Chapter Seventy: True Intentions and Cunning (Part One)

Liu Xinru was astute and perceptive, her intelligence surpassing most, and growing up amidst the fleeting pleasures of a brothel, she had honed an extraordinary ability to read people’s moods. It took only a fleeting, ambiguous glance from Yang Xueruo for her to realize that her own secret hopes were doomed from the start. No matter how broad-minded Yang Xueruo might be, she would not allow Liu Xinru to remain by Kong Sheng’s side.

Kong Sheng, it turned out, was a man of rare learning and talent; the contrast between her former impression and his true character left an indelible mark on Liu Xinru’s heart. Though she was a year older than Yang Xueruo, she was still but eighteen—a young maiden at the threshold of yearning, as any girl would be. Of course, Liu Xinru was no exception.

But in her heart, Liu Xinru saw things clearly. Because of her background and status, her feelings for Kong Sheng were fated for oblivion before they ever had a chance to blossom.

Liu Xinru was not like Tian’er or Hongmian. Even if Kong Sheng took Tian’er and Hongmian into his household, Yang Xueruo would not truly mind—in fact, as her personal maids, when she married Kong Sheng, the two would naturally become his as well. Liu Xinru, however, possessed both wit and beauty, and a heart unwilling to yield; should she be given the chance, who could say what kind of trouble might arise in the future?

Yang Xueruo was no ordinary woman. She saw far ahead, and she saw through Liu Xinru. She would not allow the slightest risk to her own happiness, and at the same time, she used this as a warning to Liu Xinru, to quash any inappropriate hopes.

Liu Xinru dared not reveal any trace of disappointment or resentment. She bowed her head, wallowing in quiet self-pity, wiping away a silent tear. This was a world of brutal reality and rigid hierarchy. If there was blame to be laid, it could only be on her ill fate; there was little use in railing against the heavens. She could only accept her lot.

Yang Xueruo glanced at Liu Xinru, then smiled gently. “Miss Liu, I have been thinking that, with Kong Lang traveling far to Henan, through daunting mountains and distant rivers, it would not do for him to go without a personal attendant to care for his daily needs. It would be best if someone accompanied him on his journey. I wonder… would you be willing?”

Yang Xueruo paused, adopting a gentle and consultative manner.

A flicker of complex resignation crossed Liu Xinru’s eyes. She raised her head slowly, her gaze meeting Yang Xueruo’s face, soft and warm as a spring breeze. “Miss, I have been frail since childhood, unfit for the harsh northern winds, and besides, I am clumsy and would only be a burden to Kong Lang. It would be better to send Hongmian in my stead.”

She did not dare mention herself, nor even Tian’er, for fear of arousing Yang Xueruo’s suspicion.

“Moreover, I am a maid of this household and serve by your side, Miss. Please call me by my proper station, otherwise I cannot bear the honor.” Liu Xinru feigned deference and bowed low.

“We are of similar age; outwardly, propriety must be observed, but in private, there is no harm in calling one another sisters,” Yang Xueruo replied with a bright smile.

“I dare not,” Liu Xinru responded, even more respectfully.

Yang Xueruo raised an eyebrow, secretly satisfied with Liu Xinru’s demeanor. She smiled and turned to look at Hongmian.

Hongmian seemed uneasy and at a loss. Whether she wished to go or not was irrelevant; if her mistress ordered it, she must obey without question. Still, she had grown up by Yang Xueruo’s side, and to leave suddenly to serve a man who was still mostly a stranger unsettled her.

Moreover, her relationship with Kong Sheng had never been smooth; although things had thawed somewhat, there remained awkwardness. To live together day and night would be difficult for both.

Yang Xueruo smiled and shook her head. “I would have sent Hongmian, but she and Kong Lang have never gotten along. I fear they would not suit each other and only cause more trouble. Perhaps it would be better for Tian’er to go?”

Tian’er was taken aback, a look of deep reluctance crossing her face. Instinctively, she turned to Liu Xinru. Though she had become a maid in the Yang household, she still subconsciously regarded Liu Xinru as her mistress. Old habits die hard, and after serving Liu Xinru for so long, it was difficult to change her ways.

Liu Xinru, anxious, lowered her head, thinking, “Oh Tian’er, we have both sold ourselves into servitude. We are now maids to Miss Yang—your behavior will only bring trouble upon us both.”

Yang Xueruo’s tone was conciliatory, but as mistress, her word was law. Tian’er could only obey.

Seeing Liu Xinru silent, Tian’er tugged nervously at her sleeve. Quick-witted, she immediately knelt and declared in a trembling voice, “Miss, wherever you send me, I will go. Even if it is to my death, I would not dare hesitate!”

Yang Xueruo smiled gently, rising to help Tian’er up. “Tian’er, though we are called mistress and maid, in truth we are like sisters. You all know, I am betrothed to Kong Lang, my heart and life are his, but I cannot accompany him on his journey to care for him myself. I must entrust this to you, Tian’er—”

As she spoke, Yang Xueruo took a step back and bowed to Tian’er with a modest salute.

Liu Xinru and Hongmian were both taken aback, stunned by what they saw.

Tian’er, bewildered, knelt again in panic. “Miss, I cannot accept such honor! Please rest assured, I will attend Master Kong faithfully and never neglect my duty!”

“Then I am at ease,” Yang Xueruo sighed softly. “This journey is long and perilous, Tian’er. You must care for Kong Lang well. In the future, when I…”

But she did not finish. She had meant to make Tian’er a promise—not to let her be mistreated in days to come—but thought better of it, fearing too much favor might spoil the girl.

Yang Xueruo smiled sweetly, taking Tian’er’s trembling hand and walking with her side by side, speaking gently and intimately. Liu Xinru, following behind, could not help but sigh inwardly at how much deeper Yang Xueruo’s scheming ran than she had ever imagined. From this moment, Tian’er would never be the same as before.

With Yang Xueruo’s favor, Tian’er’s status would clearly surpass that of Liu Xinru and Hongmian.

In these times, rules were strict and the line between master and servant was clear. For the young mistress to walk hand in hand with a maid was a sensation among the household staff.

Soon after, Hongmian—whether by intent or accident—let it be known among the servants that Yang Xueruo had recognized Tian’er as her sworn sister. From now on, anyone in the Yang household who showed Tian’er disrespect would be offending Yang Xueruo herself.

With this announcement, no one dared slight her again. A low-born girl of fourteen or fifteen, suddenly elevated to a position of favor—many servants and maids were left astonished and bewildered, hardly able to accept the change.