"Erlang."
When Wei approached, she first called out to Xiao Xin, then gave Xu Rong an awkward smile, as if she didn't know how to address him or what to say.
Xu Rong suppressed her shock and greeted her with a smile, "Hello, Auntie, please come in and sit down."
Madam Wei quickly replied, "No need. I just want to say a few words to Erlang."
Xu Rong understood and said to Xiao Xin, "Second Young Master, I'll go in first."
After Xiao Xin nodded, Xu Rong led the maids into the courtyard. Her face remained normal, but she was genuinely curious—not that she wanted to know what Wei Shi and Xiao Xin were talking about, but she was simply curious about Wei Shi's face.
Xiao Shan and Madam Wei look so alike that they can be recognized at a glance. Wouldn't that Aunt Ruan be like a sister to Madam Wei?
What is Lord Xiao thinking?
He's a scumbag who's devoted to having two concubines who look so alike.
After gesturing for the two maids to go inside first, Xu Rong slowed his pace and lingered in the courtyard.
The courtyard was small to begin with, and just outside the wall, Aunt Wei's soft voice rang out: "Second Brother, I heard that you've offended Sister Jiang in the kitchen?"
Xiao Xin's response was straightforward: "Yes."
"Why bother? I've advised you before that it's not worth offending them and getting into arguments. You might feel good for a moment, but there will be trouble later. Your aunt just wants you to be safe and sound—"
“I’m not good,” Xiao Xin retorted coldly. “The Jiang family used to control the kitchen and took away so much of my and my aunt’s allowance. When I was sick, my aunt went to ask me for a bowl of steamed egg custard but couldn’t get it. She came back and secretly wiped away her tears. Is that what you call good?”
"..."
Ms. Wei seemed speechless, as if she had been silenced.
Xiao Xin's tone softened a little: "Auntie, don't be so worried all the time. I'm all grown up now, and I know what I should do."
After a while, Madam Wei sighed softly: "Yes, you've grown up and are already married."
Xiao Xin didn't respond to that question, but asked her, "Is there anything else, Aunt?"
Madam Wei shook her head, but didn't stop talking. Then she hesitated and said, "Second Madam—I heard she has a bit of a temper. You two didn't have a fight, did you?"
"Auntie, don't listen to such gossip." Xiao Xin sounded annoyed. "That's not true at all."
“I’m not saying she’s bad,” Madam Wei said hurriedly. “I met her once before, and she was very polite. It’s just that she’s the eldest daughter at home, so she’s inevitably a bit pampered. You have such a stubborn temper and are easily agitated. You should give in to her in the future and not give her attitude so easily.”
Xiao Xin listened in silence this time and then said, "I understand."
Madam Wei continued, "Second Brother, you seem to have a lot on your mind, but some things are best left in the past. Actually, this marriage was a good one, so don't always be at odds with the Marquis and his wife—"
Xu Rong didn't listen to what was said after that, and turned back to walk towards the main room.
She discovered that Ms. Wei was a true saint. No matter how others bullied or humiliated her, she harbored no resentment or desire for revenge. She simply accepted her fate without complaint.
It's hard to judge whether such a temperament is good or bad, because in the eyes of others she seems to be suffering, but she herself doesn't feel that way, so it doesn't seem like suffering. She is able to maintain her youthful appearance even in such circumstances. Although there is a hint of fear and sorrow between her brows, it is not a true mark of being beaten down by life.
So here's the question: Lady Wei was the type that Lord Xiao liked, she wasn't unattractive, she was gentle, and there was nothing wrong with her, so why did she lose favor?
If you say that Lord Xiao has a male weakness and loves young people, Xiao Shan looks to be fifteen or sixteen years old. The age difference between Aunt Ruan and Madam Wei is almost negligible, yet their circumstances are so different.
"girl."
Xu Rong entered the main room, where Bai Fu and Xin Cheng greeted her, their eyes sparkling with curiosity. Xin Cheng couldn't help but ask, "Miss, how come Miss Xiao looks so much like the Second Young Master's aunt?"
Bai Fu didn't speak, but her eyes conveyed the same meaning.
Xu Rong shook her head: "I don't know."
Xin Cheng was disappointed: "Huh?"
Xu Rong chuckled and said, "You're new here, and so am I. Why should I know?"
"Girl, you're so smart, I thought you knew everything," Xin Cheng said with an embarrassed smile.
Bai Fu added from the side, "It is said that Miss Xiao is in poor health and rarely goes out. There was never any such rumor before."
Xu Rong nodded. This was normal. Xiao Shan was going out less often, so the concubines would be even less—under Madam Xiao's high pressure, there probably weren't any at all. Women like Concubine Ruan and Madam Wei, with all their joys and sorrows enclosed by high walls, whether favored or not, were nothing more than symbols embellishing their social standing to outsiders.
Few people have seen it, so naturally, few people know about it.
Xin Cheng was itching to speak: "The Second Young Master must know the reason."
Xu Rong thought for a moment and shook her head: "Don't ask him."
His biological mother is a very sensitive topic; it's easy to ask questions that sound like you're exposing her secrets.
Both maids were obedient and quickly replied, "Yes."
Xin Cheng stuck out her tongue: "The Second Young Master is so cold, even if he asked me to go, I wouldn't dare."
Xu Rong smiled and said, "Don't rush, you'll know when the time is right."
Since they all live in the same mansion, secrets can be kept from outsiders, but they can't be kept secret from insiders for long.
**
In the following period, Xiao Xin returned to his studies in the East Second Room, and Xu Rong arranged her dowry, maintaining a peaceful coexistence.
Xu Rong's dowry was arranged in order in the side rooms. In addition to the main house, the small courtyard had two side rooms and four side rooms. One side room was used as a tea room, and another was where Bai Fu and Xin Cheng lived. In the west side room, Cai Die and Cui Ting lived, and Hong Liu and Qing Zao lived. The two rooms on the east side were temporarily unoccupied and were vacated to be used as storerooms.
Most of the clothing and utensils that Xu Rong brought are here. Although there is a complete list, there will be many people and a lot of chaos on the day of the wedding, so not everything may be complete. It is necessary to check them again according to their storage location so that they can be easily retrieved when needed.
With nothing to do all day, she would sit by the door of the side room, wrapped in a fox fur coat, with a hand warmer on her lap and an account book in her hand, basking in the sun while watching the maids rummage through the chests and trunks.
The weather was nice today, and the afternoon sun was warm. Although Xu Rong had taken a nap, being exposed to the sun like this gradually made her feel sleepy again.
"Second sister-in-law."
When a voice suddenly rang out from outside the door, Xu Rong was momentarily dazed before realizing who was being called. She turned around in her chair, looked in the direction of the voice, and then came to her senses: "Young Miss?"
The eldest daughter of the Xiao family.
Xiao Shan entered with a young maidservant wearing double buns. Her face flushed slightly as she curtsied and said, "Second Sister-in-law, I apologize for my intrusion. I wanted to come and sit for a while, but I didn't expect you to be so busy here."
Xu Rong fully regained her senses and stood up with a smile: "You're too kind, young lady. I'm not busy at all. I'm just watching the maids do their work to pass the time."
Upon hearing the commotion, Xin Cheng and Bai Fu hurriedly came out of the side room, bowed to Xiao Shan, and then went to wash their hands and prepare tea and other necessities.
Xu Rong led Xiao Shan to the warm pavilion.
After the guests and hosts sat down, Xiao Shan looked around with a reserved yet somewhat surprised expression, and said softly, "Second sister-in-law really knows how to tidy up; this place is so different now."
The interior and exterior are mostly furnished with the new house furnishings, predominantly in festive red, but some details have been added, such as the red glazed flower vase on the side table of the kang, the white porcelain tea set, the four items of the study, and the glass screen on the kang table, all of which were taken out during yesterday's tidying up.
This change brings a lively, homely atmosphere to the house after people have moved in. Of course, everything is of high quality; what is called "homely" is actually quite expensive, adding an air of wealth.
Xu Rong replied with a smile, "Not at all, it's the young lady who knows how to talk."
Bai Fu came in carrying a teapot to pour tea. Xiao Shan obviously knew that she was Xu Rong's most trusted head maid, unlike the other maids, and she half-bowed as she stood up to thank her.
His manners were impeccable. And there was no indication that he had been mistreated by Madam Xiao that morning.
While pondering her intentions, Xu Rong subtly gave the young woman another once-over.
Xiao Shan was holding a teacup with an elegant posture, but looking at her now, she didn't seem quite the same—in her normal state, Xiao Shan didn't have the timidity that Wei Shi had, and her noble lady demeanor was no less than that of Chang Shuyin.
She was a girl who grew up being pampered.
After taking a couple of sips of tea, Xiao Shan spoke again, first mentioning the red glazed flower vase on the table, praising its exquisite craftsmanship: "—Such a bright and lovely glaze, but why is it empty?"
There were indeed no flowers in the vase. Xu Rong smiled and said, "I didn't see any suitable seasonal flowers, so I didn't bother with it for the time being."
There was only a half-dead, withered tree in the courtyard, and she hadn't had time to explore the area outside.
Xiao Shan's eyes lit up: "My aunt has two plum trees in her yard, and they are in full bloom now. If you don't mind, I'll pick a branch and send it over tomorrow."
Xu Rong's mind stirred slightly; what he wanted to send wasn't flowers, but an olive branch.
She accepted the offer regarding the flower, saying, "Thank you very much, little sister."
Xiao Shan visibly relaxed a bit, her words tinged with a tentative tone, though her manner remained soft and gentle: "If I had known you were so kind, I should have gotten closer to you before. I'm always cooped up at home by myself; I wonder if you'd find it annoying if I came over more often in the future."
The problem wasn't whether she should or shouldn't have been close to him—the original owner was betrothed to Xiao Lun, and if she wasn't stupid, she wouldn't have had much contact with the concubine's daughter whom Madam Xiao disliked. Bai Fu's feedback indirectly proved this point.
Xu Rong smiled and said, "Don't say anything about how annoying it is, sister, you're too kind."
But they didn't say whether they welcomed her frequent visits.
Xiao Shan understood, her fingers tightened around the teacup for a moment, then loosened: "Second Sister-in-law, actually I came to tell you some good news."
Xu Rong adopted an attitude of listening attentively.
Xiao Shan said, "Yi-ge'er is ten years old. His father has been looking for a teacher for him for a long time, but he hasn't found a suitable one yet. Until a few days ago, he heard that there was a Mr. Su at Qixia Academy in Yingtian Prefecture who was extremely learned. His only daughter is married in the capital, and Mr. Su is getting old and wants to live with his daughter and son-in-law, so he came to the capital—"
Xiao Shan hadn't intended to say so much, but as soon as she started, Xu Rong stared intently at her. Since she had brought it up as a bargaining chip, she unconsciously became more and more detailed: "Father visited Mr. Su yesterday. Mr. Su was extremely polite. Father asked him and learned that he intended to take on a disciple in the capital, both to inherit his mantle and to have someone to rely on in his old age. Father has agreed with him, and today he will bring Yi-ge to test him."
She finally finished speaking, and Xu Rong nodded slowly under her expectant gaze.
That connects the dots.
Madam Xiao's reaction yesterday—she had probably already sensed something, which is why she was anxiously watching Marquis Xiao's whereabouts; Xiao Yi's boasting this morning—he really was aiming to become a disciple.
There is only one title, and those below Xiao Lun can only rely on their own abilities. Compared to Xiao Xin, the favored ones are different. He is only ten years old and may not even know a few characters, but Lord Xiao has already prepared great scholars in front of him.
"Second sister-in-law."
Xu Rong pondered without speaking, while Xiao Shan urged him on, yet also said with a touch of pride, "I heard that Second Brother has recently changed his ways and has been studying behind closed doors."
Xu Rong raised an eyebrow: "Hmm?"
Xiao Shan waited for her to respond several times, but she refused to. So she continued, "Second sister-in-law, please don't blame me for being blunt. The tutors in our family school are just going through the motions. They couldn't even teach Yi-ge'er properly after two years. If you really want to study and advance in your studies, you should find a proper teacher."
Xu Rong nodded earnestly: "So the teachers in the family school weren't good enough? Little sister, thank you for telling me, I've remembered it."
Xiao Shan: "..."
She was getting a little anxious. She had already said all that, but her sister-in-law still wasn't responding. Was she really stupid or just pretending?
"Second sister-in-law," she could no longer hold back and revealed her purpose: "You may not know how rare a great scholar like Mr. Su is, and it is even more difficult to find a disciple who will take him as his last disciple. If you are willing, second brother, I can speak to Father and ask him to let you and Yi-ge go to become his disciples together."
Xu Rong asked in surprise, "Is this feasible? Didn't Mr. Su only want to choose one disciple?"
Xiao Shan smiled with a hint of pride: "Others are naturally not good enough, but for a family like ours, I think Mr. Su would still give us face. He readily agreed to take a look at Yi Ge'er. Actually, it was just a formality. Yi Ge'er has already read the Analects. The tutor at the school was afraid of delaying his studies, so he took the initiative to plead with Father, which is why Father decided to choose another famous teacher."
Thus, she had finally revealed half of her purpose. As for the other half, Xu Rong neither intended to ask nor listen—there's no such thing as a free lunch. Xiao Shan's eagerness to come to her door and her tempting offer couldn't possibly be due to a sudden awakening of sibling affection.
There must be an ulterior motive, and that motive must be substantial.
Xu Rong smiled and picked up her teacup: "I see. I only know because you told me, little sister. But I'm still new here and there are many things I don't understand. You know the Second Young Master's temper, so I don't dare to make decisions for him. I'll discuss it with the Second Young Master first, and if there's anything I can ask you for help with, then I'll ask you."
It was time to see the guests off. Xiao Shan was a little disappointed, but Xu Rong's words made sense. She really couldn't agree directly without going through Xiao Xin, so she held back and stood up gracefully: "Second sister-in-law, if you can talk to second brother, just come and find me."
I bow and take my leave.
Her maidservant followed silently, and after leaving the courtyard, she glanced back and hurriedly asked with concern, "Miss, did she agree?"
Xiao Shan's delicate features were somewhat cold: "No."
The maidservant said worriedly, "Oh no! What should we do? Is it because the Second Young Master—"
"It's only a matter of time." Xiao Shan interrupted her, then smiled dismissively. "The benefits I offered were genuine. Second Brother's temper is hard to predict; he might actually be willing to refuse them—but Second Sister-in-law is different."
"She had no choice but to marry her second brother as the eldest legitimate daughter. How could she be content to be an awkward concubine's wife? It doesn't matter if her second brother doesn't agree; she will persuade him to agree."
The maid breathed a sigh of relief: "That's good. In this way, she has received favors from the young lady and is on her side. If the young lady needs her to do something, she will have a better chance to ask, and she won't be able to refuse."
Mentioning this, Xiao Shan's expression darkened again, and she responded softly.
The maid's voice was filled with complaint and indignation: "Madam is going too far. The young lady is so grown up, yet she doesn't think about her well-being, suppressing her and making her and her aunt figure things out on their own..."
The sound gradually faded into the distance.
**
"I don't want to."
At the same time, Xiao Xin refused outright.
Xu Rong stood by the curtain. It was her first time in the east side room. At first glance, she saw only coldness and simplicity, with almost no decorations. There was a kang (a heated brick bed), a wooden cabinet, and a lacquered bookshelf against the wall. Xiao Xin was sitting next to the bookshelf. His profile was handsome and sharp, but the furrowed brows added a touch of fierceness, making him seem unapproachable.
She nodded casually: "I understand. I'll turn her down tomorrow."
This answer was exactly what she expected—it was obvious that Xiao Xin and Aunt Ruan's family were not on good terms, otherwise Xiao Shan would have come to him directly. Even if the siblings had little contact or were estranged, it would still be easier to talk to him than to her, who had only been in the family for two days.
Not wanting to disturb Xiao Xin's reading, she delivered her message and prepared to leave.
"etc."
Xiao Xin stopped her, paused, and then said, "Aren't you going to ask me why?"
Xu Rong turned around with amusement: "What does the Second Young Master want to say?"
As soon as she spoke, Xiao Xin's face turned cold. His expression showed not only rejection but also wariness, and of course, anger. Given such a strong reaction, even though she was curious, she politely restrained herself.
Her smile was gentle and clear, her eyes warm and bright. As she looked at him, Xiao Xin's stormy emotions subsided without him realizing it. He breathed a sigh of relief, and his brows relaxed.
He wanted to respond, but didn't know where to begin, and was still somewhat hesitant.
Xu Rong nodded to him: "Second Young Master, I'll go out first."
The curtain was lifted and then fell back down.
Xiao Xin's gaze was fixed on the slightly trembling hem of the curtain, and for some reason, that hesitation turned into disappointment.
He stared at it for a moment before turning back to continue working at his desk.
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