Being a second wife is difficult

The news that Jiang Wan had just finalized her travel plans spread faster than she had expected.

The staff of the Lantern Festival had a general idea of ​​the arrangements in previous years, so this time the old lady entrusted the list to Jiang Wan. The news spread throughout the mansion in less than half an hour.

Fang's family arrived the fastest.

The maid who came was a new maidservant of Madam Fang. Jiang Wan remembered that her name was Cuiping, she was fourteen or fifteen years old, spoke fluently, and was also clever.

She entered the main courtyard and gave a smiling bow before speaking: "Greetings, Madam. I've come on behalf of you to ask if it would be convenient for one more maid to accompany you during the Lantern Festival? We're worried that if we didn't register beforehand, it might cause some scheduling conflicts."

Jiang Wan didn't answer immediately, but just glanced at her, understanding that Fang Shi was less concerned about having an extra maid and more interested in using this matter to gauge how much she had relaxed the rules for selecting the list.

Jiang Wan held her teacup and thought for a moment, but didn't give a definite answer. She only replied, "The personnel arrangements have been finalized. There are four cars, and maybe one more can fit. Go back and ask your mistress which maid wants to come along, and then report back."

Cuiping quickly curtsied and said, "Don't worry, Madam. She's just an ordinary maidservant by your side. There's no need to arrange a special seat. She just needs to be able to go with the carriage."

Jiang Wan thought for a moment and said, "The carriage for the maids is probably full. There might be room for one more person to squeeze into the back of the luggage cart. If you really need it, let the maid go with the luggage cart."

"It's just that the luggage cart is full of things, and the journey is bumpy, so the maid needs to sit still."

"Thank you for your understanding, Madam. I thank you on behalf of the maid. It's fine as long as she can go with the luggage cart. She won't mind the bumps; she'll take care of herself." Cuiping said, thanking her several more times before bowing and leaving.

Qinghe remarked with a sigh, "The Second Madam is indeed thoughtful; she even asked in advance if we could bring an extra maid."

Jiang Wan didn't respond to that question, but simply said, "She has her reasons for wanting to bring more people. It's not a big deal; we can just squeeze them into the back of the luggage cart."

She picked up her teacup, took a sip, and then said nothing more. Qinghe could tell that she didn't want to talk about it anymore, so she didn't press the matter further, tidied up the tea set, and retreated to the outer room.

In the afternoon, Aunt Zhou arrived.

She entered carrying a small cloth bag. Seeing Jiang Wan sitting by the window, engrossed in something, she stopped at the door and softly called out, "Madam?"

Seeing Jiang Wan raise her head, she smiled and walked in, bowing slightly.

"Is Madam busy? I hope I haven't disturbed you?"

Jiang Wan put down what she was holding and let her sit down: "Of course not, is there something you need, Aunt Zhou?"

Aunt Zhou sat down on the embroidered stool, placed the cloth bag on the table, and opened it.

Inside were two small sachets sewn from cotton cloth, with fine and even stitches. They contained mugwort and mint, and had a slightly bitter, cool smell.

She handed the sachet to Jiang Wan: "I was thinking that Hui-ge'er used to get carsick, so every year when we went to Ganen Temple, I would prepare a few sachets for him and put them in the car."

"I made a few extra this year, and I also brought two for my wife. If she feels bored while traveling, it's good for her to keep them with her."

Jiang Wan took it and smelled it. The bitterness of the mugwort mixed with the coolness of the mint was indeed refreshing.

She placed the two sachets on the table, not in a hurry to put them away: "Aunt Zhou, you've put a lot of thought into this. These sachets are so well made. Is the mugwort inside this year's new mugwort?"

Aunt Zhou smiled and said, "Madam has a good eye. These were freshly harvested last month and dried before being put in the container. The mint was also grown in our own yard. It's nothing valuable, just a bit of work."

After she finished speaking, it was as if she had opened a floodgate: "In previous years, when we went to Ganen Temple, we would worship Buddha in the morning and the children would play in the fields in the afternoon. This is the first time Madam has experienced this, so I thought I would tell you in advance to avoid being caught off guard."

She paused, then lowered her voice: "In previous years, in addition to the maids, servants, and old women, each family would also send a young elder to accompany them when they went to pick autumn leaves, so that the children wouldn't get too carried away and become uncontrollable."

"I think the old lady will probably let you go with her this year."

After listening to her, Jiang Wan nodded, her tone filled with gratitude: "I haven't been in the manor for long, and I am much more familiar with the rules and customs of the temple than I am with you, Aunt. If there is anything I don't understand in the future, I will have to ask you for some pointers."

Upon hearing this, Aunt Zhou quickly waved her hand and said, "Madam, you flatter me. I am not worthy of the title 'advice.' I am merely sharing what I know with you. It is my honor that you are willing to listen."

She paused again, as if considering how to begin, her voice even softer than before: "As you know, Madam, Hui-ge'er is a mischievous and daring child. He can run two miles away without anyone watching him, and I'm always afraid he'll fall or get hurt... Could you please ask Madam to take me with you this time?"

She laughed after saying that, as if she realized that what she said was a bit inappropriate, but since she had already said it, she didn't intend to take it back.

Jiang Wan looked at her and already understood seven or eight parts of the situation.

Today, Aunt Zhou was again sending sachets, reminiscing about old customs, and chatting about past years. After going through all this trouble, she just wanted to go along so she could keep an eye on Hui-ge'er.

Seeing the mother's complicated and nuanced thoughts, she felt a pang of sadness.

But since she has already spoken and laid the groundwork for this, there is no reason for me not to respond.

Jiang Wan replied in a gentle tone, "Auntie is right. How could a mother not worry? The carriage is spacious. The list already included Auntie, so there's no need to worry. Just pack your things."

Aunt Zhou visibly breathed a sigh of relief, stood up, and curtsied, saying, "Thank you, Madam."

As soon as she finished speaking, footsteps came from outside. Aunt Liu stood at the door without coming in. Hearing people laughing and talking inside, she hesitated for a moment before peeking in.

Seeing Aunt Zhou sitting inside, she stepped over the threshold, first bowing to Jiang Wan, then nodding to Aunt Zhou: "Sister is here too."

Aunt Zhou greeted her warmly, "Sister Liu, you're here? Come in and talk to me. What are you doing standing at the door?"

Aunt Liu then walked over and sat down on another embroidered stool. Her complexion was worse than usual today, with a faint dark circle under her eyes. She was clutching a handkerchief in her hand, and her voice was nasal. She would occasionally cover her mouth and cough once or twice. Her voice was not loud, but you could hear that there was phlegm in her throat.

Jiang Wan glanced at her: "Is Aunt Liu feeling unwell?"

Aunt Liu shook her head, then nodded, as if she wasn't quite sure how to say it: "Madam, I came to say... I'm afraid I won't be able to go to Gan'en Temple this year."

Jiang Wan asked, "What's wrong?"

Aunt Liu coughed again: "The weather has been fluctuating between hot and cold these past few days, and I've caught a chill. My throat was tight when I woke up this morning, and it got worse in the afternoon."

"Although it's not serious, I'm afraid that if I go to the temple, I might pass on my illness to others. When we worship Buddha, everyone sits in the same room. If the illness passes on to the old lady or the ladies, I can't bear the consequences."

Aunt Zhou, who was listening nearby, said with a hint of concern and regret, "You too, you're always fine at this time of year, why did it have to happen this year? This is the first time Shan'er has ever been here."

Aunt Liu gave a wry smile: "It's all because of the bad habits I developed from practicing dance. I'm prone to catching a cold when the seasons change. I was lucky in previous years that I didn't catch it."

As Aunt Liu spoke, her voice lowered slightly: "Shan'er is still young, and this is the first time she has gone out to such a far place this year. I am really worried about her."

Jiang Wan knew she was telling the truth. Shan'er was five years old this year. In previous years, she hadn't been taken to Ganen Temple because she was too young. This year was the first time she had gone to such a far place, so it was natural for a mother to be worried.

She thought for a moment and suggested, "How about Shan-jie doesn't go this time and stays at the manor to keep you company?"

Upon hearing this, Aunt Liu quickly waved her hand, "No, no, no, let her go. Wan'er talks about how fun Ganen Temple is every day, and I can tell she's been looking forward to it for a long time."

"My illness is nothing serious. I'll be fine after resting at home for a few days. I'm just... worried about you. I was just saying it."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wan replied, "It's natural to be worried. After all, Shan'er is still young. I have a maid named Xiaoman by my side who is very steady. I will have Xiaoman take care of her personally, and the wet nurse will also come along."

"Aunt Zhou and I will keep a close eye on her, and with Wan-jie and the others taking care of her, nothing bad should happen."

Aunt Liu nodded after hearing this, but the expression on her face still remained serious.

Upon seeing this, Jiang Wan added, "Just focus on getting better and don't think too much. When you return from the temple, I'll have someone invite a doctor to come to your residence for a thorough examination. If necessary, I'll prescribe medicine and make sure you recover."

Aunt Liu was slightly taken aback, then her eyes reddened, and she bowed her head and replied, "Thank you for your trouble, Madam. I will remember it."

Aunt Zhou reached out and patted the back of her hand: "Just focus on getting better. We'll take care of Shan'er; she won't be mistreated. If you're really worried, have someone bring you a message every morning and evening."

Aunt Liu then smiled, as if she had been relieved of some of her worries.

Seeing that it was getting late, she stood up to leave, but Jiang Wan suddenly spoke up: "Aunt Liu, the carriage arrangements are more generous this year. If you feel better on that day, you can also go with the carriage."

Aunt Liu paused, glanced back at Jiang Wan, and finally shook her head: "Thank you for your kindness, Madam, but I will not go. I don't know when my illness will get better, and going there would only cause trouble for everyone."

After she left, Aunt Zhou also got up to say goodbye.

Jiang Wan sat at the table for a while. Qing He came in to clear the teacups and casually said, "Madam, I heard that Aunt Liu's illness is most likely to occur in this season. It's hot in the morning and cool at night, and the alternation of hot and cold makes it easy to cough."

"This disease is neither too serious nor too mild, but it takes about half a month to fully recover, otherwise you'll cough from time to time."

After tidying up the teacups, Qinghe seemed to remember something and mentioned, "As for Concubine Zhao..."

Jiang Wan looked up: "What happened to Zhao Tongfang?"

Jiang Wan's heart stirred upon hearing this.

Zhao Tongfang was always quiet and well-behaved in the mansion, never saying a word or arguing. Since she was in charge of deciding who would go on this trip, bringing Zhao Tongfang along wouldn't be a problem. So, Qiutang went to Zhao Tongfang's room.

Qiu Tang returned shortly after leaving and stood at the door to report: "Madam, when I went there, Concubine Zhao was doing needlework in the room. She told me that Madam asked her to go to Ganen Temple this year. She was stunned for a while before she spoke."

"She asked, 'Did Madam really say I should go?' I replied, 'Madam said it herself.' She didn't ask anything else, but she seemed very excited and said that it was getting late and she would personally go to Madam's courtyard tomorrow to thank her."

The next morning, Zhao Tongfang indeed came to the main courtyard. Upon seeing Jiang Wan, she bowed respectfully and said, "Madam, I have come to thank you."

Jiang Wan told her to get up: "It's a small matter, nothing to worry about."

Zhao Tongfang stood up and replied, "I know, I will remember this kindness."

She didn't linger; she finished her greetings and left.

Jiang Wan watched her walk away, recalling Qing He's words from yesterday: "No matter what happens in the manor, she doesn't seem to remember anything."

She is indeed a person with a very low profile, but precisely because of this, favors done to her are more effective.

Not long after Zhao Tongfang left, a series of hurried footsteps came from the courtyard gate. Before Jiang Wan could even look up, she heard Lu Wan's voice coming from under the eaves: "Mother, Mother!"

She was panting heavily as she ran, tripped on the threshold and almost fell, only managing to steady herself by holding onto the door frame. Her face was flushed from running, and she didn't even bother to pick up the cat hairpin that had fallen behind her ear.

"Mother!" she gasped for breath. "I heard we're going to the Gratitude Temple this year! Is it true?"

Jiang Wan beckoned her over and poured her a cup of warm tea: "Drink some water first, catch your breath before you speak."

Lu Wan took the cup and gulped down two mouthfuls, then asked anxiously, "Can I go? Can I go? Grandma said I can go this year too?"

Jiang Wan said with a hint of joking, "You can go. Grandma personally told you to go, but with your personality, you'll probably go crazy over there, won't you?"

Lu Wan grinned, spun around in place, then ran outside. After a couple of steps, she turned back, leaned on the edge of the table, and rested her chin on her hand: "Mother, let me tell you, last year when we were picking sweet potatoes, I picked eleven! Brother Hui only picked seven!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than Lu Zhao's voice came from the doorway: "You dug up all the seed potatoes that the farmers had deliberately left, and they were too embarrassed to say anything to you."

Lu Wan turned around and glared at him: "How did you know those were seed potatoes! What if they were meant for me to pick?"

Lu Zhao walked in, followed by Lu Hui.

Today, Lu Zhao wore a bamboo-green robe and was a bit taller than during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Standing there, he appeared quieter than other children his age.

He didn't respond to Lu Wan's words, but the corners of his mouth curved slightly.

Lu Hui followed behind Lu Zhao. Seeing that everyone in the room was looking at him, he scratched his head and said, "I will definitely pick a few more this year, not fewer than Wan Jie'er."

Lu Wan snorted: "You said the same thing last year, but you still got less than me."

Lu Hui was speechless, his ears turning slightly red. Lu Zhao spoke up from the side, "Alright, that's enough. Didn't you notice that Hui-ge was going easy on you last year?"

Lu Wan was taken aback for a moment, then turned to look at Lu Hui: "You're going easy on me?"

Lu Hui looked down, glancing left and right, but refusing to look at Lu Wan.

Lu Wan pretended to raise her hand to hit him, but Lu Hui shrank his neck, laughed, and dodged to the side. The two were about to start a fight.

Jiang Wan spoke up at the right moment, her tone calm but with a hint of seriousness: "If you're playing, don't fight too much on the ground. Even though the things in the field are all spoiled now, people still have to plant them later, so don't cause them any trouble."

The children all nodded and replied, "We understand!"

Lu Wan then turned to Lu Hui, "Then you don't have to go easy on me this year. Let's see who picks up more."

Lu Hui raised his head: "Let's compete then."

Lu Zhao stood to the side, not participating in their competition, but he didn't leave either.

He watched as Lu Wan and Lu Hui argued back and forth about who had picked up more, a slight smile playing on his lips, and then he said, "I'll keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn't ruin the land."

Lu Wan turned around and glared at him: "Who are you looking at!"

Lu Zhao didn't reply, turned and walked out. Lu Wan took a couple of steps after her, then turned back, leaned against the doorframe and said, "Mother, I'm going back to pack my things!"

She finished speaking and ran out, her braid swinging behind her. Lu Hui smiled at Jiang Wan and then ran after her.