"I don't even know how I offended her." Xiqiu sighed with helplessness.
Tong Xiyan picked up a piece of Mung Bean Furong Cake for her. "Someone like her, you should just ignore. Otherwise, she'll only become more audacious and shameless."
Xiqiu nodded, yet she didn't agree with what was said. She and Tong Xiyang were both daughters of concubines, equal in status. In fact, her situation was even less favorable because her concubine mother wasn't as favored, but she happened to have a younger brother, which naturally made her dislike Xiqiu.
Tong Xiyan wasn't easy-tempered either. While she seemed carefree, Xiqiu knew she was truly smart. As the legitimate daughter, she didn't need to play petty games with Tong Xiyang. As long as Lady was still around, she was the most noble lady in the house; all the good things were for her to choose first, with whatever remained left for the daughters of concubines.
Tong Xiyang didn't understand this. Did she think she was Sun Wukong and could escape from Lady's control?
"Third sister was just asking which guests would be invited." Xiqiu said casually.
Tong Xiyan furrowed her brows. She disdained competing with Tong Xiyang yet didn't mean she ignored it all. She clearly understood the implication in Xiqiu's words.
Even in her own marriage matters, she had no say. How dare a concubine's daughter even think about such things!
Tong Xiyan took a sip of tea. "It's just the few siblings here; no need to discuss. As for cousin... we must ask Mother before deciding."
Xiqiu smiled and nodded, making no further comment.
Tong Xiyan acknowledged her inwardly, planning to relate the details to Lady later.
Lady frowned slightly, a little displeased. "You all are grown now. Though you are siblings, some things should still be avoided. Besides, Tianqing is preparing for the autumn examination, do not distract him further."
After dinner, Tong Xiyan relayed Lady's decision to Xiqiu, who didn't express any opinion. They finalized the guest list and invitations: "The menu needs discussion with Nanny Qian. Tomorrow, we'll show it to Mother first to finalize these and prevent any chaos later."
Tong Xiyan chuckled. "Who would've thought you are quite capable!"
"That's more thanks to Nanny Qian's support; it has nothing to do with me!" Xiqiu smiled, a hint of sadness crossing her face. "I may not have enough tables and chairs, I'm afraid I'll trouble Nanny Qian even more then."
Perhaps it's not easy commanding those seasoned maids and servant girls!
Tong Xiyang empathetically held her hand. "Even though Mother asked you to handle it, it's still my affair. No need to approach Nanny Qian for everything. Tomorrow I'll assign Xinzhu and Nanny Duan to help you. You can instruct them on anything, and no need to run back and forth these days. Just have them convey messages when needed."
Xiqiu looked down at the invitation in her hand, her gaze flickered. Though Lady assigned her the task, the servants in the house were keen observers. She couldn't bear to let Sixing and Chunyan see others' faces. With Nanny Duan and Xinzhu available, she certainly welcomed it.
For this, she had to be a bit cunning with Tong Xiyan.
"Then I shall not be polite." Saying so, she stood up. "I shall take my leave now, don't forget to send out the invitations, so they'll have the time to prepare when informed."
Tong Xiyang nodded and called for Xinzhu and Xinmei. "Light more lanterns and escort Sixth Miss safely, don't let her trip or bump into anything!"
Xiqiu thanked her with a smile and led the group of maids back to Zhiqu Courtyard. Since Lady entrusted her with the matter, she hadn't yet briefed many senior maids, so she called on Sixing, Siliu, Chunyan, and Chunliu.
"Tomorrow Nanny Qian, Fourth Sister's Nanny Duan, and Xinzhu will come to assist. Brief the minor maids and matrons later, treat them not as usual and be sharp."
With those words, the maids immediately became alert, their expressions changing.
Lady asked Nanny Qian to help, but it was unlikely she would run errands. As for people from Fourth Miss's side, offending any of them was unwise.
Thus, worry overshadowed joy. Lady's assignment to Miss could be beneficial, but the outcome was unpredictable.
"Miss..." Chunyan frowned with concern.
If they thought of it, she certainly anticipated it. Her acceptance of Tong Xiyan's offer stemmed from her own intentions. "No need to overdo it; under their watchful eyes, though it puts us on display, Zhiqu Courtyard's affairs are simple. This is an opportunity for others to witness, making future endeavors smoother for us."
The others suddenly saw the light and nodded convincingly!
Xiqiu turned her gaze to Siliu.
Sixing was the head maid of Zhiqu Courtyard, but she was always mild, so the task of discipline naturally fell to Siliu, who didn't shirk it, easily responding. "Don't worry, Miss, I will handle it soon."
"Hmm. I have only one rule: if heading to the storeroom, don't overreach; just do what you are capable of, understood?"
They quickly expressed their agreement, nodding repeatedly.
After dinner, Nanny Qian came. Xiqiu didn't overstep, allowing Nanny Qian to guide important matters, personally noting down details. Nanny Qian, again and again, expressed her modesty, yet her smile became much more genuine.
How could Madam Xia, such a dull person, have given birth to a girl like Sixth Miss!
Nanny Qian marveled, and since the bracelet was sent last time, her view of Xiqiu evolved further.
Feeling at ease, Nanny Qian devoted more enthusiasm to her work. The two finalized the menu overnight, reviewing it several times before resting.
Nanny Duan and Xinzhu reported for roll call at the second watch, reviewing needed items again. Xinzhu, always shrewd, took full charge of errands such as borrowing items from the storeroom and managing silver, handling everything thoroughly. Nanny Duan was prudent and experienced, especially on her master's matters, naturally wholehearted, resulting in astonishing efficiency.
Xiqiu was very pleased, asking Siliu to prepare a few more dishes from the kitchen for lunch, enjoying a lively meal with everyone.
Nanny Fang came by when everything was nearly settled, offering a few pointers.
By the twenty-ninth, all preparations were in place.
On the day of paying respects, at the entrance of Zhui Garden, Xiqiu encountered a concubine with red eyes. Her water-blue overcoat was rumpled, and her hair bun appeared slightly messy, a stark contrast to her usually delicate and radiant appearance...
Xiqiu was secretly startled but lowered her head, pretending to see nothing.
Once inside, the other young ladies had already taken their places.
On the heated brick bed by the window, Lady's eyes were also red, and her autumn-hued handkerchief was wet at the corner. Seeing Xiqiu enter, she nodded casually, "Sit, your aunt is returning to Shandong today, you should go and see her off."
They all agreed, and Xiqiu looked at Tong Xiyan, who was equally surprised, frowning pensively. What could have caused this for both the concubine and Lady?