Chapter 38: Is There Something Wrong with the Fish Soup?

After sending off Ning Qian and the others, Ning Qian obediently returned to her study to continue copying The Admonitions for Women. She had only completed less than twenty of the required one hundred copies. She had never been fond of writing, and being asked to copy so many at once truly felt like a punishment to her. Yet, it was a task that had to be done, and she had no choice but to accept it.

She had only written a few dozen characters when Nianyu came to announce that the eldest young master's concubine, Lady Yu Liu, had come to visit. Ning Qian turned around in surprise, “Lady Yu Liu? What brings her here?” Ning Qian knew a little about this Lady Yu Liu.

She was one of Yu Zixin’s favored concubines, once even outshining the first wife with her popularity. It was said that this was the root of the hostility between her and the first wife. Since marrying into the Yu family, Ning Qian had only met Lady Yu Liu a handful of times, and had barely exchanged a few words with her. Why had she suddenly come here now?

“Nianyu, did she mention what she wanted?”

“How would she tell me? She only said she was here to sit and chat. Madam, perhaps you should go and see her? Although she’s just a concubine, she is well regarded by the eldest young master and holds some status.”

“All right, I’ll go have a look.” Putting down her brush and tidying her clothes, she left the study for the front hall. Smiling, she entered briskly, “My apologies for keeping you waiting. I was just reading in the study and lost track of time. Nianyu, bring some pastries, please.”

“Yes, Madam.”

Lady Yu Liu stood and curtsied, “This servant greets Third Madam.”

Ning Qian hurried to help her up, “No need for such formalities.” In truth, Lady Yu Liu was in a way her sister-in-law; she and the first wife even addressed each other as sisters, so there was no need for such ceremony.

Lady Yu Liu smiled and sat down, “I was simply bored and thought I’d pay a visit. We women rarely step out of our courtyards, and it gets rather dull. Besides, I hadn’t come to formally greet you since you married in, which is quite remiss of me. Xiaoxiang, bring the gift here.”

“Yes, Aunt.” The maid behind Lady Yu Liu placed a wooden box in front of Ning Qian.

Lady Yu Liu opened the box and pushed it toward Ning Qian. “Third Madam, a small token of respect for you. This is a century-old wild ginseng my brother brought from Changbai Mountain; it is most nourishing.”

Ning Qian quickly closed the box and pushed it back, “I can’t possibly accept this. Such a rare treasure—I really can’t accept it.” In truth, what she most wanted to say was that she could not accept a reward she hadn’t earned.

Lady Yu Liu smiled and pushed the box back again, “Why not accept it? While it may be rare for most, it is easy for me to obtain. You see, my brother deals in medicinal herbs. Third Madam, if you don’t accept it, are you perhaps looking down on me for being a mere concubine...?”

“How could that be? Of course not.” Ning Qian forced a laugh. To be honest, she really did not want to accept it. Although the ginseng was valuable, Ning Qian was not impressed by such things; she simply did not want to invite trouble. Why would Lady Yu Liu suddenly come by with a gift like this? Was it really just a friendly visit?

“Ah, Third Madam, those of us who are concubines dare not hope for much. We only wish for a peaceful life, but in this big household, every step is treacherous.”

Ning Qian gave an awkward smile, unsure how to respond. She had little experience with the matter of concubines, since Yu Qian had never taken one. It was only after coming to the Yu residence that she began to understand more.

Lady Yu Liu laughed softly into her handkerchief, “Third Madam, everyone in the household envies you. Among all the young masters, only the third young master has not taken a concubine. Surely your days are the most leisurely.”

“Yes, yes,” Ning Qian replied with a strained smile. She had already heard this from several people, and now even Lady Yu Liu was saying it. Was she drawing too much attention? With the old lady’s temperament, would she really allow Ning Qian to hold such sway alone? Perhaps in a few days, she would arrange for Yu Ziqi to take a concubine.

The thought of sharing her husband with other women made Ning Qian shudder. No, she would never let that happen—it was simply too revolting.

“Madam, here is some fish soup for you and Aunt to try.” As they spoke, Shuni entered with a tray.

“Very well, leave it and you may go.”

Ning Qian gestured to the fish soup. “This is made with fresh fish and is exceptionally delicious. Please, have a taste.”

“Thank you, then I won’t stand on ceremony.” Lady Yu Liu took a bowl, scooped up a spoonful, and tasted it. At once, her expression changed; she dropped the spoon, covered her mouth with a handkerchief, and began to retch.

Ning Qian was momentarily stunned, but quickly recovered. “What’s wrong? Is there something wrong with the soup?”

Hearing the commotion, Nianyu hurried in. Seeing Lady Yu Liu’s state, she quickly went to support her. “Aunt, are you all right?”

It was a while before Lady Yu Liu managed to stop retching. She waved her hand weakly, “I’m fine, just a little unwell from catching a chill yesterday. The smell of fish made me queasy today. Please don’t take offense, Third Madam.”

“As long as you’re all right,” Ning Qian said with relief. Lady Yu Liu was not an ordinary concubine; if anything happened to her in Ning Qian’s courtyard, it would be a serious problem.

After this disruption, Lady Yu Liu could not stay any longer and soon found an excuse to leave. Staring at the two untouched bowls of fish soup, Ning Qian felt as if something about the incident was amiss.

Once Lady Yu Liu had left and the fish soup was cleared away, Nianyu returned. “Madam, what are you thinking about?”

“I’m thinking there was something odd about what just happened.”

“Odd? In what way?”

“Isn’t it strange? She was perfectly fine from the moment she arrived until she tasted the soup. Why would she suddenly become nauseated after only one bite? A chill, she said? Her complexion was rosy—she didn’t look ill at all.”

Hearing this, Nianyu’s heart leapt. After glancing around to make sure no one was nearby, she lowered her voice, “Madam, could it be... could Aunt be expecting?”

“Expecting? That’s unlikely, isn’t it?”

“Why not, Madam? I think it’s very possible. In early pregnancy, women often gag at the smell of fish. Judging by Aunt’s reaction, it fits perfectly.”

Ning Qian nodded, “Now that you mention it, it does seem plausible. But really, what does that have to do with us?”

“Madam, how could it not? It’s a matter of great consequence.”