High-class maid

After the two young ladies entered the inner courtyard, a maid immediately came to lead the way.

"This servant, Xiaoxi, greets the eldest and second young ladies. Our matriarch is in her room. Please follow me."

This little maid had never seen them before, yet she could tell which one was the eldest young lady and which one was the second young lady, showing that she had done her homework.

The maid led them past a rockery and two gates, finally arriving at the old lady's courtyard. The two young ladies each went inside with a personal maid, while Shen Xing'er tactfully waited at the door.

"This junior, along with my younger sister, pays our respects to the old lady, wishing her good health and longevity. This is a small gift from the junior, and we hope you will not find it offensive."

Xiao Luosheng bowed gracefully, and the nanny behind her presented the gifts she had brought.

The old lady of Yongchang Prefecture had a kind and gentle face. She smiled before even speaking, and without opening the gifts, she had her maid put them away. Then she said...

"This must be the eldest daughter of the Minister's family, right? I held you when you were little, and now you've grown so much. Please sit down."

"Mother has a good memory. This Luo Sheng is really beautiful. Yu'er, you are about the same age, so you must have a lot to talk about." The First Madam of Yongchang Prefecture turned around and called to her daughter.

"Yes, I feel like I know my younger sister. My older sister's name is Hou Xinyu. You can just call me Yu'er."

The woman who spoke was the eldest daughter of Yongchang Prefecture, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, she would become Xiao Luosheng's sister-in-law in the future.

Therefore, Xiao Luosheng replied warmly, "Sister, my name is Xiao Luosheng, and this is my younger sister Xiao Luoyu. You can call us Sheng'er and Yu'er."

"I've long heard of your great name, little sister. I've heard that you're exceptionally talented in poetry at such a young age. I happen to have a painting here that hasn't been inscribed yet. Why don't you two take a look?" Hou Xinyu said warmly.

"Yes, we will comply." The eldest and second young ladies stood up, bowed to the old lady and the first madam, and then followed Hou Xinyu out.

"Good child, go ahead, Xinyu, and don't neglect our distinguished guest," the First Madam instructed from behind.

Just as Shen Xing'er's legs were getting sore from standing, the young lady and her entourage finally came out of the house, led by a woman Shen Xing'er had never seen before.

The woman was dressed in a pleated skirt with scattered flowers, a brocade top with flying butterflies, and a light gold satin jacket. She wore a complete set of gold and white jade headdresses, making her look extremely noble and a true lady of a noble family.

The woman was seen holding the eldest young lady's hand while turning to greet the second young lady. She was so considerate at such a young age, no wonder the later Madam entrusted her with the power to manage the household.

“Good sister, let’s go to my study quickly. This painting has been troubling me for days. Fortunately, you’ve come today.”

Hou Xinyu spoke gently, showing no disrespect for the Second Miss because she was born to a concubine in the second wife's household. Xiao Luosheng was secretly pleased.

After the group left, the First Madam and the Old Madam inside the house were also observing and discussing the two young ladies from the Minister's mansion.

"Mother, if Yu'er is to accompany the two of them, won't the other young ladies in the mansion have something to say?" the First Madam asked worriedly.

The old lady shook her head and said confidently, "No, those who can leave the manor to attend the banquet are all smart people. Now that they see Yu'er personally entertaining the two of them, everyone knows the truth."

"It's my daughter-in-law who's narrow-minded," the First Madam said, bowing her head.

“Aren’t Song’er and Lan’er still outside? Although they are both born out of wedlock, Yu’er’s marriage is about to take place, so you should let them get some opportunities to socialize.”

After hearing what the old lady said, the first wife lowered her head uncomfortably, her expression showing disgust and helplessness, before regaining her composure.

Seeing her expression, the old lady knew that her inner conflict hadn't been resolved, and she sighed and said...

“I know that you have been outrageous all these years, but your aunt has protected you and only allowed the concubine’s daughters in the family to be born. You should be more magnanimous. No one can threaten the status of you and your mother and the four of you.”

Upon hearing the old lady's words, the First Madam was even more heartbroken and choked out, "Aunt, I..."

"Alright, there are many guests in the manor today. What kind of behavior is it for you, the mistress of the house, to be crying like this?"

The First Madam quickly wiped her eyes with a handkerchief and nodded.

Meanwhile, Hou Xinyu, accompanied by the two young ladies from the Minister's residence, arrived at her small courtyard.

Shen Xing'er looked up and peeked out. She saw an osmanthus tree in the courtyard. In September, the osmanthus blossoms filled the air with fragrance. There was a swing under the osmanthus tree, and a small kitchen in the south of the courtyard. It was clear that this young lady was pampered at home.

The group entered Hou Xinyu's study, while Shen Xing'er and her maids stood guard outside the door, waiting for their master's instructions.

"Sisters, the young lady has asked me to prepare tea and snacks in the side hall. Would you please do me the honor of trying some?" a round-faced maid asked as she approached.

The group exchanged glances, unsure how to respond. Finally, it was the young lady's nanny who spoke up.

"Since it's the young lady's kindness, you all go ahead. Danxue and I will wait here for your instructions."

The maids had been running around and standing all morning, and were already exhausted. Shen Xing'er, in particular, had never walked such a long distance before. Everyone happily followed the round-faced maid to the side hall.

"Sisters, today is the Double Ninth Festival. Here are some Double Ninth cakes from our mansion, as well as two pots of chrysanthemum tea. Please don't find them too sparse."

Two more maids followed behind her. As soon as she finished speaking, the maids placed pastries and tea on the table.

"Thank you for your hospitality, sisters. We would be honored to accept it," said the head maidservant beside Xiao Luosheng.

"You all eat, we'll go downstairs now. Call me if you need anything." After saying that, the round-faced maidservant left, thoughtfully closing the door behind her.

"Sister Ci'er, why does she call us sisters, but you call them sisters too?" a maid asked the head maid beside the young lady.

“It’s not that whoever is older has to take on the role of older sister. People call us older sisters out of politeness, but we can’t take it for granted just because they’re being polite,” Ci’er said.

The young maid nodded and said, "I see."

“You all still have a lot to learn, so don’t make this place dirty, and don’t finish your food, just have a little something to eat,” Ci’er added.

"Yes."

The maids ate some pastries and tea, and rested for a while before they regained some strength.

Meanwhile, in Hou Xinyu's study, the three of them were having a pleasant conversation.

"I never imagined my sister had such talent! Your lyrics are so evocative, and your calligraphy is absolutely superb!" Hou Xinyu exclaimed, looking at the lyrics Xiao Luosheng had written.

"Yes, my sister practices diligently and has already thoroughly studied the Four Books and Five Classics. She knows a lot!" Xiao Luoyu flattered with eyes full of admiration.