C8 Secretly Competing

Standing at the door of Xiao Yan's room, Changge took a deep breath. The winter air was chilly, yet refreshing. Changge knew that once inside, she would likely face a barrage of criticism. After all, Xiao Yan needed someone to vent her frustrations on from the previous day.

"Mother, I've brought the account books," Changge called softly from outside the door. There was no response, so she raised her voice slightly, "Mother, it's Changge! I've brought the account books!"

After a long pause, a lazy voice finally drifted from inside, "Come in."

Changge entered, holding the account books, and handed them to Nanny Du, who stood beside Xiao Yan. She then explained, "I haven't finished reviewing half of the account books yet. You instructed me to bring them by dusk, so I brought them over first."

Xiao Yan lounged on a recliner, flipping through the books. Changge remained partially bowed in respect until Xiao Yan theatrically remarked, "Oh, my dear child, stand up. Why are you still bowing? Nanny Du, why didn't you remind me?"

Changge smiled and stood up. "It's nothing, Mother. It's only right to show respect."

Xiao Yan continued to peruse the books, commenting as she read, "Changge, I know you're just starting, but your record-keeping is too sloppy. If there's a mistake when the treasury checks, neither of us can bear the consequences."

"Yes, I understand. Next time..."

Before Changge could finish, Xiao Yan interrupted coldly, "Next time? There won't be a next time. You need to redo the accounts tonight. Being the head of the household isn't easy. If just anyone could do it, what would be the point of me, Xiao Yan?"

With that, Xiao Yan fixed Changge with a piercing gaze, as if her eyes were icy arrows intent on tearing Changge apart. Unfazed, Changge smiled and replied, "Yes, Mother, you're right. I'll take them back and redo them."

Feng Changge had just pulled back the curtain when Xiao Yan sighed softly, "Do you know the saying about the fox borrowing the tiger's might? But the tiger you're leaning on seems rather unreliable."

Gazing at the snowy scene in the courtyard, Feng Changge closed the curtain again. The old lady, a tiger? Xiao Yan, for all your cleverness, you can't see who the real tiger is. Someday, when I've taken everything from you, you'll understand that true tigers always hide.

Staying cooped up inside was stifling. If Feng Changge had to keep staring at those account books, her head would surely explode. Now that the snow had melted a bit, she could finally admire the white plum blossoms in the garden. Usually, the heavy snow covered them completely, leaving nothing to see.

The harsher the snow and wind, the stronger the flowers stand.

Feng Changge watched the branches swaying in the biting wind, steadfast and pure, enduring the cold yet still releasing their fragrance. Her love for the plum blossoms stemmed from this very resilience.

As she contemplated the blossoms, someone tapped her right shoulder. She turned, but no one was there. Then came another tap on her left shoulder. Again, she turned to find no one.

Pausing for a moment, Feng Changge quickly spun around and caught the "little thief" in the act.

Standing behind her, grinning, was Feng Changyue, calling out sweetly, "Sister Changge, you haven't come to play with me these past few days!"

Before her stood a boy of about twelve or thirteen, the third son of the Phoenix Duke Mansion, Feng Changyue. Though Feng Changge and Qin Chaohua didn't get along, she was very fond of this younger brother. Feng Changyue had always loved following her around, spending entire days in her company. Mischievous and playful, he was a kind-hearted child.

Feng Changge affectionately ruffled his hair, smiling gently, "I heard you caught a cold, so I planned to visit once you felt better. But here you are, halfway recovered and already out and about?"

Feng Changyue clung to Feng Changge's arm, playfully saying, "With Mother away, Aunt Liu took me out for a stroll. The palace doctor said I'll be fine in a couple of days, and some fresh air will do me good."

The "Aunt Liu" Feng Changyue mentioned was Liu Qinglan, the fifth lady of the Phoenix Duke Mansion.

"Changge is here too," came a gentle, soothing voice. The woman who spoke was dressed elegantly, her attire and jewelry reflecting her refined taste. Liu Qinglan's family was the largest grain merchant in the capital, wealthy and influential, with shops spread across the country. However, in a society that valued agriculture over commerce, her immense wealth still placed her at the bottom of the social hierarchy. Marrying into the Phoenix Duke Mansion, she was merely a lady of the house.

Feng Changge greeted her respectfully, "Good day, Mrs. Liu."

"No need for formalities. I heard the matriarch asked you to assist the duchess with inventory duties. How do you have time for a breath of fresh air? I thought you'd be overwhelmed with work," Liu Qinglan teased, her right hand supporting her back while her left hand rested on her belly, casting a playful glance at Feng Chang'an.

Feng Chang'an looked at Liu Qinglan's expectant belly, feeling a sudden pang of sorrow.

Liu Qinglan had tragically lost her beloved daughter, a newborn who was drowned in a wooden tub. Who could be so cruel? It was just a girl, not a threat. The head lady of the mansion was indeed ruthless, not fearing the trouble she might bring upon herself.