010 It’s Truly Painful to Bow and Scrape

Before she was married, Ning Qian had already steeled herself for reproach. After all, what had happened before could hardly be ignored. Yet after yesterday, things had changed. She had entered the Ning family as a woman of unimpeachable purity—that was the truth. This morning, she’d even instructed Shuni to present proof, but who would have thought they’d refuse to believe it?

Had she truly lost her innocence, their scolding would be understandable. Yet as she was untouched, the situation was altogether different.

Frowning, she mulled over how best to handle the matter. Yet no matter how long she pondered, no good solution came to her. Such things could not be settled in a day. If they refused to believe, there was nothing she could do—there was simply no way to prove it.

“Madam, what should we do now? We must clear your name. Would you allow the young master to speak on your behalf? He’s the only one who knows what really happened,” Shuni urged, unable to contain herself.

“What use would that be?” Ning Qian snorted. “If his words meant anything, tigers would be climbing trees by now.”

“Madam, I don’t quite understand.”

“Shuni, that’s why I tell you to read more when you have time. You don’t even grasp something as simple as this. Silly girl, it’s rather straightforward. I expect the old madam and master have already questioned him about it. This affair touches on the Ning family’s reputation—they are more anxious than anyone. From what you’ve overheard, it’s obvious they don’t believe him. In fact, I suspect the wound on his head is their handiwork.”

“What?” Nian Yu gasped, clapping a hand over her mouth in surprise.

Ning Qian quickly glanced toward the door, relaxing only after confirming there was no noise outside. “Be careful what you say in the future. With such a commotion, you’re sure to wake him. I haven’t yet decided how to deal with Yu Ziqi—best to stay apart for now whenever possible.”

Nian Yu nodded obediently. “I’ll be more careful from now on.”

Ning Qian paced the room, deep in thought. After a while, she sighed helplessly. “At present, there’s nothing to be done. We’ll have to take things as they come. And Shuni, behave yourself. Don’t go stirring up trouble.”

Shuni wrinkled her little nose. “Madam, I’ve been well-behaved lately.”

Ning Qian shot her a sly glance. “Well-behaved? I heard someone’s been spreading gossip these last two days.”

“It wasn’t me. Oh! I forgot I have things to do in the courtyard—excuse me, madam!” Not daring to look back, Shuni fled at once.

“I’ll be going too,” Nian Yu said with a helpless smile, then turned to leave. After a soft sigh, Ning Qian returned to her inner chamber. Seeing Yu Ziqi still asleep, she settled to one side, picked up a book, and began to read for distraction.

Once Ning Qian had seated herself, Yu Ziqi quietly opened his eyes. Watching her back, he sighed inwardly. Sitting up, he gave a gentle cough. “My lady, what hour is it?”

Startled, Ning Qian hurried to her feet, glanced at the hourglass in the corner, and replied softly, “My lord, it’s nearly noon. Shall I have the meal brought in?”

“No need for now. Let’s see if Mother sends for us first.”

“Very well.”

Suddenly, Yu Ziqi beckoned Ning Qian to his bedside. After a moment’s hesitation, she walked over. “My lord?”

He took her hand, gently stroking it. “My lady, are you settling in well?”

“I am. Everything in the household is of the finest quality—you needn’t worry. It’s you I fret over. A blow to the head is no trifling matter. You must be careful.” Even as she spoke, Ning Qian felt a wave of distaste. But what else could she do? She was his wife now—appearances had to be maintained.

“I’ll take care. Indeed, my head does ache somewhat. Pour me a cup of water.”

She replied softly, went to the table, poured a cup of water, and brought it to him. “Perhaps we should summon a physician after all.” While she’d idly considered his early demise, she didn’t want to gain a reputation as a jinx atop everything else.

“There’s no need. I’m fine—just tired from the wedding preparations. I’ll be well after some rest. By the way, there’s something I must warn you about.”

“Please, speak freely.”

“The Yu family is an old and powerful clan, like the Ning family. Such families have their advantages, but also their shadows. As the eldest daughter of the Ning family, you understand this without my saying so. But I must urge you to be especially vigilant. The Yu family is far more complicated than the Ning family. There are things you’ll discover sooner or later, whether I tell you or not.”

Ning Qian blinked. Did he really think she needed the warning? She’d long known the Yu family was no simple place. If she waited for his reminders, disaster would have struck already. Besides, he’d spoken at length yet revealed nothing concrete—how was she supposed to prepare?

“My lady, do not forget what I’ve said.” Yu Ziqi’s tone grew firmer.

Ning Qian nodded. “Be assured, my lord, I will bear it in mind.” When it came to her own safety, she would not be careless.

“You’ve just arrived, so Mother will likely send people for you to command. Don’t keep them by your side—assign them menial tasks. Keep only Nian Yu and Shuni close. They came from the Ning family and will be more loyal. You’re clever enough to understand the significance.”

“I understand.” At that, Ning Qian couldn’t help but admire Ruan Qi’s foresight. Before she’d even married in, she’d been told about this. Those maids sent over were, in truth, candidates for concubines. Ning Qian was not so easy to displace—her territory would not be usurped so easily.

“Oh, and there’s someone I’d like you to meet. Xiao Liu, come in.”

A young man, clearly a servant, entered and bowed deeply. “You called for me, young master?”

“Yes. Greet the lady.”

“Yes, young master.” Xiao Liu bowed to Ning Qian. “Your servant Xiao Liu greets the madam.”

“Very well, rise,” Ning Qian said with a wave.

“My lady, this is my personal attendant Xiao Liu. He’s honest and trustworthy. If you ever need something done, just ask him.”

“I understand.” After a moment’s thought, Ning Qian went to her dressing table, took out a red envelope, and handed it to Xiao Liu. “Take this as a token for our first meeting. In the future, I’ll rely on you to look after the young master’s affairs.”

Xiao Liu hesitated, glancing at Yu Ziqi. “Serving the young master is my duty, I…”

Ning Qian teased, “Am I not your mistress as well?”

Startled, Xiao Liu waved his hands frantically. “That’s not what I meant, madam!”

“It’s fine, Xiao Liu. Take it. From now on, treat the lady as you would me—serve her with the same care.”

“Yes, young master.” Xiao Liu accepted the envelope and thanked them again.

“You may go,” Yu Ziqi said with a wave.

After Xiao Liu left, Ning Qian returned to the bedside. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask, but I’m not sure if I should.”

“We are husband and wife—there’s nothing you cannot say. Speak freely.”

“Well, I’d like to know why you insisted on marrying me.”

Yu Ziqi rubbed his nose. “What’s wrong? Weren’t my previous reasons sufficient?”

Ning Qian pouted. Even a fool could see those reasons weren’t enough. “It just leaves me feeling uneasy, that’s all.”

“My lady, we are married now—there’s no point dwelling on it. Whatever my reason for marrying you, it’s no longer important. What matters is the future. I will treat you well.”

Ning Qian nodded, sensing he did not wish to discuss it further. She did not press him. In time, she believed, all truths would reveal themselves.