Chapter 4: Wealth Became a Death Sentence

On the ground, the fragments of the sea jade cup were carefully picked up one by one by the maid Qianchun, who wrapped them in a handkerchief and placed them in a box. Then she stepped forward and sincerely bowed to He Lingyi, saying, “Thank you, Miss He, for standing up for justice. On days like today, our eldest miss has suffered many losses, but this is the first time she has lost both her cause and her reputation.”

Aunt Qianchun was the last person to remain by her mother’s side. She had endured endless humiliation from the kitchen maids just to secure a warm meal for the two of them, and ultimately met a tragic and undignified death. Now, seeing the gratitude on her face, He Lingyi felt her eyes sting with tears.

Her mother was right before her, yet she could not acknowledge her.

Aunt Qianchun was also right there, but she could not show any sign of recognition.

Looking at the brightness still lingering in their faces, He Lingyi wished time could freeze at this moment, allowing them to live in happiness forever. She would bear all the calamities and trials meant for them.

“Miss Qianchun, you’re too kind. When the path is uneven, it’s natural that some will trample on others. Sister Chi is just too straightforward and emotional, which is why they often take advantage of her. It’s best to see things clearly,” He Lingyi said calmly.

Upon hearing this, Chi Guiwan nodded approvingly.

“I always thought you were taciturn, but you’ve awakened me in just one sentence. If Miss He has no urgent matters, please come with me back to Simin Courtyard for tea. Consider it my token of thanks.”

Eager for more chances to interact with her mother, He Lingyi readily agreed.

The Chi residence’s Simin Courtyard was located in the southeast corner. True to its name, upon entering, one was greeted by a dazzling array of rare and precious flowers and plants, blooming profusely and radiantly.

Walking among them, He Lingyi felt a surge of emotion.

Once, in the Guojiu Mansion, her mother’s small courtyard had flourished just like this. But later, with her aunt’s advancement in the palace, her father’s promotion, the scheming of Concubine Hua, and her grandmother’s displeasure, her mother’s courtyard was completely cleared out.

It was left desolate, like a ruined garden.

And their mother-daughter life withered away just like those flowers and plants.

So, when He Lingyi saw the springtime splendor filling the garden once more, she smiled. Chi Guiwan, catching her expression, asked curiously, “What are you smiling at?”

“Nothing much. I just think Sister Chi chose a wonderful name for this courtyard—‘Simin,’ meaning ‘flowers blooming like brocade.’ It’s truly an auspicious name.”

“My mother named it before she passed away, and these plants were all transplanted from her garden. I even hired four or five gardeners to tend to them carefully, which is why they bloom so beautifully. If you like, you can pick some—I’ll give them to you,” Chi Guiwan offered kindly.

He Lingyi shook her head, her eyes filled with a profound respect for life.

“No need. They flourish so well here. If I want to see them, I’ll come to visit you. I hope that’s alright.”

“Of course! How could it not be?”

They exchanged a warm smile. After the recent dispute at Rongxin Pavilion, their relationship had deepened considerably.

They strolled along the corridor, then entered the main house, where every piece of furniture exuded a refined luxury.

Tables and chairs made of rosewood were inlaid with golden mountain-and-water patterns. On them lay cushions embroidered with white magnolia patterns in brocade and kesi silk. On the incense altar stood a gilded eight-treasure gourd-shaped censer with three legs, from which a faint pinewood scent wafted—delightfully fragrant.

The spacious three rooms were separated by lacquered partition curtains embedded with mother-of-pearl. The left room was a study, the right was a bedroom, both furnished with unmistakably expensive items.

“Please sit inside,” Chi Guiwan said, lifting the curtain and inviting He Lingyi into the inner chamber, which was as opulent as the main hall.

By the window stood a floor-length bronze mirror with a finely polished surface. Its double phoenix wing and floral patterns were intricately carved. He Lingyi stood before the mirror, studying her reflection and her current identity.

She realized that Miss He was a rare beauty.

Cloud-like eyebrows, raven hair, bright teeth, and a delicate nose.

Her round apricot-shaped eyes complemented her oval face perfectly. Tall and slender, her flowing Hanlan skirt with wide sleeves expressed a unique serenity.

Perhaps due to her grandfather being a great scholar, she carried an air of literary elegance, and even in moments of solemn silence, revealed a certain aloofness and detachment. It was no wonder that in her memories, Miss He had never had close confidantes.

“Have you seen enough, Sister He? Sit down and have some tea first,” Chi Guiwan joked with a smile.

He Lingyi turned to see her mother’s radiant smile. How wonderful it was to see her smile like this!

“I’m afraid I’m making Sister Chi laugh. This bronze mirror seems clearer than any I’ve seen before, so I couldn’t help but look twice,” He Lingyi said.

“This was my mother’s dowry, brought from the Western Regions. I heard that artisans there have secret techniques to forge bronze mirrors with extraordinary precision, making the image clearer than usual. Such a mirror would sell for a hundred gold coins outside. So it’s normal that Miss He has never seen one before,” Chi Guiwan explained without a hint of arrogance. Yet, if any attentive listener overheard, it might spark some jealousy.

Complex emotions flickered through He Lingyi’s eyes.

Her mother was so innocent and carefree now.

She had no idea that all these treasures in the room would one day become the very instruments of her demise.

For instance, the cold jade mat on the precious bed with entwined elephant and auspicious motifs hinted at a wealthy and influential family.

This had accompanied her mother’s dowry to the Guojiu Mansion.

Unfortunately, less than three years later, her grandmother had confiscated it in the name of filial piety.

Most of the other dowry items met similarly grim fates, many sent to the palace to serve her aunt, consumed by her mother’s money, while the Guojiu family treated her mother with disdain.

Truly, human hearts are cruel!

Sighing, He Lingyi felt an indescribable sorrow upon seeing these things again. But amid the sadness, she calculated the days—her worthless father’s proposal would soon arrive.

All the sins of her past life had arisen from that illegitimate marriage. This time, she would never allow her mother to wed into that family.

So, she casually remarked, “Sister Chi is so fortunate to have such fine things. No wonder, even when the sea jade cup broke, you still spared Miss Shen. I wonder which family will be lucky enough to welcome you in the future. Surely, their clan will flourish and their descendants prosper.”

Everyone loves to hear praise, and Chi Guiwan was no exception.

She had heard such words countless times since childhood. Although her mother passed early, her father’s second wife, Madam Guo, treated her with great care. She was indeed born into a life of comfort.

Her eyes gleamed with pride before she calmly said, “Before my mother died, she arranged a marriage for me.”

“To whom?”

“To the second young master of the Qiao family, the General’s son—the Young General Qiao.”

The Qiao family of the Zhen Guo General’s Mansion was renowned throughout.

The Young General Qiao was known as a rare man of loyalty and righteousness.

Madam Guo and Chi Guiying had played a cunning game, pushing her mother into the fire and snatching away the Qiao family match.

One wonders if Chi Guiying ever felt any guilt while enjoying the happy union with the Qiao family, taking another’s fortune and even another’s life!

Truly, wicked to the core!

A flicker of hatred flashed in He Lingyi’s eyes, but fearing Chi Guiwan would notice, she lowered her head to sip tea, trying to mask her anger. Before she could finish, footsteps hurried outside, accompanied by a worried expression.

The visitor was her mother’s other personal maid, Fudong, cheerful by nature and always smiling, but now her face was clouded with concern. She barely had time to bow before speaking anxiously.

“Miss, someone from the Qiao family has arrived.”

“Let them come. What’s there to fear? Change my clothes for me; I’m going right away.”

“No, Miss. It’s not just a visit—the Qiao family... the Qiao family has come to break the engagement!”