CHAPTER 352: CHAPTER 354: CONSPIRACY (PART 3)

She stumbled in anger, Qingshuang quickly supported her, but Fifth Madam pushed her away with a face full of rage: "Go find Madam Qiu!" Qingshuang nodded and swiftly went to the second house.

Fifth Madam had barely returned to her room for a moment when Teng Qiuniang arrived wearing a peach-red coat, looking much thinner than before but with added frailty. She looked at Fifth Madam and said: "Sister, what do you need me for?"

"What else could it be? The construction starts today, hurry and think of a solution." Fifth Madam spoke angrily, unable to suppress the fire in her heart.

Teng Qiuniang noticed something was amiss and asked: "You’re this angry over such a thing?" While speaking, she personally poured a cup of tea for Fifth Madam: "Sister, are you and I still hiding things from each other?"

Fifth Madam took the tea without drinking, and angrily recounted Fifth Young Master’s misdeeds to Teng Qiuniang, who listened with eyes slightly narrowed.

She had never told Fifth Madam about the events of that year; it was Chunyan who delivered the message on that day, unexpectedly bringing everyone back together again.

The situation now made her wonder if she had held back at the time, would Princess Chengning still marry into the Marquis Mansion?

If not for Tong Xiqiu’s meddling, how could she have been so impulsive!

Thinking back now, she clearly became a tool in her hands, used by her!

She pondered for a moment, and then whispered in Fifth Madam’s ear: "She is Tong Xihua’s sister. Regardless of whether they are close, they are family, and she surely knows something about our affairs. Since she is here, we must find a way to push her out. Sister, don’t think about drawing her in to counter the Second Madam; she isn’t the Tong Xihua of back then. She seems gentle but is actually sharp. You might as well push her into the spotlight, let her clash with the First Madam and the Second Madam, and we’ll profit from their conflict."

Fifth Madam scoffed, full of disdain: "Am I really afraid of her? Sharp? I see her as timid and fearful!" She paused and continued: "Just because her surname is Tong, I definitely won’t let her go!"

"What’s Sister’s plan then?" Teng Qiuniang asked.

Fifth Madam sneered, "Since our Fifth Young Master fancies that girl, I naturally want to fulfill his wishes!" Teng Qiuniang showed confusion, clearly not understanding, so Fifth Madam whispered a few words to her...

Teng Qiuniang’s expression changed, her brows furrowed: "Sister’s plan is indeed good; it shames Tong Xiqiu while disgusting the First Madam, and the greenhouse’s affairs might be put on hold. It achieves three goals in one move... but..." Fifth Madam raised her eyebrows, observing Teng Qiuniang, who hesitated before continuing: "If such things spread throughout the mansion, what will we do?!"

It’s fine to fight behind closed doors, but now, since there are craftsmen in the mansion, spreading rumors will shame everyone.

Fifth Madam dismissed it with indifference, pointing at Teng Qiuniang’s forehead: "You boast boldness, but act softly, what a lack of courage!" She stood, pacing the room and speaking slowly: "It’s merely a small maid, driving her away or eliminating her is a trivial matter. With Grand Dowager’s methods, the issue will be suppressed before it leaks, what are you afraid of!"

Teng Qiuniang wondered: "Won’t Sister’s plan lack the intended effect then?"

Fifth Madam looked at her as if disappointed: "How have you not learned such basic truths after two years in the mansion?! I aim to disgust them. Grand Dowager dislikes Tong Xiqiu, and this will increase the aversion; as for the First Madam... hmph."

Teng Qiuniang laughed, nodded: "Then let’s follow Sister’s lead." Then she asked: "Has Second Brother written lately? Does Mother... still not forgive me?"

Discussing this topic, Fifth Madam sighed: "Wait a little longer. This matter indeed hurt her deeply."

Qiuniang’s eyes reddened, her elder brother had secured business from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, her third brother succeeded as a scholar during the autumn examinations and will participate in the spring exams next year. The Teng Family was on the verge of revival, yet because of her... they lost face.

"Forget it, things are as they are, what’s the point in discussing it further? Once Mother cools down, she’ll surely forgive you." She said while sipping tea, her eyes relaxed.

Teng Qiuniang silently wiped her tears.

"With craftsmen constantly passing through, it might take some time. Announce for everyone to be cautious while entering and exiting." Xiqiu embroidered without lifting her head and instructed Chunyan: "In the afternoon, go to the outer yard and gather the clothes Fourth Master left in his two studies, bring them here." Although Fourth Master Xiao had many clothes, he wore only a few daily; the new ones at the bottom became old without being worn, while the frequently worn pieces were already outdated!

Chunyan nodded, replied: "I remember!"

Xiqiu thought for a moment and added: "You seem busy, have Ziyang assist you. The Second Madam said she’ll assign two women from the stove today, have Ziyang manage the kitchen!" Chunyan blinked, grasping Xiqiu’s intention: "Does Madam intend to cool down Treasure Bead?"

By promoting Ziyang and sidelining Treasure Bead, a rift would arise between them, leading Treasure Bead or Ziyang to depart independently.

Xiqiu smiled and tapped Chunyan’s forehead: "You’re clever, I haven’t even said it, and you’ve understood."

Chunyan blushed, laughing: "I’ve learned this from Madam." Then she recalled Fourth Master Xiao: "Will Fourth Master return today?"

Xiqiu wasn’t sure, he said it could be three days or one, but it seemed he’d return tomorrow instead.

Chunyan accepted the task, sought out Ziyang, and in front of Treasure Bead, relayed Xiqiu’s words. Ziyang was momentarily stunned, a delighted look crossing her face: "Madam wants me to manage the kitchen?" Whether large or small, the kitchen was the most lucrative spot in the mansion. Even though managing it wasn’t as easy as working within the rooms, she preferred staying in the kitchen.

Treasure Bead listened, her face chilled, and she snorted coldly, swaying into her room.

"Treasure Bead!" Ziyang said to Chunyan with some embarrassment: "She’s unwell today, Sister Chunyan, don’t mind."

Chunyan, indifferent, smiled: "No problem! Since she isn’t feeling well, let her rest. Come with me to the study room, let’s sort Fourth Master’s clothes." Ziyang glanced worriedly at Treasure Bead’s room then followed Chunyan out of the courtyard.

In the afternoon, Chunyan sorted the outer study’s items and left Ziyang with the women to move them back while she returned to the inner courtyard to organize its contents. Suddenly, a small maid peered in: "Who is Sister Chunyan?"

Chunyan was startled, put down her things, and stepped out to inspect the maid. Wearing a blue-green jacket, her hair unstyled, she seemed unfamiliar. Chunyan asked curiously: "Which courtyard are you from, what’s your business with me?"