Chapter 3, start from the beginning

But how could the Lady know about Qingxi's experiences in her previous life? As for the Ci'en Temple, not to mention allowing her to return, even just thinking about it brings her nightmares. Compared to those experiences, what does a bowl of sterilization medicine amount to?

However, if I do not do this, Feng Jin and Shang Ruowen will never forgive me, and Brother Tingzhi will not allow me to stay in the residence any longer. Qingxi was in tears; how could she not know that agreeing to that matter would mean there would be no hope for her future? Yet, no matter what, it was still better than being sent to the Ci'en Temple

Qingxi nodded slightly. She told Fengliu that he would surely disdain her, as he was the hereditary Duke of Qi and must have heirs. For this reason, he could even abandon her, and she dared not speak of it. Fengliu certainly could not be without heirs, and any future plans could only be discussed once the matriarch's health improved.

However, Yuan Mama felt somewhat reluctant. Although Qingxi was raised by the matriarch, it was Yuan Mama who took care of her bodily needs when she was a child, and the emotional bond in this regard cannot be compared.

When mentioning Feng Liu, the matriarch naturally thought of that matter, "The eldest is solitary and austere by nature, but he is not unapproachable. You must work on changing your little temperament, lest one day, when I am no longer here..."

Qingxi secretly glanced at Fengliu, noticing his outstanding demeanor and beauty akin to jade; however, no matter how handsome he was, he remained an inaccessible stone.

Speaking of which, the reeds and white dew in my house are about the same age, and I wish to seek my mother's grace to either release them or arrange for their marriage. Qingxi clearly did not want to keep those two maids who, instead of advising their mistress, only added fuel to the fire.

Indeed. Qingxi stopped to wait for Madam San.

Upon hearing Qingxi's words, Du's smile immediately diminished by three points, and she inwardly muttered that it seemed the Duchess had changed her temperament after learning the rules.

Having taken such a great fall, if she does not wake up to the situation soon, no one will be able to help her. The matriarch said with a hint of regret

With the illness of the matriarch, no one in the household is managing affairs. Previously, Qingxi was in charge of the inner household, but after her confinement, the matriarch took over again. Now that she is ill, it remains uncertain who will take over the management of the inner household, but it is generally understood that it will either be the first branch or the fourth branch, as the second and third branches are both of illegitimate birth.

Madam San affectionately took Qingxi's hand and said softly, "You need not take it to heart; everyone starts learning slowly. The same applies to the housekeeper. You are the most proper master of this Duke's residence, and Mother will eventually hand over the household management back to you. Second Sister-in-law comes from a humble background and lacks experience, so you must not let it bother you. It is not good to be at odds with Mother." Mrs. Du gently advised Qingxi.

Yuan Mama swiftly and quietly dealt with the two maidservants, Jianjia and Bailu, merely stating that they had been matched with someone from afar, and no one inquired further about it

Qingxi has taken in two maids, Linglang and Cuican, who are regarded as sisters. After all, they are individuals close to the Grand Lady, holding a status that is exceptionally elevated. Upon arriving at Lanxun Courtyard, they thoroughly organized the affairs and personnel of the courtyard, compiling a set of regulations to present to Qingxi. Qingxi was in need of such individuals by her side, and naturally, she was particularly pleased. She rewarded them with silver and entrusted the management of all the maids in the courtyard to the two of them.

Feng Liu noticed that the matriarch appeared somewhat fatigued, so he did not linger any longer and simply said: "I have brought back some soil rituals from the south, and I have already instructed Ting Quan to deliver them to each room and courtyard."

I will entrust the family to the second housekeeper, so do not harbor any grudges in your heart

Both the second and third branches are of illegitimate birth. The management of the family affairs is naturally overseen by the first and fourth branches, and no one has any objections to this. However, now that both are of illegitimate birth, it is particularly unsettling for the third branch, the Du family, that such a fortunate opportunity has fallen to the second branch.

The lady pondered for a moment and said, "Very well. Here, I cannot do without the eloquence of words. The two maids, Linlang and Cuican, one is composed and the other is capable, indeed suitable. I will assign another mother to you."

Early in the morning, Qingxi was on her way to the residence of the matriarch when she "happened to encounter" the third madam. "What a coincidence today," Du Shi said with a smile as she approached.

The lady lost her composure and forcefully pushed Qingxi away, "How could you agree to such a thing? Do you not realize that in the future..."

The lady, instead, was unconcerned and laughed, saying: "At my age, what does it matter if I have a few gray hairs? Is it worth your red-rimmed eyes?"

Look at what Sister Du said, where have I ever quarreled with Mother? I am grateful that Second Sister-in-law can share the responsibilities of this household, I can hardly express my gratitude. I have a lazy disposition, and now I can enjoy a carefree and leisurely life.

Unexpectedly, the matriarch appointed the second branch, the Xie family, to oversee the affairs of the household

Quite good. Feng Liu briefly spoke about the customs and culture of the South. Although he was not fond of speaking much, he elaborated a bit more due to the interest of the matriarch. His words were articulate, and everyone listened with great interest.

How is the south? It is quite humid over there, are you still getting used to it? The matriarch has not seen Feng Liu for a long time, so naturally, she has many questions to ask.

The lady playfully poked Qingxi's forehead and said, "You sly one, are you afraid that I will send my mother to nag you?"

"Look at what you are saying, who could possibly spoil her more than I do on ordinary days?" Granny Yuan retorted, "She is a maid who accompanied the Madam when she got married, and has served for several decades. Her status in the Duke's residence is particularly different; even Feng Liu regards her as a relative and elder, which is why she speaks to the Madam in a more casual manner.

This cannot be blamed on me, as the people serving in my house are all children. Therefore, I would like to request two maidservants from my mother, who can remind me at all times. I do not want those who merely flatter and echo my words.

In the second half of the year, Feng Liu returned from the south on official business. On the day he arrived at the residence, Qing Xi was in the West Warm Pavilion, copying scriptures for the matriarch. Upon hearing the sound of the maid greeting Feng Liu at the door, she felt somewhat embarrassed and stepped out of the room, standing with her head down to one side

The Second Madam and the Third Madam, upon hearing that Feng Liu had returned to the residence, also came to inquire about her well-being. The Fourth Madam, Shang Ruowen, remained in her splendid garden but sent someone to ask after her.

The matriarch nodded slightly, "You have truly grown up. You need not worry about this; I will have Nurse Yuan take care of it." Seeing that Qingxi was willing to part with Jianjia and Bailu, the matriarch finally felt at ease. There were certain matters that were naturally unsuitable for someone as young as Qingxi to handle, but the matriarch could absolutely not tolerate the existence of a maid who could harm her master.

The second wife has a wooden temperament and a somewhat pedantic sense of inferiority. Coming from a humble background, she never dares to socialize in front of the matriarch, fearing that people would say she bows to wealth and nobility

Madam San indeed comes from a prominent family, but having been raised as a wealthy young lady, she cannot help but speak sweetly and flatteringly. Instead, she feels both jealous and disdainful of Qingxi's cleverness.

The matriarch held her forehead, feeling faint and on the verge of collapsing. Qingxi quickly ordered someone to inform Feng Liu and summon the imperial physician. The matriarch only grasped Qingxi's hand and said, "This matter must not be disclosed to the eldest son under any circumstances"

After the meal, Qingxi accompanied the matriarch to the Buddhist hall, while the second and third households returned to their own courtyards to dine.

Qingxi smiled foolishly, those old mothers looked more like the mistress than the other, and naturally, she could not serve them

On the surface, Du's words seem flawless, but it depends on who is listening. In the past, someone like Mu Qingxi, who was arrogant and easily provoked, would have already lost her temper after being incited by Du. However, now that circumstances have changed and people are no longer the same, Mu Qingxi has instead come to understand this sister-in-law, who is quite opportunistic compared to her former self.

"Look at you, speaking like a child again." Although this statement may sound impractical, elderly people generally enjoy hearing kind words, and the matriarch is no exception

Mu Qingxi addressing Du Shi as "Sister Du" is not in accordance with propriety. Although she is the eldest sister-in-law, she entered the family last. Due to Feng Liu being away leading troops, the marriage was delayed, and out of concern for whether he might die in battle, he was unwilling to cause any distress to those women, thus he hesitated to discuss marriage proposals. It was only two years ago, after achieving success and returning, that he finally married Qingxi. Therefore, the second wife, Xie Shi, who entered the family earlier, is over eight years older than Qingxi, and Du Shi is also significantly older than her. Qingxi always finds it somewhat difficult to address them as younger sisters, so she prefers to call them "sisters". The matriarch dotes on her and does not mind this form of address.

I know you care for her, and so do I, but it was because I spoiled her too much in the past that such a great disaster occurred. You should also refrain from indulging her too much in the future. It seems that the matriarch is somewhat blaming Aunt Yuan.

"Absolutely not." Qingxi stamped her foot to stop the matriarch from continuing, as such a thing was truly unthinkable. "Mother, you must not say that. You will live a long life. I will go and pray to the Buddha to divide our lifespans equally. If that day ever comes, I will not live alone."

Qingxi quickly shook her head, "I can't, I can't. I've already taken two people from their mothers; if I take another, people will say that I am being biased."

As they spoke, the two had already entered the main room. The second madam had long been attending to the elder madam in her chamber. Qingxi naturally stepped forward to take the wooden comb from the hand of the elder madam's maid, Heyan, and carefully began to comb the elder madam's hair, feeling somewhat saddened as she remarked, "Mother has white hair now"

I know, Mother, that I am impulsive and not suited to manage the household. Last time you entrusted me with the responsibilities, I certainly caused you no small amount of trouble, and Brother Tingzhi also scolded me quite a bit. Qingxi said with a somewhat embarrassed smile, but in truth, everyone understands the situation. The authority will not return to Qingxi's hands, and they are just afraid that she might not be able to resist causing trouble

The two individuals exchanged a glance, then turned their heads away, momentarily at a loss for words. Only Qingxi and the matriarch engaged in soft murmurs.

I see that the Duchess is now acting much more prudently than before, " said Granny Yuan casually while mentioning it to the matriarch.