CHAPTER 50: CHAPTER 50: BEAUTY NOURISHMENT

Unconditional trust in Xiqiu is elevating her.

Nanny Fang pushed the door open and entered, slightly surprised, but responded with a smile.

Xiqiu slightly furrowed her brows. Lady’s actions naturally had factors related to Tong Shen Zhi, but Lady obviously gave her face. The two maids belonged to Lady, and not only did she hit them, she also directly tied them up, which was equivalent to slapping Lady in the face. Yet Lady said nothing and dismissed them.

Given Lady’s character, there must be a reason for such actions...

Could it be that the marriage talks have reached such a stage, so she asks nothing and gives her immense favor?

Xiqiu thought of Xu Tianqing’s words last night: "Count Wujin Mansion has three sons. First Young Master Ren donated for a fourth-rank assistant, managing the mansion’s affairs, Second Young Master is a concubine-born and will participate in the autumn examination with me this year, Third Young Master is somewhat mischievous but still righteous!" Xu Tianqing is a man, and his perspective is completely different from a woman’s.

At that time, Xiqiu focused on Tong Minzhi and dared not ask in detail: "Thank you, cousin."

Xu Tianqing was somewhat puzzled and asked, "Why is Sixth Sister inquiring about Count Wujin Mansion’s affairs?" His expression suddenly changed, his body stiffening inch by inch: "Could Aunt... but you are only twelve years old..." The words trailed off, as twelve was also the age to consider marriage.

Xiqiu felt helpless inside but maintained a proper smile on her face: "It’s nothing yet; Third Sister and Fourth Sister haven’t decided either."

Xu Tianqing suddenly breathed a sigh of relief, his complexion gradually returning to normal: "That’s right, that’s right!"

Thinking back now, if truly just mischievous, how could a dignified Marquis Mansion choose a concubine-born girl from such families as her for a legitimate wife?

Could it be that in the entire Capital, there isn’t a girl with a clear family background and proper manners?

Looking at Lady, Xiqiu’s face was full of gratitude, and she bowed deeply: "Thank you, Mother. Without your care these past two years, how could your daughter be where she is today? Your great kindness and virtue, your daughter keeps close to heart..." She sat on the footstool by the bed, held Lady’s hand, and earnestly said with the innocence of a young girl: "I will certainly be filial to Mother."

Lady laughed, looked at her with affection, and said to Nanny Fang standing aside: "What’s with this child today, she turned so playful, just like Xihua when she was home."

Nanny Fang laughed and helped Xiqiu up, saying: "All are Lady’s daughters and are sisters; how could they not be alike!"

Xiqiu used a handkerchief to wipe the corner of her eye, revealing a hint of a smile: "If I were half as smart as Big Sister, it would be enough for this lifetime!"

The three laughed together. At this moment, Sixing brought Xiqiu’s clothes over, Xiqiu took her leave, served by Sixing, went to the adjacent dressing room to change clothes.

Lady’s face immediately turned cold and said to Nanny Fang: "You handle those two maids personally, lest they create chaos in the estate." As she spoke, she lifted the blanket and got out of bed, Nanny Fang hastily warmed a jacket over the stove and helped her wear it: "Don’t you want to further question those two maids, Lady?"

Lady smiled faintly, a sharp glint appearing in her eyes: "Question what? Question if the mansion’s Miss and her cousin have some secret relationship?"

Nanny Fang was taken aback, instantly breaking out in a cold sweat, suddenly understanding Lady’s meaning; it was better not to interrogate than to do so. Those two hoofers once frightened might say some unpleasant words, no matter what truly happened that night, could it escape Lady’s eyes? It’s just chaos caused by a few people, besides, if there’s really something between Cousin and Sixth Miss, gossip is formidable. Sixth Miss alone might be fine, but there are several Misses yet unmarried in the mansion, and Cousin is the First Young Madam’s favorite, about to take the autumn examination soon. Even if there’s something, now is not the time to speak out... without any benefit, it’s better to do a favor for Sixth Miss...

Furthermore, Sixth Miss’s marriage looks promising, no slip-ups can be allowed!

Immediately understanding the intricacies, Nanny Fang smiled and said: "Lady has indeed thought it through."

Lady raised her eyebrows, pointing inside: "I didn’t expect even Shen Zhi to stand by her. This girl, I underestimated her means." She sighed and then smiled: "This is for the better, let her remember Shen Zhi’s goodness, once married, she’ll have no one to rely on but her family, relying on Shen Zhi."

Given it’s related to the First Young Master, Nanny Fang dared not comment.

Lady thought for a moment before adding: "This matter has reminded me! There need be more people allocated to the second gate... send someone to tell Shen Zhi that I know the situation, let him not worry, and usually take Tianqing out more, don’t keep him stuck at home."

Nanny Fang simply nodded: "Servant understands." While secretly thinking, there should be fewer interactions between the inner and outer courts, Cousin often goes out and in the outer court, reducing the chances of meeting Sixth Miss. After all, the young masters and misses are grown, being cautious is still good.

At this moment, the maid responsible for hairdressing came in, Lady paused the conversation, and once she left, continued: "To Old Seventh, let Zixia go there." She squinted eyes, smiling faintly: "Pick two more young maids."

Nanny Fang was shocked, Zixia is a house-born servant, both her parents are at the estate, naturally prudent and honest.

She’s the most controllable maid in Lady’s room...

At this moment, Xiqiu came out dressed.

Lady watched her with a smile: "Have breakfast here!" Xiqiu bowed in agreement, Lady held her hand, seated her at the dining table outside, giving her a piece of crystal shrimp dumpling: "Old Seventh’s illness is also cured, you don’t need to worry. I’ll send Zixia there, she is always reliable, if there’s anything, just instruct her on what to do."

Xiqiu lowered her head, tightening her grip on the chopsticks, yet dutifully replied: "Daughter understands." Indicating not to visit the outer court again.

Lady was very satisfied!

After eating, Xiqiu bid farewell to Lady and returned to her courtyard, where Liufu came to see her, saying Seventh Young Master woke up and drank half a bowl of porridge...

Xiqiu nodded, holding Liufu’s hand, informed her of Zixia being sent, and said: "Keep an eye on her these few days. I’ll find a chance to visit him again."

Liufu solemnly nodded; having watched over Tong Minzhi that day, during his feverish delirium he muttered fragments, she heard bits and pieces, feeling more alarmed. There are matters as servants they must attend to, observe the master’s intent, but some things they must feign ignorance and take to the grave.

Things not meant to be known must never be known!

Once Liufu left, Sixing knelt before Xiqiu in tears, having learned last night’s events from Siliu: "Miss, please punish the servant. If not for the servant’s unauthorized leave, how could such events occur." She sobbed, tears pattering on the ground: "The servant initially intended to show Moju some materials, but when seeing her place with many novel designs, lingered a moment longer... servant erred!"