Chapter 31: Instigation

Chu Li then asked about other matters concerning the Chu family. When she inquired about the cause of the old matriarch’s death, the two old nannies gave identical answers, claiming the old lady had simply reached a ripe old age and passed away quietly in the night at Huichun Courtyard.

The funeral had only concluded a few days ago. It had been celebrated as a "joyful funeral," a fact known to all the citizens in the city.

Chu Li, of course, did not believe this. If the old matriarch had departed in peace, what were these lingering resentments? Seeing that no further information could be gleaned, Chu Li spoke in a cold, detached tone:

"From now on, carry on as usual. When I have need of you, I will summon you myself."

"Yes, we obey our master's instructions."

Chu Li snapped her fingers, and the two old nannies stood up in unison and walked out of the room. The moment they stepped across the threshold, both women shuddered simultaneously, looking at each other with blank, bewildered expressions.

"That's strange, why did we come out?"

"Forget it. Come, let's go get some sleep. The Madam only told us to keep an eye on her; she didn't say we had to stand guard all night."

Hearing their footsteps fade into the distance, Qiu Yi turned to look at Chu Li.

"Mistress, what happened to them? It’s as if they don't remember what just occurred."

Chu Li explained, "That is the terrifying nature of the Puppet Talisman. When used on the living, they perceive nothing. All memories of being controlled are wiped away. When not under command, they remain themselves, returning to their original lives and work, so others will not grow suspicious."

Of course, if a puppet is given a task that must be carried out continuously—such as monitoring someone for their master—the puppet will obey unconditionally, without even questioning or exploring why they are doing so, as such instructions are implanted directly into their subconscious.

In this way, one can complete a mission stealthily without altering the puppet's behavioral habits, leaving no room for doubt. It is the perfect method for deploying a sleeper agent.

Chu Li had rarely used the Puppet Talisman before, but the Chu family, including these servants, were all rotten to the core; this allowed her to use such methods without any moral qualms.

Admiration brimmed in Qiu Yi’s eyes. "With these two old things acting as our eyes and ears, we are much safer in the Chu family. You truly are capable, Mistress!"

***

Early the next morning, Huichun Courtyard welcomed its first visitor.

Chu Yan’er stood in the courtyard holding a wooden tray, waiting for Chu Li to emerge. Her face was etched with visible impatience. Her mother was truly something—could she not have just sent a servant? She had to make her come in person. If it weren't for the sake of her elder sister, she would never bother to put on a pleasant face for that wretch, Chu Meng.

Chu Yan’er looked down at the precious medicinal herbs on the tray, a surge of bitterness rising in her heart.

Such fine tonics—she hadn't even had the chance to enjoy them, yet her mother was giving them to that wretch to improve her health. In her opinion, they should just marry her off as she was. Who cared if she was a sickly thing or in good health? The Fang family only requested the eldest daughter of the Chu family; they didn't specify that the woman couldn't have a few ailments. Once that wretch was married off, she would be played to death by that sadist Fang Shihua anyway. What did her health matter?

At that moment, Chu Li pushed the door open and stepped out.

She had just woken up, her hair still flowing loose. The thin morning light bathed her delicate frame, lending her an extraordinary beauty that made it impossible to look away.

Chu Yan’er gritted her teeth, feeling a wave of jealousy. How was it possible? How could this wretch be more beautiful than she or her eldest sister?

But had this wretch always been this beautiful? She remembered Chu Meng as always being dirty and unkempt, a person so humble she was like dust beneath their feet—where did this poise come from? Where had she been these past three years? She seemed like a completely different person. Aside from looking a bit frail, in terms of looks and temperament, she completely eclipsed every young lady of noble birth in Rong City.

Chu Li took in the shift in Chu Yan’er’s expression, her gaze falling upon the tray in the girl’s hands.

"Third Sister, why are you still standing? Come, sit."

Chu Li had already seated herself in the courtyard. Qiu Yi had prepared a lavish breakfast for her, but there was no intention of pouring tea for Chu Yan’er.

Feeling stifled, Chu Yan’er sat down reluctantly, slamming the tray onto the stone table with a sour tone.

"Eldest Sister, Mother asked me to bring these herbs to help you recover. However, it seems you’ve lived quite well elsewhere these past three years. You’ve changed so much I almost didn't recognize you."

Chu Li easily caught the jealousy and mockery in her words. Her mind raced as she replied:

"Third Sister didn't know? Wealth nourishes a person. I have indeed lived quite well in the capital these past three years."

"What? You’ve been in the capital for three years?!" Chu Yan’er’s eyes widened in shock.

What kind of place was the capital? It was the seat of the Emperor, the center of power, home to countless princes, nobles, and prestigious families. A lowly woman like Chu Meng—how could she possibly have found a foothold in the capital?

Seeing her reaction, Chu Li knew she had struck a nerve. She added, "Indeed. After I married into the capital, life was very comfortable. The rouge and powder from Luoling Pavilion, the silk dresses from Jinxiu Court—I could hardly use them all."

"What?! You... you’re already married?!"

The bombshell Chu Li dropped utterly detonated Chu Yan’er’s composure. She sprang up from her stool, her ears turning bright red with agitation.

But soon, that shock was replaced by something else. Chu Yan’er couldn't help but probe:

"Your husband... is he the man who came back with you?"

Recalling the tall man she had seen yesterday, a flicker of envy crossed Chu Yan’er’s heart. That man looked extraordinary and handsome, and now that Chu Meng claimed he was a resident of the capital, his living conditions must be quite substantial.

Chu Meng was clearly just a lowly thing; if not for her parents taking her in, she wouldn't have survived until now. Yet, she had turned out to be the one among the Chu daughters who had made the best match.

Chu Yan’er felt terribly bitter, and seeing this, Chu Li couldn't help but sow seeds of discord.

"Third Sister, you’ll be coming of age next year, won't you? Are you betrothed? Do you have someone in your heart? Have you thought about what kind of husband you wish to marry?"

At the mention of something so close to her heart, Chu Yan’er grew shy.

"Me? I’m not betrothed yet. Mother said that until my elder sister is married, I am not allowed to be spoken for."

Chu Yan’er felt a bit depressed. She was only a year younger than her sister, and with her sister still unbetrothed, how long would she have to wait? Her close friends were already being spoken for, and some had even set the dates.

In this era, there was a strict order of precedence for marriage; if the elder sibling was not yet wed, the younger brothers and sisters had to wait. Furthermore, the Chu family was one of the wealthiest in Rong City, and their business was famous throughout the province. The marriages of their children could not be taken lightly or handled carelessly, lest they become a laughingstock.

Seeing that Chu Yan’er harbored resentment toward her mother and sister regarding the matter of marriage, Chu Li smiled inwardly.

"Third Sister, happiness is something you must fight for yourself. There are only so many sons from noble families in Rong City waiting to be wed. By the time your sister picks and chooses and is finally married off, what good candidates will be left for you?"

"Marriage is a once-in-a-lifetime affair. We women should plan for ourselves and not let others delay our future..."