167 The Xie Residence’s Visit (2)
Commanding errands was a military duty. The juniors in the family also had to learn some military strategies.
If nothing happened to the Zhou family, it would be his turn to inherit the position in the future. In addition, there were wars every year in Youzhou, so it was common knowledge for him to know about this.
At the thought of this, Old Madam Yu felt another wave of pity.
“…So, Linghuai took the ‘Art of War’ and pointed at the schemes of the higher-ups. He explained how to use the plans one by one. Brother Yan listened in admiration and immediately said that he wanted to learn the art of war.”
At this point, Madam Yao couldn’t help but laugh. “Linghuai then said, ‘You don’t know much about learning or history. Even if you learn the art of war, how can you use it on the enemy?’ Brother Yan didn’t have much to say, but Linghuai mentioned some famous generals from the past and present. In the end, Brother Yan was convinced.”
Brother Yan was not good at studying. In the past, he had liked to fool around, but Mr. Hu Shan ignited his passion to play with knives and guns.
Seeing that he had some talent in this field, Master had hired a martial arts master for Brother Yan. It was obvious that he wanted him to take the path of a general. It would be great to send him into the army to train and arrange for him to be a decent guard.
Zhou Linghuai’s actions were exactly what he wanted.
Old Madam Yu smiled. “We have to let them learn well. This family will still have to rely on the two of them in the future.”
These words were serious, but Madam Yao felt proud. “Not only has Brother Yan and Brother Xin improved, but even Shuangbai, Lian Yu, and Fangfei have improved a lot.”
When one was old, the thing they were most willing to listen to was their descendants’ ambition. It was obvious that Madam Yao was really sensible. Old Madam Yu’s smile deepened, and she pretended to be all ears.
Madam Yao continued, “Shuangbai has been learning tea techniques from Nanny recently, and she’s already quite good. Nanny also said that she’s talented and willing to put in the effort. She’s learning very well. Lian Yu’s studies have improved a little, and even Fangfei has gradually caught up with her current studies. She’s also become much bolder. A few days ago, she made a few very exquisite hair ornaments and gave them to me. Old Madam, take a look…”
As she spoke, she moved her head closer to Old Madam Yu.
Old Madam Yu took a look. It was a silk-like golden peony. It looked just like the real thing. The petals were well-arranged and inlaid with various small beads, making it look exquisite.
Old Madam Yu smiled. “Oh, I haven’t seen such an exquisite head ornament lately. I didn’t expect Fangfei to do this as she’s timid and usually doesn’t show her face. She’s actually so smart.” With that, she looked at Madam Yao with a smile. “This is also thanks to your good upbringing.”
Actually, she had raised her daughter well because she wanted to settle down in the inner residence. Look at Yu Qingning in the main house. Even if she learned the rules, she wouldn’t be secure. She should know that the upbringing of a concubine’s daughter was important.
Madam Yao could see this clearly and had done a good job.
Madam Yao smiled in front of Old Madam Yu. “This isn’t my hard work. As the first wife, I can still teach them some manners, but I don’t have the ability to make them improve.”
Old Madam Yu looked up and waited for her to continue.
As expected, Madam Yao changed the topic. “It’s all thanks to Yao Yao. She’s ambitious and knows how to bring her younger sisters along. Shuangbai cried to me a few days ago, and after Yao Yao’s persuasion, she became interested in tea art and even learned how to cook snacks. Fangfei is young, so she has a hard time learning. She only learned well because of Yao Yao’s notes…”
Old Madam Yu had also heard about the commotion that the second branch had caused a few days ago, so she could probably guess a little. Later on, when she saw that Yu Youyao and Yu Shuangbai were getting closer, she pretended that nothing had happened.
Now that Madam Yao had taken the initiative to mention it, she had to thank Yao Yao for her kindness. How could she not be happy? “Sisters should help each other.”
Madam Yao nodded repeatedly and praised with a smile, “Yao Yao has been raised in front of Old Madam since she was young. She already has the demeanor of a legitimate elder at a young age. It’s all because of Old Madam’s good upbringing, isn’t it? If it weren’t for Old Madam’s old age, I would have sent Shuangbai to your house to be taught carefully.”
Old Madam Yu was amused.
At this moment, Qing Xiu entered the house. “Old Madam, Nanny Li, who follows in front of First Madam, is here. She said that there’s a shortage of manpower in the main kitchen and wants to borrow a few people from you.”
Madam Yao’s eyes flashed.
There was a small banquet at noon, but the big banquet happened at night. If she was busy now, she could still manage it and didn’t have to borrow someone from Old Madam.
She was probably just borrowing someone else to show off in front of Old Madam.
Old Madam Yu’s smile faded as she waved her hand. “Choose a few capable ones and let her do as she pleases.”
In the Jade Courtyard, Xia Tao was also talking about this. “Mu Jin ran over and asked to borrow someone, including Mother Zhao. How could I agree? I said that Eldest Miss was making medicinal cuisine in the kitchen and couldn’t leave. Mu Jin was a little unhappy and left.”
Yu Youyao nodded. “Then we’ll pick two capable old maids from the kitchen. First Madam has worked hard, so I should also do my best. I don’t want to get any gossip.”
Xia Tao pursed her lips. “This isn’t Miss’s fault. Back then, you personally asked First Madam if she wanted help. It was First Madam who was unwilling to let you interfere.”
Yu Youyao flipped through the zither score. After learning the zither for a few days, she had learned it and played it for her cousin. Her cousin also said that it was not bad and taught her a new song.
Xia Tao continued, “But she’s commanding the maidservants around so much that they don’t even know what to do. She’s shouting so loudly, as if no one knows how to do anything without her command. It’s not like there hasn’t been a banquet in the residence in the past. How can she torture people like this?”
Yu Youyao’s gaze paused for a moment. “Well, she lost face so she can only redeem herself and get respect from them this way. Only then can she vent her anger.”
Wasn’t that so? Xia Tao agreed deeply.
Yu Youyao turned around and instructed Chun Xiao, “Choose two people and send them to Madam Yang first. Then, instruct the kitchen to make a few medicinal dishes that are suitable for their tastes. Keep a close eye on them.”
Chun Xiao agreed and left.
Xia Tao couldn’t help but ask, “Eldest Miss, are you worried that First Madam won’t do her best during the banquet?”
After all, she was Eldest Miss’s mistress. As the second wife, how could she not have any grudges?
“Look at Madam Yang. Do you think she won’t do her best?” Yu Youyao asked. Old Madam Ma had caused a commotion in the residence, and there was a deep meaning behind it.
Other than preventing Yang Shuwan from making a fuss in the residence because she wanted to take advantage of her mistakes, it was also to let Yang Shuwan carefully arrange for the Xie Residence to enter the capital. This was to prevent her from causing trouble that could not only hurt her relationship with the Xie Residence, but also embarrass the residence. In the past, everyone who visited from the Xie Residence was a servant. As long as they did not make any mistakes on the surface, they would not lose their manners.
But!