But if it's just a quarrel, at most it'll result in a few whippings, and even Shuixiang by Third Miss's side won't be spared.
She unconsciously sized up Xiqiu with her head slightly bowed, her features as delicate as a painting and her figure slender, yet there was an unyielding composure she had never seen before, standing out amid the room full of jewels and jade. She was taken aback; since when did Sixth Miss become so striking?
Nanny Fang's thoughts were interrupted by Tong Xiyang's sneer: "What does Sixth Sister mean by this? Are you suggesting your servant had an affair and it's somehow blamed on mother? Mother is renowned for managing the household with precision among the noblewomen of the Capital, and moreover, why is it only your servant who committed such a deed among the mansion's servants?!"
Nanny Fang furrowed her brows and secretly shook her head.
Isn't it Sixth Miss's maid, rather than Lady's servant? Besides the legitimate young masters and misses, who isn't a servant in Tong Mansion? Third Miss, who usually appeared sharp-tongued, was too impulsive!
Lady glanced coldly at Tong Xiyang, then saw Xiqiu timidly bow her head: "Mother, I will defer completely to you."
She paid no attention to Tong Xiyang's words.
Nanny Fang quickly glanced at Xiqiu.
Lady's expression softened slightly. If one said this girl was clever, one could see the truth of the matter at a glance, yet she had no means to retaliate. But if one said she was foolish, she knew how to protect her own maid.
However, it was precisely because of her nature that Lady held her and her brothers in high regard.
She must have her own insight to know who her real master is.
The atmosphere turned tense as Siliu's forehead broke out in a fine sweat.
The constantly silent Tong Xiyan was momentarily stunned by Xiqiu's glance. If such a thing really happened among the mansion's servants, if it was minor, the masters might simply resolve it, but if it was major, it would reflect poorly on Tong Mansion's lack of discipline and failure in management, where even the servants exchanged private items among themselves, bringing uncertain consequences for their masters.
Father and brother might be fine, being men, but since they had not yet married, if the reputation of the ladies was ruined, how would they find marriage prospects in the future?
She glanced coldly at Tong Xiyang, then stood and leaned close to her mother with a smile, holding her arm: "Mother, Laiwang has been in the mansion for many years and is a trusted aide of father. I see Fugui is not young anymore; why not kindly arrange a marriage for him? Even when father returns, he will praise your kindness." She smiled brightly: "What do you think?"
Xiqiu showed a fleeting smile; Tong Xiyan finally stood on her side, leading the direction of discussion towards reputation, letting Tong Xiyan also be involved. She, as the legitimate daughter, saying one thing outweighed ten things said by them.
Xiqiu looked at Tong Xiyan; the moon-white double-gold embroidered overcoat paired with a willow-green stitched skirt was elegant and dignified, her eyes bright and clear like a full moon, looking expectantly at Lady.
As expected, Lady changed her previous indifference, smiling warmly with affection towards her daughter: "You child, truly clever for thinking so far."
Tong Xiyan's eyes showed the joy of a child receiving praise.
Xiqiu saw Lady had smiled, understanding she had guessed Lady's intentions correctly. Secretly selling embroidered items outside, with Lady's capabilities, it was impossible she wouldn't know. As she didn't stop it before, she certainly would not reveal it now. First, items from the inner chambers spreading outside would tarnish not just her reputation, but Fourth Miss was also her biological daughter.
Secondly, as the chief lady, if it came out the legitimate daughters were having a hard life, it would damage her consistently good reputation.
Lady, smiling gently, chatted with Tong Xiyan, as if there were no people kneeling below waiting for her verdict: "Your father will return to the Capital next month for his duties, and our son-in-law also entrusted someone to take care of things. Uncle has greeted various departments in the Ministry of Personnel, and your father's performance evaluation this time was outstanding again, surely, he will advance further."
Advance further? That means staying in the Capital.
Tong Xiyan listened with joy, but Tong Xiyang's face showed slight gloom.
She was uncertain whether Madam Wang's pregnancy would proceed smoothly under Lady's watchful eyes.
But she was also approaching adulthood, as long as she married well, Lady couldn't do much to a concubine.
Xiqiu had similar concerns; she was not only worried about her concubine but also about the long future ahead for her young seventh brother. She had much to attend to; these maids were confidantes she had cultivated over five years, and she would do whatever it took to protect them.
"Mother, Sixth Sister…" Tong Xiyan glanced at Xiqiu's unhappy face, gently nudging Lady.
Sixth Sister is gentle and never seeks attention, respects her legitimate sister greatly, even looking into medical books to help her manage persistent sneezes every spring, naturally preferring that Xiqiu fares better than Tong Xiyang. Moreover, their statuses are different, and she would never surpass her sister.
Lady nodded slightly, turning to Xiqiu: "Fugui grew up before my eyes; while I don't know about others, I know his nature very well. He certainly knows his limits. As for the maids who quarreled, let each be punished with five whippings as a lesson. Though you are not my flesh and blood, you are still a master in this mansion and should enforce rules without leniency on the servants."
"Daughter will remember mother's teachings." Though Lady is domineering with strict rules, she tolerates no transgressions, and places great importance on the reputation of Tong Mansion, being as vast as the sky. Therefore, she intended to escalate the matter; though she hadn't dealt closely with Fugui, Laiwang's wife was always adept and reputable in the mansion, how could her son be so indiscreet?
Even if Lady summoned him, she trusted Fugui but more so believed in Siliu.
With great joy, Siliu knew Lady's punishment was the fairest and most appropriate.
Tong Xiyang grew anxious, and she had contrived so much with Shuixiang to embarrass Xiqiu, diminishing her influence and ruining her reputation. Yet Lady hadn't punished Siliu nor said anything against Xiqiu, not even mentioning the matter of secretly selling embroideries, completely contrary to her expectations: "But Sixth Sister secretly…" She was agitated, but before she could speak, her words were drowned out by Xiqiu, who looked at Siliu's tear-filled eyes and sternly said: "Do you remember Lady's words? Next time if you act recklessly like a disorderly lower servant, I will report to Lady and send you away without hesitation."
Siliu quickly kowtowed and thanked her repeatedly, promising never to dare again.
Tong Xiyan's eyes brightened, joining in teasing: "Tomorrow I'll have people copy Lady's usual teachings, hand them out to memorize properly, and if anyone repeats the mistake, send them all away to avoid causing a stir."
Lady's eyes flashed with satisfaction. She patted Tong Xiyan: "You little monkey, always flattering mother."
As if she hadn't noticed Tong Xiyang's abnormality at all!
Tong Xiyang was furious, nearly tearing the handkerchief in her hand, yet could only bite her lip and endure. After a moment, she covered her mouth with the handkerchief, smiling: "Indeed, mother's words are full of wise and insightful sayings, we have much to learn from them."