Jiang Yuzhu hurried over to He's residence with Chunlan.
He was chatting with Yicui. "Jiang Zhao drove out the maids you arranged for her?"
Yicui nodded seriously. "Yes, Madam. The eldest young lady said those two old women weren't qualified to teach her etiquette, so she drove them out of the mansion. They were both long - serving servants in the mansion."
"The eldest young lady just drove them out as she pleased. What would others think of our Marquis Mansion if this got out?"
"Madam, please don't blame this humble servant for speaking out of turn. The eldest young lady just returned to the mansion and dared to use the Marquis and the old madam to put pressure on the people you arranged. Isn't she challenging you?"
"Confounded wretch!" He slapped the table and stood up. "This unfilial daughter! I just wanted her to learn some etiquette so as not to make a fool of herself in the future, but she's so ungrateful and reckless!"
"I even spoke up for her today. She's really not as good as a dog!"
Just as He was about to send someone to punish Jiang Zhao, Nanny Wei from Old Madam Jiang's side arrived. "I pay my respects to Madam."
"Please rise, Nanny Wei." He was quite respectful to Nanny Wei.
After all, Nanny Wei was Old Madam Jiang's dowry maid and also the wet - nurse of Marquis Ningyuan. Even Marquis Ningyuan would show her some respect.
Nanny Wei glanced at Yicui and said seriously, "The old madam sent this old servant to convey a message. The two old women Yicui arranged for the eldest young lady offended the third young master and were driven out by him." Nanny Wei emphasized the last part.
"The third young master went to the Pine and Crane Hall early in the morning and told the old madam personally. The old madam was worried that some ill - intentioned people might say the eldest young lady was ignorant and damage the mother - daughter relationship between you and her, so she quickly sent this old servant here." As Nanny Wei spoke, her eyes fell on Yicui. The meaning was self - evident.
"As for those two old women, they were in charge of miscellaneous affairs in the mansion. Yicui came with you, Madam, and is also a long - serving servant in the mansion. How could she not even know that those two old women were in charge of miscellaneous affairs? There are special etiquette - teaching nannies in the mansion. What kind of etiquette could those who handle miscellaneous affairs teach the eldest young lady?"
"Moreover, the courtyard Yicui arranged for the eldest young lady was the East Courtyard. As the legitimate daughter of the Marquis Mansion, how could the eldest young lady live in a place where even the servants wouldn't stay?"
He understood what was going on and glared at Yicui. She just wanted Yicui to arrange a more secluded place for Jiang Zhao, but she didn't tell Yicui to arrange her in a place like the East Courtyard!
He said, "It was my oversight in this matter. I've troubled Mother." After all, Yicui was her personal maid for many years, so He still had to say a few words for her.
Nanny Wei nodded slightly. "The old madam has no other wish but to hope that the family will be harmonious and everything will go smoothly, and that the younger generation can get along well."
"Madam has always been very perceptive in managing the family. The old madam has seen this over the years."
"However, no matter how sharp - eyed one is, one may be blinded by ill - intentioned people. You need to look at things from different angles from time to time to avoid being in the dark under the lamp." Nanny Wei had lived most of her life and was very shrewd. While praising He, she also gave her a hint.
Since Nanny Wei had said so much, even if He wanted to protect Yicui, she couldn't. "I understand Mother's meaning."
"Yicui, you're so credulous and don't even know you're being used. You'll be fined two months' salary and slapped ten times. Go and receive your punishment!"
Yicui reluctantly admitted her mistake. "This humble servant knows her mistake. I'll go and receive my punishment now."
"Madam is wise. With this, the old madam can rest assured." The punishment for Yicui wasn't too severe. But after all, Yicui was He's person. The old madam couldn't interfere too much and had to save some face for He, the mistress of the mansion.
Just as they were talking, Jiang Yuzhu arrived.
"Mother!" Jiang Yuzhu choked and threw herself into He's arms, tightly hugging her waist.
Hearing that Jiang Yuzhu's voice was wrong, He didn't care about Nanny Wei anymore and quickly asked, "Who bullied our Yuer?"
"Don't cry. Mother will seek justice for you!"
Jiang Yuzhu raised her tear - filled face from He's arms. "No one bullied me, Mother. I'm just afraid that you won't love me anymore..."
Seeing her beloved daughter shed tears, He felt so heart - broken. She quickly pulled her into her arms and coaxed her. "What silly things are you saying, child?"
"You're Mother's precious darling. How could Mother not love you?"
Jiang Yuzhu's deer - like eyes were red and she sobbed. "Will you love me less than before because of Elder Sister?"
"I know it's wrong of me to say this. Elder Sister is also your child and she's been away from home for so many years without enjoying your love. I should yield to her and shouldn't be so selfish."
"But just thinking that you'll only love Elder Sister in the future makes me want to cry..."
He gently stroked Jiang Yuzhu's tear - stained cheek. "How could that be? How can Jiang Zhao compare with you, Yuer?"
"Even if Jiang Zhao is back, Mother will only love you more. You're just too kind. Jiang Zhao is inferior to you in every aspect. Moreover, you were brought up by Mother personally. She can't compare with you."
Hearing the conversation between the mother and daughter, Nanny Wei frowned slightly.
The second young lady was a bit too spoiled... Nanny Wei had conveyed the message and there was no need for her to stay any longer.
She said goodbye to He and left.
He felt heart - broken. Although both children were her own, she should treat them equally. But Yuer had grown up by her side, and she had devoted all her efforts and feelings to her. How could Jiang Zhao compare?
The reason she spoke up for Jiang Zhao today was that Jiang Zhao was born from her. They were still blood - related.
It didn't matter how much she disliked and hated Jiang Zhao, but Wang, an outsider, couldn't say a single bad word about her daughter! Moreover, Jiang Zhao didn't seem smart. If she, as a mother, didn't help her, it would be the same as letting Wang scold her to her face.
Now thinking about it, it was really a mistake to let Jiang Zhao come back. Not only did she cause trouble, but she also made Yuer feel insecure.
With He's assurance, Jiang Yuzhu felt more at ease.
See, no matter what, she was still Mother's good baby and good daughter. Jiang Zhao would never be able to compete with her!
Jiang Yuzhu hugged He's arm and coquettishly said, "Mother, can I sleep with you tonight?"
"I haven't slept with you for a long time."
He smiled and tapped Jiang Yuzhu's nose. "Naughty girl. Mother will grant all your wishes. As long as you don't cry, it's like stabbing Mother's heart."
In the Pine and Crane Hall.
When Nanny Wei returned, Jiang Zhao hadn't left yet.
"Madam, I've conveyed all your instructions to the mistress, and she has punished Yicui." No matter whether the punishment was severe or not, at least she had given face.
He was the beloved daughter of the Duke of Suguogong and had a rather spoiled temper. Over the years, the old madam had been willing to yield to her, and they had lived in peace.
Jiang Qinian did come to the old madam early in the morning to convey a message, but secretly.