Thirteenth Lady's Comback: Her Everyday Life as a Bystander-Chapter 257 - 9: Shenanigans (Third Update)

Speaking of how Mrs. Yang, not seeing her youngest daughter, felt something must be wrong, she hurriedly stood up despite her mother-in-law’s intimidating presence and asked, "Where did Yun, Lian, and Fang go?"

The two young ladies present saw Mrs. Yang’s urgency and quickly replied, "Sister Fang said she needed to relieve herself and took a young maid with her." Noticing Mrs. Yang’s poor complexion, they added, "We offered to accompany her, but Sister Fang said it was unnecessary and that she’d return shortly."

This statement only made Mrs. Yang’s expression more troubled. Besides, in the flower hall, they were not only family ladies but also maids and matrons from the Hong Mansion, so she couldn’t reveal her anxiety too obviously. After all, could the Hong Mansion possibly sell her daughter?

Only one’s family knows one’s affairs. Even if Mrs. Yang lied to herself, she couldn’t claim her daughter was sensible. Sister Fang, being overly pampered, remained naive and a bit spoiled, much to her mother-in-law’s disapproval.

After receiving an invitation from the Hong family, her mother-in-law decreed that none but herself and Mrs. Yang should attend. But Mr. Yang couldn’t resist Sister Fang’s coaxing and spoke to his mother about it.

Mr. Yang, a dutiful son, mentioned to the Old Madam that the Hong family’s matron is most considerate, having been personally raised by the Old Madam of the Earl’s mansion, and was instructed in respects and etiquette. If Sister Fang could learn a thing or two, she’d benefit greatly in the future.

Among her grandchildren, the Old Mrs. Yang favored Yang Xiaoshan the most. Despite Sister Fang being somewhat of a disappointment, she was still her granddaughter and agreed to let her accompany them.

Who would have thought that just after warning her daughter-in-law, Sister Fang caused a commotion, and now Mrs. Yang hoped that Sister Fang truly went to relieve herself.

The Old Madam Yang, following her daughter-in-law’s gaze, noticed the absence of her imprudent, idle granddaughter. She shot a stern look at her guilty daughter-in-law and then beckoned a maid from a few steps away.

This maid was Qi Qiao’s cousin from the third house, named Qi Xiu, aged fourteen, and known for her unwavering honesty. With Qi Qiao’s recommendation, she was now a second-class maid.

"Old Madam, is there any task you’d like to delegate? Our matron mentioned treating you as a family elder, urging us not to stand on ceremony."

The Old Madam Yang, acknowledging the polite yet offhand remark, felt somewhat delighted and politely replied, "May I trouble you, young lady! It’s about my young granddaughter who claimed to need some air, yet it’s been ages since she returned. Given her playful nature, I worry she might have lost her way. Please send someone to seek her out."

Qi Xiu, albeit honest, wasn’t foolish. Recognizing the importance of the Old Madam, favored by her matron, and the involvement of a young lady, the mention of "playful, lost" made her anxious about possible mishaps among the male guests in the outer court. She hurried out to search.

As for Sister Fang, she genuinely went out to relieve herself but upon finishing, insisted that the guide girl take her to see Susu.

"My brother said I must learn from Sister Su properly. My brother is as close as a brother to your Mr. Hong, and if you don’t lead me, I’ll find my way there myself."

The young maid, one of Susu’s companions, acquired following part staff cutbacks on an estate, initially had little insight but had learned much over six months from Mrs. Zhao. However, since following Susu, dealing with such obstinate girls was unprecedented.

Pleasantries fell on deaf ears, and she dared not physically obstruct her, being merely ten years old and on the verge of tears.

Fortunately, she recalled her master’s instructions, "If someone becomes unreasonable, stay calm, and bring them back to me." Leading the girl to the upper room.

On the west side of the grand hall were two small white powder-translucent side doors, beyond which lay a large courtyard with exquisitely piled rockeries, a few emerald wu trees, several stalks of bamboo, and peonies blooming with unparalleled beauty.

The young maid recounted her tale, and shortly thereafter, Shui Mo and Qi Qiao, Susu’s chief maids, emerged.

Shui Mo, known for her methodical manner, politely greeted Yang Fang first: "Ma’am is currently grooming and isn’t present to greet you; we seek your understanding. She sent us, her maids, to guide you in!" 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

"Never strike a smiling face," they say. Sister Fang, modernly described as somewhat "immature," wasn’t dim-witted. Calming down, she realized she was rash. Having come this far, she followed Qi Qiao into the house.

Shui Mo reassured the apprehensive young maid with a gentle smile: "Do not fret; you’ve handled this exceptionally well, and our lady will commend you." Handing her a red agate ring from her finger, she continued, "Little sister, take this to play with, and once you’ve reported to our lady, more rewards await you."

Relieved, the young maid bashfully replied, "It’s my duty; I shouldn’t accept your gift!"

Though young, Shui Mo had learned much from Susu. "Please, accept it; our lady is always generous, and I have several like this."

Convinced, the young maid accepted and was further instructed: "Report to the Old Madam and the Madam Yang that their young lady is with our matron, so they needn’t worry; Miss Yang will join them momentarily with our lady."

"Rest assured, sister, I understand!"

On her return, she encountered Qi Xiu, who was looking for them, providing relief to the Old Madam and Mrs. Yang, while also elevating their anxiety about whether the unruly girl might have offended Susu. They could only wish to discipline the clueless child harshly.

Back at the Brocade Residence, upon entering the house, Sister Fang found the splendor of the hall she previously admired now utterly vulgar by comparison.

Barely glancing around, she was promptly ushered by Qi Qiao into the western side room, divided by a green gauze cabinet into inner and outer sections.

The inner room connected to the western sleeping chamber where maids once stayed overnight, though it was redundant once Hong Sheng returned, leaving Susu unaccustomed and the space now utilized as a dressing room.

The outer section, a warm pavilion, featured a large nanmu couch with three embroidered pillows and cushions, exuding elegance.

A fragrant purple sandalwood table adorned the couch, with an ice plum-patterned purple sandalwood footstool beneath. The glass window draped with chrysanthemum-patterned Western curtains resembled a wisp of light smoke.

Opposite the wall stood a small redwood Eight Immortals table, attended by four redwood stools. Several high stemmed glass dishes lined the table, containing fruits and snacks.

Qi Qiao had just seated Sister Fang on the couch when the green gauze cabinet door opened, revealing several maids accompanying Susu.

The moment she saw Susu, though her education was minimal, Fang had once listened to storytellers at a teahouse.

She once heard a retelling of "The Ode to the Goddess of the Luo River" and, despite her usual disinterest in memory, she memorized the storyteller’s sonorous verses upon hearing them just once.

"Her figure, as if startled by a swan, as graceful as a dragon in motion. Dazzling like autumn chrysanthemums and flourishing as spring pines. She is as ethereal as the veiled moon behind a light cloud, and as exquisite as the reflection of whirling snowflakes. Viewed from afar, she appears brilliant as the rising sun in the morning sky; up close, she glows strikingly like a lotus emerging from clear waters."