Jiang Shaohua stepped into the Buddhist Hall and greeted Old Madam Xue with the etiquette of a junior: "Shao Hua pays respects to Old Madam."
Old Madam Xue sat leisurely, showing no intention of standing up: "Commandery Princess is really kind to honor this old body." Then she said cheerfully, "Please have a seat, Commandery Princess."
Knowing it’s flattery, yet still acting like this?
Jiang Shaohua remained composed, but Chen Jinyu felt a surge of anger brewing inside her, though she suppressed it. After all, the Commandery Princess hadn’t spoken yet, and it wasn’t suitable for her, a housekeeper, to take the spotlight.
Jiang Shaohua indeed was not angered. What was there to be angry about with an old woman already halfway into her grave? Old Madam Xue being a little foolish was more to her liking.
Jiang Shaohua sat down with a bright smile, ignoring Old Madam Xue’s scrutiny: "When my grandmother was alive, she frequently had exchanges with Old Madam. I also often heard my grandmother ntion Old Madam."
Old Madam Xue smiled and said, "Back then, I often went to pray with the Princess Consort. The Princess Consort frequently praised the Commandery Princess for her beauty and wisdom in front of . Today is the first ti I get to et the Commandery Princess. You exceed your reputation, and your grace and appearance truly make this old body fond of you."
The words were quite pleasant, but this seniority flaunting attitude was indeed annoying.
Chen Jinyu rolled her eyes inwardly.
The Commandery Princess was patient enough, chatting idly with Old Madam Xue for quite so ti.
Old Madam Xue loved to talk even when she was young, and after her son beca an Inspector, she rose to the rank of Second Rank Madam, having to bow only to Princess Nanyang in the Jingzhou region. After Princess Nanyang passed away, Old Madam Xue beca the local Empress Dowager in Jingzhou. Everyone respected and flattered her, and she was always surrounded by people agreeing with whatever she said. This developed her habit of being a chatterbox.
Jiang Shaohua listened attentively, occasionally echoing a phrase, and sotis took the initiative to ask about things Old Madam Xue delighted in or was proud of.
Old Madam Xue spoke with exhilaration, thoroughly convincing herself.
Xue Liuniang quietly poured a cup of tea for her grandmother and then for the Commandery Princess as well.
Jiang Shaohua smiled and said, "Thank you, Miss Xue Liu. May I know what your given na is?"
Xue Liuniang replied softly, "My brothers all have nas related to wood, and my given na is also related to wood, a single character, Tong."
Naming the daughters alongside the sons in the family naming sequence indicates Governor Xue’s affection for this youngest daughter.
Jiang Shaohua praised with a smile, "The na is magnanimous and well chosen."
Xue Liuniang lightly smiled with her lips pursed.
"For a young lady to have such a na, it seems too sturdy," Old Madam Xue expressed a different opinion: "Luckily, given nas are not widely known; only family mbers would know. It’s more fluent to call her Liuniang."
Xue Liuniang lowered her head in silence, with her thoughts unknown.
Finally, Old Madam Xue’s gaze slightly fell on Chen Jinyu: "Oh, so this is Chief Historian Chen’s granddaughter!"
Jiang Shaohua smiled and said, "Yes, her full na is Chen Jinyu, she is now the Commandery Princess Attendant."
Old Madam Xue still disapproved: "Young ladies should be gentle and pure. Reading more books and understanding reason is fine, but why step out to be in service? These are all n’s affairs. Young won should be nurtured in their quarters, and after coming of age, make a good marriage, to marry and bear children."
Chen Jinyu felt the spark of anger rising inside her.
Jiang Shaohua gestured with her eyes for Chen Jinyu to hold back, then said slowly: "I, as a Commandery Princess, am also a woman. Having won in service beside is more convenient."
Old Madam Xue unexpectedly remarked, "It’s indeed inconvenient for the Commandery Princess to manage the Prince Mansion. In my opinion, let the two Chief Historians worry about the mansion’s affairs. If that doesn’t work, there’s Lu Junma who can represent the Commandery Princess. A young girl like the Commandery Princess would do well to stay in the quarters, reading, painting, and playing the zither. Later on, she should marry a capable husband, and he’ll manage the trivial matters of the mansion."
Chen Jinyu, unable to bear it, sarcastically jumped in: "Our Nanyang Prince Mansion’s affairs are not sothing for Old Madam to be concerned about. Our Commandery Princess is outstanding and capable, and she’s managed Nanyang County exceptionally well, without needing anyone’s help."
Old Madam Xue was dismissive: "How is that anyone else? That Lu Junma is the Commandery Princess’s biological father. Once the Commandery Princess marries, her husband would be the closest person to her. It makes perfect sense and is only right that they represent the Commandery Princess."
"Oh, I’ve heard so rumors. It seems that the Commandery Princess isn’t very respectful to her father. A father guides a daughter, and before discussing status and rank, there are human relationships and morals to consider. The Commandery Princess should be cautious not to gain a reputation for being unfilial."
Chen Jinyu was about to explode with anger.
Jiang Shaohua glanced over again.
Chen Jinyu unhappily stayed quiet.
Jiang Shaohua smiled faintly and said, "I ca to pay respects to Old Madam today, and our conversation has been delightful. Since Old Madam still has prayers to attend to, I will take my leave first."
Old Madam Xue was taken aback: "Commandery Princess is leaving now? Why not stay for lunch together?"
Better not. Facing such a narrow-minded and dull-witted old woman, how could one eat?
Internally Jiang Shaohua scoffed, while her outward smile remained unchanged: "I have matters to attend to and must leave first. When I have free ti in the future, I’ll co visit Old Madam again."
This ti, Old Madam Xue was willing to get up and escorted Jiang Shaohua out of the Zen room, grasping Jiang Shaohua’s hand the entire ti at their parting: "In a few days, my Qi Lang will co to the White Cloud Temple. By then, I’ll bring Qi Lang to visit the Commandery Princess."
Jiang Shaohua’s eyes flashed, and she left with a slight smile.
...
"Ahhh! I’m so angry! I’m so angry!"
After getting into the carriage, Chen Jinyu couldn’t hold back her anger: "This Old Madam Xue’s words are so annoying. In my life, I’ve never t anyone so botherso!"
Jiang Shaohua found it amusing: "What’s there to be angry about with such an ignorant old woman? Let her babble, and you continue your role as housekeeper."
Chen Jinyu’s cheeks puffed up: "Anyway, I detest her. I don’t want to see people like her again."
Jiang Shaohua sighed: "This is actually nothing. Old Madam Xue’s unpleasantness is all on the surface, just ignore her. There are countless won out there as ignorant and dull as her."
Chen Jinyu nodded vigorously in agreent: "Isn’t that true? My mother is one of them."
Jiang Shaohua laughed silently: "Would you dare to say that in front of your mother?"
"No way." Chen Jinyu admitted sheepishly and sighed distressfully: "It’s strange, back in Bowan County, I could endure it. But ever since I started serving by the Commandery Princess’s side, I can’t stand the disdainful words of such won."
"Because the current you stands higher and sees further." Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly: "In your own mother’s words, your heart has beco wild and can no longer be reined in."
The taphor was indeed apt.
Chen Jinyu pondered for a mont and then grinned: "Fortunately, both my grandfather and father are open-minded, and my brother supports . My mother’s opposition alone is futile."
Jiang Shaohua gave a gentle smile.
Chen Jinyu lowered her voice and laughed: "Before, when my mother ntioned the Xue family’s daughter, I only thought my mother was a snob, eager to climb high. But after eting Miss Xue Liu today, I suddenly wish my brother truly had such luck."
Reviews
All reviews (0)