051 The Witch

Ning Qian suppressed a chuckle—finally, the conversation had found its mark. “Sister-in-law, you mustn’t say such things. You know the old saying: you can know someone’s face, but not their heart; you can paint a tiger’s skin, but never its bones. Only time reveals true character. You’ve only caught a fleeting glimpse—how could you possibly know her true nature? Please, don’t let this matter weigh on your mind.”

“It’s best if you truly don’t mind, Third Sister-in-law.”

“How could I? Sister-in-law, you’re teasing me.” The two shared a polite smile. Now Ning Qian finally understood what it meant to smile with one’s lips but not one’s heart, to wear a friendly face while harboring private thoughts. Still, she supposed it was better to keep the peace than to tear off the mask entirely. Truth be told, she had no desire to engage in endless petty battles with them.

The eldest mistress was no fool. She was indeed seething over Yu Zhi’s expulsion, and her visit to Ning Qian was nothing more than an attempt to find an opportunity to bring Yu Zhi back. Unexpectedly, Ning Qian had parried her efforts by invoking Yu Ziqi’s authority. Since Yu Ziqi had taken charge of the decision, the eldest mistress, even with her seniority, could not object further.

With Yu Zhi’s affair finally settled, Ning Qian breathed a sigh of relief. She sent Shuni and Nianyu to ask around the servants’ quarters and, as expected, plenty of rumors were circulating. All of them accused her of being harsh, driving someone out over the smallest slight. Shuni and Nianyu grumbled about the unfairness, but Ning Qian herself had no complaints. In a large household, you could control everything—except the wagging of a thousand tongues. It was impossible to watch what everyone said.

A few days later, another significant event occurred in Ning Qian’s courtyard. Two of her maids inexplicably requested to be demoted to ordinary chores, which caused a considerable stir throughout the manor. When had anything like this ever happened? Second-class maids asking to be reassigned to menial work, just to leave Ning Qian’s service—wasn’t that strange?

For a time, the entire household was abuzz, with all sorts of rumors swirling. Two days later, Ning Qian was sitting in her room enjoying tea when Shuni abruptly lifted the curtain and stormed in. “Outrageous! It’s too much—how can they say such things?”

A soft cough sounded behind her, and Shuni immediately covered her mouth, turning with her head bowed. “Sister Nianyu.”

“Have you forgotten all the proper manners?” Nianyu scolded her with a glare, then turned to Ning Qian. “Madam, the rumors these past few days have truly become preposterous. Best let Shuni explain them to you.”

At this, Shuni could barely contain herself. “Madam, I just don’t understand—some people’s imaginations are wild! They say you use private punishments, that something strange lurks in our courtyard, and some even claim you’ve cursed the maids with black magic. Good heavens, how do they come up with this nonsense? If you truly had such powers, they wouldn’t be here to gossip about it!”

Ning Qian touched her own cheek. “What, do I look so much like a witch?” She had never imagined she’d be accused of witchcraft—she’d never harmed anyone, yet now she bore the witch’s name for no reason at all. How unjust.

Nianyu and Shuni burst out laughing. “If you are a witch, then you’re the most beautiful witch in the manor. Our madam is certainly the loveliest woman here.”

“Who’s a witch?” A man’s voice came from outside the door.

Ning Qian immediately rose. “Master?” She straightened her clothes and greeted him.

It was indeed Yu Ziqi. He lifted the curtain and entered. “What’s this about a witch?”

Ning Qian walked over and helped him out of his outer robe, instructing Shuni to fetch water so he could wash his face and hands. Once all was taken care of, they sat quietly, sipping tea and enjoying a few sweets.

“My dear, you haven’t told me yet—who’s a witch? Where did that rumor come from?”

She smiled. “It’s me, of course. Ever since those two maids requested to leave, people have been saying I cast spells and am a witch.”

“To think such rumors would arise—the people in this household are growing bolder by the day. But those two maids are odd—why would they choose to leave?”

“It must be related to Yu Zhi’s situation. Among the three of them, Yu Zhi held the highest status, yet she was easily sent away with a simple scheme. The other two must be worried I have more tricks up my sleeve for them. At that point, their positions might fall even lower than the ordinary cleaning maids. In a way, their decision was clever.”

“It does sound clever,” Yu Ziqi mused. “Still, I suspect someone is stirring up trouble behind the scenes. Has anything unusual happened in my elder brother’s quarters recently?”

“My brother? Not really—apart from the visit from my sister-in-law after Yu Zhi’s incident, nothing else. Why, has something happened?” Ning Qian asked, a note of concern in her voice.

Yu Ziqi rubbed his brow. “Things have been strange lately. Several of the shops Father entrusted to me have encountered problems. It feels as though some shadowy force is undermining my business.”

“You think it’s your brother?”

“I can’t be sure yet, but from what I’ve learned, he’s been associating with a group of strangers. I haven’t uncovered their background, but I’m certain they’re trouble.”

Ning Qian frowned. “How could this be? There’s no reason for your brother to sabotage his own family’s business.”

“You’re mistaken. He’s not trying to sabotage the family—he’s just after quick profit. From what I know of him, he must have gotten himself into some trouble again.”

“Be careful, until you find out the truth.”

“It’s too late for caution. The damage is already done—Father summoned me today and scolded me thoroughly. If I don’t get to the bottom of this soon, I’ll be in serious trouble. You should be careful, too.”

“I’ll be fine, don’t worry.” Yu Ziqi’s words sent a chill through Ning Qian’s heart. Was the Yu family about to weather another storm?

Yu Ziqi turned and wrapped her in his arms, resting his head on her shoulder. “Will you stay quietly by my side when I’m weary? Just quietly, like now.”

Ning Qian sighed silently. This man—he carried so much on his heart, yet spoke none of it, bearing it all alone. It made her ache for him, though at times, it was exasperating.

Hearing her almost imperceptible sigh, Yu Ziqi’s body trembled. He said nothing, merely tightened his embrace, pulling her closer still. The two held each other tightly, savoring this rare moment of peace.

Yu Ziqi had grown even busier lately, often gone from dawn till dusk, and the atmosphere in the manor grew tense. The old master was irritable, scolding his sons every few days. The household was gripped by unease; everyone kept to themselves, and the manor was, ironically, much quieter.

Yet, while the old master berated his sons, the women carried on with their affairs. On this particular day, at the morning greeting, the old matriarch arrived unusually late. As the women grew restless, she finally entered, supported by Madam Ling. After surveying the gathering, she seated herself and spoke, “Today, there’s something you all must know. The consort of Prince Ninth will be visiting and staying with us for a few days. Yuexuan and Ruoran, you’ve met her before. Qian, this will be your first time, so if you’re unsure about court etiquette, consult Yuexuan. You mustn’t make any mistakes.”

Yuexuan was the eldest mistress’s maiden name, and Ruoran belonged to the second mistress. Both had been married into the family for years and had met the consort before.

The eldest mistress smiled. “Third Sister-in-law, Mother is right—Her Highness is no ordinary guest. Although she is kind, protocol must be observed. If you don’t mind, come to my courtyard later, and I’ll explain the customs to you.”

“Thank you, Sister-in-law.”

“Must you be so formal with me?”

“Very well, Yuexuan, you’ll oversee the meals. You know Her Highness’s tastes. Also, the magistrate’s wife will be visiting—she’s fond of sweets, so take note.”

“Mother, rest assured. Her Highness visits us every year; I know what to do.”

“I trust you. Ruoran, you’ll handle the courtyard arrangements. Her Highness will be staying in the Wind and Water Pavilion—be sure to inspect everything personally. No mistakes are allowed. The other ladies won’t be staying overnight. I’m not sure if the prince himself will come—if he does, the meals must be even more exquisite. I’ll give further instructions if that happens.”

Throughout, the old matriarch all but ignored Ning Qian, which suited her just fine. She knew nothing of such matters and dreaded the consequences of any misstep.

Still, Ning Qian wondered how the Yu family had come to be connected with Prince Ninth. Yu Ziqi had never mentioned it. Clearly, the family had more secrets than she’d ever suspected.

After leaving the old matriarch, Ning Qian accompanied the eldest mistress to her quarters. The Literary Heart Pavilion was not unfamiliar to her, yet each visit left her uncomfortable. The courtyard was spacious and beautiful, yet it felt strangely hollow.

The eldest mistress invited her to sit, offering refreshments. “Don’t be shy—the pastries are from Xiangtai Teahouse, the most famous on the street.”

Ning Qian smiled faintly, saying nothing, simply picking up a pastry and taking a bite. She’d eaten these since childhood—they were nothing novel. “Indeed, the cakes from Xiangtai are excellent—soft and fragrant, melting in the mouth.”

“You have a discerning palate, Third Sister-in-law. Please, have more while I tell you about the etiquette required for Her Highness’s visit.”

“Thank you for going to the trouble, Sister-in-law.”

And so, over tea and cakes, they discussed the consort’s visit. The consort, it turned out, was the deposed wife of Prince Cheng. Princes and emperors, it was said, kept friends among the common folk, and Prince Cheng counted the old master of the Yu family among his acquaintances.

As they chatted, Xiao Lu, the eldest mistress’s maid, lifted the curtain and entered. “Madam, Concubine Liu has arrived.”

The eldest mistress turned to her with a smile. “You silly girl, why didn’t you invite her straight in? If word got out, people would think I’m petty, deliberately putting on airs in front of the concubines. Go and bring her in quickly.”

Ning Qian sipped her tea in silence—clearly, these words were meant for her ears. The eldest mistress was always calculating.

Before long, Concubine Liu entered, supported by her maid Xiao Yin. The eldest mistress rose to greet her, taking her hand. “Sister, you’re getting along well now. If you need anything, just send Xiao Yin with a message. Why come all this way yourself?”

With her hand held, Concubine Liu could not offer a proper bow and instead lowered her head. “Sister, one mustn’t neglect courtesy.” She then turned to Ning Qian. “I’ve come today to deliver something to you, Sister.”

“Oh? What could be so important as to bring you here yourself?”

Concubine Liu smiled shyly. “To me, it’s precious, but to you, it might be nothing.” As she spoke, her maid placed a tray on the table.

Concubine Liu lifted the gauze from the tray. “Sister, these are silks sent to me yesterday by the master. They’re of the finest quality, but you know I dislike extravagant clothes. I hope you won’t think poorly of me for giving them to you.”

The eldest mistress’s face betrayed no emotion as she ran her fingers over the silk. Just when everyone thought she might say nothing, she suddenly laughed. “Sister, how could I not like them? Thank you. Such fine silk is seldom seen.”

“As long as you’re pleased. Oh, Third Madam, you’re here too—I’ll leave you two to talk. I’ll return another time, Sister.”

“Very well, Xiao Yin, take good care of Concubine Liu.”

“Yes, Madam.”

“Sister, I won’t see you out. Walk carefully.”

“Thank you, Sister—I’ll take my leave.” Supported by Xiao Yin, she slowly departed.

Ning Qian sighed inwardly. What a foolish woman—coming to show off before her child is even born. Who knows if she’ll carry the baby to term? The child’s future looks bleak indeed.

“Now, Third Sister-in-law, where were we?”

“Oh, you were just telling me about Her Highness’s favorite foods.”

“Ah, yes, let me tell you…”