"What the Old Madam says is right. I'll definitely have a good talk with her later. After all, she's still young, sometimes getting muddled is understandable. Back in the day, Hua Hao and I often made mistakes too, and it's only thanks to the Old Madam's tolerance that we are where we are today."
Yueyuan could only follow along with the Old Madam's words and at the same time emphasize that Haitang is young and making occasional mistakes is normal, making sure the Old Madam doesn't come to dislike Haitang.
The Old Madam's mild displeasure seemed to wane, "What you say makes sense, but neither of you advanced so quickly back then. Now she's just arrived and has become a second-class maid. It's inevitable that a young girl like her will become restless and not stick to her duties. We should have tempered her more from the start to be proper."
As they were talking, Hua Hao came in, just in time to hear the word "temper".
"Whom does the Old Madam intend to temper? Tell me, I'll help supervise." Hua Hao joked.
Hua Hao didn't talk much outside, but she was different in front of the Old Madam, treating her like family.
Yueyuan just needed a helper and recounted the events of the day objectively.
Only then did Hua Hao understand why Hai Yue's hand was so swollen and red.
"I'll assign you to specifically supervise Haitang from now on. If she makes another mistake, I'll hold you responsible." The Old Madam said sternly with a stern face.
Yueyuan looked at Hua Hao, expecting her to directly agree to this, but was surprised by her unexpected response.
"The Old Madam has wronged Haitang." Hua Hao said directly.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Doesn't the Old Madam know Haitang? She's the most honest and straightforward one. How could she be lazy with her work? Earlier, when the second young lady came to Fushou Hall, many maids were vying to show off for a reward. But that silly girl stayed in the tea room watching the tea; earlier, after preparing medicine for the Old Madam daily, she'd even go off to do other chores without ever minding the hardship. It was only after Yueyuan told her not to busy herself in vain that she stopped. Now, regarding this matter, there must be something more to it. Old Madam ought to look into this more before wrongfully accusing anyone."
The Old Madam indeed was swayed, "Is it that you know something I don't? Have I made a mistake?"
Yueyuan also looked at Hua Hao in surprise. If she really knew something, handling this matter would be easier.
Hua Hao smiled a little.
"It just so happens that I know what happened, as I was somewhat involved. That day I went to find Haitang and saw her being shooed away by Hai Yue twice, not letting her participate in paper-cutting and pouch sewing. Hai Yue was likely worried that doing those tasks would interfere with her responsibility of preparing medicine for the Old Madam. I also advised Haitang not to participate, and since seven people could complete the tasks anyway, I didn't anticipate Hai Yue would single-handedly take on Haitang's duties, causing the current situation. When the Old Madam questioned, Haitang surely didn't defend herself, did she?"
Listening to Hua Hao, the Old Madam felt differently, realizing that some things said by the involved parties were not as clear as from a third person.
She intuitively felt Hai Yue was covering for Haitang, not knowing that was actually the truth.
Seeing the Old Madam's expression, Hua Hao knew she guessed right and continued, "How could Haitang have explained this? Saying Hai Yue was wrong? Impossible, right? Blaming me doesn't work either. She could only admit her mistake. But what mistake did she make? Management didn't allow her participation, and even I persuaded her not to join. What else could she do but comply? If anyone is to blame, include me. But don't just blame Haitang."
Upon listening, the Old Madam sighed, "I've indeed wronged the girl. She did admit to everything without protest. Back then, I thought she was courageous in taking responsibility, but it turns out she was genuine, taking on all the blame alone."
Only then did Yueyuan start speaking up on behalf of Haitang, "Speaking of which, I am also at fault. I should not have stopped her from doing more work before, which led to this misunderstanding of her as lazy and idle now."
Seeing both senior maids self-reproaching, the Old Madam felt increasingly guilty towards Haitang, "Pass my words, saying this matter has wronged her. She can continue doing as she did before, without having to change anything on purpose. As for tasks related to the upcoming celebrations, find a few people to help."
When Yueyuan, accompanied by a few juniors, went to find Haitang, Hai Yue happened to be resting in her room and overheard the entire conversation, feeling a mix of emotions but still greeting them with a smile.
"In the end, this was all caused by me. If not for my careless arrangement, Haitang wouldn't have been misunderstood. Fortunately, the Old Madam is understanding and considerate of her staff, or else I would have died of guilt."
Yueyuan said, "You meant no harm. Don't blame yourself."
After arranging everything, she took Haitang aside for a private talk.
"Girl, you're just too sincere. Next time something like this happens, explain a bit, at least so I know what exactly occurred. If I want to speak for you before the Old Madam, I'd know where to start. But you just accepted everything, leaving me at a loss for words on your behalf."
Qu Fulan quickly said, "It was my lack of consideration; I won't do it again."
Yueyuan nodded, "This time, it was fortunate that Hua Hao happened to be there, or else you would have suffered greatly."
"I will always remember my debt to Hua Hao and make sure to repay her someday."
"There's no need to repay. If anything, your debt to her is even greater. Just be smarter in the future. Don't blindly accept everything without understanding it. Am I understood?"
"Yes, I remember Sister's teachings."
Only then did Yueyuan leave with peace of mind.
Qu Fulan watched her departing figure, the smile on her lips gradually fading.
Was it really a coincidence that Hua Hao happened to be there?
How could there be so many coincidences in this world?
It was merely part of her carefully planned strategy.
When Hai Yue first refused her participation, she was already on guard.
In the ancient courtyards, anything could happen. So even with something seemingly trivial, she would prepare comprehensively to ensure she had a fallback plan in case of trouble.
Hua Hao was her fallback.
She knew Hua Hao had been working on garden arrangements in the Old Madam's courtyard recently, aware that she would visit the back garden at a specific time each day, so she made sure to visit Hai Yue at that exact time.
Sure enough, she was refused entry the first time, and again the second time, allowing Hua Hao to witness these events.
Given her indebtedness to Hua Hao, once she learned of Haitang being punished, Hua Hao would surely not stand by.
No matter how she explained herself, it would be seen as an excuse, but an observer's explanation often appeared objective and persuasive.
As for Hai Yue, whether intentional or accidental, she couldn't determine for now, but as for Hai Yue, being cautious around her in the future would surely not be a mistake.