Shortly after Jiang Mama left, Xu Shi entered the room, astonished by Chen Jiao’s bold maneuver.
She pulled Chen Jiao behind the folding screen and whispered, “My child, do you think scaring Jiang Mama like that will really make her cooperate?”
Chen Jiao replied coldly, “She has no choice.”
Xu Shi gulped, her eyelid twitching as she murmured, “You even dare to meet Young Master Cui?
“I’m terrified!
“That pale-faced man is sickly and eerie, looking as ghostly as a reaper.
“Can A-Ying really count on him?”
Chen Jiao, willing to take any chance she could, answered seriously, “We have no other options.
“Cui Jue is the second most powerful figure in Huizhou. If Father values him, that means he must be capable.”
“What if, by some luck, he gives me some guidance?”
Xu Shi fell silent, unwilling to deal with Cui Jue—just the thought of him frightened her.
Meanwhile, Jiang Mama returned to her servant quarters with a face full of gloom, filled with frustration.
Chen Jiao had truly frightened her.
Jiang Mama had a son and a daughter.
As a household-born servant, her entire family worked within the manor.
In these turbulent times, having a powerful backer was essential.
For years, their lives had been stable, with no worries about food and shelter.
But now, Chen Jiao had disrupted that peace.
If she was forced to marry into Jiaozhou…
Jiang Mama felt an unbearable headache.
At her age, she had no desire to leave her home and struggle for survival elsewhere.
Thinking about Jiaozhou, her anxiety grew.
If Chen Jiao was married off, the Prince of Huai’an would likely agree to any condition she requested.
Jiang Mama cursed the girl under her breath and decided to visit the public kitchen the next day to discuss it with her daughter.
Her daughter, Ma Chun, worked in the manor’s public kitchen.
The next morning, Jiang Mama went to find her.
Ma Chun, in her thirties, did not have Jiang Mama’s long, sharp face.
She was dark-skinned, round-faced, and sturdy, significantly taller than most women, with famously large feet.
Thanks to her skill in making pastries, she worked as a pastry chef in the public kitchen.
At that moment, she was instructing the kitchen maids when she heard that her mother had come looking for her.
She quickly stepped outside.
Jiang Mama, her mind heavy with worry, pulled Ma Chun aside and said urgently, “I have something important to discuss with you, A-Nu.”
A-Nu was Ma Chun’s childhood name.
She did not notice her mother’s distress and replied, “Mother, I’m busy right now.”
Jiang Mama didn’t care and frowned.
“It’s a matter of life and death.”
These words startled Ma Chun, and she became nervous.
“Mother, what happened?”
Jiang Mama whispered, “Disaster is about to befall me.”
Sensing something serious, Ma Chun hurriedly arranged matters in the kitchen before leading Jiang Mama down to the underground storage room.
The storage room was filled with dried goods and grains, rarely visited, making it a secluded place for conversation.
Jiang Mama glanced around cautiously before recounting everything that had happened.
After listening, Ma Chun’s expression darkened.
Furious, she exclaimed, “How can Ninth Miss be so shameless?!”
Jiang Mama, feeling helpless, waved her hand.
“If she truly replaces the bride, our entire family will suffer.”
“The people in Lixiang Courtyard all belong to the main wife’s household. I can’t act freely. A-Nu, you must find your father and brother to discuss this.”
“She wants to meet Young Master Cui, which means she must have a way to avoid this disaster. We are mere servants—what choice do we have but to do her bidding?”
Ma Chun was boiling with anger but had no solution.
No matter what, Chen Jiao was still their mistress.
Jiang Mama could not stay for long and reminded her, “This must not be delayed—it needs to be handled immediately.”
Ma Chun nodded.
“I’ll find Brother this afternoon. He moves around easily and can discuss it with Father.”
Jiang Mama sighed in relief.
“That’s good. I need to head back.”
The mother and daughter did not linger for long before going their separate ways.
That afternoon, after finishing her work, Ma Chun made a trip to the gatehouse.
Her brother, Ma Chong, worked as a gatekeeper, responsible for guarding the main entrance of the estate.
Visitors had to report to the gatekeepers, so they were naturally aware of who came and went.
Finding out Cui Jue’s whereabouts was not difficult—the real challenge was that women of the household were not allowed to leave the estate freely.
Even if they learned where Cui Jue would be, they still had to figure out how to get Chen Jiao out of the manor.
Ma Chun said, “Let Mother handle the arrangements. For now, Brother, you need to track Young Master Cui’s movements.”
Ma Chong nodded.
“Don’t worry, Sister. If I hear anything, I’ll inform you immediately.”
The siblings discussed the matter further.
Later that evening, when Ma Chong’s shift ended, he took the opportunity to leave the estate.
Two days later, Jiang Mama received news of Cui Jue’s whereabouts and hurried to inform Chen Jiao and Xu Shi, urging them to find a way to leave the manor.
Xu Shi stood guard at the door, making sure no one was eavesdropping.
Chen Jiao paced back and forth, her brow furrowed.
“You said he will be visiting Commander Xu’s residence on his day off?”
Jiang Mama nodded.
“The morning after tomorrow.”
She paused before adding, “Young Miss must find a way to leave the manor. I can arrange things outside, but inside the estate, it’s beyond my control.”
Chen Jiao pressed, “Is this information reliable?”
Jiang Mama nodded seriously.
“My son confirmed it—it’s reliable.”
To make this plan work, Jiang Mama suggested that Chen Jiao should first stop at Linglong Pavilion, then slip away to the Xu residence from there.
Since the Xu residence was only one street away from Linglong Pavilion, a shop that sold cosmetics and accessories, it was a perfect excuse for a lady to visit.
This idea had come from Ma Chong, who was familiar with the city and wanted to avoid any slip-ups.
Leaving the manor wasn’t particularly difficult.
That evening, Xu Shi lowered her stance and asked Jiang Mama to summon the Prince of Huai’an (Chen En).
At first, Chen En didn’t want to see her.
Currently, Zheng Shi was pressing him to transfer Chen Jiao’s name to the main wife’s household.
Once he agreed, the marriage to Jiaozhou would be set in stone.
This situation frustrated Chen En.
He didn’t want to give in to pressure from his wife’s family.
Both sides were at a stalemate, neither willing to back down.
Jiang Mama, experienced and tactful, stood behind the curtain respectfully and said:
“These past two days, Young Miss has been earnestly persuading her mother. Finally, Concubine Xu has understood. She asked this old servant to relay a message to Master—she knows she was wrong and begs for a chance to make amends.”
Chen En was skeptical.
“Did Xu Shi truly say that?”
Jiang Mama nodded solemnly.
“Ninth Miss is a wise child. After thoroughly explaining the pros and cons to Concubine Xu, she finally saw reason.”
Hearing this, Chen En felt a bit more at ease and stroked his beard.
“Very well. I’ll come over after dinner.”
Jiang Mama bowed and retreated.
That evening, the Prince of Huai’an indeed visited Lixiang Courtyard.
Even though Xu Shi was full of resentment, she humbled herself and flattered him, apologizing for her past outburst.
Seeing her act so sensibly, Chen En let the matter drop and only commented, “Hui Niang, you are far too headstrong. That kind of temperament isn’t good.”
Xu Shi pouted and snuggled into his arms, looping her arms around his neck.
“My lord knows that I have a fiery temper.”
Chen En held her hand and spoke bluntly, “It’s fortunate that Hui Niang gave birth to a sensible child, or else she would have suffered greatly.”
Xu Shi remained silent.
Chen En patiently comforted her for a while.
Taking advantage of his good mood, Xu Shi brought up her request:
She wanted to take her daughter to Linglong Pavilion to pick out some jewelry and cosmetics.
Chen En found it unnecessary and responded, “You can have the servants bring the items to the estate and choose from there. Why go out in person?”
Xu Shi leaned against his shoulder affectionately.
“My daughter and I have been in Huizhou for so long, yet we haven’t even stepped outside the gates.
“I’ll have Jiang Mama accompany us. Please grant us this, my lord.”
“Besides, if A-Ying is to marry in the future, I must personally select the best accessories for her so she can leave this house with dignity.”
Her words implied that she was willing to accept Chen Jiao’s marriage arrangement.
Chen En took the bait.
He agreed readily and said, “Very well. Tomorrow, have Jiang Mama withdraw some silver from my accounts. Buy whatever you wish.”
Xu Shi smiled sweetly.
“A-Ying is lucky to have such a generous father!”
Chen En, pleased by her words, felt that this mother and daughter were far more pleasant than the main wife’s household.
On the morning of Cui Jue’s day off, Xu Shi and Chen Jiao left the estate, accompanied by Jiang Mama and a maidservant.
A carriage had been waiting by the side gate for them.
When they arrived, the coachman set up a step stool for them to board.
Jiang Mama helped them into the carriage, and once they were seated, it set off towards Linglong Pavilion.
Around mid-morning, they arrived at Linglong Pavilion.
The shopkeeper, seeing that the mother and daughter were dressed elegantly, greeted them warmly.
As esteemed guests, they were not made to browse among the common customers but were instead led to a private reception room.
Xu Shi, playing the role of a wealthy lady, ordered the shop assistants to bring out their finest new cosmetics and jewelry for selection.
While the mother and daughter were occupied with their choices, Jiang Mama deliberately sent away the maidservant who had accompanied them.
Then, she signaled for Chen Jiao to slip away through the back courtyard of Linglong Pavilion.
That day, Ma Chong and Ma Chun had both taken leave from work to carry out the plan.
They had previously arranged everything with the shop staff.
When Chen Jiao reached the back courtyard, Ma Chun waved at her and whispered, “Ninth Miss.”
Without hesitation, Chen Jiao lifted her skirts and hurried over.
Jiang Mama had already explained the plan to her the night before, so she knew what to expect.
Ma Chun opened the back gate, where a small sedan chair was waiting.
Ma Chong stepped forward, bowed, and made a “please” gesture.
Chen Jiao, without asking any questions, calmly stepped into the sedan chair, correctly guessing that the siblings were Jiang Mama’s children.
The sedan chair was carried swiftly down the adjacent street.
Within a short time, they arrived at the Xu residence.
They were cautious and entered through the back door.
At that moment, Xu Zhao and Cui Jue were inside, discussing official matters, when suddenly, a servant reported an unexpected visitor.
“Miss Chen Jiao is here to see Young Master Cui.”
Both men were taken aback.
Xu Zhao looked confused.
“Chen Jiao?”
The servant nodded.
“She is currently waiting at the back entrance. She arrived unexpectedly and requests an audience with Young Master Cui.”
Cui Jue frowned.
Xu Zhao glanced at him and said, “It seems she’s here for you, Wen Yun.”
Cui Jue silently rubbed his sleeve, his long fingers revealing distinct knuckle bones and neatly trimmed nails.
A scar marked his thumb, and the pale skin of his hand made the veins stand out clearly.
He didn’t respond.
Xu Zhao asked, “Wen Yun, do you wish to see her?”
Cui Jue said coldly, “If I associate with the inner-court women of the Huai’an Prince’s household, what will the prince think?”
Xu Zhao immediately understood his meaning and turned to the servant.
“Send her away.”
The servant hurried off to deliver the message.
For a moment, the room fell into silence.
Cui Jue picked up his teacup, his expression slightly displeased.
Xu Zhao, still puzzled, said, “Strange… why would Chen Jiao seek you out?”
Cui Jue scoffed but did not answer.
But just as they were about to move on, the servant returned with a troubled expression.
He hesitated before stammering, “That young lady is rather bold. She said that if Young Master Cui refuses to see her, she will tell the Prince of Huai’an tomorrow…”
“She claims that Young Master Cui helped her back in Minzhou, forming a bond of friendship. She will request the prince’s favor to marry you instead—rather than being sent to Jiaozhou.”
Xu Zhao nearly dropped his teacup.
Even with his normally calm demeanor, his eyes widened in utter shock, as if he couldn’t believe what he had just heard.
“She really said that?”
The servant nodded awkwardly.
“Word for word.”
Xu Zhao’s mouth twitched, unable to bring himself to look directly at Cui Jue, so he resorted to stealing glances out of the corner of his eye.
As expected—Cui Jue was so enraged by her shamelessness that he actually laughed.
His normally unnaturally pale face showed faint ripples of emotion.
The warmth from the charcoal brazier gave his lips an eerie reddish hue, and his amber eyes gleamed with murderous intent.
He was furious.
Slowly, he touched the bridge of his nose, barely suppressing the disgust of being threatened.
He spoke icily, “Such audacity. I must see this ‘brave’ young lady for myself.”
In the end, he had no choice but to acknowledge Chen Jiao’s sheer nerve.
A few moments later, Chen Jiao was led into the room.
To her, dealing with Cui Jue was far easier than being forced to marry a fifty-year-old man.
She wasn’t the least bit nervous.
The servant guided her to the guest chamber, where both men were waiting.
Chen Jiao greeted them with a polite bow.
Xu Zhao returned the gesture.
Cui Jue, however, remained motionless.
Chen Jiao, completely shameless, flashed a rare smile and said, “It has been some time since we parted in Minzhou. How have Commander Xu and Magistrate Cui been?”
Xu Zhao, still feeling uncomfortable, replied stiffly, “Thank you for your concern, Miss Chen. I am doing well.”
Chen Jiao acted as if she had come to reminisce.
Xu Zhao felt a headache coming on and instinctively looked toward Cui Jue for help.
The man beside him wore an expression that clearly said, “We are not friends. Don’t drag me into this mess.”
In short: Stay away, stranger.