CHAPTER 124: CHAPTER 124: TAKING ACTION (4)

"How can I influence Lady’s decision?" Madam Xia sighed, her eyes filled with helplessness. "Besides, she’s getting older and will eventually have to leave the house. If that’s the case, it’s better for her to leave early and find a family to marry into. Staying with me in the mansion would only bring her grievances."

Xiqiu pondered for a moment, then looked at Madam Xia and said, "She just said she doesn’t want to leave, and I’m afraid there’s no one at home concerned about her marriage. Since she wants to stay, it’s not impossible." Madam Xia was taken aback and asked, "Are you going to beg Lady? Ever since the Count Wujin incident, she hasn’t treated you as well as before. You shouldn’t offend Lady because of this. You don’t need to worry about Xiuzhi’s matter. Over the years, I’ve saved some dowry for her and can certainly find a good family."

Xiqiu held Madam Xia’s hand and said, "That’s not what I mean. It’s an old tradition for girls to leave the mansion when they grow up. Even for Zijuan, the Lady wouldn’t break this rule. My suggestion is, if Xiuzhi is determined to stay, let her comb her hair, as that’s the only way it might be possible."

She didn’t genuinely want Xiuzhi to comb her hair; it’s just that, right now, she lacked the ability to protect Madam Xia. Having Xiuzhi around gave her some peace of mind. She thought of an opportunity in the future to let her leave again. After all, there isn’t a law in Great Zhou saying a woman who combs her hair can’t marry!

Madam Xia frowned, wanting to reject Xiqiu’s suggestion but couldn’t think of a better way. Just then, the door curtain moved, and Xiuzhi rushed in from outside, kneeling at the feet of Madam Xia and Xiqiu: "Sixth Miss, not to hide from you, I indeed have that thought. But I was afraid of being blamed by Madam and didn’t dare say it. I have already arranged with Sujin today. If Lady insists we leave, we will comb our hair together!" She then looked sincerely at Madam Xia and said, "Madam, when I first entered the mansion, despite my clumsiness, you always treated me with a smile, never hitting or punishing me. The maids in the mansion envy me, saying I have a good master. I silently vowed to serve you wholeheartedly as long as I stay by your side. In the past, when you were favored and had many people around you, I could leave without worry. But now, if I may speak disrespectfully, besides Sixth Miss and Seventh Young Master, who else truly cares for Madam? So, I cannot leave!"

Madam Xia was already in tears, hugging Xiuzhi and choking with emotion: "Silly child!"

Xiqiu’s eyes reddened, too. She helped Madam Xia up and pulled Xiuzhi: "Stop crying now. Since Xiuzhi has this idea, let’s discuss what to do. Crying won’t solve any problems and might harm our health." She wiped Madam Xia’s tears and helped her sit back on the kang: "Xiuzhi is right. Neither I nor my Seventh Brother currently have the capability to look after you. Having Xiuzhi around gives me peace of mind. Madam, listen to Xiuzhi this time and keep her by your side. There’s no need to worry about her future. In a few years, when my Seventh Brother is older, we can ask Lady to let her go and carefully find a family, which is not impossible."

Madam Xia said nothing, but Xiuzhi nodded repeatedly: "Whatever Sixth Miss wants me to do, I will follow your instructions."

Xiqiu recalled what Laiwang’s wife had mentioned, wanting to ask Madam Xia if there was any truth in it. But seeing Madam Xia’s gentle yet proud nature, discussing such matters would surely hurt her. To resolve the issue between her and the First Master, it seems the breakthrough lies with the First Master himself.

However, this matter would inconvenience Xiuzhi. Thinking of this, she held Xiuzhi’s hand, eyes showing a hint of guilt: "For Madam’s sake, I’m sorry for the trouble!"

Xiuzhi shook her head with a smile: "I don’t mind."

"Madam, there are seven who have come of age in the mansion, including Zijuan and Zizhu," Nanny Fang presented the maidservants’ indenture contracts on the table and continued: "Lady has special plans for Zijuan and Zizhu, but Sujin, Caitao, and Xiuzhi might be problematic, as these three serve closely with the three concubines." She feared there would be turmoil again.

Lady casually glanced at the indenture contracts and said with raised eyebrows: "Being old-timers, they should know the mansion’s rules and handle matters according to them. Furthermore, this is a gracious act of the mansion; they should only be thankful."

The statement wasn’t incorrect; Nanny Fang understood Lady’s intentions were not straightforward, but Madam Xia and Madam Mei were easier to handle. Madam Luo, being close with Sujin, would likely pose challenges.

"Don’t get involved with this matter; let those who want to stir things up do so!" She wanted to see what each had on their minds and their intentions. Pausing, she asked, "Has Laiwang’s wife said anything?"

Nanny Fang gathered the indenture contracts and placed them back into the box, replying from the footstool next to the Lady: "She didn’t say much, just that everything should be at Lady’s discretion." Recalling Laiwang’s wife’s smiling face devoid of any worry, she added: "Though from her expression, I suspect she’s already considered some options."

Lady replied with a faint smile: "So what if she has? The matters of the mansion are not for her to decide. If they beg me, then I will make the decision. Does she think just because the First Master is present things will go her way?" She ought to realize when has the First Master ever cared for the mansion’s affairs over these years!

"After a while, check on what the young ladies are doing and how the Grand Dowager’s clothes are coming along. Sixth Miss should also start on the embroidery soon, as there’s only ten days or so left. Remind them not to delay." Nanny Fang nodded in agreement, and Lady also reminded her, "Have the sewing team prepare an outfit as a backup, and fetch that calligraphy piece of Lu Baizhang’s the First Master stored in the warehouse years ago. Keep it ready to avoid a last-minute scramble."

Nanny Fang left with a young maidservant and happened to meet Caitao carrying pastries. As soon as Caitao saw Nanny Fang, she smiled and greeted her, performing a formal gesture. "I was just about to look for you, Nanny, and it’s lucky I ran into you here."

"What can I do for you, Miss?" Nanny Fang also smiled broadly. Yesterday, Caitao had brought pastries, even sending a special portion to her matching Lady’s. She hadn’t thought much of it at the time, but suddenly, today’s coincidence made her realize Caitao’s sudden attentiveness had a purpose!

"Early this morning, I made a batch of steamed sugar cakes, knowing Nanny doesn’t like sweets, I only added a bit of sugar. Nanny has been busy all morning, so please have some to fill your stomach." With that, she handed the food box to the little maid behind Nanny Fang: "I hope Nanny will accept them."

"Oh, how can I impose? It’s troublesome for Miss to make foods for an old woman like me." Nanny Fang glanced at the food box, then smiled. "Miss, since you’ve made it, just sent it with the maidservant. Why bother delivering it yourself? Madam Mei also has many things, and you should assist her, not delay her affairs."

Caitao secretly thought to herself that Nanny Fang, as expected of someone by Lady’s side, spoke impeccably. Outwardly, she smiled and said, "Oh, Nanny, I wouldn’t delay important matters, but honestly, things for me have been not too busy lately..." Saying this, she stood at the door of Zhui Garden and took out a handkerchief, starting to cry.