Volume One, Chapter Seven: The Crying Child Gets the Milk

After closing the door, Little Fish patted her chest with a face full of lingering fear.

“Miss, how could you be so daring? What if... what if you really drowned?”

Aunt Lin had a vicious mind; if she were cornered, she might really harm the young lady...

Little Fish dared not think further.

Xu Zhiyi had already changed into clean clothes and stepped out from behind the screen with a smile.

“What is there to fear? Aunt Lin wouldn’t dare do such a thing in front of everyone. Besides, you can swim—there’s no way you’d die.”

Little Fish looked puzzled.

“How could the servant not know that the young lady can swim? Even if you want to teach her a lesson, you shouldn’t use such a dangerous method! I was truly terrified.”

No sooner had Xu Zhiyi sat down than there was a gentle knock at the door.

“Miss, I’m from the main kitchen, bringing you some ginger soup.”

The previously composed Xu Zhiyi now curled up, trembling with fright.

“Little Fish, ask them to leave. Boohoo, I’m so scared.”

Little Fish couldn’t help but roll her eyes dramatically.

The young lady was such a drama queen!

If she hadn’t grown up by Xu Zhiyi’s side, she might have been fooled by her pitiful act.

The door opened, and the servant put on a wide smile, handing the food box to Little Fish while sneaking a glance at Xu Zhiyi.

The young lady was trembling violently, tears streaming down her cheeks—it was clear she was genuinely frightened.

“Miss, please stop crying. The master has ordered that from today onwards, no one is allowed to disturb you in Wutong Courtyard! You can rest assured and prepare for your marriage.”

After taking a few steps, the servant suddenly turned back.

“Oh, how forgetful of me. The master said you don’t need to sew your own wedding dress; someone will bring it to you tomorrow. Please rest well and be careful not to catch a cold.”

Indeed, the child who cries gets the milk!

With such an uproar in the mansion, even a death, Xu Huaian would certainly take measures to silence gossip, if only to preserve his hard-earned reputation outside.

Surprisingly, he acted so swiftly.

The ginger soup was rich and well-made, causing no further trouble.

Xu Zhiyi drank it all in one go.

“Little Fish, is there anyone trustworthy in the mansion?”

She resided in the back quarters and couldn’t come and go freely.

Some matters needed to be prepared in advance.

Little Fish’s face suddenly flushed.

“Miss... what do you think of Wang Dazhuang from the front yard? He’s from my hometown and has been quite kind to me…”

Xu Zhiyi raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

“Oh? Then tell me exactly what Wang Dazhuang’s role is in the mansion. Hey, Little Fish, why is your face so red? Are you feeling too warm?”

Biting her lip, Little Fish stomped her foot hard.

“Aiya, Miss is always teasing me! I won’t say anymore!”

Xu Zhiyi propped her chin on her hand and sighed softly, her tone tinged with mock grievance.

“Ah, I knew it. No one in this mansion truly cares for me. Forget it, you go rest. Don’t bother with me.”

But Little Fish took her words seriously, grabbing Xu Zhiyi’s arm and shaking her gently.

“Miss, don’t say that. I care for you! Wang Dazhuang is in charge of daily purchases for the mansion. Sometimes he drives the master’s carriage. He’s honest, just a bit slow…”

Xu Zhiyi stared into Little Fish’s eyes, her earlier worry replaced by resolve.

“If he’s someone Little Fish trusts, then I feel at ease. But... can you find a way to bring him to see me?”

Little Fish thought seriously for a moment, disregarding her shyness.

“I have a way! But you’ll have to come to the side gate of the West Courtyard tonight.”

Since the passing of the old madam, Xu Huaian had rarely visited the West Courtyard, as it saddened him. Aunt Lin considered it unlucky and refused to set foot there, preferring to take detours.

As time passed, the West Courtyard fell into neglect.

“Alright, I’ll follow your plan.”

At the hour of the pig (around 9-11 pm), nearly everyone in the Xu mansion was asleep.

Afraid to light lamps, the two could only rely on the dim candlelight in the corridor as they made their way toward the West Courtyard.

Wang Dazhuang had been waiting for a quarter of an hour.

He obeyed Little Fish implicitly, partly because they had known each other since childhood, but more because he secretly cared for her.

Yet he never dared show the slightest affection, fearing it would bring trouble to Little Fish.

If Little Fish were to marry into the Marquis’s residence with the young lady, the situation would change.

He had heard that the young lady was kind and doted on Little Fish; surely she would support their union.

Seeing someone approach, Wang Dazhuang softly whistled three notes: two long, one short.

“It’s me, Brother Dazhuang.”

Wang Dazhuang then stepped out from behind a tree, head lowered, not daring to look at Xu Zhiyi.

“I greet you, Miss!”

He intended to kneel, but Little Fish stopped him with a hand.

“My lady doesn’t like such formalities. Time is short; listen carefully to what she has to say.”

She glanced uncertainly at Wang Dazhuang.

“Brother Dazhuang, you won’t betray me and... my lady, right? In this mansion, you’re the only one I can trust.”

Wang Dazhuang shook his head and waved his hands vehemently.

“Never! Little Fish, rest assured! I, Wang Dazhuang, swear by heaven that if I betray the young lady, may heaven strike me down...”

Little Fish quickly covered his mouth and pinched his arm gently, her tone tinged with playful reproach.

“Brother Dazhuang, don’t say such things... I... I trust you.”

Seeing them banter like old friends, Xu Zhiyi cleared her throat to remind them.

Little Fish shyly ran to one side.

“Well... Miss, if you have something to say, say it quickly. I’ll be right here.”

Time was pressing, and Xu Zhiyi wasted no words.

“Dazhuang, I have several important tasks for you. I hope you won’t disappoint me.”

After half an hour of instructions, Little Fish saw Wang Dazhuang nodding earnestly throughout.

“Rest assured, Miss. I often go shopping outside the mansion. Leave these matters to me.”

Xu Zhiyi stepped closer to him.

“Take this first. If it’s not enough, I’ll find another way.”

Heavy in her hand, it was obvious she was giving him silver coins.

“Miss, just gathering information, no need for this…”

“Take it. I won’t trouble you much in the future! Besides... you’ll have to marry someday.”

Wang Dazhuang stiffened slightly but couldn’t help glancing at Little Fish.

“Thank you, Miss!”

He saluted and disappeared like a flash.

“Just said he was reliable, and he’s already so impatient. I can’t praise him!”

Xu Zhiyi laughed softly, taking Little Fish’s hand.

“It’s late. Let’s head back.”

The moon hid behind clouds as the two walked hand in hand toward Wutong Courtyard.

“Miss, may I ask you something?”

“Go ahead.”

“In other courtyards, maids are named Autumn Chrysanthemum or Winter Plum. Why did you give me this name?”

Xu Zhiyi looked up at the twinkling stars in the night sky.

“I hope you live as freely and happily as a fish.”