TPGA - 68

Chapter 68: Seeking Refuge

Lady Wan furrowed her delicate brows and asked, “Can the Eldest Master’s leg ailment truly be cured?”

“Physician Xu assured me it could be,” Ji Rong replied. Before her words had even faded, Lady Wan’s voice cut through the air. “And what about you? Is your claim of having a fifty percent chance real or fake?”

“I’ve made some progress after half a month of research. By the agreed-upon deadline, I should… possibly be able to create the Xujin Shengji San.”

Zhāixīng’s eyes flickered, and she leaned forward to whisper, “Lady, this matter…”

Lady Wan raised her hand to silence her and slowly circled Ji Rong. “You’ve put so much effort into researching the Xujin Shengji San. You know why you’re doing it, and I understand too. Indeed, with your beauty and cunning, being just a dancer does seem like a waste. However…” She leaned close to Ji Rong’s ear and whispered softly, “Do you really think this will get you into the Eldest Master’s bed?”

Ji Rong’s body trembled slightly, and she murmured, “Your servant knows her humble position and would never dare entertain such thoughts.”

Lady Wan straightened up and flicked her slender nails. “Enough of these insincere words in front of me. You already know something of the Eldest Master’s temperament—it’s not easy to win his favor. Even if you succeed, at best, you’d be nothing more than a concubine without any official status, forced to grovel and live under others’ whims. Your situation wouldn’t improve—it might even become worse!”

Ji Rong’s expression shifted like the winter sun peeking through the clouds—uncertain and ever-changing. Lady Wan didn’t rush her, instead walking over to the glass tank to play with the butterflies, oblivious to the harsh winter outside.

After a long while, Ji Rong finally made up her mind. She addressed Lady Wan, “Your servant pledges to obey only you from now on. Please, Lady, guide me toward a brighter path.”

Lady Wan clapped her hands and turned back to help Ji Rong to her feet. “Indeed, you are a clever and perceptive girl. Rest assured—I won’t mistreat you.”

“Thank you, Lady!” Amidst Ji Rong’s grateful words, Lady Wan said, “I’ll have Zhāixīng inform Nanny Yang. Go back now and focus on preparing the Xujin Shengji San to treat the Eldest Master’s leg ailment.”

Her words sparked a flicker of surprise in Ji Rong’s eyes. Wasn’t Lady Wan always at odds with the Eldest Master? Logically, she should’ve been delighted to see him remain crippled. Why, then…

Though her mind was filled with questions, after what had just transpired, Ji Rong didn’t dare ask further. After repeatedly expressing her gratitude, she withdrew from Yuxiu Pavilion.

Once she was gone, Zhāixīng asked hesitantly, “Lady, the Eldest Master has always opposed you. Why are you still helping him?”

“You mean letting Ji Rong treat his leg ailment?” Lady Wan smiled faintly. “Zhāixīng, do you think the Eldest Master’s untreated injury poses no threat to me or Zhìyún?”

Zhāixīng thought for a moment and replied, “Though the Eldest Master’s mobility is limited, the governor still favors him greatly. If this continues, it could pose a significant threat to you and the Fifth Master.”

Lady Wan adjusted her sleeves and said, “Exactly. Since the threat remains either way, why not play the benevolent role and grant him this favor?”

Zhāixīng pondered for a moment and said, “That may be true, but the better the Eldest Master fares, the worse it is for us. In my opinion, this favor shouldn’t be granted. Besides, even if the Eldest Master knows, he won’t appreciate your kindness. Why bother helping him?”

“If we don’t cast the line, how can we catch the big fish?” Lady Wan interrupted before Zhāixīng could continue. “Rather than exhausting ourselves dealing with him, it’s far more entertaining to watch the brothers fight amongst themselves.” With that, she added, “Alright, go to the music hall and deliver the message.”

Zhāixīng acknowledged the order and cautiously asked, “What about Feng Chunxiu? Will she remain in the music hall?”

Lady Wan’s expression darkened. “With her character, she’s unlikely to produce any graceful dances. Send her to work in the firewood shed. Also, tell Nanny Yang to keep a closer eye on the music hall. If such incidents happen again, don’t blame me for disregarding our past mistress-servant ties.”

When Chunxiu heard Zhāixīng’s message, she felt both relief and frustration. She was glad to remain in the governor’s mansion but dismayed at the prospect of working in the firewood shed. Not only would she have to perform menial labor, but her monthly allowance would also be significantly reduced—a bitter pill to swallow.

Noticing her conflicted emotions, Ji Rong consoled her. “Though the firewood shed is tough, it’s only a temporary measure. When the opportunity arises, I’ll do my best to secure a better position for you.”

“Thank you, Sister,” Chunxiu said gratefully. Then, recalling Zhāixīng taking Ji Rong away earlier, she asked, “By the way, did the Second Lady mistreat you?”

Ji Rong skillfully evaded the question with a vague response. Later, she reassured Chunxiu, “Though you’ll be working in the firewood shed, at least we’ll still live together and can look out for each other. If you encounter any problems there, just let me know. I’ll help however I can.”

Chunxiu nodded and said, “I understand. Sister, you must also be careful in the music hall. Wu Meixue has driven me away—her next target might very well be you. And Jiang Caiping is just a lapdog of Wu Meixue’s, ready to bite anyone she sets her sights on.”

Ji Rong patted her hand reassuringly. “I know whom to be cautious of—you don’t need to worry about me. Above all, be careful yourself. No matter how hard or tiring the work in the firewood shed may be, don’t slack off, so as not to give anyone an excuse to find fault with you. If we manage to prepare the medicine successfully in half a month, I should be able to speak a word or two for you in front of the Eldest Master.”

As they spoke, there was a knock at the door. It was Zhang Chenyue’s voice. Chunxiu immediately turned cold and snapped under her breath, “How dare that wretch show her face here?”

“She’s who she is—we know that much—but don’t let it show on your face. There will be a time to deal with her later,” Ji Rong whispered to Chunxiu before opening the door. As soon as Zhang Chenyue entered, she hurriedly grabbed Chunxiu’s hand and choked out, “I’ve been so worried about what would happen to you after leaving the mansion. Thankfully, the Second Lady changed her mind and allowed you to stay. Though working in the firewood shed will be tough, at least there’s still hope.”

Chunxiu, suppressing her disgust, pulled her hand back and glared at her. “If you were so worried, why didn’t I hear you say a single word to defend me when Nanny Yang was expelling me?” She wished she could remain calm like Ji Rong, but she simply couldn’t.

At this, tears welled up in Zhang Chenyue’s eyes and spilled down her cheeks. “I knew you’d blame me for this! When I first heard the news, I was so frightened that I forgot to plead on your behalf. Later, I deeply regretted it and even went to see Nanny Yang, but she refused to meet with me.”

Chunxiu sneered. “Did she really refuse to see you, or did you never even try?”

“Sister!” Ji Rong shot her a warning glance and then turned to Zhang Chenyue, saying gently, “Don’t take offense at my sister’s words—this is just her nature. After a few days, when her anger subsides, everything will be fine. Regardless, we’re still sisters.”