Thirteenth Lady's Comback: Her Everyday Life as a Bystander-Chapter 55 - 7: Farewell (Part 1)

The biggest event for the Song Family in Yangzhou City now is that Old Madam Song has finally decided to move to the Capital. As soon as this news spread, the influx of visitors to Sui’an Hall increased significantly. Family relatives, longstanding friends, and the wives of officials in Yangzhou all came one after another.

However, this had nothing to do with Susu. Ever since the Old Madam decided to move to the Capital, Susu has been incredibly busy, feeling as if she could split herself into eight parts. Not only must she bring all the items from the Old Madam’s private storage in Sui’an Hall, but also half of the items from the family’s main warehouse must be moved. The task of cataloging these items was a massive undertaking, to be personally overseen by Susu and Nanny Qin.

Fortunately, there were still two months before their departure, and currently, only the heavy furniture and antiques were being sent to the Capital first. The lighter and more valuable items would accompany the Old Madam by ship. For just this voyage alone, the Third Master had already placed a down payment of over ten thousand taels of silver with the Yangwei Escort Agency.

This time, the Old Madam was taking four young ladies and the two sons of the third family. Though the Third Master and Third Madam were reluctant, they also understood that taking advantage of the influence of the Shun’an Earl Mansion and Princess Consort Xi would greatly benefit the children, whether in pursuing official ranks or in marriage, far beyond what staying in Yangzhou could offer.

With the rules being stricter in the Capital, the Old Madam didn’t want to impose restrictions on the children during this time, so their studies were temporarily put on hold.

Every day, Fifth Miss and Sixth Miss would go to the third family’s house to pay respects to their parents. Seeing Fifth Miss looking so pitiful, like a wilted cabbage, the Third Madam didn’t want to be with her for long, so after the greetings, she would deliberately send her to Aunt Gao’s room.

The Third Madam privately complained to the Old Madam, "It’s not like I don’t know. These past years I’ve often let her aunt have extra money, but the Master just gave each of the sisters a thousand taels silver note, and in no time, it ended up with her aunt again. Is he afraid I’m mistreating Aunt Gao? Is he trying to make me look bad in front of the Master?"

The Third Madam sneered, "A maid sold into a dead contract, supporting her maiden family with things and money from the mansion is one thing, but our Fifth Miss actually acknowledges her external family seriously. Does she think that just because her ’Uncle’ passed the imperial examination and became an official he can support her? Even if that Gao scoundrel becomes the top scholar and marries a princess, an aunt is still an aunt, and a concubine’s daughter can’t become a legitimate one!"

The Old Madam patted her niece’s hand, saying, "The third is not the kind to favor concubines over the wife. In the past, he was wild, but now, see how he is always considerate of you. Except for Fifth Girl, which of the children are not your own?" Upon hearing this, the Third Madam’s expression softened into a smile.

The Old Madam continued, "If Fifth Girl turns out well, we may find a suitable match for her in the Capital. If not, she can come back to Yangzhou, and be companion with her elder sister. It’s fine if she is shrewd, as long as her intentions are proper. After all, she’s still young now; when we get to the Capital, let’s find a more capable nanny to educate her further."

Like a child, the Third Madam pouted, which amused the Old Madam and Nanny Qin, causing them to laugh for a while. Susu and the others had never seen such an expression on the Third Madam’s face before, and they all turned away to secretly laugh.

The Third Madam also felt embarrassed, so she quickly tried to change the topic, looking at Bisi and said, "I haven’t had the chance to congratulate you yet! Earlier, I envied how my aunt had you clever girls around her. Now my aunt can’t bear to separate you from your family, which is fortunate for me. Young lady, rest assured at home and prepare for your marriage. Once married, come to my courtyard often, so I can see you often too."

Upon hearing this, Bisi blushed and covered her face out of embarrassment, "The Old Madam’s clothes haven’t been ironed yet, I’d better go take a look." Then she quickly made her escape, leaving behind a group of women who continued to joke around.

Although Bisi managed to slip away, the Old Madam still had words for the Third Madam, "This child Bisi is shy but very meticulous. Initially, I planned to marry her outside, but since her aunt begged you and Bisi also wished this, I am at ease. For her to work for you again after marriage is a very suitable arrangement."

Among the four main maids, Susu and Yang Liu were certain to accompany her to the Capital. Ning Cui’s parents were trusted by the Old Madam, so despite their detachment from the household register, they were also set to follow to Shangjing to manage the Old Madam’s estate in the Capital’s suburbs. Naturally, Ning Cui and Ning Xiang, her sister, didn’t need to worry about relocation concerns either.

Only Bisi’s family originated from the Third Madam’s dowry, and Bisi’s aunt was married to the Third Master’s personal attendant. The Old Madam couldn’t bear to see Bisi separated from her family and didn’t want her to be troubled, so she decided to let her stay. Initially, she intended to release her service contract and let her return home to marry on her own.

However, coincidentally Bisi’s aunt, upon receiving the news, wanted to strengthen family ties with her niece and privately discussed it with Bisi’s parents, then consulted with Bisi herself. She approached the Third Madam, who then mentioned it to the Old Madam, and that’s how Bisi’s marriage was settled.

Although Susu and the others were reluctant to part, they knew this was the best arrangement. They patiently awaited the Old Madam’s move to Shangjing before Bisi would return home to await her marriage. For a maid to be married off at the age of sixteen was indeed a significant honor from the host family.

At night, the four girls gathered in Bisi’s room, all with red eyes. When they thought about having to part after spending so many years together, they cried uncontrollably for quite a while before they stopped.

Ning Cui spoke first, "After all these years of our friendship, saying anything else feels superficial. You have received the Old Madam’s favor and are getting married soon. Although you can still stay by the Third Madam’s side afterwards, it’s not as carefree as staying at Sui’an Hall. We have a small token to add to your dowry, which also commemorates our years of friendship."

Ning Cui gifted a pair of mutton fat white jade pendants adorned with auspicious clouds and hundreds of blessings. In Chu Country, mutton fat jade is considered the most precious gemstone. The jade pendants have a rich gloss and warmth to the touch, making them very rare.

There were also six East Pearls, each the size of a lotus seed, genuine and excellent items. Since East Pearls are tribute items, their price has consistently been high. Just one glossy pearl of this size could fetch over a thousand taels of silver in the market.

Yang Liu presented a gold-filament crown adorned with red gemstone tassels and a pair of flawless purple mink furs. It wasn’t hard to buy the furs if you had money, but this crown was a gift from the Old Madam when Yang Liu became a head maid. The craftsmanship and gemstones aside, the fact it was crafted within the Imperial Workshops made it extraordinary.

Bisi never expected Yang Liu to gift her something so sentimental. Hearing her say, "You have a gentle nature. If anyone bullies you, remember to write to us. Even if we’re unable to help, the Old Madam will stand up for you," Bisi couldn’t help but cry again.

Susu, her eyes red, lightly tapped Yang Liu, "Just when we started to feel better, you bring this up!" Then, holding Bisi, she said, "Dear sister, ever since I came to the mansion, you have all treated me like a real sister. I truly see you all as family. Today, let’s not cry anymore. Even though we’re parting, who knows when we’ll meet again, and just because we’re married doesn’t mean we can’t visit as relatives!"

Hearing this, Yang Liu and Ning Cui nodded in agreement. Yang Liu, knowing Bisi was truly upset, quickly changed the subject, "Susu, where’s your good gift? You’re not just going to say a few words and leave it at that, are you?" Ning Cui also laughed, "Indeed! The Old Madam spoils you. You’ve gotten the finest things before we even laid eyes on them. You better give us something worth our years of envy or it won’t be fair."