Chapter 35: Interrogation
Brocade Prosperity Hall sent first-rank maid Hongqi, accompanied by two matrons, who entered the Side Hall and bowed in unison.
“Madam Ning heard that Third Mistress Shen has arrived and invites the young mistress to join them for a chat.”
Madam Ning had been quiet all these days, yet today she suddenly sent someone to summon her—there must be a reason.
Shen Shi lowered her gaze and pondered, concluding that Madam Ning likely wanted to inquire about the imperial decree regarding the inheritance of the title.
Otherwise, why would she send for her today, of all days, when her third sister-in-law was present, rather than earlier or later?
This realization put Shen Shi at ease. She picked up her chopsticks and glanced at Hongqi.
“What urgent matter does Madam Ning have that she sends you to summon me at this hour?”
The dishes on the table were greasy and unappetizing, but Shen Shi, putting on airs, leisurely took a few bites.
Hongqi kept her eyes lowered and replied meekly, “Madam Ning did not specify the matter, only saying she wished to chat with Third Mistress Shen.”
Shen Shi felt even more certain and deliberately said, “Can’t you see I’m dining with Third Mistress Shen? It will be a while yet. You may wait here!”
She neither acknowledged them further nor offered them seats, instead instructing her maids to serve the dishes as she continued eating.
Hongqi and the two matrons remained silent, standing beside the dining table as they waited.
Third Mistress Shen grew uneasy. Witnessing Shen Shi’s behavior, she couldn’t help but feel alarmed.
To think there existed such a daughter-in-law in this world—she had truly broadened her horizons.
Shen Shi often complained about her mother-in-law tormenting and bullying her, but from the looks of it, Madam Ning didn’t seem strict at all; if anything, she appeared overly indulgent.
Third Mistress Shen hurriedly set down her spoon and forced a smile. “I’ve eaten my fill. Shall we go pay our respects to your mother-in-law earlier?”
Shen Shi pretended not to hear, using her ivory chopsticks to pick and choose among the dishes. She complained that some of the meats had turned cold and greasy, ordering them to be taken back and reheated before being served again.
As she put on this elaborate display, the maids dared not speak, and Third Mistress Shen could no longer persuade her.
Finally, after the meal, they waited for the Small Tea Room to brew two cups of light tea, which were brought over for them to sip slowly.
Hongqi and the two matrons stood in the Side Hall for over half an hour, heads bowed and silent.
Observing her demeanor, Shen Shi concluded that her mother-in-law must need something from her, which only fueled her arrogance.
She took a sip of the light tea, followed by a bite of preserved fruit, and chatted idly with Third Mistress Shen to aid digestion.
Shen Shi wasted another two quarters of an hour before leisurely summoning her maids to perfume her clothes and help her change.
Hongqi and the two matrons stood as straight as rods in the Side Hall, unmoving.
Finding no fault with them, Shen Shi finally smiled faintly and said, “Sister Hongqi, you may go ahead. I will follow shortly.”
Hongqi curtsied in acknowledgment, left the two matrons behind, and lifted the curtain to depart.
The spring weather was clear and fine, with the windows of the Main Chamber wide open.
Pear Moon was at the doorway receiving a food box and had a clear view of the events in the Side Hall.
Suddenly, the Xiang embroidery door curtain was flung aside, and she found herself face-to-face with Hongqi.
Hongqi’s face was as dark as water, her jaw trembling with suppressed anger—clearly, she was furious.
According to the rules of Ningguo Mansion, any maid serving one’s parents must be treated with respect by the younger generation.
This was because filial piety came first. Although the parents’ maids were servants, they were seen as those who helped fulfill one’s filial duties.
Thus, when younger generations rewarded maids from their parents’ quarters, it was not called a reward but rather “adding to their makeup.”
The first-rank maids of Brocade Prosperity Hall, Hong Rong and Hongqi, usually never left Madam Ning’s side.
Even the Young Master addressed them as “sisters,” offering them seats and tea in private.
Shen Shi had made Hongqi stand for an hour—Third Mistress Shen found it utterly excessive.
Pear Moon took the food box and walked out, only then noticing the maids of Phoenix Ripple Courtyard lining up for their shifts.
Four second-rank maids, six third-rank maids, and a crowd of matrons stood in neat rows.
Chun Tang no longer dared to crack melon seeds and chat idly, busying herself instead by rushing over to carry the incense burner.
Besides those carrying incense burners, there were others holding parasols, carrying clothes and soft cushions, and bringing food boxes with tea, snacks, and refreshments.
Once everyone was properly arranged, Angelica Orchid and Zhi Qing supported Shen Shi as she gracefully stepped out.
Such a grand and imposing display—not even Madam Ning or Old Madam Ning could match it, and even the imperial consorts in the palace might pale in comparison.
Third Mistress Shen followed them out, her expression extremely awkward.
The two matrons from Brocade Prosperity Hall followed behind with expressionless faces, looking as if they were watching a play.
When Shen Shi was in the courtyard, the coarse maids had to keep their distance. Pear Moon hurriedly hid outside the side gate.
Watching them depart in a grand procession, their clothes fragrant and hair adorned.
Pear Moon glanced at the sun’s shadow. Hong Qi had come to invite them just before noon, and now it was already the beginning of the afternoon.
What daughter-in-law would dare to show such disrespect to her mother-in-law? Truly an eye-opener!
Pear Moon returned to the kitchen courtyard to eat, rested for a while, and then went to wash the vegetables needed for the evening meal.
Shen Shi accompanied Third Mistress Shen to Brocade Prosperity Hall and did not return until the lamps were lit in the evening.
Third Mistress Shen followed her to the courtyard gate but, without waiting for anyone to see her off, turned and left.
Shen Shi covered her face with a handkerchief all the way back and burst into tears as soon as she entered her room.
Her cries were mournful and shrill, audible even in the kitchen courtyard.
Hearing her weep, Pear Moon knew there would be no need to prepare the evening meal.
Mama Hu hastily cooked a large pot of simple dishes to feed the servants, then prepared a few special private dishes. Along with the leftover meat dishes from noon, she had Angelica Orchid, Granny He, and a few trusted individuals sneak off to the servants’ quarters to eat.
Pear Moon only brought half a bucket of dry rice back to the small room, causing Autumn Abundance to pout in displeasure.
Fortunately, there were still some pickled radishes and the sweet-and-sour dried eggplant she had made earlier.
In spring, tender eggplants were cut into triangular pieces, blanched in boiling water, wrapped in fine cloth to squeeze out the moisture, salted overnight, and then sun-dried into eggplant strips.
They were then mixed with shredded ginger and perilla leaves, drizzled with a small pot of sweet-and-sour sauce, and pickled in a porcelain jar. The sweet-and-sour dried eggplant had a hint of fish flavor and could be eaten with several bowls of rice.
Once Aunt Cao left, Mama Hu became too greedy, and only those in favor ate well.
Everyone’s meals lacked any trace of meat, but fortunately, Pear Moon knew how to make side dishes and occasionally used pickles to satisfy cravings.
The three young maids were just digging into their rice when Chun Tang entered with a bowl.
Even the portioned dishes for second-rank maids had turned into salt-boiled radishes and steamed moldy vegetable roots—not a trace of meat, not even a drop of oil.
Other young maids either curried favor with Mama Hu and Granny He to sneak some decent food or spent money to bribe someone to buy meals from outside for a treat.
Chun Tang had no money and was not well-regarded, so she simply came to Pear Moon’s room, exchanging melon seeds and snacks for some pickles.
Tonight, she wrapped a large bundle of melon seeds and a handful of candied fruits in a sweat towel.
“These are high-quality fruits for serving with tea. I secretly wrapped some for you.”
Autumn Abundance didn’t hesitate, grabbing them all and asking Huan Huan to put some pickles in her bowl.
“Madam suffered a loss at Brocade Prosperity Hall. Madam Ning publicly humiliated her, and even Third Mistress Shen was left embarrassed.”
Chun Tang ate her plain rice heartily with the sweet-and-sour dried eggplant, looking quite satisfied.
“Just as she entered the courtyard gate of Brocade Prosperity Hall, Hong Rong said Madam Ning had waited for her but she hadn’t come, so she had taken her afternoon rest, and told her to wait in the courtyard. She even wore a displeased expression, pointing at Third Mistress Shen and saying there was a guest. Hong Qi invited Third Mistress Shen to sit in the main hall. So she stood in the courtyard, waiting for a full two hours, and was only allowed inside when the lamps were lit.”
In truth, Pear Moon had long anticipated this outcome.
“Madam Ning was questioning on behalf of the palace. A few days ago at the palace banquet, our Ningguo Mansion reported that the eldest mistress was ill, yet her invitation card was submitted. Consort He inquired into this matter and discovered it was Third Mistress Shen who had borrowed the card. Madam Ning said this wasn’t a major issue, and in a couple of days she would take both of them into the palace to apologize.”
This wasn’t a major issue? Pear Moon gritted her teeth.
It seemed Madam Ning knew everything and deliberately intended to embarrass Shen Shi.
Shen Shi cried all night and fell ill again the next morning.