It's undeniable that Hai Xing's vision is short-sighted. If her younger sister was capable and climbed up in the future, not only would no one criticize, but people would also think she has abilities.
Now, with such an incident, she has offended the chief maid. Even if her sister becomes a second-class maid, will she have a good future?
Yueyuan looked at Hai Xing with sarcasm in her eyes.
She chose this moment to speak, likely calculating that the old lady wouldn't deny her request during this joyous occasion.
Indeed, the old lady is kind-hearted and naturally wouldn't refuse.
However, looking to the future, how long can this sister of hers remain in this position?
Hai Xing couldn't see the contempt in Yueyuan's eyes, or she didn't care, thinking that as long as the old lady agreed, all would be well. As for the future, her mind probably couldn't think that far.
All she knew was that as long as her sister was in the mansion, even if she married off, she could use her sister to connect with the Pei Mansion, making things easier for her future plans.
Upon hearing this, the old lady indeed pondered. She remembered saying that Haitang would be promoted to a second-class maid.
Though her words were not as prestigious as the emperor's "golden words," once spoken, there's no reason to take them back.
However, at this critical juncture, amidst the celebration, such a request came up—it's hard to refuse. After thinking it over, she felt it best to temporarily wrong Haitang and compensate her later.
The smile on the old lady's face faded a bit as she spoke, "If that's the case..."
"Old lady! Young master's things have been sent back!"
The announcement came from outside.
The room immediately erupted; everyone's attention was captured by the words "Young Master."
The old lady, supporting herself with a cane, stood up excitedly, "Quick, bring the messenger in!"
The curtain opened, and an old maid came in, "Old lady, the messenger said the young master won a great victory at the frontier and sent many gifts home to honor you. Besides you, he also took care of the second and third branches thoroughly."
The old lady couldn't close her mouth from smiling, "This child has always been thorough in his actions. Let me see the family letter first."
How could Heir Pei send things back without accompanying them with a family letter? The letter always made the old lady laugh delightfully.
She couldn't help but laugh halfway through reading, "He said he defeated the enemy overwhelmingly and even claimed him as his son, though that person is a dozen years older, haha, truly shameless."
Yueyuan also laughed and said, "The young master is demoralizing the enemy."
The old lady nodded with a smile, "He only behaves so impudently towards the enemy; with his people, he is very measured."
She continued to read each word carefully, fearing she might miss a word.
Everyone held their breath, not daring to interrupt the old lady lightly.
Even though Hai Xing was anxious, she ultimately dared not disturb the old lady.
Even the most clueless person should know that matters concerning the young master are heavier than theirs right now.
They thought when the old lady finished reading the letter, she might be in a good mood and give a reward. With this in mind, Hai Xing felt fortunate.
After reading it, good spirits filled the old lady.
Only then did the maid offer the gift list, always letting the old lady look it over before distributing the items.
At the end of the list were Hua Hao and Yueyuan's names, and the old lady said nothing about it.
Her grandson, this way, had always been attentive, making sure the maids who took care of her well were rewarded generously.
This show of dignity offered hope to others who served her, implying they too would be rewarded if they served well.
"You two also received gifts..." The old lady smiled.
Hua Hao and Yueyuan curtsied and thanked her.
As the old lady was about to set down the list, she noticed there was still one more name.
"...Haitang?"
This statement caused an uproar.
Everyone turned their gazes toward the old lady and then at Haitang, full of disbelief.
Especially Hai Xing and Hai Chun, their gaze at Haitang seemed lethal.
How could the young master possibly mention a lowly maid like her? It must be a mistake, or maybe someone with the same name; it couldn't possibly be this Haitang.
Qu Fulan thought the same. She had only recently arrived at Pei Mansion; how could Heir Pei know of her existence?
Heir Pei is a rival to the novel's male lead. Southern Nan Shiqing and Northern Jian, he is described as the only one who could stand shoulder to shoulder with Xiao Shiqing.
The book portrays him as an elegant nobleman with a gentle smile on his face, appearing amicable, but capable of taking a life with a laugh and chat.
Heir Pei is unfathomable; few can guess what he's thinking. However, he clearly distinguishes between gratitude and grudges and highly appreciates talent while detesting cunning in front of him.
The old maid explained, "The messenger said the young master knew about the old lady's severe insomnia. The capital doctors could not cure it. Concerned for your health, he sought remedies everywhere. It was said that Haitang cured the old lady's insomnia, hence his designated thanks."
Even at home, the old lady had many well-wishers around her, with relatives visiting daily, and the daughters-in-law honor her every morning and evening, so she never intentionally compared who was more filial.
Now, with her grandson's mention, she realized Haitang significantly contributed to solving her insomnia. As a maid, she deserved her due reward.
The old lady nodded, "He is thoughtful, rewarding clearly; thus, proceed as arranged."
For a while, Qu Fulan became the focus of everyone's envy, receiving admiring looks, whether there was envy or not wasn't on her mind to discern.
Hua Hao and Yueyuan were broad-minded maids who wouldn't be displeased with Haitang receiving the same honor. They instead felt it was rightfully so.
"Dear sister, your fortune has arrived, thank the old lady quickly," Yueyuan said to Haitang.
Qu Fulan hastily thanked the old lady.
The old lady smiled and said, "Thank the young master when he returns; I accept no credit for this."
Everyone laughed along.
Now, the name Haitang had gained fame within Pei Mansion.
Hai Xing and Hai Chun were anxious on the side, Hai Chun still remembering her hope of being promoted to a second-class maid, pulling her sister's clothes anxiously.
How could Hai Xing not be restless?
Seizing the opportunity, she mentioned the previous matter to the old lady again.
"Hearing the good news, the daughters-in-law came to congratulate the old lady."
The Second Madam and Third Madam entered from outside, followed by the mansion's young ladies.
Fushou Hall became lively once more.
The maids hurried to serve tea, and Hai Xing and Hai Chun were pushed aside, suddenly finding themselves in awkward positions.
She knew soon unrelated people would be asked to leave, so she gritted her teeth and knelt before the old lady again, in front of everyone.
"Old lady..."