The three sisters handled their first assignments commendably. Qi Mingzhu and Li Nuan performed by the book, leaving little room for criticism. Qi Zhenzhen, however, exceeded the Old Madam's wildest expectations. Afterward, the Old Madam summoned Steward Sun to inquire about the details. Steward Sun neither praised nor disparaged, but recounted the events truthfully, his words undeniably tinged with admiration.
The disparity was clear. The Old Madam was immensely pleased with Qi Zhenzhen. If she were a legitimate daughter, so perceptive and capable, how many families would vie for her hand?
A pity.
But one could not choose their birth. Pity was useless.
Household management involved many aspects, such as interactions between the two estates, various banquets, and family dinners. The Old Madam personally guided the three sisters. Qi Zhenzhen and Li Nuan conducted themselves with propriety and were praiseworthy. Only Qi Mingzhu, the Old Madam found rather troublesome. She was undoubtedly intelligent, but in her interactions with others, there was always something lacking.
As a young lady, she was outstanding.
As a wife, setting aside her aloofness, her pickiness in social dealings was problematic. She would haughtily dismiss those of lower status, acting as if associating with them would diminish her own standing, which was enough to earn disapproval. Fortunately, there were few people from the Lu family present to witness Qi Mingzhu's demeanor. Otherwise, the Lu family might have had to reconsider.
"Mingzhu, although Lady Wang, the wife of Vice Minister Wang, is a woman from the countryside, she handles matters with great order. Four years ago, when a group of refugees arrived in the capital, it was she who organized the noble ladies to comfort them, preventing any serious consequences. Even His Majesty personally praised her character. What kind of behavior is it to turn away someone with a stern face and an unapproachable air?" the Old Madam asked sternly.
Qi Mingzhu was dismissive, "She is merely a Vice Minister's wife..."
Her disdain was evident; she clearly did not take it seriously. Qi Mingzhu genuinely did not believe she had done anything wrong. She had often accompanied Madam Xiao Qin to various banquets, and Madam Xiao Qin had always looked down on this Vice Minister's wife. Indeed, many noble ladies disdained the Vice Minister's wife. A country woman, even with wealth, could not shed her rustic origins.
"Merely a Vice Minister's wife?" the Old Madam scoffed. "What right do you have to look down on people? Although her background is humble, she is a person of great integrity. When Vice Minister Wang was traveling to the capital for his imperial examination, he encountered difficulties. He missed the examination and felt too ashamed to face his family, so he did not return. It was Vice Minister Wang's wife alone who supported his parents, cared for the elders, arranged her brother-in-law's marriage, and prepared her sister-in-law's dowry. In all the surrounding villages, who did not praise her? Such a loyal and righteous person, and you, a sheltered young lady relying on your family's legacy, why do you look down on her?"
"You are now betrothed to the Lu family. Young Master Lu will be the head of the Lu family in the future. The Lu family will not only have noble relatives but also poor ones. As the mistress of the household, you will inevitably have to receive clan relatives who seek help. If you maintain this attitude, what will become of the Lu family's century-old reputation?"
"So inflexible and so arrogant. I think I should inform your father and mother early on and break off this engagement."
After saying this, the Old Madam turned her head away with a cold expression, refusing to look at Qi Mingzhu.
Qi Mingzhu's expression shifted, becoming extremely unsightly. Her resentment grew.
Qi Zhenzhen and Li Nuan lowered their heads, trying to minimize their presence.
In such a situation, it was not appropriate for them to remain. It was like inviting animosity.
"In Grandmother's eyes, your granddaughter is completely worthless? That's why Grandmother looks down on me so?" Qi Mingzhu asked, gritting her teeth and trembling slightly.
"Your mother only taught you music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and how a young lady of good breeding should behave. Did she ever teach you anything about how to conduct yourself? Your mother, relying on her high status and her origin from a princely manor, has indeed been lacking in some aspects. This is my oversight. If I had known earlier, I would have brought you to raise by my side when you were young."
Qi Mingzhu's face turned pale with anger. Not only was she criticized for everything, but her mother was also brought into it. One was the legitimate wife of a marquis's mansion, and the other was a legitimate daughter of the marquis's mansion, yet they were treated with such disdain, especially in front of a concubine's daughter and an outsider. It was as if their dignity and reputation were being trampled upon.
"Mama Fang, escort the eldest young lady to Jinghua Courtyard. Also, inform Madam that household matters will be taught by Madam herself. Furthermore, convey the matter of Lady Wang to Madam and ask her to judge whether the eldest young lady is right or wrong," the Old Madam said coldly. "Also, invite the Marquis over. I need to discuss the engagement between the eldest young lady and the Lu family with him."
Mama Fang took her orders and escorted Qi Mingzhu away.
Qi Mingzhu had no choice but to follow.
Qi Zhenzhen and Li Nuan exchanged glances. They stepped forward together, one massaging the Old Madam's shoulders, the other her back.
"Grandmother, please don't be angry. Eldest sister is just a bit too proud..." Qi Zhenzhen began.
"Which of those noble ladies outside is not proud? But is pride displayed on the face? It resides in the heart! Maintaining good relations between families, besides the men's political views in court, is even more important through the private communication and interaction of the women! She is the legitimate daughter of the marquis's mansion, representing the marquis's reputation. As a junior, ignoring an elder, how would others perceive it? It could lead to misunderstandings, implying your father looks down on Vice Minister Wang, and secondly, it does her no good for her reputation. Such simple logic, which you and Nuan understand, but she doesn't, is truly..."
The Old Madam sighed heavily, full of helplessness.
"Eldest sister must have not thought of it for a moment..." Li Nuan also said softly. "After this, she will understand the key points and will not make such a mistake again."
"Many things do not offer a chance for amends," the Old Madam said helplessly. "Vice Minister Wang dotes on his wife the most. If even a hint of what happened at the banquet reaches his ears, it could cause trouble. Alright, you two are tired today, go back and rest."
The Old Madam dismissed them.
Seeing the Old Madam's weary expression, Qi Zhenzhen and Li Nuan did not dare to linger and left Chaohui Hall together.
Meanwhile, Mama Fang went to Jinghua Courtyard. After a while, she finally saw Madam Xiao Qin, who looked frail.
After Mama Fang paid her respects to Madam Xiao Qin, she relayed all the Old Madam's instructions. Without waiting for Madam Xiao Qin to respond, she took her leave, as she still had to go to the front courtyard to invite the Marquis to speak with the Old Madam.
"Just a servant, acting like a senior? What an attitude." As soon as the person left, Madam Xiao Qin's frail appearance vanished, and she muttered discontentedly.
"Mother, Grandmother clearly looks down on you and me. Her eyes are only on that concubine's daughter now!" Qi Mingzhu, filled with resentment, couldn't help but pour out her grievances upon seeing Madam Xiao Qin.