After Rebirth, the Green Tea Illegitimate Daughter Became a Master of Schemes

Chapter 59 - Madness

That evening, Ruan Yuluan went to visit Yuping.

Yuping was now living in the residence of the eldest son, and she was a favored and prominent figure there. She was about four or five months pregnant, her belly rounded out, and she wore a simple reddish-brown muslin dress that made her appear gentle and dignified.

Ruan Yuluan noticed that she had gained a bit of weight since before and her face was glowing with happiness.

"Thank you, Fifth Miss, for still thinking of me," Yuping said.

Ruan Yuluan had brought some tonics with her, and after a brief chat, Yuping smiled and got up to see her off.

As Ruan Yuluan left the eldest son's courtyard and walked through a winding corridor, she heard a sharp, angry shouting.

She looked up and saw a young master inside the courtyard, angrily berating a maid who had just broken a teapot.

"Just how are you doing your job?! You worthless, clumsy, and stupid servant!"

Such insults were rare, but it seemed the young master was still not satisfied. He slapped the maid twice and continued, "Are you looking down on me? Trying to serve in the eldest brother's courtyard? Just look at your face..."

The maid couldn't help but start crying softly. The young master then kicked her twice more before dragging her inside.

Inside the room, the sound of porcelain breaking could be heard, making one's heart tremble.

Ruan Yuluan couldn't help but frown. She remembered that the Second Young Master had not always been like this. Even if he was cruel, he usually punished maids quietly behind closed doors, making it difficult to catch him in the act.

"What's wrong with the Second Young Master?"

Yuping, understanding the situation, sighed and whispered, "According to my mother, after many years of study, the Second Young Master only managed to become a Xiucai. This year, he failed the provincial exams again. Now, he's like a madman..."

No wonder.

Ruan Yuluan lowered her lashes, hiding the thoughts in her eyes. She said nothing more and bade Yuping farewell before leaving.

Over the past year, Ruan Yuluan had maintained some semblance of dignity. With the gifts and rewards from the master and madam, as well as those from the various courtyards, she was quite generous in rewarding her servants.

After all, spending money was the only way to see results.

She took out eight taels from her money box and had Hongmei quietly leave through the back door to buy some wild lychee kernels to grind into powder.

Hongmei agreed and went out into the night. When she returned, she carried an oil-paper-wrapped package.

The next morning, Ruan Yuluan went to the garden to pick some cherries and mulberries. As she was picking, the Third Miss passed by and asked what she was doing.

Ruan Yuluan smiled and replied, "I heard that Madam has been very anxious about the Second Brother lately, so I thought I'd make some calming pastries for her."

Third Miss, hearing this, curled her lips slightly, "The Second Brother is beyond saving. He brought this upon himself!"

Although she was somewhat disdainful, she reconsidered that flattering the legitimate mother might earn her some favor. So, she joined Ruan Yuluan in picking some fruits.

Ruan Yuluan hesitated, not wanting to burden her with too many details but knowing it was not right to say much. She let Third Miss take the lead.

The two of them made a plate of mulberry and cherry cakes and green bean porridge and sent them to the main courtyard for Madam.

Madam, already stressed about her son's issues, had developed a large cold sore on her lips. She tasted the porridge and pastries and found them soothing, which made her mood somewhat lighter.

Her gaze toward the two girls softened as she nodded approvingly, "You've done well."

Fourth Miss, holding a teacup, dared not be as unruly as before. She quietly rolled her eyes and murmured, "Flatterers!"

After chatting for a while, Madam recalled something and frowned, saying to Ruan Yuluan and Third Miss, "You're free now, so make some pastries for your Second Brother as well. He's upset after failing the exams again."

Ruan Yuluan lowered her lashes, hiding the hint of sarcasm in her eyes. The Second Young Master was not just upset; he was showing his true colors, unable to keep up appearances any longer.

She exchanged glances with the Third Miss and agreed, "Yes."

After leaving the main courtyard, Third Miss couldn't help but grumble softly, "Such a hassle... Fifth Sister, you're skilled and clever. Why don't you make mine too? Let my maid take them to the Zhuwen Hall and consider it as mine."

Ruan Yuluan smiled slightly and nodded, "Alright." She said this with a quiet sigh.

She then made a few more days' worth of pastries and sent both her maid and Third Miss's maid to deliver them to the Zhuwen Hall.

Soon, it was reported that the Second Young Master seemed to have gone mad, claiming to be haunted, his face pale, and terrified of everyone.

Madam quickly gathered her servants and went over. She found him curled up on the bed, shouting incoherently, "Qiulan, don't come after me," and "Ruyue, it wasn't me who harmed you."

There were many secrets, and while others kept quiet, the Second Young Master himself revealed them.

Madam, feeling distressed and unable to calm him down, raised her hand and slapped him.

The young master fell silent. She stood up and saw the frightened maids kneeling on the floor. She spoke harshly.

"Listen carefully, if anyone dares to spread these crazy ramblings!" Her tone was cold, "I'll peel their skin off and sell them to the brothel. Understand?"

The maids hurriedly kowtowed, "Yes..."