CHAPTER 143: CHAPTER 143: DILEMMAS (3)

"Lady, there’s no need to be angry. You know Master’s character best. He ultimately thinks well of you. As for the matter of whom to take to the post, I have a different opinion..." Lady raised her eyebrows and asked, "Speak."

Nanny Fang smiled and said, "Although Madam Xia is gentle and has a retiring nature, she is very strong-willed. When First Master treated her that way years ago, she didn’t say a word upon finding out and took her children to the East Cross Courtyard without ever commenting on the matter... From this, it’s clear she must harbor great resentment against First Master. In my opinion, taking her to the post is just First Master’s wishful thinking. Whether Madam Xia is willing is another matter."

Lady’s eyes froze momentarily before she revealed a half-smiling expression. She was truly confused by her anger, focusing only on Master’s thoughts and actions, while losing her usual calm. First Master can decide whom to take to the post, but as the legal mother, she can decide the fate of the children. She wanted to see who would win or lose in this struggle.

Go and call the madams over. This is not just my concern; they should be informed too!

Nanny Fang’s expression loosened, and she smiled with delight. Lady was indeed Lady; she had figured out the intricacies in a moment.

She smiled and said, "I will go right away. Lady, calm down. Besides, think of the young lady and the young master." Lady nodded slightly, took a sip of tea to calm herself down, and gratefully held Nanny Fang’s hand: "Thank you for thinking of me so much."

Nanny Fang smiled and covered her somewhat pained chest: "It’s what I should do." She remembered when Lady got married, the old lady secretly pulled her aside in the room and said: "Second sister may be smart, but her temper has been spoiled. She always wants to hold things tightly. Remember, no matter what disputes arise in the house with the master, never let her say forbidden words in anger that would harm the couple’s relationship."

No one knows a daughter better than her mother. The old lady was truly considerate.

Nanny Fang asked Daihe to come in and tidy up the room. She herself took a lantern and led a young maid to the study. Upon entering, she saw First Master, looking dark, sitting behind the desk. Nanny Fang knelt first, bowed her head, and said: "Master, calm down. Don’t harm your health with anger." She cautiously eyed First Master’s expression, then continued: "Master and Lady have been together for twenty years and understand each other’s temperament. She always talks about Master, organizing everything with Master first. But sometimes she speaks bluntly, which may sound unpleasant. Master, please don’t take it to heart. You and Lady are a couple; this bond cannot be dissolved by a few words... Though I shouldn’t speak on such matters, I’ve been with Lady for over twenty years and am a bit older, so today I speak with audacity, hoping Master will consider Lady’s efforts in managing affairs and educating the children and not be angry with her."

First Master remained expressionless. Nanny Fang thought for a moment and said: "In my opinion, Lady was wrong. Master is the head of the family and should make decisions, even if Lady disagrees, she shouldn’t have said such words... Just now, I persuaded Lady, and she understands now, so she sent me to visit Master, hoping you will calm down."

First Master’s complexion finally eased. Nanny Fang was secretly pleased, and quickly conveyed Lady’s message: "Lady said if Master has already made up his mind, she won’t say much. However, this matter, though it concerns Master, is also a family matter. The madams have been in the household for many years, and should be consulted."

First Master’s face darkened again: "What is she up to now?"

Nanny Fang maintained her old smile, "Lady has no other intention. If I may, Master and Lady are a couple. Please consider her. If you leave with Madam Xia, what would the other madams think? You’re not here in the house, and Lady manages household affairs. If the madams harbored resentment, and Lady’s kind-hearted, how would the house be at peace?"

These words were not unreasonable. Jealousy and minor disputes are natural among women. First Master’s face gradually lightened. He furrowed his brows, pondered for a while, and said: "Then let it be as she wishes. Call the madams to the main room for a discussion."

Nanny Fang finally breathed a sigh of relief, bowed, and left the study, heading to East Cross Courtyard to invite the three madams.

Half an hour later, First Master entered the main room. In the Warm Pavilion, Lady sat in the main seat, with the three madams in order to her left. As First Master entered, Lady’s eyes flickered slightly, and she stood up to welcome him, with the madams also rising to greet him.

First Master’s eyes swept over Madam Xia. Today, she wore a honey-colored plain overcoat with only a single blue hairpin in her hair, looking like a lotus emerging from the water. Standing quietly, she exuded a tranquil beauty compared to the humble posture of Madam Mei and the assertive Madam Luo. She was like a silver moon hanging on the treetop, fresh and indifferent, calming him. His frown relaxed slightly, and he sat expressionless. Nanny Fang immediately served tea, exited cautiously, and closed the door to stand guard outside.

Once everyone was seated, Lady smiled at everyone and said: "You have served Master for over ten years, expanding the Tong Family and aiding me in managing the household. Your contributions are invaluable. Today, we call you here because Master and I have matters to discuss with you."

The madams were perceptive. At this juncture, Lady called them here for this matter, even without speaking, knowing why.

Lady pondered briefly and continued: "Master will set off for Yongzhou in two days for another three years. Though servants will be there, personal matters might be neglected, so like in previous years, one of you must accompany him for my peace of mind knowing things are cared for."

Indeed, it was for this matter. Madam Luo’s eyes flickered, glancing swiftly at the other madams. Madam Mei straightened suddenly, showing hope, while Madam Xia turned pale, already appearing uneasy.

She was puzzled. It was said that Madam Xia had been moving around First Master these days, even making clothes by hand. Yet at the mention of going to Yongzhou, she seemed terrified. She remained silent and sat quietly.

Lady was satisfied, giving a slight glance at the three madams, then smilingly turned to First Master: "Master’s idea is to take Madam Xia this time."

Upon hearing this, their expressions changed subtly.

Madam Mei gripped her handkerchief, her eyes showing an unwilling glimmer. Madam Luo turned her face aside, maintaining a casual look, though feeling somewhat disappointed, while Madam Xia’s face was as white as paper. She nervously raised her head to look at Lady, then at First Master, doubtfully asking, "Take me?"