Chapter Fifty-One: The Virtuous Wife

Yun Cuixian then took a towel to wipe away the pus and blood, gently pressing and cleaning the wound. The sore was large, and she spent a full half an hour cleaning it thoroughly, after which she administered the medicine she had prepared—half to be taken orally, the other half applied externally.

At this point, the old madam was so grateful that she was at a loss for words. “Miss Yun, you’ve worked so hard,” she said.

Yun Cuixian smiled faintly. “It’s nothing. I’ll come back tonight to clean it once more, and that should be enough.” She showed no aversion as she prepared to take the towel out.

Shangguan Wanru’s face was filled with both gratitude and shame. She hurried to intercept Yun Cuixian, took the towel from her, and went out into the courtyard to scald it with hot water.

The old madam, watching Shangguan Wanru’s departing figure, sighed and said to Yun Cuixian, “Miss Yun, we owe you so much. This task should have been Wanru’s, but she’s too clumsy. It’s you who must endure the trouble.”

Yun Cuixian smiled again. “Sister Wanru’s heart is set on the world—her spirit soars among the clouds. I’ve always admired her, and she’s always helped me. It’s only right that I do this.”

The old madam shook her head. “But a woman must eventually marry. If her heart stays fixed on grand ambitions, she’ll lead a lonely life. In old age, how desolate she’d be.”

Yun Cuixian paused, then said, “Old madam, you need not worry. Sister Wanru is so beautiful and rare—a woman like her will be cherished by many. How could she be lonely all her life?”

The old madam replied, “Wanru’s heart is already as solitary as a lamp before dawn, a wild goose in the clear sky. When I’m gone, I fear she’ll become a nun, retreating entirely from the world.”

Yun Cuixian was startled. “How could that be?” But then she remembered Shangguan Wanru’s cold nature and could not help but sigh. “Don’t worry, old madam. I’ll try to persuade her.”

“You are kind-hearted, and I am deeply grateful,” the old madam said, hesitating a moment before continuing, “There is one request I must make, though it may be presumptuous…”

Yun Cuixian replied, “Wanru and I are like sisters. I’ve long regarded you as a mother. Please, speak your mind.”

The old madam hesitated again. “I fear it may offend you.”

“Old madam, please, don’t worry about that,” Yun Cuixian assured her.

The old madam sighed. “This concerns Wanru’s future. How can I not be careful?”

Yun Cuixian was surprised. “Does Sister Wanru have a betrothal?”

The old madam shook her head. “No, not at all.” She listened for sounds outside and, finding that Shangguan Wanru was still busy with the towels, spoke softly: “I’ve noticed that Master Chu is as kind-hearted as you, and he cares deeply for those around him. His poetic talent is exceptional. I’ve seen Wanru often recite his poetry these days. I’ve met countless scholars, but few have ever moved her as he does. Yet Wanru has never experienced love, and remains ignorant and resistant to such feelings…”

At this, Yun Cuixian was utterly stunned. She had already guessed what the old madam was about to say, and though she wanted to speak, she found herself at a loss for words.

The old madam continued, “Master Chu is so outstanding. If Wanru could marry him, even as a concubine, I would be at peace.”

Yun Cuixian cried out, “Old madam, Wanru is as radiant as a goddess—how could she ever be someone’s concubine?”

The old madam’s voice suddenly caught with emotion. “Her temperament is so extreme—who else would she ever regard highly? For someone like her, social status means little. If Master Chu would care for her, that would be my greatest comfort.”

Seeing the old madam’s sincerity, Yun Cuixian had countless words of comfort in her heart but could not utter a single one.

Wiping the tears from her face, the old madam said, “Miss Yun, I beg you—please sound out Master Chu’s feelings. If he does not care for Wanru, then let the matter rest. But if he is willing, I will do whatever it takes to have Wanru accept the role of concubine.”

Looking at the old madam’s earnest expression, Yun Cuixian finally nodded. “Madam, I promise you. I’ll speak with him. But please—never force Wanru.”

The old madam was profuse in her gratitude.

Yun Cuixian left the room, but felt as if she’d stepped into another world entirely. A sharp ache gnawed at her heart, as though something dear to her had suddenly vanished.

How had it come to this?

She had wanted to pour out all her feelings to her husband, but now, it was as if her heart had been emptied—she felt powerless.

She shook her head weakly. She didn’t know how to broach the subject with Chu Youcai—or if she could, or even dared to.

It seemed that bringing it up would taint the hard-won bond between herself and Chu Youcai.

She reached the doorway, her legs weighed down as though by lead. Home was so close, yet it felt impossibly far.

She didn’t even notice the two people approaching from the distance.

Just then, the two stopped in front of her. One was a child, who suddenly dropped to his knees before her.

Yun Cuixian was startled—she now recognized the boy as the mischievous one who had thrown stones at her that morning. The woman beside him was surely his mother.

Startled, Yun Cuixian hurried to help the child up. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

The mother said, “Earlier, I passed by Tianran Residence and saw your husband clear your name. When I came home, my son told me he’d thrown stones at you this morning. Such rudeness is inexcusable—we’ve truly offended you…”

Yun Cuixian quickly waved her hands. “It was just a childish mistake. He didn’t understand—merely repeating what others said. Neither I nor my husband will hold it against him.”

Hearing this, the woman bowed her head in gratitude, then brought out a basket with thirty or forty eggs. “Please, Miss Yun, you must accept these. Otherwise, our family will remain burdened by guilt and never be at peace.”

Seeing her sincerity, Yun Cuixian could only accept the basket of eggs.

With that, the woman finally showed a look of relief. “Miss Yun, you’re a virtuous wife. Master Chu is truly blessed to have you.” She then led her son away.

These words suddenly struck Yun Cuixian to the core.

She was Chu Youcai’s virtuous wife. Shouldn’t she plan for his well-being, take good care of him? Yet she had regarded him as her own possession, as though he belonged only to her.

Chu Youcai was a hidden dragon—his future limitless. His heart was set on the world—how could he remain here, living an ordinary life with her? With such talent, there would surely be countless people who’d wish to marry their daughters to him. If she truly wished to be his virtuous wife, she should be broad-minded, able to embrace others.

Moreover, with someone as beautiful and kind as Shangguan Wanru, and with the current pressures from the Prince’s household that she herself could not alleviate, having a heroine like Wanru by his side would bring new hope.

In that moment, Yun Cuixian made up her mind.

All thoughts of confiding her heart to Chu Youcai were forgotten.

She thought only of how she could persuade him to take Shangguan Wanru as his equal wife.