Early the next morning, the usually desolate paths near Qiu Tong Courtyard—where even the cleaning servants and maids were nowhere to be seen—suddenly became crowded with people.
“How many do you think will come?”
“No more than ten…”
“Oh dear, I only bet on four…”
The women gathered together, chattering and laughing while keeping an eye on Qiu Tong Courtyard.
“Look, Nanny Su is actually the first to arrive…”
“Speaking of which, it makes sense she’d come. Originally, the Old Marchioness had the Young Madam manage the household…”
“That was back then. Now, hmph…”
This was the first time witnessing such a confrontation between those in charge. Previously, the Old Marchioness held absolute power, then the Marchioness dominated everything. Although Concubine Zhou had been aggressive and eager to try at first, her status and position ultimately prevented her from stirring up major trouble. But now things were different. The Young Madam had both justification and qualifications. This drama might actually unfold properly. However, considering the Great Young Madam’s background and origins, and most importantly, the Prince’s attitude of three years of complete indifference toward this daughter-in-law, everyone felt confident this drama wouldn’t last more than a few days before coming to an end. The betting odds fluctuated accordingly.
Those watching from outside felt both nervous and somewhat thrilled, while those inside Qiu Tong Courtyard weren’t faring much better.
“Which hairpin should I use after all?” A’Ru said anxiously.
Before her lay various colorful jewelry pieces arranged in rows.
“Where’s that gold chain pendant I selected earlier?” A’Ru reached out, rummaging through them while calling out.
Qi Yue was arranging her clothes before the mirror—a jacket embroidered with intertwining peony branches, exquisitely beautiful. She admired it with clicks of appreciation, once again marveling at how genuinely fond the Old Marchioness had been of this Qi Yueniang. Hearing A’Ru’s frantic state, she smiled and walked over.
“Look here, look here,” she said with a smile, pointing to her own head.
Only then did A’Ru notice the phoenix-wing gold chain pendant Qi Yue wore, and she smiled with some embarrassment.
“I’m truly useless now. I’m too embarrassed to say I also came from the Old Madam’s quarters, yet now I can’t even handle appearing in public or facing such situations…” she said with lowered head.
“I’m not even afraid, so why are you panicking? It shows how concern leads to confusion,” Qi Yue said with a laugh, while peering out the window.
The main gate of Qiu Tong Courtyard was already wide open.
A’Hao suddenly appeared at the window, startling Qi Yue.
“Why are you out here again! You just had surgery—that damages your vital energy. Go back quickly,” Qi Yue said sternly.
“I’m useless. Besides causing trouble for Young Madam, I can’t help with anything. At such a crucial time, I can’t even do my hair,” A’Hao cried.
Qi Yue didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, quickly going out with A’Ru.
“Are you saying I’m bad at doing hair?” A’Ru said, reaching out to support her. “Why won’t you listen? Being obedient would be the greatest help to Young Madam.”
This only made things worse. A’Hao immediately thought of how everything stemmed from her own rash decision to be deceived and taken away, causing this whole mess. She cried even harder.
“If Young Madam hadn’t tried to defend me, how would she have ended up provoking the Marchioness…” she sobbed.
A’Ru was both angry and amused, gently tapping her head.
“How presumptuous of you to think it was to defend you,” she said.
“What’s wrong here?” Nanny Su’s voice came from outside. The three quickly looked over to see her stepping in, followed by several women.
“She’s never suffered hardship, so her bottom hurts and she’s crying,” Qi Yue said with a laugh.
Actually, upon entering, everyone’s gaze unconsciously fell on A’Hao. This girl, who in everyone’s eyes was destined to become a ghost, now stood before them perfectly fine. Though her complexion was somewhat weak and her posture slightly hunched, she was alive and vibrant, without a trace of death about her.
How was this possible… or rather, did Qiu Tong Courtyard truly have divine assistance?
“The nannies have arrived,” A’Hao said, wiping her tears. “I’ll go inside now.”
Nanny Su and the others snapped back to attention, hurriedly responding with smiles. As if to further confirm their suspicions, A’Hao actually didn’t need help—she swayed unsteadily but supported herself against the wall.
Qi Yue and A’Ru quickly stepped forward to support her, not allowing her to struggle anymore as A’Ru helped her into the room.
“Nanny Su, is everyone here?” Qi Yue finally said with a smile, interrupting the women’s dazed staring at A’Hao.
“Well…” Nanny Su looked back. “A few still have some tasks to finish and are delayed, so they haven’t come yet.”
Qi Yue acknowledged this, and A’Ru brought out a chair from the room.
“That’s fine. We’ll wait then,” she said, sitting down with a smile.
Nanny Su and the others were stunned.
“Young Madam doesn’t know—these few women aren’t that important. Besides, we have Nanny Su here. Whatever instructions you have, just tell Nanny Su, and she certainly won’t delay Young Madam’s affairs…” one woman said with a smile.
Qi Yue just smiled.
“Yes, actually there’s nothing urgent today. Since I haven’t been out for many years, and because of my illness I’ve forgotten some things, I see all the nannies’ faces are quite unfamiliar. So I called everyone here for us to get to know each other, to avoid not recognizing anyone later and causing misunderstandings,” she said.
Nanny Su and the others smiled and said in unison how could that be, how could they not recognize Young Madam.
“Then I’ll trouble Nanny Su and all the other nannies to tell those who didn’t come that from now on, they need to recognize this token as mine,” Qi Yue said, extending her hand.
A’Ru, standing at her side, immediately displayed the token in her hand for everyone to see.
Nanny Su and the others responded with scattered acknowledgments. Qi Yue paid no mind, having each person introduce themselves and explain what they managed, then asked Nanny Su to bring the household registry before dismissing the others.
“I thought it would be something impressive,” everyone said in low voices after leaving. “See? What could someone so young possibly understand? If I’d known, I wouldn’t have come. What a waste of getting up early.”
Nanny Su remained behind, waiting for someone to bring the household registry.
“…Will Young Madam continue living in this courtyard, or…” Nanny Su asked.
Should Young Madam live together with the Young Master? Qi Yue’s hand paused. Well, fighting enemies on two fronts would be somewhat disadvantageous. Better to deal with this one first…
“No, I’ve just recovered, and I’m just taking over household matters. It’s all busy and chaotic. The Prince finally came home—I shouldn’t disturb his peace. I’ll wait until things settle down before changing locations,” Qi Yue said with a smile.
After a while, maybe she could return home. This was her private plan as she smiled.
Indeed, she still didn’t dare provoke the Prince. She only dared use the former Old Marchioness’s orders to make a scene before the Marchioness. Before the Prince, given his temperament, he’d kick her out with one foot…
Hiding provided temporary safety, but don’t forget—you can manage household affairs because you’re the Young Madam. Being called Young Madam depends on the Prince. A wife who doesn’t receive her husband’s favor, who he won’t even look at—that’s fine for a day or two, but over time, who would still treat you as human?
It seems this won’t last more than a few days. Once these few days of drama end, it’ll be time for you, Great Young Madam, to get lost. Nanny Su’s face also showed a smile.
Both sides had their satisfactory expectations. They looked at each other and smiled contentedly, and the atmosphere immediately became lively.
“Let’s not talk about other things first. First, assign me a few maids and servants,” Qi Yue said.
Nanny Su smiled in acknowledgment.
“Young Madam should have four second-class maids. Currently there’s only A’Hao, so we need to add three more. Would you like to call back those from before?” Nanny Su asked.
“How could that work? Others are already using them comfortably—how could I take away their helpers?” Qi Yue shook her head, looking somewhat dissatisfied with Nanny Su.
Nanny Su quickly agreed, saying this old servant was confused.
“Then let’s select from the younger ones. I’ll choose the candidates and let Young Madam decide,” she said.
Qi Yue nodded.
“Let’s stop here for today. I’ll sort things out first,” she said.
Nanny Su acknowledged and withdrew.
The news of promoting three second-class maids excited everyone in the entire mansion. After all, the status and monthly wages of second-class maids were significantly higher—such opportunities didn’t come every year. But when they heard it was for the Great Young Madam’s selection, everyone avoided it like the plague. It was said that upon learning their daughters’ names were on the list, parents secretly sent gifts to Nanny Su, begging to have their daughters’ names removed. Previously, people had fought desperately for promotions, using every means to send money and gifts through connections, but unexpectedly there came a day when they did the same things to avoid promotion. This became the talk of Marquis Dingxi’s mansion, and naturally, no one stopped such gossip—rather, they were happy to let it spread.
It was said that the latest popular insult in the mansion was: “You’re being selected as a second-class maid.”