Yu Song took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears, but they continued to flow uncontrollably. She gripped Yu Yi’s hand tightly, as if afraid she might suddenly disappear.
After mother and daughter cried together for a while, Yu Song finally stopped crying. She looked Yu Yi up and down with swollen eyes, seeing that despite her fatigue, her complexion was good. She wanted to ask about her experiences, but the bustling entrance was inconvenient. She asked the gatekeeper to request leave from the master and then pulled Yu Yi inside, “Yi’er, come talk with mother.”
In Yu Song’s living quarters, Yu Yi looked around, surprised to find her mother living alone in a room. Though still a servant’s room, it was meticulously organized and clean.
Yu Song carefully asked, “Yi’er, during this past half year, at the courtesans’ house…”
Yu Yi nodded, “Daughter was at the courtesans’ house, learned some songs from Meng Niang. Madam Wang saw that daughter could play a few tunes and didn’t force her to entertain clients.”
Yu Song looked relieved, her eyes reddening again. After dabbing her eyes, she suddenly asked, “So, you redeemed yourself? Where did the redemption money come from?”
Yu Yi had anticipated this question. “A wealthy merchant often came to hear daughter play and sing, always giving much silver. Other clients also gave tips. Daughter saved carefully and accumulated redemption money.”
“
Yu Song, though still somewhat puzzled, believed Yu Yi’s explanation about the courtesans’ tipping customs or redemption prices.
To divert her mother’s thoughts, Yu Yi asked, “Mother, how have you been living?”
Yu Song smiled, “Not bad. Because I know some characters and can manage a household, the steward didn’t make me do hard labor from the start. Later, the master found out and had me teach his two daughters reading and needlework. My monthly wages increased, and they even gave me a separate room.”
Though the master treated her well, she was still a servant. Yu Yi felt some comfort but said, “Mother, I’ve come to redeem your freedom.”
Yu Song asked, “Yi’er, do you know where Xin and Yue are?”
Yu Yi replied, “Daughter already knows their location.”
“How are they?” Yu Song asked anxiously, most concerned about Yu Yi, who was sold to the courtesans’ house.
