Chapter 10: The Wind Rises from the Plain

She glanced again at Xie Qingxi, whose two flower buds tied on her head had become somewhat loose from running vigorously, and the hem of her little skirt was speckled with dirt. She looked once more at her son not far away, who was no better off; he was wearing a pair of black satin little court boots, made smaller in the style of Xie Shuyuan's court boots, but at that moment, the black shoe surface was also covered with quite a bit of dust. She looked again at her son not far away, who was no better off; he was wearing a pair of black satin little court boots, made smaller in the style of Xie Shuyuan's court boots, but at that moment, the black shoe surface was also covered with quite a bit of dust

Xie Shuyuan arranged for the person to be placed in the front yard, at which point Mama Sun was so anxious that she was on the verge of tears. Xie Shuyuan instructed the servant beside him to send someone out to summon a doctor, but shortly thereafter, he received a report that the lady had already sent someone to Jiren Hall to request a doctor.

Aunt Jiang was already feeling troubled, and upon hearing her daughter's thoughtless cries, she was so angry that she immediately reached out and tapped her forehead, saying displeasedly: "All you think about is eating. Be careful, or you might end up becoming a fat person, and I fear even your future in-laws will have something to say about it"

Miss Xie Mingfang hurriedly grabbed a piece of golden sesame roll, taking a bite that was both soft and sweet, making one wish to swallow their tongue. Xie Mingfang devoured it in just a few bites, while the maid beside her quickly poured a cup of honey water for her, anxiously saying: "My dear miss, please eat slowly, be careful not to choke."

In the Tinglan courtyard, two young ladies had just returned from school, and the maids had already prepared tea and snacks to welcome them. Xie Shuyuan was strict in his upbringing of his son, and his daughters were not neglected either. The residence had specifically set aside a courtyard as a school for the young ladies. Even the teacher was a scholar who had passed the provincial examination, ensuring that his knowledge was certainly commendable

Standing to the side, Xie Qingzhan was unwilling to let it go. He shook the jade pendant in his hand and said with a grin: "Mother, don't listen to Xixi's nonsense; this jade pendant was lost to me by her. I did not take it by force"

At this moment, Xiang Yun had already brought over the clothes, assisting the Xiao family in changing into a new outfit. Just as she finished changing, she heard a commotion outside, and a smile immediately appeared on her face: "It must be those two little troublemakers back again. If they play around like little monkeys today, just watch me discipline them with books and lessons."

Ultimately, without a son, one cannot stand tall; even a down-and-out cousin who comes to take advantage can make her break out in a cold sweat

Although Xie Mingfang was still a child, she couldn't help but blush when she heard the words "in-laws". She mumbled, "It's just a piece of chestnut cake, why does the aunt mention in-laws? It's truly embarrassing."

However, the Xiao family graciously stated: "All visitors are guests. Usually, it is merely a humble scholar who admires the master coming to visit, and we can certainly treat them with courtesy. Not to mention, this is still a relative, and such etiquette must not be neglected"

Jiao Xing, leaning against the door, naturally heard Xiao's words. When she returned to inform Mother Sun, she noticed that Mother Sun's expression was somewhat strange, yet she still said: "The lady has a good temperament and is willing to take us in. Once the young lady wakes up, we must bow and express our gratitude to the lady."

"What are you saying, my lord? Cousin is a guest, and naturally, we should treat her with great care when she arrives at our home. The servant at the door is truly out of line," Xiao said gently.

As for the second-tier maid beside the madam, her monthly salary is already a tael more than theirs. The two first-tier maids, Mingxin and Ruxin, by Aunt Jiang's side, are getting older, and it is likely that this year they will be sent out to be matched with young men. When that happens, the positions of these first-tier maids will naturally become vacant, so Chunhua is currently trying every means to perform well in front of Aunt Jiang.

***

Xiao was somewhat troubled by the antics of this brother and sister, but she still maintained a stern expression and said: "Zhan Ge'er, how can you directly call your sister by her name? It is improper; be careful lest your father reprimand you."

In front of her two young daughters, she revealed the secrets of the household, which shows that Aunt Jiang is truly not someone who knows how to educate her daughters. Since her rebirth, Xie Minglan has felt that her vision and perspective have greatly improved compared to before

It is inevitable for children to be a bit mischievous; the lady should not reprimand them. Granny Shen also wore a beaming smile.

At this moment, Aunt Jiang and the librarian had somewhat somber expressions. She glanced at Chunhua and said, "Is this matter certain? We must not let those little vixens spread rumors and tarnish our master's reputation."

Aunt Jiang now regards this daughter as her most cherished treasure, naturally complying with Xie Minglan's words without question. She tidied her loose hair at the temples and inquired about the homework of her two daughters for the day. Observing Xie Minglan's poised demeanor, she nodded in satisfaction. Then, looking at Xie Mingfang, who was clearly three years older than the Fourth Young Lady yet still behaved like a child, she couldn't help but let out a sigh

Xie Shuyuan glanced inside and had not yet spoken when Xiao Shi said: "Since my cousin has already arrived, I will have someone prepare a courtyard for her to settle in."

These twins are truly exceptional in their manners; each one is sweeter than the other. Whenever the ordinary maids bring them a cup of water, they always say, "Sister, you are so kind." Just for that one word "sister," the maids are quite fond of serving the two of them

Madam is indeed very considerate

"Aunt, why is there no chestnut cake today?" After eating two pieces of golden silk sesame rolls, the second young lady noticed that her favorite chestnut cake was unexpectedly absent, and she began to complain somewhat unhappily.

She then instructed Xiangyun to change her clothes, and she went to see her newly arrived cousin.

Madame Shen had already developed a negative impression of this cousin when she heard the report. It is not entirely her fault for overthinking; rather, it is because the household already has such a restless cousin concubine. If another one were to come, would it not only add to the chaos

After a short while, when the Xiao family arrived, Xie Shuyuan was already waiting outside. Upon seeing her approach, he quickly stood up and said, "It is indeed a trouble for you, madam"

However, because she has always known her place and acted for the benefit of the Xiao family, the Xiao family has never blamed her. Yet at this moment, she frowned and said: "Madam, you must not speak carelessly, lest it tarnish the reputation of the young lady."

Mother, Sixth Brother has taken the jade pendant that Father gave. At this moment, Xie Qingxi pointed at Xie Qingzhan and began to report the matter.

Xie Qingxi looked up at the newly adorned Xiao family and asked in a delicate voice, "Mother, where are you going?"

As the head matriarch of the Xiao family, she naturally knew about this matter earlier than anyone else. However, she immediately instructed Qiushui to take twenty taels of silver to the second gate to find Manager Chen, and to take the household's notice to Jiren Hall to invite the doctor over, specifically requesting Dr. Xu, who had always treated her.

Seeing that Madam Xiao was unhappy, Granny Shen had no choice but to remain silent.

Xiao sternly admonished her: "How can a child inquire about matters concerning their elders? Quickly change your clothes. Otherwise, when your father returns, I will not cover for you."

"Xie Qingxi, do you have no shame? You are willing to gamble but unwilling to lose; you are just a little dog." Although Xie Qingzhan is only three years old, his speech is no less coherent than that of Xie Qingxi, who is an old soul in a new bottle.

Xie Shuyuan forbids the maidservants from attending to matters in the school, and even more so, he does not allow the concubines to bring food to the school

Aunt Jiang sat on the heated kang by the window. Although it was already March, a thick and warm felt blanket was still laid on top. The entire blanket was pure white, soft and warm to the touch, made from a whole piece of white fox fur. Such fine material could have been used to make a cloak or a long coat, yet it was only made into a blanket for the kang.

Generally, Xie Shuyuan presents himself as a stern father figure. Upon hearing his name, Xie Qingzhan hurriedly ran into the inner room. Seeing him run away, Xie Qingxi quickly chased after him to retrieve her jade pendant

As Xiao lifted the curtain and stepped out, she saw a small figure rushing towards her like a little cannonball, hugging her leg and looking up with a pitiful expression, calling out: "Mother"

What the madam said is indeed correct; the old servant merely feels that this young lady fainted at an odd time, having not fainted earlier or later, but only when the master returned. Although they are cousins, how could a well-mannered young lady throw herself into a man's arms? Nurse Shen, being somewhat older, is inevitably a bit talkative

"Isn't it so? As soon as this young lady saw our master, she managed to exchange a few words before fainting straight away. It is said that she conveniently fell right into the master's arms, so he had no choice but to carry her all the way into the residence." Chunhua's account may be somewhat exaggerated, but it is not far from the truth

She held Aunt Jiang's hand and gently said, "Aunt, such words should not be mentioned in the future. If they were to spread, others would say that we sisters do not value our bond, and it would only serve to provide amusement for outsiders."

Aunt Jiang was almost about to crush her handkerchief, while the Second Young Lady was preoccupied with eating and had not heard the conversation between Chunhua and Aunt Jiang at all. However, Xie Minglan, who had been eating slowly, let out a faint sigh in her heart.

As for the second son, Qingmao, he is also a taciturn child, and the Xiao family hardly expended any effort in raising him. When he reached the age of six, he was moved to the front courtyard by Xie Shuyuan for personal education. Now, he excels in his studies at the school, and even when conversing with his mother, he often quotes the sages, saying things like 'the Master said,' resembling a little bookworm.

To speak frankly, she gave birth three times in total, but it was only with this pair of twins that she truly became troubled among her four children. The eldest son, Qingjun, being the firstborn legitimate grandson, was raised under the strict guidance of Xie Shuyuan from a young age, and his demeanor was quite composed.

Xiao shook his head and instructed the maidservants to keep a close watch on the two individuals, forbidding them from leaving the courtyard, before leading his group to the front.

If today were the case of the legitimate mother, Madam Xiao, she would surely not allow the maid to speak carelessly in front of her, nor would she let the sixth young lady hear such words

"Mother, while you were away, Xie Qingxi even called me by my name. I am her elder brother after all." Xie Qingzhan's ability to report grievances is no less than that of Xie Qingxi, as he poured out everything in one go

Aunt Jiang still had some doubts; she said, "Is it really our master who brought her into the mansion?"

The tasks in this residence are light and simple, and with so many maids and servants, it is inevitable that some will gossip. Therefore, by now, it is likely that word has spread throughout the residence that our household has received a beautiful cousin who is as lovely as a fairy

Upon seeing Xie Qingxi behaving in such a manner, Xiao Shi immediately knew that she must have lost something to Zhan Ge'er again. Therefore, she pretended to adopt a stern expression and said, "Did I not teach you, daughter, to behave like a proper young lady and not to run around with your Sixth Brother?"

It was only when these twins began to understand things that Xiao realized the hardships of motherhood. The two children, being of similar age, often displayed a competitive spirit, bickering in front of her all day long. With the weather improving, they insisted on going out to play every day, albeit only in their own garden. When she returned yesterday and took a look, they resembled two little monkeys; their clothes were wrinkled, and they were covered in grass, with the edges of their snow-white shoes completely muddy.

Although she says otherwise, the tenderness in Xiao's eyes is impossible to conceal

Xiao is currently busy visiting that cousin and truly has no time to discipline these two children, so he said to Su Yun and Hong Yun: "Quickly take the young lady and the young master downstairs to change their clothes. If they are hungry, go to the kitchen and bring over the prepared snacks. After playing for so long, they should be hungry."

Since getting married, she has gradually come to understand, through various ups and downs, that the difference between a legitimate daughter and a concubine's daughter lies not in their status, but in their daily upbringing.

The maid just went to the kitchen to fetch pastries for the two young ladies, and only then did she hear from Aunt Zuo in the kitchen. Her son is stationed at the side door of our residence, and it is said that this cousin girl listened outside for more than an hour, which is quite unfortunate for him, as it happened that our master returned from the yamen at that moment, and they ran into each other. Chunhua is a second-rank maid beside Aunt Jiang. Although she is classified as second-rank, there are distinctions even among second-rank maids in this household.

"You little girl." When Aunt Jiang saw her retorting, she intended to teach her a lesson, but was stopped by Xie Minglan.

She used to think that apart from being born from her aunt's womb, she was not inferior to others in terms of character, appearance, or talent. However, ever since she returned to the capital, she has been looked down upon by others due to her status as a concubine's daughter.