Chapter Fifty-Three: Hidden Moves

The second young lady’s answer left Madam Huang feeling stifled. With her many years of social experience, Madam Huang was convinced that the second young lady harbored ulterior motives concerning this matter. Yet the young lady refused to elaborate, while still agreeing to Madam Huang’s suggestion. It felt to Madam Huang as though she’d been given a sweet date only to be struck with a heavy blow immediately after; the sensation was deeply unpleasant.

Xu Ruo-jin paid no mind to Madam Huang’s mood. After exchanging a few polite words, she personally saw her out. Then she called Chun Cao into the room for a private conversation, leaving the four maids waiting outside.

Lowering her voice, Xu Ruo-jin asked, “Have you found out what kind of family He Miao was married into?”

“She was matched with a man who does odd jobs in the young master’s courtyard. He’s honest enough, but… their days aren’t easy,” Chun Cao replied, sorrow flickering in her eyes as she thought of her own situation. “I heard they don’t have enough to eat, and she has to serve her mother-in-law. I’m watched too closely now while serving you, so I haven’t found a chance to visit her.”

“Second Miss, have you spoken to Madam Huang about the companion maid?” Chun Cao was quite concerned about this.

“We can’t let He Miao take the initiative in this matter, or Mother will never agree. Find an opportunity for her husband to send a gift to Madam Huang—best if it’s delivered directly to Madam Huang’s daughter-in-law. Once the money’s in hand, having Madam Huang put in a word will settle the affair.” Seeing that Chun Cao was still puzzled, Xu Ruo-jin explained, “By taking a roundabout approach, Madam Huang won’t pay too much attention. She and Mother are watching me, but they won’t expect me to act from their side. When I’m truly married off, He Miao can show herself; for now, have her husband handle all the socializing. Make sure she’s clear on this.”

Joy lit Chun Cao’s face. Although she’d never met He Miao, seeing how much care the second young lady took made her happy. Serving as a maid, what more could one wish for than a good mistress? She’d served many households, but only the second young lady was truly kind.

“But…” Chun Cao hesitated, troubled by another thought, “I’m afraid they can’t afford the silver required for Madam Huang.”

“We’ll provide it.”

“But we don’t have it either.”

Xu Ruo-jin walked over to her dressing table, searching through her belongings until she picked out an inconspicuous silver hairpin. A few tiny pearls adorned its pendant—small, but enough to enhance the hairpin’s value.

“I’ll find a chance to send you out. Take this to the pawnshop. I’ll figure out how to gather a bit more silver; we still have time, and we can manage it,” she said.

Xu Ruo-jin’s earnestness left Chun Cao no room for carelessness. She put the item away with the utmost caution, silently vowing to handle the matter with all her heart.

Suddenly remembering the maids outside, Chun Cao hastened to mention Hong Xing. “I know her. She used to serve Lady Liu. Last time I received a message, it was she who sought me out.”

“Her?” Xu Ruo-jin was surprised. If Hong Xing had served Liu Cui, why had she been sent as a dowry maid to her own courtyard?

Before Xu Ruo-jin could ask, Chun Cao explained, “I just asked her quietly. Hong Xing said she used to serve in Madam’s courtyard and was always on good terms with Lady Liu. When the small courtyards were assigned, Lady Liu specifically requested Hong Xing. But this time, Madam kept five maids, assigned two new ones to Lady Liu, and sent Hong Xing here to serve as your dowry maid.”

Xu Ruo-jin could only sigh in resignation. Madam Yang meant to suppress Liu Cui, so she purposely sent her close confidante away and replaced her with new maids, keeping Liu Cui firmly under her control.

Hong Xing was presentable enough; following Xu Ruo-jin, she would eventually leave the Xu family. No matter how much Lady Liu missed her, she would never be able to reestablish their old connection.

A woman’s heart is as deep as the sea—Madam Yang’s machinations truly ran deep.

“What do you think of the others?” Xu Ruo-jin asked.

Chun Cao considered this for a moment. “We’ll have to observe a while longer. They’re all novices, never served anyone before, know nothing of rules, etiquette, or chores. You’ll have to teach them everything yourself.”

Xu Ruo-jin stared in disbelief. Chun Cao nodded with certainty. “I asked each of them. Aside from Xiao Ke, the other two were born into the household and just started working here.”

“Well, isn’t this something. Are they afraid I’m too idle and want to give me trouble?” Xu Ruo-jin thought wryly of Madam Yang’s typical tactics and felt fortunate to have Hong Xing at least.

No matter her personality, Hong Xing was capable and efficient after serving by Madam’s side. If all four had to be taught from scratch, she and Chun Cao would be overwhelmed.

“Bring them in; I’ll see for myself,” Xu Ruo-jin said, rubbing her brow before sitting upright.

When the four maids entered, they knew enough to greet the second young lady in unison.

“Now that you’re in this courtyard, we’ll be living together from now on. I only know your names for now, nothing else, but that can wait. First, tell me what you’re good at so I can assign tasks,” Xu Ruo-jin said directly, pointing to Hong Xing. “You’ve worked in the household the longest. Set an example and go first.”

Hong Xing stepped forward. “I entered the household at five, working odd jobs in Madam’s courtyard. I’d just been assigned to Lady Liu for a few days before being sent here. In these ten-odd years, I’ve done all kinds of chores. Second Miss may assign me as she pleases.”

Her speech was clear and direct, which pleased Xu Ruo-jin. She nodded, signaling Bai Mei to continue.

Bai Mei thought for a moment before replying, “I’m thirteen. At home, I learned to tend flowers with my mother. Otherwise, I’ve only run errands and delivered messages; I don’t know much else. I hope Second Miss and the others can teach me.”

“I’m skilled at embroidery,” Yang Tao said. “At home, I worked with my sister in the embroidery workshop to help support the family.”

Xiao Ke wrung her hands, looking lost, and spoke only after some hesitation. “My father was a cook at a restaurant. I was only taught how to prepare meals and nothing else.”

“Then your family must have been well-off. How did you end up as a maid in the Xu household?” Xu Ruo-jin asked.

“We lost it all gambling…”

Xu Ruo-jin did not press further.

One was skilled with flowers, one with embroidery, Xiao Ke could handle kitchen work, and Hong Xing was versatile and experienced. On the surface, there seemed no issue, but in truth, there were hidden concerns.

All four were presentable enough, but bringing girls who’d never served in a grand household over to the Zhang family would only invite ridicule from Madam Zhang. The skills of reading the room, understanding subtle cues, dealing with people, and engaging in small talk could not be taught overnight—they required long practice and tacit understanding.

Hong Xing was the most capable of the four, but she had long served by Madam’s side and was now forcibly transferred from Liu Cui’s household. Xu Ruo-jin could see the pride on her face—she was clearly dissatisfied with this new assignment.

“I understand everyone’s situation now,” Xu Ruo-jin said thoughtfully, turning to Hong Xing. “You heard what they said. I can’t do without Chun Cao by my side, so I’ll leave the allocation of tasks among the other three to you. Mother chose you specifically for me, and I trust you.”

Hong Xing’s mouth fell open in astonishment—she hadn’t expected this at all. She wanted to refuse, but Xu Ruo-jin continued:

“There are already new maids in Lady Liu’s courtyard, so you won’t be sent back there. With Madam Huang by Madam’s side, you have no place to show your abilities. Don’t keep your skills hidden—put them to use here. What do you think?”