The next day, Qu Fulan continued with her usual tasks, preparing medicine.
These days, in addition to preparing medicine for the old lady, she also had to prepare medicine for Hua Hao.
Slicing what needed to be sliced, grinding what needed to be ground, it was quite a workload, and the morning passed just like that.
Meanwhile, Yueyuan had gone out early in the morning to gather information.
She didn't need to make an appearance herself; as the senior maid beside the old lady, she naturally had her sources.
In a large household, unless one is alone with no one around, whatever is said or done cannot escape the ears of the inquisitive.
Yueyuan soon uncovered the full story and understood the second young lady's plan, sneering coldly in her heart.
"I've never liked this second young lady, arrogant and self-centered, thinking everything should revolve around her. On the surface, she smiles at you, but behind your back, she stabs you."
Hua Hao frowned and said, "She's always been like this. But what to do now? She's targeting Haitang. Haitang is just a little maid. How could she contend with her?"
Yueyuan replied, "Haitang may be just a little maid, but doesn't she have the old lady backing her? Anyway, she's leaving in half a month and can't take Haitang with her."
Hua Hao was stunned for a moment before realizing that Haitang could cure the old lady's insomnia.
"Don't tell Haitang about this. We still don't know her intentions now. Just let me probe a bit first. If she wants to live that kind of life, we shouldn't stop her. If she doesn't, I'll make other plans," Yueyuan said.
"I certainly won't say a word, but while that life may seem good on the surface, who knows how much dirt lies beneath. The little girl might briefly think wrong, after all. You'd better give her a good reminder."
"Rest assured, I know what to do."
Though maids have their ranks, to outsiders, they're still just servants.
Among sisters, seeing a doctor wasn't easy, but now, with a maid who could treat illnesses, everyone was pleased and didn't want Haitang to be taken away.
Qu Fulan happened to come by to deliver medicine to Hua Hao. To ensure the best efficacy, she personally prepared the prescription.
Just as she reached the door, she overheard their conversation inside.
Qu Fulan realized that her speculation yesterday was correct; the second young lady indeed planned to cultivate a "trusted aide."
Pondering it over, she heard footsteps approaching from within, suggesting someone was coming out. Qu Fulan quickly withdrew to a safe distance, then took a few steps forward deliberately making some noise and stopped at the door.
"Is Hua Hao resting? I came to deliver medicine."
Thinking it was just Haitang, Yueyuan took the medicine and exchanged a few courteous words before taking Haitang out to talk.
Instead of getting straight to the point, Yueyuan first shared some good news with Qu Fulan.
"In a few days, Hai Xing will leave. The old lady said that once Hai Xing leaves, she'll have you take her place."
Even though the old lady had suggested Yueyuan guide Qu Fulan, meaning to groom her, nothing was certain until now.
Qu Fulan immediately bowed to Yueyuan, "It must have been because you spoke well of me to the old lady, Yueyuan, that she arranged this. Haitang thanks you, Yueyuan."
Yueyuan laughed, "The old lady is sharp-eyed, she knows exactly who does what. This is your own merit, no need to thank me."
Qu Fulan said, "No need for humility, Sister Yueyuan. I'm well aware of your great kindness."
Yueyuan laughed, "You've got such a sweet tongue, and not just that. Your looks are outstanding too. Even before the age of coming-of-age, you possess such beauty. Who knows how glorious you'll be when fully grown? I wonder who will have the fortune to marry you in the future. With your appearance, it'd be a pity to marry a common man."
Anyone else wouldn't have caught Yueyuan's testing words, but Qu Fulan did right away.
Qu Fulan feigned annoyance, "Sister Yueyuan, don't make fun of me with talks of marriage or not. I can support myself with my own hands and feet, so I don't want to marry. Even if I must, I only yearn for a simple and peaceful life."
Yueyuan understood Haitang's intention, realizing she had no thoughts in that regard, thus replied, "I'm not mocking you. What woman doesn't marry? But you're young and shy about discussing these matters. I won't say more to avoid embarrassing you."
Qu Fulan hesitated before adding, "Did your sudden mention of this have anything to do with Nanny Fang looking for me yesterday?"
Yueyuan admired her sensitivity while thinking this was just fine. As a servant, awareness is important; otherwise, one might not even know when they're being plotted against.
Still, Yueyuan decided not to disclose the matter to her. Some things are better left unspoken if the master doesn't mention them. Speaking of it could lead to rumors that harm everyone.
"I asked about yesterday, and it isn't a big deal. In a little over half a month, the second young lady will leave. She wanted to discreetly prepare a thoughtful gift for the old lady, not knowing what the old lady lacks lately, she feared asking us senior maids would create too much noise and ruin the surprise, so she asked you, a small maid. She thought it over and realized, as a third-class maid, you wouldn't know much. So she dropped the idea," Yueyuan explained.
Qu Fulan played along, "Is that so? Then I can relax." After a pause, she added, "Is the second young lady leaving so soon?"
"Yes, after all, it's only been half a year since the wedding. It's not suitable to stay too long."
And that wrapped up the matter.
At least for Qu Fulan, it did.
After all, with the second young lady leaving, she couldn't take her along. Otherwise, she'd be disregarding the old lady's health, which would be unfilial.
However, the second young lady seemed to think differently.
The next day, Qu Fulan was summoned to serve. Yes, serve.
As Qu Fulan finished preparing the medicine and had a moment of leisure, Nanny Fang called her over, saying the second young lady needed her.
Arriving at the third house, Qu Fulan, like last time, was kept waiting for a while, roughly a quarter-hour, before being brought into the flower hall.
Initially puzzled by this treatment, she understood when she saw the second young lady.
Here was an arrogant figure, exuding a holier-than-thou attitude, looking down on everyone. From the moment she entered, the second young lady chatted with her personal maid, as if unaware of another presence, not even glancing at her.
Qu Fulan guessed she might be unaware of her involvement in preparing the old lady's medicine.
Presumably too conceited to bother checking on a minor maid.