Seizing the Golden Bough - Chapter 2

Chapter 2

I replaced the calming tea with a fresh bowl and let Nanny Wang take it in.

Madam’s weeping gradually subsided. In a nasal voice, she gave an order.

“Go tell Master my head hurts terribly. He can decide on the gift list for the Liu family’s birthday banquet tomorrow! Whether I trouble myself over it or not, no one cares anyway…”

Nanny Wang emerged with a sigh, shook her head at me, and headed toward the study.

This was Madam’s usual way.

Once she sank into her self-pity, it was not just the household’s daily affairs.

Even important social obligations like this were thrown aside entirely.

She wanted Master to understand how deeply she had been wounded.

In the end, of course, all these troublesome details fell back upon him.

After roughly the time it took a stick of incense to burn, a servant from the study arrived. He did not look for Nanny Wang, but came straight to me.

“Miss Lianyun, Master asks you to come over and look at the Liu household’s birthday gift list.”

Master must have remembered.

When Old Madam was alive, I had often made the first check of such paperwork.

Later, in Madam’s rooms, that ability was used only to inventory her dowry.

Or read her sentimental storybooks aloud.

I put down the incense I was sorting and answered him.

When I opened the study door, Master stood at the window, his hands behind his back.

At the sound, he turned. No trace of his earlier anger in the main room remained on his face.

“Look at these. Old Madam Liu is a devout Buddhist who observes a permanent vegetarian fast, yet the servants have submitted nothing but unsuitable things.”

I went forward and examined the red paper on the desk by candlelight.

Sure enough: red bird’s nests, deer antler velvet, fox fur…

All expensive, and all contrary to her observances.

I considered a moment, then spoke softly. “Master, I remember there is still a mutton-fat jade statue of Guanyin in the storeroom. Old Madam brought it back from Putuo when she was alive. It is especially pure and dignified.”

“There is also a batch of plain-colored cloud brocade once intended for imperial use, of excellent quality. It could be made into robes for a lay devotee.”

I did not say these other things were bad. I merely added two that would please the recipient more.

Master looked at me for a long time. “You remember clearly enough.”

I replied obediently, “Having once served Old Madam, I dare not forget such important things.”

He said nothing more, only pushed the brush gently toward me.

“Do as you suggest. Write out a fresh, orderly list.”

“Yes.”

I moved to one side of the desk, drew back my sleeves to grind the ink, and spread out a fresh sheet.

The new list was soon finished.

Items, sequence, and notes were clear at a glance.

I blew the ink dry and presented it with both hands.

Master took it and glanced over it. His expression softened a little.

“Good.”

He set the list aside, leaned back slightly, and suddenly asked, “Has Madam gone to sleep?”

“She took a calming draught and retired,” I answered.

He nodded and waved his hand wearily.

“All right. You may go.”

I curtsied and quietly closed the door for him.

From the corner of my eye, I saw him leaning in his chair, one hand pressed to his brow, as though utterly exhausted.