The Legend of Chu Qiao

Chapter 8

Boundaries

Everyone turned to look at the young maid who had just entered Qing Shan Courtyard. She gently explained, "Although it's winter, staying close to a hot spring keeps warmth around, which attracts mosquitoes and moths. Rattan attracts these insects, but when burned, it produces warmth and draws in birds and mice. The birds eat the bugs, and the snakes then prey on the mice. This is common knowledge, and the maids should have considered it carefully."

Zhuge Yue frowned, turning his attention to her in a stern tone, and asked a nearby servant, "Who brought these rattan pots here?"

Frightened, she stammered, "Sir, these pots were delivered by Housekeeper Zhu yesterday. He mentioned they are a specialty from South Xinjiang and thought you would like them, instructing the maids to place them here."

"Housekeeper Zhu?" Zhuge Yue contemplated for a moment. His gaze grew cold as he slowly exclaimed, "This housekeeper has become quite audacious. I wouldn’t be surprised if he bought a dagger and requested it be placed on my bed."

All the servants, afraid of being linked to Housekeeper Zhu and the hanging punishment or even a death sentence, quickly bowed their heads deeply.

Zhuge Yue said nothing further. Just as his servants were about to leave, he suddenly declared, "You will serve in the interior from now on."

The crowd stood still, puzzled about whom he was addressing.

Irritated, Zhuge Yue pointed to Chu Qiao and said, "You."

Everyone raised their heads and turned to stare in unison in the direction he pointed.

Chu Qiao responded respectfully, "I will follow your orders."

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After leaving the main Xuan Hall, Jin Cai was taken to An Jun Hall, a terrifying place. After a moment, the servants threw Jin Cai to the ground, battered and bloodied. This fragile girl had just endured thirty strokes of the cane. How would she survive now? She lost all her privileges to remain near the Fourth Master, her beautiful clothes were torn, and she no longer had her warm shoes. Now, she looked like any maid of the lowest rank. Tears fell silently.

Jin Cai suddenly felt a chill of threat and flinched. Just then, she heard a soft voice behind her. Turning around, she saw Chu Qiao smiling, her eyes cold as ice as they locked onto her. Chu Qiao said sweetly, "Sister Jin Cai, let’s cooperate from now on. I’m still young and inexperienced. Please look after me!"

Feeling a sudden panic she couldn't explain, Jin Cai forced a calm expression and replied, "We are all servants, and working together… is essential."

"Indeed." Chu Qiao smiled and continued, "Then Sister Jin Cai, don’t you think it’s time to stop bullying the children?"

Although Jin Cai felt a brief wave of anger and pride, she hesitated before nodding and saying, "If they perform their duties, I will stop interfering."

"I will be sure to thank you on their behalf," Chu Qiao grinned and walked away. She paused as if remembering something and added, "If only Sister Jin Zhu were as kind as you, Lin Xi wouldn't have been beaten so harshly by the Master."

That's why it pays to be kind. Lin Xi has only been dead for three days, and it looks like Jin Zhu is going to die, too. Chu Qiao felt a shiver of excitement and satisfaction as this thought crossed her mind.

Jin Cai could no longer maintain a false facade. Her face paled with fear as she stared sharply at Chu Qiao. It was unsettling to realize that this young girl emitted such a sinister aura. She understood the sequence of events and felt powerless to change them.

Chu Qiao moved closer and whispered in Jin Cai's ear, "After committing wicked actions, retribution is inevitable. If justice hasn't been served yet, it's simply a matter of time. Wouldn't you agree?"

Jin Cai was taken aback, stepping away quickly as she tried to leave. Chu Qiao responded instantly, grabbing her shoulder. Startled, Jin Cai jumped aside and exclaimed, "What do you want from me?"

With a cold sigh and no trace of a smile, Chu Qiao replied, "Why are you so nervous? I only intended to remind you of that tray of peaches."

"Peaches?" Jin Cai asked, confused.

"We're both interior servants now, at the same level. I went through a lot to bring back those peaches from Nanyuan. Don't you think it was only fair that I presented them?"

Jin Cai was at a loss for words after hearing that.

Chu Qiao then turned and walked toward the flower room, saying loudly, "We should all recognize our roles and refrain from overstepping our boundaries. Only then can we aspire to be great individuals in our time. Some truths can only be shared once, and some warnings are meant to be given only once. So reflect carefully on how you treat others and manage situations moving forward."

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The following two days were particularly eventful, with each occurrence connected.

Late in the morning, the brilliant sunlight pierced through the snowy landscape. It was no ordinary day, as the council of elders had commanded the military to mobilize. The Huang Army quickly assembled to begin its counterinsurgency operations. The warlords from the seven divisions fought fiercely for control over the Huang Army. With Zhuge Mu Qing, the leader of Zhuge Prefecture, absent, leadership fell to Zhuge Huai[1].

Around lunchtime, Zhuge Yue, the Fourth Young Master of the Zhuge clan, was bitten by a venomous snake. Although he received prompt medical treatment from the Zhuge household, the bite was not lethal, but his hand was immobilized, and his recovery would take time. Despite his youth, he held the rank of Major General in the Huang Army, having grown up in a military environment. He had previously commanded troops against insurgents three times and was recognized as a capable leader. In the Zhuge clan, he was second only to Zhuge Huai. Unable to ride a horse or hold a sword, he could not lead the Huang Army. News of his situation quickly spread through informants among the other divisions, resulting in strong opposition after Zhuge Huai appointed him as the new leader.

Mid-afternoon, the imperial doctor arrived at the Zhuge household. Although the Zhuge clan aimed to take control of the Huang Army, they had no choice but to abandon their plans. This decision sparked a major backlash. When the elders of the Zhuge Clan learned of it, they gathered at the Zhuge Main Residence to take charge. On the same day, the Zhuge clan’s ongoing rivalry and theatrics resurfaced over Zhuge Yue's injury.

Jin Zhu, the Fourth Master’s chief servant, infamous for her bullying, had a fight with a servant from Qing Shan Courtyard, leading to one death and one serious injury. She was the one injured and later died from her wounds. At the same time, Housekeeper Zhu was whipped 30 times over some troublesome pots, mourning as he recovered.

Behind the mountain, a lakeside pavilion near the hot springs shelters crocodiles. Unnoticed, the two silent servant bodies, which had fought each other, were discarded and quickly devoured by the crocodiles, with no one paying attention.

Later in the afternoon, as night fell and the stars appeared early in winter, Chu Qiao collected the final rattan pots. Jin Cai had been having difficulty concentrating for several days. Each time she saw the child from the Jing Family, a cold shiver ran down her spine, leaving her feeling unsettled, as if a fishbone was stuck in her throat.

The following day, servants cleared the snow from the courtyard and resumed their usual tasks efficiently. While preparing the Zǎoshí[2], they received news from Red Hill Court: Prince Muhe Xifeng, Prince Wei Shuye, His Royal Highness Zhao Che, His Royal Highness Zhao Jue, His Royal Highness Zhao Song, and Royal Highness Yan Xun from Yanbei[3] will gather in the glass hall for Dàshí. The Old Master Zhuge Xi also attended, along with the Zhuge Huai, the Third Master. The Fourth Master was instructed to join if he had recovered enough.

Zhuge Yue was more introverted. He didn't often attend gatherings with his siblings, preferring to stay in the Qing Shan Courtyard to read or eat alone. He lacked enthusiasm; if not for his coldness, he was known to keep to himself. He received the news while lying in bed and told the messenger he wasn't feeling well and wouldn't be coming. Most servants of the Zhuge household were called to serve the dinner at Red Hill Court.

Chu Qiao was gently fanning the incense, next to Zhuge Yue. Hearing the news, she raised her eyebrows but remained silent. After a moment, when the food was brought in, she quietly followed the servant carrying it. Jin Cai glanced over but kept her thoughts to herself, making an effort to navigate her way out as well. Only a few elder maids remained next to Zhuge Yue.

Though referred to as a hall, it was actually just a pavilion perched atop the octagonal mountain in Red Hill Court. Below, a green lake spread out, its surface frozen over with layers of snow since it was midwinter. Flanking both sides were red and white plum trees, which broke up the bright landscape and added vibrant color to the scene.

Behind the plum trees lay the Zhuge clan's horse racing hill. The expansive plains were fully covered with pastures maintained by Zhuge clan members, primarily for raising high-quality horses. This large area rarely welcomed visitors as servants were not allowed to enter, ensuring a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

Curious and always alert about household happenings, Chu Qiao, small in stature, skillfully avoided the guards' watchful eyes and swiftly reached the horse racing hill's plains unnoticed. Her small size had its pros and cons; for example, carrying pots demanded more effort.

As Chu Qiao prepared to leave, she noticed a suspicious shadow lurking nearby. She crouched down and waited until the figure moved away before cautiously approaching. On her way down, she spotted a dark horse tied to a pine tree. The horse appeared strong and well-groomed, but didn’t react even though it was aware of her presence. This puzzled her, as a horse trained to be well-mannered would typically resist a stranger’s approach. Lowering her head, she noticed a bundle of unfinished buckwheat. She tiptoed forward, gently held the horse’s head, and studied it for a long time, yet the horse remained unresponsive.

Just as she was about to depart, she turned and saw several dozen white-feathered arrows in a bag attached to the horse. She picked one up to examine the pure white arrowhead and noticed the word "Swallow" forcefully etched into its surface.

Meanwhile, the leaders of the various divisions were enjoying a feast in the hall, admiring the plum trees. Chu Qiao dashed along the empty trail at the edge of the octagon-shaped mountain. She placed a burning rattan on the trail and poured several snakes out of her bag.

“Ha! I knew you were the one causing trouble!” a shrill voice suddenly called out.

Chu Qiao turned around and saw Jin Cai standing there smugly. She looked pale, her posture was less upright than usual after the lashes from the cane the day before. Although fearful of Chu Qiao, Jin Cai couldn't let go of her desire for revenge and her loss of privileges. So she followed Chu Qiao.

Chu Qiao knew Jin Cai had been following her since she woke up. As an elite spy, I was one of the best in my field. Do you really think you can fool me?

Jin Cai scolded, “I’ll tell Fourth Master about this, and it will be the end for you!”

“Is that so?” Chu Qiao tilted her head and smiled slyly. Hearing footsteps in the distance, she shook her head and replied, “I don’t think so.” In an instant, she leaned back and fell over the edge.

“It’s there!” voices in the distance echoed in unison.

Jin Cai couldn't believe her eyes as she was suddenly pinned down by a group of burly men.

Housekeeper Zhu glared at her and muttered, "Jin Cai, now that you've been caught with the loot, what do you have to say for yourself?"

Taken aback, Jin Cai hurriedly defended herself, "It's not me! It's Xing’er! I just followed her here!"

"Nonsense! I saw you lingering suspiciously, planning to steal that pot of rattan from Housekeeper Zhu, yet you still dare to accuse others!" a sharp voice interrupted.

Jin Cai turned to see a familiar little girl standing next to Housekeeper Zhu. Suddenly, it clicked for her, and she shouted, "Housekeeper Zhu! Don't believe her!"

Housekeeper Zhu sat in a padded chair carried by four strong men. Still aching from recent beatings, he was in a foolish mood and blamed Jin Cai for his predicament. He frowned and asked softly, "You said you were with Xing’er, so where is she now?"

"She jumped off the cliff."

"What?" Housekeeper Zhu snapped, his anger boiling over. "You think I'm an idiot? You mean she set you up and then jumped to her death?"

"I—"

"That's a load of rubbish!" Housekeeper Zhu yelled. "You've been here for four or five years, and I’ve always treated you kindly. This is all your fault! Why did you involve me? What are you aiming for? Are you trying to embarrass me in front of the Masters?"

"Housekeeper Zhu, please believe me!"

"Guys! Teach her a good lesson!"

A loud scream echoed across the space.

[1] Third Master of the Zhuge clan, one year older than his brother, Zhuge Yue, the Fourth Master.

[2] In ancient China, most people ate only two meals a day, a schedule that persisted from the Zhou dynasty until the Song dynasty (960–1279), when three meals became the standard for those who could afford it.

First meal: Breakfast (Zǎoshí): Usually eaten around 9:00 AM. For commoners, this often consisted of congee (rice or millet porridge), vegetable soup, or steamed buns like baozi.
Second meal: Dinner (Shí/Dàshí): The main meal, eaten around 4:00 PM. This was the heartiest meal, typically featuring a grain staple served with small portions of meat, fish, or pickled vegetables.

For more interesting details about Ancient Chinese meals, you may refer to the page 'Meals' on the left sidebar.

[3] For easier reading, you may refer to the list of characters (Companion).

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