Chapter 12 - Beautiful Flowers Under the Moon

Jiang Ruan raised her cup of tea from the table and wetted her pursed lips lightly, before looking at Chen Fang, who stood to the side.

Chen Fang bit her lips tensely. Over the past few years, she had become well-acquainted with Jiang Ruan’s wretched and forlorn state in the residence. Who could have expected that, after she fell into the lake, it was as if Jiang Ruan had transformed into another person. The transformation was akin to a slowly withering flower suddenly obtaining an opportunity to live with boundless possibilities and starting to bloom once more. Chen Fang was unfamiliar with Jiang Ruan’s old temperament as every movement of this official’s daughter exuded a sense of beauty now. It was as if she was used to the life of royalty, displaying the elegant mannerisms of an empress.

Naturally, Chen Fang would not be aware that after Jiang Ruan was sent into the palace in her past life, there was no lack of plotting and conspiracies. One moment of inattentiveness could allow someone else to seize an opportunity to incriminate one because of wrongdoings and/or shortcomings, hence there was no room for error, especially in regards to one’s act and behavior. The palace was governed by strict rules and the elder maids who trained her were extremely harsh. Those demanding lessons led her to master etiquette to the point of perfection. Over the years, in the unique environment of the palace, the noble temperament is naturally cultivated. This standard of conduct was nothing exceptional when it was exhibited by a Beautiful Lady [MeiRen ranked concubine] from the palace, but for a young, unfortunate lady who lived in a village residence for years, it was a kind of virtuous and honorable grace.

“What’s the matter?” Jiang Ruan asked.

Her attitude was that of a mistress of the residence conversing with her servant. A hint of resentment flashed across Chen Fang’s face before she suppressed it forcefully. She touched her hairpin and smiled, “Miss, a few days ago, a pot of Queen of the Night [1] was delivered from outside. Since then, it has been properly cared for. Lately, the petals have become bigger and bigger. And, from the look of it, it will bloom tonight. If you are interested, why not come and have a look?”

[1] Queen of the Night – aka Epiphyllum Oxypetalum, is a species of cactus. It blooms rarely and only at night, and its flowers wilt before dawn. This is the ‘tan hua’ flower they had featured in recent movie Crazy Rich Asians.

“Queen of the Night?” Jiang Ruan muttered, “This time of the year does not seem to be the blooming season for Queen of the Night.”

Chen Fang hurriedly replied, “It isn’t. Usually Queen of the Night only blooms in the summer and autumn, but this pot came into flower prematurely. It is a rare sight. Miss, why not check it out yourself?”

Without waiting for Jiang Ruan to speak, Lian Qiao spoke, “It’s so deep in the night and it’s bitterly cold outside. How can we let our lady to walk around? What if she can’t bear the cold? The current state of her health cannot stand any suffering.”

Bai Zhi also said, “Why don’t we bring the plant inside the house? Our lady can admire it here.”

Chen Fang creased her eyebrows, “As the name Queen of the Night implies, the beauty under the moon is only interesting and rewarding to admire when under the moon. If it is viewed in the house, then it would be no different than a common flower so what is the point? Moreover, this Queen of the Night is accounted for in the books. I don’t have the authority to move it as I please.”

Lian Qiao wanted to speak again when Jiang Ruan smiled, “If this is the case, then I will go and have a look tonight.”

“Miss,” Bai Zhi advised against it, “It is too cold outside. It would be troublesome if the cold causes your body to suffer.”

Chen Fang covered her mouth with her hand and smiled, “Senior Bai Zhi and Senior Lian Qiao, our lady has already agreed so why do you continue to fixate on this matter? As servants, it is most important that we abide by our mistress’s orders. How can you decide so casually for our lady? Aren’t you coercing our lady?”

These sensitive words managed to strike Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi’s nerves and their expressions changed. Jiang Ruan placed her teacup down and spoke slowly, “Fang’er, you are right. But it is my prerogative to discipline my own servants. On the other hand, you surprised me. It has never crossed my mind that you could also fancy such a cultured event such as admiring flowers under the moon.”

Chen Fang toyed with a strand of long hair that rested on her chest, “Although I grew up in the residence, I also like to read a little poetic literature sometimes. Admiring flowers under the moon is also the kind of refined activity that I like.” Thinking about it more, Chen Fang continued, “Oh, right. You should also visit the pear blossom garden around midnight. The Queen of the Night is placed at the entrance. When it’s time, I will also make my way there.”

“Noted,” Jiang Ruan nodded.

Chen Fang sighed in relief, “Then I shall take my leave now. Miss, don’t forget.” After she finished, her gaze skimmed around the house once more. Only then did she leave rather happily.

After Chen Fang’s departure, Lian Qiao was furious and angrily said, “What kind of act is she putting on? Trying to act all cultured and sophisticated, I spit on her in contempt. She thought that because she wore someone else’s clothes, she could be a master! Why doesn’t she piss on the ground and take a good look at her reflection. How shameless!”

Bai Zhi looked at Jiang Ruan worriedly, “If you insist on going to the pear blossom garden, there is some advice I must give. Chen Fang is a person who speaks sharply and unkindly. That she expresses goodwill towards you is really out of her character. You should be careful because she might have other intentions.”

Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. In her past life, when she was about to enter the palace, Lian Qiao was flogged to death with a paddle for speaking out of place towards Jiang Quan. The truth was simply that Lian Qiao was unwilling to let her replace Su Su as the one who entered the palace, so she pleaded with Jiang Quan in her favor. However, she did not know why this provoked him into a rage that resulted in her violent death. After all was said and done, she was just eager to protect Jiang Ruan. Although Lian Qiao was bold and straightforward, she knew how to act appropriately. Recalling this incident, Jiang Su Su and her mother had also contributed to his violent rage and fury.

Bai Zhi did accompany her safely into the palace. The mother and daughter pair must have considered Bai Zhi’s personality as gentle and calm, so they were assured enough to let her stay with Jiang Ruan. When the emperor was forced to abdicate the throne, she let Bai Zhi carry Pei’er and escape. As Pei’er was caught in the end, Bai Zhi must have met a disastrous end.

These two maids accompanied her brief, yet tragic past life to their utmost duty, and yet, she did not manage to protect even one of them, just like Pei’er and her elder brother.

Bai Zhi and Lian Qiao looked at Jiang Ruan hesitantly when she did not reply for a long time. They were shocked by the chill in her eyes. Just as they were about to say something, Jiang Ruan laughed. The frigidity earlier cleared in a flash, “I know.”

“Although you are aware that she does not bear good intentions, you are still going?” Lian Qiao asked. “It’s too risky.”

“I definitely have to attend this appointment.” Jiang Ruan spoke, “It’s just that I am not going to admire flowers, but to reclaim a debt.”

“Reclaiming a debt?” Lian Qiao became more confused.

“Lian Qiao, there is a matter I need you to handle for me,” Jiang Ruan asked her to bring her ear closer and whispered her orders.

At the same time, Chen Fang left Jiang Ruan’s residence and excitedly walked out of the courtyard. Watching her emerge, a person standing outside rushed forward to ask, “How did it go? Did she agree to it?”

“Of course, she did.” Chen Fang curled her lips, “Now that she is in an appalling situation, once I mentioned Queen of the Night, she would naturally not miss this opportunity. Brother, where is the item you promised me?”

Chen Zhao grinned happily and fished a sparkling and translucent jade bangle out, “My good sister, it is not a waste that I love you dearly. After I manage to succeed, I will definitely thank you properly.”

Chen Fang accepted the bangle from Chen Zhao’s hands and put it on impatiently. Satisfied, she spoke, “The quality is not bad.” After she finished speaking, she thought of something and stared at Chen Zhao, “You really like her? What is so good about that charming vixen? Master does not even like her. She has no future.”

“Hey, I am not going to marry her.” Chen Zhao spoke smugly, “With such a beautiful concubine in my home, I don’t need to patronize the brothel in the future. Isn’t this cost-effective? I have not experienced the feeling of being with an official’s daughter. Although she is an unfortunate person, she still has soft skin and tender flesh. Ahem, I don’t want to discuss this further with you. I’ll go first. Remember to keep it to yourself.”

“I am too lazy to be bothered,” Chen Fang snorted, and turned to leave.