CHAPTER 104: CHAPTER 104: FAUX PAS (PART 4)

Madam Liu and Madam Yang both nodded, with Madam Yang smiling and saying, "But it only played halfway through; I’m still thinking about the second half."

The ladies laughed, but Madam Wang’s eyes shifted. She smiled and said, "The ladies are all so kind. Since you’ve come, how can you just stand at the door and be refused entry? If word gets out, our lady might be accused of being inhospitable." She turned coldly to look at Nanny Duan and Siliu. "I guess you shouldn’t bother yourselves!" She then moved to push the door open herself.

Siliu quickly stepped forward, blocking Madam Wang, and smiled, "Don’t be annoyed, Madam. I’ll go and inform her right away!"

The two confronted each other at the door, and Lady’s face showed displeasure as she scolded, "What kind of behavior is this!"

Madam Wang sneered, "I underestimated this girl; staying by Sixth Miss’s side for a few days has given her even more airs than the young lady!" Saying this, she pushed Siliu aside, opened the door, and turned back to invite the ladies in, "Please, ladies."

Siliu dared not speak to the Lady, but Nanny Duan was originally her confidant, and she knew her temperament well. This unexpected behavior already raised suspicion, but to stop the ladies at this point would lead to unknown gossip upon their return. She had no choice but to awkwardly smile and say, "Please, ladies."

Madam Yang and Madam Liu exchanged glances, gave a brief look to the silent Madam Jiang on the side, and smiled slightly as they followed Lady into the main house. Madam Wang personally lifted the curtain for them, leading them into the inner chamber!

Inside, the scent of Moxiang lingered, and the furnishings were elegant and simple. Madam Yang nodded in approval, thinking that it was no wonder this was a family of scholars; the young lady’s boudoir had the air of a cultured guest, with not a hint of vulgarity!

Lady entered the room and saw Tong Xiyan lying comfortably in the bed behind gauzy moon-white silk curtains, but Sixth Girl was nowhere to be seen.

"Fourth Miss." Madam Wang’s eyes flickered as she gently called out.

Tong Xihua also stepped forward, "Fourth Sister, several ladies have come to see you."

Behind the curtains, all was quiet save for light breathing. Lady frowned again, yet kept her smile, "This girl always was a deep sleeper from a young age!"

Madam Liu replied with a smile, "At a young age, one sleeps soundly, unlike us who awaken with the slightest noise."

Siliu and Nanny Duan came in with tea, and the ladies sat down around a red-lacquer square table.

Madam Wang smiled faintly, pointing to the bed, "Fourth Miss’s bed seems unsteady, why does it keep shaking?"

Her words startled the room. Tong Xihua shot Madam Wang a sharp glance, feeling wary, and stepped forward to lift the curtain, "Fourth Sister!" She sat down on the bed to press ’Tong Xiyan’s’ shoulder, "The ladies have come to..." She paused, realizing something was wrong. The body kept shaking; a chill ran through her heart. She suspected Madam Wang had done something, hiding Tong Xiyan. With so many people around today, who knows if some miscreant had sneaked in...

Cold sweat sprang from her as she turned to look at Lady.

Lady’s expression turned sour as she directed a cold glare at Madam Wang. Nanny Duan’s unusual behavior, Madam Wang’s impatience, and the person lying on the bed formed a perplexing puzzle.

Lady remained silent, and the other ladies in the room all bore peculiar expressions. If they couldn’t see they’d been used, it would’ve been a waste of their years managing their households with skill.

The room’s atmosphere became awkward, but Tong Xihua got up smiling, "This girl, she sleeps so sound!" She left the bed.

Madam Jiang stood up, thinking that it’s better to know less about her future daughter-in-law’s family affairs: "Madam Tong, there are still many things to settle at home. We have bothered you for the better part of the day; I’ll take my leave. We’ll have you over another time."

Madam Liu and Madam Yang both stood up!

Seeing the situation, Madam Wang quickly stepped forward and unexpectedly pulled back the quilt, exclaiming, "Sixing?!"

Everyone’s faces changed. As long as suspicions remained unproven, they stayed in the realm of doubt.

With this act, Lady wished she could immediately slap Madam Wang.

"Why are Fourth Miss and Sixth Miss missing, but you’re here instead?" Madam Wang yanked the pale-faced Sixing upright, mockingly.

Sixing rolled off the bed, kneeling at Lady’s feet, "I deserve to die!" Yet she said nothing more to explain.

Lady squinted, commanding, "You foolish thing! Where has Fourth Miss gone?"

Sixing was frightened pale, "I—I don’t know."

Lady restrained her anger, turning to the ladies, "Apologies, ladies. Fourth Miss has always been playful and quite attached to Sixth Miss. She must’ve forgotten herself while playing and lost track of time. Who knows where she’s run off to!"

Second Lady interjected with a smile, "No need to get angry, elder sister-in-law. Both young ladies aren’t reckless; just have someone go look for them."

Madam Liu added, "It’s a sign of Madam Tong’s leniency that they’re so playful." She covered her sleeve, laughing, "My own little monkeys, they hide from me like cats from a mouse, far too rigid."

Madam Yang laughed, "Oh, don’t say that, Madam. They may seem rigid, but who knows how wild they are behind your back, finding ways to have fun. I remember I once secretly changed into men’s clothes to sneak out to the street..." She laughed, "I couldn’t go out the door, so I climbed the wall and fell, breaking my leg and laying in bed for half a year!"

The ladies laughed, easing much of the tension, and Lady breathed a sigh of relief.

Tong Xihua stood smiling, "Mother, why don’t you send a few maids to look for them? If they’re not here, they’re probably causing a ruckus with Sixth Girl. I and Second Aunt will accompany the ladies back to their seats, and once they’re found, we’ll bring them to apologize and make amends for the fright caused."

Second Aunt chuckled crisply, "Exactly, a good punishment is in order." Affectionately taking Madam Liu’s arm, she turned to Madam Jiang, "Madam Jiang, household chores are endless. Today we finally have a day of leisure, let’s not rush back to toil again."

Madam Liu laughed, patting Second Aunt’s hand, "Just now you claimed you weren’t like a child. I think you’re just as playful as Fourth Miss and Sixth Miss."

The group left the room, chatting and laughing.

Madam Wang’s eyes were full of disappointment. She had intended for the ladies to witness it all, making it impossible for Lady to explain, but these keen women had slipped away too quickly!

Once everyone left, Lady’s face turned stern as she commanded, "Kneel!"

Nanny Duan, Sixing, and Siliu all knelt down, except Madam Wang stood there stiffly until Lady’s angry gaze forced her to kneel among the maids.

"You’ve grown bold, deceiving and defying me!" Lady sat at the table and pointed at Nanny Duan, "You old fool, I thought your age would bring some wisdom, yet you pull such outrageous stunts. Speak up! Where have they gone?"