Qu Fulan was studying medical books from this era. She didn't think her medical skills were particularly advanced. As the saying goes, learning is endless, and you learn until you grow old; it's never wrong to learn more while there's time.
Just as she was about to note down some characteristics of a rare herb she had found in the book, a voice came from outside.
"Haitang, the Old Madam is looking for you."
As soon as Qu Fulan entered the Old Madam's room, the first thing she saw was Hai Yue with her hands behind her back and a look of apology on her face.
Initially, Qu Fulan found it inexplicable; however, after Yueyuan explained the reason, she understood why.
After Yueyuan finished speaking, everyone looked at Qu Fulan, waiting for her explanation.
When a servant makes a mistake, whether big or small, they are bound to be punished, although the severity varies. As a result, whenever something happens, a servant's first reaction is to shirk responsibility or defend themselves, and they won't admit their mistakes until the very last moment.
This particular behavior is what masters dislike the most. Confession may not lead to leniency, but resistance will undoubtedly invite strict punishment.
Qu Fulan calmly looked at the Old Madam and said, "It is my fault. I am willing to accept the punishment, and I assure you, this kind of principled mistake will not happen again."
Even Yueyuan was taken aback. She thought Haitang had some reason and would explain herself a bit, but she admitted just like that...
Nanny Fang smiled with satisfaction, thinking this girl knows her place and doesn't dare argue, or she would have had to deal with her!
Among everyone present, the Old Madam's reaction changed the most. If Haitang had defended herself, the Old Madam would have thought she lacked responsibility. However, her direct admission made the Old Madam feel more relieved about the matter.
"Enough, it's good that you know your fault. Don't let it happen again. With the family's joyous occasion approaching, laziness is unacceptable. From now on, you'll take over Hai Yue's tasks. Her hands are in such condition that she's unable to perform her duties."
"Thank you, Old Madam, for your forgiveness. I will obey."
Once outside the Old Madam's Fushou Hall, Hai Yue still expressed her apologies to Haitang.
"I wasn't thorough in my thoughts and let others misunderstand you. It's my fault, not just others, but even the Old Madam misunderstood. Truly, it's my sin."
"You meant well. I won't take it to heart."
"Do you really not mind?"
"I don't mind. Your intention was for my good, wasn't it?"
"...Yes, I'm glad you understand."
Qu Fulan suddenly stopped, smiling as she looked at the other person intently.
Hai Yue felt a little panicked under her gaze. "Why is Haitang looking at me like that?"
Qu Fulan's smile became even gentler, "I just think Sister Hai Yue is beautiful, so I wanted to take a few extra looks. I must get to work now."
Clearly a compliment, yet Hai Yue felt uneasy listening to it.
Hai Xia was the one most aware of the entire incident's cause, having twice encountered Haitang trying to help but being turned away. Each time, it was Hai Yue refusing help and insistently pushing her back, telling her to continue carefully preparing medicine for the Old Madam.
While knowing is one thing, Hai Xia couldn't say anything about it. What could she say?
Hai Yue's actions were well-meaning but ended up backfiring.
"It's just a pity I'm not the Old Madam's personal maid; otherwise, I could have explained it to her on your behalf."
Sometimes, "pillow talk" can be very effective, but not everyone has the privilege to offer that kind of "pillow talk."
"It's not a problem; it's just making up for something that wasn't finished before."
Qu Fulan referred to the remaining paper-cuts and sachets.
Everyone else's tasks were almost done. The remaining ones beside Hai Yue's are now her responsibility.
"How can you do so much alone? I'll help you."
Hai Xia was very enthusiastic, and although Qu Fulan refused her help, she took over the duty regardless.
Qu Fulan made a mental note of this favor.
Life is always about gains and losses. Just like the original owner always honestly and diligently worked as a lowly maid without bringing much trouble, but now as she tries to climb up and seek freedom, she must pay some price.
Qu Fulan harbored no resentment in her heart.
She was never someone who acted without preparation.
As for the third residence, Third Madam was still dissatisfied after hearing about the Old Madam's handling of the matter.
"The Old Madam is too soft-hearted. If it were up to me, I'd have had that girl kneel under the sun for a few hours, then slap her a few times to ensure she would never dare to laze around again. That way, it would serve as a warning for the other maids—kill one to warn a hundred."
Nanny Fang added from the side, "I think the same, but since that maid isn't from our courtyard, and the Old Madam didn't punish her, we can't manage her."
Third Madam irritably rubbed her forehead and said, "Go check on Lan'er's situation and ask what she'd like for dinner so the kitchen can prepare it accordingly."
Nanny Fang acknowledged and retreated.
The Second Miss was still troubled by the rash all over her body and face, feeling neither alive nor dead, while the household was busy preparing for joyous celebrations. Her mood worsened daily, losing interest in both food and drink, highly irritable.
As long as the rash on her body and face hadn't cleared up, she couldn't return to her husband's home. If this kept dragging on past the half-year mark, and that seductive woman had a child first, it would be terrible.
The Second Miss chattered non-stop about this matter, causing Third Madam to worry along with her, while also having to maintain good spirits for the joyous preparations, inevitably feeling tense herself. Thus, if someone came seeking trouble, Third Madam naturally wouldn't let it go.
Fortunately, the troublemaker was a maid from the Old Madam's courtyard; otherwise, if it had been a third-residence maid acting so unruly, she would have ordered them beaten to death.
With the joyous occasion approaching, many things in the household were being replaced, including the bonsai in the Old Madam's room.
Hua Hao went to find Hai Yue for the bonsai, and Hai Yue took Hua Hao to the back garden to choose, then pointed at one and said, "This bonsai is best for indoors; at night, it releases a fresh fragrance that uplifts whomever smells it."
Hua Hao compared a bit and agreed with her reasoning, "Let's go with this one."
"Then I'll carry it for you, Sister."
However, Hua Hao immediately noticed the extended hands, "What happened to your hands? They're so swollen and red."
Embarrassed, Hai Yue hid her hands behind her back, "My hands are clumsy, and they got like this from sewing a few sachets, but it's not a problem; carrying a bonsai is no issue."
Hua Hao didn't think much of it nor questioned further. She had often pricked her hands while sewing clothes for the Old Madam, though never as severely as Hai Yue.
"Your hands are like that; I'll carry it myself. You should go and rest."
Meanwhile, although the Old Madam had Haitang take over Hai Yue's duties, she still had some criticism about Haitang's past behavior.
"Perhaps we've been too lenient with her, allowing her to slack off under the pretext of preparing my medicine while not doing other tasks. This kind of unruliness can't continue; later, you talk to her and correct her mentality, ensuring such incidents don't happen again."
Yueyuan responded affirmatively, although she wanted to speak positively on Haitang's behalf. Since Haitang herself admitted the mistake, and without knowing the exact details, she was hesitant to blindly defend her, fearing it might have the opposite effect.