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Chapter 72: Conditions

Nanny Ruan smiled and asked, “Do you have a younger sister?”

“Yes, I do. My sister’s name is Xiao Yuan,” Xiao Yao replied with a bright smile when mentioning her younger sibling.

Madam Qin was a bit worried. Nanny Ruan had yet to agree to stay, and now Ping’an mentioned her younger granddaughter. Would this make her overthink and believe the family had ulterior motives, like asking her to teach two children at once?

Nanny Ruan gazed into Xiao Yao’s eyes for a moment before saying, “Where is your younger sister? Bring her here so I can take a look.”

At that moment, Xiao Yuan was playing in the garden accompanied by her maid. Last night, Yuan Yutong had told her that today was an important day for her sister, and she should avoid causing trouble. A white cat followed at her feet, and a cozy little corner in the new embroidery tower room had been prepared just for the cat.

One of the maids by Yuan Yutong’s side found the little girl, tidied her dress, and carried her toward the embroidery tower.

“Has the guest left?” Xiao Yuan asked the maid.

“No, everyone is waiting for you in the embroidery tower!” Yuan Yutong had instructed her to bring the young miss over without saying much else.

“Then maybe I shouldn’t go. My mother told me not to disturb my sister,” Xiao Yuan protested, struggling to get down.

“But it’s the third lady and the eldest miss who asked me to bring the second young miss here.”

“Really?” Xiao Yuan, full of pride, maintained her smug expression all the way to the embroidery tower. Upon seeing a stranger, she toned it down slightly.

From a distance, Nanny Ruan noticed a chubby and adorable little girl. Although she didn’t have the striking looks of the eldest daughter of the Xiao family, nor her liveliness, she had a unique charm and cuteness.

“Ruyi, come and greet Nanny Ruan,” Madam Qin said as she motioned for the maid to put the little granddaughter down.

Xiao Yuan scanned the crowd and quickly found someone she didn’t recognize. She bowed gracefully and greeted, “Hello, Nanny!” Her gaze then instinctively went to the table. Hmm, a guest was here, but where were the snacks?

“Your sister gave this place a name. Do you want to know what it’s called?” Nanny Ruan asked.

“A name? What name?” Xiao Yuan, still somewhat unfocused, glanced at her family for a hint.

“My name, your name,” Xiao Yao hinted, unable to suppress her smile.

“A name… Oh! I remember now. Sister said if she were to name it, she’d call it ‘Yao Yuan Tower.’ Yao from her name and Yuan from mine, right?” Excited, Xiao Yuan threw herself at her sister. Her sister was so thoughtful, always including her in everything.

Xiao Yao skillfully dodged behind Yuan Yutong. Her little sister often forgot that their weight classes weren’t the same, and the gap was growing. Did Xiao Yuan ever consider what would happen if she accidentally crushed her only sister and left her bedridden for life?

“You’ve been playing with Little White again, haven’t you?” Xiao Yao whispered.

“Sister, your nose is getting sharper. I only played with it for a little while, and you could already tell. If the Yixiang Garden made new snacks one day, could you sniff them out from our courtyard?”

“Are you saying I’m like…” Xiao Yao mimed a barking puppy but muted the sound.

“Hehe, I didn’t say anything like that!” Xiao Yuan retorted smartly.

The sisters thought they were speaking in whispers, but in the quiet surroundings, every word they said was heard by everyone present.

Having seen what she needed to, it was now time to discuss mutual understanding and how to proceed.

“I am satisfied with Xiao Yao and your family, but there are some things I’d like to clarify in advance to avoid misunderstandings later,” Nanny Ruan said directly in the Ninghe Hall living room. Since both parties seemed interested, an open discussion was necessary.

“Nanny Ruan, feel free to speak,” Tong Mingyu, known for her straightforwardness, replied approvingly.

“First, I hope that Xiao Yao is willingly learning from me and not being forced to do so.”

Everyone turned to look at Xiao Yao.

This was the second time today Xiao Yao had to express her stance. Nanny Ruan’s every move and expression were captivating. Surely, any woman—well, even though she was still a young girl—would aspire to be like her.

“Nanny Ruan, can we negotiate?” Xiao Yao asked, clearly calculating her own terms.

“Let’s hear it,” Nanny Ruan said, her interest piqued by Xiao Yao’s unique personality.

“If I make mistakes in the future, can I not be punished by copying the ‘Precepts for Women’? Let’s find another form of punishment.”

“Such as?” Nanny Ruan asked with a smile, not offended in the least.

“Anything but copying the ‘Precepts for Women’ is fine. Everything else is negotiable, right?” Xiao Yao knew how to strike a balance. Maintaining a good relationship with someone she would be living with was crucial.

“Alright, I promise you.”

Having secured what she wanted, Xiao Yao stepped back obediently.

“My second point concerns the second young miss. From what I’ve seen, the two sisters have a close bond and wouldn’t want to be separated. I can agree to teach both, but how much the second young miss learns will depend entirely on her own efforts.”

“I am Xiao Yuan’s mother. I never dreamed my daughter would have such an opportunity. Now that you’ve agreed to let her learn alongside her sister, I’m already deeply grateful. Thank you, Nanny Ruan.” Yuan Yutong expressed her gratitude with excitement. She also felt immense thanks toward her sister-in-law and Xiao Yao. Without them, no price could have convinced Nanny Ruan to come.

“Good. My final question is about Xiao Yao’s future. What plans or arrangements does your family have for her?” Nanny Ruan glanced at Xiao Yao, indirectly addressing a critical matter. If the family aimed for the palace or a noble household, her teaching methods would align accordingly. If they intended for a simpler future, adjustments would be made.

“Ping’an, Ruyi, go play,” Tong Mingyu said, dismissing the sisters. The conversation to follow was not suitable for children.

Fine, Xiao Yao thought. She wasn’t interested in this topic anyway. As someone without a say, she’d rather preserve some imagination for her future. Life would lose its flavor if she knew everything in advance.

Once the children were gone, Tong Mingyu said, “You may call her by her name. If you don’t mind, just call her Ping’an. What do you think?”

“Alright, as Madam Xiao wishes. I’ll call her Ping’an from now on,” Nanny Ruan agreed. It felt less formal than addressing her as a young lady.

Tong Mingyu then candidly added, “Ping’an may appear obedient, but she’s actually carefree and undisciplined. She’s not suited for life in a noble household. Our family only wishes for her to live a peaceful and smooth life.”

This response surprised Nanny Ruan. Families in the capital with children like Xiao Yao and a nanny of her caliber would typically aim for the palace or noble houses. The Xiao family’s decision to forgo such opportunities set them apart.

“I understand. I have no other concerns. If there’s anything Madam Xiao would like to add, please feel free.”

“There is one more thing. My daughter suffered an injury when she was young, and her body hasn’t fully recovered. Would you mind this, Nanny Ruan?”

“Would you be willing to share the details?”

Tong Mingyu explained Xiao Yao’s injury and the subsequent treatments in detail.

“Since Imperial Physician Fang is treating Ping’an, I won’t overstep. But from what you’ve described, there’s great hope for her full recovery. While I can’t claim expertise in other matters, I am confident that when it comes to conditioning a young lady’s health and preparing medicinal diets, few in the capital can match me.”

This unexpected assurance delighted the Xiao family. Nanny Ruan’s words brought joy to everyone present.

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