Xue Lian didn′t sleep at all that night. She had tried asking Xiao Dun'er, but the girl remained tight-lipped, seemingly ready to keep the secret at all costs. Clearly, Shen Ma's authority was formidable. However, Xue Lian did manage to learn from Xiao Dun'er about Shen Ma's role—she was the housekeeper of this rge and powerful household.
One thing puzzled Xue Lian greatly: she spent the entire night alone, with only a young maid attending to her. Her husband, on their wedding night, had not come to the bridal chamber. Where was he?
Several times, Xue Lian wanted to ask, but she held back, too shy to voice her question. After all, she was still a newlywed, a bride who had just entered her husband′s family.
"Young Madam, you're awake. I'll go fetch some water for you," Xiao Dun′er mumbled sleepily, rubbing her eyes as she shuffled toward the door.
"Xiao Dun′er," Xue Lian called out, stopping her. She walked over and buttoned up the few undone buttons on the girl′s chest.
Xiao Dun′er grinned foolishly and said happily, "Thank you, Young Madam. I think you're such a good person—much better than the ones before!"
"The ones before?" Xue Lian froze for a moment. She looked at Xiao Dun’er and asked, "What did you just say? That I'm much better than the ones before? Who are you referring to?"
Xiao Dun′er quickly cmped a hand over her mouth, her face filled with panic. She shook her head vigorously while muttering, "No one, no one..."
Xue Lian didn′t expect Xiao Dun′er to react so strongly, and for a moment, she didn′t know what to say. She gently patted the girl’s shoulder and said softly, "Xiao Dun′er, didn’t you say you were going to fetch water for me? Why haven't you gone yet?" Seeing how flustered the girl was, Xue Lian decided not to press the matter further.
"Right, right, right! I′ll go get water for the Young Madam; I′ll go get it now!" Xiao Dun′er said quickly, and without another word, she dashed out of the room.
In the morning, after finishing her wash, Xue Lian was led by Xiao Dun'er to "Jingsong Courtyard," where the old matriarch, Old Madam Gong, resided. On the way there, Xiao Dun′er didn′t say a word, her head lowered as she focused on leading the way. Xue Lian, however, out of curiosity, kept gncing around at her surroundings.
The Gong family′s estate was vast, filled with high walls and rge courtyards, winding paths that led into secluded areas. However, there was something peculiar—there were no flowers, pnts, or trees, which was rare for such a grand estate. The buildings were a mix of gray and white, creating a sense of oppression. What was even stranger was that, along the entire route, they hadn't encountered a single other person besides themselves.
"Young Madam has arrived." Once again, Shen Ma's words alternated between sharp and soft. Xue Lian looked up just in time to meet her eyes, and that uncomfortable feeling once again lingered in her heart.
"Shen Ma," Xue Lian said, trying to keep her voice steady. Despite her position as the Young Madam, which should command far more respect than Shen Ma, she still felt an inexplicable sense of unease.
"Did you sleep well st night, Young Madam?" Shen Ma's words seemed to carry a hint of concern.
"It was fine, but..." Xue Lian wanted to ask why her husband hadn′t appeared, but she hesitated and couldn't bring herself to ask.
"Young Madam, I must remind you, the rules of the Gong family are numerous. Do not say things you shouldn′t, and do not ask questions that are not meant to be asked. What you need to know, you will be told in due time!" Shen Ma′s face broke into a smile that didn′t quite reach her eyes. Xue Lian couldn’t understand it, but the sight made her feel a bit uneasy. She quickly lowered her head and said softly, "Xue Lian understands."
"Good, as long as you understand," Shen Ma continued, her tone still commanding. "Soon, you′ll be entering to present tea to the old madam. Remember, when you go in, do not look around, do not gnce casually, and absolutely do not raise your head to look at the old madam. Do you understand?"
Xue Lian nodded gently.
