This remark touched on Old Madam's sweet spot. Having been born and raised in the capital, and after marrying into the Hua family, she had long represented her husband's household in socializing with noble families. There was no type of servant she hadn't encountered. While she wouldn't dare compare them to palace attendants, even those from princely mansions couldn't match Ying Chun and the others in her opinion.
Few could maintain such discretion consistently for ten years, yet in her Hua family, not only had her eldest granddaughter managed it, but even her maids showed no signs of breaking character. That was true capability!
Seeing Old Madam's expression, Su Momo knew she had struck the right chord and proceeded to voice what she truly wanted to say. Though she might not be as capable as those maids, she believed her loyalty to Old Madam could stand comparison.
"You always worry that the young mistress lacks support, but I don't think it's necessary. Not to mention her four senior maids, even the second-tier maids in her chamber are competent—each capable of assisting her. Moreover, the young mistress's talent for managing people remains as sharp as ever. Everyone serving under her now works with full dedication. In my opinion, if others prove unreliable, we should simply let them follow the young mistress's lead. She would never treat them unfairly."
Old Madam's mind gradually cleared. Rather than forcing someone upon Zhi Er to restrict her, it would be better to let her handle things her way. Given Zhi Er's gentle nature, she would never abandon family members even if she disliked them. Why should Old Madam presumptuously impose what she thought was good for the Hua family or helpful to Zhi Er, only to cause her distress?
Greetings sounded from outside. Su Momo quickly tidied the room and placed a pillow behind Old Madam just as footsteps reached the door.
Hua Zhi entered hand-in-hand with Shaoyao, who still wore her Veiled Hat. "Zhi Er pays respects to Grandmother."
Shaoyao mimicked the greeting with practiced grace.
"Rise quickly. This old woman doesn't deserve such courtesy from Miss Shaoyao."
Zhi Er helped Shaoyao up. "There's no need to elevate her so highly. She's my friend—just treat her as your junior."
Shaoyao's veiled head bobbed so vigorously it created waves.
Old Madam smiled and nodded. "Then I shan't stand on ceremony with Miss Shaoyao. The Hua family welcomes you whenever you wish to visit. No one will stop you."
"Thank you, Old Madam."
Though Old Madam smiled benevolently and Shaoyao responded obediently, the latter felt no inclination to grow close. The only outsider she was willing to be familiar with was Hua Hua.
"Cao Cao, examine Grandmother."
After taking the pulse for a moment, Shaoyao said, "You're improving. Don't force yourself to stay awake—sleep if you need to. Proper rest will aid your recovery."
"Good, good." Old Madam looked at her granddaughter. "You needn't watch over me. Return and rest—no one in this household works harder than you two."
"We'll leave after you've settled down."
The two remained. In medical matters, Hua Zhi trusted Shaoyao completely. If she said Grandmother would have nightmares, it would surely happen. Logically speaking, it made sense—after experiencing fright, nighttime peace was hard to come by, especially for a frail elder.
As Su Momo and Ying Chun prepared bedding on the floor, Shaoyao leaned close to Hua Zhi and whispered, "Hua Hua, you sleep first. I'll keep watch."
Suppressing a yawn, Hua Zhi patted her back. "You're more exhausted than I am. You sleep first—we'll take turns."
"Don't underestimate me. I've practiced martial arts all these years—my health is robust. Now sleep."The two stared at each other with wide eyes for a long moment before Shaoyao covered her mouth and chuckled. A smile also surfaced in Hua Zhi's eyes, and eventually they leaned their heads together and closed their eyes. They couldn't stay awake all night—they needed to seize the time to sleep.
Shaoyao was the first to react when there was movement. As she stirred, Hua Zhi, a light sleeper, also woke up. They exchanged a glance and rushed to the bedside together.
Old Madam was murmuring in distress with her eyes closed, "Master... Master, come back, come back quickly. You mustn't go, don't go... I'll go with you, Master, Master. Yu'er, Yan'er, Yang'er, where are you? Where are you? Come to Mother, come quickly to Mother..."
Shaoyao whispered, "Hua Hua, you call her."
Hua Zhi nodded, leaned close to her grandmother, and called softly, "Grandmother, Grandmother, can you hear me? I'm Zhi Er. We're here, we're all here. Grandmother, Grandmother..."
Shaoyao poured a few drops of into her palm, rubbed her hands together to warm them, climbed onto the bed, and gently massaged the back of Old Madam's neck. A lingering fragrance gradually spread, and after a while, the agitated Old Madam slowly calmed down. Though her brow remained furrowed, she stopped crying out.
Shaoyao stopped her movements. "That's enough."
"Is that all it takes?"
"I mean for this time." Yawning widely, Shaoyao returned to her ** and lay down. "She'll have a few more episodes tonight. You should hurry and get some sleep too."
Hua Zhi signaled to Su Momo, who had been waiting in the room, to bring water. She wrung out a cloth and wiped Shaoyao's hands. "Sleep."
Old Madam had nightmares four times throughout the night. By the time the last episode was over, dawn was approaching.
"That should be about it." Shaoyao looked somewhat listless as she took out a piece of incense from her medicine box and handed it to Su Momo. "This incense can last three days. Just let it burn out on its own—it's for calming the nerves."
Su Momo received it solemnly and bowed deeply. "This servant thanks Miss Shaoyao."
"Thank Hua Hua instead." Shaoyao slumped against Hua Zhi's chest and didn't move. "I'm so hungry."
"...You ate more for dinner than I do in an entire day."
"Still hungry."
Hua Zhi held her, stroking the back of her neck like soothing a cat. "It's an illusion—you're actually just tired. Go back to sleep. I'll join you soon."
"I'll sleep right here. You sleep too."
Hua Zhi was indeed exhausted and didn't argue further, lying down on the floor bedding with Shaoyao.
She had to wait until her grandmother was truly out of danger before returning. Having come ninety-eight steps of a hundred, she wouldn't begrudge the final two.
The elderly sleep lightly. Despite the night's turmoil, Old Madam woke at her usual hour.
A faint, unfamiliar fragrance lingered at her nostrils, quite pleasant. The room was unlit, making everything indistinct in the dimness.
Soon, Cuixiang approached on tiptoe, carrying a small lamp. Meeting Old Madam's gaze, she showed no surprise but instead made a shushing gesture and pointed to the floor.
Old Madam propped herself up to look and, in the faint light, saw two young women leaning against each other, fast asleep.
Old Madam understood everything. She chided herself inwardly for being a burden, yet her heart felt warmed. Her eldest granddaughter was truly exceptional in every way—character, virtue, and temperament, all beyond reproach.
Signaling for Cuixiang to leave, Old Madam closed her eyes to rest. Her health was failing more each day, and she wondered how much longer she could hold on. If she continued to be such a burden to Zhi Er, it would be better to pass away quickly and spare them the trouble. But...How could she be willing! Her husband, her sons and grandsons had not yet returned—how could she ever be at peace!
PS: Early update today! Seeking monthly votes—Kongkong is heading to the airport now!
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