Snowbound

“Wanwan, from now on, you’ll follow the people from Yunlu Courtyard. Do more, speak less—watch what they do and learn from them. As for the general, he’ll return to the mansion after some time. In the meantime, learn the duties proper to our household.” Xueqing walked alongside Yan’er, chattering as they went.

Wanwan was the name she had given her. This girl was somewhat quiet and reserved, not one for conversation—perfect for the household. She hadn’t had a name, so Xueqing simply bestowed on her the name of a maid who had served her time and been redeemed. She was used to calling her that, and it rolled off the tongue more easily than adding another name to the mix.

Wanwan nodded, saying nothing, her eyes wandering across the pavilions and towers. The general’s residence was not particularly ornate—no fanciful rock gardens or intricate water features. Only a simple mountain sculpture had been erected in the eastern garden. She did not understand these things. Truthfully, the current Wanwan was not so different from the former Yan’er; yet Yan’er, as a lady, knew at least the basics about rock gardens and water features, had occasionally observed women’s training, sometimes dabbled in needlework, and spent the rest of her time eating, drinking, basking in the sun, or dozing, always mindful of etiquette.

Wanwan merely lacked Yan’er’s cleverness, retaining instead a touch of simplicity. For one crippled by a fall, Wanwan had no memory of her past, only the words of the auntie who’d said: when her daughter and son-in-law were found, she’d take Wanwan away. Wanwan trusted everyone around her with the innocence of a blank slate.

“Wanwan, you’ll work in the kitchen behind Yunlu Courtyard,” Xueqing continued, occasionally offering guidance as she led Wanwan to the kitchen. Naturally, Xueqing wouldn’t place a new maid directly in the main house of Yunlu Courtyard. If anything went wrong, she’d share the blame. So she assigned Wanwan to the area where servants did miscellaneous tasks. There was a kitchen maid named Tingli, obedient and deft, who had been promoted to serve in the main house. The kitchen now needed hands, and since Wanwan had no special qualities, Xueqing decided she’d fit well there.

“Well, if it isn’t Miss Xueqing!” Chef Zhang greeted her with a broad smile as she led Wanwan into the kitchen.

Xueqing, about twenty-eight, was a striking woman, daughter of the general’s wet nurse. Since childhood, she had followed her mother in serving the general. Apart from the steward, Dan Yunjie, who managed the affairs of the mansion, Xueqing was the other key figure. She was responsible for the general’s daily life—food, drink, sleep, and all that. Women, after all, were meticulous, so it was better she handled these matters than a man.

“Chef Zhang, I’ve brought someone for you. One of the maids in the main house has left, so Tingli will be serving there for now.” Xueqing’s gentle voice prompted Chef Zhang to nod quickly.

“All right. What’s this girl’s name?” Chef Zhang asked kindly, looking at Wanwan.

“Wanwan,” Xueqing replied, waving her handkerchief to signal Wanwan forward.

“Now, whose girl is this?” Chef Zhang burst out laughing. Her clothes were ragged, her face smudged like a little cat, dark and grimy. She’d be fit only for splitting firewood. Who would dare eat her cooking? Cleanliness was paramount.

“When Madam Li arrives, have her find Wanwan some clean clothes and give her a proper bath,” Xueqing said, covering her smile with her handkerchief.

“Yes, Miss Xueqing,” Chef Zhang replied, bowing hurriedly.

“Very well, I’ll take my leave. Send Tingli to the main house soon.” Without lingering, Xueqing turned and left.

Through their exchange, Wanwan seemed oblivious, standing blankly before Chef Zhang, her expression vacant.

“All right, child. From now on, you’ll stoke the stove, work the bellows, wash clothes for everyone. You don’t seem nimble, so do what you can, and take your time,” Chef Zhang instructed.

After a while, hearing no response, he looked up to find Wanwan still staring earnestly at him.

Chef Zhang said no more, busying himself with his work. Soon, footsteps sounded outside—the return of Madam Zhang and her group. With the general absent, the household was at ease.

“Madam Zhang, you’re back. This is the girl Miss Xueqing brought for Tingli’s replacement,” he said, pushing Wanwan toward her without looking up.

“Let me have a look, hehehe.” Madam Zhang, ever warm and generous, took Wanwan’s hand, examining her closely. Her features were fine, but she was filthy, skin dark, clothes in tatters. “Come, let’s find you some clean clothes. Wash yourself well, then you’ll join us.”

Madam Zhang led Wanwan to the servants’ quarters. Wanwan gazed at a bucket of hot bathwater, grinning.

“Go on, wash up quickly. Get yourself clean,” Madam Zhang called as she searched for clothes.

Wanwan stripped off her tattered garments, revealing skin beneath that was fair and spotless, though her exposed skin appeared dark.

Madam Zhang rubbed her eyes—was she seeing things? The girl was actually fair-skinned, nothing like the dark appearance she’d first noticed. She moved closer, standing by the tub as Wanwan soaked herself clean. The water soon turned murky.

Wanwan looked at Madam Zhang without speaking. They met each other’s gaze: one with a mind as empty as white paper, the other amazed by what she saw. This was no ordinary girl—her beauty was breathtaking. Her freshly washed face was so lovely Madam Zhang could not help but adore it.

Her porcelain skin, flushed pink from the heat, made her eyes squint slightly. Already alluring, her gaze grew more enticing, lips pursed as she looked at Madam Zhang. Even as an old woman, Madam Zhang felt her throat dry—goodness, this could spell trouble!

“Wanwan, come out and get dressed,” Madam Zhang waved the clothes before her.

“Oh,” Wanwan replied simply, standing up and stepping from the tub. Her slender figure shivered in the air as she reached for the clothes.

Madam Zhang shook her head—who dressed like this? She went over, helped Wanwan take off the clothes, then dressed her properly layer by layer. Aside from her looks, this child had no hint of cleverness.

Having dressed Wanwan, Madam Zhang left the room without saying much, leaving her standing dazedly by the tub. She hurried to find Chef Zhang—how could Miss Xueqing have brought someone like this? What was her purpose?

“Old Zhang?” Madam Zhang entered the kitchen, beckoning the chef from his cooking.

“What is it? Can’t you see I’m making lunch?” Chef Zhang wiped his hands and walked over.

“Chef Zhang, did you truly consider the girl Xueqing brought?” Madam Zhang asked quietly.

“Miss Xueqing has her own judgment. I’m not one to question the main house’s affairs,” he replied seriously.

“What’s the matter? Didn’t you just take her to wash up? Why so secretive now?”

“Come with me. See for yourself. I’m baffled by Miss Xueqing’s intentions.” Madam Zhang pulled him toward her room.

Chef Zhang followed, puzzled. Having worked together for years, he knew Madam Zhang’s boldness was tempered with caution. If she wanted him to see something, there was reason. They entered her room, opened the door, and found Wanwan standing by the tub.

Their eyes widened—here stood a living beauty!

Wanwan looked at them, unsure what they wanted, simply staring back.

“Madam Zhang, could Miss Xueqing have misjudged?” Chef Zhang murmured.

“No, I think her intentions are more complex. Look, she brought such a pretty girl to Yunlu Courtyard just to hide her here. I’m certain,” Madam Zhang said, nodding with a woman’s intuition.

“To hide her? For what purpose?” Chef Zhang was still confused.

Madam Zhang glared at him, nudging his arm. “Think carefully—her face, her looks. How could she enter Yunlu Courtyard openly? Unless she was made dirty and messy, she would never have gotten in. Yunlu Courtyard serves the general—everyone knows that. Xueqing fancies the general, and this girl is simple-minded yet has exquisite beauty. Consider it carefully.”

Chef Zhang pondered Madam Zhang’s words. Could it be that Xueqing intended to use this obedient, simple girl to ensnare someone in the main house, to wield her like a weapon?

“Hmm…” He thought it over, then nodded. “But Miss Xueqing didn’t explain anything. If she had plans, shouldn’t she have told us?”

“Fool! If she told us, the main house would know!” Madam Zhang scoffed.

“So you mean, Xueqing is pretending to be foolish, and this one is truly simple? Are we going to get caught up in this?” Chef Zhang shivered.

“Here’s what I’ve decided: we’ll restore her original appearance. She’ll stay with me, and if Miss Xueqing wants her to show herself, she’ll come here. That’s best,” Madam Zhang stated firmly.

“Very well, then. I’ll fetch some wood ash from the kitchen—you can make her dirty again. We’ll act as if we know nothing; she’ll look just as she did when she arrived, and we’ll keep ourselves safe,” Chef Zhang said, heading to the kitchen.

Madam Zhang agreed wholeheartedly. This was for the best. The general hadn’t returned, and until he did, they’d do nothing. All those schemes and jealousies among the main house had nothing to do with the servants.