Meanwhile, the Duke's Mansion sent someone over to Su Xiaoqi.
Upon hearing this, Su Xiaoqi was delighted, assuming it was the Old Madam sending her a managing嬷嬷.
Upon entering the inner courtyard, a servant woman dressed in a thick apricot-yellow robe and padded jacket came forward to greet her.
She introduced herself as Zhao and bowed to Su Xiaoqi.
Su Xiaoqi accepted the greeting. Considering she was sent by an elder, she proactively rose and addressed her as Madam Zhao.
"Miss Cousin is indeed amiable and approachable," Madam Zhao praised Su Xiaoqi with sincerity.
Su Xiaoqi observed her carefully, noting that she was around forty-something, with a slightly round face, clear eyes, and bright, spirited eyes – a very energetic middle-aged servant.
Su Xiaoqi was very pleased. She believed that given the Old Madam's character, she wouldn't casually send just anyone; she must have been carefully selected.
Su Xiaoqi then tentatively inquired about what Madam Zhao managed at the Duke's Mansion.
Madam Zhao clearly explained that she was originally in charge of personnel matters in the Old Madam's courtyard.
Su Xiaoqi felt a bit embarrassed.
"Madam, you are a person of great ability. To come from the Duke's Mansion to me is truly a demotion."
She felt it was a great pity for Madam Zhao, as if she had moved from a top-tier Fortune Global 500 company to her small, just-starting venture.
Moreover, she hadn't expected the Old Madam to be so generous.
If she were to give something, she gave such a capable person.
"Miss Cousin is too kind. This servant is but a subordinate; I do as my master says.
Besides, working anywhere is the same," Madam Zhao was not one for flowery words or the art of conversation.
In fact, she was very practical.
Su Xiaoqi knew that the Old Madam truly had her best interests at heart and had indeed selected Madam Zhao for her with great care.
She was very touched and said that as soon as her tools were in place, she would immediately go to the Duke's Mansion to treat the Old Madam.
When Madam Zhao was first designated by the Old Madam to be sent to the Shen family, she had her own slight reservations.
However, she naturally obeyed her master's words and didn't overthink it.
Furthermore, the Old Madam was very kind, saying that if she could train a successor here, she could choose whether to stay or leave.
If she returned, she would manage the same affairs as before.
Therefore, she came without any psychological burden.
"Madam, how about you stay in the east wing of the rear annex?" Su Xiaoqi suggested.
"Everything is as Miss Cousin arranges," Madam Zhao replied respectfully, lowering her head.
She was a very upright person and truly did as she said, acting according to her master's wishes.
Su Xiaoqi was very happy to find Madam Zhao so easy to get along with.
Her gratitude and respect for the Old Madam deepened.
Such a venerable elder was indeed worthy of her dedication of more time and energy.
She secretly told herself that she must cure the Old Madam's illness.
It didn't matter if it required using a few more spiritual herbs from her space.
After settling things, Shen Yun returned from the outer courtyard.
Su Xiaoqi informed him about Madam Zhao.
Shen Yun nodded and said that she had the final say on matters of the inner courtyard.
Su Xiaoqi was very pleased by Shen Yun's trust in her.
After a busy day, she was exhausted and ate dinner and bathed early to rest.
One night passed, and the next day was sunny. The spring breeze was gentle, and the warm sun shone, making one want to shed their thick clothing.
However, Madam Zhao, who was born and raised in the capital, stopped her.
"Miss, this is not advisable. The weather in the capital is deceptively warm. The sun may feel warm now, but if it disappears, it will become extremely cold, and it is prone to a late spring cold snap.
You must not take off your thick cotton-padded jacket. It is best to stay warm in spring and cool in autumn."
Madam Zhao's reasoning was sound, so Su Xiaoqi listened.
Indeed, although it looked warm in the sun, she didn't feel hot wearing her thick clothes.
Upon Madam Zhao's arrival, she immediately showcased her skills.
As it was agreed that Madam Zhao would directly manage this courtyard starting the next day, both the person and affairs were now under her purview.
She was also responsible for training the newly purchased staff.
And for teaching the rules of etiquette to all the servants in the courtyard.
Therefore, early in the morning, Madam Zhao requested to start with the daily routines of Su Xiaoqi and Shen Yun.
She was waiting at the door at a quarter past the hour of Mao (5:15 AM).
As soon as there was any movement of people getting up in the room, she immediately called Guo'er and Zhang Yu to go in together.
The other newly purchased young maids had already been instructed – fetching water, bringing towels, ordering breakfast from the kitchen…
Everyone had their own tasks to do; idleness was out of the question.
To ensure everyone's acceptance, Madam Zhao entered with Guo'er and Zhang Yu and personally attended to Shen Yun, who had woken up first.
However, he refused.
"Madam, you don't need to bother. I'm used to it myself."
Madam Zhao felt a little disappointed and looked at Su Xiaoqi.
She smiled and said, "Madam, why don't you help me? Husband can manage by himself."
This was the truth.
The clothing in this ancient era was truly intricate. Each piece seemed to have knots here and hidden fastenings there, making it troublesome.
Su Xiaoqi often complained while dressing.
Upon hearing this, Madam Zhao immediately stepped forward and efficiently helped Su Xiaoqi put on her clothes.
However, she saw that Shen Yun had already washed his face with water brought by a young maid.
Madam Zhao became anxious, wanting Shen Yun to wait for a maid to assist him.
Su Xiaoqi, however, stopped her and shook her head.
She felt that it was good for Shen Yun to be able to dress and wash himself without the help of others.
Moreover, she was starting to feel a desire to build a life with Shen Yun, and naturally, she didn't want to see other women getting too close to him.
Madam Zhao saw this and relented.
After all, she was sent by the Old Madam to serve her cousin, so she had to prioritize the young lady's wishes.
She didn't dwell on it and quickly and skillfully styled Su Xiaoqi's hair into a yuanbao (ingot) bun, inserting a cloisonné enamel bead hairpin, and fastened the jade pendant sent by the Old Madam to her pale yellow skirt.
"Miss, look, do you like it?" Madam Zhao placed a reflective mirror behind Su Xiaoqi, allowing her to see her overall appearance in the two mirrors.
Su Xiaoqi gazed intently.
The woman in the bronze mirror had fair skin, curved willow brows, starry eyes, a high and well-defined nose, and cherry lips that were naturally rosy.
Her dignified hairstyle was adorned with blue-green hairpins, complementing pearl earrings, giving her an elegant, refined, and extraordinary appearance, unconventional and beautiful in a unique way.
Su Xiaoqi blinked her eyes. Was this her?
At the same time, the beauty in the mirror blinked, appearing playful, cute, amorous, and stunning.
"Madam, your hands are so skillful," Su Xiaoqi exclaimed.
She looked even more beautiful today than she had at the flower appreciation banquet.
She had always known that the original owner's appearance had a very good foundation.
It was just that her skin was slightly darker before, and after she treated it with her remedies, it gradually became fairer.
Fairness concealed many imperfections, which was why she looked so beautiful now.
"It is Miss who is beautiful. This servant merely followed suit," Madam Zhao said. She then beckoned Guo'er forward and asked if she had learned the hairstyling technique.
Guo'er had received her instructions earlier and had been watching very attentively. Hearing the question, she nodded and said she had watched.
While speaking, she gestured with her hands.
Her eyes were half-closed, as if recalling.
"Yes, good. Your movements are good. You practice with the other young maids next time. Once you've mastered it, you can come and style Miss's hair."
Guo'er knew that Madam Zhao was guiding her and was overjoyed.
Su Xiaoqi was also happy for her, knowing that Guo'er had always been interested in hairstyling.
However, she didn't know the intricate hairstyles of this ancient era, nor could she find anyone who could style them well. The simple hairstyles she had previously managed were learned by Guo'er by secretly observing the maids of Madam Yu and Du Yiyi.
Soon, Su Xiaoqi was dressed. Su Xiaoqi took Madam Zhao's hand and asked her to go to the front courtyard to train the newly purchased people and those who were originally in the residence.
"Miss, please rest assured. The Duke's Mansion originally had a complete set of methods for training servants.
Results can be seen within three days. However, learning the rules is a bit troublesome and takes longer.
But for the inner quarters, a few pointers suffice, and they can learn gradually. However, those who serve Miss must have higher requirements."
Su Xiaoqi understood that the beginning was always the hardest, but fortunately, she had the very capable Madam Zhao.
Su Xiaoqi naturally let her make arrangements.
She herself sat down to read medical books. Just then, Shen Yun entered, holding a letter.
Su Xiaoqi saw him from the window.
Seeing him enter, she quickly went to greet him.
Shen Yun saw Su Xiaoqi, his pupils contracted, and he stared in a daze.
This, this was Xiaoqi, his wife?