been assigned by her, and it wasn’t unthinkable that she might have instructed them to act. Gu Deshao had his suspicions too. Although he never voiced them, his relationship with Madam Ji grew increasingly distant afterward. Now, unless she fell ill, he never set foot in Xiexiao Courtyard.
And if this old maid’s story spread, the blame would fall squarely on Madam Ji. Gu Deshao would surely break with her completely.
…Gu Jinchao had harmed her daughter Lan so terribly. If she didn’t strike back, it would be too easy on them.
But the timing of Mama Chen’s news was just too convenient. What if this was a trap set by Gu Jinchao? That young lady was no one to underestimate.
After settling her thoughts, she asked Mama Chen,
“This old maid you mentioned—she left the household at sixty? She must be nearly seventy now. Would her memory really be that sharp?”
Mama Chen replied,
“You wouldn’t believe it, but she helped Yuping collect Cuiping’s body. That incident burned into her memory. She’s told her family, and even used it as gossip among the neighborhood women—many in that area have heard of it.”
Judging by Mama Chen’s expression, Song Miaohua could tell the story was likely true. She thought a moment longer and asked,
“This surviving maid—Yuping—why didn’t she speak to the Master back then?”
Mama Chen sighed.
“Yuping used to serve Madam Ji directly and helped raise the eldest young master when he was a child. Her loyalty to Madam Ji runs deep. How could she dare accuse her? All she could do was watch helplessly as Cuiping was beaten to death… But if we can find her and offer something worthwhile, perhaps she’ll speak up after all.”
A flicker stirred in Song Miaohua’s eyes.
She thought it through and told Mama Chen,
“I understand. Say nothing of this to anyone else.”
Mama Chen looked slightly disappointed. She had hoped that bringing this news would earn her a promotion. She hadn’t even taken the time to freshen up before rushing over. But now it seemed Song Yiniang didn’t want her involvement.
Sensing her hesitation, Song Miaohua gave a subtle nod to Qiaowei.
“Send Mama Chen fifty taels of silver.”
Fifty taels! Mama Chen lit up, repeatedly bowing and thanking her.
She might not become a house stewardess, but silver was silver. Content with the reward, Mama Chen respectfully took her leave.
Once she was gone, Gu Lan immediately grabbed her mother’s hand.
“Mother, this is an incredible opportunity! If we expose the truth about Concubine Yun’s death, Father will surely grow even more resentful of Madam Ji!”
Song Miaohua remained silent for a moment. She had already made up her mind not to reveal everything to Gu Lan. Instead, she sighed,
“That may be true. But without finding that maid, how could we bring it to your father?”
Gu Lan could tell her mother was tempted—if not, she wouldn’t have silenced Mama Chen with such a generous reward.
She recalled something from Mama Chen’s story and said with sudden inspiration,
“Mother, if this maid left the estate, what do you think she might have done afterward?”
Song Miaohua gave her a look.
“If her parents were alive, she likely returned home to marry. Girls from noble households who’ve served in large estates are more sought after—people believe they’re more refined. Others without family often take up trades or marry through matchmakers.”
Gu Lan smiled.
“She used to serve as Gu Jinrong’s personal maid. Do you think Jinrong might remember where her hometown is?”
That caught Song Miaohua off guard.
She hadn’t thought of that.
After a pause, she murmured,
“Jinrong was only four or five at the time. Could he really remember?”
Gu Lan smiled faintly.
“I’m not sure either. But I haven’t replied to his last letter yet. I’ll ask him.”
She had no intention of marrying Mu Zhizhai. For that, she would do anything.
Gu Lan returned to Cui Xuan Courtyard.
Song Yiniang stepped out to the covered walkway, where the lotus flowers were just beginning to bloom. She stood for a while in thought, then said to Qiaowei,
“Prepare some pastries. Let’s pay Concubine Du a visit. Now that Gu Yi is engaged, we must congratulate her properly.”
Qiaowei quickly prepared a large six-compartment box filled with various dried fruits, along with several plates of pastries, and followed behind Song Miaohua toward Tongruo Pavilion.
Located beside Cui Xuan Courtyard, Tongruo Pavilion was a two-story wooden building with a small pavilion on one side and a narrow side chamber on the other. It had no east or west wings—only a southern-facing annex. Concubine Du lived on the upper floor, as she preferred peace and quiet. Several paulownia trees had been planted nearby; their blossoms had just faded, but their broad canopies still cast deep shade.
Tall trees surrounded the area, and the cicadas had already begun their noisy chorus.
Upon hearing that Song Yiniang had come, Concubine Du invited her to speak in the pavilion and had her maid bring out preserved oranges with tea.
“…I don’t care much for those bitter astringent teas,” Du Jingqiu said with a warm smile, inviting her to sit on a stone stool. “I prefer something sweet and sour. If we hadn’t just finished the last of our sour plum juice, I would’ve had you try some.”
The buzzing of the cicadas was so loud that Song Miaohua frowned involuntarily.
Du Jingqiu quickly offered an apologetic laugh.
“Please don’t mind the noise—it’s still mild for now. Come midsummer, with dozens of trees humming all at once, the sound is deafening! I’ve asked the Master more than once to have some of the trees relocated, but he always refuses. Says I lack appreciation for elegance. But I can’t read or write—what would I know about elegance? All I know is that the noise is unbearable.”
Song Miaohua gave a small smile. Du Jingqiu certainly knew how to speak well. Although her beauty had faded with age—fine lines now gathered around her eyes—one could still see traces of her youthful charm. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have once enjoyed Gu Deshao’s favor.
Song Miaohua gestured for Qiaowei to bring the gift forward.
“…I heard Yi has become engaged to a young gentleman of the Du family in Wuqing, so I came to offer congratulations. Can’t believe she’s already grown up—I still remember when she used to cry for you to hold her…”
Du Jingqiu forced a polite smile. That kind of comment could never be said in front of Madam Ji. No matter the engagement, how much did it really have to do with her?
The older Yi became, the less she resembled her mother. Her temperament had also grown increasingly withdrawn. Sometimes Du Jingqiu looked at her from afar and felt as though she weren’t her own child. They could go ten days without exchanging a single word. When she missed her, she had to sneak over to Yizhu Pavilion just to catch a glimpse.
“Looking at Yi always reminds me of Concubine Yun. Strangely enough, their temperaments are quite similar—gentle, calm…” Song Miaohua spoke slowly, watching Du Jingqiu’s eyes as she did.
Du Jingqiu smiled faintly and looked down at the dried fruits Song Yiniang had brought. She picked out an almond and placed it in her mouth.
“You must still remember how miserably Concubine Yun died,” Song Miaohua continued. “The baby didn’t come for an entire day and night. And when it finally did, the cord had already strangled it. She hemorrhaged and died. The Master grieved for years. Even now, he hasn’t forgotten. That Concubine Luo of ours—if she didn’t resemble Concubine Yun so much, do you think he’d have taken her in?”
Du Jingqiu offered a hollow smile. “Of course I remember—how could I forget?”
“You ought not forget.” Song Miaohua’s voice turned quiet and cold. “If you forgot, I’m not sure anyone else would remember. I know you’ve carried guilt all these years. It’s been nearly eight years, and you’ve lived in constant fear, never daring to compete with me for favor…”
Du Jingqiu’s face went pale. She stared blankly at Song Miaohua.
“You were clever back then,” Song Miaohua sighed. “Your looks rivaled mine. Aside from Concubine Yun, you were the one the Master doted on most. But look at you now—trapped in Tongruo Pavilion, stripped of rank and power, no longer even able to vie for favor.”
Du Jingqiu clenched her hands. Her lips parted slightly, but it was a long while before she said,
“Yiniang… why bring this up now…”
Song Miaohua tilted her head and smiled, reaching out to take her hand.
“There’s no need to be nervous. I’m here to help you. Yi is engaged now, and you’re thirty-four. If you do as I say, I’ll make sure you and Yi live peacefully in the Gu household. But if you don’t… then I can’t make any promises.”
Du Jingqiu inhaled deeply. The bitterness of the almond slowly rose in her throat.
“…What do you want me to do?”
Song Miaohua smiled and shook her head.
“On the contrary—I want you to do nothing at all. Leave everything… to me.”