Mrs. Dong styled her hair into a high coiffure and, due to her filial piety, did not adorn it with excessive ornaments. Instead, she only wore a white jade hairpin at the lower right corner of the coiffure.
Mrs. Dong had a round face that looked blessed, and with this high coiffure revealing her face, she appeared even more dignified and kindly.
Jingfu stood behind and removed the only jade hairpin from her head, placing it in the jewelry box, when she heard Mrs. Dong ask, "Where is Qilan?"
"She was still in the back when we got back, but I don't know what she's been up to since then. When she returns later, madam, you should give her a good talking to; she's becoming increasingly unruly." Qilan, with a smile, joined the conversation.
Mrs. Dong had two main servant girls who grew up with her and came along as part of her dowry. Years ago, Mrs. Dong dismissed any suggestion of making them concubines, and the two found husbands from among those accompanying Mrs. Dong, yet still serve by her side.
The bond between the mistress and her servants was not ordinary.
Mrs. Dong laughed, "That's fine, but just be sure you don't deny what you say now when Qilan returns."
"Madam, you can count on it; I'm not afraid of her. Although Qilan has a sharp tongue, she's soft-hearted."
"I could hear someone talking behind my back." Before the clear voice faded, a figure walked in, her eyes narrowed into slits as she spoke, smiling broadly.
"See, I knew we shouldn't talk about Qilan behind her back, otherwise she's bound to hear it." Mrs. Dong, unusually, displayed a demeanor contrasting with her usual steadiness.
The three of them exchanged playful banter, mindful not to say too much given the mourning period. Qilan relayed what she had gathered, "I asked around the Noble Family Garden and heard that the marquis carried the young lady into the old madam's room. Now, our mansion has adopted the young lady, and even the marquis is showing newfound care."
Everyone in the room was quick-witted, immediately understanding the true context of Qilan's words. Mrs. Dong's confusion was resolved; no wonder the marquis's clothes were creased—this was the reason.
Thinking of this, Mrs. Dong glanced at Qilan, "I think Jingfu was right; you're becoming increasingly undisciplined, daring to inquire into the old madam's affairs."
Qilan hurriedly bowed to admit her mistake, "I realize my fault."
The madam's tone was not truly reproachful, and Qilan knew she wasn't genuinely angry.
Mrs. Dong waved her hand, "Forget it, just don't behave so improperly in the future. Losing face for the Dong Mansion is minor, but it's improper for a daughter-in-law to meddle in her mother-in-law's affairs."
Upon hearing this, Qilan's expression became serious, and she knelt down, "I am foolish. If it weren't for the young lady's guidance today, I wouldn't know I'd erred. Thank you, young lady, for your kindness. I will remember my manners and not dare again."
Qilan now addressed her as "young lady" instead of "madam."
"Jingfu, help her up," Mrs. Dong instructed. Jingfu, who had been standing silently, stepped forward.
She helped Qilan up, "You were trying to ease the young lady's worries, which she understands, but the young lady also has our best interests at heart. Although she manages the rear court of the marquis mansion, above her there are still the marquis and the madam."
Sighing inwardly, having lived comfortably in the marquis mansion for these years, even the most basic caution had been forgotten. Even though the young lady is in charge of the marquis mansion now, the madam is no fool. How could she not notice any small disturbances in her courtyard? This time, Qilan really caused trouble for the young lady.
If word reached the madam's ears, wouldn't it further confirm the young lady's jealous reputation?
"All right, it's really nothing; just be more mindful in the future." Mrs. Dong saw that Qilan's eyes had turned red but pretended not to notice, saying only, "Go see if Sister Hui is awake. If she is, have the nurse bring her over here."
Seeing that the young lady was not genuinely angry and still valued her so much, Qilan hurriedly agreed, sidestepped, and left.
Now that the inner room was free of others, Mrs. Dong's smile faded, "Over the years, I have not been favored by the old madam, so whether I do more or less makes no difference. Go select some things from the storeroom, and tomorrow take us to the Duke Mansion. Send a note over there, too."
"Fetch the writing tools, and I'll write it myself." Mrs. Dong winced at the thought.
Jingfu nodded and fetched the writing tools, arranging them neatly, "Madam, whatever you decide, do take care of your health. The young lady is still small, and we hope to hear of joyful news from you this year."
"I would wish for it too, but this belly doesn't cooperate." Mrs. Dong ground the ink gently.
Her expression darkened a bit at the mention of offspring.
"Madam shouldn't think like this; you're not the only one in this courtyard. Aren't the concubines in the same situation?" Jingfu barely stopped short of implying the problem lay with the marquis.
Mrs. Dong didn't scold her, because Jingfu's words did reach her heart. If it was just her, then the concubines in the rear courtyard wouldn't be in the same predicament, would they?
Seeing the madam lost in thought, Jingfu stayed silent and quietly stood by her side.
At the Noble Family Garden, Mrs. Gu Sr. hurried her son away, "You're not someone with nothing to do; go handle your affairs. There's nothing major here, and besides, with that troublemaker, your younger brother, causing a ruckus, I won't be bored."
Gu Yifeng stood up to leave, "I have some matters to attend to, I'll come back to have dinner with Mother later."
"Go ahead, and have your younger brother come over by then as well." Mrs. Gu Sr. waved her hand.
Gu Yifeng agreed and then left.
Wenxin walked in from outside, whispering a few words into Mrs. Gu Sr.'s ear, which made her frown. She waved her hand, "I see."
Wenxin then stepped aside.
Suyi glanced at Wenxin, then approached Mrs. Gu Sr., "Madam, you should rest on the couch. Your body is still recovering."
Mrs. Gu Sr. was not in as good a mood as before and said nothing, letting Suyi help her onto the couch to rest. Wenxin covered her with a blanket, and when Mrs. Gu Sr. fell asleep, the two of them quietly left.
With no one in the room, it became quiet, and on the couch, Lin Youning, who had been asleep, slowly opened her eyes.