Chapter 178: Cheng Zhao Seizes the Opportunity to Amass Wealth
On the second day after returning to the capital, the Chen Duke’s household was in an uproar.
The emperor’s decree naming Second Madam as “First-Class Guardian Lady of the State” had been delivered to the Zhou family; the Ministry of Rites had also prepared a treasured seal, for Second Madam was to receive a salary as well.
The entire household was stunned.
From the Dowager Madame at the top down to the gate keeper’s boy, all wore expressions of astonishment.
The Dowager Madame led the way, and the Chen Duke household set up an incense altar. Second Madam received the imperial decree.
Cheng Zhao had long since ordered red envelopes prepared, and every person present received a reward.
The Second Branch’s mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were beaming with pride.
When it was done, the Dowager Madame summoned the women of the household to Shou’an Court.
She asked what had happened.
Cheng Zhao was eloquent; she spoke on behalf of her mother-in-law, recounting the events at the hunting grounds to the Dowager Madame.
Then she said, “Grandmother, His Majesty received a pair of white wolf tails. It is said that white wolves are the mounts of heavenly deities, and that they descended to offer these tails in congratulation of His Majesty’s eternal reign.”
She added, “Mother and the Lord Duke each brought down one white wolf. That is why His Majesty bestowed such great favor upon the Zhou family. Of course, it was also out of respect for your venerable face, or else the favor would not have been so generous.”
Before the entire room of serving maids and matrons, the Dowager Madame smiled radiantly, as if sharing in the glory: “The Second Branch’s wife has truly distinguished herself this time. From now on, stop complaining about this and that.”
As if her complaints had only been because Second Madam was low in status and without talent, not because she had been treated unfairly.
Second Madam was furious.
She had discovered that she could handle social engagements outside the household now. Even if others said unpleasant things, they did not cut her to the bone.
It had nothing to do with her.
But her mother-in-law was family, and she knew Second Madam all too well. She always stabbed at her heart with steady, ruthless precision, leaving Second Madam wretchedly uncomfortable.
She looked at the Dowager Madame’s kind and benevolent face and thought to herself: “I’d like to see what becomes of you, so fond of tormenting people!”
She did not put on the hypocrisy she had learned outside, nor did she lose her temper. She simply sat in silence.
Cheng Zhao smiled and spoke on her behalf: “Grandmother, with Mother having such great fortune, shouldn’t we celebrate a little?”
She added, “If you find it a bother, just reward Mother with some money. She has not only brought honor to herself, but also to the Chen Duke household.”
Huan Qingtang sat nearby, listening in silence.
It was only when Cheng Zhao said this that she glanced at her.
The Dowager Madame’s expression cooled considerably, her smile fading: “Have I been stingy with your branch?”
“Grandmother is always fair in rewards and punishments; this has nothing to do with your usual kindness toward us,” Cheng Zhao said with a smile. “Mother will now have to attend social functions. She must have new jewelry and clothes made, otherwise going out as a First-Class Noble Lady without proper appearance would only damage the Zhou family’s prestige.”
She paused, then continued, “Grandmother, please reward Mother with fifty thousand taels of silver.”
Second Madam’s eyes widened slightly as she looked at Cheng Zhao.
By now she was no longer angry—she almost wanted to laugh.
The maids and matrons seemed to draw in a sharp breath.
Huan Qingtang said, “Sister-in-law, that is beyond proper bounds.”
“If the First Branch’s wife later receives the title of First-Class Noble Lady, just ask Grandmother for fifty thousand taels as well. I won’t be jealous. My own title came earlier, so no need to make up for it,” Cheng Zhao said with a laugh.
Then she added, “Grandmother, Mother’s title is truly extraordinary. Shouldn’t we seize this fortune and blessing?”
The Dowager Madame smiled ambiguously: “Cheng Shi has a tongue that truly rivals all others.”
She had been backed into a corner, unable to rise or descend with dignity.
“Still, Cheng Shi has reminded me. Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching, and there will be many banquets ahead. If you all appear too shabby, it will disgrace the Duke household,” the Dowager Madame said.
She mused for a moment, then declared, “Very well, I’ll take out fifty thousand taels. Fan Shi, you get thirty thousand for yourself—go buy some gold and jewels, and have more clothes made; Cheng Shi and Lady Huan each get ten thousand.”
Cheng Zhao quickly pulled Second Madam to her feet: “Thank you, Grandmother!”
Huan Qingtang also rose and bowed: “Thank you for your great kindness, Grandmother. This granddaughter-in-law accepts with shame.”
“Sister-in-law, you’re benefiting from my mother’s good fortune. And so am I,” Cheng Zhao said.
Huan Qingtang: “...”
The Dowager Madame gestured for them all to sit.
Soon, Nanny Sun brought out small boxes and distributed them to the three women, who each took one.
Inside each small box were banknotes; Second Madam’s portion was noticeably heavier.
The Dowager Madame’s magnanimity, wealth, and generosity were witnessed by all, adding further to her authority.
“...Cheng Shi, the beauty bestowed by the emperor is not like the concubines in the household. You cannot treat her the way you treated Ah Jiang. Her food, clothing, and daily needs must not be neglected in any way. If the emperor should take offense, I will hold you responsible.
You said it yourself—this household rewards and punishes fairly. Now that you’ve been rewarded, if you err later, Grandmother will not hesitate to punish you.”
Cheng Zhao acknowledged with a “Yes.”
Huan Qingtang smiled and spoke up: “Grandmother, the Secondary Wife has been at the manor for some time now. She should have calmed down. Shall we have her brought back?”
The Dowager Madame hesitated: “I’ll send someone to check on her later.”
Then she glanced at Cheng Zhao.
Mu Jiang had been sent to the manor by Zhou Yuanshen’s own decision.
That punishment was the Lord Duke’s prerogative. Cheng Zhao would not oppose him on it, so she merely said, “Grandmother, may I inform the Lord Duke of this matter?”
The Dowager Madame: “Just mention it, so I don’t have to send someone specifically to tell him.”
Cheng Zhao acknowledged again.
The group left Shou’an Court.
Although the Ghost Festival had passed, the capital was still sweltering. Cheng Zhao and the others took a small oiled carriage back.
Cheng Zhao did not board the carriage. Instead, she stepped forward and blocked Huan Qingtang: “Sister-in-law, matters within our branch’s quarters are best left alone by you.”
“Sister-in-law, the Secondary Wife is a matter for the Duke household as a whole. Don’t overstep your bounds and provoke Grandmother’s displeasure,” Huan Qingtang said with a smile.
Second Madam found her irritating just by looking at her, but constrained by propriety, she could not curse at a widowed niece-in-law. She was not as base as First Madam, Old Lady Song.
“What concerns the Duke household is also what concerns our branch, sister-in-law,” Cheng Zhao said with a smile.
Huan Qingtang’s expression shifted slightly.
Cheng Zhao said no more, turned to help Second Madam into the small oiled carriage, and the two mother-and-daughter-in-law rode off first.
Huan Qingtang’s maid was furious: “Young Madam, look at her nerve.”
The weather was hot, yet Huan Qingtang felt cold sweat break out on her palms and back.
Zhou Yuanshen had gone hunting and come back with a songstress, one bestowed by the emperor, and Huan Qingtang’s mood had soured.
The emperor was supposed to give Zhou Yuanshen a woman—but why a songstress, and not a sanctioned marriage for the dual heir line?
She couldn’t help but wonder if it was because she hadn’t gone, whether the plans had changed, and her good fortune had been downgraded to this petty affair.
And then Second Madam had been named a First-Class Noble Lady.
When Zhou Yuanshen had inherited the title, there had been his grandmother, his aunt by marriage, and his wife—three grand ladies of the highest rank—so Second Madam had never qualified.
Huan Qingtang had always consoled herself that within these inner quarters, Second Madam was far beneath her.
Compared to her own situation, Second Madam had been even more stifled.
But she had never imagined Second Madam would rise.
Once the Dowager Madame passed away, Second Madam’s position would be even more exalted.
And what did Huan Qingtang have?
Cheng Zhao had made it unmistakably clear: the entire Duke household belonged to their Second Branch.
Ever since Huan Qingtang lost her husband and bore no son, the wealth and glory of the Duke household had slipped through her fingers.
She bit down hard on her back teeth.
“Go to Qingfeng Court this evening and see Mother,” Huan Qingtang said.
First Madam, old lady Song, had merely been moved to Qingfeng Court. The Dowager Madame had not placed her under house arrest; she was still free to come and go.
She must be thrilled to hear that Second Madam has been granted the title of First-Class Noble Lady, right?