Thirteenth Lady's Comback: Her Everyday Life as a Bystander-Chapter 326 - 6: Hong Sheng’s Character Setting

Susu and Hong Sheng bid farewell to Wei Changhong, delivered holiday gifts to Mrs. Qin and Mrs. Zhao, and then prepared to move directly to the camp.

Although the imperial edict had not yet arrived, with Prince Ke and Prince Yong reaching the Ningxia Guard, those who needed to know already knew, and even among ordinary citizens, a slight panic began to spread.

However, Duke Zhen’s Mansion had too high prestige in the Northwest, and the people believed that with Governor Qin around, even if demons and ghosts came, they could not easily leave.

Prince Ke meant to issue the decree after August 15th, essentially warning the Sixth Prince of Tartar that they had the ability to help him, but how to help was up to Great Chu to decide.

Nonetheless, the troop mobilization for the Nine Guards of the Northwest had begun as early as July. By August, Hong Sheng and others could still take leave and return home, but the soldiers below did not have such privileges.

Hong Sheng had to accompany the soldiers of the Vanguard Camp for Mid-Autumn Festival, so Susu naturally moved there as well, just in time to find a chance to prepare a special meal for Sixth Son and the others.

"You can’t go out shopping there, but luckily the camp has everything. Since Aunt Zhao isn’t home, Qi Qiao’s parents stayed behind, and Uncle Lin and Aunt Lin followed us.

The camp is full of men, so some propriety is necessary. Like last time, apart from Shuimo and the other five, no other maids are being brought along, but a few rough-hand servants are added.

Load enough rice, flour, oil, and tea from the Capital to feed twenty or thirty people for a month, and also prepare a box of flying birds, mountain delicacies, and seafood.

Additionally, bring the medicine cakes, ginseng powder, and medicinal wine prepared by the Old Madam..."

Come September, Hong Sheng and the others were to set out, and they might have to live in the camp for a month. Once the command is given, they will be on their way. Susu issued orders piece by piece, wishing for a storage bag to pack everything.

People who cross over have an old grandpa who plants fields in space, but I am just a maid embroiled in household battles, seriously!

Qi Qiao and the others were accustomed to "going with the flow" with their master, and even packing their luggage had become second nature.

"Only bring two or three sets of elaborate robes, and the same for expensive jewelry, just in case the soldiers’ wives come to visit the Madam. Bring more casual clothes and only light and exquisite jewelry."

"Bring brushes, ink, paper, and ink stones, but books aren’t necessary; I recall there’s one in the study Madam only half-finished reading."

"That box of incense burners must be brought; you never know when Madam might need them. Bring a small box of incense according to the list Madam wrote!"

"Don’t forget those mooncake molds; Madam said she’ll make mooncakes by hand once we’re there. She asked my mother to prepare eighteen types of filling."

"Also bring a box of gold and silver ingots, using the designs newly sent by the Old Madam; Madam is most free-handed with money. Pack some in denominations of one, three, six, and eight coins, along with two boxes of pockets and rings."

The five little maids chattered away, sparing Susu the effort. Upon seeing this, Hong Sheng leaned over to Susu and whispered with a smile, "It’s admirable how thoroughly they handle everything. No wonder someone’s been fancying them early on."

Upon hearing this, Susu said somewhat angrily, "What nonsense are you talking? Are my maids available for anyone to fancy?"

After saying this, Susu looked Hong Sheng up and down with her eyes, making him feel a chill, before saying, "You haven’t promised anything to anyone, have you? I’m telling you..."

Before Susu could finish, Hong Sheng interrupted her woefully, "Am I that unreliable?"

After speaking, seeing his wife’s earnest nod, he felt a sudden toothache, realizing he hadn’t satisfied her enough last night.

The decision is made: battle again tonight!

Though these thoughts remained internal, he outwardly expressed grievances, "I’m just thinking that you treat these maids like treasures. If any wish to leave in the future, they should find good families.

The ones who ask me at least hold the Chief Banner position, with some wealth, but because they’re military households, matchmaking is tricky.

Seeing Fen Dai and the others’ character and appearance, knowing they were personally trained by you, they’d naturally claim a spot for their sons or grandsons first. After all, not everyone has luck as good as mine."

Hong Sheng felt quite pleased with himself. However, as soon as he finished, seeing his wife’s worsening expression, he knew he’d misspoken and quickly grabbed Susu’s hand seeking forgiveness, regardless of the maids present.

Sweet nothings poured out like they cost nothing, shaming the little maids into rushing out of the main room.

Once in the courtyard, the maids remembered they hadn’t finished packing, exchanged looks, but found they couldn’t suppress their amusement.

Despite appearing quiet and serious, the master turns out to be a player who finds delight in cheesiness!

Linlang, however, didn’t find it funny or embarrassing. Instead, she felt the master was right; wasn’t Madam just like a "fairy-like good wife"?

Dragged out by Shuimo feeling puzzled, she hadn’t heard enough yet!

"What did the master say to upset Madam again? It seems Madam’s temper in the Northwest has grown!" Fen Dai wondered.

Linlang, eating a fig she took from her pocket—figs from Xinjiang being officially in season now—found fresh figs odd, preferring dried ones.

Casually, she replied, "Because of your marriage prospects!"

The other four maids instantly felt a chill!

They all knew Linlang had some skills, keen hearing, but were shocked not by that, but by what she’d said; their age was still young—was the master planning to marry them off!

Quickly, Shuimo clapped her hands, "Stop overthinking. Let Linlang tell it!"

Linlang, looking at the half fig then at the four sisters watching her like tigers ready to pounce, couldn’t help thinking, could you let me finish eating? With things left halfway, I feel uncomfortable!

Obviously aware of this bad habit, Fen Dai snatched the half fig and stuffed it in her mouth, saying, "Gone."

Linlang: ...

Hopeless, gone!

Qi Qiao tapped Fen Dai, "You know her nature. Why tease her?" Then gently said to Linlang, "I find figs too sweet; there are more that the master gifted, later we’ll pack them!"

Linlang helplessly said, "Being foolish doesn’t mean being stupid; you’re forcing me to err!" She tugged on her ears, which weren’t large—how did she end up with eavesdropping ears?

That said, she recounted briefly Susu and Hong Sheng’s whispered conversation, "Don’t worry, the master said Madam treats us like treasures, there’s no way she’d casually marry anyone off!"

After thinking briefly, she added, "I’m not planning to marry; after you’ve all married, Madam will surely love me even more!"

Linglong laughed, "That won’t do; even if I marry, I won’t leave. I want to be Madam’s housekeeper wife!"

The other three were undecided, seeing Madam’s current lifestyle, they also wish to be first wives in the future but reluctance for Madam keeps them torn.

Linglong, though, saw clearly, "We’re still quite young, even if marrying, at least till eighteen. Thinking about these things is merely unnecessary worry! What, eager to marry?"

Fen Dai spat at her, "You’re the one eager for marriage. It’s all Linlang’s fault; no more listening to such nonsense!"

Linlang: ...

Why am I always the one getting hurt!