CHAPTER 283: CHAPTER 283: SITUATION (PART 4)

People who had helped Xiqiu and her mother in the past were now eagerly active, while those who had slighted them were filled with apprehension, seeking connections everywhere. Some even sneaked into Zhui Garden late at night to discuss future strategies with Nanny Fang. Suddenly, Nanny Lai, who was closest to Xiqiu, and Nanny Fang, confined in her room, became even more sought after than Xiqiu.

In Zhiqu Courtyard, Xiqiu looked at the First Master with a face full of unease, her eyes red as she said, "Father, what virtues or abilities do I possess to manage the household affairs? I beg Father to retract this command!" The First Master looked at her with satisfaction, smiling as he said, "There’s no need for you to be anxious. No one is born knowing everything. Besides, you’re smart and steady. After a few days of learning, you’ll be able to handle things. If you encounter anything you don’t understand while dealing with matters, just ask Nanny Lai. I’ve arranged for her to be by your side at your disposal. Let me know if you need anyone else, and I’ll have them transferred to you."

Xiqiu kept her head down, looking as if the responsibility was too heavy to bear. Seeing her like this, the First Master sighed and said, "In that case, I’ll have your Madam live with you for a few days to support you, and once you’re familiar with things, she can return. How about that?"

Madam Xia stood behind the First Master, her eyes filled with a smile.

Xiqiu’s eyes flickered slightly. She knew that once the First Master said something like this, if she refused again, it would seem like she was being difficult. Although she had a vague idea of how to handle the household affairs, she had no actual experience. Clenching her fists, she looked up and said, "You said that if I need anyone, you’ll have them transferred to me?"

The First Master nodded with a smile on his face, "Yes, tell me." Xiqiu’s eyes sparkled as she said, "Nanny Lai, of course, is needed. She’s been in the inner courtyard for more than ten years and is now in charge of purchasing in the outer court, so she knows everything inside and out. Also, Nanny Qian, she was born and raised here, has served the Old Madam, and frequently attended to Mother, so she knows everything about the affairs of the mansion. I’d like to have her here too."

The First Master nodded slightly, smiling as he said, "As you wish." Xiqiu let out a small sigh of relief, a heavy smile appearing on her face.

Though the people in the Tong Mansion were simple, the matters were not easy to handle. The Lady had managed the mansion for over twenty years, and it was filled with her people. Now, as she took over, even if no one intentionally worked against her in secret, any one of them could refuse to obey her orders or intentionally delay things, creating issues that would cause her headaches.

However, as long as they were human, they had weaknesses. These housekeepers followed the Lady just to get a good position and gain some benefits. They weren’t fond of her because they viewed her as a daughter. Even if she gained power now, in a year or two, wouldn’t she still have to leave in a bridal sedan chair? The mansion would ultimately return to the Lady’s hands.

If they showed goodwill to her now, and the Lady regained power one day, wouldn’t they become an example of what happens when a warning is ignored, possibly not even knowing how they died.

So what she needed to do now was not to seize power quickly but rather... to let them know that it was highly possible the Lady could no longer manage the affairs of the mansion!

This way, the indecisive ones would have no choice, the loyal ones would become even more loyal, and those hoping for the Lady’s resurgence would lose hope.

Xiqiu took her leave from the First Master, returning to her room to change into a half-new dark blue buttoned water-sleeved plain overcoat, a light pink fluffy flower pinned in her hair, and an exquisite jade orchid hairpin. Her entire appearance was fresh and understated. As she stood up from the dressing table, Chunyan was bright-eyed as she looked at her, teary-eyed as she said, "It’s been a long time since I’ve seen the Miss like this." Her face lit up with a gentle smile, her eyes shining like a clear lake...

Chunliu also nodded hurriedly, sighing, "I truly hope the First Master stays in the Capital." The First Master, after three years of temporary reassignment, would still have to return to Yongzhou after staying for a while. Moreover, it seemed that Madam Xia would also accompany him this time. The thought of this made her joy slightly diminished.

Looking at the two of them, Xiqiu smiled and said, "We walk our own paths. The First Master and Madam have laid the path for me. How can I depend on them for everything?" Finished speaking, she started to walk out. Chunliu was puzzled and asked, "Where is Miss going? Nanny Qian has already asked once in the morning about when Miss plans to meet with the housekeeper of each area of the mansion."

Xiqiu continued walking without stopping, saying as she went, "It’s Mao Chu, and naturally, I’m going to pay my respects in Mother’s room. As for those housekeepers... there’s no rush. There aren’t many things happening in the mansion lately. Let’s wait a little longer." Chunliu and Chunyan were momentarily stunned, faces full of puzzled expressions as they followed Xiqiu outside. Xiqiu turned to Chunliu and said, "You stay. With Siliu and Sixing gone, there aren’t enough people in the courtyard. You run around inside and outside; today, take a morning off." She then looked at Chunyan, "Tomorrow will be your turn!"

Chunliu listened and covered her mouth with a handkerchief, chuckling, "Listening to Miss, someone might think I complained. You’re the one who’s been busy every day without taking a rest; how do I have the right to rest... However, since you want me to stay, I just remembered something I haven’t done. How about having Chunyan accompany you while I go take a look at the laundry room!"

Xiqiu smiled slightly and nodded, "You go ahead then!" Saying that, she took Chunyan and headed to Zhui Garden.

The doors of Zhui Garden were tightly closed, and it took Chunyan a few shouts before Daihe came over to open the door. Seeing Xiqiu, she was taken aback, "Sixth Miss, why are you here?" Xiqiu smiled gently at her, saying, "I’m here to pay my respects to Mother."

Daihe showed a startled expression, opening the door with a smile, "Fourth Miss just finished eating breakfast and is getting a massage now." But up to this point, she didn’t dare to stop Xiqiu at the door, though thinking of Nanny Fang and the Lady, she hesitated slightly in the doorway.

Xiqiu’s brows furrowed slightly, "I’m going in to see Mother." A trace of anger flashed across her face.

Daihe, alarmed by the sight, instinctively stepped back. Xiqiu didn’t say anything more, she simply stepped inside. The two servant women in the courtyard wanted to stop her but didn’t dare. Xiqiu climbed the steps into the main hall with ease, a strong medicinal scent filling her nostrils as soon as she entered. She frowned tightly, lifted the curtain herself, and went into the room. The Lady lay on the bed, her face a waxy yellow, her hair in a loose, disheveled bun across the pillow. Her eyes were closed as she lay there, while Tong Xiyan sat beside her legs massaging them, and Nanny Fang sat at the footrest, massaging the Lady’s hands.

Seeing Xiqiu enter, Tong Xiyan smiled and said, "Sixth Sister has come, have a seat!" Nanny Fang also turned to look at Xiqiu, but unlike Tong Xiyan, her eyes were devoid of any smile, filled instead with anger.

Xiqiu subtly raised an eyebrow, walking over to Tong Xiyan, "Fourth Sister, how is Mother now?" Tong Xiyan stood up, taking Xiqiu’s hand, glancing at the sleeping Lady as she said, "Since she fainted the day before yesterday, she hasn’t spoken nor eaten much. I’ve been worried... It’s perfect that you’re here, could you help me plead with Father to invite Madam Zhang, who treated you, again? Maybe she will have a solution."