High-class maid

“Since Mother has already made up her mind, then everything will proceed as you wish. It’s all my fault for being incompetent, which has led you to reduce the number of servants in the courtyard.” After saying this, Madam Liu stood up to bow and apologize.

"Alright, sit down quickly. You have so many things to do every day, how can we blame you?" The old lady waved her hand, signaling Danxue to help Liu Shi to a chair.

"Why not wait until Yi'an is married and after the New Year before sending them away? It's almost the end of the year, which is the time when we need maids. Mother, why don't you be patient for a while longer?" Liu advised.

The old lady nodded and said, "What you said makes sense. Once it's the twelfth lunar month, people will come to report and pay their respects. It wouldn't look good if there were too few maids. So let's do as you say."

Seeing that the message had been delivered and the matter had been resolved, Liu left with Xiao Yi'an, completely satisfied.

The next day, Shen Xing'er, who had just finished her job, was preparing to get hot water to wash up and go to bed when Danxue came to her room.

"Sister Danxue, what brings you here? Is there something you need?" Shen Xing'er asked.

"Put your work aside for now, I have something to tell you," Danxue said with a smile.

Shen Xing'er put the washbasin on the ground, sat down opposite Danxue, and said, "Sister, please tell me, what brings you here in person?"

"Tomorrow is a joyous occasion in our household; the young master is getting engaged. The old lady wants you and Jinglin to go as well, just to broaden your horizons," Danxue said, quietly observing Shen Xing'er's reaction.

"Me? But there are so many maids in the courtyard who are older than me. Is it appropriate for me to go?" Shen Xing'er pointed to herself in surprise, then thought of the other older sisters. How could it be her turn?

“It’s precisely because you’re young that we’re letting you go out and broaden your horizons. Shan Tao is too impulsive, so the old lady and I discussed having you go with Jing Lin.”

"Yes, thank you for your kindness, Grandma and Sister Danxue. I will definitely observe more, listen more, and speak less tomorrow, and I will absolutely not bring shame to our Minister's Mansion!" Shen Xing'er promised.

If she were to refuse again, it would seem like she was being ungrateful. Since she couldn't leave the manor anyway, she might as well consider it an opportunity to broaden her horizons.

"You don't need to be too nervous. Your mother will be going with the First Madam tomorrow. If you have any questions, just ask your mother. If she's busy, then listen to Jinglin's instructions. After all, she's older than you," Danxue instructed.

"Thank you for your kindness, Sister Danxue. I understand." Shen Xing'er smiled at Danxue and thanked her for her kindness.

"Then go get some hot water to wash up. After you're done, come to my place and get a new set of clothes. Wear them tomorrow." After saying that, Danxue went back to her room.

Shen Xing'er thought to herself, "They really are a wealthy family. Even the maids have to wear new clothes. That makes sense. Tomorrow, there will not only be people from the Ministry of Rites and Yongchang Prefecture, but also officials who are on good terms with the two prefectures. They should dress up nicely."

The next day, before dawn, the maids and servants in the main house had already gotten up one after another. Some were moving things, others were counting gifts; everyone was busy, yet there wasn't a sound in the courtyard. One couldn't help but admire their orderly and efficient work.

Shen Xing'er and Jing Lin, who were in the old lady's courtyard, were also dressed. At Fan Xue's signal, they went directly to the main house courtyard.

"Mother, what should I do?" It's so good to have my own mother. Shen Xing'er took Jinglin directly to find Wang Shi.

Seeing her daughter dressed in the same new clothes as them, Madam Wang guessed that her masters had sent her. Without asking further questions, she immediately assigned her daughter an easy task.

"You two have come at the right time. Follow me." Madam Wang led the two of them directly to Banxin.

"Half-hearted girls, the old lady instructed these two to come and broaden their horizons. I thought it best to have them carry a box," Wang said with a smile.

"Don't worry, Granny Wang, Xing'er. Hold this box carefully; it contains a love knot." After saying that, she leaned close to Xing'er's ear and whispered, "This box is the lightest, so just hold it with peace of mind." Then she winked at her.

"Jinglin, hold this. There's a sachet inside, it's not too heavy." After saying that, she pointed to the box on the other side.

Seeing that her daughter was settled, Madam Wang smiled at Banxin and said, "Good Banxin, thank you so much. If this girl does anything wrong, please help to remind her."

"Granny Wang, do I need you to tell me about our relationship? Go on with your work." Banxin smiled and nudged Wang Shi, who didn't say anything more, and turned to go about her business.

When Madam Liu finished dressing and came out of the room, this was the scene she saw.

Twelve maids stood quietly in the courtyard, each carrying a box. Three capable matrons carried three long boxes, which, needless to say, contained the betrothal letter, the gift book, and the wedding invitation.

There were also twelve servants carrying six large chests filled with various fabrics, porcelain, pastries, and so on.

Liu nodded in satisfaction and said to Banxin and Wang, who were standing next to her, "You are very kind. I will reward you properly after the engagement ceremony is completed."

“Madam, there’s no need to be so polite. This is what we servants should do,” Wang Shi said hurriedly, bowing her head.

"Today is a major event in our young master's life. I appreciate it if you all have made this trip. If you do a good job, I will reward you afterward. But if any of you are foolish enough to cause me trouble on this auspicious day and disgrace our Minister's Mansion, then I will not let you off easily!"

The First Madam used both kindness and severity to her advantage. After speaking, she led the way out.

When she arrived at the front yard, she saw two stewards beside the master carrying a large cage containing a pair of geese. Meanwhile, the protagonist of the day, Xiao Yi'an, sat on his horse, looking very proud, and greeted his mother with a smile.

With a command from Master Xiao Jiuchuan, the entire Shangshu Mansion set off for Yongchang Prefecture in a grand procession.

After watching the lively procession disappear into the distance, Qianying emerged from behind the artificial hill. Reluctantly, she returned to her small courtyard. Unlike the joyous atmosphere outside the mansion, her courtyard was desolate and wretched.

She closed her eyes, recalling the scene just now. Those six boxes were enough to buy her life! And this was only the engagement; if it were the wedding, wouldn't there be more than a dozen boxes to carry the betrothal gifts? And that screen was bigger than her small bed, and the twelve gifts—the boxes for the gifts were all so exquisite. Qianying thought bitterly, and tears involuntarily streamed down her face…

Shen Xing'er followed the main group, slowly walking towards Yongchang Prefecture. Following the lady's instructions, everyone wore a smile. Shen Xing'er felt her mouth was getting sore and her hands were almost numb.