The Rebirth of an Ill-Fated Consort

Chapter 27: Preparations for Return to The Capital

At noon, the servants in the residence brought the chests in one after another. Inside the two yellow pearwood chests[1] , which were of the finest quality, most of the clothes and accessories which had been well-worn could now be deemed as completely returned. However, the money could not be retrieved. The maids were somewhat fearful as they looked towards Jiang Lisa, "Miss, what could be found has all been recovered..."

[1] Huáng lí mù xiāng ( 黄梨木箱 ) - 'huang li' can mean pineapple or pear. In this case, 'huang li mu' means yellow pearwood, it's official name in Chinese is 'huang hua li' or yellow flowering pear wood. 'Xiang' also has a number of meanings such as box, trunk or chest. The yellow flowering pear is a member of the rosewood family and is classified as Dalbergia odorifera.

More recently, the word 'huang' or yellow was added in the early 20th century due to the old wood surfaces mellowing into a yellowish tone due to long exposure to light. These finest quality yellow pearwood chests have a translucent, shimmering surface with abstract aesthetically pleasing patterns.

"No matter, you may all leave." Jiang Lisa spoke as she shook her head. Zhang Lan's family had always enjoyed the privileges but detested the work given to them; the money that they received was taken by Chen Zhao to charm women or else, by Chen Fu to gamble away. Thankfully, the clothes and accessories were in Chen Fang's possession, hence, those items were not pawned off and had not become irreclaimable. However, unfortunately they could no longer be worn.

"Bai Zhi," Jiang Lisa nodded towards the two chests, "Other than those left behind by mother[2], bring everything else to the pawn shop and sell it all. If possible, have all of these things exchanged for banknotes.

[2] Niáng ( 娘 ) - Mother

"Young Miss," Bao Zhi was rather shocked, "Everything? All of this is yours, Miss..."

"Things that have already been used, what need do I have for them." Sitting by the table, Jiang Lisa slowly poured herself a cup of tea. After Zhang Lan's incident, the maids in the residence were extremely afraid of Jiang Lisa; even the tea leaves that were sent over were freshly-grown this year.

"Nevertheless, a few sets of clothes should be kept," Bai Zhi responded, "In a few days, we will be going back to the capital. It would not be good if you are dressed like this, young Miss."

"If I am not dressed like this, how would father feel distressed on my behalf?" Jiang Lisa coldly answered. Her face still remained expressionless, however, her gaze had become ice-cold.

At that instant, Bai Zhi was at loss for words and did not know how to reply. While she was still hesitant, Lian Qiao pushed the door and came in, carrying a basket of washed fruits. Taking part in the conversation between the both of them, Lian Qiao then continued, "That's right. If young Miss wore these clothes, to just fake a facade without a care about the current situation, wouldn't it be unbearable for Miss to remain unfazed? Also, Bai Zhi, don't forget, our Miss can no longer fit into these clothes. You might have noticed Chen Fang not wearing them either."

After thinking about it, Bai Zhi no longer hesitated and crouched down, carefully removing the upper layer of the remaining things in the chest. She then instructed a few people to remove the remaining clothes and carry them out so that she could find a pawn shop to bring the items to exchange for money.

Waiting until Bai Zhi had left, as she placed some of the read books into the chest, Liao Qiao spoke with some uncertainty, "Miss, today, this slave heard something when she went out earlier."

However, her recollection remained unfinished as they heard the door being slammed open by someone from the outside. Barging in aggressively as she began to give her a dressing down, Chen Fang accused, "Miss, why did you have to do this to my mother!"