Xianglan casually pulled a hairpin from her head and adjusted the wick of the lamp before speaking leisurely, "If Taitai sent you to ask, you should preface your words with 'Taitai asked me to inquire.' If not, then I’d appreciate it if you spoke more politely. Though I may be untalented and have always served others, I did spend some time in a noble household before. Speaking to me like this is one thing, but if you address outsiders in the same tone, others might laugh at the Song family’s maids for lacking manners." Her words were mild yet unmistakably sharp.
Fang Si’s face flushed crimson instantly. She sneered, "Quite the airs you have! Are you implying I lack manners? I serve by Taitai’s side—are you suggesting Taitai doesn’t know how to discipline her people?"
Xianglan smiled. "I wouldn’t dare. I’m clumsy and rash. If I’ve said anything to offend you, sister, I apologize. You, being close to Taitai, naturally have a broader mind than most and wouldn’t stoop to my level, would you?"
Fang Si had intended to assert dominance over Xianglan but found herself outmaneuvered, her path blocked by Xianglan’s words. Just as she was caught in an awkward silence, the sound of laughter and chatter at the door announced the return of Junxi and Yuexi. Shooting Xianglan a glare, Fang Si flung the curtain aside and stormed off.
She ran behind the rose trellis, stomping her feet in fury.
She had always known that Xianglan, with her fox-like charm, was nothing but a temptress—and today, she had witnessed it firsthand! Fabric for new clothes should always be chosen by the masters first, yet the Master had set aside two bolts just for her and even touched her hair! If she hadn’t walked in, would he have gone further, touching her face or even kissing her? Disgusting! Shameless! The Master must be blind, favoring such a delicate, weak-looking vixen all these years without recognizing her own worth. Back when Hongxiu was around, Fang Si had accepted it—after all, Hongxiu had served him since childhood. But with Hongxiu gone, in terms of seniority, looks, figure, wit, and loyalty, she was the one who should have been chosen. Even Taitai favored her—so why wasn’t she good enough?
Fang Si wiped away angry tears.
She knew she wasn’t as beautiful as Xianglan, but in every other aspect, she surpassed that little wretch. The Master had been weakened by feminine charms. This couldn’t go on!
Pulling out a handkerchief, Fang Si wiped her face and hurried to Song Yima’s quarters. Inside, she saw that all the fabric had been selected and put away. Guo Mama was directing servants to set the table while Song Yima reclined on the Imperial Concubine Couch, eyes closed, murmuring prayers as she fingered a string of prayer beads.
Song Yima was a dutiful woman. Since her husband’s death, her heart had turned to ashes. She observed a vegetarian diet, devoted herself to Buddha, and rarely left her rooms. Her clothing was mostly dark, and she wore a forehead band with no makeup. Though naturally elegant and dignified, her austere appearance made her look a decade older.
Noticing Fang Si’s angry expression and abrupt movements, Guo Mama shot her a warning glance and gestured toward Song Yima. Fang Si collected herself, paused to straighten her clothes, placed the fabric she was carrying aside, and picked up the palm-leaf fan by the couch. Treading softly, she approached to fan Song Yima.
Song Yima opened her eyes and, seeing Fang Si beside her, asked, "Did the Master like this color?"Fang Si quickly replied with a smile, "Of course I like it, how could I not? Master even said that making a cloak would be too warm, and since there’s no skilled seamstress in his quarters, he praised my needlework and asked me to make him a pair of trousers instead."
Song Yima closed her eyes and chuckled, "Amitabha, child, since he’s gone out of his way to ask you, why not make him two pairs?" Then she asked, "Has the young master eaten anything yet?"
Fang Si replied, "When I went over earlier, dinner hadn’t been served in his room yet."
Song Yima said, "That girl Tan has too much internal heat—a bowl of porridge in the evening is enough for her. But the young master works hard all day and needs more to eat at night. Later, take him another bowl of soup." As she spoke, she stood up.
Fang Si hurried to support her, but Song Yima laughed, "I’m not so old that I need someone to hold me up yet." She then sat down at the table.
Guo Mama smiled, "Let her help you—it’s her duty."
Fang Si stood by to serve the dishes. Song Yima took a bite and suddenly remembered, "Has that new maid in the young master’s quarters picked out fabric yet? Don’t forget about her."
Fang Si, though inwardly resentful, kept a smile on her face. "She’s already chosen." Then, glancing at Guo Mama’s expression, she added, "But there’s something else..."
Song Yima looked at her. "Speak plainly—why hesitate?"
Fang Si said, "When I entered the room earlier, I saw Master had specially set aside two bolts of fabric for that maid. It’s not my place to say, but this really isn’t proper. Taitai and the young lady haven’t even chosen yet—how could he bypass them and reserve fabric for a maid first?"
At this, Song Yima set down her chopsticks. "What kind of fabric?"
Fang Si answered, "Pink silk and sky-blue fine cloth."
Song Yima picked up her chopsticks again and smiled. "Nothing too extravagant. Isn’t all the fabric delivered today of that quality? Perhaps the young master was worried the new maid might feel too shy to pick for herself, so he had some set aside for her. Young girls aren’t like us—they look lovely in bright colors."
Fang Si quickly added, "I understand that, but when I entered, I saw Master..." She glanced upward and lowered her voice. "Ever since Hongxiu left, Master’s quarters have indeed lacked a proper attendant. But with the Imperial Examination just six months away, I’m afraid he might be led astray, distracted by frivolous things and neglect his studies. Given the family’s current situation, Master is Taitai’s only hope. As servants, we’ve served him all this time, hoping he’ll pass the exams and restore the family’s fortunes—first, to honor the late master’s spirit; second, to comfort Taitai; third, so the young lady can marry with dignity; and fourth, for our own security."
This struck a chord. Song Yima set down her chopsticks again and pressed, "My dear, what exactly did you see in his room? Thank goodness you’re sharp and attentive, or I’d still be in the dark."
Fang Si said, "It wasn’t much—just that when I entered, I saw Master reaching out to touch the maid’s hair, as if about to pin a flower in it. With anyone else, it wouldn’t matter, but Master has always been single-minded about his studies. Even with Hongxiu before, he never flirted once. Yet this maid has only just arrived, and already..."Aunt Song was taken aback for a moment. When the maid called Xianglan came in to kowtow, she had examined her carefully. The girl was indeed a stunning beauty, with an elegant and refined demeanor—truly first-rate talent.
Seeing Aunt Song silent, Fang Si spoke again, "Taitai must make a decision. Right now, the Master is at a crucial stage. Having such a bewitching girl by his side is truly worrisome. Besides, that girl’s background is unclear—who knows where she was bought from? If she was already corrupted somewhere before entering the mansion, learning all sorts of vulgar tricks, our Master is an honest and well-behaved boy. If his character is ruined, it would be disastrous!"
Guo Mama immediately chimed in, "That’s true. That maid’s origins are unknown, and she was covered in injuries when she arrived. Who knows what she might have done before—perhaps she made some mistake and was driven out by her former master? To speak bluntly behind closed doors, with such looks, if she was expelled from a wealthy household, who knows if she’s still pure or has picked up some promiscuous habits. There are always those who love to gossip, constantly slandering others behind their backs. In the future, when the Master becomes an official, his reputation must be spotless—he cannot afford even the slightest misstep. If nothing happens, all is well, but if someone utters a single word of slander, who knows how many villains will jump at the chance to kick him when he’s down? Our anxiety and distress would be the least of it—what about the Master’s reputation?"
As Guo Mama spoke, Aunt Song nodded in agreement.
Fang Si moved the soup closer to Aunt Song and asked softly, "Taitai, what do you think about this…?"
Aunt Song sighed and said, "Thank goodness the two of you are here to advise me, or I wouldn’t have realized the severity of this matter. But when the girl was bought, the Master told me that he had his eye on her for future promotion—he had known her before and had always wanted to ask her former master for her, but never got the chance. Who would have thought she’d be framed? That’s why he seized the opportunity to buy her. Her background is clean, and he knows her well."
The phrase "he had his eye on her for future promotion" struck Fang Si like a bolt of ice to the heart. Aunt Song then turned to Guo Mama and said, "You’ve watched the Master grow up since he was a child—he has the best judgment. He also told me that he won’t take any concubines until after next year’s Imperial Examination. For now, he’s keeping her by his side just to serve tea and water, and to grind ink while he studies."
Upon hearing this, Guo Mama exchanged a glance with Fang Si and forced a smile. "As long as Taitai is clear about the situation, that’s what matters. Look at us, meddling and gossiping—we deserve a scolding! We really do!"
Fang Si also forced a laugh. "Isn’t that the truth? Especially me—I really deserve a slap on the mouth!" As she spoke, she lightly slapped her own face twice.
Aunt Song grabbed Fang Si’s hand and said with a smile, "Silly child, why are you really hitting yourself? I’m not blaming you—I’m endlessly grateful to you both. You and your mother have always looked out for us, worrying day and night to protect our family’s reputation and dignity. Ever since the master passed, everyone has been stabbing us in the back, bullying us widows and orphans. Only you two have stayed by our side, loyal and devoted. I keep thinking that I must never let you down." At the mention of her late husband, tears rolled down her cheeks.Guo Mama and Fang Si quickly joined in shedding tears. After a moment of silence in the room, Guo Mama wiped the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief and forced a smile, saying, "Why bring up such sad matters when everything was fine just now? It's all Fang Si's fault for stirring up Taitai's tears again—she deserves a good spanking."
Song Yima patted Fang Si's hand and laughed at Guo Mama, "With me here, you can't lay a finger on her." She then looked at Fang Si affectionately and said, "Our eldest son is truly unfortunate not to recognize your virtues. But don’t worry, as long as I’m here, I’ll make sure your future is secure."
Fang Si pretended to be bashful and lowered her head, but the grievances in her heart surged up, instantly moistening her eyes.
Thank you to Ban Tai for the Fairy Flowers of Langyuan, to Junxi for the He's Jade Disc, to Huashan Lüshuizhou for the two fans, to the anonymous diner for 10 PK votes, to Qiangdi Fengwan for two PK votes, to Yan Sansheng for two Peace Talismans, to Warm Sunshine 0907, Meiyan Kongkong, wqpaqm, Nantong Shishi, Yueyue Ai Yueyue, yu21yu21, damima, and rk_owl for the Peace Talismans. Special thanks to Yueyue Ai Yueyue for the long review~~ These past two days have been too busy, so if I missed thanking anyone, please forgive me or let me know, and I’ll make it up later. Thanks again!! The owed updates—both extra and missed—will definitely be made up. Please give me a little time; I’ve been swamped lately, thank you!!! Still asking for pink votes to motivate faster updates, hehe~~
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