Chapter 5: 5. Chapter 5: Paying Respects to Grandmother, the Empress Dowager's Decree

Chapter 5: Paying Respects to Grandmother, the Empress Dowager’s Decree

Her mother was truly a remarkable woman.

From this single sentence, Ji Qingwu could discern Madam Qiao’s temperament: decisive and firm when handling matters, a master of managing a household.

She liked such a straightforward person.

Madam Qiao had already made the decision for her daughter.

Even if that unreliable son-in-law hadn't died in battle and came looking for her daughter after hearing the news, he would be nothing more than a lowly soldier guarding the border; their Ji family could easily handle him.

Fearing that her daughter might still be reluctant or harboring lingering attachments, Madam Qiao gently persuaded her: "Xiao Wu, Mother has been through it all. Let go of everything in the past; you must look forward. Do not waste your beautiful youth on such a heartless man."

Ji Qingwu nodded, her fair, delicate face filled with trust.

Seeing her daughter so obedient, Madam Qiao felt a warmth in her heart.

But the next moment, Ji Qingwu rose and walked to the center of the main room. Under Madam Qiao’s surprised gaze, she bowed gracefully to the floor.

She kowtowed firmly.

The words that followed made Madam Qiao’s heart tremble violently.

"Daughter thanks Mother for your protection."

The voice was as crisp as pearls hitting jade.

Madam Qiao had anticipated many scenarios upon Xiao Wu’s return—weeping, accusations, or resentment.

Yet, this child held not a shred of bitterness; she was so sensible and reasonable.

Madam Qiao’s eyes grew sore. She quickly stood up, walked to Ji Qingwu, and helped her up. She longed to pull Xiao Wu into her arms, only to realize that Xiao Wu’s stature was already a head taller than her own.

"Xiao Wu, from now on, Mother is here for everything. I will never let you suffer grievances again. The bond between us mother and daughter is deep; I only fear I haven't given you enough protection."

As she spoke, tears spilled from Madam Qiao’s eyes.

Ji Qingwu took a handkerchief smelling of medicinal herbs from her sleeve and gently wiped away her tears.

"Mother, don't cry, don't cry. If your eyes swell up like little walnuts, it won't look good."

Ji Qingwu subconsciously used the tone she used to coax Jiu Jiu, speaking softly to Madam Qiao.

Madam Qiao felt a mix of bitterness and sweetness, feeling that she would gladly give her life for Xiao Wu right now.

As the mother and daughter spoke in low voices, Chunhua, the head maid of Anju Garden, knocked on the door.

"Madam, Miss, the Old Madam is awake and is waiting for you both."

Madam Qiao: "Xiao Wu, come with Mother to pay your respects to the Old Madam."

The Old Madam of the Ji family had two sons and one daughter.

Ji Qingwu’s father, Ji Bolian, was an official outside the capital, holding a key position in the Salt Transport Commission, returning home only when reporting for duty. Her second uncle, Ji Shulan, had passed away from illness years ago.

The first branch, Madam Qiao, had one son and two daughters. Besides her eldest brother, Ji Changlin, Ji Qingwu also had an elder sister, Ji Qingrong, who was already married.

The second branch was small: the third young master, Ji Changyan; the fourth young lady, Ji Qingyuan; and their widowed mother, Madam Wu—a total of three people.

Ji Qingwu was the fifth, the youngest in the family.

When the mother and daughter arrived at the Old Madam’s Shou’an Hall, many people were already seated inside.

The laughter of the second branch’s Madam Wu was hearty and smug; even through two doors, Ji Qingwu could hear it clearly.

Ji Qingwu supported Madam Qiao as they entered, and the voices of the crowd gradually died down.

Ji Changlin was not present; he was occupied with official business.

Sitting in the first seat to the right below the Old Madam was the fourth young lady, Ji Qingyuan, who had been holding the umbrella at the door earlier, showing she was the most favored by the Old Madam.

She waved her round fan and giggled, "Grandmother, Eldest Aunt and the others are here. Now that we have a new sister in the house, Grandmother won't have to look for me the moment she wakes up every day. It’s just as well, let me have a rest."

Ji Qingwu and Ji Qingyuan locked eyes, and she saw the undisguised contempt in the other’s gaze.

The Old Madam looked over and beckoned, "Is this the fifth girl? Come here and let me take a good look at you."

Madam Qiao sat down on the left side and said gently to her daughter, "Go on, keep your grandmother company."

The main seat was a long couch. The Old Madam sat in the middle, looking at her with loving eyes.

Ji Qingwu walked forward, picked up a gold-embroidered lumbar pillow from the side, and placed it behind the Old Madam, saying with a bright smile, "Grandmother, you will be more comfortable leaning against this."

The Old Madam’s eyes deepened.

Looking at her face, she sighed, "This child is not only beautiful but also knows how to care for others and understands etiquette. She is very much like Fangmin’s temperament."

Ji Qingwu did not know who "Fangmin" was, but the faces of the women in the room changed upon hearing the name.

The smile that had been hanging on Madam Wu’s lips froze.

Ji Qingyuan’s phoenix eyes turned sharp, her gaze shooting at Ji Qingwu like knives.

Madam Qiao showed nothing on her face, but she was inwardly astonished.

Ji Fangmin was the Old Madam’s only daughter, who had married Zhao Shichang, the Marquis of Yong'an, as his second wife.

Unexpectedly, the heir of the Yong'an Marquis Mansion was incredibly capable, rising from a military commissioner at the border to the Great General of Dingbei.

After the chaos of the previous dynasty, he had gained immense support, entered the city of Lin'an, and became the most noble master of the Imperial City.

Now, Ji Fangmin had become the Empress Dowager, one person above ten thousand. Who wouldn't envy her good fortune?

In all of Northern Li, the only person who could call the Empress Dowager by her maiden name was her own mother, the Old Ji Madam.

Hearing her arrogant mother-in-law say that Xiao Wu resembled the Empress Dowager, Madam Qiao’s back straightened a little.

The first branch managed the household, but Madam Qiao was upright and unwilling to engage in devious schemes, nor could she act like the second branch, casting aside her dignity to fawn over the mother-in-law. Thus, she had suffered many hidden losses over the years.

The mother and daughter of the second branch were very favored by the Old Madam, and the servants in the mansion were quick to follow the wind.

Currently, the two branches of the Ji family were in a state of cold war, appearing harmonious but divided at heart.

Madam Qiao replied, "Mother, it is only natural for a niece to resemble her aunt."

Although Ji Qingwu did not know why she had become the target of everyone’s attention, she continued to smile gently.

There was no joy or fear in her brows; she simply allowed everyone to look at her with composure.

Seeing this, the Old Madam was even more satisfied.

Madam Wu also nodded, "Eldest Sister-in-law is right. Yuan’er has always respected her aunt. For over a month, she has been practicing the 'Qingping Dance' that the Empress Dowager loved most in her youth. I wonder when she might have the chance to perform it, to bring the Empress Dowager some joy."

In a few words, she passed the topic to the fourth young lady.

Ji Qingyuan looked at Madam Wu coquettishly, "Mother, why did you say it now? I was planning to give Grandmother a surprise."

The Old Madam’s smile grew wider, "Good, good child, Grandmother didn't dote on you in vain."

Whether this dance was for the Empress Dowager or for that person in the palace...

Madam Qiao lowered her eyes and took a sip of tea from the sandalwood table. She knew exactly what this mother and daughter were plotting.

The Old Madam looked at her two beautiful granddaughters and said, "You are all of the same bloodline; you prosper together and suffer together. Now that the fifth girl has returned, the women of the Ji family must practice self-restraint and propriety, and not disgrace the status of the Imperial family’s noble kin."

Ji Qingyuan wanted to say something, but was tugged by the corner of her sleeve by her mother, Madam Wu.

Before dinner.

The Empress Dowager’s decree arrived at the mansion in a great hurry.

(End of chapter)