Chapter 160: In the Darkness
Cui Baozhu’s stepmother had always harbored this intention: to marry her off to the Marquis Fengxian’s foolish son, thereby forging a powerful in-law connection to help her husband advance further in his official career.
Cui Baozhu naturally was unwilling, even going so far as to threaten to end her own life.
Her stepmother, fearing she would push Cui Baozhu too far, did not dare to be too forceful.
However, this wicked intention never died, and she tried every method to force Cui Baozhu to comply.
But recently, Cui Father received news that he was very likely to be transferred to Jiangya Prefecture.
That place was not only poor and remote but also plagued by bandits, so he naturally did not want to go.
Thus, Stepmother Leng Shi revived her old idea, thinking that if this marriage were to be settled, Cui Father would not have to be transferred.
Even if he were transferred, he should at least secure a lucrative position.
Therefore, she lowered her stance along with Cui Father and pleaded earnestly.
Cui Baozhu, being a young lady, while she could be resolute with her stepmother, could not bear to be harsh with her own father.
Moreover, the two sweet-talked her, deceiving her by saying how benevolent the Marquis Fengxian household was, and that although the young master was a bit foolish, he would surely obey her in everything after they were married.
Furthermore, once she had her own child, what did a husband matter? Having money and support, wasn’t that still a way to live?
Such a foolish husband was also not bad; he wouldn’t frequent prostitutes or be unfaithful, which could be considered a great fortune amidst misfortune.
They also said that the entire family now depended on her, and if she agreed, she would be the greatest contributor to the family.
In short, they spoke in flowery language.
After saying all this, they began to frighten her, saying that if she were to go to a poor and remote place, let alone marry into a Marquis Mansion, it would be difficult even to marry a Xiucai scholar.
She would likely spend her entire life wasted in some remote mountain village, gazing until her eyes were worn out, and never be able to return to the Capital City.
With such back-and-forth persuasion, even a heart of stone would be moved to change its mind. Moreover, Cui Baozhu was just a young girl in her teens, and her thoughts were somewhat swayed.
What kind of person was her stepmother? She could tell from Cui Baozhu’s shifting thoughts by observing her expressions and tone.
So she quickly went to the Marquis Fengxian household to report and discuss the marriage arrangements. A female side being so eager in the entire Capital City was probably only their family.
As fate would have it, Cui Baozhu’s Granny was working as a helper at the Marquis Fengxian household at this time.
Hearing the servants discussing this matter, she panicked and hurried to bring her the news.
This Granny genuinely cared for her, but how could Leng Shi tolerate someone like that around Cui Baozhu? So after she married in, she deliberately found an excuse to send her away.
It was also a coincidence that this Granny happened to be working at the Marquis Fengxian household and knew their background, which could be considered destiny.
When she told Cui Baozhu these words, Cui Baozhu was struck as if by lightning.
Before, she had only thought of the Marquis Fengxian household’s youngest son as simple-minded. While marrying a simple-minded person went against her true feelings, since it concerned the honor of her maternal home and her future life, it was not an unreasonable method of compromise.
But she never expected this fool to be so cruel; if she married him, let alone live in peace, she might not even survive.
Even if the Marquis household spared her life out of consideration for their reputation, how could the daily torment be any less?
Moreover, she would have to put on a smiling face in front of others and not let the family’s shame be known.
Thus, she would be living in hell, and it would be better to die.
Therefore, she pretended to go out for a stroll and sent her maids away, then went to the riverbank alone to end her life.
“No wonder the Marquis Fengxian household’s youngest son is over twenty and still unmarried. Given their status, even a fool should be able to find a wife. It seems there’s a more serious problem,” Sang Er said. “What a sin.”
By this time, the medicine had been brewed, and Reverend Mother Jing An and Hui Ming brought it in.
“Give this bowl to this young lady,” Reverend Mother Jing An said, pointing to the darkest bowl of medicinal soup. “This bowl is for that eldest sister-in-law, and the remaining two bowls are for the two of you.”
“Thank you, Reverend Mother. You’ve worked hard,” Wen Mingqian said, standing up to express her gratitude.
“Amitabha, as a monastic, compassion is our guiding principle; this is what we should do,” Reverend Mother Jing An said. “Although this young lady, along with Sister Zhao, has taken the medicine, she will likely still have a high fever. Make sure she is covered well to sweat, drinks plenty of warm water, and does not catch a chill again. If she becomes extremely hot and speaks incoherently, crush this pill and feed it to her.”
Reverend Mother Jing An gave all the instructions and also brought several doses of medicine for Zhao Po Kuang before leaving. By then, it was completely dark.
After everyone drank the medicine, Wen Mingqian first discussed with Cui Baozhu.
“Second Miss Cui, your family must not know you are here and are surely looking for you everywhere. I think, no matter what, we should inform them,” Wen Mingqian said, considering things more thoroughly.
“No, Madam Wen, I beg you, don’t let them know. I don’t want to see them,” Cui Baozhu said, crying.
“Don’t worry, in your current state, they definitely won’t be able to take you away,” Wen Mingqian reassured her. “But if they don’t know, they will surely send people to look for us later. You can’t stay here longer than you wish.”
Cui Baozhu knew she had a point and no longer objected.
Wen Mingqian then said to Zhao Po Kuang, “Sister Zhao, I’m very grateful to you today. It’s getting late, and you should go back to take care of your family. I’ll give you these clothes; I have no one to wear them anyway. After you go back, you’ll likely be sick for a few days. Take this medicine and rest well. Take this silver with you; it should be enough to support you for some time.
Don’t do anything foolish. If you overwork yourself by being too strong, who will your family rely on?”
“Madam, you can’t do this, you can’t! You’ve already given me these clothes, and that Reverend Mother gave me this medicine, which is enough. I’m sturdy; this little matter is nothing.”
“I insist on doing this, so don’t argue with me, or I will feel uneasy,” Wen Mingqian said. “Sang Er, you go out with Sister Zhao, hire a carriage to take her home, and then go to the Cui Mansion to report.”
“Understood. I will handle it properly,” Sang Er said, taking the ten taels of silver from Wen Mingqian. She put on her clothes and, pulling Sister Zhao along, walked out.
“Wait!” Cui Baozhu called out to them. She took a Gold Hairpin from her head. “I don’t have any extra things on me, so please take this hairpin! Although it’s not enough to repay your life-saving grace, it’s at least my intention. If I manage to survive, I will repay you further.”
Sister Zhao naturally refused, so Sang Er accepted it on her behalf. “These things are nothing to Miss Cui and my mother, but they can help you in your time of need. Why don’t you accept them?”
Saying this, she forcibly pulled her out and, on the street, used her own money to buy a lot of Dim Sum and cooked food, then accompanied Zhao Po Kuang to her home.
Upon seeing it, it was indeed a bare dwelling, but it was kept very clean.
Sang Er couldn’t stay long. She said a few words to Zhao Po Kuang’s husband, left the items, and departed.
