Chapter 86: 算計
[Calculation]
Emerging from the patriarch’s study, it was essentially settled that Ji Ling would eventually succeed the Ji family. Yet beyond the two of them, scarcely a third soul knew of this arrangement. After all, the patriarch was not yet advanced in years, and Ji Ling still needed considerable experience to qualify for taking charge of the vast Ji estate—and to earn the genuine respect that would make others accept his succession.
“Madam, these are the previous expenditures for our courtyard.” The maid respectfully handed the ledger to the woman before her, her eyes brimming with reverence.
Taking the ledger with her pale, delicate hand, she began flipping through it lightly. Seeing that much of the expenditure went toward the food, clothing, and adornments of the concubines, she continued turning the pages without batting an eye. Only after gaining a rough understanding did she return the ledger to the maid beside her, saying calmly, “Put it away. From now on, all expenditures for this courtyard must pass through my hands.”
“Yes. The maid dared not contradict Sang Jiayi’s words in the slightest.
A moment later, another woman entered. Though exquisitely dressed, she still carried a hint of provincialness as she stood before Sang Jiayi. Approaching her, she bowed respectfully, “Miss.”
Sang Jiayi glanced up at her, expressionless. Seeing the woman’s growing unease, she slowly sighed before reaching out to take her hand. Her tone carried an edge that was hard to place—whether it was sarcasm or something else—as she said, “You are now the concubine of Fourth Young Master Ji. Everyone else in this courtyard except you and me has been sent away by the young master. With that settled, what is there left for you to fear? Remember your new status. It is different now.”
“Yes, Miss.” Even after becoming Ji Tao’s concubine, Xiao Jing still maintained an attitude of extreme trepidation, treating Sang Jiayi as her supreme authority. Ever since the young mistress awoke that day, her thoughts had grown increasingly inscrutable. Not only had she immediately decided to marry Ji Tao, but upon arriving here, she had swiftly expelled all of Ji Tao’s former concubines. Crucially, Young Master Ji Si showed no sign of displeasure whatsoever. Xiao Jing knew her young miss seemed somehow different now.
Seeing her still in this state, Sang Jiayi said nothing more, allowing her to stand there serving.
After reviewing the accounts, Sang Jiayi contemplated when to inspect all the servants in the courtyard. Those deemed unnecessary would be dismissed. Though the Ji family was prominent, Ji Tao had always been extravagant with money, leaving little saved. Future social obligations and expenses would surely prove troublesome.
Just as Sang Jiayi pondered the best time to conduct the inventory, the outer curtain was lifted. A man clad in blue hurriedly entered, his steps urgent. Only upon spotting Sang Jiayi seated there did he quicken his pace, rushing forward to embrace her. He planted two affectionate kisses on her cheek, murmuring between them, “My dear, I missed you so much. These past few days following him around have nearly killed me.”
Sang Jiayi patted his hand, speaking gently as if soothing a child. “It’s because your uncle favors you. Why else would he assign you tasks?” What he didn’t know was that after the scholar incident last time, the master’s impression of him had deteriorated significantly. This assignment was only secured through the mistress’s relentless persuasion.
But Ji Tao clearly wasn’t listening. His hands kept wandering over her body, and it looked like they were about to get down to business. “I truly missed you.” He then scooped Sang Jiayi up in his arms amid her protests, and the servants, including Auntie Xiao Jing, followed them out. Feeling the door close behind her, Xiao Jing faintly heard rustling sounds from within. Her expression froze for a moment before she walked away as if nothing had happened.
After their lovemaking, it was several hours before the two reappeared in public.
While applying her makeup, Sang Jiayi pouted like a spoiled child, complaining to Ji Tao that he’d hurt her earlier. Ji Tao, however, couldn’t care less. He even grinned foolishly, gazing at his newly wedded wife. No matter how he looked at her, she seemed utterly pleasing to the eye. He couldn’t fathom how he’d ever fancied those common, vulgar women before. After staring for a moment, he remembered the time and couldn’t help but grumble, “Madam, I only came back to fetch a few things. I’ll have to head back shortly.”
Sang Jiayi turned around, holding the comb she’d used to brush her hair. First, she voiced her displeasure that Ji Tao had been so busy he couldn’t spend time with her. Then she praised him, saying it must be because he was exceptionally capable that the master had entrusted him with this task. Seeing him visibly pleased by her praise, she turned away, promising he would accomplish great things. Only then did she leisurely turn back to gaze at her reflection in the bronze mirror. All traces of her earlier gentle facade vanished as she quietly combed her hair, observing her own undiminished beauty in the mirror.
Then, as if struck by a thought, she picked up the comb and restyled her hair. Selecting a rather ornate gown, she took her newly assigned personal maid and headed toward her eldest aunt’s quarters.
Since everyone here recognized her as the beloved niece of the eldest aunt—now the Fourth Young Madam—she was granted unimpeded passage. Spotting the First Lady seated before an incense burner reading a book, she offered a gentle greeting before taking a seat beside her at the First Lady’s invitation.
The First Lady scrutinized Sang Jiayi’s complexion. Seeing her looking better than expected, she felt reassured, though still a hint of concern lingered as she asked, “Is Ji Tao treating you well?”
Hearing this, Sang Jiayi lowered her head slightly, her voice tinged with bashfulness. “Very well.”
The sharp-eyed Lady Sang glimpsed red marks on her skin through the low neckline. As someone who had been through it, she knew exactly what they signified. This only deepened her relief. She even patted her hand, her voice filled with tenderness. “When you first said you were willing to marry him, I thought you had come to terms with it, but I still couldn’t help but worry. Now, seeing that you two are doing well, I can finally rest easy.”
“Thank you for your concern, Auntie,” Sang Jiayi replied, lifting her head to meet her aunt’s gaze with bright, sincere eyes. But soon, as if remembering something, her expression softened into a perfectly measured look of anticipation. “My husband returned today saying his official duties went well. He hopes to make a good impression before my eldest uncle. I just wonder what my uncle thinks of it.”
The eldest madam observed her niece and sighed inwardly. Indeed, she had grown up—since marrying, her heart was wholly devoted to her husband’s family. Yet she also recalled how they frequently came to visit her, fulfilling their promise. Combined with her niece’s usual attentiveness, she found herself at ease. Thus, when the topic arose, she felt no annoyance. Instead, she looked at her and smiled faintly. “Your fourth brother’s actions haven’t escaped your father’s notice. In due time, I’ll speak with your uncle. I’m confident he’ll provide a satisfactory resolution.”
This assurance clearly delighted Sang Jiayi. Her face lit up with delight as she exclaimed excitedly, “I knew it! Auntie, you’re the one who cares about me most!”
“You clever little thing,” the First Lady teased, gently tapping her head. Yet deep down, she took note of the matter.
On evenings when the First Master worked at home, the First Lady would always bring him nourishing soup. Today, however, she went personally. Upon entering, she found her husband bent over writing, his head never lifting. Only when he sensed someone had entered did he glance up. Recognizing his wife, he smiled and beckoned her closer. Then, with evident delight, he asked, “Madam, what do you think of this painting I’ve done?”
The master held up a painting of pine trees before him, looking thoroughly pleased. The madam clearly did not disappoint him. After viewing it, she praised in an admiring tone, “With just a few strokes, you’ve captured its spirit so vividly. It seems livelier than your previous works. It appears your painting skills have matured considerably lately.”
The master chuckled softly, then set his painting aside. Taking the nourishing soup from his wife’s hands, he sipped it before turning to her with a hint of puzzlement. “Why did you come yourself? Usually the maids bring it over.”
The First Lady smiled gently, radiating the image of a virtuous and gracious wife. She then turned to her husband and said softly, “I was worried that you might overwork yourself handling affairs here and harm your health again. That’s why I came to check on you myself. I didn’t expect you to look so unburdened. It seems I was worrying needlessly.”
Hearing this, he felt as though he were being accused of neglecting his duties. Yet, recalling what he had just been doing, he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt. He touched his nose and changed the subject. “I will take care of myself. But the sky is growing dark, and the roads are slippery at night. Madam, you should return home soon. I’ll handle a few more official matters before retiring myself.”
Hearing this, the First Lady, standing nearby, casually inquired, “In that case, why not find someone to share the burden? I find Fourth Young Master has grown much more diligent lately, even helping with the business quite earnestly. I imagine the incident last time gave him ample time for reflection.”
Unexpectedly, the Old Master snorted coldly through his nose upon hearing this, then replied with utter disdain: “Forget it. I don’t see him as capable of handling major responsibilities. The tasks I’ve given him are simple enough for anyone with basic intelligence. Managing these crucial accounts? He’s not up to it. If it were Ji Ling, I believe he could handle them properly.” With that, he sighed deeply. “If only the Ji family had more heirs, we wouldn’t have reached this point.”
His outright resistance left the First Lady with little to say. After hurriedly exchanging a few more words, she rose and departed.
On her way back, her mind churned over her husband’s words. Had he not met that beauty outside and insisted on marrying her, she would never have ended up like this. Men were all the same, with their harems of wives and concubines. Though she and her husband had shared a deep bond, she never expected lifelong fidelity. What she hadn’t anticipated was that the woman he brought into the household would be a heartless viper. Armed with the dark arts she’d learned elsewhere, she sought to eliminate the First Lady of the Ji household and take her place. Had fate not been kind, she might not have survived to this day.
Such thoughts brought a bitter smile to her lips. Back then, gazing at the child she’d lost and watching her husband relentlessly defend that woman, she’d wished both of them dead. Yet reason had ultimately prevailed, forcing her to remain composed. Later, she’d dealt with that woman herself. As for her husband, she’d refrained from excessive cruelty—after all, she needed him to maintain her current life of luxury and privilege.
The First Lady pondered this, her expression betraying nothing. Recalling Ji Ling, whom her husband had praised as a promising talent, she couldn’t help but snort derisively. If he was truly promising, she would simply destroy him herself.
The Second Lady, upon seeing the First Lady arrive for a visit, immediately lit up with surprise and delight. Normally, the First Lady never deigned to come to her quarters. Even now, since her son had married Sang Jiayi, the First Lady’s visits were infrequent. She seldom deigned to come down to their quarters; more often, they had to go to her residence to pay their respects.
Facing the Second Lady’s enthusiastic welcome, the First Lady maintained a gentle smile. Beneath it, however, lay a faint, unreadable disdain that quickly vanished.
Ushering her into the inner chamber reserved for receiving distinguished guests, the Second Lady beamed with delight. She smiled at her and asked, “How is it that my elder sister-in-law has found time to visit me today?”
The First Lady looked at her but did not rush to respond. Instead, she retrieved an exquisitely crafted box from behind her back and handed it to the Second Lady, who was watching her. With a radiant smile, she gestured for her to open it.
Watching the First Lady’s gesture, the Second Lady hesitated for a moment before opening the box as instructed. Her eyes lit up instantly at the sight of the emerald-green jade lying inside. She recognized it immediately—it was the very piece that Mrs. Wang, the wealthy merchant’s wife, had specially brought to present to the First Lady not long ago. She had coveted it for quite some time back then. She never imagined the First Lady would now give it directly to her.
The Second Lady touched the object gently, then placed it back into the box with great care before handing it to the maid behind her. Once the maid had taken it away to store it properly, the Second Lady turned to the First Lady with a look of puzzlement. “What brings you here today, Sister-in-law?”
The First Lady looked at her and smiled naturally. “I came to discuss something with you, of course. But before we begin, please dismiss the servants here so they won’t interrupt our conversation.”
The Second Lady nodded and casually waved for them to leave.
Once the room was empty save for the two women, the First Lady gently sipped the tea before her. Her gaze fixed on her sister-in-law as she spoke softly, “I wish to help Ji Tao become the head of the Ji household. Yet Master clearly favors Ji Ling more.”
Hearing these words, the Second Lady’s heart skipped a beat. She stared intently at the First Lady, waiting for her to continue.
Seeing that the Second Lady had taken the bait, the First Lady smiled and continued, “I’ve mentioned it to the Master many times before. But whenever I bring up the Fourth Young Master, the Master always compares him to the Third Young Master. I think if the Third Young Master weren’t so outstanding, the Master probably wouldn’t keep dwelling on him.”
Hearing the First Lady’s words, the Second Lady nodded in deep agreement. If it weren’t for that bastard, her son would undoubtedly be the most outstanding young heir in the entire household. But before she could dwell on the thought, the First Lady before her spoke with a hint of seduction: “If Third Young Master were to bear any stain of disgrace, it would surely ruin him completely.”
The First Lady spoke with effortless ease, yet the Second Lady pondered it deeply. If that were truly the case, her son would face no obstacles. Once her son became the master of the Ji household, she could walk with her head held high. The vast glory and wealth of the Ji family, her son’s future prospects, and the fortune she’d embezzled from Ji Ling’s mother over the years—using it always made her heart race with fear. If Ji Ling were gone… She steeled her resolve, knowing exactly what she must do.
She looked at the First Lady before her, still smiling. Even knowing she was being used as a pawn, the First Lady seemed content to walk straight into the trap. So, gazing at her, she solemnly promised, “I will see this through.”
The First Lady smiled faintly, saying nothing more, only instructing her to notify her immediately if assistance was needed.
After the First Lady had departed, the Second Lady sat there, watching the smoke rise slowly from the incense burner, lost in thought about what she must do to eliminate this menace once and for all. Finally, an idea struck her. She summoned the maidservant waiting outside and instructed them, “Keep watch on Third Young Master’s courtyard. Report to me the moment they return.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Receiving the order, the maidservant promptly departed to carry out the command.
Watching the maid’s retreating figure, the Second Lady now picked at the ashes in the incense burner before her, pondering how to proceed without revealing her scheme.
As dinner time approached, the maid sent to gather news hurried back. Rushing to her mistress, she reported breathlessly, “Mistress, the Third Young Master and his wife have returned!”
Hearing this, the Second Lady smiled, then rose to her feet. Turning to the maids following her, she commanded, “Prepare me properly. I must go see how Young Master San and his wife are faring.”
“Yes, Madam,” the maids around her replied in unison.
When the Second Lady appeared in Ji Ling’s courtyard, not only Ji Ling but even Tang Xiaobao found it quite novel. They exchanged a glance, and seeing the calmness on Ji Ling’s face, the earlier fluster vanished.
Ji Ling pondered briefly before waving his hand, signaling his attendant to welcome the Second Lady inside.