Chapter 26: A Chance Encounter in the Bamboo Grove (Part 2)
Yu Qian'er nodded eagerly and complained on Ji Cheng's behalf, "I know you've been wronged, Miss. Back in Jin, with the master and mistress arranging things, every family wanted to marry into ours because of your talents and beauty. Even that Young Master Tan found endless excuses to talk to you! But these capital folks have their noses in the air - I don't see any of those girls measuring up to you!"
Ji Cheng couldn't help but laugh - no wonder she doted on Yu Qian'er. The girl's flattery skills were unmatched. "I'm not wronged," she said. "When you pursue something purposefully, you can't complain of hardship. You all must adjust your perspectives - this is the capital now, not Jin. In Jin we led the flock, but here we follow. I'm no precious young mistress anymore. We must recognize our standing. Waiting passively for elders to decide our fates would only leave us vulnerable forever."
Liu Ye'er asked, "Is there truly no hope with your aunt, Miss?"
"My aunt has her own designs for my marriage. Relying on her is pointless." Ji Cheng smoothed her skirts. "Truthfully, this is better. Arranged matches aren't necessarily wise. How many girls wed strangers blindly and find happiness? Too many perish young. At least Father permits me to choose - I can evaluate suitors' character properly to secure a good future."
Yu Qian'er clapped in agreement, while Liu Ye'er remained unconvinced, certain Ji Cheng downplayed her grievances. The more conservative maid still disapproved of her mistress openly conversing with gentlemen.
Ji Cheng continued, "This applies to you too. If you wait for me to assign husbands someday, you might end up with pockmarked brutes. If you spot decent prospects, tell me. I'll ensure proper matches."
"Miss!" Liu Ye'er flushed crimson and turned away. "You shouldn't speak so boldly!"
Ji Cheng exchanged amused looks with Yu Qian'er, who declared, "I'll always heed you, Miss!"
"You shameless creature!" Liu Ye'er huffed.
Yu Qian'er stuck out her tongue. "Better shameless than prim! Go marry your pockmarked groom then!"
"You impudent brat!" Liu Ye'er lunged to pinch her cheek. "How dare you spout such nonsense!"
Ji Cheng watched their antics with a smile, though her thoughts already drifted to Qi Zheng. While she hadn't fully gauged the Qi family heir's character, his evident capabilities intrigued her. With proper ambition, he might rise to third-rank office through Ji family wealth - perhaps even first-rank with her support.
The girl showed no maidenly shyness contemplating her marital strategy. To Ji Cheng, marriage meant mutual benefit - her family's coffers and acumen traded for a husband's social ascent. This transactional mindset came as naturally as breathing.
As their carriage passed through Shen Manor's side gate, a shadow detached from beneath the vehicle and vanished into the night. Ji Cheng never imagined their private conversation could be overheard - an accidental eavesdropper, for none would deliberately lurk under a maiden's carriage.
Exhausted, Ji Cheng retired early. Liu Ye'er combed her hair with rhythmic strokes using a wide sandalwood comb - a nightly ritual taught by Ji Cheng's mother Yunniang. The famed "Tofu Beauty" maintained her cloud-like tresses into middle age, though familiarity had dimmed her husband's ardor.
Yu Qian'er burst in as Ji Cheng smoothed her ends with a rhinoceros horn comb. "Where were you?" Liu Ye'er scolded. "I needed you to fetch last spring's hair tonic!"
"Playing with Juan'er and Duan'er from the Old Madam's quarters," Yu Qian'er shrugged, earning Ji Cheng's appraising glance. Though seemingly carefree, the girl carefully curated her playmates for information.
"Miss, guess what Miss Su did today?" Yu Qian'er leaned in conspiratorially.
Liu Ye'er frowned at the non sequitur, but Ji Cheng's sharp mind connected threads. "She accompanied the Old Madam out?"
"Miss sees all!" Yu Qian'er pouted, robbed of her dramatic reveal. "She went to Jishi Nunnery with Old Madam Su and ours."
Abbess Jingyu of Jishi Nunnery, Old Madam Shen's longtime friend, had walked eight thousand miles east and west to fundraise for her mentor's memorial temple. The reclusive abbess preferred solitary visits - making Su Jun's inclusion noteworthy.
"Which family considers Sister Jun?" Ji Cheng pressed.
Yu Qian'er stomped in frustration - her mistress always ruined the game. "Huang Censor's eldest son, though it's still secret! Duan'er only slipped this because I sweet-talked her."
Ji Cheng recalled Lady Huang from Dragon Boat Festival. Yu Qian'er added slyly, "But there's more you didn't guess!"
"Are you so pleased to outwit me?" Ji Cheng arched a brow.
"Naturally! You're too formidable otherwise."
"Formidable..." Ji Cheng touched her cheek ruefully. Men feared capable women - her brother had chosen a mediocre bride over a brilliant match. Yu Qian'er, too young for such nuances, prattled on: "Many sought Miss Su, but only Lady Huang received an audience."
"How would a junior maid know this?" Ji Cheng chided. "Do you think the Old Madam's walls have ears?"
Yu Qian'er explained Duan'er's mother bribed her way into Old Madam's inner circle. Ji Cheng turned to Liu Ye'er, impressed: "I misjudged Yu Qian'er. She's grown quite resourceful."
The praised maid preened. "Miss Su gained admirers from one outing! Don't fret, Miss - someone will recognize your worth!"
Ji Cheng fell silent. Unlike heroes celebrated despite humble origins, noble brides were chosen by pedigree alone. Though matching Su Jun in talents, their social receptions differed starkly.
Irritated, she set down her comb. "Prepare bathwater. I'll practice swordplay."
Now sharing Qinyuan Courtyard with Shen cousins, Ji Cheng sought seclusion in the bamboo grove near Ninth Li Court - Shen Che's residence. The narrow path through whispering bamboo felt ominous at night.
"Miss, let's not go in..." Yu Qian'er quavered. "What if...?"
Snakes? Spirits? She couldn't name the fears.
"Wait here," Ji Cheng softened her tone. "I'll call if needed."
Yu Qianeer's loyalty overrode fear. "I'll come!"
"Stay. We'll watch each other's backs." Ji Cheng's smile didn't reach her eyes. "I need solitude."
The maid acquiesced.
(End of Chapter)
