Volume One, Chapter 15: Can the Eldest Young Master Hold the Maid While Sleeping?
As Fang stepped outside, news of Xiao Jingling taking Yaoyan out soon reached the matriarch.
Madam Wu was adding incense to the burner when the maid who reported the news spoke; her eyes nearly crinkled with laughter. Turning her head, she saw the matriarch’s face, which showed unmistakable satisfaction.
Feeling sympathetic for Yaoyan, Madam Wu spoke up in her defense, “Madam, in my humble opinion, your keen eye has truly found a gem. You picked someone the eldest young master likes at once. Previously, the first madam sent maids to the eldest young master, but only your choice was retained.”
The matriarch smiled faintly but her words were cold, “As long as she’s useful. It was worth sending her over. Make sure she acts quickly—before Yan’er returns to the frontier, the family must agree to the marriage. Otherwise, I won’t be able to keep her here.”
The matriarch was well aware of the rumors circulating in the capital. Punishing Guo’s family would damage the household’s reputation, so it was better to have Yan’er take in a maid, using facts to dispel gossip. After all, it was normal for a man to have maids before marriage; not having any would be strange and invite criticism.
Madam Wu silently nodded in agreement.
---
Throughout the journey, Xiao Jingling kept smiling at Yaoyan, frequently complimenting her beauty.
Yaoyan was both amused and embarrassed, thinking to herself how wonderful it would be if the eldest young master treated her so kindly, sparing her from counting down days.
After alighting from the carriage, the two went straight into the Treasure Pavilion. This place was mostly frequented by noble ladies and young ladies, and Yaoyan, having never been there before, was naturally curious.
She earnestly accompanied Xiao Jingling in selecting styles, without the slightest intention of buying anything.
Among the items was a pair of pure gold bracelets, exquisitely patterned, but when she inquired, the price was thirty taels. She was stunned and immediately waved them off.
Xiao Jingling, having a mission, saw Yaoyan’s liking for them and, regardless of the price, waved a hand and bought them for her—someone else was footing the bill anyway.
Yaoyan’s wrists had been bare, and now adorned with these heavy bracelets, she felt a bit unaccustomed.
The gold’s warm hue made her skin look fairer, and the two embedded rubies made the pieces even more splendid. She stole several glances, delighted beyond measure, and thought how kind Sixth Miss truly was.
Besides the bracelets, Xiao Jingling also bought her a pearl necklace, a pair of jade earrings, and a silk-beaded hairpin. Including the bracelets, the total came to seventy-eight taels, all charged to Xiao Huai’s account.
Though the Xiao family was prominent, Madam Shen was not indulgent with the children’s daily expenses. They lived strictly within their monthly allowances.
Xiao Jingling’s monthly allowance was only fifteen taels, and she typically came to the Treasure Pavilion with her mother. Otherwise, buying a single hairpin or earring could deplete months of her allowance.
After a round of shopping, her purse was still quite full. She then turned to take Yaoyan to eat.
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Xiao Jingling’s marriage to Wang Qi, the legitimate second son of the Wang family’s second branch, was arranged for after the New Year. Sitting in a private room, she chatted idly with Yaoyan about how dull and boring Wang Qi was.
Though her words sounded dismissive, Yaoyan clearly saw the smile on her face. She was evidently pleased with the match.
Xiao Jingling had brought her maid along but only entered the private room with Yaoyan; the others waited outside.
After discussing her own matters, Xiao Jingling leaned closer and asked, “Yaoyan, what do you think of my eldest brother? Is it boring to be around him?”
Yaoyan thought carefully. Though she had been afraid of Xiao Huai at first, after spending time together, she realized he was actually a good person. Though occasionally stern, he was mostly kind to her.
“I think… the eldest young master is a good man,” she replied.
At this, Xiao Jingling burst into laughter, not telling her that all the purchases were charged to their eldest brother’s account. Teasingly, she said, “Yes, my eldest brother only looks fierce; he has the kindest heart of anyone. Once he’s married, Yaoyan, you might even stay in the courtyard as a concubine. I’ve never seen him care so much for anyone.”
Yaoyan had never thought she would remain at the Xiao residence afterward; she just smiled and let the words pass.
Compared to wealth and status, regaining her freedom and no longer being controlled was what she truly desired.
Xiao Jingling felt certain her eldest brother liked Yaoyan. Having kept her at home so long, taken her out, and even bought her jewelry—if that wasn’t affection, what was?
After the meal, Xiao Jingling didn’t want to take the carriage back; she planned to leave through the back gate of the Xiao residence and walk to help digest. Unknown to Yaoyan, numerous skilled bodyguards trailed behind them; she was not worried for her safety.
The narrow alley was lined with icicles formed from the recent snow; snowdrifts piled half a person’s height at the corner. Passing through the alley led to a street behind the Xiao estate.
Xiao Jingling liked to joke with Yaoyan in private places.
The alley was quiet, filled only with the laughter of young girls. Upstairs, a window in a refined pavilion was half-open. A small child reached out to touch the snow on the windowsill. Spotting the two below, he exclaimed, “It’s Sixth Sister!”
Xiao Huai and his younger half-brothers from the second branch—Xiao Qin, Xiao Tong, and Xiao Ming—were drinking. Upon hearing the child, they also looked toward the window.
Xiao Ming, a younger son by concubine Zhao of the second branch, was disliked by Guo’s family but close to these brothers. He called to the child, “Jing, hurry and throw yourself down carefully.”
---
The child, only four years old, was the son of the second branch’s concubine Zheng, innocent and adorable. Sometimes, when Xiao Qin and the others drank, they brought him out for fun.
Xiao Jingquan clung to Xiao Qin’s arm, swinging it, “Second brother, give me another piece of braised pork.”
Concubine Zheng was a devout Buddhist and a vegetarian, so there was rarely meat in her residence. This little one made sure to fill his belly with meat whenever out with the brothers.
Xiao Qin lifted him onto his lap and fed him a piece, pinching his cheeks, “You only bother me. Why not pester eldest brother, or fourth or seventh brothers?”
Xiao Jingquan made a funny face and mumbled, “I love second brother the most. Let’s call Sixth Sister over too. Sixth Sister and another sister are talking—why aren’t they riding in a carriage?”
“Hmm,” Xiao Ming came to the window, glanced out, and asked, “Eldest brother, is that the maid from your courtyard? I once saw her from afar at Third Sister’s.”
At this, everyone except Xiao Huai pressed against the window.
Xiao Jingling was still chatting with Yaoyan, unaware of several pairs of eyes watching them.
Xiao Jingtong glimpsed Yaoyan’s profile and teased Xiao Huai, “Wow, eldest brother, that maid is so pretty.”
Xiao Huai grunted, “She’s okay.”
Xiao Qin had seen Yaoyan before and heard Xiao Huai’s modest remarks, smiling silently as he pinched Xiao Jingquan’s cheeks.
The little one did not understand what the older brothers were discussing. After watching for a moment, he suddenly asked, “Who is that? Why is he grabbing the other sister beside Sixth Sister?”
At this, Xiao Huai frowned and rose to check outside the window.
---
Xiao Jingling was stopped by a drunken man reeking of alcohol. She disdainfully flared her nostrils and seeing Yaoyan’s pale face, assumed she was afraid, so she positioned herself protectively in front, “Don’t worry, I’m here!”
Yaoyan had not seen this cousin of hers for a long time. Though she had repeatedly thought they would have no further contact, the unpleasant memories of living with her uncle’s family surged back upon meeting him.
She grasped Xiao Jingling’s hand, trembling, “Sixth Miss, I’m afraid.”
Her uncle had married in, and her cousin took his mother’s surname, Chang.
Seeing Yaoyan, Chang Wentao took a swig of wine, his vision blurred, mumbling, “Why do I still run into this girl?”
He tried to approach but, though he once desired Yaoyan, she had now been sold and belonged to the Xiao family. Even drunk, he didn’t want trouble.
Yaoyan tugged at Xiao Jingling’s sleeve. Understanding, Xiao Jingling stood with hands on hips, scolding, “You drunken fool, scaring my eldest brother’s maid. Let’s see if I don’t teach you a lesson!”
Her shout summoned the hidden guards, who surrounded the drunken Chang Wentao, cracking their knuckles.
Yaoyan bit her lip, whispering, “Sixth Miss, is this really all right? What if someone finds out…”
Xiao Jingling, never one to shy from trouble, patted her chest, having completely forgotten her brother’s warnings, “Who am I? If anyone bullies you, how can I face my eldest brother!”
Yaoyan quickly said, “Sixth Miss, you are too kind!”
Xiao Jingling tilted her head proudly, “Of course!”
Upstairs, Xiao Huai watched the two, a vein twitching on his temple.
Xiao Jingquan echoed Yaoyan, “Sixth Sister is really amazing!”
Xiao Qin hurriedly pulled the little one aside.
After roughing up Chang Wentao, Yaoyan imagined her aunt would be heartbroken, and much of the bitterness of being sold away was vented. She returned to Xiao Huai’s courtyard with a smile.
Xiao Huai was reviewing the bill from the Treasure Pavilion. Seeing her return, adorned in brand-new jewelry, he signed the statement.
The bill was not seventy-eight taels but one hundred seventy-three, as Xiao Jingling’s items were also included. Though he knew women’s things were expensive, he never imagined so much. Had the purchases not been itemized, he would have thought they bought a shop to start a business.
“Back,” he said, sipping tea. “How was today?”
Yaoyan’s voice was still cheerful, “Sixth Miss took pity on me, bought me jewelry, and we even ate out.”
“She took pity on you?” Xiao Huai looked at her, suddenly feeling the two hundred taels spent seemed somewhat wasteful.
---
His tone was odd. Yaoyan thought perhaps she had not thanked him properly, so she hastened, “It was the eldest young master who pitied me and had Sixth Miss take me out to see the world.”
Xiao Huai found her ungrateful and asked, “Do you like the jewelry?”
“Yes!” Yaoyan showed him the golden bracelets on her wrist, “Sixth Miss is so kind. These bracelets cost dozens of taels.”
Xiao Huai was silent for a moment, deciding not to argue. Instead, he changed the subject, “Who was the man you encountered today?”
Yaoyan thought the matter would be kept secret, but he had found out about Xiao Jingling encouraging her to fight.
She swallowed nervously and whispered, “He is… my cousin.”
Fear replaced the joy on her face, overtaken by dread.
Though Xiao Huai did not intend to punish her, he needed to speak seriously. “Are you afraid now? Have you thought about what you would do if Mother found out?”
Earlier at the restaurant, he had warned Xiao Qin and the others to pretend nothing happened. Xiao Jingling’s side had also sent people to prevent the news from reaching their mother.
Their mother was intolerant of any scandal, especially with the younger sister’s marriage imminent. Any innocent injury spreading would severely damage their reputation.
Moreover, a maid who incited her sister to fight would meet no good end.
Yaoyan’s heart trembled as she knelt at Xiao Huai’s feet, choking back tears, “I really know I was wrong…”
“I’m not punishing you, why are you crying?” Xiao Huai crouched down and frowned upon seeing her tears. “Did I say I would punish you?”
“But…” Yaoyan wiped her tears with the back of her hand, looking pitiful, “I was scared. What if Madam investigates…”
This maid always played the most pitiful role while doing the most detestable things.
Xiao Huai teased, “If you’d known this, why did you do it in the first place?”
He stood, and Yaoyan immediately clung to his leg, sobbing softly, “Eldest young master, will you protect me?”
“Why should I protect you?” Feeling awkward, Xiao Huai pulled his leg free. “Better for you to remember this lesson well, so you don’t cause me trouble again.”
His words startled Yaoyan, who remained fearful, dreading that soon the princess would send someone to punish her.
---
That night, the snow clouds hung low.
Yaoyan tossed and turned on her bed, unable to sleep.
Xiao Huai also lay awake, staring at the ceiling, then asked, “Why did you hit him?”
Realizing who he meant, Yaoyan’s eyes reddened again. “When I was at my uncle’s, he tried to molest me. I resisted, so I was sold here…”
“So you wanted revenge?” Xiao Huai turned to see her wiping tears.
Yaoyan softly nodded. She seemed to have much to say but could not utter a word to him.
The night was deep. The room was dark, moonlight traced her figure on the bed. Xiao Huai quietly watched her, then withdrew his gaze.
“Don’t overthink it. Sleep.”
Yaoyan felt wronged, thinking he would protect her, but it was only her wishful thinking. Believing that after staying here so long the eldest young master might feel differently about her, she pulled the covers over and wept silently.
Hearing her sobs, Xiao Huai worried he had frightened her badly. After a while, unable to bear it, he spoke again, “I will help keep this matter secret, but only this once. There will be no exceptions.”
Yet her crying did not cease; instead, Yaoyan cried even harder.
Xiao Huai was puzzled; he had promised help, so why was she still crying?
“Why are you still crying?”
After a moment, Yaoyan sat up, her eyes still glistening with tears. She mumbled, “Eldest young master, could you hold me while I sleep?”