Chapter 5: Mother-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law (1)
The walk to Madam Chi’s quarters took about fifteen minutes. Despite the silk parasols, the mid-day heat was oppressive, leaving Moran and her maid Uha damp with sweat.
“Mistress, why not rest in the shade of those wisteria vines?” Uha suggested. “We can continue when it cools down.”
Moran shook her head.
“It is fine. A little sun and sweat is good for the soul.”
In her past life, she had raced boys to the bus stop in high heels during the peak of summer; she wasn’t about to be defeated by a short walk. She noticed a group of people approaching from the opposite path. At the center was Byeok-o, the favored concubine who had birthed Liu Chang’s only son. She was dressed provocatively in a low-cut silk top and a skirt embroidered with golden partridges.
Byeok-o approached with a feline grace, fanning herself. “Young Mistress, your constitution is frail. You shouldn’t be out in this heat. It would be a disaster if you fainted.”
Moran offered a dignified, composed smile.
“Indeed. However, the Young Master visited me this morning to share the news of Udong’s pregnancy. He asked me to look after her. I am heading to see Mother now to arrange an extra maid and an increased allowance for Udong, so she can focus on the child. After all, isn’t it a blessing for the Liu lineage to grow?”
Byeok-o’s face twitched with irritation at the mention of a new rival’s pregnancy, but she masked it quickly. “You are truly magnanimous, Mistress. To care for Udong after what she did… the Young Master is truly blessed.”
Moran sighed, feigning weakness behind her fan. “My body is weak, and I feel I have failed the Young Master. If I cannot at least handle these household matters, I would have no face to meet him.”
Byeok-o scanned Moran’s slender frame with silent contempt—Liu Chang preferred “fleshier” women. “You are too thin, Mistress. Madam Chi was lamenting just the other day, wondering when you might finally provide the Young Master with a legitimate heir.”
Moran pretended to be hurt, her eyes downcast.
“I have been thinking the same. We cannot delay the matter of an heir any longer. Perhaps… no, I must think on it more…”
The color drained from Byeok-o’s face. She realized Moran might be considering adopting her son, Gi-a, to raise as the legitimate heir. “Ah, Mistress, you are only seventeen! You have plenty of time to conceive.”
“Where is Gi-a?” Moran asked suddenly, her eyes sparking. “Why is he not with you?”
Byeok-o tightened her grip on her fan. “Madam Chi asked to keep him by her side today. She even mentioned that since I am ‘failing’ to care for him properly, she might raise him herself.”
If you want my son, Moran, you’ll have to take him from the Mother-in-law first! Byeok-o thought viciously.
Uha, who had been silent, suddenly chimed in: “Don’t worry, Mistress. When Udong gives birth, if you like the child, you could simply take that one to raise.”
Byeok-o snapped at Uha for the suggestion, her anxiety peaking. Satisfied with having rattled her rival, Moran smiled brightly and continued toward the main house.
At the main quarters, they were met by Yeom-no, the head maid. Madam Chi was currently in the private shrine, chanting sutras.
Inside the smoke-filled shrine, Madam Chi (42, but looking 35) knelt before an image of Guan Yin. She was a powerful woman from a prestigious family, and even her husband, the Minister, rarely crossed her. Her only son, Liu Chang (also known as Zishu), was her pride and her greatest headache—especially regarding his messy love life.
Her nanny, Nanny Ju, whispered, “If only the Young Mistress were more firm, the Young Master wouldn’t be so restless. With his status, he could have been matched with a Princess…”
Madam Chi cut her off sharply.
“What is done is done. Do not speak of replacing the legal wife. And I know what you are hinting at—I have no intention of letting a widow enter this house!”
Madam Chi wasn’t protecting Moran out of love, but out of necessity and a deep-seated bias against certain “others.” She smoothed her expression and stepped out to greet her visitors.
“Danniang (Moran’s pet name),” Madam Chi said softly, “it is so hot. You should have waited until sunset. Your health is fragile.”
“Thank you for your concern, Mother.”
Moran stepped forward and took Madam Chi’s arm with a gentle, filial smile.
“I am feeling much better now. I found it stifling to stay cooped up, so I came out for a breath of fresh air.”
