Yuewan had never seen a wet nurse from the palace who claimed that one could be natural and disregard the rules in private.
Wet Nurse Zhao laughed, "I have spent half of my life in the palace, the place in the world that highly respects rules, but in reality, it’s also the place that disregards them the most. It’s a matter of perspective. The key question is how to avoid ridicule and make yourself comfortable and at ease, which is a big question."
Yuewan nodded, half understanding, and confirmed again, "So, can we really eat with a spoon?"
"In private, of course, we can." Wet Nurse Zhao nodded.
Yuewan, excitedly took a knife and cut the watermelon into four pieces, then took three spoons and stuck them into three pieces, one for herself, one for Su Rong, and one for Wet Nurse Zhao. The remaining piece was given to Ahua, who was wagging her tail at the door.
When the Lady of the house came in to check on Su Rong and saw the scene of three people and a dog eating watermelons, she was taken aback. Seeing Wet Nurse Zhao eating melon with a spoon as naturally as possible, without any reluctance, the Lady could barely believe that she came from the palace.
Wet Nurse Zhao put down her spoon and politely greeted the Lady with a smile.
The Lady took a while to gather herself, "You, you guys, you are...?"
"Lady, we’re just taking a break." Yuewan quickly reiterated Wet Nurse Zhao’s conversation to the Lady. After finishing, she asked, "My lady, there is still some watermelon left, would you like some?"
For a moment, the Lady found herself at a loss for words, "I also have watermelon, Master Xie sent it to me."
She was just surprised to see Wet Nurse Zhao being so casual and flexible. She was a little worried, could Su Rong learn the proper etiquette from Wet Nurse Zhao? But Wet Nurse Zhao was brought by Su Xingze, so as a mother, even if she did not trust Wet Nurse Zhao, she should trust her own son, right?
Wet Nurse Zhao grinned, "My lady, do not worry, I will carefully instruct Young Mistress Seventh in etiquette. Etiquette is rigid, but people are flexible. The best etiquette for Young Mistress Seventh is to integrate the rules naturally into her behavior in a way that seems vibrant and also doesn’t make her feel restricted."
Hearing this, the Lady nodded and smiled, "As you were brought by Xingze, I trust you. I just never expected that you were so casual behind closed doors."
Wet Nurse Zhao laughed, "When I used to serve the Empress Dowager, she permitted my nephew to bring me home for care before her death. The Empress Dowager was a casual person in private, so serving by her side, I have learned a few things from her."
The Lady suddenly understood, "Nurse, please sit. I didn’t come with any particular business, just wanted to check on Xiaoqi. She’s always hated being bound by rules since she was a child, and I’m afraid she’d give you trouble. Now that you two are getting along well, it’s a relief."
Wet Nurse Zhao sat down with a laugh and said to Su Rong, "Young Mistress Seventh is very fortunate."
In all of Jiangning County, there was no maiden who was treated as indulgently as Xiao Qi. Daughters from other families couldn’t compete. Especially from the words and deeds of the lady, it was obvious that she had genuinely spoiled Xiao Qi. If the Lady had her own daughter, she would probably treat her the same way.
While eating watermelon, Su Rong nodded, "Yuewan, cut a piece of watermelon for mother as well."
Yuewan complied and immediately left to do so.
The Lady did not refuse. When Yuewan handed her a large chunk of watermelon with a spoon stuck in it and urged her to eat it in the same way, the Lady received it a beat slower. She took a bite using the spoon like Su Rong and couldn’t help laughing, "It seems to taste better this way?"
"Of course, it hasn’t been cut, so it still retains its juice, which makes it taste the best." Su Rong, with her legs crossed, said, "Mother, I’ve told you before, you should let go a bit when we’re at home, but you don’t listen. You’ve always been scolding me for not understanding etiquette. What’s the use of having so many rules at home? Isn’t it tiring?"
The Lady gave her a look, "Aren’t I afraid you and your sisters will follow your example and have trouble finding a good family in the future? Some habits, once formed, are hard to change. Like you now, asking you to act in front of Zhou Gu, you can’t even maintain it for a day."
Feeling guilty, Su Rong shut her mouth.
The Lady, after completing a piece of watermelon with the three of them and casually chatting, got up and left.
After the Lady left, Su Rong continued learning the rules with Wet Nurse Zhao. By the end of the day, Wet Nurse Zhao couldn’t help but praise Su Rong’s quick-wittedness, laughing and saying, "I initially thought teaching Young Mistress Seventh the rules would be a challenge, but it turns out that she has a solid foundation and doesn’t require much effort."
She asked curiously, "Did Young Mistress Seventh study orthodox palace etiquette when she was a child? Which educating wet nurse did she have?"
"None, my mother was still alive before I turned seven, and she taught me manners every day. I suffered greatly during those years, but after she passed away due to illness, things have gotten a bit better." Su Rong thought, even the lady had probably forgotten those days. At that time, everyone in the household obeyed the rules established by the seventh aunt, even her daughter. She would personally teach her for half a day, every day. Her health was already not in good shape. Reading, writing, manners, all were taught by her. So, every day, she was bound for half a day and for the other half, naturally, she would go out to play wildly. Her mother was good in one way, she did not stop her from playing crazily and never got angry. She was always a gentle person.
Wet Nurse Zhao nodded, although unclear, she still said, "Having Young Mistress Seventh’s foundation, the Lady and Young Master need not worry. Today, I will first go back, I’ll be back tomorrow."
"Nurse, take care." Su Rong signaled Yuewan to escort Wet Nurse Zhao out.
Yuewan nodded and took Wet Nurse Zhao out of the residence.
On the way, Wet Nurse Zhao inquired, "Judging by Young Mistress Seventh’s appearances, she doesn’t resemble the Governor much, does she take after her seventh aunt?"
"Yes, our young misstress does look like the seventh aunt." Yuewan nodded.
Wet Nurse Zhao recollected, "I knew someone before who bears some resemblance to Young Mistress Seventh. I don’t know where she went after, and there has been no news of her since. It’s a very old story, but seeing Young Mistress Seventh today reminded me of that old friend."
Yuewan laughingly said, "Maybe good-looking people do generally look alike? My young mistress is very pretty."
"True." Wet Nurse Zhao laughed, dropping the topic.
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