[JXSY] Chapter 7: Thoughts

April 17, 2023AwkwarDerp

“The length is just right.” The 11th Lady looked at it carefully, “Then I will go back first — Today, Luo Madam rewarded me with a new servant, Amber and I still haven’t met her, so I must go back to check on things at my place. I’ll have Dongqing send it to you once I’m done.” 

Concubine Duan stood up, nodded her head, laughed and escorted her out. 

When the 11th Lady had just stepped out of the door, Concubine Yuan suddenly said: “It’s strange to say, even though Zhun Ke is the legitimate son of our Eldest Miss, and he’s already four year old, yet he hasn’t been considered as the heir of their family. Is it possible that brother-in-law is suspicious of his birth or maybe looking for the wise?”

[Heirs are passed to the legitimate child of the first wife, For instance, in this case, Eldest Miss is married to Xu Lingyi, 4th of the Xu Family, but Concubine Yuan is indicating that Xu Lingyi could be waiting for his 3rd brother’s wife to give birth to a son, and if they do, then that child will be the heir instead of Zhun Ke, TN]

The 11th Lady’s footsteps stopped.

***

At this time, the 5th Lady had already returned to Jiaoyuan and was chatting with Lian Qiao.

“Luo Madam said the wild mushroom and pigeon soup was well made, and she heard the 4th Young Master was not eating well these two days, so she asked her servant to send it to him.”

The 5th Lady laughed: “Then, did 4th Brother enjoy it?”

Lian Qiao laughed: “Of course, it was sent by Luo Madam, therefore he ate it very well.”

The 5th Lady sighed: “4th Brother doesn’t have anyone by his side…If only there’s someone like Lian Qiao Sister, who understands how to treat people, then there’s no need to be sick everyday!”

As she listened, Lin Qiao’s heart jumped wildly. 

It wasn’t easy transitioning from a third-level servant to becoming a trusted servant of Luo Madam. She didn’t want to marry a servant, then give birth to a child that would continue to be a servant for the family. However, there are several young masters in this household. The Eldest Young Master has his servant since childhood, and when he got married, she brought in four maids with her; 2nd Young Master died young; 3rd Young Master was the first legitimate son of the Second Old Master, but they’re in no position to control the First Old Master’s household; The 5th and 6th Young Masters are the Third Old Master’s sons, one is eight and the other is five years old. This left the 4th Young Master, even though he is the son of a concubine, but Luo Madam treasured him greatly and will definitely let him inherit the wealth of the Luo family. Plus, the 4th Young Master is very friendly and considerate towards his siblings, he also made lipsticks for his maid Dijin. In terms of stature and manners, Dijin is not matched compared to Dongqing, but how come even her can’t be matched to that ugly Dijin?

She was excited as she listened to these compliments. 

The 4th Young Master and 5th Lady are very close. During the past two years, she has often visited the 5th Lady’s residence, hoping one day she will help her…Fortunately, did not expect to hear these good words today. 

“How can I compete with Diqin Sister,” Her eyes wide open, hoping to gain some hint from her, “She’s always with the 4th Young Master, why are you worried?”

The corner of Wu Niang’s lips twitched slightly, as if she had something to say but didn’t know how to say it.

Ziyuan, who was beside her, cleared her throat, then pointed at the cup of tea in her hand: “Lian Qiao Sister, have a drink. This is an expensive Oolong tea given by Luo Madam.”

The 5th Lady heard Ziyuan’s coughing, her expression changed immediately, not wanting to talk about her brother anymore, then followed Ziyuan’s direction: “Lian Qiao Sister, try it and tell me how it tastes.”

Lian Qiao is secretly resenting Ziyuan in her heart for interrupting — It’s obvious the 5th Lady had something to say earlier, but her attention was diverted and now she can’t bring up the 4th Young Master again. A good opportunity was sabotaged by Ziyuan. If it weren’t for the fact that she was the head maidservant of the 5th Lady, and being the same age as her, and will certainly follow the 5th Lady, even after she’s married, she would’ve found Ziyuan’s behavior very suspicious. However, nothing is certain, Luo Madam loved the 5th Lady the most, but if she truly loved her, Luo Madam would’ve found a suitable match for the 5th Lady when she reached the mature age, and especially when the Great-Old Luo Master fell ill, there was no need to wait for three years with the reason of mourning. The 5th Lady is now 18 years old, so it might seem like Luo Madam is not sincere about the 5th Lady at all. If she could think of this herself, then Ziyuan could too. She could be thinking, it’s better to follow the 4th Young Master to have better luck. 

Suddenly, something struck her mind. Lian Qiao couldn’t help but turn her annoyance to hatred. 

If Ziyuan really had this thought, today was not the good time to discuss this topic.

Then, she suddenly remembered she went out today because of a task, and if Luo Madam asked why she hadn’t returned, then she would assume she is at the 4th Young Master’s place, which is not a good look for her. 

She and the 5th Lady exchanged a few words, then she stood up and said goodbye: “I need to get back before Luo Madam starts looking for someone.”

The 5th Lady personally escorted her to the entrance: “Lian Qiao Sister has urgent matters to take care of, I won’t hold you back anymore. Next time, when you have more time, let’s have a chat.”

Lian Qiao politely said a few words, then not far away there was a faint sound of crying.

She was stunned to hear it.

Ziyuan laughed and said: “That’s Ziwei Sister teaching a new maid. Unsure why, people nowadays don’t work as hard as us. I remember when I was being taught, I remembered everything I was told and didn’t dare to make any mistakes. Now, they’re like tofu on the street, no matter how much you discipline them, it’s all the same. One mistake and they already wanted to die.” 

“Who said it wasn’t like that?” Lian Qiao let out a sigh of relief, laughed and walked out with Ziyuan, “You don’t know? When Shuang He, the new maid, arrived at our place, she suddenly had a fight with Nanny Yao…I don’t even want to think about it. The new maids are more incompetent than the previous one, and are becoming more ignorant of the rules.”

“After all, you work for Luo Madam, which means your skill and knowledge must be above average.” Ziyuan laughed, “Unlike us, whenever we see Nanny Xu, we would tremble.”

The two continued talking while Ziyuan escorted Lian Qiao out of Jiaoyuan. 

***

On the other side, The 5th Lady called for Ziwei. 

“You are the head maidservant in this house, if the new ones don’t listen to you, then appropriately discipline them. Last time, Qiu Ling was sent out because of illness, if it goes any worse, we won’t be able to reason with Luo Madam. Besides, her brother is in the finance department.”

“Miss is right.” Ziwei obediently replied, “It’s my fault for not thinking carefully. However, I’ve only hit her hand a few times. In the next few days, we will send someone to watch her, so she won’t say anything.”

The 5th Lady nodded her head, then said a few more things before telling Ziwei to step away.

Moments later, Ziyuan was back.

She relayed everything Lian Qiao had told her to the 5th Lady: “It seems that the Eldest Sister-in-law is dissatisfied with Nanny Xu.” Lian Qiao’s uneasy expression appeared in her mind, “5th Lady, do you plan to let Lian Qiao serve the 4th Young Master?” She quickly poured a cup of tea for the 5th Lady, “She has such a strong personality, plus she has served Luo Madam before, if she goes to the 4th Young Master’s place, I’m afraid…”

“When did I say I was going to let her go there?” The 5th Lady took a sip of her tea, her movements were steady, just like Luo Madam, “After all, she is Luo Madam’s person, even the First Old Master can’t switch her around, let alone me.”

Knowing the 5th Lady wouldn’t fulfill Lian Qiao’s wish, Ziyuan let out a sigh of relief. 

The only person the 5th Lady can lean on is the 4th Young Master. If someone like Lian Qiao goes there, it might not be good for Jiaoyuan. 

The 5th Lady suddenly thought of something: “What do you think about Lian Qiao’s words just now?”

Ziyuan thought for a while, then said in a low voice: “Maybe the Eldest Miss’s body isn’t well…That’s why Luo Madam sent Nanny Xu to Ci’an temple and recited sutras.”

“Maybe!” The 5th Lady snorted coldly, “Father has only been away for over a month, but he has already written letters home, which only means something happened to Eldest Sister, otherwise I can’t think of any other reason. After all, her body has been in constant pain since she gave birth to Zhun Ke. If that’s the case, then what is Luo Madam planning?”

***

Wu Xiao used a handkerchief to put the peeled oranges on a gold plate. Then she took out a silver hook to start picking around the oranges, and suddenly Luo Madam waved her hands: “I’m old but not that old. I’ll eat the skin.” She let out a long sigh. 

“Luo Madam, what are you saying?” Wu Xiao brought the small plate to her, “You are still young, Eldest Miss still needs you, how can you say that?”

Luo Madam burst into laughter, then turned to look at Lian Qiao: “All of you, leave.”

Lian Qiao and the others exited the room.

Seeing no one else in the house, Wu Xiao laughed: “The two young ladies are having a discussion. The 11th Lady didn’t say anything about the screen, but the 5th Lady had mentioned not liking Jinchi or Huangyang wood, which she pointed out great points. The 11th Lady also said for the time being, let the 5th Lady write according to the size, and she will embroider afterward. When the material the 5th Lady wants is available, then they can change the wood, it won’t be too late.”

Before she finished, Luo Madam shook her hand to indicate that she did not need to say more: “You only tell me, who is more sure about the embroidery of the screen?”

“Of course it’s the 5th Lady.” Wu Xiao laughed, “When I visited her place, the table was filled with various options and was asking the 11th Lady to pick one.”

“Oh!” Luo Madam furrowed her brows, “Then which did the 11th Lady choose?”

Wu Xiao laughed: “The 11th Lady seems like she can’t make her mind, and let the 5th Lady discuss the matter with you.”

“Then what about the 5th Lady? Which pattern does she like?”

“The pattern that has a large writing of ‘Shou’ in the middle.” Wu Xiao said, “She mentioned that larger letters in between small letters are the best fit.”

There are large letters, and small letters, indeed it is very suitable — it is suitable to praise oneself for writing so well, isn’t it?

Luo Madam laughed coldly in her heart: “Unfortunately, Concubine Yuan said the large letters are not dignified enough.”

“Luo Madam and Concubine Yuan have great vision.” Wu Xiao continued, “I can’t tell the difference. Like the 5th Lady, she also finds the middle large letter is good! At least a servant can share an opinion with a master. 

“Oh?” Luo Madam smiled while looking at Wu Xiao. 

Wu Xiao’s heart immediately jumped.

But the words have come to this point, they can only continue to hold on to it until the end.

“The 11th Lady! She said everything was good.”