Embroidered Phoenix Chronicle

Liangjie congratulated her sister-in-law with a smile, but her heart was filled with bitterness. She didn't care about managing the household. Last time, Fengxian was pregnant but still managed things, and the stress caused her to miscarry. This time, if...

Madam Xu only regretted not being able to personally force-feed her abortifacient. Liangjie was fully aware of Madam Xu's thoughts—women from prominent families, hadn't they done or heard of such things? She chose to observe coldly. The shops and properties in the capital naturally belonged to the third prince, and the concubines there hadn't borne any children. If the eldest son's family had no heir… the reason she tolerated Hongxing'er wasn't to keep the child and abandon the mother, but for the sake of her sons. It didn't matter whether they were legitimate or illegitimate; the more the better! No matter whose womb they came from, they would have to call her "Mother!"

The old lady declared that Fengxian should focus on her pregnancy and not worry about household chores, not even having to serve her mother-in-law at meals. The old lady, Madam He, disliked Madam Xu and wouldn't let her serve her meals. Although Madam Xu also disliked her daughter-in-law, she insisted on maintaining a haughty demeanor, making the two sisters-in-law take turns serving her. Hearing the old lady's words, Madam Xu quickly chimed in, "Yes! Yes! Yes! You should focus on your pregnancy and have a son as soon as possible! You two aren't young anymore, you should take it seriously! But with the eldest son's wife here, who will serve him at night? I think Yumei is a good girl, why not have her married and let the eldest son take her as a concubine, so he can serve you two in peace..."

Fengxian was speechless. This had to happen every time. Didn't her mother-in-law find it tiring?

“Mother, let’s just forget about it! Yu Mei is too unreliable! She tried to climb into bed this morning! Yu Mei is a poor, distant relative of the Xu family. The Xu family insisted on sending her to serve the eldest couple, saying she was a maid, but she doesn’t respect Feng Xian at all and just sticks to Rui Hong.”

Fengxian feigned concern and advised, "My lord, speaking of virtuous wives and beautiful concubines, they're not the main wife, so what's with all this talk about virtue..."

Ruihong interrupted her angrily, "She has to be good-looking first! She's just a piece of trash who can't resist men, lazy and greedy, and can't do anything but steal food! You're actually advising me to have her? I get it, you must be trying to use her to make yourself look more virtuous!"

The couple, working in tandem, launched into a veiled attack, making Madam Xu's face flush with embarrassment. She had indeed considered making Yu Mei a concubine for Rui Hong, but Rui Hong had absolutely no interest in the girl. Unwilling to give up so easily, she said, "Yu Mei is a bit too young and doesn't understand much. How about Xiang Mei? Xiang Mei is a good girl, beautiful, and steady..."

"Mother, isn't Xiangmei engaged to Bangchui? Are you suggesting I compete with my second brother's servant for his wife?"

Madam Xu smiled awkwardly, "I almost forgot about that, Liang'er's maid who came with her as part of her dowry..."

"Alright!" Old Mrs. Liu couldn't stand it anymore and shouted to stop her, "A brother-in-law wants his brother's wife's maid? Aren't you ashamed! Alright, all of you, disperse. You're giving me a headache!" Everyone dispersed as she said.

At lunchtime, Cuicui vividly recounted everything to Liulian, making the two almost laugh themselves to death. After laughing, Liulian became suspicious. This mother-in-law was so unrestrained in front of others; could she be up to something behind the scenes? Would someone as persistent as her resort to any means necessary? Suddenly, a thought struck her. She remembered that when Doctor Huo was alive, he specifically taught her to identify foods and medicines related to pregnancy and childbirth. Could it be that the old doctor had become suspicious of this?

After pondering for a moment, Liu Lian said to Cuicui, "Quietly inquire about the background of the two maids of the eldest sister. Be careful not to arouse suspicion!"

Cui Cui was actually much more mature than she appeared. She had witnessed many ugly secrets in the slave trader's house. Seeing Liu Ye'er's thoughtful look, she asked in a low voice, "Miss, do you suspect that the two maids in the eldest young lady's courtyard are having an affair with the madam?"

Liu Lian couldn't say yes directly, so she said, "You can't be too careful. My elder sister has had several miscarriages before, so you must be careful this time! Keep your mouth shut, or I'll sell you off!" Liu Lian was afraid that she would let something slip, so she threatened her.

"I know the gravity of the situation. If these words get out, I'm afraid neither of us, master and servant, will be able to live our lives in the long run."

Seeing that she knew what was important, Liu Lian felt a little relieved. "How about this afternoon? Do you still want to learn needlework? Just make a few undergarments to practice. Maybe you'll grow taller next year, and the clothes will be wasted if you can't wear them!"

“That’s what Zhao Mama said too. I’ve been practicing making cotton-padded clothes for the servants in the mansion these past few days! The old lady said she’ll reward me with a set for the Winter Solstice! Miss, the old lady said you’ll definitely give me a bright future, but I don’t know what you think, Miss?” Cui Cui became more and more guilty as she spoke, and her words became hesitant.

After lingering over the girl for a while, he sighed and said, "This is what I'm thinking: when you're twenty-four or twenty-five and can make your own decisions, I'll find you a respectable family, marry you properly, and you can live your own life as a monogamous couple. What do you think?"

"Really? Miss, will you be able to redeem my indenture then?"

"Yes, they will definitely return your indenture when you get married, allowing you to become a law-abiding citizen! However, I'm afraid it will be difficult to find a wealthy family to marry into?"

"Don't worry, Miss! Life is something you create yourself. I'm a living person with hands and feet; why should I be afraid of not being able to live my own life?" Cui Cui was so happy that she even forgot to thank Liu Ye'er. After washing the dishes, she flew out like a little bird, her face beaming. This prompted Zhao Ma to ask her about it, and she repeated Liu Ye'er's words in detail. Zhao Ma and the two seamstresses exclaimed that Cui Cui had met a benefactor. Cui Cui also secretly resolved to serve Liu Ye'er well.

With a new purpose in life, Cuicui almost completely changed, becoming a lively and clever girl. She smiled before she spoke, was sweet-talking and quick-witted, and was very likable. Almost everyone in the household forgot that she had once been a rascal begging on the street. With enough to eat and wear, a good mood, and diligence, Cuicui even felt that she had grown taller.

Liulian and Fengxian sat facing each other on the kang (a heated brick bed). The brazier on the floor was burning brightly, and every now and then a chestnut would pop out. Liulian would blow off the ash, peel it, and eat it. Liulian had taken over all of Fengxian's meals, and any food given to her by others had to be inspected by her first.

The old lady didn't say anything; everyone had their share, so adding or subtracting here wouldn't cost much. The kitchen was happy that they were cooking one less person's meal and quickly brought over oil, salt, firewood, and charcoal. Madam Xu was furious but couldn't say anything, so she cursed Liu Ye'er behind her back, and also cursed Xiu Luan. Xiu Luan, who had suffered this undeserved misfortune, was also very angry.