In Yisong Courtyard, maids and old nannies moved about without making a sound, preserving the exceptional quiet.
The Old Madam leaned against a cushion made of green satin. She listened quietly as Nanny Zheng relayed the events occurring in Lanxi Courtyard.
After hearing everything, Old Madam fell into deep thought. After a long while, she showed a puzzled look, "Is Third Girl preparing against Lady Mo? Has someone been speaking ill of Lady Mo in front of Yueyao?" This child has always been straightforward, concerned with nothing but copying scriptures. Her sudden astuteness is indeed surprising.
Nanny Zheng shook her head, "Since Third Young Lady returned to Capital City, only those few people have served by her side, none of whom is given to idle gossip." Second Madam wouldn't pick any who were.
Old Madam's expression suddenly changed, and she gripped the prayer beads tightly in her hand. Seeing Old Madam's expression, Nanny Zheng was startled, "Old Madam, what's wrong?"
Old Madam looked at Nanny Zheng and said, "Third Girl mentioned that Second Son's Wife came to her in a dream, asking her to take good care of Brother Zheng. How much truth do you think is in that?"
Nanny Zheng appeared astonished, "That must be completely true. Third Young Lady hasn't mentioned Young Master Zheng since her return. I've heard that when she was in Jiangnan, Second Old Master didn't even let them meet. You know that Second Master does not like Young Master Zheng, Old Madam. Could it be you suspect Third Young Lady of lying?" That doesn't seem right; Third Young Lady is sincere and could not lie.
Old Madam shook her head, "That girl has always been naive. Since her return, she's been in her courtyard every day copying the Classic of Filial Piety, scarcely stepping outside. Why would she suddenly think of Brother Zheng and tell me such a fib?" Old Madam had no doubt about Yueyao's claim that her mother had come to her in a dream, asking to care for Brother Zheng. Although it seemed implausible, longing for her son's welfare from beyond was a sign of a virtuous daughter-in-law. Old Madam was inclined to believe it.
Nanny Zheng was also puzzled about Yueyao raising this point. The Old Madam was in poor health, presently more bark than bite. Old Madam had always thought Eldest Madam to be cruel-hearted and had clung to control of the Inner Courtyard without yielding. These past years, her health hadn't permitted her to hang on; she'd had to let go of many responsibilities. Yet publicly, Old Madam still hadn't relinquished control.
Nanny Zheng truly felt the Old Madam was overthinking it; Eldest Madam had a compassionate heart, managed everything in the estate responsibly, and was very filial to Old Madam. Over these many years, she never missed a daily greeting, yet unfortunately, she never won Old Madam's favor and remained under constant vigilance.
Old Madam shook her head and said, "I originally thought, with Third Girl's disposition, no matter what I said, she wouldn't listen. I don't have many days left and didn't wish to stir up trouble. Let Lady Mo do as she pleases; after all, Second Son's Wife has already arranged an excellent marriage for her. After Third Girl reaches marriageable age, she will marry into the Shen family. Shen Qian is now a Fourth-rank official. The Shen family boasts many talents, and Shen Qian has extensive connections in the court, an excellent reputation, and great prospects. This benefits my eldest child's future. Even for the sake of the eldest child's and her children's futures, Lady Mo wouldn't treat her unfairly in public. I just didn't expect this girl to start guarding against Lady Mo. I am not sure if it's a good or a bad thing." It was good that the girl was becoming more aware and wouldn't lead a confused life, but the downside was that her days ahead wouldn't be peaceful. Having watched Lady Mo for so many years, I know her true nature.
Nanny Zheng didn't understand why the Old Madam sighed, "Master, is there something inappropriate?" The Old Madam always saw further than she did.
The Old Madam gave a wry smile, "If it was indeed a dream sent by Second Son's Wife, do you think she would only tell Yao Girl to take good care of Brother Zheng? What sort of person is Lady Mo? Would Second Son's Wife be unaware? Being such a clever woman, how could she fail to sense the ruthlessness in Lady Mo's heart?"
Nanny Zheng was speechless with shock, "This... It's too inconceivable."
Old Madam said after a moment of silence, "I'm not concerned about Brother Zheng, who comes from a humble background and lacks intelligence, unable to achieve greatness. I left him under Lady Mo's care because she would not stint his food for the sake of her reputation. When Brother Zheng grows up, Lady Mo will arrange a marriage for him to protect her reputation. Then the boy could live a stable life. I just didn't expect Third Girl to have noticed; I don't know whether it's a disaster or a blessing." I would rather Yueyao stay in the dark, knowing nothing, and live like this forever. The intrigues of the back court are endless, and it is only under my control that Lady Mo can be kept in check. Once I'm gone, Lady Mo will dominate the back court. Although the girl is smart, how can she outwit Lady Mo?