Chapter 19: Rewards

With an apologetic smile, Meinang said to the old madam, “I’ll make a new dress soon and gift one to Cousin Lan!”

The old madam waved it off with a laugh, then suddenly grew serious. “Last month, we took measurements for winter clothes, but since you were ill, yours weren’t done. Your mother went to visit Jing Yu and Rulan this morning they’re both still unwell. So, your mother received the keys to the main store rooms. She mentioned that you’ve recovered remarkably well, so it might be time for you to start handling some household responsibilities.”

Meinang understood that “learning to manage” implied she would begin overseeing household affairs. Her heart stirred, but she turned to Xu Jun Ying and gently declined, “Perhaps it would be best to wait until Jing Yu and Rulan recover. The Marquis worries about Heng Ge’er, and he may also worry that I’m not sharp enough for such duties.”

The old madam glanced at Xu Jun Ying and remarked, “Managing the household is a duty for the eldest grandson’s wife. Meinang is not the same as before she’s well now. Besides, your mother will be around to supervise. How much could she err? Heng Ge’er has his nursemaids and servants to look after him… Someone told me recently I think it was Rulan that the Qing Hua Courtyard seems understaffed. Why is that? Each lady’s maids and servants have assigned roles, don’t they? Even in Ying’er’s Dong Yuan Courtyard, the staff is specially selected by me.”

Lady Zheng quickly interjected, “It was my oversight, Mother, I didn’t mention it to you. Meinang has always preferred simplicity, relying mainly on her dowry servants. She dismissed most of the original Qing Hua staff, and I saw she didn’t need much help, so I reassigned them elsewhere and gave some to the new concubines in the main house.”

The old madam nodded, “That’s fine, but those two concubines only need one maid and two attendants each. They should serve the main wife. Let’s fully staff the Qing Hua Courtyard, even add more if needed. Now that Meinang will manage household affairs, she’ll need capable hands. Heng Ge’er, as the eldest great grandson, deserves additional care, besides his nursemaid, let’s assign two young attendants and four small maids to keep him entertained. Meinang’s own maids are grown now and should be assigned partners. Select some quick witted young maids to assist her properly.”

Seeing the old madam looking her way, Meinang quickly curtsied, “I will remember this, Grandmother.”

The old madam then addressed Xu Jun Ying, “Heng Ge’er, don’t worry. Your mother didn’t know a thing about managing when she started, but she gradually learned and now handles the marquis household well. Meinang will be busier, so be understanding, and make sure to guide Heng Ge’er well!”

Xu Jun Ying respectfully acknowledged, “I will follow Grandmother’s guidance.”

His gaze shifted to Meinang, who looked back at him with a soft, sweet smile. Lowering his eyes, he couldn’t comprehend her transformation. Her former shyness, the timidness of their wedding, the distant attitude after Heng Ge’er’s birth all gone. In their place were warmth, liveliness, and charm. It was hard to believe this was Meinang, the same woman who, in over a year at the Xu household, had struggled to win over elders but, after only a few days of “revival,” had managed to gain both her grandmother’s and mother in law’s approval, now with the opportunity to manage the household.

However surprising, she was undeniably Qin Meinang. Her genuine love for her child was unmistakable. Just a moment ago, when Lan’er nearly dropped Heng Ge’er, Meinang had angrily pushed Lan’er away, showing fierce protectiveness. Jun Ying thought her reaction was excessive Heng Ge’er hadn’t fallen. Although it was Lan’er’s mistake, she’d only been startled when her new dress was wet. Perhaps the blame lay with Meinang or Heng Ge’er’s nurse maid for not taking him away sooner.

Meinang continued coaxing the old madam to step outside to enjoy the sun, speaking about its health benefits, but the old madam refused, dismissing Meinang’s effort.

The old madam gently massaged her shoulder, sighing, “Getting old, aches all over!”

Meinang understood and offered, “Grandmother, please move in a bit so I can massage you.”

The old madam, pleased, told Xu Xi Ping and the others, “Go on. I can’t sit long, and Meinang has the perfect hands for this. I’ll rest for a while.”

Xu Xi Ping took his leave, expressing well-wishes for his mother’s health. Lady Gui turned to leave with her husband, but Xu Xi Ping frowned, “Why the rush? Stay with Mother a bit longer to keep her company.”

Lady Gui blushed, murmuring, “Didn’t you hear Mother say she wanted to rest?”

The old madam waved her hand, “Go, go. I’m tired. Just leave Meinang with me and don’t forget to look after the children!”

The other ladies gathered their children, bowed in farewell, and the old madam, with a pleased smile, took a few items from her cabinet, handing each child a gift.

Earlier, Heng Ge’er had cried, refusing to calm down until his nursemaid was fetched to carry him away, missing out on his own gift.

Meinang glanced at the items the old madam had distributed ornate golden figurines in the shapes of auspicious animals, exquisite pieces that could serve as paperweights or decorative items. The old madam was indeed generous.

The old madam closed her eyes, enjoying the massage as Meinang worked on her. Gradually, her muscles relaxed, a contented smile playing on her lips.

“These gifts are handed out several times a year when the family gathers, and these trinkets are from when I was six or seven back then, the Zhuang family’s wealth outshone even that of the marquis households! Seeing Heng Ge’er’s robe today made me decide to give him one of my gold Kirin figurines, inlaid with emerald eyes.”

Meinang replied, “I thank you on Heng Ge’er’s behalf for such a precious gift, Grandmother. Your blessings are passed down with these treasures.”

The old madam patted her hand, “I may be old, but I still choose only the best for the children. Heng Ge’er’s father received one Kirin when he was young, and now Heng Ge’er shall have the other.”

Meinang’s hands paused, listening as the old madam continued, “You’ve been lucky to recover so well, so live happily with Ying’er. Raise your children well and manage the household. Ying’er has been resilient since childhood yet his life has not been easy. The marquis family’s prosperity has been paid for with lives. Both his grandfather and father fell in battle, so I hold my breath whenever he’s on campaign. At least I’ve now seen him have a son.”

Her voice softened. “One son, though, is not enough. Ying’er should have more children. His new concubines are of no consequence, we’ll find him good companions soon to expand the family lineage.”

Meinang’s heart raced. Here it was exactly as her nursemaid had warned. The old madam had directly suggested new concubines for Xu Jun Ying! The reasoning left her with no room to object.

Trying to conceal her reaction, she noticed a shadow flicker across the nearby screen. Smiling, she replied, “Whether a noble or humble companion, a concubine is just a concubine! No need for you to worry, Grandmother. Mother and I will take care of it. After all, they will serve before me daily, and once I’m satisfied, surely my husband will be as well!”

The old madam, dozing off to Meiniang’s soothing touch, nodded in approval, murmuring, “Yes, you’re sensible… handle it as you see fit.”