Chapter 4: Mastery of Skills

At this moment, he glanced at Mother Zhang, who was still kneeling there, and Mother Zhang knew all too well that disaster was looming over her. However, this was Suzhou, and her backer, the old lady, was still far away in the capital. Even if the master decided to deal with her, the old lady would not be able to save her.

As she spoke, she began to kowtow, and her demeanor was no less intense than that of Aunt Fang earlier

It was merely that Mother Zhang had slightly neglected the young lady, yet under Aunt Fang's description, it had turned into an unforgivable offense

Now it is merely a matter of who will cry. Aunt Fang does not expect to take down Aunt Jiang and Mama Zhang all at once. She steels her heart, kneels, and crawls a few steps until she reaches Xie Shuyuan and Madam Xiao, choking back her tears as she says: "I was born as a servant of the Xie family, blessed by the old lady to serve by the master's side, and have received the lady's grace to attain the status of a concubine. Not a single day have I dared to forget my own identity. But how old is the eldest young lady? She is only five years old, such a small child, how can anyone bear to blame her?"

Although Xie Shuyuan, like all ancient scholars, valued his son deeply, this does not mean that his daughter could be subjected to harsh treatment by servants

Regarding the matters of the inner residence, Xie Shuyuan did not wish to intervene much. The reason for his visit today was still due to the invitation from the Xiao family. Zhang Mama is an elder who has served by his mother's side, and the Xiao family finds it difficult to deal with her.

Upon hearing this, Mother Zhang felt a mix of joy and disappointment, yet she maintained a facade of immense gratitude.

Upon hearing this, Aunt Fang turned to Aunt Jiang beside her and said, "Sister Jiang, what does this mean? Am I to understand that I have wronged her after all?"

"What does it have to do with Madam? You have been carrying twins for the past six months, which is quite arduous." Although Xie Shuyuan was filled with rage, he did not vent his anger on others

From the most lucrative kitchen in the manor to working on the farm, among these servants, it cannot be said that they have fallen directly from heaven into hell

Madam is kind-hearted and, knowing that the young lady is unwell, specifically instructed the kitchen to set aside a portion of bird's nest from her own share for the young lady. The past couple of days were fine, but today, noticing that the bird's nest had not yet been delivered, I sent a maid to inquire. To my surprise, Mama Zhang scolded the maid harshly. By heaven's conscience, I was only anxious for the young lady's health. Aunt Fang sobbed a couple of times, her face looking sorrowful and charming: "The doctor also said that the young lady has a weak constitution and needs proper nourishment, yet the bird's nest sent by the kitchen is in fragments, clearly leftovers that others have discarded." To my surprise, Mama Zhang scolded the maid harshly. By heaven's conscience, I was only anxious for the young lady's health. Aunt Fang sobbed a couple of times, her face looking sorrowful and charming: "The doctor also said that the young lady has a weak constitution and needs proper nourishment, yet the bird's nest sent by the kitchen is in fragments, clearly leftovers that others have discarded."

She then gently spoke, "Sir, Madam, Mama Zhang used to serve beside the old lady. It is said that those who come from our old lady's side are the most knowledgeable about rules and etiquette. I believe there must be some misunderstanding in this matter."

However, he then sent someone to inform Aunt Jiang that if the second and fourth young ladies fell ill again, both young ladies would be taken to the main courtyard to be cared for by the madam

Sister Jiang, you truly jest, but since you mentioned misunderstandings, when the young lady fell ill earlier, the doctor said she needed ginseng slices for her medicine. I sent a maid to request them from you, yet in the end, she only returned with a bag of ginseng roots. It seems this was also a misunderstanding. Although Aunt Fang is usually reticent, she is particularly effective at critical moments

She thought that the Jiang family was always adept at using such petty tricks, but Aunt Fang's application of these tactics from the Jiang family seemed even more skillful than hers. Indeed, even the master has spoken up for her

"My lord," said Aunt Jiang, who was already feeling guilty. However, she soon calmed her emotions and spoke according to what Mama Qu had instructed her earlier: "Ever since I took on the responsibility of managing the household, I have been fearful of neglecting each of my sisters. Every day, I have been anxious and apprehensive. It seems that no matter how thoroughly I manage things, I cannot fully understand the feelings of everyone in the family."

Immediately following this, the management authority returned to Xiao's hands, as they had not yet completed the month of confinement. However, due to the incident where Aunt Fang knelt in the main courtyard holding the eldest daughter, Xie Shuyuan personally punished her with a month's house arrest

At this moment, Aunt Jiang's delicate face was covered in tears, and her usually pale complexion was now devoid of any color, resembling a lifeless illustration. She cried with such intensity that she soon found it difficult to catch her breath, nearly fainting.

Xie Shuyuan did not expect that the matter concerning Mother Zhang was not yet resolved, and it was further linked to the illness of the young lady from before. However, upon hearing the mention of Shen Xu, his expression became even more unsightly, to the point that even Xiao Shi, who glanced at him, felt a bit frightened.

Xiao merely smiled but did not speak

Her status has shaped her ability to assess the situation. Previously, she refrained from contention because she understood that the master disliked disputes. However, now she contends for the sake of the young lady

Xiao Shi, seeing Aunt Fang crying uncontrollably at this moment, knew it was time for her to step in. She self-reproachfully said: "Ultimately, it is my failure as the legitimate mother to have not taken good care of Zhen Jie."

Xie Shuyuan glanced at Mother Zhang and said coldly, "Since Madam has interceded for you, this time I will not send you back to the capital."

This sudden outburst left Aunt Jiang speechless for quite a while. She truly did not expect Aunt Fang to suddenly tear off the mask of civility at this moment. After a long pause, she could only say, "Do not speak nonsense here and slander me."

Aunt Fang was born a maid and, before Xie Shuyuan got married, she was his concubine. After giving birth to a daughter, she received the favor of the madam and was promoted to the status of a concubine.

Since Mother Zhang is close to the old lady, Aunt Jiang naturally regards Mother Zhang as one of her own. During her time as the housekeeper, Aunt Jiang has relied heavily on Mother Zhang and certainly does not wish for anything to happen to her

However, Granny Shen felt that the master was indeed too partial to Jiang. Even Zhang Mama could be sent away to the estate, yet there was not a single punishment for Jiang.

"My lord, my lady, I am wronged!" At this moment, Mama Zhang still held her ground, saying: "Today is a momentous day for both young masters; even if I had the audacity, I would not dare to make a mistake on such an occasion. It was simply too busy earlier, and I was just a bit late in delivering. However, Lady Fang sent someone to urge me repeatedly, and I merely defended myself a little; how could I have scolded that maid?"

She took a deep breath and, with a choked voice, said: "When the young lady fell ill, it just so happened that the madam was in labor. Since the madam was having twins, the doctor had mentioned early on that she would need to have ginseng during the delivery. Therefore, Granny Shen had instructed Su Yun to bring ginseng early in the morning. However, when Qiao Dan, who was attending to Miss Fang, went to get ginseng slices, the ginseng slices in the residence had just run out. The procurement in this household has always followed certain rules; ginseng is not something that can be obtained immediately, and even if one wants to buy it, it is not a matter of a moment. I was worried that my sister might need it urgently, so I even specially took out the ginseng whiskers I was using. Who would have thought that my sister would think of me in this way"

Xiao has always looked down on Aunt Jiang, considering her to be rather petty and truly unworthy of the grand stage. Moreover, since the two have never competed on the same level, Xiao would never demean herself by regarding Jiang as her rival. Therefore, no matter how much Jiang flaunted her favored status, Xiao never took her to heart

At this point, Aunt Fang was crying with such intensity that her voice was hoarse, her eyes swollen like small walnuts, and she seemed about to topple over. While crying, she weakly said, "Master, you must take responsibility for our Zhen'er. Although the eldest daughter came from Auntie's womb, she is still your own daughter. Those sycophantic servants are deliberately humiliating my Zhen sister."

Xiao does not regard Jiang as her equal, as their statuses have never been on the same level. However, Fang is not Xiao; even if she resorts to crying, making a scene, or threatening to hang herself, no one would consider her to be lowering her own worth.

"Sister Fang spoke too harshly; I am merely concerned about disturbing the harmony within the household," said Aunt Jiang, in a tone neither too light nor too heavy.

Xie Shuyuan, upon hearing her words and seeing her in such a state of tears, softened his previously stern expression. He said to Mingxin, who was kneeling beside Aunt Jiang: "You help your aunt up first, let her sit for a while."

Xie Shuyuan sat at the head of the table. After hearing the reasons behind the matter—illustrated in the book—this usually mild-mannered person turned pale with anger

"What the Jiang family and the Fang family just mentioned is indeed true," Xie Shuyuan asked after a long pause, his voice steady.

However, the Xiao family, which had always looked down upon the Jiang family, remained silent at this moment

Given the current situation on the field, Aunt Jiang has a slight advantage. I hope Aunt Fang will continue to make efforts.

However, these cunning servants, relying on the little favor granted by their masters, actually dare to be harsh even towards their own daughters

Looking at Xie Shuyuan's expression, it was evident that he had taken Aunt Fang's words to heart

A few days later, the two young ladies also recovered from their illnesses, and Aunt Jiang no longer dared to send someone to invite Xie Shuyuan.

Mother Zhang's face turned pale, yet she could not utter a single word, trembling all over as if she were shaking uncontrollably

But who would have thought that at this moment, Xiao spoke up. She looked at Mama Zhang and smiled slightly, then turned to Xie Shuyuan and said: "Sir, Mama Zhang's mistake this time is indeed outrageous, but after all, she has served the old lady for a time, and this is her first offense. It would be better for you to be lenient in your judgment."

"My lord, this old servant was momentarily blinded by greed; I humbly ask for your mercy." Mother Zhang did not dare to argue further and repeatedly pleaded.

Having thought through this matter, Aunt Fang felt increasingly assured, as she was clearly in the right. Moreover, given the circumstances, it was likely that the mistress would also side with her.

Isn't that just slander? This can be easily verified. The ginseng whiskers that my sister previously gifted me are still safely stored in my room. I used some silver to have the maid buy ginseng slices from the pharmacy outside, and the master and mistress only sent someone to investigate this matter. " At this point, Aunt Fang's tears began to flow again

However, although Mother Zhang was still kowtowing and begging for forgiveness, deep down she felt quite fearless. She was sent by the old lady to serve the master, and even if she made a mistake, the worst that could happen would be to be sent back to the capital.

Xie Shuyuan was truly impatient to hear their crying, as it was merely a trivial matter, yet they insisted on making such a fuss. Matters in the inner courtyard had always been managed by the Xiao family, so Xie Shuyuan said: "If you have any grievances, just tell the lady, and she will certainly advocate for you.

Previously, Aunt Fang had endured the matter regarding the young lady's participation. Now, with the issue of the bird's nest arising, she realizes that in the inner chambers, being uncontentious and ungrasping will only lead to further bullying. Moreover, what these concubines usually compete over are merely food and clothing, striving to show off their generosity to whom? Could it be that they can bypass the madam?

Mother Zhang glanced at Madam Jiang twice, but to her surprise, Madam Jiang only silently wiped her tears and did not look at her even once. Mother Zhang felt a jolt in her heart and soon realized that this Madam Jiang seemed to be unreliable

Although Xie Shuyuan did not pursue the matter regarding the ginseng, he was aware of the steward Jiang's harsh treatment of the concubine. As a result, he did not enter his courtyard for an entire month. Even when the second and fourth young ladies took turns falling ill, he merely sent someone to check on them.

Although Xie Shuyuan held a certain degree of respect for this mother, it was primarily due to her past service in front of the old lady. In Da Qi, the principle of governing the country with filial piety is highly valued; not only are the people around the elders respected, but even the cats and dogs in the presence of the elders are considered noble.

Xiao blinked and focused her gaze to scrutinize Aunt Fang a few more times. In the past, she had only regarded Aunt Fang as an honest person. Now it seemed that even honest people, when pushed to their limits, could resort to desperate measures.

Sharing the same thoughts as the Xiao family was Xie Qingxi, who was eavesdropping in the inner room. In just a short while, she witnessed the various skills of the two concubines, and now it was a competition to see who was more skilled.

Who would have thought that Xie Shuyuan would then say: "However, this matter cannot just end here. Since I cannot perform my duties well, then I shall no longer take on the responsibilities of this office. It just so happens that there is a shortage of people at the estate on the outskirts of the city; I will go to the estate tomorrow."

Aunt Jiang was originally graceful and charming, dressed in a scarlet gown, with her glossy black hair styled into a morning cloud bun, adorned with a set of pearl headdresses. Each pearl was round and smooth, and they all appeared to be of uniform size. Such a complete set of headdresses made of so many pearls was indeed rare

However, upon hearing Jiang's one-sided account, Xie Shuyuan changed her mind about merely sitting back and watching the conflict unfold.