"Speaking of which, the eldest young master is stationed in Cloud City. Unless there's a special reason, he's supposed to report at the end of the year before returning to the imperial capital. However, the general has leave next month, so he should be coming back to the manor," Granny Xu reminded the old madam discreetly. The eldest young lady could have her own matters, but she absolutely could not be involved with the old madam in any way, otherwise, it would be difficult to explain to the general and the eldest young master.
The old madam's expression softened immediately. "He should be returning. The general only returns to the manor once every two months. If we miss him, the next leave will be two months later. I wonder if my eldest grandson has grown taller, if he's gotten stronger, if he's eating well and sleeping well in Cloud City."
The old madam's tone was full of pride, indicating she was extremely fond of this legitimate grandson.
"The eldest young master must be valiant and heroic. The families proposing marriage have nearly worn down the threshold of the general's manor!"
"Speaking of which, Luo'er should have married long ago. When he returns to the imperial capital at the end of the year, I will definitely make sure he gets married before allowing him to return to Cloud City. I need to think carefully and choose a good match for him."
After having breakfast, Xiao Man took some time to visit the Fourth Young Lady, Xiao Ting.
Xiao Ting had been poisoned. Although the poison was neutralized, her face was still pale. Beside her, Concubine Lin, who was putting on a show, occasionally wiped her eyes, heartbroken that her daughter had suffered so much.
Perhaps it was because Concubine Lin came from a less reputable background, but her every move exuded an indescribable charm. Even her sorrowful gestures seemed particularly pitiable, no wonder she had managed to get her father to bring her back to the manor as an exception.
"Concubine, please don't worry too much. Fourth Sister's poison has been resolved. All she needs now is a good rest," Xiao Man comforted Concubine Lin.
Concubine Lin clasped Xiao Man's hand. "I don't know who could be so heartless to treat my Ting'er this way. Eldest Young Lady, you must also be careful. Pay attention to your food and drink, and don't fall into any traps."
"Thank you for your reminder, Concubine," Xiao Man said calmly. This Concubine Lin was truly adept at maneuvering. Just two days ago, she had slandered her for having an illicit affair, and today she appeared to be genuinely concerned for her well-being. Even Xiao Man almost believed that their relationship was very good.
"You and Ting'er have always been close. I was too anxious then. When I heard you only ate something, I suspected you. It was my fault. Concubine apologizes to you here." Concubine Lin, always able to bend and stretch, appeared extremely sincere in her apology to others.
"Eldest Sister, Concubine didn't mean it. Please forgive Concubine," Xiao Ting said, holding Xiao Man's hand and pouting playfully. "Eldest Sister."
"When has your Eldest Sister ever held a grudge against your Concubine?" Xiao Man pinched her cheek. "Look how pale your little face is. Get well soon, or Grandmother will worry, and I will worry too."
"I knew Eldest Sister worried about me."
"Eldest Young Lady, please don't blame me for what happened the past few days. After all, those words weren't originally mine. I was just helping someone else say them," Concubine Lin said, sitting by the bed and feeding the Fourth Young Lady preserved fruit to remove the taste of medicine from her mouth.
Xiao Man's gaze shifted slightly. Knowing Concubine Lin was referring to the incident of being caught in the act, her expression remained unchanged. "Why bring up the past? It doesn't matter since I'm fine."
"Eldest Young Lady is indeed magnanimous," Concubine Lin said with a smile. "I heard that Madam is going to invite Granny Sheng to be Eldest Young Lady's governess. Do you know about this, Eldest Young Lady?"
"Oh? Mother is actually going to invite Granny Sheng to be my governess?" Xiao Man feigned ignorance. "I know Granny Sheng is very famous in the imperial capital. If I can receive her tutelage, it would be my honor."
A flicker of disdain flashed in Concubine Lin's eyes. The Madam is devising ways to deal with you, yet you still act so grateful. You are truly hopelessly foolish. In this manor, who is truly sincere towards her?
"Indeed, Eldest Young Lady is, after all, the legitimate eldest daughter, and she's of marriageable age. It's only natural to hire a governess. However, I heard that Granny Sheng is extremely strict; she even disciplines princes and princesses. If Madam truly invites Granny Sheng, Eldest Young Lady must not come into conflict with her."
Xiao Man smiled. She suspected that everyone in the manor wished she would clash with Granny Sheng.
They knew she had a willful temper, yet they chose the most renowned and strictest governess in the imperial capital. Even if her father were present, he couldn't find any fault.
If Granny Sheng were to deliberately make things difficult for her, and she lost her temper and struck Granny Sheng, the Prince of Qin would likely not let it go. At that time, who could stop the Prince of Qin from punishing her?
"How could that be? I heard Granny Sheng is difficult to invite. If Mother manages to invite Granny Sheng, she must have put in countless efforts. How could I waste Mother's good intentions? Concubine, rest assured, I will not come into conflict with the governess." Xiao Man rubbed Xiao Ting's head. "Speaking of which, Fourth Sister is already ten years old. If Mother really invites Granny Sheng, why don't Concubine let Fourth Sister learn etiquette and rules with me? I heard that the young ladies taught by Granny Sheng are all among the most accomplished young ladies in the imperial capital, with endless suitors."
Concubine Lin also began to consider it upon hearing this.
After all, Granny Sheng's reputation was established. If Madam truly invited her, it would be beneficial for Fourth Young Lady to study under her.
"This matter will likely require the old madam's approval."
"What difficulty is there?" Xiao Man said slowly. "Grandmother has always doted on Fourth Sister. If Concubine pleads with Grandmother, she will surely not refuse. Moreover, this is for the good of the young ladies in the manor."
Concubine Lin's thoughts became active, and she had a plan. Although Fourth Young Lady was still young, it was necessary to make plans early. Moreover, considering her background and Fourth Young Lady being a concubine's daughter, receiving instruction from Granny Sheng would be a good thing for Fourth Young Lady.
"We can discuss this after Ting'er's health improves."
"The old madam has returned." The steward hurried to greet the old madam upon seeing her return.
The old madam appeared weary. A trip to the Prince of Qin's manor had nearly exhausted her. The Prince of Qin's cold, distant demeanor had made her feel uneasy.
"Where is Eldest Daughter?"
"Eldest Young Lady is in Fourth Young Lady's courtyard. She should be playing with Fourth Young Lady now."
"Tell her to come to the main courtyard to see me," the old madam ordered, then instructed Granny Xu to call two maids to carry the old madam back to the main courtyard in a small bamboo sedan chair.
When the steward came to deliver the message, Xiao Man was playing with Xiao Ting.
The two sisters were having a very happy time. When the steward came to summon her, Xiao Ting still looked reluctant to let her go.
"Perfect timing, I haven't paid my respects to the old madam today. I'll accompany Eldest Young Lady to the main courtyard and pay my respects to the old madam," Concubine Lin said, standing up and tucking in Xiao Ting's quilt. "You rest well, Concubine will be back soon."
"Okay." Xiao Ting's smile remained innocent. "Eldest Sister, you must remember to visit me often."
"Okay."
Xiao Man stood up, and Concubine Lin quickly followed. They walked side by side towards the main courtyard.