After listening to Xiang Dong, Su Qingyu did not hesitate and said, "Then let's go and take a look."
Xiangdong bowed slightly respectfully and made a gesture of invitation.
The pearl hairpin dangling from her head framed her delicate and bright profile. Adding to that the fine lilac-colored skirt she wore, she looked incredibly graceful. This attire made her look more regal and respectable than even the matriarch of a small family.
But this was normal. A third-rank official, the prime minister's doorman, and the head of the Shen family's inner chambers, certainly lived better than the headmistress of a small family. Plus, Xiangdong had previously been the head maid of the old lady, so she was more respectable.
Few people in this mansion probably know that Xiangdong usually looks a bit arrogant and even unsociable. In fact, he has long been bribed by Chen.
Chen's move must have been a meticulous one. She was going to lose face on her first day as housekeeper. Or even worse.
Xiangdong lagged behind Su Qingyu, and they went to the inner courtyard warehouse together.
When the maids sweeping the yard saw Su Qingyu coming, they all came forward to greet her.
Xiangdong opened the door of the warehouse. There was a sandalwood table at the entrance, on which were several account books and writing brushes, inkstones, paper and inkstone.
She didn't go in, but picked up three paintings from the table and motioned Pearl and Jade to help her open them.
"Third Madam, these are the paintings that Second Madam selected earlier. Please take a look and see which one has the best meaning."
"This painting was given by the second young lady to the young lady of the Zhang family. Do you think this one of plum blossoms in bloom is better?"
If Su Qingyu didn't know the inside story, she would probably have been led astray by Xiangdong.
These three paintings have neither signatures nor seals.
One painting depicts a vast army on the battlefield, another depicts plum blossoms in bloom, auspicious snow heralding a good harvest, and yet another depicts Qingming Festival after rain, full of spring.
If it was a gift for Miss Zhang, the Hanmei painting would be the most suitable. However, if even one of these three paintings were given away, it would be a huge matter for the Shen family.
Because these paintings are all authentic works of the old man of the Shen family. Inside the Shen family's storehouse, there is another small storehouse, which contains the old man's paintings and some books he used during his lifetime.
These things had been in the study of Qingyuan Residence before. Because the old lady was reminded of her father by the things, Shen Zhixiu decided to move them here.
The Shen family would never use these things as gifts.
Su Qingyu knew that if she chose the painting today without knowing anything and just followed Xiangdong's advice, the matter would be brought to the attention of the old lady tomorrow morning. Xiangdong would probably say that she had chosen it herself and the storeroom managers had been unaware.
Xiangdong would receive a minor punishment, but she, the housekeeper, almost took the old man's belongings out of the house on her first day. Even if it wasn't intentional, this family wouldn't have to worry about it.
"Master Xiang, this is really difficult for me. I think every painting is beautiful. Whose painting is this? It's really well done."
Xiang Dong said respectfully, "It's not from a famous family, but it was just bought by my family many years ago."
"The Second Madam said that young ladies don't need to give each other such expensive gifts, so she decided to give the painting."
As they were talking, a little maid came in, bowed, and spoke to Xiangdong.
"Manager Xiang, a piece of porcelain was accidentally cracked. Could you come over and take a look?"
Xiang Dong scolded him, "Why are you so careless? Leave it there for now, I'll go later. Can't you see the Third Madam is here?"
Su Qingyu knew that Xiangdong wanted to leave and create the illusion that she was the only one left in the warehouse.
"Manager Xiang, please go and do your work. It's a good opportunity for me to take another look at this painting."
After sending Xiangdong away, Su Qingyu sat in a chair and thought about what to do next.
Suddenly, footsteps were heard in the warehouse, and then a little maid came out carrying a basin of water and a cotton towel.
When she saw Su Qingyu, she was startled. "Hello, Third Madam. I am Qinglian, the servant. I was just wiping the dust inside."
When Su Qingyu saw Qinglian, her eyes lit up. In her previous life, she came to the warehouse to help the old lady find an old item from years ago. She was almost hit by a plum vase or flower vase that slipped down, but Qinglian helped her block it.
She had a good impression of the girl and knew that she was honest and would never do anything dishonest.
Su Qingyu looked at Qinglian with a smile and asked.
"Qinglian, your steward said that we can choose one of these three paintings to give to the young lady of the Xuanwu Marquis's Mansion. Do you think that's okay?"
The maids working in the storeroom not only had to sweep the dust, but also had to be familiar with the items in the storeroom. They also had to check the inventory in the book every day, and they knew everything in the storeroom by heart.
Qinglian was surprised at first, then glanced at the painting and said immediately, "Third Madam, this is absolutely not allowed. This painting is the old master's original work, how can you give it away as a gift?"
Su Qingyu looked at her with appreciation, "That's not what your manager said."
Qinglian pursed her lips and said, "I can't lie to the Third Madam."
"Miss, Manager Xiang is back." Feicui walked from the window to Su Qingyu and said in a low voice.
Su Qingyu's eyebrows moved slightly, and she said to Qinglian, "Go inside and don't let anyone see you. No matter what you see, don't make a sound. You can help me testify later."
Before Qinglian could understand what was going on, Zhenzhu took her inside.
After a while, Xiangdong hurried back.
With an apologetic look on his face, he asked, "I'm sorry to have kept Madam Third waiting. How is your choice going?"
"If you have chosen one, I will pack it up and send it to the Second Young Lady."
Su Qingyu asked in return, "Does Xiang Guanshi also think that giving a painting is appropriate?"
Xiangdong was slightly stunned, his expression a little unnatural.
"This servant doesn't understand. When the young ladies and gentlemen in the mansion go out to give gifts, the mistress always tells us what to give, and we help prepare it."
Su Qingyu thought about it awkwardly and asked, "Then according to Xiang Guanshi, is the plum blossom painting more suitable?"
Xiangdong nodded. "It's just my humble opinion. It depends on what the Third Madam thinks."
Su Qingyu glanced at the painting again and asked, "Whose authentic work is this? It truly has the style of a master."
Xiang Dong casually replied, "I heard that it was just a poor scholar passing by the door. The master took pity on him and exchanged silver for a few paintings. It would be perfect for the second lady to give them to Miss Zhang. They are elegant and not vulgar."
Su Qingyu's face, which had been smiling just now, suddenly turned cold.
"A poor scholar? How dare you say that."
"Fei Cui, tie that person up for me, and let's go to Qingyuan Residence."
As soon as Su Qingyu finished speaking, there was a snap, and Feicui directly twisted Xiangdong's arms behind her back.
The sound just now was the sound of bones dislocating.
"Madam, I don't have any rope, so I'll just take you there."
Xiangdong was horrified and struggled hard.
"What are you doing, Madam? If I have done anything wrong, you can just tell me and I can explain."
Xiangdong subconsciously covered her lower abdomen, perhaps because the jade touched her abdomen.
Su Qingyu snorted, "Explain? You'll have to explain later."
If she wanted to move the steward in the mansion, or the steward from Qingyuanju, she should tell the old lady out of both moral and legal reasons.
A group of people went to Qingyuanju in a mighty manner, and the news that the third lady had kidnapped Xiang Guanshi quickly spread throughout the mansion.
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