"Oh, I’d like some tea," said Lady Zhao.
Zihe replied, "I’ll have someone prepare it right away."
The little maid outside heard the command, quickly came in to change the tea, and Lady Zhao asked, "Is your father’s health getting better?"
Zihe said, "Thank you for your concern, Lady Zhao. After taking the ginseng gifted by the Old Madam, he’s much better."
Lady Zhao, making conversation, said, "Did you return today?"
Zihe said, "Yes."
"What a coincidence, Bai Que left, and you came."
Zihe said, "Yes, I just happened to run into Bai Que."
The two fell into silence again.
Initially, Lady Zhao often invited Gu Jinghui to the Fengxuan Pavilion and boasted everywhere that she was the mother of the Marquis’s two children. Zihe thought she was a border woman who grew up in the Northern Border and didn’t understand the customs of the Central Plains, so she advised her several times.
Lady Zhao was displeased but refrained from acting out as she was new to the Marquis Mansion. Later, when she noticed that Bai Que also had an interest in the Marquis, she focused on pulling her closer, gradually pushing Zihe out.
After Zihe left the Fengxuan Pavilion, it was filled with people loyal to her.
At this critical moment, Bai Que left, and the unwelcome Zihe returned, now serving as a second-class maid by the Old Madam’s side. Lady Zhao couldn’t help but think more deeply.
As it neared lunchtime, Lady Zhao asked Zihe, "Are Brother Cheng and Sister Yu still in the main room?"
Zihe replied, "Yes, earlier the Old Madam sent a message saying that Lady Zhao is currently ill and physically weak, having been tired these past two days. So, the two children are staying in the main room to allow Lady Zhao to rest, and we were also instructed not to disturb Lady Zhao’s recovery."
"They are favored by the Old Madam, staying longer is always good," said the two nannies who helped Lady Zhao with the children. They had followed her from the Northern Border, hoping she could rise in status in the Marquis Mansion so they could benefit too.
Lady Zhao nodded.
For the sake of the two children, the Old Madam wouldn’t let her go easily.
The two nannies mentioned that the Old Madam liked the twins, which reassured Lady Zhao, who then said, "Since they are dining with the Old Madam in the main room, let’s also set up a meal here. You’ve worked hard over the past few days, and since the young masters aren’t here, we won’t stand on ceremony and will eat together."
The two nannies thanked her profusely, complimenting her with flattering words, making Lady Zhao happy.
Zihe lowered her eyes, hiding the cold mockery in them.
Before coming, she had been instructed by Nanny Rong to keep an eye on Lady Zhao.
Perhaps the Old Madam had noticed some inappropriate behavior from Lady Zhao and had her keep watch to prevent any trouble.
If it weren’t for Bai Que’s influential parents and ancestors who had achieved great feats with the Old Marquis, she’d have been beaten and kicked out long ago, yet these people still dream of rising to power.
Having learned from past lessons, Zihe didn’t say much and merely watched Lady Zhao’s actions coldly.
...
In Wutong Garden.
Nanny Rong had just discussed the origins of several housekeepers and sighed when she spoke of Mrs. Lu, "That old woman has a strange personality, both prideful and out of touch, otherwise, she wouldn’t have become a housekeeper in the sewing room at such an age."
Qin Yuan nudged the dish of pastries on the table toward Nanny Rong, signaling her to have some.
Nanny Rong waved her hand and said, "No need, I still have to return to the main room later, as the Old Madam has kept the two children by her side and needs someone to attend to them."
Qin Yuan asked, "Does Mother like that pair of twins?"
As soon as she entered the mansion, the Sixth Madam told her that the Old Madam was very fond of the pair of twins born to Lady Zhao and often kept them by her side.
Nanny Rong smiled and said, "Twins are rare, and who wouldn’t be fond of them? The Old Madam said that since the Marquis has no children, and this pair had accompanied the Marquis for several years at the Northern Border and are the benefactor’s children, they naturally deserve better treatment."
Hong Ye couldn’t help but interject.
"These two children aren’t very likable and seem larger in physique compared to other children their age."
Upon hearing this, Qin Yuan glanced at Hong Ye.
Hong Ye initially wanted to say more about the children but fell silent immediately.
Nanny Rong chuckled and explained, "They are quite pleasing in front of the Old Madam. As one gets older, they tend to favor small children. I’ve privately heard Sixth Master complain that the two children were so robust they often overwhelmed his own younger children, leaving them crying and frequently complaining."
Qin Yuan shifted the topic back, asking, "What’s different about Mrs. Lu’s family compared to others?"
Nanny Rong replied, "Mrs. Lu’s husband served on the battlefield with the Old Marquis and lost a leg, so he can’t do heavy work. Her son also serves under the Marquis but isn’t much of a talker; he simply works hard. In theory, given her husband and son’s status, the mansion should treat her with some leniency. However, she tends to feign seniority and is easily swayed by people’s remarks, which has caused issues."
Qin Yuan understood this indicated that Mrs. Lu was unreliable for significant responsibilities.