Xu Miaoniang’s wronged expression tugged at the Old Madam’s heartstrings. Her face darkened, “Granny Gu, what do you mean? Why? Are you so wary of Miaoniang, afraid the things she gives are poisoned? Have you been in the palace too long, seeing enemies everywhere? It’s money in a pouch, who would poison money? As for this tea, I drank a few cups just now, and I’m perfectly fine, aren’t I?”
Granny Gu did not yield to the Old Madam’s attitude and repeated, “This old servant has never liked drinking tea; the Old Madam knows this.”
“Disliking it and being unable to are two different things. What? Do you think that by following A’le and gaining some favor, you no longer put this old woman in your eyes?” The Old Madam’s voice rose, her expression displeased.
Granny Gu immediately knelt, “This old servant previously served by the Old Madam’s side. Later, when the young lady was born, I followed the young lady. In this old servant’s heart, both the Old Madam and the young lady are of utmost importance. Although this old servant now follows the young lady, in my heart, the Old Madam is still the master. In this case, how could this old servant dare not put you in her eyes? Your words truly insult this old servant.”
Granny Gu spoke with sincere words, her head bowed to the ground as she said this.
The Old Madam knew in her heart that she was speaking the truth, but for some reason, seeing Xu Miaoniang’s wronged appearance, her temper flared.
“Don’t bother professing loyalty. Either accept what Miaoniang has given you, or drink this tea. Miaoniang is valued by me and will be by my side from now on. If you don’t put her in your eyes like this, how will she conduct herself in the future?” the Old Madam added.
Granny Gu simply stopped speaking, remaining prostrate on the ground, her head not raised, frozen in place.
Granny Gu harbored many suspicions. If the Old Madam had no children or grandchildren, it would be understandable for her to be concerned about such an orphan. But she had both children and grandchildren, so why was she so fond of this orphan? Something unusual was afoot. Although she hadn’t seen any clear signs, Granny Gu was already certain that this orphan possessed extraordinary methods.
She would have to speak with the Consort properly upon returning. This Xu Miaoniang needed thorough investigation.
Finally, the palace maids waiting outside grew impatient. There were rules in the palace regarding the duration of outings; one couldn’t stay as long as they pleased.
Thus, Granny Gu naturally didn’t need to remain in this stalemate.
“Old Madam, this old servant must return to the palace to report. I will accept the household’s kindness next time I visit. Please take good care of your health, Old Madam. I will inform the Consort of the Old Madam’s current condition in detail upon my return.” As she said this, Granny Gu looked meaningfully at Xu Miaoniang.
Granny Gu had spent over a decade in the palace, experienced much, and managed the affairs of an entire palace. Her imposing aura had long been honed. While she had suppressed it before, now that she released it, Xu Miaoniang felt extremely uncomfortable, as if Granny Gu had seen through something. Once this thought arose, she suppressed it herself. How could that be? Her methods were not something ordinary people could understand. Even those who knew of her methods, if not proficient, could not discern the specifics.
Thinking this, Xu Miaoniang felt reassured. She smiled and said, “Granny, please return with peace of mind. I will take care of Grandmother here. Please convey to the Consort that she need not worry about Grandmother.”
“Then I shall trouble Miss Xu.”
After returning from the Duke Huguo’s mansion, Granny Gu recounted the Old Madam’s unusual behavior to Consort An. Consort An’s brows furrowed, clearly puzzled. She understood her mother’s character not perfectly, but at least eight parts. Now, it seemed she didn’t even understand five parts, let alone eight.