BDSMST -Chapter 57 The Treasury Keys — True Recognition

The storm in the capital came quickly—and faded just as fast.

After the forceful declaration made by Old Marquis Gu Yuan of the Marquis of Yongning’s Household, all criticism aimed at Woniu Village and Jiang Suisui ceased abruptly. Those who had intended to follow the Marquis of Anyuan’s Household in stirring trouble immediately withdrew, afraid of inviting disaster upon themselves.

Life returned to its former calm.

Only now, the boys on the estate walked with straighter backs. They had defended their home and family in a fierce and satisfying “battle,” and had even received affirmation from the highest authority of their household. Their hearts brimmed with pride and belonging.

That morning, Jiang Suisui was discussing the finer details of greenhouse construction plans with Shen Qinghe.

Chunxing hurried in from outside the courtyard, barely containing her excitement.

“Madam! Madam! The Old Madam is here!”

Jiang Suisui set down her brush and looked up. At the estate gate, a familiar carriage slowly approached—it was the official carriage of the Marquis of Yongning’s Household.

She rose to greet it.

The carriage came to a stop. Steward Fu stepped down first, then respectfully lifted the curtain. The Old Madam descended with the help of her personal attendant.

Today she wore a dark purple jacket embroidered with the Buddhist swastika motif of blessings. Her hair was impeccably arranged, and a warm smile rested on her face.

“Mother,” Jiang Suisui stepped forward and bowed.

“Ah, rise, rise.” The Old Madam took her hand kindly, examining her with affectionate approval. “It’s only been a few days, and your complexion already looks better.”

Gu Xuan and Wei Ziqian, hearing the commotion, rushed out of the schoolroom, crowding around her with cheerful greetings.

“Grandmother!”

“Old Madam!”

She beamed at the spirited youths. “Good, good, you’re all well. Tanned a bit—and taller too.”

She did not mention the turmoil in the capital, nor the shocking “manure battle.” It was as though the matter had never happened.

Accompanied by Jiang Suisui and Gu Xuan, she toured the estate.

She inspected the thriving winter wheat, the greenhouse frames already taking shape, and even visited the pigsty and chicken coop. Seeing everything orderly and full of life, her smile deepened.

Back in the courtyard, the Old Madam dismissed the attendants, leaving only Jiang Suisui and Chunxing.

From a pouch at her waist, she took out something heavy and placed it gently on the stone table.

Clink—

A crisp metallic sound rang out.

It was a string of brass keys of varying sizes, threaded together with red cord. Some were long, some short; some plain and ancient in design, others finely crafted. Time had polished them smooth, giving off an aura both venerable and weighty.

Jiang Suisui’s heart stirred.

She recognized them.

These were the master keys to the Yongning Marquis household’s treasury and internal stores.

To hold these keys meant holding control over the entire household’s finances, personnel, and daily operations. They were the highest symbol of authority for the mistress of the house.

“Suisui,” the Old Madam said, placing the cool metal keys into her palm, “this should have been given to you when you first entered the family.”

There was a trace of regret in her voice.

“Back then, your father and I were blinded by prejudice. We thought you were young, and of modest birth, and could not shoulder such a vast household. Sending you and Xuan here was, in part, a test.”

“But now we see clearly. You are far more capable and perceptive than we imagined. You’ve raised Xuan so well and managed this estate with such prosperity. This ability—this breadth of heart—even among the self-proclaimed capable matrons of the capital, how many could compare?”

“This household will one day belong to your generation. Rather than wait until we are old and unable to move, hurriedly handing things over then, it is better to let you take charge now.”

Her once-critical eyes now held nothing but complete trust.

“From today onward, you are the rightful mistress of the Marquis of Yongning’s household. Everything in the estate is under your authority. If you need funds or manpower, take this set of keys and draw what you require. Steward Fu and all the managers will answer to you.”

“Do not worry about us old ones. We trust you.”

Chunxing covered her mouth, eyes reddening with emotion.

She knew exactly what those keys represented.

They meant that Madam had finally received the highest form of recognition from the household. No longer the nominal stepwife sent away to the countryside—but the true matriarch holding real power.

Jiang Suisui felt the weight and coolness of the brass in her palm.

It was not merely the weight of metal—it was the trust and responsibility of a century-old noble family.

She lifted her gaze to meet the Old Madam’s trusting eyes. She did not refuse, nor did she offer flowery words.

She carefully accepted the keys, then bowed deeply.

“Mother, I understand.”

“I will not fail your trust.”

No grand speech—just a steady promise.

The Old Madam nodded in satisfaction. She had not misjudged this daughter-in-law. Jiang Suisui always knew what to do and what to say.

She rose and patted her hand.

“Well then, I should return. There are still matters in the capital that require… a bit of reminding.” Her tone carried meaning. “You stay here and focus on your work. Remember, if anyone dares trouble you again, don’t waste words. Shut the gate—and release Xuan.”

The Old Madam chuckled at her own remark.

Amid laughter and cheerful farewells, she boarded her carriage and departed contentedly.

Jiang Suisui stood at the gate, watching it disappear into the distance. She opened her hand and looked at the keys glinting warmly in the sunlight.

From today onward, the power in her hands had increased.

And so had the possibilities before her.