Xiang Lan casually removed a hairpin and adjusted the lamp wick, saying leisurely: “If Madam asked you to inquire, next time you should preface your words with ‘Madam asked me to ask you’; if Madam didn’t ask, please be more polite when speaking. Though I’m not talented, I’ve always been a servant, and I previously spent some time in a noble household. Speaking to me this way isn’t much of an issue, but if you use this tone with outsiders, people might mock the Song family’s maids for lacking proper etiquette.” Though spoken mildly, her words were decidedly impolite.

Fang Si’s face immediately turned crimson. She sneered, “You’re quite presumptuous. Are you implying I lack manners? I serve at Madam’s side – are you suggesting Madam doesn’t know how to train her servants?”

Xiang Lan smiled, “I wouldn’t dare. I’m rough and clumsy, and if I’ve said anything to offend Sister just now, I apologize. Sister serves at Madam’s side, so naturally, your understanding is different from others. Surely you won’t take offense at someone like me?”

Fang Si had intended to show her authority over Xiang Lan but found herself outmaneuvered, with both her advance and retreat blocked by these exchanges. Just then, hearing voices and laughter at the door, she knew Jun Xi and Yue Xi had returned. She glared at Xiang Lan, threw aside the curtain, and left.

She ran behind the rose trellis, stomping her feet in anger.

She knew that Xiang Lan, with her fox-like alluring face, must be someone who seduces men, and today she caught her in the act! The fabric for clothes should have been chosen by the masters first, yet Young Master had specially set aside two pieces for her and even touched her hair! If she hadn’t walked in, would he have been caressing her face and kissing her? Bah! Shameless! Young Master must be blind to prefer such a seemingly delicate little vixen, not seeing her good qualities all these years. Previously, there was Red Xiu in the household, and she accepted that due to Red Xiu’s childhood connection with the family. But after Red Xiu left, considering seniority, appearance, figure, wit, and loyalty, how was she inferior in any way? Even Madam favored her, so why wasn’t she good enough?

Fang Si wiped away tears of frustration.

She knew she wasn’t as beautiful as Xiang Lan, but in every other aspect, wasn’t she superior to that little hussy? Young Master must have been bewitched by feminine charms. This couldn’t continue!

Fang Si took out her handkerchief, wiped her face, and immediately went to Aunt Song’s room. Upon entering, she saw that the fabric selection was complete and everything had been tidied away. Madam Guo was directing servants to set the table, while Aunt Song reclined on the chaise lounge, fingering a string of prayer beads with closed eyes, muttering prayers.

Aunt Song was a proper woman who had lived like ash since her husband’s death, observing Buddhist practices and rarely leaving the house. She mostly wore dark colors, with a headband across her forehead and no makeup. Though naturally elegant and dignified, this austere appearance aged her by ten years.

Seeing Fang Si’s angry expression and careless manner, Madam Guo glared at her and nodded toward Aunt Song. Fang Si collected herself, paused to adjust her clothes, set aside the fabric she was carrying, picked up a plantain leaf fan from beside the lounge, and quietly went to fan Aunt Song.

Aunt Song opened her eyes, saw Fang Si beside her, and asked, “Did your Elder Brother like this color?”

Fang Si quickly replied with a flattering smile, “He liked it, how could he not? Young Master said a cape would be too hot, and since his room lacks a maid skilled in needlework, he praised my sewing and asked me to make him a pair of trousers.”

Aunt Song smiled with closed eyes, “Amitabha, this child. Since he earnestly asked you, make him two pairs.” She then asked, “Has your Elder Brother eaten?”

Fang Si replied, “When I was there earlier, the meal hadn’t been served yet.”

Aunt Song said, “Tan girl has internal heat, so she just has porridge at night to stave off hunger, but your Elder Brother works hard all day and needs to eat more at night. Later, send him some soup.” She then rose.

Fang Si hurried to support her, but Aunt Song smiled, “I’m not old enough to need support yet.” She sat at the table.

Madam Guo smiled, “Let her help you, it’s her duty.”

Fang Si stood serving dishes. After taking a bite, Aunt Song suddenly remembered, “Did that new maid in your Elder Brother’s room choose fabric? Don’t forget about her.”

Fang Si, harboring resentment and grievance but maintaining a smile, said: “She chose.” Looking at Madam Guo’s expression, she added, “But there’s something…”

Aunt Song glanced at Fang Si: “If you have something to say, say it. Why hesitate?”

Fang Si said, “When I entered the room earlier, I saw Young Master had specially prepared two pieces of fabric for that maid. I shouldn’t say this, but Young Master’s actions seem improper. Madam and Young Miss haven’t chosen yet, how could he bypass them and directly reserve fabric for a maid?”

Hearing this, Aunt Song put down her chopsticks: “What fabric did he set aside?”

Fang Si replied, “Rose-colored cocoon silk and sky-blue fine cotton.”

Aunt Song picked up her chopsticks again and smiled, “They’re not precious materials, aren’t all the fabrics delivered today of similar quality? Perhaps your Elder Brother worried that the maid was new and too shy to choose, so he had some set aside for her. Young girls are different from us, they look good in bright colors.”

Fang Si quickly said, “I understand that reasoning, but when I went in, I saw Young Master with that maid…” She looked up and lowered her voice, “Since Sister Red Xiu left, Young Master’s room has lacked someone to serve him, but the spring examinations are only half a year away. I fear Young Master might be led astray and become distracted by improper pursuits, neglecting his studies. In our family’s current situation, Young Master is Madam’s only hope. We servants who have served him hope he can achieve success in the examinations and restore the family’s fortunes – firstly to comfort the Master’s spirit in heaven, secondly to ease Madam’s mind, thirdly so Young Miss can marry with dignity, and fourthly, so we can all have peace.”

These words were extraordinarily effective. Aunt Song put down her chopsticks again and quickly asked, “My child, what did you see in the room? Thank goodness for your quick wit and discretion, otherwise, I would have remained in the dark.”

Fang Si said, “Nothing much, just when I entered, I saw Young Master reaching out to touch that maid’s hair as if he was about to pin a flower in it. This might be nothing with others, but Young Master has been entirely focused on his scholarly pursuits. Even with Sister Red Xiu before, he never joked around. This maid just arrived, and yet…”

Aunt Song paused, remembering how she had carefully observed this maid called Xiang Lan when she came to pay respects. She was indeed exceptionally beautiful, with an elegant bearing – truly a first-rate beauty.

Seeing Aunt Song’s silence, Fang Si continued, “Madam must make a decision. Young Master is at a crucial time now, having such a delicate and charming maid by his side is concerning. Moreover, her background is unclear, we don’t know where she was bought from. What if she learned unsavory ways before entering our household and used vulgar techniques? Our Young Master is proper and honest – it would be terrible if his character were corrupted!”

Madam Guo immediately said, “That’s true. This maid’s background is unclear, and she arrived covered in injuries. Who knows what trouble she caused before, whether she was driven out by her previous masters for some misconduct? To speak frankly, though it’s presumptuous, with such looks, being driven from a grand household – who knows if she’s still pure or has picked up loose habits. There is always gossip that spreads rumors behind people’s backs. Young Master’s future official career requires an unblemished reputation, he can’t make even the slightest mistake. If nothing happens, that’s fine, but if someone utters the word ‘scandal,’ who knows how many opportunists will emerge to cause trouble? Our anxiety and worry would be the least of concerns – what about Young Master’s reputation?”

As Madam Guo spoke, Aunt Song nodded repeatedly.

Fang Si moved the soup closer to Aunt Song and asked softly, “Madam, what do you think about this matter…”

Aunt Song sighed, “Fortunately, I have you two to advise me, otherwise I wouldn’t have known the severity of this situation. However, when that maid was bought, your Elder Brother told me that he had chosen her for future elevation, that he knew her before and had wanted to acquire her from her previous master but hadn’t had the opportunity. When she fell victim to someone’s scheme, he took the chance to buy her. Her background is clean and well-known.”

Aunt Song’s words “chosen her for future elevation” struck Fang Si cold to the core. Aunt Song continued to Madam Guo, “You’ve watched your Elder Brother grow up, he’s always been sensible. He also told me he won’t add anyone to his household until after next year’s spring examinations. Having her by his side now is just for serving tea and water, and having someone to grind ink while he studies.”

Hearing this, Madam Guo exchanged a glance with Fang Si and smiled, “As long as Madam understands the situation. Look at us, mother and daughter being so loose-tongued, we deserve to be punished! We deserve it!”

Fang Si forced a smile, “Indeed! Especially me, I should be slapped for my loose tongue!” She gave herself two light slaps.

Aunt Song quickly grabbed Fang Si’s hand, smiling, “Child, what are you doing? I’m not blaming you, I’m grateful to you both. You mother and daughter always think of us, working day and night to maintain our reputation and dignity. Since the Master passed away, everyone has stabbed us in the back, taking advantage of us widows and orphans, but only you two have stayed loyally by our side, protecting us wholeheartedly. I’ve always thought I must never let you down.” Mentioning her husband, tears rolled down her cheeks.

Madam Guo and Fang Si quickly joined in tears. After a moment of silence, Madam Guo wiped her eyes and forced a smile, “How did we end up on such a sad topic? It’s all this little hussy Fang Si’s fault, making Madam cry again.”

Aunt Song patted Fang Si’s hand and smiled at Madam Guo, “With my protection, you can’t beat her.” Looking at Fang Si with affection, she said, “Our Elder Brother is unfortunate, unable to see your worth. But don’t worry, as long as I’m here, your future won’t be neglected.”

Fang Si pretended to be shy and lowered her head, but the grievance in her heart welled up, instantly bringing tears to her eyes.