Metamorphosis of an Ugly Girl – Part One

One spring day, the mansion was bustling with drums and gongs, seemingly preparing for some celebration. “Mama Hong, what’s the festive event in the mansion today?” The Third Madame, finally tired of crying, asked curiously. Mama Hong hesitated, unsure how to respond. The Second Madame had recently found a concubine for Master Lin and placed her in her own room, who was now pregnant, and today was her formal entry. She was always soft-hearted and didn’t want to see her mistress further distressed. “Mama Hong, are you also neglecting me now?” Mama Hong turned around, surprised, as she hadn’t heard the Third Madame speak like this in a long time. This demeanor reminded her faintly of the woman from four years ago. “Third Madame, today Master Lin is taking in a new concubine…” “What’s so surprising about that? It’s not the first time Master Lin has taken a concubine. Do you think I would be upset?” The Third Madame glanced at Mama Hong and spoke slowly. The Fourth Madame (Part Two) Mama Hong wondered if she had misheard. The Third Madame’s demeanor was completely different from the past few years, as if the woman who had been crying daily was not her. What kind of person was the Third Madame? In an instant, she had figured out many things. What was the point of crying like this? Men have always been fickle; if you wait, you might wait until your hair turns gray without any compassion. She quickly got up, rummaged through her old jewelry and clothes to dress up, and from the bottom drawer, she pulled out a child’s outfit for her daughter. This was the only garment she had personally sewn during her eighth month of pregnancy. At that time, Master Lin was sitting beside her, feeding her sweet melon. While sewing, the baby kicked her, causing her to accidentally cut too much. She was both angry and anxious, blaming the child for being unruly. Master Lin laughed heartily, “Don’t be embarrassed, arguing with your own child. Just make it larger; she can wear it when she’s a bit older.” “Water… water,” Miss Lin suddenly spoke, seemingly uncomfortable in her new, complete outfit, crying out for “water,” unclear whether she wanted to drink or was expressing discomfort. The Third Madame wanted to slap her but restrained herself, softly coaxing, “Be good, my daughter, say ‘Daddy—’ ‘Dad—’.” She hoped to use this auspicious occasion to leave the “cold palace.” “Water… water,” Miss Lin seemed oblivious to her mother’s intentions, waving her little hands and shouting for water. The Third Madame, losing patience, slapped her bottom, but Miss Lin didn’t cry, as if accustomed to such treatment. Left with no choice, the Third Madame had Mama Hong pour her a cup of water, no longer expecting her daughter to win favor with Master Lin.