Chapter 11: The Chrysanthemum Poem at Zhu Manor

　　A maid walked out from the garden and greeted Qianli Xun first, “Miss, the cleaning maids and I have already tidied up the courtyard and the rooms. You’re back—perfect timing to move in.”

　　Kuqiao whispered to her miss, “That’s Lutao.”

　　Qianli Xun smiled, “So you’re Lutao. I didn’t expect you to have the place cleaned up so quickly after I got back. That was fast!”

　　Lutao felt the miss was very different from before, but as a servant, she couldn’t ask directly, “Has Miss forgotten? When you were married, you ordered that whether you returned to the Zhu residence or not, I should send someone every day to clean the courtyard and rooms.”

　　“Oh, so it was my order. But I’m already married—a married daughter is like spilled water. Why did my father keep this garden for me? Could it be he couldn’t bear to part with me and reserved it specially?” Qianli Xun threw out the question intentionally, hoping to gauge her unseen father’s true attitude toward his married daughter through Lutao’s reaction.

　　Lutao had half a mind to feel her miss’s forehead to see if she was running a fever. Otherwise, why would she ask such an absurd question? But seeing the wound on her forehead, she didn’t dare. She said bluntly, “Miss, could the injury to your forehead have affected your memory? This garden is remote and secluded—no one else in the manor thinks much of it. The Master certainly wouldn’t care about it. Only someone like you, who loves absolute quiet, would treasure this place.”

　　A flash of awkwardness hit Qianli Xun, but she quickly covered it up. “Of course I know that. I just wanted to see if my father actually cared about me, so I asked on purpose. Kuqiao, come with me inside!”

　　Kuqiao turned to Lutao. “It’s almost noon. Sister, go arrange the meal. I’ll keep the Miss company—you don’t need to worry.”

　　Lutao bowed and took her leave.

　　Stepping into the garden, Qianli Xun felt like she was entering a quaint countryside courtyard, yet far more elegant. Three sections were neatly enclosed by low fences. One was planted with perilla, its purple leaves growing thick and lush, overlapping one another. Another held sunflowers, their tall heads turned proudly toward the sun. The third was filled with chrysanthemums—not just one variety. Some were already in full bloom, while others were still waiting for their season.

　　Beside the fence around the chrysanthemums stood an exquisite round wooden table, with a rattan chair next to it.

　　Kuqiao noted, “When you lived at the Zhu residence, Miss, you always liked to brew a pot of tea, sit in that rattan chair, and admire the chrysanthemums.”

　　Qianli Xun imagined the real Zhu Shuzhen sitting here, a book in hand, sipping tea and gazing at the flowers. She wanted to experience it too. Walking over, she sank into the rattan chair and looked at the blooming chrysanthemums. Suddenly inspired, she recited a poem Zhu Shuzhen had famously written:

　　This flower can be white or red,

　　In later years, it still cherishes this craft.

　　It would rather age clinging to the fragrant branch,

　　Than dance with yellow leaves in the autumn wind.

　　(“Chrysanthemum” by Zhu Shuzhen)

　　[TN: This translation of poem is sourced from Giggle Academy, a bilingual Chinese poetry platform. In Chinese culture, the chrysanthemum symbolizes resilience and unyielding integrity. The heroine uses it to express her firm resolve to maintain her dignity and seek a divorce, rather than compromise in an abusive marriage.]

　　Kuqiao gasped excitedly, “Miss! Have you recovered your memory?”

　　It turned out that the loyal maid had accepted the “rebirth” explanation. But deep down, she still desperately hoped her miss had merely suffered amnesia. Hearing Qianli Xun recite her old poetry, she thought the former Zhu Shuzhen had returned.

　　Qianli Xun didn’t answer her. Instead, she asked, “Just now you told Lutao to arrange the meal. Am I supposed to eat here?”

　　Kuqiao’s hopes were instantly dashed. The woman before her was still completely clueless about the Zhu residence. “Yes,” she replied, her tone dropping in disappointment.

　　“I just returned to the Zhu residence. Why aren’t I eating with my mother?”

　　“The Zhu residence is massive. Usually, each courtyard dines on its own,” Kuqiao explained. “Only on special occasions, or when the Master specifically requests it, does everyone eat together. Since you just returned today and the Master hasn’t come back yet, the Madam cannot dine with you. She must wait until he returns and gives his permission.”

　　“What?!” Qianli Xun shot up from her chair. “I need my father’s permission just to eat a meal with my own mother?”

　　Kuqiao explained, “This has always been the rule at the Zhu residence.”

　　A new worry suddenly gripped Qianli Xun. “Those things my mother just said… about supporting my divorce. Do those require my father’s approval too?”

　　Kuqiao nodded grimly. “In this household, the Master makes all the decisions. What the Madam said came from the bottom of her heart, but ultimately, everything requires the Master’s nod.”

　　Qianli Xun had thought that having the elders intervene meant half the battle was won. Now she realized nothing had been settled at all.

　　“Why didn’t you tell me earlier that my father is the one who makes all the decisions at home?”

　　“You didn’t ask, Miss…” Kuqiao muttered, feeling wronged.

　　“Forget it, I can’t blame you. I remember you saying my father values his reputation highly. As long as an amicable divorce doesn’t drag the Zhu family’s name through the mud, I think he probably won’t stand in the way.”

　　“Miss, a mutual divorce sounds better than being cast out, but it’s still considered a scandal. I’m afraid the Master won’t agree so easily.”

　　Kuqiao’s words felt like a bucket of cold water to the face. Qianli Xun took a moment to steady herself. “I refuse to believe it. Any decent father would put his child’s happiness first.”

　　Then she asked the same question she had raised before Madam Xiang: “Is my father fierce?”

　　“The Master is the Prefect of Lin’an, after all. He is highly educated and refined,” Kuqiao said. “He rarely loses his temper, but he is incredibly stern—so much so that people naturally shrink back from him. The servants don’t even dare breathe too loudly when he’s around.”

　　“Is he really that scary?”

　　“Yes. From childhood until now, you’ve never been close to him, precisely because he’s so intimidating. Beyond formal, polite greetings, you two have never had a heart-to-heart or casually chatted.”

　　In her past life, Qianli Xun had been closest to her father. He had always doted on her, told her stories, and chatted with her about everything under the sun. She had always naively assumed all fathers treated their daughters that way. Even after her father shaved his head to become a wandering monk, he still made sure to return every Mid-Autumn Festival to spend it with her.

　　She could hardly imagine what it felt like for a father and daughter to treat their relationship like that of a boss and a subordinate.

　　“How on earth does a man like that host poetry banquets? Doesn’t he scare all the scholars away?”

　　“He is only like this at home. He still smiles when dealing with literati and his colleagues.”

　　“What a weirdo,” Qianli Xun muttered.

　　As they were chatting, Lutao returned, leading five maids and an older servant woman.

　　“Miss, it’s time for your meal. The Madam specifically ordered the kitchen to add two extra dishes for you.”

　　Each maid held a steaming plate of food, while the older servant woman carried a large food box. Walking in, they first curtsied to Qianli Xun, then proceeded inside to set the table.

　　Lutao led the group in another bow. “Please enjoy your meal, Miss. With Kuqiao here to serve you, we shall take our leave so as not to disturb you.”

　　Qianli Xun nodded, thinking Lutao was quite perceptive—she had guessed Qianli Xun only wanted Kuqiao around.

　　Walking into the room, she noticed the layout and decor were nearly identical in style to the Zhulan Residence at the Lin Manor. It seemed Zhu Shuzhen truly preferred this elegant, unostentatious aesthetic.

　　Seeing the table laden with exquisite delicacies, her appetite flared. She sat down and dug in eagerly. After a few bites, she noticed Kuqiao just standing beside her, waiting to serve. “Sit down and eat with me,” Qianli Xun ordered.

　　“How could I?!” Kuqiao gasped. “A servant eating at the same table as the Miss? The Zhu family has no such rule!”

　　“To hell with the rules. There’s way too much food here for me to finish alone, and it’d be a crime to waste it. Hurry up and sit down. Cut the nonsense.”

　　Seeing her miss’s unyielding attitude, Kuqiao stopped protesting and timidly sat at the table. “I never thought I’d live to see the day I could share a table with you, Miss.”

　　“Just eat. I’m giving you permission to eat at the same table with me every day from now on.”

　　Kuqiao’s eyes misted over. “Miss… I really like the way you are now. Even though I miss the old you and sometimes wish you’d go back to normal, deep down in my heart, I prefer the ‘you’ sitting right here.”

　　“What do you mean ‘the old me’ and ‘the new me’? I am your Miss.”

　　“You’re right!”

　　The master and servant picked up their chopsticks, and with Kuqiao pitching in, the plates were soon wiped clean. After lunch, Qianli Xun sat at the desk flipping through some books Zhu Shuzhen had left behind. Only when she began to feel drowsy did she undress and climb into bed.

　　She woke up about an hour (half a shichen) later. Just as she finished dressing, Yinxing arrived to pay her respects.

　　When Kuqiao led Yinxing into the room, Qianli Xun noticed a small brocade box in the maid’s hands.

　　“Miss, the Madam asked me to deliver this. She said it was prepared especially for you. Originally, it was meant to be your gift for your eldest nephew’s one-month milestone, but since you hadn’t returned to the manor then, it was kept here. Now that you’re back, you can present it to your nephew yourself.”

　　Kuqiao took the brocade box and handed it to her miss.

　　Opening it, Qianli Xun found a Longevity Gold Lock nestled inside. Crafted from solid gold, it was clearly highly valuable. She couldn’t help but marvel at how thoughtful Zhu Shuzhen’s mother was. She had meticulously planned every little detail for her daughter. Closing the lid, she handed it back to Kuqiao. “Keep this safe. You’re coming with me to see my eldest nephew shortly.”

　　Her task complete, Yinxing bowed and was about to leave when Qianli Xun stopped her. “Wait. I have something to ask you.”

　　Yinxing paused. “Whatever you need, Miss, just ask.”

　　“Have you been to the Lin Manor?”

　　“I did. The Eldest Master Lin said you may stay at the Zhu residence for as long as you wish. When the young master returns, he promised to relay the message to him.”

　　“The Eldest Master Lin?”

　　Yinxing found it incredibly bizarre that the Miss didn’t even know who Eldest Master Lin was, but she didn’t dare question her. “Yes… the young master’s eldest brother?”

　　Terrified that asking more would arouse Yinxing’s suspicion, Qianli Xun swallowed the barrage of questions on the tip of her tongue. “You’ve worked hard. Go attend to your duties.”

　　The second Yinxing stepped out, Qianli Xun turned urgently to her maid. “Kuqiao! I was at the Lin Manor for a day and a half, and I never saw a trace of an eldest brother! Where did this guy suddenly pop out from?!”

　　“Although the Lin estate isn’t as massive as the Zhu residence, it’s still quite large,” Kuqiao explained. “The Eldest Master lives in the north courtyard, and the Second Master lives in the east. Our young master is the third son and lives in the west. The courtyards are far apart, so they rarely run into each other on normal days.”

　　Hearing there was a Second Master as well, Qianli Xun’s heart sank. “Lin Jue has that many people in his family? Two older brothers plus his parents? When we sit down to negotiate the divorce, aren’t they going to completely outnumber me?”

　　“You might not remember this, Miss, but the young master’s parents passed away a long time ago.”

　　That instantly knocked two people off the enemy roster. Qianli Xun breathed a sigh of relief. “Well, that puts me at ease.”

　　“However,” Kuqiao added, “the Lin family is a sprawling clan. I personally know of at least seven of the young master’s paternal uncles, and there are likely more I don’t even know about.”

　　“What?! That many?!” Qianli Xun shot up and began pacing the room frantically. “I haven’t managed to win over a single elder on my side yet, and he has an entire army of uncles waiting in the wings?! If we compare numbers, I’d be completely outnumbered. They’ll make getting this divorce impossible!” She stopped and looked at Kuqiao. “Tell me honestly… is it possible that none of the Lin family elders will even bother showing up?”

　　“I think it’s highly likely,” Kuqiao admitted, looking just as worried as her miss.

　　Qianli Xun’s eyes darted to the brocade box in Kuqiao’s hands. “Change of plans. Let’s go visit my older brother right now and get him on our side first.”

　　Mind made up, Qianli Xun marched out. Kuqiao scrambled to keep up. Reaching the garden gate, Qianli Xun stopped. She had no idea which direction to go. “Kuqiao, you’d better lead the way.”

　　Kuqiao became the guide again. They headed toward the east side of the Zhu residence.