Chapter Nine: Scared Out of His Wits, Song Ci Wishes He Could Die

The next morning, when Song Ci woke up, she was greeted once more by the plain canopy with its pale blue curtains. She couldn’t help but sigh in resignation. It seemed she would not be going back.

She tugged at the cord by her bed. The clear jingle of a bell rang out, and there was immediate movement beyond the folding screen. Madam Gong entered with a group of maids trailing behind her. Upon seeing Song Ci sitting up in bed, she smiled and said, “The Grand Madam is awake. The Lady of the House has gathered the children outside. They’re all waiting for you.”

“Waiting for what?” Song Ci was utterly bewildered.

Madam Gong replied, “You retired early last night and excused them from greeting you. Surely, you’re not going to send them away again today?”

Song Ci stared blankly for a moment before recalling the ancient custom of morning and evening salutations, whereby the younger generation was expected to pay their respects to their elders. It was a matter of filial piety.

Yesterday, she’d only just arrived in this body, weakened in both heart and spirit. It had taken all her effort—and a show of severity—to keep the Lady of the House at bay. How could she have had the energy to put on a performance for the rest of the household?

Now, since she was the old matron, she decided to simply embrace her role. There was no need for embarrassment. She asked, “What time is it?”

“It’s three quarters past the fourth watch. The Grand Madam has risen later than usual today,” Madam Gong said, assisting her toward the washroom.

Song Ci did a quick calculation in her mind. That meant it was almost six in the morning. So, she’d actually slept in today. Did that mean they usually gathered to greet her at five? It was April now, tolerable enough, but in the depths of winter—just thinking about it made her shiver.

This had to change. She wasn’t keen on rising so early, either.

“Grand Madam, let me brush your teeth,” Hong Ju said, approaching with a willow twig dipped in green salt.

Automatically, Song Ci opened her mouth, and the “toothbrush” went in. Hong Ju’s movements were gentle and meticulous. Once her teeth were brushed, water was offered for rinsing. She took a sip, swished it around, and spat into a blue-and-white porcelain jar held by another maid. A warm cloth was pressed to her face, followed by scented balm.

Song Ci felt almost weightless. Was this the privilege of being the Grand Madam? She was waited on hand and foot, living a life of utter leisure.

And she was thoroughly enjoying it.

She was led comfortably to the commode. Hong Ju stepped forward to untie her sash and help her with her trousers, but Song Ci immediately grabbed the waistband.

“What are you doing?”

Hong Ju was startled. “Grand Madam, do you not need to use the chamber pot?”

It was only then that Song Ci glanced behind her. There stood a wooden frame, cushioned with dark red silk, resembling a commode. Beneath it was a scrupulously clean chamber pot lined with plant ash. This was the simplified toilet of the era.

Beside the commode was a small redwood table, upon which sat a tray holding several clean bamboo strips and a stack of dark yellow grass paper.

Looking at the implements for relieving oneself, Song Ci’s heart skipped a beat. She felt dizzy at the thought.

“In the future, take all those bamboo strips away,” she said, her hand trembling as she pointed at the smooth bamboo slivers. She simply couldn’t bear the thought of using such things.

Everyone exchanged glances, but at a look from Madam Gong, a servant woman promptly stepped forward and removed all the bamboo strips.

“You may all leave. I can manage on my own,” Song Ci said, turning to dismiss Hong Ju and the others.

Hong Ju looked anxious and glanced at Madam Gong. What was wrong with the Grand Madam today?

Madam Gong said, “Grand Madam, allow this old servant to assist you.”

Song Ci’s expression turned bitter. Could she say she simply wasn’t accustomed to relieving herself in front of others?

“No, I can do it myself.” She waved her hand with resolve, but at that motion, her frail body swayed and nearly pitched forward. Madam Gong hurriedly caught her.

Song Ci was startled as well. The fright caused her bladder to clench and then release. Suddenly, she felt a warm rush between her legs and heard the drip-drip of liquid falling onto the floor.

She froze, looked down, and saw her snow-white undergarments blooming with dampness.

Ahhh—she wanted to die of embarrassment!