《Our Second Master》


 Chapter 1 - Our Second Master is a pair of silk trousers

    <u>Chapter 1: Our Second Master is a pair of silk trousers</u> The whole city of Hangzhou knows that my household¡¯s Second Master is a pair of silk trousers (negative term for a rich man¡¯s son). The Yang Family operates the biggest silk business in the whole country, the richest family in town with two sons. The First Master, Yang Yi Fang, when everyone mentions him they will raise up their big thumbs in approval. He is one of Hangzhou¡¯s top schrs, well-learned and a sessful candidate in the imperial examinations. In addition, Yang Yi Fang¡¯s appearance was elegant with clear handsome brows and eyes, thus Old Master Yang always liked to bring Yang Yi Fang along when he went for business gatherings. With a brush, he creates a painting, with a chant, he recites a poem. In the uncouth world of coins andmerce, his elegance stood out like a stem of plum, white snow in spring. And, the Second Master, Yang Yi Qi, well, he is also a character ¡ª after all, there isn¡¯t many people who are able to cause people to furrow their brows after hearing his name. Second Master was younger than First Master by a year, but his emotional maturity and character was definitely different by more than a star and a half. There¡¯s a saying that a person¡¯s personality is fixed by three years old. When Second Master was three, the Yang Manor held a huge feast that extended to the whole street. They invited the most famous opera troupe to perform. When the main star was singing halfway on stage, she suddenly let out a huge cry. Everyone looked over and realised that a person was rolling out from under her skirt ¡ª that¡¯s right, this was our Second Master. From that day on, almost every one in the city knew, the Second Master of the Yang Family from three years old already knows how to climb into the star¡¯s skirt and touch her leg. Old Master Yang and Old Mistress Yangpletely lost their face and almost lost their life¡¯s breath. Later, Old Master Yang invited five tutors, senior ones, junior ones, strict ones, benevolent ones, but all of them couldn¡¯t control Second Master. Without even mustering the effort to blow away dust, Second Master chased them all away.


    Luckily, First Master was excellent, so slowly Old Master Yang and Old Mistress Yang did not bother about Second Master anymore. Every month, they will give him money and let him do whatever he likes. They spent their entire efforts into grooming First Master. Ah, I haven¡¯t said who I was. Since I call Yang Yi Qi as ¡°Our Second Master¡±, naturally, I am part of the Yang Household. Indeed, I am Second Master¡¯s maid. When I was eight, I was sold to the Yang Manor. At the start, I did rough chores in the kitchen, and thenter I was transferred to Second Master¡¯s courtyard. I was personally transferred by Old Mistress Yang ¡ª if you thought I was transferred because of my beauty to be a concubine maid**, then you have made a serious mistake. It was precisely the opposite, I was transferred because I was ugly.Actually, I personally do not think I am ugly. I am only a little bit short, my face a little bit round, my eyes a little bit small, my calves a little bit thick. Besides that, I am a pretty decent girl. However, once I entered Second Master¡¯s courtyard, I immediately knew I was wrong. With my looks, I could not even be considered a person in Second Master¡¯s courtyard, perhaps more of a monkey ¡ª and more like the wild monkeys in the mountain. Later, someone told me that I was transferred because Second Master had already slept with all the woman in his courtyard. All the maids were scheming in their hearts and fighting politically and no one was properly doing the chores. The first day I arrived, I paid my respects to Second Master. Second Master was drinking his tea. The expression after he saw me was as frightening and fierce as you can imagine. He waved his hands to let me go off to do my chores.In my heart, I said, can you be less extreme? But, that was the first time I saw Second Master. I thought that I could not me all the young maids for rushing to find Second Master. Second Master was indeed good looking. I had seen First Master before, although First Master was not bad, butpared to Second Master, hecked that extra something. Although First Master read many books and was extremely likable, but he gave me a wooden feeling. Second Master waspletely different, in the whole of Hangzhou, everyone knew that Second Master knew how to y the best. A pair of eyes that were always gleaming from day to night, wearing loose robes, whenever his robes opened, as he walked by the West Lake waving his fan, the entire street of maidens will look over. The Yang Manor was very big, the courtyards of the First Master and Second Master were situated far apart, but everyone in the manor knew that the people in the two courtyards did not look eye to eye. Second Master¡¯s servants disdained the looks of the First Master¡¯s servants, while the First Master¡¯s servants disdained the Second Master¡¯s servants for theirck of breeding. And, as someone who has dragged down the standards of Second Master¡¯s courtyard, I did not livefortably in the courtyard. All the dirty and tiring works were done by me. This was fine by me. The problem was that all kinds of ridiculous faults were also med on me. For example, Second Master¡¯stest maid Chun Xue, when she was admiring the flowers in the garden, she identally stepped on the feet of the previous favourite, Lu Liu. Because of this, the two girls started to fight in the garden. I was only at the side sweeping the floor. Since I was bored, I watched them fight. Later, when Second Master arrived and the two ferocious fighting lionesses immediately became gentle sheep, leaning onto Second Master on his left and right, taking turns to cry andin. Second Master hugged them both, coaxing here, and coaxing there. Since the two maidens definitely wanted to win, they both said they suffered more and asked him to make a decision. Second Master couldn¡¯t bear to hit either of them, looking left and right, he happened to nce at me. When his spring watery eyes nced at me, my heart immediately jumped and I had an immediate bad feeling. It turns out that my gut feeling was right, with quick steps, Second Master walked towards me and gave me a p. The p wasn¡¯t light, wasn¡¯t heavy, if you really wanted to describe it, it was the greatest energy that Second Master was willing to put on his monkey maid. I was a wise monkey, thus after this p, I immediately knelt down and admitted my wrongs. Thereafter, Second Master used his specialzy voice and told the two maidens, ¡°This should be enough.¡± And that was it. Until today, I still did not understand why did Second Master give me that p. Maybe it was to show his might, or it was tofort. Or maybe he found me an eyesore. But, that was the first time Second Master touched me. I often heard the concubine maids gossip about how powerful Second Master was, and how in that moment, it was truly awesome until you rose to the heavens. The night after I was pped, I unconsciously thought, indeed I ascended to heaven. Later, there was a day when Old Mistress Yang arrived at the courtyard and spoke to Second Master for a night. All the maids gathered together in sorrow and worry. I was curious so I asked what happened. Normally, they would not speak much to me, but they were truly upset this time and couldn¡¯t even get the energy to despise me, so they told me what happened. I immediately understood. It turned out that Old Mistress Yang wanted to find a wife for Second Master. First Master had already married for more than three years and already had one son. Second Master was always yful and didn¡¯t take care of his own matters. Old Master Yang had slowly over the years passed his business to First Master, and after passing on most of the matters, suddenly remembered about Second Master¡¯s marriage. Second Master was a spoilt silk trousers, yful and phndering, his reputation was truly bad. But, the Yang Manor had huge power and money that could not be spent finished, so the people who came asking for marriage was plentiful. Old Mistress Yang asked for Second Master¡¯s opinion and he did not say much, only told her to find a beautiful one. Old Mistress Yang gave a sigh and left. Later, Old Master Yang and Old Mistress Yang found a daughter of a tea businessman for him.This tea businessman was not ordinary, one of the top tier businessmen in Hangzhou. His youngest daughter just passed her sixteenth birthday and was at the age of blossom. The two families arranged for a meeting. That day, Second Master rosete and did not really groom himself ¨C he messily went to the meeting. However, it turned out that the little maiden was immediately attracted by Second Master¡¯s unconventional and unrestrained air. Although her parents were still a little doubtful, but thinking about how big the family¡¯s business was, they weren¡¯t worried that the Yang Family would not be able to take care of a second son, and thus they agreed. And, thus Old Mistress Yang started clearing out the maids in Second Master¡¯s courtyard. In that half month, there was crying and howling all over the courtyard from day to night. I could not sleep well for many days. My face became so skinny that I resembled a monkey even more. But, it was also thanks to my monkey face, that when Old Mistress Yang cleared the courtyard, she didn¡¯t even spare a nce at me. I safely and securely remained in Second Master¡¯s courtyard. Besides me, there was also a fifty plus year old female servant. But besides the two of us, the courtyard didn¡¯t even have a female mouse. The pageboy, the guard, the housekeeper, all of them were male. Second Master was extremely displeased by this. You must know that our Second Master¡¯s temper is extremely big, when there are women to coax him, it is still ok, but when there are no women, it is like a wild dog being unleashed ¡ª no, a wild horse. The old female servant Granny Feng was deaf, so I was the only one left for Second Master to torture. In the two years I was serving in Second Master¡¯s courtyard, I didn¡¯t interact with Second Master as much as I did in that two months. Even if he was ying with birds in his courtyard, when he got bored, he wille and kick me. Did I dare to rebel? Of course, I did not. So, I was used to vent his anger from day to night. In my heart, I was hoping for the year to pass. Why? Second Master¡¯s wedding was after the new year. After the new year, there will be a female mistress in the courtyard and Second Master will have no time to kick me. Just as I was counting for the days to pass, something happened to Second Master. Strictly speaking, it was not that something happened to Second Master, but something happened to the Yang Household. Old Master Yang travelled to Jiang Su for business and coincidentally Second Master had escaped from the house in boredom. He got caught by Old Master Yang and Old Master Yang had pulled him along in anger. And so thus they went, and something happened. The exact details of what happened, a small maid like me cannot fully know. I was washing the clothes when I heard the shouts from outside the courtyard. I thought it was strange when a troop of guards rushed in and started to ransack the house. Their movements were rough and smashed all of Second Master¡¯s treasures. That night, after the guards left, I heard all the female Yang family members gather together and cry. The cries were unbearably sad ¨C itsted one whole night. I did not know what happened, but I knew from that day on that the Yang Manor was no more. The big house was sealed and all of us went to the small courtyard arranged previously by Old Master Yang outside the city. Old Mistress Yang gathered all the family servants, gave each of them a little money and asked us to leave. It was the first time I saw Old Mistress Yang wore shabby civilian clothes like ours. But Old Mistress Yang was still the Old Mistress, whatever she wore was still pretty. After receiving the money, I only asked one thing ¡ª ¡°Old Mistress, Our Second Master?¡± Old Mistress Yang heard me and both her eyes turned red, she covered her mouth and cried.**A maid in name but concubine in reality.

 Chapter 2 - Our Second Master is injured

    <u>Chapter 2: Our Second Master is injured</u>I did not leave. I also did not know why I did not leave. Maybe it was the tears shed by Old Mistress Yang when I asked about Second Master. Later, all the people left ¨C not only the servants, the female family members returned to their maternal homes, Old Mistress Yang took a few maidens and left. Before she left she told me, please take care of this ce. In a while, Second Master will return. But, First Master did not leave. He said that the Yang Family that Old Master Yang left behind cannot copse like this. He told his wife to return to her family and he will return for her. I personally thought that he said it just tofort his wife. The servants left were only three ¨C me, Granny Feng and a servant of First Master. Even First Master¡¯s wife had left. First Master¡¯s servant was called Yuan Sheng. One day while we were doing chores, he asked me why I stayed and I did not answer. I asked him back why did he stay. He said that he owed a debt of gratitude to First Master and he cannot be ungrateful. Then he asked me, if I stayed because I owed a debt of gratitude to Second Master. I onlyughed then. Not to speak of gratitude, but Second Master to me, it was already very good if there is no vengeance. But, I didn¡¯t say this because I would have to spend energy exining if I did. So, I said yes, Second Master did a great act of kindness to me and I cannot forget this debt of gratitude. After hearing this, Yuan Sheng pulled me aside and said in a small voice, ¡°You are also a loyal servant. Second Master shall be taken care of by you.¡± I paused, these words were not spoken lightly, so I asked him, ¡°Why?¡± Yuan Sheng¡¯s expression was not good but he told me, ¡°Something went wrong with the business group right? They didn¡¯t only dy the emperor¡¯s shipment, they met enemies.¡± I asked him, ¡°What enemy?¡± ¡°Who knows,¡± Yuan Sheng said, ¡°When a business prospers, there will be many enemies. Seeing the Yang Family lose power, someone robbed them on their way back. Old Master Yang didn¡¯t even have a chance and went... ah...¡± Don¡¯t only sigh, I asked again, ¡°Then our Second Master?¡± Yuan Sheng replied, ¡°Our Second Master managed to escape with his life, but...¡± I really wanted to p him, ¡°What happened?¡± Yuan Sheng stated, ¡°I heard that he is crippled.¡± That day, I was in a daze. Yuan Sheng said that Second Master¡¯s legs were seriously injured. He had slightly recovered and was on his way back to Hangzhou. I started to calcte, how serious was seriously injured? Broken? Lame? At that time, I did not think about it too deeply. I only thought that if his legs were injured, he would recover after lying in bed. Knowing Second Master¡¯s temper, I wonder how many kicks I must suffer. So, I still earnestly hoped that Second Master will quickly recover. It turned out that I was simply too naive. The day that Second Master returned, I opened the door. Truthfully, I could not recognise him at all. There was a cart pulled by a cow. A fifty-year old plus rider with shabby clothes. I thought it was a beggar and said, ¡°Master, you should go somewhere else, we almost cannot cook already.¡± The old man waved his hand and pointed to the back. With a thick foreign ent, he said, ¡°I sent this here. You have to give me two taels.¡± I turned to the back and saw the cart was covered with rice straw, I thought I saw the glimpse of clothes. I walked over and said, ¡°What is this, who called you?¡± I thought he was selling goods and was going to chase him away when I saw the person lying behind. I stared for at least half the burning of an incense before I stuttered, ¡°... Se...Second...Second.... Second... Ma... Master?¡± I did not know if Second Master was awake but his eyes were wide open. But he did not move at all, he did not blink. It was truly chilling. His hair waspletely messy and his face was so scrawny that he had lost his looks. There was a thickyer of grass covering his body. Seeing him ignore me, I hesitated if I should help carry him. But the old man cried, ¡°Miss, you have to slow down! Don¡¯t kill him.¡± I was immediately unhappy ¨C a perfectly fine person, how would I kill him. But when I removed theyer of grass, I immediately understood the old man¡¯s words. I calmed down my heart and went to the yard to call Yuan Sheng for help. When we carried Second Master back to the house, he waspletely expressionless all the way. It wasn¡¯t clear if he was a fake person. After we brought Second Master in, Yuan Sheng gave the money to the old man. In the evening, First Master returned and when he saw Second Master, his tears immediately fell down. He fell towards Second Master¡¯s bedside and cried, ¡°My younger brother, my younger brother...¡± Actually, I really wanted to remind him if we should first hire a doctor. But seeing him cry so despondently, I didn¡¯t open my mouth. Compared to First Master, Second Master was much calmer. He stared at the ceiling, don¡¯t mention cry, he did not even have a single expression. I waited at the door and looked at Second Master through the door crack. Is this still our Second Master? I finally understood what Yuan Sheng¡¯s serious expression had meant. Previously, I still thought that Second Master could recover. Seeing Second Master¡¯s body now, I can only think that I was too naive. Second Master was crippled, extremely crippled. How should I say this ¨C Second Master was only left in half. His two legs were gone. The left side was slightly stronger than the right, there was half a leg left, but the right leg waspletely gone. I used to have to raise my head to look at Second Master, but now he was about my chest. Later, First Master finally remembered to hire a doctor for Second Master. Now that the Yang Family was in shambles, we could not hire a good doctor. A man from the pugilist world came to give a look. To look after the injuries, Second Master did not wear any clothes for his bottom half. The man told First Master that his life was gotten back and to take special care of him. After sending the man off, First Master returned to the house to tell this to Second Master, but Second Masterpletely ignored it. After a few days, before First Master could get Second Master to speak, he had to run outside to do some business. Before he left, he told me to take care of Second Master, he would return in two months. First Master brought Yuan Sheng away, and there was only Second Master and me left. Oh, and Granny Feng. But Granny Feng did not speak all day so I almost forgot about her. epting First Master¡¯smand ¡ª actually even if he did notmand me, I will also take care of Second Master. Who asked me to be a maid? The previous days, Yuan Sheng had taken care of Second Master. The first day when I entered the room, the entire room smelt of decay. I opened the windows and exined to Second Master who was lying on the bed, ¡°To allow the wind toe in.¡± But Second Master of course ignored me. Then, I fed Second Master food. He was like a fake person, opening and closing his mouth, not knowing where his eyes should look. Until at night, when I brought the medicine in the room, I told Second Master, ¡°Second Master, maid will help you change your medicine.¡± He finally had a reaction. Second Master¡¯s eyes started to move and turn towards me. I walked over and was about to move his nket. Before I could make another move, he spoke in a low voice, ¡°Leave.¡± Actually, I already guessed he would say this. But to be what Yuan Sheng calls a loyal servant, of course I could not leave. I lowered my brows and gently said, ¡°Second Master, the injuries need to change medicine. It may hurt, please tolerate it.¡± Then, I removed the nket and smelt a strong stench of rotting flesh. Yuang Sheng did not know how to take care of people at all. I held the medicine and used my greatest effort to lightly rub the medicine on Second Master¡¯s injuries. Before the medicine touched him, I saw Second Master¡¯s leg shook. And then, I was pushed back by a great force. I fell, the medicine sttered. Second Master¡¯s arms were quite long. I lifted my head, and saw that Second Master¡¯s hair was in a mess, his pair of eyes like a wild beast staring at me deathly, ¡°I told you to leave.¡± Did I leave ¡ª of course I didn¡¯t. I was very clear of how ferocious Second Master¡¯s temper was, after all I was his venting bag for so many years. I really wanted to tell him that this push was not even painful, the kicks you gave me before was much more forceful. And then I suddenly realised, was I no longer afraid of Second Master because he could no longer kick me? As I was ruminating on this, I prepared the medicine again and returned to Second Master¡¯s bedside. Once bitten, twice shy ¨C I was smarter and applied the medicine at the end of the bed. Even if Second Master tried to use his arms, he would not be able to reach. I was truly clever. I almost wanted to cheer but Second Master was truly angry. His two arms were ced at his side, and his whole bearing was as if he wanted to sit up and resolve me. But, I waspletely unafraid. Because he was truly too weak now. What¡¯s more his leg injuries had not yet recovered, they were reddish ck, looking at it, I felt pain all over. If he sat up and pressed on his injuries, it was as good as death. So, I calmly applied the medicine. Actually, I was a little embarrassed while applying the medicine. After all, Second Master was not wearing anything. Even though I was always called a monkey in the courtyard, but I was still an unmarried monkey. Seeing Second Master¡¯s naked body, even thinking about it now, I would be a little nervous. That part of Second Master... I can only describe it as magnificent. Butparing it now, Second Master¡¯s legs were a grander sight. I concentrated on applying the medicine. Every time I touched one part, Second Master will moan a bit. After I applied even more, Second Master¡¯s entire buttock shook, it shook with a cry. I dared to lift up my head to catch a nce and saw that Second Master¡¯s face was ghastly white with his veins throbbing, his face full of cold sweat. I guessed that he was so in pain that he did not even have the strength to scold me. After applying finish the medicine, I went to the kitchen to prepare food. When I returned to the room, Second Master was still like a dead fish, eyes opened, lying down on the bed. I lifted up a spoon of porridge to Second Master¡¯s lips. Second Master flipped it away. Luckily, I protected the bowl carefully. Although it was hot, the porridge did not spill out. ¡°Second Master, eat a little.¡± Second Master said, ¡°Leave.¡± I did not know what to do. If it was before, if Second Master asked me to leave, I will quickly leave as far as possible. But now... what will happen to Second Master if I leave? But, I did not have any other method, I could forcefully apply medicine, but what will I do with food. Wait... forcefully? Indeed, forcefully. I ced the porridge aside and stared at it till it turned cold. So, when it¡¯s forcefully pushed down, it will not scald. After a while, I tried it and felt it was ok. So, I brought the bowl over. Second Master possibly never had the experience of being looked down by a monkey before, his eyes were very unfriendly and I said ¨C Second Master, sorry to offend you. And then, I really offended him.Comments: Absolutely love this story. Absolutely love the leads. The female lead is so special ¨C she¡¯s funny, self-deprecating and so strong when it really counts.

 Chapter 3 - Our Second Master is bullied

    <u>Chapter 3: Our Second Master is bullied</u> From that day on, I found the method to apply the medicine and to feed Second Master. Something to rejoice and celebrate. Later on, Second Master stopped scolding me and just acted as if I did not exist. Every day, heid in the same position, staring with his eyes wide open at the ceiling. He ate, drank, shit and peed all on the bed. Speaking of eating, drinking, shitting and peeing, I suffered for the first two and Second Master suffered for thest two. As he could not get down the bed, I had to enter the room and serve him at every few intervals. For peeing, Second Master could pretend he was a dead fish. I only needed to hold the urinal pot at the correct angle. But shitting was like taking his life. I had to carry him up to sit. Although I said sit, it was more like supporting the buttock and then cing the shit basin below. Because Second Master¡¯s right leg waspletely removed, for the buttock to move even a little would touch the wound. But for shitting, you can¡¯t avoid exerting some force and once you exert some force, both sides will ache. Every time Second Master passed motion, it was ¡®heng heng ah ah duo duo suo suo¡¯ (sounds of pain and exertion). Shit, pee, cold sweat and tears ¨C the atmosphere in the house was as terrible as terrible could be. But the days passed like this. After a month, Second Master¡¯s wounds became better. First Master and Yuan Sheng had not returned yet but the household was already almost falling part. I squatted at the yard and thought over this, if no money was earned, in about four to five dayster Second Master won¡¯t even be able to drink sparse porridge water. Thus, I decided to make things to sell. What should I sell? After some thought, I decided to make some handicrafts. Don¡¯t just look at my monkey appearance, I actually have a nimble pair of hands. In the day, after I took care of Second Master, I would run to the fields outside the city to pluck flowers and ferns. Then, I returned home and made flower crowns, nes and bracelets. It was presently the good season of spring. Every day, rich gentlemen will bring out their maidens to y outside the city and so I stood at the city gates to sell my wares. I actually sold quite well. It was only a bit tiring. Because the flowers and ferns would wither overnight and they had to be fresh for them to look good, I had to run out every day. But, it was good that I had money to earn, I couldn¡¯t let Second Master starve to death after all. I was feeding Second Master food again when Second Master suddenly said, ¡°Open the windows¡±. I quickly opened the windows. It was already spring, the weather was bright and windy, the birds were chirping, everywhere was aglow with life and vitality. I looked outside and for a moment, I rxed. Second Master spoke in a low voice, ¡°Close it.¡± I swore I really didn¡¯t hear it the first time. Second Master may have thought I was intentionally disobeying him so he shouted, ¡°I order you to close it!¡± I was shocked and turned around. I saw that Second Master had turned his head away, half hidden under the nket. Suddenly ¡ª in that moment, suddenly I felt that Second Master was a little pitiful. I didn¡¯t know where I got the courage but I told Second Master, ¡°Second Master, let me bring you out to look around.¡± Second Master ignored me. I walked forward and held Second Master¡¯s shoulders, Second Master tossed his shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t touch me!¡± In that moment, I was really possessed, I actually didn¡¯t listen to Second Master and pulled him to sit up. Second Master¡¯s injuries were almost fully recovered but he couldn¡¯t really rise up. To rise up so suddenly, he would immediately feel giddy and dazed. Taking advantage of his dizziness, using my hands and legs, I moved him onto a wooden handcart. When Second Master regained his bearings, he was already lying on the handcart. As he was about to unleash his fiery temper, he turned his gaze at the things next to him.


    The flower crowns I have prepared for sale. Second Master asked, ¡°What is this?¡± I answered honestly. Second Master stopped speaking. I felt that he was embarrassed by the sale of such items, but I didn¡¯t have a better method. Seeing that he did not unleash his wrath, I pushed him out the door. After all, being cooped in the house for so long, it was good to enjoy a bit of sunlight. When I sold the items, Second Master rested on the wooden handcart. Actually, everything went smoothly. But suddenly came a group of people intentionally seeking to find fault. I was really frustrated, why couldn¡¯t they find fault another day? Whye when Second Master was around? It was onlyter that I learnt that this group of people knew Second Master. When Second Master proudly roamed Hangzhou before, there were many people who didn¡¯t like him. Now that he has fallen, they came to bully. The group of people surrounded the handcart. Although their mouth spoke words of concern, I could see that they were seeking pleasure in the misfortune. Especially, the head, he was quite handsome and he dressed well, but I didn¡¯t know why his gaze was especially poisonous. Second Master did not speak, and did not move, he justid there. Although he did not make any expression, I could tell that he was so ufortable that he wanted to die. Second Master¡¯s lower half was covered by a nket by me as I was afraid he would catch cold from the wind. The head of the group lifted it up, when everyone saw Second Master¡¯s lower half, they were stunned. Then, they burst into greatughter. In that moment, I erupted. I didn¡¯t care about anything, I picked up a tree branch at the side, shouted a loud cry and aimed for the group¡¯s head. He didn¡¯t expect it and so I hit him straight on. They probably didn¡¯t expect that a servant would dare to do such a thing, even Second Master looked over. The person who was hit was dazed for a moment. When he regained consciousness, he waved his hand and the rest of his scoundrel friends started to punch me heavily. I hugged my head and shrunk into a ball, biting my teeth to hold on. Why hit me so hard? Is there meaning to this? Later, they were tired from beating me and decided to continue on their ways. I rested for quite a while before I climbed up from the ground. At my first nce, I saw Second Master¡¯s expressionless face, and a pair of very dark very dark eyes. I thought, I must have caused him to lose face again. After this battering, the flower crowns were also destroyed and could not be sold, so we could only return home. On the road home, Second Master did not speak a single word. I was a little regretful that I brought him outside. Althoughying at home was boring, at least it was better than tolerating other people¡¯s tempers. At night during dinner, Second Master shockingly asked me to carry him up to sit. You must realise that previously he would eat his food while half lying down. After I carried him up, Second Master looked at me. I knew my face must be very dazzling now so I lowered my head. Second Master said, ¡°Lift up your head.¡± I looked at him with my swollen eyes. After looking at me for half a day, Second Master asked, ¡°Who are you?¡± I was stunned. My heart said Second Master don¡¯t tell me you have been angered by those men into stupidity? I hesitantly said, ¡°Second... Second Master?¡± Second Master furrowed his brows and asked, ¡°Are you a maid bought by First Master?¡± I realised then he was not stupid, it was I that was stupid. I took in a deep breath and said, ¡°Second Master, your humble servant was a maid from the original Yang Manor.¡± After speaking finish, I added, ¡°I originally came from Second Master¡¯s courtyard.¡± Second Master didn¡¯t even think and said, ¡°Impossible.¡± I was speechless. I knew what were the next few words he kept in his stomach and didn¡¯t say ¡ª my yard couldn¡¯t possible have a maid that looked like this. So I took in another deep breath and narrated how I was sent to his courtyard. After listening, Second Master did not speak for a long time. After a while, he asked, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you leave?¡± I paused, yes, why did I not leave. Before I thought of how to properly answer, Second Master already spoke, ¡°Never mind, pass me the rice.¡± I passed the bowl of rice to him. Second Master leaned on the wall and started to eat by himself. I was still dazedly standing. He sat unstably. Whenever his body leaned aside, he would stretch his arm for support. This whole meal, I didn¡¯t have to use my hands. After he finished, I was going to wash the bowls when he pulled me to stay. ¡°Sit.¡± I sat. ¡°What are you called?¡± ¡°Monkey.¡± ¡°.......¡± Second Master looked at me with aplicated expression, ¡°What are you called?¡± I said, ¡°Your humble servant is called Monkey.¡± Second Master had an expression as if he was choked by the rice. Then he added, ¡°Monkey, how much savings does the household have left.¡± I said, ¡°Two hundred taels.*¡± ¡°......¡± I thought this number was something Second Master could not ept and I was about tofort him by adding that First Master had travelled outside for business. But, who knew Second Master suddenly said, ¡°Enough.¡± ¡°?¡± But Second Master didn¡¯t say anything more and asked me how much I could sell each day. I said, ¡°About five coins.¡± Second Master¡¯s brows immediately furrowed, ¡°You sold for how much?¡± I repeated myself again. He said, ¡°Tomorrow after you prepare the items, don¡¯t sell them.¡± I did not know what Second Master nned to do but I nodded at him. After speaking, Second Mastermanded me to bring the grass carpets outside in. After I ced the grass carpets inside the house, Second Master ordered me to ce them properly on the ground. I followed his orders. After I finished, he asked me to leave. I went to the kitchen to clean the bowls and thought that Second Master was rather strange tonight. Afterpleting the washing, I went to the yard and heard sounds from Second Master¡¯s room. But since he did not call for me, I did not dare to go in. I sat outside the house to listen, and heard the sound of ¡®pu dong pu dong¡¯ (falling) repeatedly. I tolerated and tolerated, until I could tolerate no more and leaned towards the window to look through the gaps. I was shocked. I didn¡¯t know when Second Master had fallen down the bed. He was lying on the ground and he appeared to be trying to get up. I didn¡¯t care and rushed into the room. When I entered, Second Master appeared to be shocked and he red at me from the ground. ¡°Who allowed you toe in?!¡± I said, ¡°Let your humble servant help Second Master.¡± ¡°Get out!¡± I was still hesitating when Second Master turned his face away from me, ¡°I order you to get out!¡± Still this temper. I turned around to exit. I stayed at the doorside to listen to the messy chaotic sounds from inside the room. Until deep into the night, a voice finally came from the room, ¡°Monkey,e in.¡± I pushed the door open. Second Master waspletely soaked in sweat, lying down on the grass carpets. It seemed like he had expended all his energy. He spoke to me without strength, ¡°Carry me up.¡± I carried Second Master back onto the bed. Second Master was still panting heavily. In my heart, I had a slight, very slight understanding of what Second Master was doing. I hesitated for a moment then spoke to him in a small voice, ¡°Second Master, if you want to train your body, you should ask your servant to help you.¡± I must have eaten the guts of a leopard to dare speak like this. After I finish, I closed my eyes in wait of death. Who knew that Second Master closed his eyes, and when his breath stabilised, he spoke in a low voice, ¡°àÅ¡± (sound of assent). When I came out from Second Master¡¯s room, my heart thought that Second Master was indeed a bit strange tonight.*I¡¯m hopeless with ancient money so I gave a rough estimate.

 Chapter 4 - Our Second Master has returned back

    <u>Chapter 4: Our Second Master has returned back </u><u></u> The second day, Iplied with Second Master¡¯s orders to make the flower crowns and ced them aside. Second Master divided the flower crowns into two groups and then asked me to carry him to the wooden handcart. I actually thought that after yesterday, Second Master would not be willing to leave the house again. He asked me to bring him to Sky Cuckoo Pavilion, a shop that sold make-up and essories. When we reached the entrance, Second Master asked me to call the shopkeeper. When the shopkeeper came outside and saw Second Master sitting on the wooden handcart, his expression wasn¡¯t good but he still gave a greeting. Second Master asked me to sit aside and then started to discuss with the shopkeeper. After an hour, I saw the shopkeeper direct one of his shop assistants to bring the flower crowns into the shop and then he entered the shop. At this point, Second Master called me over. ¡°Let¡¯s go back.¡± I didn¡¯t dare to ask more so I pushed the handcart back home. When we reached home, Second Master threw me a pouch. When I caught it, inside was several pieces of small silver. I looked in surprise at Second Master. Second Master said, ¡°You earned it.¡± This this this... Second Master ordered, ¡°In future, one batch every three days until the flower season is over. Pick white blossom flowers and matching flowers, don¡¯t use willows.¡± I hurriedly nodded my head, ¡°Yes yes.¡± Master is truly master.


    Earning more, working less, there was more free time. Now, Second Master besides eating, shitting and peeing, he would train his body. I was afraid he would hit his head so I made more grass carpets to cover the ground. After his injuries recovered, Second Master wore pants. For convenience, I cut away the pant legs, sewed them together and it was just nice for Second Master to wear. Second Master¡¯s body was very much not like before, even sitting was difficult. Every day, I would support his back and he would practise sitting. One seat will be one afternoon. At the start, he would lean to the right and fall, butter after much practice, Second Master was able to sit stably.


    Now, Second Master was not only able to sit, he could use both hands supporting from the ground to move forward. I asked Second Master if he wanted the craftsman to make a wheelchair. Second Master thought for a while and shook his head. He said, ¡°That thing is not convenient.¡± Second Master used force on his half a left leg and gave me a nce. I was shocked to realise that there was doubt in Second Master¡¯s eyes. After waiting for half a day, he turned his face and said in a low voice, ¡°Youe over.¡± I was already standing in front of you, how toe over? But Master¡¯smands must be obeyed so I moved forward half a step. Second Master said, ¡°Touch it.¡± ¡°?¡± Second Master ordered impatiently, ¡°Touch my leg!¡± I did not know what he wanted but I stretched out my hand. He took his hand away and I very carefully touched it. This was not the first time I touched his leg. I had touched it previously when applying medicine and it was bare. Now that this half a leg was wearing the specially sewn pants, I was actually more nervous than when it was bare. Second Master seemed to be infected by my attitude and his face turned slightly red ¡ª I felt that he must have been angered by me. Obediently, I touched it. Second Master¡¯s leg was still quite strong. I couldn¡¯t hold it with one hand. Below my hand was cloth, inside the cloth were bumps and hollows. I did not know if it was my hand that was shaking or Second Master¡¯s leg that was shaking. ¡°Have you touched carefully?¡± I nodded my head like a fool. Second Master said, ¡°Go to the carpenter and make a bamboo tube with the same thickness.¡± ¡°This thickness...¡± Second Master¡¯s face turned red, ¡°As thick as my leg!¡± ¡°Ah ah, yes.¡± I caught up and asked again, ¡°How long?¡± Second Master¡¯s expression was not good, he waved simplistically, ¡°If it¡¯s long, it would be hard to walk. The length of two palms will be enough. Also make a walking crutch.¡± I asked, ¡°Also short?¡± ¡°Obviously!¡± Thus, I went. After the carpenter heard my request, he directly said I could wait. I thought I had toe back to collect it after a few days. The master looked at me disdainfully, ¡°Such a simple task can be done in two steps.¡± Finally, after I saw the product, my heart thought ¨C truly in just a few steps. But... as I walked and looked at the product in my hand, and also tried the walking crutch, it only reached my waist. I looked again at the round bamboo tube and my heart felt a little sour. Our Second Master is only now this tall. After I brought it home, Second Master looked at the product for a long time. His expression was calm. I stood at the side and did not dare to let out any big breaths. Second Master said, ¡°That was fast.¡± I quickly responded, ¡°The carpenter was very good!¡± Second Master looked at me wordlessly and I lowered my head and obediently shut my mouth. I felt that Second Master¡¯s heart was upset. His action in attaching the tube to his leg was very rough. Don¡¯t ask me how I was able to see this, this was just what I felt. I walked over and helped him attach it. His hands were shaking, his head lowered, I couldn¡¯t see his face. I said, ¡°Second Master, be more gentle.¡± Second Master¡¯s hand stopped moving and the rest was done by me. Second Master moved down to the ground, the crutches under both his armpits, the length was just nice. Just nice to my chest level. With both his hands supporting, his body moved. And then, ¡°pa cha¡± he fell downwards. I quickly carried him up but Second Master asked me to stay aside. So, I watch him climb up from the ground himself, and then try again. I did not know that Second Master could already rise from the ground so easily. After that, Second Master would practise walking with the crutches every day. At first, he fell until his whole body was full of green and purple patches. Later, slowly, he was able to walk much more smoothly such that he was able to throw away the left crutch and only walk with one crutch. Of course, the consequences of practising so much was to have his leg rubbed until it was full of fresh blood. Every time the medicine is applied, Second Master would hurt so much that he would grit his teeth and open his mouth. There was once I couldn¡¯t help it and told Second Master to practise less, to do it slowly. Second Master shook his head and said, ¡°Every year at this time, the tea businessmen from the Capital wille to Hangzhou. The tea trade is very bustling and there will be lots of opportunities for travel. I must at least be able to walk by then.¡± I didn¡¯t dare to say, Second Master, can you still travel like this? Later, Second Master was really able to walk out such a route. When the businessmen came to Hangzhou from the Capital, they would frequently sit by the tea houses by the West Lake to discuss business. There was a period when Second Master went there every day. He would order a pot of the cheapest Long Jin (a type of tea), and would drink it until it became in water and still not go away. Later, the people in the shop recognised him as the previous Yang Manor¡¯s Second Master, seeing his current state, they would speak badly of him behind his back. Intentionally or unintentionally, their words would fall into Second Master¡¯s ears but Second Master would treat himself as being deaf. With his leg, his crutch, he would hum a tune and admire the scenery. That day, he entered the tea house and his eyes immediately turned to three people at the table at the furthest corner. Two of them were ying chess. He leaned on his crutch and walked over. When he reached the table, two of them turned to look but the oldest continued to stare at the chessboard without moving. Second Master was not much taller than the table. His left hand leaning on a stool, with force from his right hand, he sat on top of an empty stool. When the two youths saw this, their brows furrowed and appeared as if they wanted to chase him away. Second Master spoke, ¡°If you don¡¯t catch the horse, in three steps, the pawn will force the king to abdicate.¡± The old man finally nodded his head and looked at Second Master. ¡°Young man, a gentleman observes the chessboard without speaking.¡± Second Masterughed and patted the young man that was ying chess with the old man, and said, ¡°The youngster does not dare to win. I enlightened you to save him from the fire.¡± The young man blushed and stuttered, ¡°What... what don¡¯t dare to win. Boss Lin, don¡¯t listen to him.......¡± The old manughed out loud and observed Second Master, ¡°Are you Yang Yao Shan¡¯s son?¡± Second Master nodded his head. The old man looked at Second Master¡¯s leg and said nothing. Later, Second Master spoke to the old man for the entire afternoon. The specifics I could not understand, I only knew that everyone in the surroundings were looking at them. Finally, when they left, Second Master treated the table. Although it was only two pots of tea, it cost our entire savings for two months. I felt the pain but since Second Master ordered, I did not dare to say anything. When we left, Second Master moved off first and I heard the youngster say to the old man, ¡°Boss Lin, is that Uncle Yang¡¯s second son?¡± Hearing them discuss Second Master, I slowed my steps and walked aside to listen. The old man gave a sound of assent. The young man¡¯s brow furrowed, ¡°I heard about him in the Capital. I heard he is aplete silk trousers, yful, lustful, ipetent, arrogant, why did you give Hangzhou, such an important route to him?¡± The old man gve a deepughter and said, ¡°You think he is ipetent?¡± The youngster paused and said in a low voice, ¡°Even if he is a little clever, his character is low grade.¡± The old man replied, ¡°Min Lang, what do you think is the most valuable thing in this world?¡± My heart silently said, a mountain of gold and silver! The youngster thought the same as me, ¡°Valuable ¨C naturally it¡¯s gold treasures.¡± The old man shook his head. The youngster spoke again, ¡°Then what is it?¡± The old man picked up the tea cup, it was unclear what he was thinking, his low voice slowly warmed into a smile, ¡°The most valuable thing in this world is the return of the prodigal son.¡± That day, after we went home, I prepared Second Master¡¯s food and then went to the kitchen to eat flour paste. I didn¡¯t know what wind blew Second Master, he did not call for me but came to the kitchen himself. When he saw what I was eating, he was momentarily stunned. Then he asked me, ¡°What is this?¡± I said, ¡°Food.¡± Second Master¡¯s face became as dark as the bottom of the wok. He grabbed my bowl and smashed the bowl along with the food. I was so frightened that I jumped up. After smashing it, Second Master exited. In a while, he came back with a food box and ced it in front of me. He said, ¡°Eat¡± and then returned to his room to rest. I opened the food box and saw that there were threeyers. There was rice, dishes and even desserts. I swallowed my saliva and carefully took out a te to eat. Thereafter, I kept the rest carefully on top of the stove. At night, while I was sleeping, I thought I must have embarrassed Second Master again. The next day, when I opened my eyes I saw Second Master on his crutch and standing in front of my bed. Although it was not high, I still gave a shout. Second Master¡¯s expression was really ugly. He brought up something from the ground and asked me, ¡°What is this?¡± I realised that Second Master liked to ask me this question a lot recently. I looked at it and it was the food box Second Master had bought for me yesterday. As I was going to answer, Second Master suddenly lifted up the food box and forcefully threw it downwards. And so, all the tes of food inside were ruined on the floor. My heart thought if I only knew earlier, I would have ate it all finished yesterday and not saved it. I then realised that Second Master liked to smash things recently. Second Master looked very angry, his whole body was shaking. He pointed at me, with teeth gritted, he said, ¡°Why did you leave it. Do you think that Master must save for many days to buy a food box?¡± I unconsciously nodded my head, but when I saw Second Master¡¯s expression, I quickly changed to shaking my head. However, how intelligent is Second Master, he seemed to have saw through something and he was so angry that the knuckles on his hand holding the crutch turned white. He spoke pausing on each and every word, ¡°I, Yang Yi Qi, no matter how useless, is not till the extent that I cannot support** you.¡± After speaking, he walked off. I looked at the ruined food on the floor. Sincerely, I was at a loss.** The chinese word ¡°Ñø¡± means to raise and take care. It can mean a master taking care of a household but there¡¯s also a romantic connotation as it¡¯s amon chinese saying for the husband to say he will ¡°Ñø¡± the wife.


    Comments: Swoon. Squeals. I cannot form an intelligible response. I love these two! And, it only gets sweeter.....

 Chapter 5 - Our Second Master Succeeds!

    <u>Chapter 5: Our Second Master Seeds!</u>


    Because of that incident, Second Master was angry for a whole half a month. Later, he became too busy and so he forgot to be angry. Basically, I¡¯m not able to see Second Master now ¨C every morning, he leaves early andes backte. Sometimes, he onlyes back to sleep after two or three days. Second Master¡¯s originally fair face darkened quite a bit. But, there was one change that I thought was good ¨C Second Master became strong. Actually, Second Master¡¯s body wasn¡¯t considered weak previously. But, because of his injury, his whole body seemed to have weakened quite a bit. After these few months, Second Master¡¯s back became broader and his chest became thicker. Even his two arms became tougher by quite a bit. Once, Second Master returnedte and called me to eat together. I said I would quickly set up the table but Second Master said there was no need, we could directly eat in the kitchen. Second Master sitting on the small stool, holding a bowl of rice and eating with big mouthfuls ¨C I looked at him dazed. Second Master ced the bowl down and said casually, ¡°Why are you looking at me?¡± I quickly lowered my head. Second Master said, ¡°Lift up your head.¡± His voice was low, but it wasn¡¯t an angry tone. Second Master asked, ¡°Why do you keep looking at me?¡± I felt my brain being pulled as I opened my mouth, ¡°Your humble servant was looking... looking at Second Master¡¯s change.¡± ¡°Ah?¡± Second Master had eaten his fill and his whole demeanour seemedzy. He looked at me and asked, ¡°What change?¡± I said, ¡°Changed from before.¡± Second Master was dazed, casually cing his hand lightly on his leg, he said in a low voice, ¡°Indeed, it has changed.¡± I knew he misunderstood and forcefully shook my hand, ¡°It¡¯s not... it¡¯s not because of that.¡± Second Master looked at me and didn¡¯t speak. I was only concentrating on exining, ¡°The change your faithful servant speaks of... are... are changes in other ces.¡± Second Master said, ¡°What ce.¡± I thought for half a day and blurted out, ¡°Second Master has turned ck.¡± After speaking, I wanted to give myself a p. Second Master was dazed for a moment and then heughed. He touched his own face and nodded, ¡°Yes, it is ck.¡± He touched his face until he felt a piece of dead skin. He peeled it off and said, ¡°Rougher too.¡± I looked at Second Master¡¯s firm chin and clear distinguished brows and eyes. He was wearing robes made of rough cloth, a waist-belt, just leaning his body a little and that thick and broad body will cause the robes to tighten on him. In that moment, I realised those loose silk robes of yesteryear, the man who embraced beautiful maidens and yed by the West Lake only seemed to exist in a dream now.


    While I was in my thoughts, Second Master looked at me and asked, ¡°Which master do you feel is better?¡± Second Master¡¯s voice changed, was deeper than before, and more mature. Sometimes I had the strange feeling that I was serving Old Master Yang instead. Hearing Second Master¡¯s question, I didn¡¯t even think when I answered, ¡°The present one.¡± Second Master seemed to be nervous, but after I spoke, his shoulders loosened. He reached out his hand to stroke my head, ¡°Go and rest.¡± Blearily, I returned to the house to sleep. After a while, Second Master couldn¡¯t run out every day. Because, the plum rain season had arrived. At first, I didn¡¯t really notice it and thought Second Mastertely liked to rest at home. However, once when I went to pee at night, in the midst of the pitter patter of the rain drops, I heard sounds from Second Master¡¯s room. Thus, I quietly went to the window to listen. It was Second Master¡¯s voice. The voice was in deep pain, in such pain that I did not know what to do. I ced the umbre aside and opened the window a small creak to look in. In the dark room, Second Master had shrunk into a ball, both of his hands holding his legs, his mouth biting theforter, again and again he gave a low cry. The rain kept falling outside, the cold wind rushed into the room and Second Master suddenly lifted up his head. In the moon light, his face was scrunched in pain, as if his whole face had been drenched by rain. When he saw me, he did not return the gaze, his eyes were ck. My mind was a sheet of white. I turned around and rushed out. I did not carry an umbre, I did not wear my outer robe. I ran to the medicinal shop and knocked on the doors. The shop assistant came out as if he wanted to beat someone but seeing how I looked, he took a step back. I knew I looked no different than a female ghost. The master was woken up from his dreams and wasn¡¯t in good temper. I knelt and kowtowed before him. I was rambling madly, only knowing to repeatedly beg him, beg him to save our Second Master. After half the burning of a scented incense, he finally gave a prescription and gathered a packet of herbs for me. I was afraid the herbs would get wet and kept it inside my robes. I ran madly home. After boiling the herbs, I carefully fed them to Second Master. Afterwards, the Second Master that had became strong in my eyes, just like a weak child, he fell into my arms and slept. On the second day, Second Master was well. He looked at me, and for a very long time he did not speak. After the strugglest night, my clothes were still wet, my hair sticking to my forehead in clumps, my knees and forehead were covered in mud and blood. Perhaps it was because of the illness, Second Master¡¯s eyes were a little red. He waved his hand at me and said in a low voice, ¡°Come here.¡± My whole body was so dirty that I did not dare to go over. I said, Second Master, let your humble servant change robes first. Second Master looked at me, his lips trembled a little and finally he nodded his head. I felt like I couldn¡¯t understand Second Master more and more. Afterwards, Second Master¡¯s illness recovered and he became lively again. At this time, First Master also returned. First Master returned home in a worse state than when Second Master first returned home injured. First Master was carried by Yuan Sheng home in abject dejection. I was shocked. Yuan Sheng pulled me aside and told me in a low voice, ¡°First Master was cheated by someone of all his monies!¡± After he finished, he looked left and right and asked surprised, ¡°Ah? Howe the household has so many additional things?¡± I unconsciously straightened my back and said, ¡°Second Master bought it!¡± Yuan Sheng was truly shocked. I told him what had happened in thest few months and Yuan Sheng¡¯s eyeballs almost dropped out. As I wanted to continue, Second Master returned from outside. Seeing Yuan Sheng and I standing in the corner speaking, his face immediately turned green. I quickly patted Yuan Sheng¡¯s hand to indicate that the master has returned and we cannot talk. After seeing this, Second Master¡¯s face turned even more green. Thus, the consequence of speaking behind the master¡¯s back is that Yuan Sheng had no dinner to eat that night. But why did I have? I did not know. After realising that First Master had been cheated, Second Master¡¯s expression was not pleasant. He called First Master into the house and spoke for an entire afternoon. When he came out, First Master said that the way Second Master talked was like Old Master Yang. I looked from afar. Although Second Master was shorter than other people by half, but I always felt that the person that one needs to lift up their head to look at was Second Master. Afterwards, First Master remained behind to take care of the household and it became Second Master who travelled outside. Thus, whenever he went, it was two months. Slowly, the household started to change. At the end of the year, we changed to a new house. Although it wasn¡¯t as big as the previous Yang Manor, but it was much brighter and we added quite a few servants. The only pity was that when we changed house, Second Master was not around. I did not know what Second Master told First Master when he left, but First Master did not allow me to do chores. He even gave me new sets of clothes to wear. Yuan Sheng told me, ¡°You have made it.¡± I did not understand what he meant. Muchter, Second Master returned once. But, he returnedte in the night and left before the sun rose. When I awoke, Yuan Sheng told me that Second Master remained in my room the whole night. I did not know why Second Master did not wake me up. Another half a year passed, and Second Master returned. This time, the entire city of Hangzhou was discussing about Second Master. They gave him a nickname ¡ª Half Fortune God. I wanted to say Fortune God is fine, why must it be half. But Second Master didn¡¯t seem to care at all. When he returned it was deep in autumn and I was cleaning the yard. Although the housekeeper did not let me do chores, I always remembered my duties as a maid. Every day, I needed to do some chores before I was able to sleep. I was sweeping the leaves on the floor when I turned around and saw someone sitting on the stone stool. I didn¡¯t even know when Second Master had sat there. He even had a pot of tea by his hand. He was in a body of white silk with a ck outer robe. His hair was tied up high, there was a jade green ring on his thumb. Although it was simple, his entire bearing had an inexpressible elegance. I said, ¡°Second Master, you have returned.¡± He gave a light sound of assent and continued to look at me. I looked right and left then said, ¡°Your humble servant will find the housekeeper.¡± He did not allow me to and said, ¡°Come here.¡± I walked over, Second Master looked at the broom in my hand and asked, ¡°What is this?¡± Turns out Second Master still liked to ask this question. I said, ¡°A broom.¡± Second Master said lightly, ¡°Throw it away.¡± I would not throw away things in front of the master so I ced it aside. Then, I respectfully stood by Second Master. Second Master observed me from the head to toe and said, ¡°Tonight, change your clothes and follow me out.¡± I said yes. When it was night and I stood by Second Master, his expression was stiff when he said, ¡°I didn¡¯t ask you to change from one set of tattered clothes to another.¡± I gave an ¡°ah¡± sound and hesitated if I should return to change, but Second Master waved his hand and said, ¡°Nevermind, let¡¯s go.¡± The West Lake was truly crowded. I saw rows of beautiful boats in theke and was dazed as Second Master led me to the biggest one. Before we got on the boat, many people came outside and smiled until they had no eyes. ¡°Ahhh... Second Master, we manage to receive your arrival here.¡± A few people weed Second Master onboard and I followed behind. It was the first time I came on board these beautiful painted pleasure boats. Inside was broad and well-lit and had many glittering decorations. There were two tables and quite a few exotic seductive dancing performers ying the instrument and singing. I turned and saw the maids standing respectfully in a row by the side. Their clothes were not shabby at all. I finally understood why Second Master wanted me to change my clothes. I lost face for him again. Although I lost face for him, I must still do my duty as a maid. I went to stand by the row of maids and humbly lowered my head. When I went over, a few of the maids looked strangely at me. Ah truly, I was not suitable to be here. I looked with some guilt over at Second Master. Coincidentally, he turned to me and his gaze was very strange, as if saying, why did you run over there. He lifted his hand, ¡°Come here.¡± I couldn¡¯t help it and stood by his side. But Second Master was not finished, he patted the seat next to him. I did not understand. Second Master couldn¡¯t even be bothered to let out a sigh. A gentleman who was observing by the side quickly smiled at me, ¡°Lady Hou (the sound of the first chinese word for Monkey), quickly sit down.¡±


    Lady Hou? Woodenly, I sat down.

 Chapter 6 - Our Second Master Falls Ill

    <u>Chapter 6: Our Second Master Falls Ill</u> That night passed rather ridiculously. Many people gave me a respectful smile, and even a few maids came to add food for me. I wanted to tell them I was also a maid like them, please don¡¯t add food for me. But, I did not dare to speak. At this setting, I didn¡¯t even dare to eat, much less speak. Second Master sat by my side from start to end as people entertained him. Although Second Master was smiling, but it was not frivolous at all, in fact, he felt very matured. Everyone was speaking very humbly to him, but he did not have any arrogance at all. As to what they were saying, I could not understand at all. Later, after three rounds of wine, someone suddenly arrived from the other table. He stood in front of Second Master and immediately knelt down. I looked at him and realised, aiyah, this was the head who surrounded Second Master and even beat me up. He knelt down on the ground but his waist did not bend. He looked like he had drank quite a bit and his face was flushed red. He looked at Second Master and breathing heavily he said, ¡°Second Yang Master, I do not know why you invited me here today. But, there is something I need to say!¡± You can speak, why must you shout. Second Master looked quietly at him and said, ¡°Speak.¡± The person was so agitated that his nostrils seemed to widen. He spoke loudly, ¡°When Second Master met misfortune, not only did my Wang family not send coal during the snow, I, Wang Zhi, even threw stones down the well. Now that Second Master has flourished, covering half the trade lines of Jiangnan, it is well within reason not to look after my Wang family! But ¡ª!!¡± Wang Zhi truly had drank too much. Everyone on the boat was looking at him as he stared daggers at Second Master, ¡°But! I have no regrets!¡± His voice had a trace of tears, ¡°I do not regret! That year, you made trouble at the Osmanthus Pavilion and cut my wife¡¯s long hair. For half a year, my wife did not dare to go out of the house and did not even smile. You, do you even remember this?!¡± I was silent as I stole a look at Second Master. Second Master was expressionless. Wang Zhi finally yelled, ¡°So I have no regrets! Yang Yi Qi, my Wang family even without your help can still survive!¡± Second Master finally opened his mouth, ¡°Then, why are you kneeling down towards me.¡± Everyone was silent, even Wang Zhi. If you really did not need help, why would you kneel? Wang Zhi bent down and cried. Everyone was watching. Second Master pushed away the stool and stood on the ground. He did not hold his crutch. His hand leaned on the table and the other on Wang Zhi¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Rise.¡± Wang Zhi did not move. Second Master increased pressure, ¡°Gentleman Wang, rise.¡± Wang Zhi lifted his head to look at Second Master and finally stood up. After he stood up, Second Master became the shortest in the entire boat. A person came up to carry him to the seat but he shook his head. He poured a cup of wine for himself and turned around. He spoke to everyone in a low voice, ¡°Everyone, those that I invited today ¨C some knew me before and some did not. Some with debts of gratitude, some with debts of grudge. This cup of wine, I give to all those debts of gratitude.¡± After he finished, he threw away the cup. He moved forward by a step and lifted up his head and said, ¡°This head, I kowtow to those with debts of grudge.¡± After he finished, before anyone could react, Second Master bowed forward and his forehead knocked into the wooden flooring of the boat with a ¡°thud¡± sound. He only had half a leg, this kowtow was not easy.Everyone was stunned, including me. Who dared to ept Second Master¡¯s head? Not even speaking of myself as a maid, everyone here had something to ask from Second Master, even more they did not dare to receive this and quickly got up. But no one was able to predict this scenario, so no one dared to open their mouths. Second Master rose up, his expression did not change as he poured another cup of wine. He announced, ¡°I, Yang Yi Qi, only rely on three things when I do business ¡ª courage, brains and trust.¡± Second Master¡¯s voice was deep and his gaze was bright, ¡°The mistakes I hadmitted in the past, Heavens have punished me. If everyone is willing to give me this chance, to trust in me again, from now on, we will share in the prosperity and earn money together. Yang Yi Qi will not treat all of you badly.¡± Second Master is truly Second Master. He knows how to speak, just a few lines and quite a few people here were crying. ¡°As for you,¡± Second Master looked at Wang Zhi, he pointed his thumb with the jade green ring at me and said in a low voice, ¡°Do you remember her?¡± Wang Zhi looked at me and nodded. Second Master lightly said, ¡°Kowtow to her three times and pray she will always be alright. Then, we will forget about that day.¡± Wang Zhi walked in front of me and dropped down on his knees. He kowtowed three times. I anxiously looked at Second Master but he did not have any expression. I tried to say, ¡°It¡¯s fi...fine¡± Wang Zhi rose and Second Master nodded at him. On the way home, Second Master called me into the carriage and said, ¡°You have suffered.¡± I was shocked. I said it was the first time I was kowtowed to by a gentleman, I did not suffer. Second Masterughed and said, ¡°Sit closer.¡± I leaned closer and did not dare to look at Second Master. My head remained lowered. Second Master said, ¡°Your head is always lowered, what are you looking at?¡± I quickly made up something, ¡°Looking at the ring.¡± Second Master took down his thumb ring and ced it in my palm, ¡°Do you like this? You can have it.¡± How can I dare ept this? I shook my head, ¡°I was only.. only looking at it.¡± Second Master took my hand and ced the thumb ring in my palm. Dark green, still carrying the heat from Second Master¡¯s body. I carried it in my palm and did not dare to speak. This time Second Master returned and stayed. Second Master bought another big house, about the same as the previous Yang Manor. Old Mistress Yang and the misses were brought back. The manor became crowded again. The previously unfavoured Second Master has now be the Manor¡¯s owner. Besides Old Mistress Yang, everyone called him respectfully Master. Since there were more people, the housekeeper hired more maids. I saw at one nce that they were to be sent to Second Master¡¯s courtyard. I sat at the courtyard that day for very long and stared dazedly at the moon. I¡¯ve calcted in my heart how much money I had presently. After counting for half a day, I calcted a pleasant oue. It turns out that after all these years, I could be considered a rich person. No, a rich monkey. In the next few days, I changed my money into paper currency. I pawned the essories Second Master previously gave me and converted them to loose silver. Only that jade green ring, it was so beautiful, I couldn¡¯t bear to pawn it and kept it in my bag. My contract was still with Old Mistress Yang so I went to find her and told her my reason. I gave her the money so that she could set me free. Old Mistress Yang looked at me and said in a light voice, ¡°There is no more contract. After the incident, everything was destroyed.¡± I was dazed, then said, ¡°The humble servant will leave now. Old Mistress Yang, please take care of yourself.¡± Old Mistress Yang did not say anything. She sat in the pavilion, lowered her head and wiped her eyes. How could I leave? I went over tofort her, ¡°Mistress, please don¡¯t cry.¡± Mistress weeped, ¡°My pitiful Qi Er...¡± Second Master? I said, ¡°What about Second Master?¡± Mistress shook her head and spoke aimlessly to herself, ¡°My pitiful Qi Er, my pitiful Qi Er...¡± I did not know what she was crying about and said, ¡°Mistress, don¡¯t cry. Our Second Master is presently incredible.¡± Mistress ignored me and continued crying. Seeing that I could notfort her, I gave a sigh and turned to leave. When I turned, I saw Second Master leaning on his crutch, standing not far away. He kept staring at my bag. Old Housekeeper nervously stood by his side. I walked over and gave my respects. I said, ¡°Second Master, I am leaving.¡± Second Master smiled at me and said, ¡°Ok.¡± I was dazed, and was a bit unhappy. After all, I had suffered with you for so many years, although I was only a little maid, but you don¡¯t have to speak that way right? Of course, I did not dare to show my displeasure. I told Second Master, ¡°Second Master, take care.¡± After I spoke finished, I turned from his side to walk away. After walking very far away, I secretly turned around and saw that Second Master was still standing there. The housekeeper was already kneeling by his side. I did not know what he was saying. I felt that Second Master¡¯s back was a little crooked. Then, I immediately turned back my head. How could that be possible? I hired a cow cart and prepared to return to my hometown. But, I hardly left for three days when I was stopped by the housekeeper. When he saw me, it was as if he saw his own mother and he knelt down. Everyone in the inn turned to look around. He said, ¡°Miss, pleasee back! I beg of you toe back!¡± I asked, ¡°What are you doing?¡± The housekeeper rambled on for half a day and I finally understood ¨C Second Master had fallen sick. I came out by cow cart and returned by horse carriage. On the route home, I asked the housekeeper, ¡°Only three days, how did he fall ill?¡± The housekeeper had a face of woe, ¡°Ah, I was a busybody, a busybody.¡± He did not answer my question properly. I added, ¡°What illness?¡± The housekeeper gave a long sigh and spoke with deep meaning towards me, ¡°Miss, Second Master¡¯s heart is bitter.¡± I stopped asking. When we returned to the manor, everyone stared at me. I shrunk my neck and entered Second Master¡¯s courtyard. The housekeeper sent me here and then disappeared. The courtyard was very big but there was not a single person here. I scolded the houseekeeper in my heart, you hired so many maids but not a single one is serving here. I knocked on Second Master¡¯s door and asked, ¡°Second Master, are you there?¡± There was no sound. I was worried that something had happened so I immediately pushed the door. Inside, Second Master was wearing his sleeping robes and lying on the bed with his eyes closed. The first sight I had of him and my heart soured. It was no pretence, he was really ill. I walked over and said in a light voice, ¡°Second Master, how are you feeling. Your humble servant will get a physician for you.¡± Second Master slowly opened his eyes and looked at me. He spoke in a hoarse voice, ¡°You still care about my life or death.¡± I opened my mouth but did not speak. I did not know what to say. Second Master reached out his hand and I unconsciously held it. Second Master¡¯s hand was very broad, there were calluses all over it. I did not know how Old Master Yang¡¯s hand was like, was it like Second Master? Bearing the wind and snow? His other hand covered my eyes and he spoke hoarsely, ¡°Little Monkey, can you not go? After you left, Master cannot hold on......¡± In his whole life, the words Second Master said that were the most unbearable, were these. Compared to the kicks he gave me before ¨C this was much much more painful.


    Comment: Too in love with these two!

 Chapter 7 (END) - The End

    <u>Chapter 7: The End</u>


    But I told him, ¡°Second Master, I cannot stay.¡±


    Second Master¡¯s hand was always covering his eyes. After hearing my words, he did not open his mouth, he did not lower his hand. I said, ¡°Second Master, you should tell the housekeeper all that needs to be done. If not, I¡¯m afraid he would not be able to take care of you properly.¡± Second Master did not move. So, I acted on my own ord to call the housekeeper over. The housekeeper¡¯s handsid weakly by his side as he stood in one corner. I told him, ¡°Housekeeper, you must remember what I am going to tell you.¡± The housekeeper nodded his head, ¡°What does Miss wants to say?¡± I said, ¡°Second Master¡¯s leg is about fully healed, but his leg will hurt on cold and rainy days. You must prepare a hot towel in advance to press on the leg. There¡¯s a medicinal shop called ¡®Return to Spring Hall¡¯ on the old street we lived, although it¡¯s a small shop, but the practitioners there are very skilled. All these years they have been taking care of Second Master¡¯s leg, if there are any problems, you should go there.¡± ¡°The bamboo pole for the leg has to be changed every three months. The carpenters in the city know the exact measurements. You cannot use soft silk to cover the leg because it won¡¯t hold, you have to use rough cloth. For Second Master¡¯s clothes, the left robe sleeve needs an additionalyer, I have already left the pants¡¯ measurements to Old Mistress.¡± ¡°......¡± ¡°Second Master isn¡¯t picky with food but he likes strong vours. For health reasons, he should not eat spicy food. You have to tell the kitchen to minimise putting chilli when cooking.¡± ¡°You have to be more conscious at night ¨C when Second Master can¡¯t fall asleep, he likes to drink alcohol in the yard. But, you can¡¯t let him drink too much. Don¡¯t disturb him, secretly hide behind the house to watch him, don¡¯t let him get too sad...... housekeeper?¡± I just said a few words and saw that there were lines of tears on the housekeeper¡¯s face and he was kneeling down. ¡°Miss ¨C¡± I did not know what happened to the housekeeper. Previously when Old Master Yang was around, I never realised that he liked to cry so much. I turned my head and was thinking of getting the Second Master to say a few words tofort the housekeeper but Second Master was still in the same position and unmoving. I suddenly felt like I had returned to a few years ago, when Second Master just returned home after his injury, that image of him not being able to live and yet not being able to die. I shook Second Master and asked, ¡°Second Master, what happened to you?¡±


    Second Master did not move, his palm still covering his eyes, only exposing a pair of tightly clenched lips. Housekeeper added by the side, ¡®Since Miss left, Master has not eaten for three days.¡± My eyes widened and I asked Second Master, ¡°Second Master, why are you not eating?¡± The housekeeper kowtowed his head towards me and then rose up, he said, ¡°Miss, I¡¯m old and cannot remember all these things. You should remember them yourself.¡± After he finished speaking, he walked away. I was shocked dazed. You can be a housekeeper acting like this? ¡°Little Monkey...¡± Second Master opened his mouth, I hurriedly turned my attention to him. I asked, ¡°Second Master, what do you want to eat? I will tell the kitchen to prepare.¡± Second Master appeared to think for a while and then he said, ¡°Noodles.¡± ¡°Can do! Please wait.¡± I flew to the kitchen to get a bowl of noodles. On my way to the kitchen, when everyone looked at me, their gazes were intensely earnest. I was infected by these bursts of warmth and my heart thought that no matter what method I used, I must get Second Master to swallow the noodles. I thought back about how when Second Master was not willing to eat previously, I had even used force. Ah, but I can¡¯t use that method now since with Second Master¡¯s current strength, he could easily break me. Still, this time, Second Master was exceptionally cooperative, when I passed him the bowl of noodles, he quickly ate it. Seeing that he had the strength to eat, my heart rxed. Second Master stopped after a few mouthfuls, he looked at the bowl and asked in a low voice, ¡°Do you remember how we ate noodles previously?¡± I said that I remembered. When he returnedte, we often sat in the kitchen eating noodles together. Although these were still noodles, now the bowls were made of jade porcin. Second Master said, ¡°In the days when you were gone, I kept thinking about this bowl of noodles.¡± I said, ¡°If Second Master like to eat noodles, you can order the housekeeper.¡± Why would you keep yourself hungry? Second Masterughed bitterly for a moment and replied, ¡°Sometimes, I really don¡¯t know if you are truly stupid or pretending to be stupid.¡± I did not speak. Second Master leaned on the bedside and said lightly, ¡°Last year, I was on a trip to Jiangsu when I encountered a huge rainstorm. The merchant group was trapped in the mountains and not able to leave.¡± I did not know why Second Master suddenly spoke of this to me but I quietly listened. Second Master pped his leg and looked at me, he said, ¡°At that time, my bamboo pole was gone and I had to walk bare. At night, when we hid in the caves, it was so cold that it could take our lives. The group was worried that we would just die like this so we conversed with each other to bolster our morale. At that time, the person next to me asked, ¡®You are already like this, why did youe out?¡¯ I told him that I came out to earn money. That personughed and said, ¡®That¡¯s true. If it was not for money, who would be willing to suffer the difficulties of traveling far.¡¯ I then told him that I came out to earn money, but it was not for money. He asked me what I meant...¡± As Second Master recalled the incident, he lightly stroke his leg and his voice was very calm. ¡°I told him, after I lost my leg, I reflected on my life and felt that there was no more meaning and had intended not to live anymore. But one day, I suddenly realised that there was still one person in this world who was willing to risk her life for a disabled man like me. But that person was stupid to death, so I thought again, if I just died like this, what would happen to her?¡± ¡°To be treated like a treasure by a useless man, was still useless. So I told myself, I must rise up, be a man standing above men. Even thought I was only half a man now, I had to raise her up.¡± ¡°I was willing to bear any difficulties, I stayed outside under the stars and moon, ate in the wilderness, drank the cold wind and swallowed the sand, but just as long as I thought of her enjoying life in Hangzhou, my heart wasfortable and I could continue on my journey.¡± I did not know when but Second Master¡¯s eyes had reddened, so red that I did not dare to give him another look. ¡°Little Monkey......¡± He pulled my hand, bent his waist and asked beside my lowered face, ¡°Do you know what I regret most in this life?¡± I forcefully shook my head, I did not know, I did not know anything. Second Master answered in a trembling voice, ¡°That I didn¡¯t remember you.¡± Second Master pulled my hand and ced it on his chest. His hot tears rolled onto my wrist and I felt like my heart was being pressed so unbearably that I wanted to die. ¡°Master is most regretful that I did not remember you.¡± He took my hand to beat his chest again and again. ¡°You stayed in my courtyard for two years, and yet I actually cannot remember you. I can even remember how many fake hills and ponds I had in my courtyard, but I cannot remember you. The only person in my life that did not forsake me, and yet I could not remember her. Tell me, are you lying to me, did you really stay in my courtyard?¡± I suddenly felt so indignant that I wanted to die. I burst into tears, ¡°I did not lie to you. I stayed! I stayed ¨C!¡± Second Master hugged me in one go and said in a low voice, ¡°You didn¡¯t lie to me, I know you didn¡¯t lie to me. Now, myeuppance has arrived. Previously when I had you, I did not see you. Now that I wanted to see you, you want to leave. Little Monkey, do you want Master to go on living?¡± I continued to wail. Second Master smelled very good ¨C clean and a little warm. I cried for half a day and fell asleep in Second Master¡¯s embrace. When I woke up, I realised that Second Master had also fallen asleep. His body leaned sideways with his arms around me. When I moved just a little, Second Master¡¯s grip tightened and his eyes opened. I was only a little inexperienced monkey, this was the first time I had woken up in a man¡¯s embrace. I struggled to try and preserve my modesty. Second Master¡¯s arms were like metal hoops and I could not break free. I told Second Master to let go. Second Master looked at me, his face expressionless as he asked, ¡°If I let you go and you leave, is Second Master to crawl and chase after you?¡± I stopped moving. After all, Second Master¡¯s embrace was very wide and warm. Afterying for a while, I spoke in a small voice, ¡°I don¡¯t want to be a concubine maid.¡± Second Master gave a softugh on top of my head, ¡°Why?¡± I said, ¡°A concubine maid will be kicked......¡± That was what I sawst time. Second Master didn¡¯t seem to understand the deep meaning of my words, he thought for a while and asked, ¡°Are you saying I will hit you?¡± After he finished, he quickly added, ¡°Previously, I did not hit any concubine maids.¡± I nodded, ¡°Yes, Second Master only hit me.¡± Second Master¡¯s arms stiffened, ¡°What?¡± I rose my head to look at him and told him about how he used to vent his anger on monkey me. Second Master¡¯s facepletely ckened and he bit his teeth as he said, ¡°Impossible! Impossible for me to hit you!¡± I felt that Second Master did not believe me so again I carefully repeated all the incidents. How he kicked, how he pushed, even pped. Second Master¡¯s face turned even cker as he listened, his whole body shuddered as he sat up, I saw that his gaze actually carried traces of fear. ¡°So... so you actually hate me right? Because I hit you before, you hate me right......¡± This was the first time I saw Second Master being so frantic, he turned around and I thought he wanted to take his crutch, but he actually fell forward in one go. I hurriedly cried out ¡°Second Master¡± but he had already fell to the floor. I rushed down the bed and saw that his leg was already hurt by the fall. I wanted to go out and find medicine but Second Master pulled my hand, ¡°Don¡¯t go, Little Monkey, don¡¯t go.¡± Second Master crouched on the ground, not caring how he looked as he held onto my hand in a death grip. ¡°You can hit me back, hit me, hit me back.¡± I finally realised what he was doing. I bent down and supported Second Master¡¯s shoulders and carried him back to the bed. I told him, ¡°Second Master, the previous matters have already passed, you should forget them.¡± Second Master lowered his head, his expression one of deep pain. My silly monkey brain suddenly had a sh of inspiration, I felt that this was a good opportunity and quickly added, ¡°Second Master, I don¡¯t want to be a maid used for bedroom matters.¡± Second Master¡¯s head was still lowered and he answered in a low voice, ¡°Then how about a mistress used for bedroom matters.¡± I was dazed, what is a mistress used for bedroom matters? I carefully asked, ¡°Second Master, this mistress used for bedroom matters... how many are there?¡± Second Master forcefully lifted his head and red at me cruelly, ¡°How many mistresses did the Yang Manor have previously?!¡± I thought about it and answered, ¡°Only one mistress, only one mistress.¡± I thought I was making myself more confused when I suddenly realised what Second Master meant. Second Master saw that my monkey gaze brightened and knew that I had finally understood. He let out a dismissive breath of air and turned his head away. I looked at him and said, ¡°Second Master, your face is so red.¡± Second Master turned back and gave me a cold smile. I immediately knew that troubles were going to arise from my happiness. Indeed. In the next moment, Second Master lightly pushed me down and Iid on the bed like a dead monkey. Second Master came onto me and lightly leaned on my body. I nervously asked him, ¡°Second Master, your... what¡¯s the scent from your body?¡± Why did it smelt so nice? Second Master looked at me and said lightly, ¡°The scent of a man.¡± I did not dare to speak anymore. That day, I personally experienced what the previous concubine maids had spoke of being ¡°so good one ascended to heaven¡±. It was really ascending to heaven. But what deserved to be pitied was that I was no longer an innocent monkey. I watched Second Master peacefully sleep next to me, he had kept asking me, when was the first time I saw him but I said I had forgotten. Actually, I lied. How could I forget that day? He wore a robe of white, sitting in the middle of the hall. His long graceful hands held a cup of tea and he told me, ¡°Lift your head.¡± I lifted my head and saw he first furrowed his brows then broke out into peals ofughter when he said, ¡°Completely looking like a monkey.¡± At that time, the surrounding maids allughed, but I did not notice it. I was always watching him, watching him all the way up there, as if seeing a god of one¡¯s heart. Previously, I thought that for a person like Second Master, even after spending my entire poor life, I would not be able to touch even his fingertip. However,ter, Second Master became injured and I was able to remain to take care of him. Although it was tiring, at least he had fallen down a bit from his godly pedestal and I could now touch him. But who knew that Second Master was so powerful? Ever since he climbed out of his hell himself, I thought he would be returning to his original ce. Who knew that he really returned ¡ª but pulling my hand along with him. Later, Second Master often asked me to tell him the stories of the past. If I did not tell him, he would be unhappy. But after I finished, he would go to his own corner and be miserable. At first, my heart could not bear this butter I felt that it was very fun. But, I only dared to tell him about the incidents where he lost his temper. When he didn¡¯t throw his temper, when he quietly glided passed my face, I never dared to tell him about these. Because I was afraid once I said these, some things could no longer be hidden.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!