Flowery Hair: A Maidservant

Chapter 78 Miss Cousin

Two days later, Aunt Lu finally woke up under the care of the family physician. The old lady and Madam Yun also brought the fifth young lady back to the mansion. After settling in, Madam Yun first went to Fengyin Courtyard to visit Aunt Lu, and then summoned the family members and Doctor Zhen and his apprentice for questioning.

Doctor Zhen was Tang Xian's confidant, so the master and disciple could be trusted. Madam Yun then stated directly that there would be no accidental poisoning incidents in Fengyin Academy during this period.

Jian Zhi hurriedly went through the effects of various spices and medicinal herbs, but still couldn't figure out which spice's scent could attract scorpions so much.

Fang Daren took out a fragrance recipe from his sleeve. Madam Yun glanced through it briefly and pointed to the recipe for the Soul-Soothing Incense: "Manager Fang mentioned that Aunt Lu encountered a poisonous scorpion when she was experimenting with this fragrance recipe. You and your apprentice should use this to investigate."

The matter was temporarily put aside. Aunt Wen of Lanting Courtyard was still ill. Madam Yun asked Wei Mama to take some medicine to visit her. After Wei Mama returned from Lanting Courtyard, both mistress and servant had a clear understanding of the situation.

Even if the evidence is found, it's difficult to punish Aunt Wen. There are too many reasons to evade the charges, so there's nothing that can be done about Aunt Wen for the time being.

The next day, the two aunts of the Tang family returned to the Tang family home with their children to visit the old lady.

Fu'an Residence, Flower Hall.

In keeping with the season, Fu'an Residence has also been given a complete makeover. Since the old lady's birthday is just around the corner in September, the screens on both sides have been replaced with a large 12-panel, 5-panel screen made of huanghuali wood, symbolizing fortune, prosperity, and longevity. The exquisite antique porcelain in the display cabinet has also been replaced with coral and jade bonsai, making it even more luxurious and magnificent.

Meng Shu followed behind the second young lady. As soon as she entered the flower hall, she felt her feet go weak. The floor was covered with a thick camel hair carpet, which was also covered with auspicious patterns symbolizing good fortune and longevity.

Peeking up, I saw that apart from the concubines, the young ladies were all seated on the high chairs. Each of the two aunts had a beautifully dressed young woman with her hair in a high bun next to her.

The old lady sat in the center, and her complexion looked much better against her ochre-red brocade jacket. Her brows were relaxed, and there was no trace of depression.

When the young ladies in the hall saw the second young lady enter, they hurriedly stood up and bowed. The second young lady first greeted the old lady, the madam, and the aunts, and then greeted her sisters. Her manners, whether walking, sitting, or lying down, were impeccable and pleasing to the eye.

No sooner had she sat down than she heard the second aunt say with a pout, "Since Wan'er started learning to manage the household and shops, she seems to be even busier than the mistress of the house. The elders have finally come all this way, and she's already late."

The maids from Fu'an Residence quickly and quietly came over with tea, fruit, and snacks. The second young lady took a sip of tea before saying, "Mm."

Seeing this, the second aunt said irritably, "Mother and sister-in-law should also do something about it. What kind of manners are these to talk to elders like that?"

The old lady's hand, which was holding the beaded string, did not move. Her second daughter, who had been married for many years, still couldn't quite tell who was the master of the Tang family. She said indifferently, "Wan'er is indeed busy. You come two or three times a month. Does the whole family have to wait for you every time?"

The girl sitting next to the second aunt was her second daughter, about seventeen or eighteen years old and already married. She got up and went to the old lady, smiling as she said, "What the old lady said is certainly right. Mother is indeed being picky. Cousin Wan is now in charge of the huge Yongxiu Cloth Shop, so she should be busy with management. Fortunately, we younger generation are all idle, so we can spend more time talking with our elders."

The second young lady didn't arrive late on purpose; she was simply busy discussing winter fabrics, furs, and clothing styles with the temporary manager of the fabric shop.

Madam Yun knew perfectly well why her second aunt and her daughter had come to visit today. She sat calmly, drinking tea, intending to see how her daughter would handle the situation, and therefore did not offer any assistance. However, Wei Mama, who was standing by, looked worried.

Meng Shu was right behind the second young lady. She saw that after the second young lady put down her teacup, she focused on staring at the pattern on the carpet. When she heard her cousin's words, she just nodded slightly, indicating that the second young lady was right and was indeed very busy.

This cousin and her second aunt were of the same temperament. She walked up to the second cousin and praised the Shu brocade jacket with gold-embroidered peony patterns on the second cousin's body: "Cousin, is what you are wearing the new style from Yongxiu Cloth Shop? It is really luxurious and elegant, and very stylish. I wonder if we sisters will be lucky enough to wear such fine clothes."

This time, Meng Shu and Meng Zhu accompanied the Second Miss to Fu An Ju. Meng Zhu, who is usually composed, frowned almost imperceptibly upon hearing this. The young lady's words were practically a direct invitation; she was really... straightforward.

"Cousin, you've misjudged this time. This dress was made by my head maid a couple of days ago, and the workmanship is indeed quite good. Even the old lady praised it," the second young lady replied calmly.

The old lady simply couldn't bear to look at her granddaughter, so she changed the subject: "Meng Shu's embroidery skills are outstanding, she should be rewarded."

The second young lady reached out and patted Meng Shu's arm. Meng Shu immediately moved to the side, bowed, and thanked her with a smile: "This servant thanks the old lady for the reward. This servant's skills are still immature and far inferior to Sister Mujin by your side. Looking at your clothes, both the workmanship and the patterns are extremely delicate and appropriate. This servant will have to learn more from you in the future."

Taking advantage of the old lady's words, it would be right to flatter her a few more times. The old lady was indeed very pleased and pointed at Meng Shu and Madam Yun, saying, "It was right to assign her to Wan'er. Look at her clever tongue, you should reward her."

Madam Yun replied with a smile, "Mother is right. Wan'er's birthday is approaching, and those head maids have served Wan'er well. They should be rewarded properly later."

As if remembering something, the old lady nodded and said, "Last time I said I would assign Donggua to work at Yunyi Courtyard. Taking advantage of Wan'er's birthday, the small kitchen at Yunyi Courtyard is also being built, which will make it convenient to entertain guests."