Chapter 4: The Disabled Young Lady (Part Four)

Chapter 4: The Disabled Young Lady (Part Four)

In the Fuzhen Courtyard, an elderly matron with graying temples and an air of dignified elegance reclined on a soft couch. Her left hand gently twisted a string of prayer beads as she closed her eyes to rest.

Two young maids, one on each side, massaged her shoulders and legs. On the small table nearby, sandalwood incense curled upward, transforming into a delicate, ethereal mist.

At that moment, an elderly nurse hurried in silently yet respectfully, bowing before the old matron.

The matron’s eyes narrowed slightly, a sharp gleam flashing through them for just two seconds before fading. To an outsider, she appeared to be simply a woman past fifty.

Yet how could a woman who, after her husband’s early death, had protected her young son step by step to the highest position in such a grand household be without power or threat?

The old lady waved her hand, and Nurse Gu stepped forward two paces, leaning close to whisper a few words.

Suddenly, the matron’s eyes snapped open. After a moment, she clapped her hands with a smile. “That girl barely escaped death and yet has truly wised up. I’ve long suspected the two maids around her harbored ill intentions, but she never had the sense to see it.”

Nurse Gu smiled in agreement. “But isn’t the old madam still protecting her? Besides, I think the young lady has matured through this ordeal.”

“Sigh, pity her fate. Her father treats her like an enemy, and her legitimate elder brother keeps his distance. How could this old woman protect her forever?” The old lady sat up, sneering as she waved her hand. “Yet I see the Fourth Branch’s ambitions growing bolder. A mere concubine’s daughter, emboldened by Chengzhi’s favor, actually dares to rise above the legitimate daughter!”

“It’s time to teach them a lesson. Take those two disloyal maids and give each fifty lashes, then send them to the Fourth Branch.”

Nurse Gu immediately bowed her head in acknowledgment and hurried off to carry out the orders.

—

The next day, at dawn, Su Kui slowly opened her eyes.

She stretched comfortably, and as the silk cover slipped down, her slender waist was revealed, pale and smooth as fine jade.

A true portrait of a beauty waking from spring slumber. A young maid, who had been temporarily assigned to attend her, stared wide-eyed, frozen in place.

Su Kui glanced sideways, her eyes clear and gentle like spring water. “Why are you standing there dazed? Come and help me wash up.”

“Yes, Miss, I repent. I shall come at once.” Startled awake, the maid hurried to obey, sweat breaking out on her brow. How had she been caught daydreaming before the young lady? She hoped Miss harbored no ill will.

Dressing, rinsing her mouth, wiping her face, and combing her hair—after all these tasks, the maid was surprised to find the young lady was not as fearsome as the servants whispered behind her back.

Even when a lock of her hair was painfully tugged out during combing, Su Kui did not punish her.

The maid breathed a secret sigh of relief and furtively studied Su Kui more closely. The more she looked, the more she saw a heavenly beauty—a pity, she thought, with a sigh...

Su Kui maintained a stern expression but had observed everything with quiet amusement. This was exactly the effect she sought: little by little, to subtly change those around her so they might silently accept the new her.

Having finished her grooming, Su Kui examined herself in the water mirror, turning from side to side. The original owner’s natural gifts were undeniable: large, round cat-like eyes, flawless jade skin, and pink lips. Though young, she already bore the promise of a future beauty.

Su Kui silently mused—

If clinging to a powerful patron failed, perhaps she could consider the “beauty trap” strategy...

With everything in order, Su Kui led a procession of maids and servants in grand fashion toward the old matron’s Fuzhen Courtyard.

Winning favor must start from childhood!

Su Kui had thought she was early enough, but as she turned into the courtyard, she saw a beautiful woman standing in front of the main hall with two young ladies at her side.

Just out of curiosity—how long do you think a story should be?

(End of chapter)