Empress’ Game: Make-up Master Chapter 25

When Jiang Qingxue came out of Qunxing Pavilion, her heart felt as heavy as though a stone were pressing on it. She pondered the matter all the way. She had thought that after Yin Qiuming died, she could put those disgusting matters behind her, yet Wu Sheyue had miraculously recovered. Could the heavens truly be protecting Wu Sheyue, refusing to let me live in peace?

After thinking for a while, Jiang Qingxue turned and went straight to Wu Liuyun’s courtyard. As soon as she entered and saw Yingtao, she asked, “Is the eldest miss in her room?”

Yingtao hurriedly saluted. “Replying to Madam, Eldest Miss went to visit Matron Jin.”

Jiang Qingxue paused. “What happened to Matron Jin?”

“This servant heard that Matron Jin was frightened by Third Miss and the Eighth Prince at the gate. She also strained her back and had to be carried back. Eldest Miss was worried about Nanny and said she would go take a look.”

Jiang Qingxue grew even more suspicious. This Wu Sheyue is quite capable, is she not? She knows exactly what sort of temper Matron Jin has. How could Matron Jin be frightened by her? She could not help thinking of how Jinghua had been forced to eat flies. Although the Old Madam had become angry and stopped asking, Jiang Qingxue refused to believe Wu Jinghua would simply stand there like an idiot and let someone stuff flies into her mouth.

No. This is Yin Qiuming’s daughter. If I do not test her properly, I will not be able to sit still.

“Let Matron Jin rest for two days. Go to the steward and tell him to bring a human broker over immediately.”

“Yes.” Yingtao answered and turned to leave.

“Wait.”

“Madam?”

Jiang Qingxue frowned. “When you return, go call Physician Zhang over as well.”

—

Meanwhile, Wu Sheyue and Ning’er returned to the west courtyard. From a distance, they could see a small pile of dirty paper money and white funeral cloth stacked outside their own courtyard gate. It had probably been blown out by the wind and then swept back because people thought it unlucky.

Ning’er sighed. “Concubine Yin’s mourning hall will not last seven days after all.” She bent sadly to gather the paper money, then pushed open the courtyard gate with one hand.

Ning’er’s many years of affection for Yin Qiuming were far more genuine than Wu Sheyue’s. Wu Sheyue could not help comforting her. “Once someone has gone, these rituals do not really do anything. If they remove it, then let them. We cannot clash with them head-on right now.”

Ning’er sighed. “Miss, this servant understands…”

Wu Sheyue and Ning’er entered the mourning hall again. Everything was still as it had been when they left that morning. The candles in the hall had already gone out, and no one had replaced them. Wu Sheyue could be certain that Yin Qiuming had possessed, at the very least, an extraordinary skill in disguise. How had a woman like that ended so miserably?

Thinking of this, Wu Sheyue suddenly felt that Yin Qiuming had likely hidden other good things. Disguise and special-effects makeup had areas in common. Whether materials or tools, they were consumables, and there could not have been only a few left behind. And just now the Old Madam had said the courtyard would be repaired. When there were many hands moving around, who knew what good things might be dug out?

Wu Sheyue abruptly said, “Ning’er. Let’s tidy up the courtyard. Mother should still have some belongings. If the Old Madam sends people to repair the place, we cannot let them damage Mother’s things.”

“That’s right…” Ning’er suddenly understood after Wu Sheyue’s reminder. “Then Miss, please sit inside for a while. I can do it myself. You have been busy all day and must be tired.”

“Who hasn’t been busy all day? Two people will be faster. Do we have buckets, rags, brooms, mops? Let’s both get to work.”

Clearly, having such a mistress made Ning’er feel that better days had arrived. She nodded again and again. “Yes. This servant will go get them now.”

Before, Ning’er had been the only one working. On top of that, she had to watch over the foolish Wu Sheyue, and the supplies issued to them had been sparse. Inevitably, the small courtyard had accumulated dust inside and out. Now that Wu Sheyue could help her work, things were much better.

As Ning’er wiped the doors and windows, she watched Wu Sheyue bustling with energy and could not help saying, “Miss, you have been working for almost an hour. Please rest. This servant can do the rest.”

“No need.” Wu Sheyue waved without looking back. I refuse to believe there is nothing else hidden.

Ning’er’s eyes reddened slightly. My Third Miss has not only recovered from her illness and become beautiful, but the Old Madam and the mistress of the household are now paying attention to our branch. Third Miss will no longer suffer in the future. More importantly, ever since Third Miss awakened, she has protected Ning’er like this. My luck has truly turned.

Wu Sheyue tossed aside the rag and raised a broom to sweep down spiderwebs from the beams. As the broom brushed across one spot, it struck something. A corner of a blue-gray bundle was exposed. Wu Sheyue’s eyes lit up. Sure enough, Yin Qiuming is truly ‘wealthy.’

Before Wu Sheyue could do anything else, a heavy knock sounded outside. Ning’er, who was wiping a window frame, stuck her head out and immediately cried softly, “Miss! The First Madam is here!”

Wu Sheyue used the broom to push the cloth bundle back onto the beam, threw the broom aside, and went out with Ning’er to receive her.

Jiang Qingxue was all smiles, warm as a spring breeze. Behind her were a close maid and a house physician.

“Mother.” Wu Sheyue saluted properly. She was quite good at learning and using things on the spot.

“Yue’er.” Jiang Qingxue smiled and pulled Wu Sheyue up. “I truly did not expect it. Now that you have recovered, you have become so clear-headed and intelligent. Etiquette, bearing, speech—you suddenly seem to understand all of it.”

Wu Sheyue smiled sweetly. Heh. So you’re suspicious of me?

(To be continued)