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dd122004dd · 5 months

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The New Mistress Fuca: Part 4 Dinner and Diatribe

The first day of being the new Mistress Fuca moves swiftly, the day soon turning to night as the night brings forth unexpected company.

Warnings: None

A/N: Hey dudes, I'm back, yeah even I didn't think it'd happen, but yeah. Apologies for the extremely long wait. I don't know if there's anyone reading this anymore but I'll try to be more regular. Thanks for reading!

After parting from the little boy she turned to her husband, “He seems like a sweet boy.”

“Stay away from him, he doesn’t need to be distracted from his studies.” He stated harshly before stalking away.

Standing still, watching him walk away she merely tilted her head before straightening her spine before walking purposefully towards her quarters. ‘Fine, if he’s going to be so rude then I might as well ignore him.’

QingQing trailed behind her mistress in silence, wondering about the harsh exchange between the couple.

Once they reached her quarters, she ordered QingQing to fetch the ledgers that the Madam had sent her. Reading through the ledgers was a taxing task but once she completed going through the most recent ones, she told QingQing to gather the head-maids and the head-eunuchs.

The task was swiftly completed and a line of servants stood before her, heads bowed in respect.

“Good morning, everyone. You must be wondering why I have called you here.”

She was met with silence, before she continued, “I have been reading the household accounts and I must say, they’re extremely well-maintained. Which one of you wrote these accounts?”

“It was me, Young Mistress,” an old voice answered as one of the senior maids stepped forward.

“They’re very thorough, which I appreciate,” she said, motioning towards the maid who answered as QingQing delicately placed a piece of silver within the maid’s hands.

“Now, you must have heard that Madam Fuca has put me in-charge of the accounts for this month, so from now on you will report to me about any and all purchases made, even the smallest ones,” she said smiling, sipping on her tea before giving them more instructions and dismissing them.

Madam Fuca had been running the household with a lax hand, whereas Erqing though a tyrant, was adept at keeping the books in order, which made her work both easier and harder. The servants would now be cautious about what they did but on the other hand they’d be more honest in fear of being punished.

She sighed, leaning against her chair as she sipped her tea, planning what she’d do next.

The night came quickly as she found herself alone within their chambers. The room was cold and desolate, a pristine room with no inhabitants. She slowly entered the room, lighting the lamps as she smiled, settling before the small table in the center of the room, opening the dishes that QingQing had bought her from the kitchen.

A small feast of steamed tofu flavored with chicken broth, meat stewed with cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and a blend of herbs along with steamed bamboo shoots and jasmine rice spread over the table.

The mouth-watering scents wafted around the room, making her eager to dig in. She took a few bites of the meat and rice, the flavors tingled against her tastebuds as she took another bite from her portion. Her attention was quickly drawn away from her food when she heard the familiar sound of the door sliding open. Her husband stood at the entrance, a calm look on his face as he took in her startled expression.

“You’re here,” he said.

“Well, where else would I be? This is my room, is it not?”

“Technically it’s my room, you’re just staying in it.”

“Technically, it’s my room, since I was here first.”

“That’s not how it works,” he said, frustrated at her childishness

“Well, that’s how it is. So, since this is MY room, what brings you here, to MY room.”

“Well, I had come to MY room to have dinner, but I suppose you’ve already started then,” he said, sitting down unceremoniously before her as he took one of the extra bowls as he started serving himself.

“Wha- that’s my food!” she shrieked indignantly as he smirked, piling more food into his bowl.

“Well, we’re married now, are you so cruel that you’d make your beloved husband starve?” he said mockingly.

She stared at him as he helped himself to her food, her irritation rising as he proceeded to fish out the best pieces of meat from the stew. As his spoon moved towards his bowl, she blocked his spoon with her own, preventing him from stealing away her meat.

“Beloved husband,” she said sweetly, “Isn’t it rude that you’re stealing my food and leaving me to starve? Are you so cruel that you’d let your dearest wife starve?” she finished, as she struggled to make him let go of his spoon, before eventually failing and letting him escape with his loot.

“Starve, dearest wife? I’d never let that happen. Consider it a small sacrifice for the privilege of dining with such delightful company,” he said, enjoying the meal he had claimed as his own.

“Oh, so you’re taxing me for the displeasure of your company? Fuca Fuheng, I didn’t think you’d stoop so low,” she said, gasping dramatically as she attempted to reclaim some of the fragrant meat from his bowl.

“I’m doing nothing of the sort! In fact, you’re the one so graciously hosting me, in MY room,” he said, grunting as he blocked her surprise attack.

“Oh really? Well then, shouldn’t the host have the honor of enjoying her dinner without any theft involved?” she bit back playfully.

“But my dearest wife, I’m just helping you finish all this food, I wouldn’t want any of it to go to waste,” he said, depositing another piece of meat into his bowl as he smirked at her.

“Fine, fine, but if you choke on something, don’t expect me to help you,” she said, spooning the rest of the meat into her bowl before he could get his sticky hands on it.

She continued eating as they fell into a comfortable silence with the rhythmic clinking of spoons against bowls the only sound in the room.

After they finished the meal, he stated that he’d be sleeping in his study, before going towards the sleeping area and picking up a bedroll he kept.

The cold line that had blurred for a moment was drawn again as he packed his belongings for the night and swiftly wished his wife a good night’s rest.

He felt conflicted as he exited the room. For a brief moment he’d felt surprisingly comfortable with her, but he knew better than to trust a few moments with a stranger. Memories of his misplaced trust in Erqing lingered in his thoughts as strengthened his resolve to be cautious.

Taglist: @kazenomegaminowanpisu@shiranai-atsune@hilea-love@cosmic-cares@mango-jj@hanhanartz@navierkalani@genderfluidsanta@missfancy29@canary3d@honeyformybees @melodypinky @shiranai-atsune@mufflerfluffler@gabaii@wxndi @lalisayeung @carrot-cheese-cake @bobamilkii @woahnotmecryingoverafanfiction @ciaratomioka1432

#fuca #fuca fuheng x reader #fuca clan #fuca fuheng #legend of yanxi palace #story of yanxi palace #the story of yanxi palace

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scarroxana · 9 months

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Chinese Dynasties.

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aintgonnatellyouwhy · 6 months

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Xu Kai (許凱)

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perioddramapolls · 5 months

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Welcome to the Period dramas' dresses tournament, here we'll decide which is the best period drama's dress to have ever existed, everyone can submit a dress that fits the different categories we'll be voting:

1. Yellow/golden dresses 2. White dresses 3. Red dresses 4. Black dresses 5. Green dresses 6. Grey/silver dresses 7. Orange dresses 8. Pink dresses 9. Blue dresses 10. Brown dresses 11. Purple dresses 12. Multicoloured dresses

Once every category's best dress is voted, the winner of the tournament will be decided in a poll with the 11 winners of each color.

You can submit via the google forms or tumblr asks (each submission form will last a week)

Submission rules:

You can submit anything that fits the definition below, but it does have to belong to a piece of media that's set in the past (I'd said at least 20 years before the present) and ofc, that has the color of the category we're currently voting

You can submit as many different dresses you like, just don't spam the same dress

Take into account the picture of the dress it's the one others will be seeing when voting, so make sure that it has enough quality & brightness for the dress to be appreciated

Don't forget to write the name of the piece of media & character the dress belongs to

About fantasy show submissions

About animated media submissions - not accepting them!

About theatre/ballet/opera productions submissions

Propaganda is allowed & reblogs are very appreciated!

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dailyasiandramas · 10 months

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lakecityquietme · 4 days

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i can't with these c-dramas

the cast of yanxi palace had a cast reunion and accidentally ended up filming a whole new drama (legend of haolan)

#cdrama #genuinely is so funny #everyone is here #literally EVERYONE #story of yanxi palace #legend of haolan

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shortoncache · 13 days

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In Chinese

Me: 😄 Mom's like the palace girls scolding the eunuchs

Mom: HA! I knew you've been watching c-drama! How can you know eunuch and act like you don't understand the [nutrition] videos I send you!!

#IT'S DIFFERENT OKAY???#parenting #bicultural identity #chinese #parents #tiger mom #legend of ruyi #story of yanxi palace #empress of china #palace maid #eunuch #guzhuang #wechat university

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tavina-writes · 1 year

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8 shows to know you

I saw @jaimebluesq make a post about this, and I was like "oh... that sounds so interesting I want to make one" so here I am. This goes in chronological order of when I watched these and they ended up in my brainspace. (I also wanted to make an entirely cdrama list because !!!! cdrama lives in my brain rent free and has since I was a kid.)

Legend of the Condor Heroes - 1983

This is the classic version of LOCH! Made by TVB in the 80s! Turned a whole generation of people into HYS apologists bc this show was written by HYS apologists. Beloved (kind of evil) Wuxia Dilf and Petty Conwoman Daughter remains beloved and cute in my heart. My love for them is >10000.

2. The Eloquent Ji Xiaolan - 2001-2009

The inherent comedy of these three! This series remains one of my childhood favorites and honestly kudos to the actors there's like 145 episodes of this Qing Dynasty political corruption show. (Also there was drama once because my dad lent out the dvds of the third series of this show that he'd bought in Beijing and carried back to the US in a suitcase to a so called "friend" and they straight up never gave it back.)

3. Scarlet Heart/Bu Bu Jing Xin/Startling By Each Step - 2011

One of the most UE UE UE of dramas AND one of the most banging soundtrack OSTs. Tell me that listening to Ivy Yan's "Three Inches of Heaven" 三寸天堂 does NOT make one UE UE UE into the nearest Kleenex.

4. The Story of Yanxi Palace - 2018

In my opinion, theee palace harem drama. As this poster explains there are only like two men in this drama. It's like the opposite of a danmei this drama is so sapphic vibes and I have so many ships and it's NOT FAIR NOT FAIR NOT FAIR. Anyway the reason I could get through this one when I have to persuade myself to think long and hard about Qing dynasty dramas in general is because there's really only 2.5 men here and they wear hats sometimes so I can ignore that they're bald. IN ANY CASE: WATCH YANXI.

5. The Story of Minglan - 2019

I watched this show as it came out and I think it's forever altered my brain chemistry when it comes to writing about historical women and also thinking about history and writing in general. There are no words to describe how much I love this show. The force of 100000 suns. THIS SHOW. I rewatch it almost every year and have since it came out, and honestly like, there are new things to discover every time I watch it. This is an amazingly well put together production and it deserves every episode it has and more.

6. Love and Destiny - 2019

It will be a very long time before they make a xianxia show like Love and Destiny again, with all the lush gorgeous visuals and the lavish costumes plus the classic xianxia reincarnation identity reveal plotline. This was a big budget production and it shows in how absolutely beautiful it looks. I love the main ship in this so much, but I also really really really love the mortal arc of this show (and honestly mortal arcs are kind of ehhh for me overall so anyway this show banging.)

7. The Untamed/CQL - 2019

While this came out in 2019, I was deep in my Minglan-L&D era at that point and did not listen to @autumnslantern who tried to get me to watch this until around like, March of 2022. Which probably is a mistake because now I'm a NHS apologist which could've happened sooner but like, here we are. Beloved flop man....

8. Love Between Fairy and Devil - 2022

This was my favorite show of the past year. This is a xianxia, which looks like it's a fun tropey romcom between star crossed lovers until it sneaks up on you and starts shanking you with a knife. And then you thank it for shanking you. and giving you feels. Anyway I'm so glad I watched this and WHILE the mortal arc is full of clowns....this is just a SHOW.

tagging @shadaras , @fortune-maiden, and @autumnslantern!

#8 shows to get to know me #legend of the condor heroes #the eloquent ji xiaolan #bu bu jing xin #the story of yanxi palace #the story of minglan #love and destiny #the untamed #love between fairy and devil #my posts

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nekonero · 4 months

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The amount of dropkick and beating that Ruyi!Qianlong launched on his wives and sons (and servants in Yanxi!Qianlong) make me wondering if IRL!Qianlong really loves martial art (and eating since I found at least two food recipes being approved by him)

And yes I guess? I found this 😂😂

#legend of ruyi #ruyi's royal love in the palace #Qianlong #the story of yanxi palace

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gimmeahumandrama · 2 years

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ㅤㅤ— Я вільна бути найвеличнішою серед всіх.

#empresses in the palace #empress ki #empress of china #the legend of ruyi #story of yanxi palace #legend of mi yue #легенда про чжень хуань #імператриця кі #імператриця китаю #легенда про жуї #історія палацу янсі #легенда про мі ює

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duhdumb89 · 9 months

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A Forbidden Happiness | Chapter 4

Walking through the gates of Xianfugong was like stepping into another world. The sun bounced off the bright gold roof and lacquered red walls. Jiayi took a deep breath. Even the air was fresher here. The courtyard was bustling. Stacks of luxurious fabrics and stately decor were piled around the door of one of the side halls. Eunuchs and palace maids were scurrying in and out. The eunuch, sick of her already, grabbed her shouldered and steered her inside.

"Wang gugu, here's another maid," he pushed her forward and ran off.

Jiayi bowed. You couldn't not bow to The Emperor's chief maid, Wang Langhua. Jiayi had heard of her but never seen her in the flesh. Fairly often, Jiayi gained a bunkmate thanks to Wang gugu. She had no mercy for maids who tried to crawl into the bed of The Emperor or did their mistress' unsightly biddings. The only maid in the palace with more power was Jerjer, The Empress Dowager's chief maid.

Wang gugu barely glanced at her, busy watching the servants scuttle to and fro.

"Rise," she said, "Do you have your uniform?"

Jiayi shook her head.

"Molan!" Barked Wang gugu, "Take this one and have her change into an extra uniform,"

"Yes!"

Jiayi was dragged into what she assumed was the maid's rooms by a short, round faced girl.

"What's your name?" The girl asked as she rummaged through a chest.

"Wei, er, Wei Jiayi,"

"I'm Shang Molan. Nice to meet you. Catch!"

A bundle of cloth hit Jiayi in the face.

Molan didn't mind that Jiayi was stripping down to her underclothes and proceeded to talk Jiayi's ears off about anything and everything.

Jiayi learned that Molan was 15 and a bond servant from the bordered blue banner clan, Cui. She learned that there were two other maids here, Li Ming and Ping'er. She learned that even though Xiang gui ren was going to live in a side hall, His Majesty was decorating her room with things far above her station. The Emperor had even inspected the rooms personally.

"I'm ready," said Jiayi, smoothing down her silken waistcoat. She couldn't keep her hands off of it, it was the nicest thing she'd ever owned.

"Really?" Asked Molan, "You don't have anything for your hair?"

Jiayi reached and patted her plain liangbatou, "I like a simpler look," she lied.

"Simple won't do!" Molan walked over to the foot of her bed and dug around in a small chest. She pulled out a velvet flower hair pin and placed it on Jiayi's hairpiece, "Much better. If I wasn't so sure that Wang gugu wasn't going to come in here and drag us out, I'd do your makeup, too!"

The only response they got from Wang gugu when they returned as a strong glare.

"Who are you?" A skinny girl asked, stepping in front of her.

"Wei Jiayi,"

"Well, Wei Jiayi, make yourself useful and go wipe the walls," the maid shoved a bucket into her chest and stomped away.

Molan huffed and glared at her back, "That's Li Ming. She's miserable here and taking it out on everyone else,"

"Really?" Jiayi took the bucket and began scrubbing. Molan kept herself busy dusting the decorations dotted along the walls.

"Of course! She comes from one of the upper three banners. I heard she was planning to kill herself when she learned who she was serving, but Wang gugu told us that The Emperor would start telling their families that they were punished for adultery,"

"What's all this?" A sweet voice asked.

Wang gugu and the other servants bowed so Jiayi followed suit.

"Greetings to Jiang gui ren, An gui ren," said Wang gugu.

Jiang gui ren waved away the formality with a gold tipped hand.

"Things are coming along quite nicely, Wang gugu. You don't mind if I look around?"

Wang gugu stepped to the side and bowed her head.

Like all the Emperor's women, Jiang gui ren and An gui ren were beautiful. The beauty of An gui ren's small, gentle face was overshadowed by the look of plain hunger she wore, eyes always looking to the nearest coattail to ride. Jiang gui ren had an elegant face and sweet lips. A bright smile could have you staring for quite some time.

Said beauty was overshadowed by the sheer amount of adornment that she liked to wear. The sun streamed through the windows and bounced off of the numerous gold hair accessories that decorated her liangbatou. Jiang gui ren's changfu* was a deep green with gold and silver lotus embroidery. She was certainly not afraid of rings and wore two or three on each hand. All three pairs of earrings glistened in the sun. It was the sort of decoration you would expect of woman who slept in the main hall†.

"His Majesty is truly pampering Xiang meimei," said Jiang gui ren as she stepped into the bedroom, "I'm sure that fur is from the Western tributes. Not even Shen jiejie has something so nice,"

Jiang gui ren turned to the servants who had tucked themselves against the walls.

"It looks like these new slaves aren't so bad,"

"This lowly servant thanks you for your grace!" Replied Li Ming.

Grimacing, Jiang gui ren pressed her handkerchief to her nose,

"But these rooms smell...odd,"

"Perhaps it's the incense, my lady," said her eunuch, Haoyu.

"Yes," she replied with a sigh, "I'm used to a different quality,"

"Let's go back to your rooms so you don't damage your health," said An gui ren.

Jiang gui ren and her entourage swanned away and the servants bid her farewell.

"It's getting late. Go to the kitchens and eat. Don't take more than 15 minutes," said Wang gugu.

Molan stuck to her like glue as they walked through the streets of the Forbidden City.

"You know I don't think I've seen you before. How old are you?"

"18,"

"Oh, so you're Jiayi jiejie! Where did the send you during the last draft? Or did you come from the one before?"

Jiayi swallowed. She knew that she would have to make up a lie about her background but she didn't think she would have to do it so soon.

"Does it matter where she came from? She ended up here so she couldn't be that good," Li Ming walked by, knocking her shoulder into Molan's.

"Li Ming meimei, don't forget, you're here, too! Why do you suddenly care about being good or bad? I saw how much time you spend staring at the guards who pass by, its obvious you want to show them how good you can be,"

Furious, Li Ming's face turned a splotchy red all over, "Shut your mouth," she snapped grabbing at Molan's collar.

"What's wrong with you?" Jiayi hissed, throwing Li Ming's hand away, "If you keep acting like this Wang gugu will have us all sent to the hard labor camps and as sinjeku as well. You wouldn't last a day in there,"

"Mind your own business," Replied Li Ming as she yanked her hand back. She glared at them before walking ahead.

Jiayi just walked along with a shake of her head. It was just her luck that she was serving alongside such a petty girl. If The Empress or the Imperial Noble Consort had passed by and saw their little display, they would be as good as dead. While it would still be a step above from being sent back to Su gonggong, Jiayi wasn't going to let childish fight and churlish behavior stand in the way of her new, simple life.

Jiayi walked through the courtyard of the Imperial Kitchen and felt her stomach grumble. At the hard labor camp, breakfast was thin congee and steamed wilted vegetables that were one step above pig feed. It was late in the day now and she was feeling drained from all the excitement.

The servants entered a side door to collect their meals and could sit and eat in the back courtyard or return to their palace. When the kitchen servant handed her a bowl of brilliantly bright fried rice, Jiayi thought she had ascended. It had been so long since she'd eaten food with color, spice and flavor! There were even bits of pork hiding in the rice. Pork!

"Fried rice again?" Muttered Molan as they sat down to eat, "It's always the same stuff,"

Jiayi didn't bother to respond to her griping and gulped down her food. She tried to savor it, but one mouthful became ten very quickly.

Molan gaped at Jiayi's empty bowl. Not a single grain of rice was left behind, "Finished already?"

"I was hungry," Jiayi replied.

That wasn't a lie, at least. If she wasn't so sure she'd get slapped, she'd go back inside and ask for another bowl.

"Ah, it's Shiyi gugu, tidy up," said Molan. She put bowl to the side and stood.

Like Wang gugu, Shiyi gugu, The Empress' chief maid, was a figure of legends. The rumors that trickled to the outer place told of the countless plots the Shiyi foiled in the name of her master.

"Shiyi gugu," Jiayi bowed her head as the older woman stood in front of them.

"What palace do you belong to?" Shiyi gugu asked, her voice clear and crisp.

"This servant belongs to Xianfugong," replied Jiayi.

"Whatever troubles the Household department may have doesn't excuse this sloppy behavior,"

Sloppy? Yes, she was wearing a maid's uniform but Jiayi still thought they were beautiful! She looked down at her chest, did some rice fall? Did her greasy fingers leave a stain?

Shiyi gugu picked up her arm, "Your clothes don't fit, girl,"

"Oh,"

Jiayi held out her hands and realized that the sleeves were halfway up her forearms. Her ankles felt a bit breezy too, so she could tell without looking that her pants were also a bit short.

Molan bowed her head, "It's this servant's fault. It was the only spare uniform in Xiang gui ren's rooms,"

Shiyi gugu sighed, "Before your mistress arrives you should do your best to appear as modest and clean as possible. Go to the Clothing House and find clothes that fit. If you I see you like this again, I'll have you flogged,"

"Yes!" Jiayi replied, her heart racing. Fung gonggong hadn't been joking. All Jiayi did was wear clothes that were a bit short and now she was being threatened by The Empress' chief maid!

With a final sniff, Shiyi gugu went on her way.

Molan put a hand on her shoulder, "Do you want me to come with you?"

Jiayi shook her head, "No, it's alright. I'll grab a new uniform and head back. But, can you remind me how to get to the Clothing House from here?"

There were a few twists and turns and a scolding from the momo†† in charge but Jiayi returned Xianfugong with a new uniform that hopefully fit. Jiang gui ren's side of palace was empty and the other servants had returned from lunch.

"Miserable bitch..."

Jiayi paused and looked around. She walked deeper into Xiang gui ren's apartments.

"Smug, know-it-all bitch..."

The furious muttering was coming from the maids' rooms. Jiayi crept closer to the door and peeked inside. Li Ming was crouched under Molan's bed, fiddling with something. There was a jangle of metal and the scrape of old wood. Jiayi walked backwards silently and let her feet hit the ground as she walked to the doors once more.

Li Ming had scurried over to her own bed and was pretending to fold something.

"What are you doing here?" She spat.

"Shiyi gugu told me I was looked sloppy so I came back here to change," Jiayi replied.

"I'm not surprised," said Li Ming looking Jiayi up and down, "Just look at you. No lipstick, no rouge, and you can barely dress yourself. You're barely a woman,"

"I'm a maid, not a gêgê,§" Jiayi replied, stepping close to the bed next Li Ming.

"Stop there! I won't have you anywhere close to me. There's an empty bed over there by that idiot,"

"Fine!"

Jiayi stomped over to the furthest bed. It was obvious why no one slept there, it was directly underneath the window. Rain, snow; she'd be pelted by it all when the time came. Sighing she dropped the new uniform and began to undress.

"You're certainly some kind of woman," said Li Ming, "Taking off your clothes with no shame. Shiyi gugu was right to house you here,"

"You're the one staying to look,"

Li Ming huffed and left the room. Jiayi redressed in the new uniform and was pleased to see that it fit much better than before. However her happiness was short-lived. She knew Li Ming was being petty, but her words poked at her like an annoying splinter. As a child, Jiayi loved to dress in pretty silks and decorate herself with her mother and little mother's jewelry. However, as she got older, she began to grow.

And grow.

She began to feel awkward dolling herself up so much when she was so much taller than girls her age. All it did was draw attention to how different she was. It's why she picked up drawing. She could draw the beautiful hair and red lips of an imaginary beauty and pretend that it was her. When it came for her family to be punished for her father's crimes, they initially wanted to give her away as a concubine before confirming her age.

Thankfully, she stopped growing a few years ago, but her aversion to beautiful things remained. She found it too unfair. Li Ming was beautiful but didn't deserve it at all. All she did was spew ugly words from a pretty mouth. Not to mention whatever she was doing to Molan's bed.

What was Li Ming doing under Molan's bed?

Jiayi strained to hear the sounds of anyone in the pavilion or in the courtyard. When she confirmed that she was truly alone, Jiayi crouched down near Molan's bed to see underneath. There was nothing there. But that couldn't be. Jiayi heard something when she saw Li Ming down here. A memory of an old bunkmate hiding food under the floorboards until it spoiled came to her. Jiayi began to press against the floorboards before finding a shaky one. She pried it open and stuck her hand inside to feel cool metal. She pulled it out and gasped.

It was a gold buyao¶. An imperial green piece of jade carved like a rose sat on top while the tassels were made from hundreds of tiny pearls and diamonds. Jiayi distinctly remembered admiring this buyao on the vanity in Xiang gui ren's bedroom.

Jiayi walked over to Li Ming's bed and stuck the hair pin in between the mattress and the frame. Jiayi had to think of her future. With Li Ming's attitude, Jiayi would be doing Xiang gui ren a disservice if she allowed the miserable maid to stay.

It would be better for everyone.

––––

"Jiejie is so talented," gushed Molan as she shuffled through Jiayi's collection of drawings as the maids readied themselves for bed. It was well into the night when Shiyi gugu was satisfied with their work.

"This frog is so cute," said Ping'er, "It's fishing!"

Ping'er had crawled over to Molan's bed to take a look. At 13 years old, Ping'er was full of giggles and smiles. She'd only been in the palace for a few months.

"Shut up over there," Li Ming snapped as she turned down her bed spread, "If you still have the energy to chat bullshit so late at night, Shiyi gugu obviously isn't working you hard enough,"

Molan rolled her eyes, "Whatever. Jiejie, do you do portraits? You should draw me,"

"And me!" Said Ping'er.

Jiayi took the papers and tossed them under her bed, "We can talk about it in the morning. I'm exhausted!"

Ping'er doused the lamp and they all crawled into bed. Jiayi closed her eyes and settled into her bed. No longer did she sleep on a hay filled mattress with a coarse cloth that masqueraded as a blanket. It far an above then anything she could've dreamed of after being forced to serve in the palace. Jiayi vowed to live a good life as a palace maid. She would let nothing snatch this comfort from her for the second time in her life. Jiayi closed her eyes and fell into a deep, dark sleep.

Only to jolt out of bed hours later as stinging licks walloped her legs and chest. Screams and shouts rang through the room.

"Shut up!"

Jiayi cradled her body and knelt on the ground. In the darkness she couldn't see a thing. What was going on? Who would have the gall to cause such a ruckus like this? Were they being punished?

"Get up! Up!"

A hand yanked at her nightclothes and dragged her outside. Jiayi tripped over the ledge to the receiving room and fell to the ground. She heard her roommates being thrown into the room with her. The lamps were lit and Jiayi looked up in terror at Wang gugu's cold face. Standing next to her were a few momos, each holding a thin stick of bamboo.

"Gugu," Ping'er cried, "What's going on?"

Ping'er screamed as a momo whipped her across the back.

"Shut up!"

"Confess," ordered Wang gugu.

"We..we are ignorant and dimwitted," whispered Molan, "Please guide us!"

A momo raised her stick to whip Molan but Wang gugu held out her hand.

"There is a thief in Xianfugong. Men!"

A troop of eunuchs trailed inside, "Your servant is here," they chorused.

"Search their rooms," Wang gugu told the eunuchs before turning to the momos, "Whip them until it's found. If its not found, take them to the Department of Careful Punishment and whip them to death,"

Jiayi hissed as the first hit lashed across her back. She tried to flinch away but the momo wrenched back upright. The red hot pain blistered across her back. Jiayi was sure she bit her lip bloody holding in her screams. The world around deafened to a buzz as cold sweat dripped down her face.

A eunuch returned to report to Wang gugu, "We've found it,"

Wang gugu looked at momos who stopped their whippings at once.

"Show me," she ordered. The eunuch led Wang gugu to the back room.

Jiayi fought keep upright. Every flinch or twist made her back erupt with pain. Ping'er, Molan, and Li Ming were no better. Ping'er wouldn't stop screaming so the momos stuffed her mouth with a rag. It looked like every drop of blood had drained from Molan's face. Wang gugu came back, holding the gold buyao in her hands.

Smirking, she said, "You're all very lucky,"

"This lowly one thanks you for your grace," Jiayi nodded her head and hoped that sufficed as a bow.

Wang gugu pointed at Li Ming, "Take her away!"

Li Ming jolted in shock, "Impossible! Impossible! Wang gugu, you've made a mistake!" She cried as the eunuchs grabbed her.

"Oh?" Said Wang gugu, "Says who?"

"Those worthless dogs don't know a thing!" Li Ming said, sagging in between her captors, "They don't know who's bed is who's!"

"Sun Li Ming," Wang gugu said, "When did I say this was found in a bed?"

Li Ming's eyes widened, her mouth quivering, "Wang gugu–"

"Chen momo," Wang gugu began, addressing one of the heavier set women, "Take special care of her when she comes to you,"

Chen momo bowed, "This servant understands," She nodded to the eunuchs holding Li Ming, "Go!"

"Wang gugu!!"

Sucking her teeth, Chen momo pulled the wet rag from Ping'er's mouth and shoved it in Li Ming's.

"You'll wake the entire city with your stupidness," Chen momo said as she shook her head.

"We'll take our leave,"

Li Ming was dragged away and the servants followed after.

Jiayi stared at the open door way, dazed. Ping'er was quietly sobbing and Molan slumped over to the floor. Wang gugu stepped over her and into Xiang gui ren's bedroom. She delicately lifted the lacquered jewelry box lid and softly placed the hair pin inside.

"You understand your mistake?"

"This lowly one understands," Jiayi replied.

"Good," Wang gugu said with a smile.

––––––––––––– *A type of everyday informal robe with 1 side slit and 5 buttons. †Concubines of the ranks noble lady and below lived in side halls or side rooms in palaces. Imperial concubines and above slept in the main halls of palaces, which were the largest and most opulent. Imperial concubines and above could call themselves the 'master' of a palace ††Title given to elder maids §Title given to young, upper class Manchu, unmarried women ¶Hair stick with hanging tassel

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dd122004dd · 11 months

Text

The New Mistress Fuca: Part 3 Meeting Madam Fuca

With the agreement set in place, the couple faces their first challenge, pretending to be happy in front of Mrs Fuca. Will she be able to win the approval of Madam Fuca or will she remain in the shadow of Hitara Erqing?

Warnings: None

Author’s Note: Thank you for everyone’s patience and support on the previous chapters, I hope this lives up to your expectations.

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4

Waking up the next day was a strenuous task. Her body resisted being pulled from the soft fabrics of the bed but alas the day had begun, leaving her with no choice but to awaken. Sitting up she looked around the room but found no trace of her husband or the mattress he slept on the night prior. He must have awoken before the sun could touch the horizon.

Her maid swiftly bathed her before helping her dress in a beautiful red robe with beautiful floral embroidery on it. Assmebling her hair into an updo worthy of her new status, she placed hairpins and jewels in the young mistress’ hair before helping her apply her makeup.

“What’s your name?” She asked.

“Mistress, I am called QingQing,” the servant replied meekly, bowing her head.

“Hello QingQing. Do you know where my husband went so early in the morning?”

“Mistress, he is in his study,” QingQing replied.

“Oh? Well then, I suppose I should wish my husband a good morning, shouldn’t I?” She said, rising from her seat. “Take me to his study, will you?”

“Yes mistress,” QingQing replied dutifully while grasping her arm and slowly leading the new Young Mistress of the Fuca clan to her husband’s study.

The polished columns glistened in the soft light as the pair made their way towards the young master’s study. It had a rather beautiful exterior with gently sloping roofs. She opened the door before entering, after being allowed entry.

The sight of her new husband at his desk greeted her. He seemed engrossed in the report before him. After clearing her throat, she finally caught his attention. He questioningly looked up at her.

Smiling at the man she said, “Good morning, husband!”

After a few moments of hesitance he responded, “Good morning.”

“We have to go greet your mother together today, or did you forget?”

“I did not forget,” he said simply before rising from his desk and walking past her, leading the way to the Matron’s courtyard.

“What happened to, ‘you don’t even have to see me’?” he asked rhetorically as they reached the Matron’s courtyard.

“It’s only applicable when we don’t have obligations to be seen together.” She huffed, rolling her eyes at the man, before the pair entered. The matron sat on a beautifully carved wooden chair in the center of the room with ornate seats along the aisle.

The smell of incense wafted through the room as the matron sated sightlessly at the pair, listening to their footsteps as they drew closer and bowed before her.

She smiled, telling them to rise before letting them be seated.

Her new daughter-in-law served the woman tea with elegant hands and a charming smile on her face.

The matron drank the tea, feeling a wave of calm wash over her as the flavors burst on her tongue.

“Delicious,” she breathed reverently, “What did you put in this tea? I’ve never tasted it before.”

“Madam Fuca, I added lemongrass and a bit of ginger, to help warm your body and improve your appetite. I also added a little honey to sweeten the flavor. Do you like it Madam Fuca?”

“You’re so thoughtful! I’m so happy my son was blessed with such a caring wife. I love this tea, perhaps you can make it for me again?”

“If you like it so much, I’d gladly make it for you every day, Madam Fuca.” She replied with a smile on her face. Her husband stared at her with narrowed eyes, making note to keep an eye on her actions in the future.

“Please, don’t call me ‘Madam Fuca’ it’s so formal, we’re family now, please call me mother.”

“Okay, mother,” she said, slightly giggling.

The matron then turned to her maid, beaconing her to bring forward the gift she had prepared for her new daughter in law. On the ornate tray sat a beautiful bracelet of white jade, a golden carnelian hair pin with lilies and lotuses delicately entwined within the design and a pair of gold earrings along with a bracelet engraved with Mandarin ducks, a symbol of love and a lifelong mate.

Smiling graciously, she thanked the matron.

“Oh, my dear. I forgot to tell you. Now that you’ve married into our household, I expect you to help me in household affairs. I’m getting old and I want to teach you how to manage our house as soon as possible.”

Before she was able to respond her husband interrupted, protesting, “Mother. My wife is still young, perhaps it might be better if she just watches for a few years before she starts helping in the household affairs? It would help her learn better. Don’t you think so, wife?”

“Husband,” she said with a pleased smile, “as wise as your suggestion is, I have been helping my mother run our household in preparation, so as to not further burden my in-laws by my lack of knowledge. I think I shall be able to help manage the household affairs, under Mother’s guidance, of course. Do you object, husband?” she said with a wide grin, knowing she backed him into a corner.

“In that case. I do not have a reason to object.” He said through gritted teeth, annoyed at his wife getting her way. He decided in that moment to not let her gain power over the mansion as quickly as his previous wife did.

“Wonderful! In that case, the head-maid Fei will deliver the ledgers to you and if you are able to handle the accounts this month without any mistakes, I will give you more responsibilities. Does that sound fair?”

“Yes, mother. Thank you for trusting me with this. I will not let you down.” She promised.

“I know you won’t. I’m getting a little tired now, its time for me to go get some rest. You may both leave,” She said, rising to her feet.

As she turned to walk away, she left them with a last request, “Oh, and Fuheng? Take your new wife for a tour through the mansion. Also show her the gardens. I hear the flowers are beautiful, this time of the year.”

Fuheng saw his wife looking at him expectantly, sighing he mumbled, “Follow me.”

He led his wife through the mansion with swift, precise steps, showing her the various places within the mansion with a disinterested monotonous tone as she took in the manor, making note to check out certain places that intrigued her. The painfully awkward tour concluded with a tour of the garden where Fuheng stiffly walked beside his wife, wishing for her to speed up as she stopped by each and every flower, asking about it’s name and purpose. When she knew the name of a particular flower she shared what she had read about it, be it sickeningly sweet poetry or its medicinal use.

While Fuheng was suffering through the tour, his wife was taking particular delight in his suffering as she purposely stopped at every flower in the garden, elongating the tour as much as possible and taking slow steps. When she saw him tapping his feet in impatience she slowed down even further, wracking her brains for all the possible plant-related knowledge she had ever learned.

‘Serves him right for doubting my capabilities.’ She thought internally as he sighed for the hundredth time, tapping his sword impatiently.

Just as she was about to point towards another flower a tiny body crashed into Fuheng.

“Father!”

Fuheng looked down at the smiling boy with his arms around his waist. He smiled softly at the child before kneeling before him.

“An’er, you know better than to run wild in the garden,” he admonished.

“Father, I missed you. I haven’t seen you in a few days and when I saw you today, I couldn’t control myself. I’m sorry, father.”

At the boy’s confession, Fuheng seemed to melt before promising to spend more time with the boy.

Satisfied with his father’s promise, he noticed the beautiful woman staring at him with wide eyes. Turning his attention to his father he pointed at the woman and asked, “Father, who is she?”

Fuheng followed his gaze, landing on his new wife. “An’er that is my new wife. She will be your mother from now on.”

“But my mother is Hitara Erqing, she died. How can this woman be my mother?” he asked with child-like curiosity.

Fuheng opened his mouth to explain when he was interrupted by his wife, “(S/N), I am not your birth mother, Hitara Erqing because she will always be your mother and she is always watching you and taking care of you, but because she is not here, I will take care of you as she would want me to.”

Nodding his head in understanding he asked, “Will I have to call you ‘mother’?”

“No dear, you can call me ‘Aunty’ if you want to, okay?”

“Okay aunty!”

“Good boy.” She said, patting his head.

Fuheng watched the interaction with rapt attention, this woman seemed to overturn his expectations of her. Didn’t all women want to be called ‘mother’ by their children, adopted or not?

‘Perhaps she wants to keep (S/N) at a distance so that when the time comes it’d be easier for her children to stand out.’

He decided that this was the only possible reason behind her actions and resolved to keep his son away from his new wife.

“An, you should go get ready for your lessons. Your tutor will be arriving soon,” Fuheng said, leaving no room for argument before turning to his servant and motioning him to escort the young boy away.

“It was lovely meeting you, An!” she said, a large smile on her face as she waved to the departing child.

“Nice meeting you too, pretty aunty!” He exclaimed before following his escort.

Part 4

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