“What is a blind marriage compared to childhood sweethearts?”

Bozhu peeked out and muttered,
“Who on earth keeps writing these mysterious letters with no beginning or end? Miss, didn’t the letter say that if you’re free tomorrow, you should go to the peach grove in the western suburbs for tea? Let’s go early in the morning and search tree by tree—we’ll definitely find this person. Then the truth will come out.”

Ziran shook her head, folded the letter, and slipped it back into the envelope.
“Since the sender didn’t sign their name, it means they don’t want me to dig deeper. Besides, with so many people enjoying spring tea under the peach blossoms, even if we find them—what then?”

Sometimes, not uncovering the mystery is better. These spring notes were open-hearted and interesting. Receiving one from time to time, filled with bright and proper sentiments, caused her no trouble at all.

But now was not the time to dwell on letters—she had an urgent matter and needed to see her mother.

When she entered Sheyuan Garden, her mother, Madam Zhu, was sorting through her old clothes.

Her mother had a beautiful name—Zhu Yizhang—born into a scholarly family. Her maternal grandfather had once served as prime minister for twenty years. In her youth, Madam Zhu had collected many garments, but since she no longer wore them, she took them out to distribute among the concubines and maidservants in the household.

The maids who received the clothes left happily, chatting as they went, praising the fine fabric and planning to bring them home for their sisters-in-law.

Concubine Cui didn’t come in person, sending her attendants instead. Not noticing Ziran nearby, they spoke with faint mockery:

“Madam really has a bodhisattva’s heart—after keeping these clothes for so many years, she suddenly remembers to give them away. The patterns are nice, but I’m afraid they’ve already worn out.”

“Each household already has its share. Perhaps Madam is simply being thrifty, worried the concubines are reluctant to make new clothes.”

Their voices rose and fell in agreement as they left the courtyard.

Bozhu was furious.
“Ungrateful people! Madam gave them clothes, not demanded they wear them. If Concubine Cui is wealthy, she can always pass them on—it still counts as doing good deeds.”

In a large household, tensions between wives and concubines were inevitable. As long as appearances were maintained, things were usually glossed over.

Ziran paid it no mind.
“Even if you hand out elixirs of immortality, someone will complain about the color. Since Mother decided to do this, she must have expected criticism. If she doesn’t care, neither should we.”

Inside, she saw Ye Xiaoniang—her other mother—also present.

Ye Xiaoniang got along well with Madam Zhu and was simple-minded, always speaking of the master of the house with admiration. Even Madam Zhu would sometimes shake her head, wondering how she could remain so infatuated after bearing two children. Perhaps this was her way of surviving in the Tan family—admiring the master, obeying Madam Zhu, and avoiding trouble wherever she went.

Ye Xiaoniang spotted Ziran and eagerly waved her over.
“Fifth Miss, come look at the clothes I received! I remember Madam wearing this once—it looked so dignified, truly befitting the mistress of the house. So, when I heard clothes were being distributed, I hurried over, and sure enough, I got it!”

She held the garment against herself.
“In a couple of days, you sisters will attend the Tan clan banquet. The Crown Prince’s Grand Tutor will be presiding—I’ll wear this then. You know, when I was young, I admired him greatly…”

Her unfiltered chatter made Madam Zhu exclaim,
“The children are here—mind your words!”

Ye Xiaoniang laughed awkwardly.
“I’ll stop, I’ll stop. I’ll go back and have this pressed first.”

After she left, Ziran smiled.
“She really likes that outfit.”

Madam Zhu smiled faintly.
“It’s not that she likes it—she knows how to behave. Give her something else, and she’d say the same.”

Soon, the conversation turned serious.

Madam Zhu asked,
“You now know the whole matter. Tell me—what should we do?”

Ziran thought for a moment.
“Since she deliberately avoids attending the same banquets as us, we never encounter her. In that case, why not bring things into the open? Send a maid—no formal invitation, just a verbal message—to invite her here. Then we can decide what to do.”

Madam Zhu nodded approvingly.
“Good. Tomorrow, since there are no spring banquets in the city, have Old Nurse Gu invite her over.”

Ziran’s curiosity sparked. She secretly planned to hide behind a screen and sneak a look at the girl rumored to resemble her sister.

Madam Zhu laughed and tapped her forehead.
“Go ahead and see. Then you’ll understand how naive you are.”

Later, back in her own courtyard, Ziran went first to see her two cranes—Yunweng and Fangweng.

They were lively and intelligent. Whenever she appeared, they would flap their wings and dance, as though they had missed her dearly.

She smiled, comparing her height to one of them.
“You’re almost as tall as me now.”

Just then, a drawn-out voice sounded behind her:
“What’s the point of raising such creatures? They’re noisy and smell.”

Ziran sighed inwardly—her troublesome “Sister Yan” had arrived.

After some sharp exchanges, Sister Yan made a pointed remark:

“I really admire those who marry only one proper wife. What is a blind marriage compared to childhood sweethearts?”

Ziran and her maids burst into laughter.

Then she replied calmly,
“I agree—one proper wife is enough. No concubines, no secondary women. But… if my brother followed that principle, there would be no place for you. He should have remained faithful to his lawful wife, shouldn’t he?”

Sister Yan froze, humiliated, and quickly made an excuse to leave.

Later, a maid named Su Zhen came with news—her family had arranged a marriage for her as a second wife.

Ziran frowned at the unclear arrangement, but Su Zhen explained that the man had promised to care for her sick brother for life.

With no better options, she accepted.

Kneeling, she said with gratitude:
“Miss, thank you for treating me kindly all these years. People like us always have hardships. Being able to marry into such a household is already a good path. I don’t know what lies ahead, but I’ll face it bravely. If you ever think of me, come visit—that will be enough.”