At this moment, Mrs. Bennett spoke again: “I heard that Ruby twisted her ankle. Sigh, I feel terrible about it too. It was all because of that thoughtless maid who insisted on taking Ruby to the back garden to admire the plum blossoms. But since that maid serves in Ruby’s room, I can’t really blame her. I’ve had some folk remedies found, though I don’t know if they’ll work. Later, you should bring some medicine over, Master.”

“Madam…” Peter Bennett felt utterly confused, not knowing what to do for a moment.

Mrs. Bennett said serenely, “Are you wondering how I’ve become so understanding, Master? Honestly, I don’t even know how to explain it. A few days ago, when I was looking for a tutor for Emily, I had some free time and read some of the Four Books for Women. Many of the teachings made sense, so I thought, since you work so hard outside every day, how can I, as your wife, be a burden to you? If the household is still in chaos and full of petty squabbles when you return, wouldn’t that just trouble you further? As for Lily, I’ve come to terms with it. If she can serve you well, I’m more than happy.”

Peter Bennett felt greatly comforted. After sitting for a while, Mrs. Bennett excused herself, saying she was tired and went to rest. Peter Bennett took a sip of tea, feeling refreshed, and naturally returned to the Fragrant Pavilion of his concubine Lily. Just as he reached the door, he heard Lily scolding, “Medicine? What medicine? How could The Stone Family have any good intentions? Is this medicine meant to poison me? Take it back, take it back! I wouldn’t dare take her medicine.”

This Lily, spoiled by favor, had long been used to acting willfully in the household. Upon hearing this, Peter Bennett immediately understood that Madam had indeed sent medicine, but Lily didn’t seem to appreciate it.

He hurried inside, glanced at the flustered Chief Steward, and said calmly, “Leave the medicine and go.”

Chief Steward nodded and took his leave.

Now only Peter Bennett and his beautiful concubine Lily remained in the room. As soon as Lily saw Peter Bennett return, her eyes filled with tears, and she almost threw herself into his arms, saying, “Your humble concubine is truly pitiful. Twisting my ankle is bad enough, but Madam still has to kick me when I’m down. What is she thinking? Will she only be satisfied when I’m dead?”

The conversation with Mrs. Bennett just now had left Peter Bennett feeling warm inside, but seeing Lily making a scene now, he couldn’t help but feel a bit displeased. Still, he had always doted on this beautiful concubine, so he didn’t show his annoyance. He quickly took her soft hand and said, “She meant well. She heard you twisted your ankle, so she sent medicine.”

If at this moment, Peter Bennett had just gone along with Lily’s complaints or tried to comfort her, the matter would have passed, and Lily wouldn’t have been so unreasonable. But seeing Peter Bennett defend Madam like this, she immediately became jealous and sneered, “What good intentions could she possibly have? Master, you may be in the dark about what kind of person she is, but I know. Look at how serene she acts every day—who knows how much she resents me? Maybe those stones in the back garden were put there on her orders…” With that, she started crying again, pitifully saying, “Master, when you’re not around…”

Peter Bennett was extremely fond of Lily, and most of the time he would just brush off such complaints. But after all, Mrs. Bennett was his wife of over twenty years, and her sensible words still echoed in his ears. He couldn’t help but say, “Don’t be unreasonable…”

“Unreasonable? I’m being unreasonable!” Spoiled as she was, Lily refused to back down, as if stung by a bee, and said angrily, “How am I being unreasonable? It’s you who’s changed your heart…”

Peter Bennett was also furious now. Thinking of how Madam had just shown concern for Lily, while Lily was being so aggressive, he—being a man of authority—put on a stern face and shouted, “Fine, let’s just say I’ve changed my heart…” With that, he let go of Lily’s soft hand and stormed out.

“Master… Master…” Lily cried out after him, heartbroken.

Peter Bennett ignored her. He had originally intended to go to Mrs. Bennett’s room, but his face flushed with embarrassment, and he felt even more guilty toward Mrs. Bennett. So he instructed a servant, “Go tidy up the study. I’ll sleep there tonight.”

Chapter Ten: The Embroidered Uniform Guard

“Madam… the argument was fierce. Master stormed out of the Fragrant Pavilion and ordered the study to be prepared…”

A maid was now quietly reporting everything that had happened in the Fragrant Pavilion.

Mrs. Bennett had just woken from a nap and now looked radiant.

It really worked—not only worked, but was as effective as a miracle elixir.

That concubine Lily, spoiled by favor, had long held Peter Bennett’s heart and acted high and mighty in the household. Now that she had suffered a setback, and Master, for the first time ever, hadn’t spent the night in the Fragrant Pavilion, it was nothing short of a grand victory for Mrs. Bennett, who felt thoroughly vindicated.

Mrs. Bennett smacked her lips and said, “Send a quilt to Master later. Oh, and some wine and dishes—he always wants a drink when he’s in a bad mood. Also, that Mr. Feng…” Mrs. Bennett paused, a look of appreciation on her face. Whether intentional or not, Charles Harper had indeed solved her most pressing problem, but this was only the beginning—she might need to rely on him again in the future. Mrs. Bennett continued, “Tomorrow, have someone ask if he’s comfortable living here, and if he needs anything, just let us know… Never mind, I’ll go myself in the morning.”

…