CHAPTER 120: CHAPTER 120: CONCUBINE (4)

Xiqiu listened quietly, her heart gradually sinking. Laiwang’s wife saying this was undoubtedly hinting at something. Could this matter be related to her?

Could it be Madam Xia? Was the First Master neglecting Madam Xia because of this matter too?

She couldn’t believe that the honest Madam Xia was secretly accepting gifts from officials just like Madam Wang in Yongzhou!

However, since Laiwang’s wife could say such a thing, she wouldn’t speak lightly.

Laiwang’s wife saw she didn’t speak and knew she was pondering the implications, so she didn’t interrupt. After a brief moment of contemplation, Xiqiu raised her head and said, "I’ll think about this matter again. Thank you for telling me these things."

"No need to thank me, Sixth Miss," Laiwang’s wife replied with a smile. "We’ll surely rely on you a lot in the future!" She stood up as she spoke, "I can’t stay too long. If Sixth Miss has any matters, just send someone to tell me in the outer court."

Xiqiu slightly nodded and said, "Alright!" Laiwang’s wife hesitated and then stopped to look back at Xiqiu, "There’s one more thing. Last night I couldn’t think clearly, but suddenly remembered this morning when entering the mansion—this time of year, it’s usually when the mansion sends out the older maids. The Lady called me, probably related to this matter, who knows!"

Xiqiu raised an eyebrow; she remembered the maids in the Lady’s room like Zijuan, Zizhu, Xiuzhi by Madam Xia’s side, Caitao by Madam Mei’s side, and Sujin by Madam Luo’s side. These several had reached the age, yet the big ones by the miss’s side were only fourteen or fifteen.

She knew Laiwang’s wife wouldn’t mention this matter without reason, so she waited with a smile for her to continue.

"In previous years, these matters always went through Nanny Fang and Nanny Qian first. They verified the maids’ ages and took the contracts of sale before letting me find their families to take them home. This year, nothing seems to have happened, yet the Lady called me earlier, likely relating to Fugui’s marriage." She paused and continued, "The words Maid Chunyan mentioned to me, I remembered them. But with the First Master having many affairs lately, my husband didn’t dare to mention it, dragging it out. If it’s really for this matter, I’m in trouble!"

So that’s how it is. If the Lady truly intends to assign a maid to Fugui, refusing wouldn’t be easy. Xiqiu thought carefully and said, "Mommy, don’t worry too much. With so many maids in the mansion, the Lady won’t settle on anyone quickly. Besides, you are detached from the family register, so the Lady must consult the First Master before deciding."

Laiwang’s wife was taken aback, as though enlightened, and laughed, "Thanks to Miss saying this, otherwise I would’ve been in a panic. I’ll go see the Lady now!"

Xiqiu nodded, sending her out the door!

Once Laiwang’s wife left, Xiqiu darkened her face and entered the room, closing the door quietly, seated, lost in thought.

Laiwang’s wife went into Zhui Garden; the Lady was checking ledgers with Nanny Fang and pointed to an embroidery stool when she entered, "You came just right; I was about to send someone to find you."

Laiwang’s wife bowed to the First Lady with a smile, "What are your commands, Lady?"

The Lady closed the ledger, causing Laiwang’s wife to discreetly observe the Lady’s expression. Seeing her face usual, she relaxed and heard the Lady say, "There are a few maids in the mansion who have reached the age. Tomorrow have the midwife bring some young maids in to be raised in the mansion and taught discipline so we’re not flustered without capable people when the time comes."

Laiwang’s wife responded, "I’ll attend to it this afternoon."

The Lady nodded with satisfaction and said, "Is Manager Lai in the mansion? I heard he’s been busy and even visited the estates a few times lately. Has anything happened?"

Eventually, she asked, making Laiwang’s wife tense, she recited what she had prepared, "Nothing happened, the First Master suddenly inquired about the situation of several estates and shops near the suburbs so he went around to take a look."

The Lady’s expression slightly eased and said, "I wondered what the matter was, he has indeed worked hard." Laiwang’s wife smiled, saying a polite phrase as the Lady suddenly said, "Manager Lai is busy every day; Fugui is not young either, time for him to share some burdens. I remember he’s only two years younger than the First Young Master, it’s time for him to settle down too. Tomorrow, watch in the mansion, if you fancy any maid, inform me and arrange to make her your daughter-in-law, so you have help! If you’re considering outside the mansion, take the Master’s card for easier arrangements."

Laiwang’s wife showed a face full of gratitude, kneeling at the Lady’s feet, "Thank you, Lady, for your kindness. To speak frankly, I had originally intended to plead for the Lady’s grace to arrange a marriage for Fugui. The maids from outside small households can’t compare to the girls in the mansion, stepping out not only makes sense, but they understand the rules!"

The Lady covered her sleeve and laughed, pointing at Laiwang’s wife, "I sure touched your heart. Fine! This matter is settled; choose well within the mansion; Manager Lai has followed the Master for years and deserves some convenience and benefits!"

Laiwang’s wife laughed and knocked her head on the ground, "Thank you, Lady!"

After Laiwang’s wife returned from the Lady’s room that day, news spread through the mansion. The maids who had come of age hearing Manager Lai intended to choose a bride for Fugui within the mansion were all intrigued, using any means to stand out in front of their masters, even seeking various excuses to show their faces in Zhui Garden.

Even Madam Luo got involved; she was clear about Fugui’s character, raised in the mansion, and having trained under Manager Lai these years, capable now of handling things independently. Her interest was mainly in Sujin, who like Siliu and Sixing, reached the age for pairing.

Sujin knelt crying before her, "I won’t marry, no matter who he is, I won’t. So, please don’t move around for me, Madam; if you truly wish to marry me off, I’ll dash my head against the door and die."

Madam Luo was furious, pointing at Sujin’s nose and scolding, "You wretched girl, surely thinking you’d be chosen for something better! Let me tell you, aside from Laiwang’s family in this mansion, don’t even consider anyone else."

With stubbornness, Sujin bit her lip, tears streaming down, "Madam, even if you move around, just ask the Lady to keep me for a year longer by your side, eventually I’ll marry a cripple or blind man without regret, but for now, I won’t marry." She wiped her tears and said, "Madam, you’re alone; the First Master seldom comes by, and if I leave, who will keep you company and relieve your boredom!"

Madam Luo murmured without words. Sujin, however, continued, "Madam, even if you let me leave the mansion, unless you actively go to interact with the First Master. I heard from the servants beside the Master that he has again settled to continue serving in Yongzhou. If Madam goes to interact, maybe he will take you to the office, and you could have a peaceful three years."

"Stop talking nonsense!" Madam Luo frowned and spat, "If you won’t marry, then don’t, why drag me into this!"