A loving mother often spoils her child.

Early the next morning, after breakfast, Ning Qian brought Nian Yu and Shu Ni to the old madam’s courtyard. Paying respects was a daily ritual, all the more necessary after such a commotion the previous night.

She had thought she was early enough, but to her surprise, the First Madam and Second Madam were already there. “Elder Sister-in-law, Second Sister-in-law, you’re here so early?”

The First Madam was usually a woman fond of smiling, even if her smiles were somewhat forced; but that was still more pleasant than her current cold and stern expression. She nodded lightly. “Third Sister-in-law, you’ve come as well? Ah, how could we not be early? You must have heard what happened last night. Such a big incident—my heart is still in turmoil.”

The Second Madam dabbed at her forehead with a handkerchief, her face slick with cold sweat. “Indeed. How could such a thing happen? Eldest Sister-in-law, isn’t it terrifying? I’ve been to that little lake in the back garden myself; I certainly won’t dare go there again.”

Ning Qian took the last available seat. “Eldest Sister-in-law, hasn’t Mother come out yet?” To be honest, she had little wish to sit long with these two women. Both were sly as foxes, and talking with them was draining and troublesome.

“No, I heard Mother went to bed late last night because of what happened. She’s only just gotten up, so we’ll have to wait a bit longer. Oh, by the way, Third Sister-in-law, Third Brother is always well-informed. Did he mention anything to you?”

“Eldest Sister-in-law, with something this serious, how would he discuss it with a woman like me? Besides, it all happened so suddenly—how could he know anything?” Not to mention, she had said something last night that wounded him.

The First Madam’s expression became skeptical. “Third Sister-in-law, everyone knows how much Third Brother adores you. If you hear anything, you won’t keep it from us, will you? You know, we women aren’t supposed to meddle in men’s affairs, so we can’t ask directly. Isn’t that right, Third Sister-in-law?”

“Yes, Third Sister-in-law, Eldest Sister-in-law is absolutely right. With such a fuss made of this, we’re all anxious and uneasy. Are you sure you don’t know anything at all?” Second Madam echoed.

Ning Qian could only shake her head in helpless amusement. She truly didn’t understand why they thought she knew something. As for the claim that Yu Ziqi treated her well, she wouldn’t entirely deny it, but it wasn’t as if he confided everything to her. On the contrary, he was a man who never discussed matters with women—in truth, a thorough traditionalist.

She composed herself and replied seriously, “Eldest Sister-in-law, Second Sister-in-law, I really don’t know anything. If I did, I would definitely tell you.”

“I believe you wouldn’t keep anything from us,” the First Madam said, seeing that Ning Qian’s demeanor was sincere, and pressed no further.

Suddenly, the curtain was lifted, and all three women hurriedly stood to greet the old madam, who entered supported by Madam Ling. Though only a single night had passed, the old madam looked considerably more haggard. Seeing this, the three women grew tense. Though they realized the affair was no simple matter, it was only a servant who’d died—hardly enough, one would think, to render the old madam so stricken.

After they all sat, the old madam coughed softly. “Enough, you may all sit down.”

They did so at last; the First Madam asked anxiously, “Mother, are you all right? You don’t look well. I think we should call for a physician.”

“Indeed, Mother, Eldest Sister-in-law is right, we should have a physician look at you,” Second Madam echoed, as always following Eldest Sister-in-law’s lead, like an echo in a canyon.

The old madam waved her hand dismissively. “No need, I just slept poorly last night. Madam Ling, bring me some water.”

“Yes, madam,” came the reply.

After a sip of water, the old madam’s color improved slightly. “You’ve all heard about what happened last night. You needn’t concern yourselves, nor try to find out more. I don’t want to hear any idle gossip. You know what to do, don’t you?”

“Yes, Mother, we understand,” the First Madam replied quickly.

“Good, good. I’m tired—you may all go now.”

“Mother, then do rest well.” The First Madam exchanged a glance with the Second Madam, and the two of them curtsied and left. Seeing this, Ning Qian followed suit and departed as well.

The old madam sighed helplessly. “Madam Ling, why did such a thing happen? Is it retribution? Is it retribution?”

“Madam, don’t torment yourself so. The young master just made a mistake in a moment of folly. I’m sure he’ll know better in future.”

“Hmph. That useless boy—he dares do such things and still dreams of inheriting the family estate. He’s daydreaming. With the master so angry this time, forgiveness will not come easily.”

“Madam, as the saying goes, even a vicious tiger will not eat its cubs. No matter what, he’s the master’s son. The master will know what’s best.”

“I hope so. I’m tired—help me back to my room.”

The old madam’s exhaustion was etched deeply into her features. For a woman, especially as the matriarch of a great household, the burdens never came easy.

“Yes, madam. Let’s go.” Supported by Madam Ling, the old madam made her slow way back to her chamber. At the threshold, both women froze in surprise—Master Yu was already inside, sitting and waiting for them.

“Master!” The old madam bowed deeply, then cast a glance at Madam Ling, signaling her to leave.

“You’ve raised quite a son.”

The old madam’s face paled, and she coughed a few times. “M-master, it’s my fault for not teaching him better. But it was his first mistake—please, give him another chance.”

“Give him another chance? How many chances have I given him over the years? This is all your fault—too much motherly indulgence ruins a child. Do you understand that?”

“I do, of course I do. But no matter what, he’s still your son. Am I supposed to just stand by and watch him die?”

“You’re still speaking for him? If it were just a matter of money, perhaps I’d let it go. But now a life has been lost—do you think it’s that simple?”

“It was only a servant.”

“Outrageous!” Master Yu slammed the table as he stood, and if there’d been a teacup at hand, he’d likely have thrown it. “Do you want him to bring ruin on the Yu family before you’re satisfied?”

The old madam’s complexion turned even whiter. “Master…”

“Hmph! Useless, the lot of you—utterly useless!” With that, Master Yu stormed out, so angry it seemed as though his very seat were on fire.

The old madam collapsed helplessly into a chair. “Why? Why must Heaven treat me so? Haven’t I already done enough?”

The day was overcast, and with the curtains drawn, the room was dim and oppressive, a somber air filling every corner. The old madam sat there, lost and unmoving for a long, long time.