Thirteenth Lady's Comback: Her Everyday Life as a Bystander-Chapter 47 - 26: Thoroughness

Knowing that Hong Sheng is soon going to the Northwest, the Old Madam instructed Susu: "Since Sheng is going to join the army, who knows when we’ll meet again. In the past, we could help him out during the festivities, but now with thousands of mountains and rivers in between us, even if we think of him, we can’t care for him like when he was at home. You should prepare some useful items to send to him."

Susu thought for a moment and said, "Brother Hong is going to the military, so fine clothes are not very useful. Instead, we should prepare some medicines and medicinal pills. Now it’s September and by the time he reaches the Northwest, it might already be winter. We should also prepare a few large fur cloaks, but we don’t have any in our warehouse. I wonder if there’s enough time to make them?"

The Old Madam replied, "Later, go to your Third Madam to get the keys to the mansion’s main warehouse. If we don’t have them here, they should have them there. The men in the family won’t wear the clothes brought in from outside. Pick a few unassuming ones and some practical things. Our family treats Sheng as one of our own, so the gifts don’t need to be overly precious, practicality is key. Although the Northwest isn’t as prosperous as the Central Plains, good things can still be found through business exchanges. However, finely made items are rare, so prepare some to leave with him for gifting. Also, take two century-old ginsengs from the warehouse."

Having acknowledged each command, Susu went to the warehouse. Since he was her savior, and Susu figured that once the Old Madam released her, she would go to the Northwest to find her brother. If Hong Sheng found a foothold there, remembering their past ties, it would be easier to ask for his help to find her brother than to blindly stumble around unfamiliar lands.

With this in mind, Susu put a lot of thought into preparing the items for Hong Sheng.

She first took two top-quality century-old wild ginseng from Changbai Mountain from the medicinal warehouse, and then picked a box of exquisitely made small gold and silver ingots shaped like little flowers and pomegranates.

Thinking of the sandy and dry conditions in the Northwest, she prepared a box of Almond Honey Moisturizing Cream. This can be gifted to the ladies, as pillow talk is more effective than anything. Hong Sheng, not having a wife, surely wouldn’t think of this.

After that, she picked a few Jade Pendant rings from those rewarded by the palace. Although the Old Madam said they regarded Hong Sheng as one of their own, Susu was not naive. Never mind that the Old Madam had personally taught her the intricacies of personal relationships over the years, she wasn’t a real child after all. She hadn’t lived her past twenty-something years in vain, and she could discern that the Old Madam saw great prospects in Hong Sheng.

Following the Old Madam, Susu had more or less learned about such matters as the Yangwei Escort Agency’s patron being Prince Ke, and the Song Family having secret ties with Prince Ke. Who would have thought such a young maid could understand the discussions of political exchanges?

Susu, though she had only seen Hong Sheng once before today, had frequently sent clothes and food over the years. She knew Hong Sheng was truly capable, already a trusted aide of Prince Ke at his young age. As long as he survived until Prince Ke ascended the throne, power and fortune were within reach! 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

One must admit, the Old Madam had an extraordinary eye for people, and her skill in strategic patience was remarkable. Truly, "never underestimate a poor young man." There’s still much for her to learn.

Unaware that she had almost become bait on that long line, Susu dutifully went to the Third Madam. The Third Madam readily gave her the keys to the family’s public warehouse, laughing: "The master also asked someone to prepare some items, but they couldn’t be as thoughtful as aunt. It’s a pity to leave those clothes brought from outside unused. I’ll have a couple of boxes sent over for you and Yang Liu to share. Dress up beautifully, not just aunt, even I’ll be pleased to see you looking so nice."

This reward wasn’t heavy, yet it made the maids of the third household secretly sigh with envy. The Third Madam usually despised frivolous maids who lacked self-respect and were indulged in vanity. Any maid in the third courtyard who was overly dressed up and ran into the third master or the young masters would be expelled in a day. Yet, she favored Susu and a few others exceptionally well. After all, the Old Madam’s maids were different, dressed in Brocade and Silk, jewels and stones, looking not inferior to the young ladies.

Susu thanked the Third Madam for the reward, took the keys, and went with Ning Xiang, Wu Tong, and the housekeeper by the Third Madam’s side to the family’s public warehouse. Yet, unbeknownst to her, the Third Madam sighed to her trusted nursemaid, "Truly a pity for such a person, never mind such looks, but who wouldn’t love such conduct, truly a pity!"