The Marquis Mansion only has two lords in total.
One Marquis, one Sixth Master.
Who does Bai Que want to be a concubine to?
Mrs. Cai was a bit puzzled, wasn’t the mansion all abuzz about the Marquis marrying the Marchioness and then taking Lady Zhao as a concubine? How did Bai Que suddenly come into the picture? Could Bai Que have gotten close to the amorous Sixth Master???
The steward with a big mole by her lip said, "Oh, you don’t know yet, do you? Previously, both Bai Que and Zihe were appointed by the Old Madam to serve that person, but Zihe wasn’t likable and was squeezed out. Bai Que became close as a sister to her, Bai Que’s parents say she’s destined to be a concubine for her. Don’t you understand? After all, she’s already had a child and wants a supporting arm to pull together... cough, cough."
Mrs. Cai was shocked: "Is that even possible? Who does she think she is, who does she think the Marquis is?"
It’s just ridiculous.
"It’s simply recklessness; before tasting honey, they’re already soaring."
"Isn’t that the case? She keeps telling everyone she’s the mother of the Marquis’ two children; anyone who didn’t know would think the twins are our Marquis’ children. Bai Que also puts on airs in front of us, acting like she’s already half a mistress. It’s really amusing, but now she’s lost badly; she has neither face nor standing left."
A group of steward women gathered around, talking animatedly, as if they couldn’t stand Lady Zhao for a while, although they were the ones who clung most enthusiastically. Mrs. Cai chuckled and asked, "Are you planning to contribute money?"
"Of course, but we can’t contribute much, don’t have much money at home; if you’re to prosper, it’s about fate, just making a little is fine."
"Yes, yes, just like you, can’t afford too much."
Mrs. Cai asked, "Did the Marchioness say this pepper business might suffer losses?"
"She did, that’s why it depends on whether there’s good fortune."
Mrs. Cai nodded.
These people saw that the Marchioness was favored by the Marquis and wanted to curry favor; they didn’t care if this bit of Silver was lost or gained.
It’s the pot calling the kettle black.
She initially was due to Sixth Madam’s meanness, wanting to find a good master.
Nanny Zhao swept back in like a gust of wind, asked, "Have you all discussed it? How much Silver are you investing?"
"Of course, we’re following your lead and investing fifty taels of Silver, don’t dare to invest more, we’re just following Sixth Madam to try."
"Yes, yes, learn from her."
Nanny Zhao held her head high, laughed, "The Marchioness dares to do such a big business as soon she arrives, she must have a plan in mind, I don’t have much Silver saved, otherwise, I’d invest more."
"Yes, yes, Nanny Zhao is right."
But no one took it seriously, they just invested as much as they intended.
Mrs. Cai remained silent, listening quietly.
As long as she’s not ostracized, why speak more to annoy others.
Nanny Zhao stood for a moment, said, "Ah, busy day after day, still have to go to Fengxuan Pavilion for Sixth Madam, so I won’t chat with you."
"More work for those capable, is Nanny Zhao going to see Bai Que?"
"What’s there to see about Bai Que, she’s a servant like us, I’m going to see Lady Zhao, heard she’s been ill for days, didn’t call for a doctor, even worse today. The Old Madam has sent for a doctor, I’ll go see how Lady Zhao is doing."
Everyone exchanged knowing looks.
In the past, when Lady Zhao was sick, Sixth Madam would always see her personally; this time, she only sent Nanny Zhao for a check, clearly Lady Zhao’s plans are falling through.
Nanny Zhao rushed to Fengxuan Pavilion, the pavilion was full of crying.
"What’s happened?"
Because she shared the same surname with Lady Zhao, she walked closer than others, asked as soon as she entered, "Why is it this bad?"
Lady Zhao leaned on the pillow, her cheeks flushed and woozy, voice hoarse, "It’s Nanny Zhao, please sit. Bai Que is crying miserably, no one can console her, I’m also trying to find a way to comfort her."
Nanny Zhao sneered, said matter-of-factly, "You are the master, Bai Que is the servant, you try to comfort her after the trouble she caused, you are certainly good-natured."
Lady Zhao sighed, "I can’t comfort her, it’s just futile."
Bai Que went to Wutong Garden for her, if she’s not soothed, the maids and nannies beneath would feel cold-hearted, who will still work for her in the future.
Just, these words can’t be said directly.
Nanny Zhao knew as well, said, "Crying is useless, the Marquis said to let her go, the Old Madam wouldn’t oppose the Marquis for her, she has to leave. If there’s a chance in the future, maybe she can come back."
"If she can come back, it would be best."
Lady Zhao burnt severely, her mind a bit muddled, eyelids heavy.