In the rear garden.
Princess Ansheng dismissed her attendants and studied the young woman before her for a long moment before saying, "Good, very good. I had worried a noble-born lady like you might not withstand storms, but now I see Yuan made an excellent match for her son!"
Yuan was the maiden name of her mother-in-law, Madam Xie.
The two had been close friends since childhood, married around the same time, and the princess had even lost her own child while saving Yan Zheng—such was the depth of their bond.
"Your Highness flatters me." Chu Ruoyan curtsied gracefully.
Princess Ansheng found no fault in her manners and grew even more pleased. "For Third Young Master to gain you as his wife is his good fortune. You must have come today for a reason. Perhaps I can be of assistance."
This was the princess extending an olive branch.
Yet after brief consideration, Chu Ruoyan shook her head. "Thank you, Your Highness, but I merely came today upon receiving an invitation from the Cao Family. Nothing urgent requires your intervention."
Her words were artful—not urgent, yet not without purpose, though not significant enough to trouble the princess.
Princess Ansheng paused, her approving gaze sharpening. "It seems I underestimated you. Very well, for Yuan's sake, you and Third Young Master may seek my help once in the future."
Chu Ruoyan bowed deeply. "My gratitude to Your Highness!"
After the princess left, Yulu couldn't help but ask, "Miss, why didn't you ask for her help? Weren't you troubled about not being able to meet Old Madam Cao?"
Chu Ruoyan replied calmly, "Can we afford to owe Her Highness a favor?"
"But... isn't she close with Madam Xie...?"
"Close?" Chu Ruoyan chuckled lightly. "Consider this—hasn't Imperial Son-in-law Cao and Cao Yang repeatedly targeted the Yan family? And did the princess even attend the funeral that day?"
Yulu froze.
That day in the city, some officials had paid their respects, but once they reached the gates and the marquis was taken away by Cao Yang, not a single court official remained.
Could it be...?
"Exactly. With the emperor's intentions unclear, all officials are watching cautiously. Even Father only dared to send a letter through Aunt Jing'er... So, Yulu, keeping one's distance is the norm now. If Princess Ansheng truly wishes to help the Yan family out of affection for Mother-in-law, we mustn't drag her into trouble. And if her motives are otherwise, we must be even warier of deception."
Her voice was measured, but Yulu felt a pang of sorrow. "Miss, does that mean no one can help us? Then how will you meet Old Madam Cao?"
Chu Ruoyan answered decisively, "We go directly."
In the rear courtyard of the Cao residence.
After sending word, a matron soon emerged from the inner chambers. "Young Lady Chu, Old Madam requests your presence."
Cao Yang favored refined tastes, and the entire Cao Family favored the plum blossom incense popular among scholars.
The moment Chu Ruoyan stepped inside, the heavy fragrance enveloped her.
"Ruoyan pays respects to Old Madam Cao."
She curtsied, and an aged yet delighted voice responded at once.
"You're Jing'er's niece? Come closer, let me have a proper look!"
Chu Ruoyan obeyed. Old Madam Cao reclined on a daybed, her sunken eyes brightening at the sight of her. "Good, good! There’s indeed a resemblance to Jing'er in your features..."
The old woman's repeated mention of "Jing'er" revealed her fondness for Chu Ruoyan's aunt, Chu Jing.
Chu Ruoyan smiled. "Greetings, Old Madam. Aunt often speaks of you, saying all is well with her—only that she missed the chance to be your daughter-in-law."
Old Madam Cao beamed and beckoned a matron to help her up. "Good child, come, sit beside me."
Without hesitation, Chu Ruoyan took the seat.
Truthfully, this was her first encounter with such a warm elder.
Compared to her own biased grandmother and the obstinate dowager of the Yan family, Old Madam Cao was kindness itself.
Their conversation flowed effortlessly...
"Ah, if only Yang'er were married, or if Dong'er and the princess had a son—I would have loved to unite our families with yours!"
A matron hastily interjected, "Old Madam, this Young Lady Chu is already wed. She is now the Marchioness of Anning."
"Oh? Is that so?"
Old Madam Cao turned to her, and Chu Ruoyan seized the moment. "Indeed. My husband is currently detained at the Ministry of Justice by Lord Cao..."
Old Madam Cao frowned. "The Ministry of Justice? That wretched place." She turned and ordered, "Fetch my eldest son. Tell him I have business with him."
The matron didn’t dare cite conventions about women meddling in governance and hurried out.
Chu Ruoyan exhaled in relief.
Just as Aunt had once said—the Cao Family differed from other noble houses. With Old Lord Cao passing early, Old Madam Cao had single-handedly upheld the family’s honor, and her sons revered her absolutely.
Within moments, Cao Yang arrived.
"Mother? You summoned me?"
His words died as he spotted Chu Ruoyan beside Old Madam Cao. "You!"
Chu Ruoyan rose with a smile. "Greetings, Lord Cao."
Cao Yang looked as though he’d swallowed a fly, his gaze darting to his mother, who scowled. "What’s this 'you' nonsense? Where are your manners?"
Gritting his teeth, Cao Yang clasped his hands. "Marchioness of Anning."
"That’s better. Yang'er, this is the niece of Jing'er, whom I’ve often spoken of. Since Jing'er missed her chance with you, her niece has come to me for aid. Tell me—how will you help?"
Help? He was the one who’d arrested the man!
Cao Yang suppressed his fury and muttered, "Mother, this matter isn’t mine to decide. The emperor—"
"Don’t hide behind His Majesty!" Old Madam Cao cut him off. "I’m not asking you to release him. The marchioness only wishes to see her husband. As Minister of Revenue and head of the Ministry of Justice, can’t you arrange this trifle?"
Cao Yang nearly choked.
The order barring the marquis from receiving visitors had come from his own hand!
This was sheer self-sabotage!
"Mother..."
"Enough. Can you do it or not?"
Old Madam Cao was merciless.
After several steadying breaths, Cao Yang yielded through clenched teeth.
"...I’ll find a way."
Satisfied, Old Madam Cao patted Chu Ruoyan’s hand. "Don’t fret, child. For a high official like him, arranging a meeting is nothing. Stay for a meal, then let him escort you personally."
Chu Ruoyan smiled in agreement.
Cao Yang interjected, "Mother, your birthday banquet is about to begin. The guests await!"
Only then did Old Madam Cao recall the event, reluctantly bidding Chu Ruoyan farewell but urging her to visit often.
Once outside, Cao Yang sneered. "The Marchioness of Anning is truly resourceful!"
Chu Ruoyan smiled faintly. "Necessity breeds ingenuity. With the Ministry of Justice sealed tight under your command and visits forbidden, I had no choice but to try my luck."
Cao Yang snorted, "This must have been premeditated, no? Though I am curious—what kind of sweet talk did you feed my mother to make her speak so highly of you?"
Old Madam Cao was fiery by nature, clear in her likes and dislikes. Those she favored, she doted on to the bone; those she despised, she wouldn’t spare a single word.
How could two people, who had never crossed paths before, become so close at first sight?
Chu Ruoyan pondered for a moment before answering, "Perhaps... love me, love my dog?"
Cao Yang: "???"
