NCA

Moran conversed with Madam Chi in a soft, steady rhythm, following whatever topic her mother-in-law raised. When they moved to the inner hall, Byeok-o, desperate for favor, lunged for a plate of fresh loquats. “These are so sweet, Mother. Let me peel them for you.”

Moran didn’t miss a beat. She washed her hands and took a white jade plate from the maid Yeom-no to assist. Madam Chi watched their frantic diligence before speaking slowly.

“It is fine. I have no appetite for fruit. Danniang, your constitution is weak. Sit here by my side and rest.”

Madam Chi then ordered warm tea for Moran, pointedly ignoring the “chilled” tea usually served in summer. Seeing the favoritism, Byeok-o retreated to the shadows. Madam Chi, seeing through the tension, sent Byeok-o into the inner chambers to wake the young heir, Gi-a, for dinner.

Once they were alone, Madam Chi’s tone shifted. “I heard Seok-ha was insolent to you today. Is it true?”

Moran offered a faint, unbothered smile. “Not at all. It was just my young maid, Seo-a, acting childishly.”

Madam Chi fingered her prayer beads.

“You are the daughter-in-law of this house. You must know how to maintain discipline. If you appear too soft, the servants will become lawless, and rumors will spread that the Liu family has no order.”

Moran bowed her head in feigned obedience, though she knew that if she did try to seize real authority, Madam Chi would likely be the first to resent it. Survival meant playing the role of the “gentle wife” perfectly.

Madam Chi took Moran’s hand. “Do not blame me for being stern. You will have to run this household one day. It is far more difficult than the merchant house you came from.”

In the past, such a slight against her family would have withered Moran. Now, she simply replied, “I am lacking, and thus Mother suffers more.”

The conversation turned to Udong’s pregnancy. Moran took the opportunity to request a raise and extra help for the girl, framing it as concern for the unborn child. Madam Chi agreed but tested Moran by suggesting she send one of her own maids to Udong.

Moran declined skillfully. “I have so few by my side. Nanny Im and Uha are indispensable, and my other two are either too hot-tempered or too young. Please, Mother, appoint someone else.”

Madam Chi studied her. To the older woman, Moran was still a “hen” who would never truly become a “phoenix,” despite her newfound maturity. She eventually agreed to send a reliable maid and raise Udong’s allowance to three silver nyang.

“Do not worry about such trivialities. Just focus on your health and grant me a legitimate grandson. That is the greatest repayment you can offer.”

A grandson? From what? Moran thought bitterly, forcing a smile.

At that moment, Byeok-o returned with the toddler Gi-a. Seeking to stir trouble, Byeok-o remarked, “Mother, please comfort the Young Mistress. She was so overcome with grief earlier over the [Udong] matter.” This was a blatant attempt to paint Moran as a jealous shrew.

Madam Chi didn’t address the jealousy. Instead, she announced a new plan: Tae-ui (the Royal Physician) would be summoned tomorrow to prescribe Moran fertility medicine. Moran managed to stall by mentioning her duties hosting the Flower Viewing Banquet.

Byeok-o, feeling the spotlight fading, prompted Gi-a to charm his grandmother. The boy, a mirror image of Liu Chang, toddled over and offered Madam Chi a loquat. Madam Chi beamed. “Such a filial child.”

Moran praised Byeok-o’s parenting, which momentarily confused the concubine. But Madam Chi used the moment to drop a bombshell.

“Prosperity requires etiquette. Since your Young Mistress is magnanimous, you must show her proper respect. From tomorrow, bring Gi-a to pay formal respects to the Young Mistress every morning before coming to see me.”

Byeok-o’s face fell. Moran was equally horrified. She preferred her solitude and dreaded the “clatter” of children and concubines in her courtyard every morning.

“Mother, my quarters are far, and the children are so young…” Moran began, but Madam Chi cut her off.