Lady Cui hailed from the Zhennan Count's estate and, having been exposed to such matters from childhood, placed the utmost importance on noble ranks and social standing. When it came to internal household strife, Lady Cui was an undisputed master, far superior to any three Madam Guos combined.
In his youth, the Old Count had numerous concubines. Yet, Lady Cui not only successfully bore him three sons and one daughter, but also ensured that Li Nian was the only illegitimate child in the vast Tieldan Count's estate, a testament to her formidable skills.
Though Lady Cui was now elderly and no longer directly involved in household affairs, it did not mean she was indifferent to the Count's estate's reputation! How dare a minister's wife presume to barge in demanding a person's return, as if the Tieldan Count's estate were a mere marketplace?
Madam Guo was also foolish. A daughter's reputation was of paramount importance! Was this a matter for one person alone? If Man'er was stained, was Zhao'er to remain spotless?
Lady Cui said to Nanny Wang, "Take the Count's visiting card and go. After you've seen them out, have Madam Guo and Zhao'er come to see me."
"Yes! This servant will go at once."
Seeing Nanny Wang heading towards Chaohui Hall, Li Man'er also rose, preparing to return. Her complaint had been made, and she wished to rest.
"You're not leaving! Am I going to eat you?" Lady Cui, in a rare moment of leniency towards Li Man'er, instructed her servants, "Bring the eldest young lady a bowl of plum juice to quench her thirst, and select two of her favorite pastries to send over."
Yunxiu said, "This servant remembers the eldest young lady likes cloud-slice cake and dragon-beard candy. This servant will pick two more tasty ones and send them over as well."
"Good!" Lady Cui nodded in satisfaction. Yunxiu was exceptionally astute. She herself did not recall what Li Man'er liked to eat, but Yunxiu remembered the preferences of all the masters and mistresses in the estate.
Yunxiu then approached Ziyan and said, "Sister, come with me. The osmanthus jelly in the kitchen was just made. We might as well take advantage of the opportunity and try a bowl." She then covered her mouth and chuckled.
Lady Cui smiled and teased her, "You little girl, you're just a gluttonous cat. Go on, go on!"
Ziyan knew perfectly well that Yunxiu was not flattering herself but was merely finding an excuse to escort her away, as the Old Madam had something to discuss with her young lady.
As Yunxiu left, she also called away the maids and wet nurses attending in the room, leaving only Nanny Du to serve the Old Madam.
Two of the most trusted managing nannies close to Lady Cui were Nanny Wang and Madam Du.
Madam Du was tall and thin, unlike Nanny Wang, who was plump and resembled a ball of white dough. Judging by her appearance, she seemed like someone difficult to approach.
However, in the original owner's memories, Madam Du was one of the few who showed her kindness.
"Does Grandmother have something to say to me?"
Lady Cui scrutinized Li Man'er closely. This girl was growing more and more like Madam Ning. Her skin was as delicate as congealed fat, her eyes bright and captivating, a perfect embryo of beauty.
As the saying goes, one's appearance reflects their inner self. The Li Man'er of the past, though beautiful, was merely a pretty face with nothing substantial beneath. Look at her any longer, and one could see through her completely. But now, she bore three or four parts of Madam Ning's resemblance, her demeanor more composed, and most importantly, she seemed to have suddenly awakened, becoming remarkably intelligent. She was reading.
"Yes!" Lady Cui said with a smile, "What do you think Grandmother wants to tell you?"
Li Man'er tilted her head slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "I guess Grandmother wants to tell me that harmony at home leads to prosperity."
Lady Cui nodded repeatedly. "You truly have changed! In the past, even if I wanted to impart these principles to you, you wouldn't listen! But today, you have impressed me. Although you suffered many grievances in the estate before, you are, after all, the eldest young lady of the Tieldan Count's estate. One prospers and one suffers together; these are principles that Grandmother need not elaborate upon for you, right?"
Ultimately, Lady Cui still intended to protect Madam Guo and her daughter, urging her not to dwell on the matter. It was understandable; Madam Guo's mother and Lady Cui belonged to the same lineage. Although Madam Guo was born to a concubine, she was still Lady Cui's elder cousin, making Madam Guo effectively Lady Cui's niece.
Such unions forged by kinship naturally leaned towards favoritism! Madam Guo's marriage into the Li family as a replacement wife had been very successful. Firstly, she bore Li Shu two sons and one daughter. When their eldest son, Li Qingyun, was ten years old, he was already enfeoffed as the heir apparent; she was considered meritorious for her fertility. Secondly, Madam Guo managed the household with virtue, keeping the Tieldan Count's estate in good order for so many years. Solely from the perspective of being a daughter-in-law, Madam Guo could be considered qualified!
She had merely raised one unlikable young lady in the estate improperly. Who would care? She only wanted her own daughter to marry better than the orphaned Li Man'er. Was there anything wrong with that!?
Perhaps in the eyes of these people, Li Man'er was the one who was ungrateful and failed to appreciate their kindness.
"Grandmother, please rest assured, I understand these principles," Li Man'er said. "What happened in the past is in the past. This granddaughter also hopes for harmony throughout the estate!"
Lady Cui was greatly relieved. "You are a good child, a good child." She waved her hand, signaling Nanny Du to bring over a box she had prepared earlier.
"This contains my personal belongings. I, an old woman, no longer have need of them. You are of an age where you should dress up nicely and go out more often. Making a few close friends is also good. After you marry, living a life as unrestrained as you do now will be difficult!"
This last sentence was truly from the heart of Lady Cui.
Li Man'er thought for a moment and then said, "Grandmother, let's not mention the marriage alliance between our family and the Duke of Rong's estate!" She was subtly hinting to Lady Cui that she was not concerned about this engagement.
"Silly child, this engagement was bestowed by the Empress Dowager. Do you think it's child's play? You want it, you don't want it?" Lady Cui shook her head slightly and said no more.
Just then, Yunxiu returned with Ziyan. They brought Li Man'er's favorite pastries and the plum juice, which had been chilled with ice.
"Quick, try it. See if this cloud-slice cake suits your taste."
Li Man'er's stomach had been empty for a long time. Hearing Lady Cui say this, she no longer stood on ceremony and began to eat the pastries.
Madam Du handed the box to Ziyan and, in a rare moment, said, "This is from the Old Madam for your mistress. You must hold onto it tightly."
This was originally meant as a playful remark. However, at that very moment, Nanny Wang entered the room with Madam Guo and her daughter. Li Zhao'er, overhearing Madam Du's words, and seeing Li Man'er enjoying the treatment she herself used to receive in front of Lady Cui, became even more incensed.
"Eldest Sister has come all the way to Grandmother to lodge a complaint. You are truly something!"
Madam Guo reprimanded her daughter subtly, "Zhao'er, do not be disrespectful."
Li Man'er calmly put down her food and stepped forward to greet Madam Guo. Although outwardly respectful, she grumbled inwardly, "Damn it, this is the worst part about ancient times, having to curtsy and kowtow all the time."
Madam Guo showed no outward reaction, her face still holding a hint of a smile. "Madam Jiang's visit today was sudden. It must have frightened you, right?"