Chapter Ninety-Six: The Master's Grace

Why had Mother suddenly brought up the idea of giving her a maid? Didn’t she already have Cui Liu and Cui Yu by her side? She recalled hearing one of the matrons mention "grace" earlier—could it be that the household was about to release another group of older maids? That seemed likely; with the year drawing to a close, Mother’s timing would indeed make for double happiness.

So, did Mother mean that Cui Liu was to be married off as well?

Liu Qin’s thoughts raced as Cai Rui approached her, knelt, and bowed deeply. “Your maid greets you, Miss.”

“Cai Rui, please, get up. There’s no need for so much formality in our family.” Once Liu Qin had spoken, she threw herself back into her mother’s arms. “Mother, Cai Rui has always attended you and is indispensable. If you give her to me, you’ll be left with one less person at your side. I don’t have much to do day to day; with Cui Liu and Cui Yu, I’m well taken care of. If you’re truly worried, why not promote Xiao Hong from my courtyard so she can help Cui Liu and the others?”

Cai Xinlan nodded in agreement. “Little sister’s suggestion is a good one, Mother. Xiao Hong is a sensible and clever girl, as you know. With a little guidance from Cui Liu, she should have no trouble looking after our little sister.”

“Very well, if that’s settled, you may arrange it.” The matron didn’t dwell on the matter. The Liu household was simple: there were no concubines or illegitimate children, so there was none of the tangled intrigue that plagued other households’ back courtyards. The servants had no need to agonize over whom to serve as their true mistress. As a result, the Liu family’s vetting of servants was straightforward—reliability and honesty were enough.

Those who had served in the Liu household for a time understood how fortunate they were to work here.

Still pondering Cui Liu’s situation but unable to ask her mother or sister-in-law directly, Liu Qin waited until after the meal. As usual, she lingered at her mother’s side, coaxing and cajoling her—a daily ritual.

After being pestered to exhaustion, the matron tapped her daughter’s head. “Enough, enough, no need to play the obedient child here—go and rest. I hear you’ve been running about a lot lately. You’ll be another year older soon, and as a young lady, you should go out less and avoid unnecessary gossip.”

“Yes, Mother,” Liu Qin answered cheerfully. Cai Shi hid a smile behind her handkerchief, stifling the words that nearly escaped her lips: Little sister, you replied so quickly—did you even listen to what Mother said?

Leaving the courtyard, Liu Qin waved farewell to her sister-in-law and nephew.

Cui Yu was already waiting outside. She stepped forward and fastened the blue brocade cloak, embroidered with clusters of blossoms, around Liu Qin’s shoulders. Although the coldest days had not yet arrived, morning frost now crept in, and the difference between indoors and out was stark.

Liu Qin rubbed her hands together, breathed into her palms, and shivered at the biting air. She tucked her hands into the fox-fur muff and, after a few steps, finally felt her body relax—yet something still felt amiss.

What was wrong? She puzzled over it as she walked, searching her mind until she suddenly realized: it was Cui Yu. Whenever Cui Yu was with her, the girl was always chattering endlessly, but today, she was eerily silent. Was this truly Cui Yu beside her? Had she made a mistake earlier?

They were now close to the Plum Courtyard, the lanterns casting a soft amber glow. Liu Qin glanced sideways—yes, it was indeed Cui Yu.

But why was Cui Yu so solemn today? Her normally arched brows and lively eyes were now drooping; even her thin lips, usually set in a sly smirk, were pressed tightly shut. It was obvious she was holding something in.

What had happened? Today should have been a joyful day—Cui Liu’s good fortune was at hand, and Cui Yu, her closest companion, ought to be happy for her.

Suppressing her doubts, Liu Qin decided to wait until she was inside to address the matter—the cold outside was unbearable.

A brazier was already burning warmly in her room. As soon as she lifted the curtain, a wave of heat washed over her, making her want to collapse contentedly onto the couch.

Cui Yu helped her remove her cloak and hung it in the closet. Two little maids brought in hot water, then slipped quietly away.

A glance around told Liu Qin that Cui Liu was not there. After washing up and changing into a cotton robe with Cui Yu’s assistance, she sat in the round-backed chair at the center of the room and finally asked, “Where is Cui Liu?”

Cui Yu could contain herself no longer. She tossed aside the garment she was folding, walked up to Liu Qin, and knelt with a thud. “Please, Miss, you must help my sister.”

Liu Qin was about to respond when the door curtain lifted and Cui Liu entered. Seeing Cui Yu on her knees, she started in alarm, her voice trembling and hoarse. “Miss… what’s happened to Cui Yu?”

How should I know what’s going on? Liu Qin was utterly baffled by the scene.

Cui Yu sprang up, dragged Cui Liu over, and knelt beside her before Liu Qin. “Sister, beg the young mistress! Ask her—she will surely help you.”

At those words, tears streamed from Cui Liu’s eyes. She bowed her head and bit her lip, stifling her sobs, but in the sudden silence, the faint sound of tears hitting the floor could still be heard.

She could not speak, did not know how to begin. She had long been prepared for a servant’s fate, as insignificant as an ant, but now that the moment had come, why did the pain and unwillingness cut so deep?

“What is going on?” Liu Qin was beginning to understand. Something had gone awry, and before the matter could be explained, there was already weeping and uproar—it was enough to give her a headache.

Cui Liu remained motionless, bent low to the ground. Cui Yu glanced at her, frustration in her voice. “Miss, isn’t the household releasing a group of maids? Today, Madam Liu came to speak with my sister. I’d been so happy for her all morning—until I learned that the man who seeks to marry her is Chen Zhi.”

Chen Zhi? Not Lei Hu?

Liu Qin narrowed her eyes. “What did Madam Liu say?”

“She said the matron has already agreed.”

At those words, Cui Yu’s voice faded into helplessness. Hearing this, Cui Liu’s shoulders trembled, but then she stilled again.

“Sister, say something!” Cui Yu tugged at her sleeve, exasperated. “The young mistress already knows about you—if you speak, she will help you.”

Did the young mistress truly know? Would she really help me? Cui Liu’s heart stirred at the thought.

“Yes, Cui Liu, I promised that you would be in charge of your own marriage. I don’t go back on my word.”

“I… I…” For the first time, Cui Liu raised her head to look at Liu Qin.

Her face was ashen, her eyes swollen and red, yet her hair and clothing remained neat and orderly. Only from the vacant gaze could Liu Qin see the depth of her pain and resignation.

Liu Qin smiled encouragingly, urging her to speak.

At last, unable to endure her sister’s reticence, Cui Yu burst out, “Miss and I both know about you and Brother Lei, so there’s no need to be embarrassed. But Miss, that Lei—he’s truly heartless! After all that’s happened, he still hasn’t asked the household for your hand. If he isn’t sincere, I’ll make sure he regrets it tomorrow!”

“Brother Lei? What… what exactly happened?” Seeing Cui Liu’s eyes widen in shock, Liu Qin felt a terrible premonition seize her. Had she misunderstood everything?