Feixu’s sharp eyes missed nothing of Liu Ye’er’s furtive glances. Before becoming a maid, her own family had servants, so she was no stranger to the machinations within noble households. After her family’s decline and her subsequent life as a maid, she had witnessed even more such dealings. It was clear Liu Ye’er harbored improper desires.
Judging by the Madam’s warm demeanor towards her, it was evident she had not noticed Liu Ye’er’s intentions.
It seemed Liu Ye’er, knowing Madam Mingyue’s humble origins, believed her own status and appearance were comparable, and that whatever Madam Mingyue could possess, she too could attain.
“Madam, while I may not know how to make braised pork, I am skilled at other dishes. The young master’s wife sent me to the kitchen, surely wanting me to showcase my talents. Liu Ye’er, would you mind lending me a hand?” Feixu asked with a smile.
As she spoke, she naturally nudged Liu Ye’er aside and began preparing the ingredients with practiced ease.
“I am the Zhang family’s cook. I know the tastes of everyone in the household. Is it appropriate for you to act this way?” Liu Ye’er asked, a little taken aback and displeased.
“Tastes aren’t set in stone, are they? Isn’t it nice to try something different occasionally?” Feixu replied with a smile.
“Brother Zhang enjoys braised pork ribs; he eats them every noon. He says my braised pork ribs are the most flavorful, and he instructed me to make them daily,” Liu Ye’er retorted.
“Braised pork ribs, how coincidental, I know how to make them too. Madam, perhaps I could show you my skills, and let Lord Zhang also taste them, to see whose braised pork ribs are better, mine or Liu Ye’er’s. If mine are better, I’ll write down the recipe for you when I leave.”
“Yes, yes, yes, you make it,” Madam Yu said.
Feixu worked quickly and efficiently, earning continuous praise from Madam Yu.
“No wonder people say it’s better to marry a lady’s maid. They speak properly, they work well, and most importantly, they are knowledgeable. If I had a son, I would certainly find him a match like Feixu.”
Liu Ye’er, feeling wronged, bristled at Madam Yu’s words, her displeasure reaching its peak. “Auntie, what you say isn’t quite right. Which reputable family would willingly marry a maid to their son? Wouldn’t that bring shame upon the family, causing people to gossip? In my opinion, it’s best to have a clean background.”
Feixu smiled and remained silent, but Madam Yu felt a pang of discomfort. Who would choose to be a servant if they had a choice?
“Liu Ye’er, what you said isn’t very considerate,” Madam Yu said sternly. “Xiao Niu was initially a personal attendant to the young master, and he also signed a deed of indenture.”
“Auntie, I don’t mean to look down on Brother Zhang. This, this just proves Brother Zhang’s capabilities, doesn’t it? From attendant to a hundred-household officer!” Liu Ye’er quickly explained.
“Therefore, how can you be so sure that Feixu won’t have other fortunes in the future? You look down on Feixu for being a maid and speak with such sarcasm. If Feixu prospers in the future, your words today would be an offense to a noble person,” Madam Yu lectured.
Liu Ye’er felt awkward and indignant, but dared not show it outwardly, diligently continuing with her tasks. Brother Zhang had no parents, so Madam Yu, as his mother-in-law, became the elder in the household. Brother Zhang showed her great respect, and she needed to win her over. This way, if she and Brother Zhang eventually became a couple, Madam Yu might not obstruct them as much.
After much bustling, all the dishes were prepared, and Madam Yu began arranging the table.
The Zhang family, being of humble, rural origins, naturally had no custom of men and women dining separately. Various dishes filled the table, and with a gesture, everyone sat together.
Gu Sinian naturally sat beside Qi Zhenzhen, patiently placing a piece of dried bean curd from the braised pork into her bowl.
Qi Zhenzhen took a large bite, a look of satisfaction on her face. “Auntie, this is the taste I’ve been craving.”
Madam Yu beamed. “Eat more if you like it. There’s still some in the pot!”
Upon hearing Madam Yu’s words, Liu Ye’er immediately spoke up, “Auntie, I’ll go and serve a bowl to the young master’s wife right away.”
While Madam Yu was still processing this, Liu Ye’er had already scurried off towards the kitchen.
“Oh, the meal is served, why is Liu Ye’er still here?” Madam Yu asked in surprise.