Chapter Fifty-Two: Will Anything Happen If They Live Together?

The matchmaker arrived at the General’s Mansion the next day, for it was a household of considerable importance. Perhaps she had come a bit too early, for she waited in the accounting office for quite a while before finally receiving her payment, after which she left with a cheerful smile. Though the wait was long, she passed the time chatting with those gathered outside the office, exchanging stories and gossip, so the hours slipped by without discomfort. There were many idly conversing outside, one group after another.

The matchmaker was no fool; she knew well what ought to be said and what should be left unsaid. After taking her silver, she was careful not to offend anyone—business thrives on harmony, and even if she showed a slight preference, she would never risk genuine displeasure. Thus, she subtly hinted at certain matters, but never became entangled in affairs that did not concern her.

Qin Wanru had gone early to the matron’s courtyard, where Shui Ruolan was already present. Together, they assisted the matron in eating some porridge before settling her in bed to rest. The matron’s persistent cough had troubled her sleep through the night, but after a little porridge, she seemed to regain some strength, reclining with closed eyes as if drifting into slumber.

Shui Ruolan gestured to Qin Wanru, and the two withdrew quietly from the inner chamber. The maid had already served tea, and as they sat, Shui Ruolan pressed her forehead, revealing her own fatigue.

“Did you spend the night with Grandmother?” Qin Wanru asked gently.

“Yes, Aunt was restless all night. She rarely falls ill this early in the year; I can’t understand why it came on so suddenly.” Shui Ruolan nodded, her brows furrowed in worry.

“In previous years, Grandmother’s illness would recur around this time, but it was never so abrupt, nor did she cough so fiercely. And it usually wasn’t in the morning after rising.” Qin Wanru pursed her crimson lips, recalling the details.

She remembered that day clearly: Qi Rongzhi had been struck by misfortune, and ever since Grandmother returned, she had been coughing incessantly. It didn’t seem like something caused by catching a chill overnight and waking up ill.

Her words made Shui Ruolan’s brows knit even tighter. After a pause, she asked, “Could it be some kind of allergy, triggered by exposure to something?”

It was true that the matron’s cough was an old ailment, often worsened by cold, but there was also the possibility of an allergic reaction. Shui Ruolan was aware of this.

Qin Wanru observed Shui Ruolan’s expression, sensing her growing suspicion. This was something Qin Wanru herself had considered, but as a young girl with limited influence, she could hardly investigate further. Shui Ruolan, however, was different.

“It’s possible. But that day Grandmother only came into contact with Mother, my eldest sister, Miss Qi, and me. Afterward, she returned and began coughing uncontrollably,” Qin Wanru said thoughtfully.

“Perhaps we should pay a visit to the Tranquil Heart Convent and ask the abbess to look after Aunt’s health,” Shui Ruolan decided after pondering the matter.

She had spent the night in the matron’s chamber, listening to her cough ceaselessly and growing anxious. With such severe coughing at night, how could she have any strength during the day? This time, the illness had come on with remarkable force; in just a few days, the matron’s voice had grown hoarse from coughing.

Now, even speaking was exhausting and low in volume.

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“Let’s discuss it with Father first,” Qin Wanru nodded, knowing this was the only course.

In past years, Grandmother would often go to the Tranquil Heart Convent to recuperate, and the abbess’s care always proved effective.

Having reached an agreement, Qin Wanru returned to her own courtyard, leaving Shui Ruolan alone outside, still troubled by her thoughts.

She too found the circumstances peculiar—the matron’s illness had appeared too suddenly.

Madam Duan came out from the inner chamber and said, “Miss Shui, the matron requests your presence.”

“Aunt is awake?” Shui Ruolan’s brows relaxed a little as she rose to follow Madam Duan inside.

“She feels better now. Please come with me,” Madam Duan nodded, leading the way. As they entered, the matron opened her eyes, her gaze resting tenderly upon Shui Ruolan.

Shui Ruolan understood the meaning behind that look—a sorrow welled up within her, almost bringing tears to her eyes. But mindful of the matron’s health, she suppressed her grief and forced a smile.

The matron beckoned her closer and pointed to the small table beside the bed.

Shui Ruolan hurried forward, taking the matron’s hand and sitting beside her. Madam Duan, knowing the matron wished to speak privately, silently withdrew.

“Ruolan, you have suffered so much,” the matron’s voice was hoarse and barely audible.

Shui Ruolan listened carefully and shook her head, replying, “Aunt, I don’t feel aggrieved. I’ve always wished to care for you in your old age; you raised me, and being by your side is no hardship at all.”

She knew the matron referred to her future—a topic that would only add to the matron’s worries in her illness, so she insisted on her willingness.

“Since this is related to Lady Di, and your cousin has promised not to let you suffer any longer, you shall enter the General’s Mansion as a proper wife. In a few days, you must stay elsewhere temporarily. Once the ceremonies are complete, you will be brought in with full honors.” The matron spoke at length, then paused, coughing again.

Shui Ruolan’s eyes reddened as she gently patted the matron’s back. “Aunt, don’t rush. Let’s focus on your health first. I’ll accompany you to the Tranquil Heart Convent, and when you are better, I will leave.”

To enter as a proper wife, she would of course need to be brought in ceremoniously from outside. Living in the mansion now would not be appropriate.

“That is best,” the matron said once her coughing subsided, patting Shui Ruolan’s hand. “When you enter the household, I will entrust Zhuozhuo to your care. She is still a child, and I am old and frail; I fear I cannot always protect her. You must look after her affairs as well.”

She still felt pangs of regret recalling how her granddaughter’s marriage had nearly been ruined, all because her own age and failing senses left her vulnerable to Lady Di’s schemes. The matron’s heart ached whenever she remembered it. What she once thought was mere bias in Lady Di, she now saw as malignant cruelty.

“Please don’t worry, Aunt. I will take care of Wanru, and I will not let her suffer such injustices again,” Shui Ruolan promised, feeling tenderly for Qin Wanru.

When she had been in the family temple, she forbade Qionghua from making inquiries and knew little of Qin Wanru and Qin Yuru’s affairs. Only after leaving the temple did she learn the truth, which strengthened her resolve to support Qin Wanru.

“Zhuozhuo’s matters will be yours to oversee. As for your own, I will speak for you—the General’s Mansion owes you the status of a proper wife.” The matron gazed kindly at Shui Ruolan.

Shui Ruolan lowered her head—not out of shyness, but to hide the coldness in her eyes. With that letter in hand, she was no longer afraid of Lady Di’s threats.

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That letter, still kept hidden, was Lady Di’s Achilles’ heel. Earlier, Qin Wanru had whispered to her about Lady Di’s attempt to frame her, pretending that the letter had been written by Shui Ruolan herself, staging a scene to implicate her.

But the plot had come to nothing. The letter remained a tool—perhaps not direct evidence, but with Lady Di’s reputation ruined, it was enough to arouse Qin Huaiyong’s suspicions. Lady Di would not dare stir up further trouble over it.

When Qin Wanru returned to her courtyard, Madam Yu was already waiting. Seeing Qin Wanru enter, she hurried inside to report.

“Qingxue is the maid delivered to the matchmaker just last night; she hasn’t been trained yet, but she seems polite and well-behaved. Is that why she was brought today?” Qin Wanru pieced together Madam Yu’s explanation and asked calmly.

“Yes, that’s what they said. What do you think, miss?” Madam Yu nodded, speaking quietly.

“There’s no need to do anything for now; just let her be,” Qin Wanru replied with a cool smile. It was obvious Qingxue had been placed there by Lady Di, meant to provoke Qin Yuru into pressuring her to accept the girl. Among the new maids, Qingxue was one of the most promising, but the others had already been taken by Qin Yuru, leaving Qingxue as her only option.

For this, Qin Yuru had even disregarded her injured hand to play her part in the scheme—it had not been easy.

“Quyue has been with the matchmaker for some time and has received training. Today is her first day being sent out for selection,” Madam Yu continued.

“Have them live together,” Qin Wanru said after considering Madam Yu’s words.

“Miss, will it cause trouble to place them together? Qingxue is clearly no ordinary maid,” Madam Yu asked, uneasy.

“It’s fine. They’ll do well together. From Quyue’s manner, she’s quite resourceful. Remind her to get close to Qingxue, and if anything happens, have her report directly to you,” Qin Wanru replied, a faint, chilly smile on her lips.

Qingxue bore an injury on her hand, but its origin was unclear—how was it connected to her entry into the mansion? Quyue surely excelled at such matters.

“Of course. I’ll see to their arrangements shortly,” Madam Yu agreed.

“Madam Yu, pack a few sets of clothes. Grandmother’s health is poor, and we may go to the Tranquil Heart Convent to recuperate. I’ll accompany her,” Qin Wanru instructed.

“Rest assured, miss, I understand. For this trip, which maids will you bring?” Madam Yu paused to ask.

Qin Wanru tapped her fingers lightly on the table, considering. “I’ll take Qingyue. Madam Yu, you stay here and oversee the garden, especially matters concerning Qingxue and Quyue. They may stir up some interesting events while I’m away.”

Qingxue’s motives were unclear, and Quyue was no pushover—Qin Wanru was curious to see what might unfold.

Madam Yu did not fully grasp the implication, but seeing Qin Wanru’s confident demeanor, she nodded and went to arrange things.

But she had barely left when she returned, lifting the curtain with anxiety on her face. “Miss, something’s wrong—Quyue has been beaten!”

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