Reborn: The First Rank "Madam"

C163 – Self-righteousness and Boldness

Upon returning to the manor, Zuo Shaoqing immediately spotted a young man dressed as an attendant waiting in the lobby. Upon seeing Lu Zheng, the young man promptly bowed and addressed him, “Master Lu, the Emperor requests your presence at the palace.”

Lu Zheng wasn’t in the habit of attending court promptly, and especially on his wedding day, he had no intention of going to the palace voluntarily.

Aware that Zhan Yuanfeng likely had important matters to discuss, Lu Zheng asked him to wait momentarily while he went to his room to change his attire.

Zuo Shaoqing accompanied him to the room and selected a dark purple suit for Lu Zheng, akin in style to his usual attire but more comfortable and less formal.

Though Zuo Shaoqing had assisted Lu Zheng in changing clothes before, this time his emotions were different. He could now empathize with why some wives might be uncomfortable with a servant attending to their husband so intimately.

Lu Zheng spent twice as long as usual organizing his attire, sighing as he did so, “You’re still not back to serve others at home.”

Zuo Shaoqing embraced Lu Zheng from behind, teasing, “Only you, Master Lu, get the privilege of being personally attended by this top scorer. Count yourself lucky.” He chuckled, then pulled Lu Zheng’s hand towards him, leaned in, and kissed Lu Zheng passionately, indulging in their intimacy.

Zuo Shaoqing’s breath caught as he wiped away the remnants of their kiss, feeling uneasy. “If you stay here instead of going to the palace immediately, the Emperor might take it as an affront, especially considering your recent appointment as the top scholar.”

“Such precious words, how could they alter reality?” Lu Zheng reluctantly released Zuo Shaoqing. Since the incident on their wedding night, he had feared Zuo Shaoqing might recoil from intimacy. But now, a tender kiss reignited his desire.

Sensing the desire in Lu Zheng’s gaze, Zuo Shaoqing pushed him away hastily. “You must leave quickly; the attendant is still waiting outside. Lingering here after changing clothes might raise suspicion.”

After Lu Zheng departed, Zuo Shaoqing sat at the old mistress’ table for a while. Following lunch, he gathered all the servants of Lu Li Garden.

Reflecting on his time in the estate, Zuo Shaoqing felt a sense of elation being appointed as a servant to his beloved. It was a novel experience for him.

Zuo Shaoqing understood that Lu Zheng had never previously employed a young maid. The estate only had a few manual workers like attendants and guards.

However, with Lu Zheng’s marriage, the dynamics of the estate were changing. The madame had selected a variety of servants to join them, comprising men and women of various ages.

The eldest among them tended to the yard’s flora and fauna, while the youngest was assigned to assist him with bookkeeping duties.

Evidently, in Madame’s perspective, a servant like Luo Xiaoliu wasn’t deemed suitable for the position of a bookkeeper.

Zuo Shaoqing surveyed the twenty or so servants gathered in the courtyard. Among them, the most conspicuous were the four maids standing in the forefront. They were all youthful and attractive, with one among them being familiar to him.

Advancing forward, Zuo Shaoqing playfully lifted the chin of one of the maids and inquired with an arched brow, “What’s your name?”

“I am Servant Hongyuan.” The maid naturally lifted her head and responded in a neither submissive nor arrogant manner. She even gave a wink to Zuo Shaoqing as she spoke.

“Your name is pleasant enough, but…” Didn’t I explicitly mention I didn’t wish to see you again? At this moment, the maid standing before Zuo Shaoqing was the same individual who had tested him upon his initial arrival at the Wu Steel Manor.

Hongyuan’s lips curved into a sincere smile as she spoke, “Please pardon me, Third Master. I was compelled to act as such. Your benevolence is evident, so let us not dwell on it.”

Though Zuo Shaoqing held no interest in her, he found himself momentarily captivated by her smile. He pondered, “Given that Madame arranged such an attractive maid for him, isn’t she concerned about Master Lu’s potential jealousy?”

Was this an act of trust or a continued test?

In other households, this scenario might resemble a mother-in-law subjecting her daughter-in-law to challenges. However, their household differed from the norm; it was apparent that Master Lu held no fondness for women, rendering the maids’ allure futile.

Yet, he wouldn’t underestimate these maids. Judging from Hongyuan’s prior display, he speculated that they all possessed martial prowess and likely were skilled practitioners.

“That’s enough, I am not a petty individual. Past grievances are now water under the bridge, but…” “Since you have entered this compound, you must adhere to my directives.”

Hongyuan was elated. “Absolutely.”

Zuo Shaoqing rolled his eyes, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips, “Then henceforth, the care of the courtyard’s lavatory shall fall upon you. I trust Miss Iris will manage it impeccably!”

A twitch flickered at the corner of Hongyuan’s mouth. Her smile froze momentarily as she plaintively addressed, “Master San…”

Unfortunately, Zuo Shaoqing was not one to be swayed by women’s concerns. “It’s settled then!” With that, he settled into a chair, whistling, preparing to deliver a lecture.

“Considering everyone’s selection by this elder, there must be something remarkable about it.”

Suddenly called forth, Luo Xiaoliu eagerly rose, anticipating a promotion. “Grandpa…” Could it be that he was about to be elevated to an official position? Luo Xiaoliu was thrilled.

Zuo Shaoqing shot him a stern look, signaling for him to maintain decorum and focus. Was there truly cause for such jubilation over a minor matter?

“Any objections?” Zuo Shaoqing asked rhetorically.

As they exchanged glances, all eyes turned to Luo Xiaoliu simultaneously. Frankly, no one wished to acknowledge the sudden ascendancy of an outsider to a leadership role, but they understood that Luo Xiaoliu was the only one trusted by San Ye. Given his close relationship with San Ye, it was natural for him to be highly regarded.

“None dare!” The group replied unanimously, without a hint of insincerity.

Despite being responsible for only a small courtyard, a far cry from his aspirations as a steward, he still oversaw twenty or so individuals. The mere thought of this made him feel empowered.

He began plotting how to manage his subordinates, contemplating strategies to assert his authority as a butler so they would comply obediently.

Unfortunately, reality didn’t align with his hopes. Upon commencing his duties, he found the courtyard’s operations were already efficient, leaving him no room for intervention. Furthermore, his subordinates were earnest and diligent in their tasks.

He was merely a competent butler, utterly ineffectual.

Naturally, this realization came later. Currently, Luo Xiaoliu was elated, eyeing the four maids with fervent desire. He pondered whether, with his newfound status, he could marry someone like them.

Having reached the age for marriage and previously disinterested while in the Zuo Family, he now found any of them appealing. Securing a spouse shouldn’t be difficult, right?

Lost in his reverie as he ogled the maids, he suddenly felt a chill down his spine. Despite the warm May weather, the breeze he felt seemed unusually cold.

Yinyi, concealed in the shadows, regarded Luo Xiaoliu’s lecherous and foolish behavior with disdain. Perhaps it was time to settle the debt owed by Luo Xiaoliu.

Unaware of the impending calamity, Luo Xiaoliu took out a piece of paper to record everyone’s tasks. He was grateful for the literacy skills imparted by Zuo Shaoqing over the years; without them, an illiterate butler would surely struggle.

Upon recognizing the servant in the yard, Zuo Shaoqing assumed the role of a shopkeeper and retired to the study to indulge in some reading. After penning down a couple of pages, just as he was about to doze off, he received a report from the gatekeeper: visitors from the Zuo’s Mansion had arrived.

Feeling suspicious, considering he had recently returned from the Zuo Family, he pondered why someone would come calling so soon. However, after hearing the gatekeeper’s account, he discerned that it was Zuo Second Master.

“Second Uncle, what brings you here today?” Zuo Shaoqing entered the foyer and greeted Zuo Yunyang with a warm smile.

Their relationship could be characterized as steadily improving. To an outsider, they might appear as father and son.

Zuo Yunyang maintained a genial smile, “Shao Qing, you seem to be doing well. Life treating you kindly, I suppose.”

Zuo Shaoqing returned the smile but remained silent. It was only upon comparison did he realize that although he couldn’t have everything his way, his current life was infinitely better than residing in the Zuo’s Mansion.

“Surely, Second Uncle didn’t come just to check up on me, did you?”

“Of course, I came to see you. I also have a favor to ask.” Zuo Yunyang admitted somewhat sheepishly.

Zuo Shaoqing wasn’t bothered by this. Zuo Yunyang had been instrumental in his marital affairs, so repaying the debt of gratitude was only natural.

“Just tell me, if there’s anything I can do to help, I won’t hesitate.”

With this assurance, Zuo Yunyang’s concerns eased slightly. “Here’s the thing: you know I’ve been trying to foster good relations with the Qu Family. With the Imperial examinations concluded, I worry they may not approve of my daughter marrying into a merchant family.”

Zuo Shaoqing only recalled this matter upon being reminded, but he couldn’t see how he could be of assistance. “So, what would you like me to do, Second Uncle?”

Zuo Yunyang scratched his nose, smiling awkwardly. “Well, I’d like you to act as a matchmaker and help me find an official match for Shao Qing.”

Zuo Shaoqing inwardly agreed; that seemed to be the situation. Otherwise, given Qu Changqing’s status, the Qu Family might not even consider his uncle’s family worthy of alliance.

But… he sighed and expressed, “Second Uncle may not be aware, but the Qu Family upholds high moral standards. If they were to discover that I’m already married, they might not view the Zuo Family favorably.”

If one were a member of the Beautiful Book Sect, they typically disapproved of such arranged marriages. Even if compelled by an imperial decree, they would not easily consent.

Not only him, but if Zuo Shuhui were to be wedded as a concubine, it would also impact the reputation of unmarried ladies from the Zuo Family.

Zuo Yunyang sighed, “If the Qu Family lacked foresight, my Second Uncle wouldn’t have to resort to coercion.”

Zuo Shaoqing’s perception of Zuo Shaoqing differed from his expectations. Qu Changqing was a friend he valued. If their families were to unite through marriage, it would strengthen his bond with Qu Changqing, which could benefit his future career.

After some contemplation, he tapped the table and rose, saying, “Second Uncle, come with me to consult the madame. I’m unfamiliar with the ladies. It’s best to seek the madame’s advice regarding the matchmaker.”

Zuo Yunyang nervously rubbed his hands together. He hadn’t imagined that, as a merchant’s son, he would have to plead with the madame.

Leading his entourage to the Warm Fragrance Pavilion, Zuo Shaoqing approached the old lady and recounted their situation, beseeching her, “Madame, with your wide network and wisdom, could you provide some guidance?”

Despite being an elderly woman, the madame still enjoyed playing matchmaker. Regrettably, she never had the opportunity to choose a wife for her son, so she placed great importance on the matter. “Which family does the Qu Family belong to? I’m unfamiliar with them. Perhaps I could suggest a more suitable match for you all.”

Zuo Shaoqing and his nephew broke out in a cold sweat, fearing they wouldn’t meet the standards of the Qu Family, but they didn’t anticipate the madame’s reservations about the Qu Family’s status.

Concerned that the madame might misinterpret their intentions, Zuo Shaoqing extolled Qu Changqing’s virtues, “Madame, you may not know, but Brother Qu is honest, easygoing, well-mannered, and learned. Most importantly, he maintains a spotless reputation.”

“Are you certain he’s as remarkable as you claim?” The madame eyed Zuo Shaoqing with suspicion and concern.

Zuo Shaoqing was taken aback, wondering, “Why did I praise him so highly, causing the madame to worry?”

Clearing her throat, the madame realized she was being overly cautious. That Qu fellow couldn’t possibly surpass her son. Zuo Shaoqing clearly didn’t favor him.

Adopting a solemn tone, she began to counsel Zuo Shaoqing, “Based on your description, I can infer the nature of your family. It’s not affluent or lucrative, but it carries a good reputation.”

“Firstly, you must make it clear that marrying into the Zuo Family means being indirectly connected to Duke Zhen and that your blood-related Second Master isn’t an ordinary merchant. If they hesitate, you can subtly suggest that the Qu Family is ambitious, seeking to elevate their status upon seeing your son’s success.”

Zuo Shaoqing and his nephew were astounded by the madame’s insight and righteousness.