Chapter 17 Greetings 3

Madam Qiao then changed the subject: "However, your daughter-in-law will keep an eye out. Once a suitable governess is found, she will definitely invite her back to the mansion. Even if it's not for the sake of the third daughter, the fourth and fifth daughters also need to be carefully raised."

As for the present, Wu, the old nanny who serves my daughter-in-law, is quite capable in educating young ladies. Perhaps we could have Wu teach the third girl some basic manners and etiquette for now, and then we can discuss it further once we've hired a proper governess. What do you think, Mother?"

Upon hearing this, Madam Zhang nodded: "You can handle this matter."

Seeing her mother-in-law's attitude, Qiao felt a little more at ease.

It seems the old lady doesn't care much about Yu Qingci. That's good. How can a little slut who's about to be married off and left to live a life of widowhood be worthy of having palace maids come back to teach her manners? Isn't she just showing off to Granny Wu because of the Earl's favor? Then let Granny Wu teach her properly what respect and etiquette are.

After Yu Qingyan and the other two finished speaking, she said, "Thank you for your care, Grandmother and Mother. Actually, when we were in our hometown of Youyang, my father specially hired a governess for me from the capital. Her surname was Li, and I studied under her for three years."

Until the beginning of this year, when Granny Li's health deteriorated and she wanted to return to her hometown to reunite with her family, her father and mother, grateful for Granny Li's kindness in raising her, specially sent people to escort her home in glory.

Madam Zhang said dismissively, "That's because your father cares about you as his daughter. But an ordinary governess can't be that capable."

Yu Qingci: "I remember my father once said that when Li Mama was in the capital, she taught two princesses, a princess consort, and several young ladies from prominent families in the capital. As long as I follow Li Mama and study hard, even if I only learn the basics, I will benefit greatly in the future."

Both Madam Zhang and Madam Qiao were taken aback when they heard her finish speaking. Madam Zhang asked, "Did your father say this?" Yu Qingci nodded.

Madam Zhang then asked, "Do you know the name of that Granny Li?"

Yu Qingci shook her head: "This granddaughter doesn't know, but her father has mentioned two princesses taught by Granny Li, one of whom is Princess Minghua."

After these words were spoken, another silence fell over the hall.

Yu Qingci might not fully understand Princess Minghua's identity when she first arrived in the capital, but the others naturally knew very well that she was the beloved daughter of the current Empress Dowager, one of the most noble princesses in the royal family, who married the second son of the Duke of Wei many years ago, and now lived in Minzhou with her husband, who was a high-ranking official in charge of a region.

Princess Minghua's tutor was surnamed Li. When she was young, she served by the Empress Dowager's side and taught many royal noble ladies and daughters of noble families. She had a good reputation in the capital.

When Qiao thought that the governess her husband had hired for this wretched girl was actually Granny Li, she almost lost the loving expression on her face, and her hands, hidden under her sleeves, clenched tightly together.

She bore her husband two daughters. Since he had such connections to hire Granny Li back then, why didn't he think about his two daughters?

The Yu sisters, Qingyan and Qingying, were in no better shape at the moment. Yu Qingying blurted out:

"You're talking nonsense! What kind of status does Granny Li have? How could she possibly be willing to leave the bustling capital to go to such a remote place to be your tutor? Wait until Father comes back and exposes your lies, then we'll see how you handle it!"

After saying that, his face became smug again, convinced that Yu Qingci was lying on purpose.

Yu Qingci looked over innocently: "What's there to lie about? If you don't believe me, wait until Father comes back and ask him carefully."

Madam Zhang also looked somewhat uneasy at this moment. If what this girl said was true, then what they had just said about having Granny Wu teach this girl...

Never mind, I'll wait until my son comes home tonight and ask him first.

So he said, "In that case, there's no rush to ask the nanny to teach Third Sister. I'll ask the Lord later."

Madam Qiao forced a smile and said, "Then I will listen to Mother. However, I have another matter to ask you. Normally, when Sanya and Qingbai are recognized by their ancestors, our mansion should hold a banquet to invite the families we have good relations with in the capital and formally introduce the siblings to our relatives and friends. However, our mansion has already attracted much attention because of Qingyan's marriage. I think it would be better for us to keep a low profile. So for now, we can only ask Sanya and Qingbai to do it."

Reminded by her, Madam Zhang's attention immediately returned to Yu Qingyan. She sighed and looked at Yu Qingyan with pity: "My poor eldest daughter, she is of noble birth, and her appearance, temperament and talent are no less than other noble ladies in the capital. In the end, she was stuck with such a marriage. It is really a tragedy."

Madam Zhang harbored even more resentment towards the people of General Ningyuan's mansion. If they hadn't relentlessly forced Qingyan to marry into their household to remain a widow in place of their deceased son, the Earl's mansion wouldn't have had to sacrifice its eldest daughter.

Madam Qiao lowered her head and wiped away her tears: "Who says it isn't true? But what can we do? Even the Emperor is on the side of the General's Mansion. I can only pity my Yan'er."

As Zhang held Yu Qingyan's hand, she was overcome with grief.

Yu Qingyan quickly bent down and comforted her, "Grandmother, don't be sad. Now that things have come to this, I don't blame anyone. I will take responsibility myself. I only ask that you and Mother take good care of yourselves."

"Good child, I'm so sorry to have put you through this."

Madam Zhang held Yu Qingyan and wept bitterly. It took a while for her to calm down a little after everyone comforted her. She then hurriedly called Xichun into the inner room and brought out a stack of silver notes to give to Madam Qiao.

"I'll be biased this time. These silver notes are a token of my affection as your grandmother. Take them and add them to Qingyan's dowry. This marriage has already caused this child so much suffering. Her dowry must be generous enough to make her proud. If anyone is dissatisfied, let them come to me and say so."

When Zhang finished speaking, he surveyed the crowd with a stern expression.

No one in the room dared to upset Madam Zhang at this moment, so they all tactfully flattered her.

Yu Qingci stood to the side with her head bowed and eyes downcast, not daring to show the slightest hint of disharmony. If she hadn't known about the plans of the Qiao mother and daughter, she would have truly believed that Yu Qingyan genuinely wanted to marry into the family.

However, this method of making money is quite good. Look, in just a short while, he can coax the old lady into handing out jewelry and banknotes. I just wonder if he will give her all the dowry when he becomes the bride.

Qiao glanced at Yu Qingci and thought to herself: You little slut, I'll let you be smug for a few more days.

At night, the west wind was cold outside, but the room was brightly lit by candles. The peacock blue glazed incense burner placed on a stool in the corner of the room emitted a pleasant, faint fragrance, and all was quiet.

Yu Qingci, hugging a soft pillow, sat on the couch and whispered to Tong'er. Siqin walked in and said, "Third Miss, it's windy outside today, why don't you rest and go to bed early? I'll make your bed for you."

Yu Qingci looked up quietly and gazed at her. Under her gaze, Siqin gradually became flustered. She lowered her head guiltily and asked, "Why are you looking at me like that, Miss?"