MFURCC -Chapter 62 Going to the Qiqiao Festival

The medicine that Liuzheng had previously obtained from Princess Huishu should be very helpful for Uncle Jiang’s leg ailment.

However, she had been so busy recently that she hadn’t found the time to check on him.

At the mention of her husband, Nanny Jiang’s worried expression softened into gratitude.

“Miss, I was just about to tell you—this morning, he realized that he could feel pain in his right leg. Previously, he couldn’t sense any pain at all.”

Liuzheng breathed a sigh of relief.

“That’s good. Keep giving him the medicine, and by the end of the year, his leg should at least be able to walk normally again.”

Nanny Jiang nodded vigorously.

“Thank you, Miss, for providing the medicine. Our whole family is grateful for your kindness!”

Liuzheng said, “You don’t need to say that, Nurse. You’ve all been good to me, and it’s only right that I repay you. These past few days, Yuliu has also helped me with many tasks. I wanted to ask—what does she like? I’d like to reward her.”

“It’s already her honor to follow Miss; she doesn’t need your reward,” Nanny Jiang replied.

She knew very well that if it weren’t for Liuzheng, Yuliu’s future would at most involve marrying a common farmer, or at best serving as a servant in a wealthy household. But with Liuzheng, her life would be entirely different—perhaps even becoming a soldier’s wife.

Yuliu’s fortunes had already changed the moment she came into Miss Liuzheng’s service.

How could they possibly ask for a reward?

Liuzheng said, “Since Nanny won’t tell me, I’ll have to think of something myself.”

“Miss…”

“All right, I’ve already decided what to give Yuliu.”

Seeing how pleased she was, Nanny Jiang had no choice but to let it go.

That night passed quickly. In the morning, Liuzheng first practiced a set of sword techniques, then spent some time with Yuliu practicing horse stances.

After finishing the stances, Liuzheng took Yuliu to her storage room.

After the previous poisoning incident, all the rewards from the emperor had been returned to Liuzheng’s storage.

Inside were not only a dozen or so chests of gold, silver, and jewels but also two rows of weapons—long-tassel spears, treasured swords, whips, bows and arrows… everything was well-stocked.

Liuzheng said, “Take a look. What do you like to practice?”

Yuliu had often done farm work back home, so she was much stronger than ordinary maidservants. She could hold the horse stance for half an hour with some effort.

“May I learn whatever I want?” she asked.

Liuzheng nodded. “Of course.”

After a moment’s thought, Yuliu approached a nine-section whip.

“I want to learn this…”

Liuzheng picked up the whip.

This nine-section whip had segments connected by iron rings. When not in use, it could be folded and held in hand or wrapped around the waist. When ready, the head of the whip could be extended, the loop tied to the wrist, and with a strong flick, the whip would stretch out.

“Have you used one before?” Liuzheng asked.

Yuliu shook her head. “No, but I’ve seen others use it. It’s very impressive! One strike can break a dead tree.”

Liuzheng smiled, took the whip down, and said, “Come on, the courtyard—I’ll teach you.”

Yuliu’s eyes lit up immediately.

In the courtyard, Liuzheng indeed taught her hands-on.

“This nine-section whip has more uses than an ordinary soft whip. It can strike, lash, hook, and bind…”

She demonstrated each move, letting Yuliu try them. Though clumsy at first and sometimes hitting herself, Yuliu loved it.

She was very suited to this skill—her wrist strength was excellent.

Liuzheng handed her the whip.

“This nine-section whip is yours, as a reward for your merit yesterday.”

Yuliu knew at once it was valuable, but she didn’t refuse and firmly promised, “I will learn it well!”

She wouldn’t disappoint Miss Liuzheng, nor would she waste this precious whip.

Liuzheng nodded. “Pan Hong is an expert with the nine-section whip. When I don’t have time, I’ll let him teach you.”

“Yes!”

Liuzheng was about to teach her a basic whip technique when Nanny Jiang announced that Nanny Qi from the Madam’s side had arrived.

Liuzheng nodded, “Bring her in.”

She also had Yuliu step aside to go find Pan Hong for practice.

Soon, Nanny Qi entered, carefully bowing before speaking.

“Miss, Madam invites you to have breakfast in the Bamboo Courtyard. Last time she made buns you didn’t like, so this time she prepared everything you enjoy… She also sent some to the Old Madam and spoke on your behalf. Today, breakfast is to be had at Madam’s.”

This was to prevent Liuzheng from using the Old Madam as an excuse.

Liuzheng smiled brightly. “Since Mother has invited me, I will naturally go. I just practiced a set of sword techniques, so I need to change clothes first.”

“I’ll wait outside for you,” Nanny Qi said, fearing Liuzheng might change her mind.

Liuzheng gave a faint smile. “Nanny Qi, you can go report back. I will definitely come.”

Nanny Qi left awkwardly.

Nanny Jiang immediately said, “Miss, shall I go tell the Old Madam—”

“No need,” Liuzheng replied. “It’s acceptable to decline once with a reason. If I keep refusing, it would appear that I am unfilial.”

“I just worry Madam will try something…”

Nanny Jiang still shuddered at the memory of Liuzheng being detained and poisoned last time.

“What is there to fear? Now it’s she who should fear me.”

Liuzheng entered her room, changed into a dark blue and purple summer dress with a simple white inner robe, wearing a gentle smile as she went to Madam’s Bamboo Courtyard.

Madam had been pacing nervously, fearing Liuzheng wouldn’t come. Seeing her arrive, her eyes lit up, and she hurried to greet her.

“Yao Yao, you finally came.”

“Mother, were you in such a hurry for some business?”

“What business? Nothing. We just haven’t had a proper meal together, so I invited you.”

Liuzheng said, “Grandmother is old and often lonely, so I frequently accompany her, which may have neglected you. You won’t blame me, right?”

“Of course not… Come in quickly, the food is getting cold.”

“Very well.”

Liuzheng stepped in and saw the pearwood round table filled with all kinds of breakfast items. Even the side dishes for porridge were six varieties—and all of them were her favorites.

She sat down discreetly, still letting Madam serve her.

“You’re too thin. Eat more, or people outside will think I’m harsh on you,” Madam said.

Liuzheng smiled. “Mother is always kind and well-reputed. People outside wouldn’t say that about you.”

Madam’s face darkened.

She knew her reputation all too well. Two days ago, she had tried to attend a summer banquet hosted by a distinguished lady in Wuyi Alley. Without an invitation, she brought lavish gifts, only to be turned away at the door.

She had even heard whispers referencing the previous incident at the Princess’s residence… Everyone looked down on her.

It wasn’t just outside—the same atmosphere existed in the household.

Nanny Qi had told her that the servants were secretly betting whether she could have a proper meal at the Old Madam’s next time.

She was furious and almost fainted, ordering those who had bet to be punished.

It was a pity that none of Liuzheng’s attendants were involved, or she could have used it as an excuse…

She hated Liuzheng and wanted to curse her day and night.

But thinking of today’s purpose, she suppressed her hatred.

She didn’t respond to Liuzheng, only kept serving her food.

“Eat more.”

“Thank you, Mother.”

Since she had been poisoned last time and people like Prince Su and Wei Guogong knew, Madam wouldn’t dare poison her openly. Liuzheng naturally began eating.

After only half a bowl, she set down her chopsticks.

“Why aren’t you eating?” Madam asked.

“I drank too much at yesterday’s banquet. I still feel dizzy this morning, so my appetite isn’t great,” Liuzheng said.

“I’ll ask the kitchen to make you some sobering soup.”

“No need, Mother. I’m going out shortly to meet Sister Yuan to see the lotus in the countryside.”

“Sister Yuan?”

“Madam Yuan of the Dali Temple.”

A flash of hatred crossed Madam’s eyes. She remembered it was this Madam Yuan who had meddled in front of Princess Huishu about the return gift.

This had made the Princess even more displeased with her, since Liuzheng had been late visiting the Empress Dowager.

She clenched her handkerchief, forcing down her hatred.

“Mother, if there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave so Sister Yuan won’t have to wait.”

Seeing Liuzheng leave, Madam hurriedly called her back.

“Wait, Yao Yao, there’s something I want to tell you.”

Liuzheng looked at her. “Is this about Sister Yun’er? Grandmother already said that once Brother’s leg heals, it will—”

“No, not about that.”

Liuzheng was slightly surprised. “Then what is it?”

Madam had Nanny Qi serve tea.

“This is new tea…” She looked eager to please.

Liuzheng didn’t drink.

“Mother, just speak plainly.”

Madam smiled. “Actually, it’s not a big deal…”

“If it’s not a big deal, why not wait until I return?”

“….” Madam’s lips twitched. Her hatred was reaching its peak.

She grabbed Liuzheng, who was about to leave, and said, “It’s the Qiqiao Festival. I heard that in a few days, the palace will also hold the festival, and officials can bring family members… I thought you’ve been at the frontier for years and may not know the customs, so I wanted to accompany you to the palace.”

Liuzheng looked at Madam steadily.

The Qiqiao Festival in the palace—this news hadn’t been made public yet. She knew only because Prince Su had informed her in advance. How did Madam find out?

And she even knew that officials could bring family members.

Who had told her?

She asked directly, “Mother, how did you learn this? I haven’t received any notice.”

“I… I overheard it when I went to a banquet a few days ago,” Madam lied.

Liuzheng knew the truth. Two days ago, Madam had tried to attend a summer banquet but was publicly refused at the door, which was humiliating.

Since Madam wouldn’t tell the truth, Liuzheng would investigate herself.

“If it’s true, Mother, I’ll bring you along.”

“Really?”

“Of course, as long as you don’t wander off and stick close to me.”

“Of course I won’t.”

“Then I can rest assured.”

“You must bring me then.”

“Rest assured, Mother.”

Madam exhaled in relief and smiled.

“You’re still going to see Sister Yuan for the lotus viewing? Go quickly, don’t make her wait.”