Chapter 29: The Hypocritical Foster Mother

Not long after Chu Jiaojiao departed, Madam Sun returned, accompanied by two stout, rough-looking matrons.

As soon as they entered the courtyard, Madam Sun seated herself in the pavilion without a second thought, clearly unwilling to step inside the main house. Chu Li, supported by Qiu Yi, walked out and saw Madam Sun beckoning to her.

"Come here, Meng'er. Mother has brought you two nimble-handed servants to wait on you."

As soon as Chu Li entered the pavilion, the two matrons immediately stationed themselves on either side of her, shoving Qiu Yi aside. It was clear that they were not sent to serve, but to watch; Qiu Yi was so furious she stamped her feet.

"How dare you, servants! Who gave you permission to get so close to my mistress?!"

Qiu Yi knew well that Madam Sun had malicious intentions. These two matrons were sturdy and possessed the brutish air of those accustomed to violence, perhaps even harboring a few tricks of the trade. If they were allowed into the residence, there would be no peace.

Madam Sun slammed her hand onto the table, rising abruptly. "Impudent slave! Is it your place to speak here? You two, drag her out and slap her mouth!"

The two matrons reached for Qiu Yi, but Chu Li stepped in front of her. Her pale, thin, and cold face remained impassive as her clear, sharp eyes fixed chillingly on Madam Sun.

Madam Sun felt a shiver run down her spine under that gaze and hurried to explain.

"Meng'er, a disobedient servant deserves to be punished. This maid of yours is lacking in manners and might bring trouble upon you in the future. I am merely helping you discipline her so she becomes a loyal and obedient servant."

As she spoke, she cast a meaningful glance at the two matrons.

"I’d like to see who dares touch my people!" Chu Li pulled Qiu Yi behind her. Qiu Yi’s eyes were slightly red, and she clutched the corner of Chu Li’s garment, glaring at Madam Sun. This vicious woman had bullied her mistress enough; now she was trying to strip away her mistress's only support, leaving her isolated and helpless so she could be completely controlled. The Chu family was truly a wolf's den, a godforsaken place that devoured people without a trace of mercy!

Watching Chu Li, a seed of doubt sprouted once more in Madam Sun’s mind. Could three years really turn a cowardly, stuttering, spineless wretch into someone so sharp-eyed and imposing? Looking at that pretty face, Madam Sun struggled to remember what the old Chu Meng had actually looked like.

The former Chu Meng was always unkempt, her messy hair draped over her face, often obscuring it entirely. Combined with her tendency to keep her head hung low and avoid eye contact, no one in the mansion had ever truly looked at her. Everyone treated her like a dog; no one cared about her appearance.

Now, she had returned, but her temperament had changed completely. The only thing proving her identity was that unremarkable jade pendant. But a pendant is not fused to the blood; it could be stolen. If someone had truly snatched that pendant and was impersonating Chu Meng to return to the Chu family, that would be terrifying. But if that were the case, what could they possibly gain? Chu Meng’s status in the household was lower than a dog's—what benefit was there in pretending to be her?

Madam Sun’s thoughts wandered, but Chu Li had no interest in indulging her.

"Is there anything else, Madam Chu? If not, please leave. I am exhausted. Have my lunch and dinner delivered to my courtyard."

Chu Li issued a dismissal. Madam Sun snapped back to reality, hiding her suspicions, and pulled a long wooden box from her sleeve.

"Meng'er, you don't look well. Your father asked me to bring you some ginseng. Take care of your health these days; I’ll send more supplements tomorrow."

Before Madam Sun left, Chu Li opened the box right in front of her. Inside lay a scrawny, withered piece of ginseng with sparse roots—hardly a quality item. She chuckled and tossed the box toward Madam Sun’s feet.

"The Head of the Chu family is truly generous. With the family's vast wealth, surely you aren't short of money? You bring me these scraps to recover my health?"

"As you can see, Madam Chu, my complexion is indeed poor. Even with powder, one cannot hide this sickly pallor. Anyone who sees me would call it a bad omen. I fear that without a few stalks of old mountain ginseng and lingzhi, I will not recover."

Madam Sun clenched her fists, struggling to suppress the volcano of rage in her chest. She told herself to endure; once these few days passed, this little wretch’s good days would be over.

Watching Madam Sun struggle to suppress her fury, her features twisting slightly, Chu Li was surprised to see her take several deep breaths and manage to force out a smile. She bent down and shoved the wooden box, along with the withered ginseng, back into her sleeve.

"Perhaps the warehouse staff grabbed the wrong one. I shall go and get you a larger one."

Madam Sun left in a hurry, biting her lip; if she hadn't left, she might have exploded in a fit of rage. The two matrons remained in Huichun Courtyard, which brought some small comfort to Madam Sun, who let out a sinister laugh once she was clear of the grounds. *You little slut, once everything is settled, you will pay!*

Before long, Madam Sun sent over a centennial ginseng, clearly spending a significant sum. Chu Li accepted it all; these things were far from enough to compensate for the harm they had inflicted upon Chu Meng. She would soon make the Chu family understand that while people act, the heavens watch—retribution would come.

Lunch arrived an hour later. Worried that the Chu family might try to poison her, Qiu Yi offered to taste the food first.

Chu Li stopped her and looked at the two matrons. "You two, taste the food for me."

The pair exchanged a glance and tasted several dishes without the slightest hint of fear. Chu Li understood immediately and began to eat. Madam Sun managed the household’s affairs, so the meals were undoubtedly under her control. Since these two old hags dared to taste the food without batting an eye, it meant they were certain no one in the household would tamper with Chu Li's meals.

It seemed the Chu family was quite satisfied and welcoming of her return. As long as the current Chu Li remained useful, the Chu family would not dare touch her. This only piqued her curiosity further: what kind of trap had the Chu family laid?

Although she could discern clues from Chu Jiaojiao’s features, this was a matter concerning herself, and even a forced divination might not yield results. To know the true situation, she would have to find another way.

After dinner, Chu Li returned to the main house with Qiu Yi. The two matrons followed, and as Qiu Yi prepared to block them, Chu Li’s expression shifted, and she curled her lips.

"Qiu Yi, let them in. Huichun Courtyard only has a charcoal stove in the main room. They are elderly, after all; let’s not let them freeze."

Qiu Yi was incredulous. "Mistress, they..."

"Qiu Yi, be obedient."

Since her mistress had spoken, Qiu Yi reluctantly stepped aside.

"Mistress, you are just too kind," Qiu Yi muttered, feeling the injustice. These two servants were clearly Madam Sun’s loyal dogs; they remained unmoved by her mistress's kindness and didn't even show a hint of gratitude.

Chu Li smiled faintly. Was she kind? Qiu Yi was simple-minded and did not understand her intentions. Some things were simply easier to manage behind closed doors.