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"At that time, Sister Xia went out for a stroll, and the car broke down halfway. It just so happened that she was near the Wu Family and was encountered by Madam Wu. Madam Wu, whose family had all their cars in use today and couldn't spare one, specifically came to our house to borrow a carriage to send Sister Xia home."
Originally, the He Family was visiting the Xia Family to see Miss Xia Rujing. Later, they discovered that Ru Si's temperament was more compatible with Liu Anzhi, which sparked their interest in the Xia Family.
The Xia Family was brought up by Madam Wu and the He Family, and throughout the process, Madam Wu paid close attention to this matter. When she later learned that the He Family had taken a liking to Xia Rusi, Madam Wu thought of ways to facilitate their meeting again so that the He Family could see what kind of person this girl was. Today, they happened to have an opportunity, so she brought Xia Rusi along.
Mother did not hide this from Qing Wu, and naturally, Qing Wu understood the underlying reasons.
Since Xia Rusi had come, she would need to go help entertain the guests.
After looking in the mirror for a while and confirming that her makeup was applied evenly and looked appropriate, Qing Wu headed outside.
Just as she reached outside and had not yet arrived at the center of the courtyard, a woman walked in from the gate. She was dressed in a Qiu Xiang-colored front-opening gown, her hair neatly arranged, and her demeanor was calm and dignified.
Who else could it be but Dou Mama?
Seeing Dou Mama again made Qing Wu feel somewhat embarrassed; she felt quite guilty towards her.
Previously, when she secretly escaped from the palace, fearing that Dou Mama would inform Huo Yun'ai if she found out, she didn't reveal anything to Dou Mama at all.
She also knew that Dou Mama had treated her very well over the years and had been wholeheartedly devoted. But at that time, she was determined to escape and couldn't allow any slip-ups.
She only wondered if Dou Mama would feel hurt because of her lack of trust after she fled...
Qing Wu stepped forward and softly called out to Dou Mama.
Dou Mama noticed her discomfort without needing much thought; she understood why the young lady looked so apologetic.
She smiled as usual and said, "I haven't been home for several days, and I wonder if these maids have been working diligently. I heard that Madam Wu has arrived. Are you planning to go over?"
After Qing Wu nodded, she said, "I'll tidy up the matters in the courtyard first. When you return, I will make sure it is as comfortable for you as before."
Qing Wu secretly breathed a sigh of relief, smiled in response, and then walked forward.
As she lifted the curtain and entered the room, she saw the He Family and Madam Wu chatting happily. Sitting beside them was a girl with bright features and a graceful figure—Xia Rusi.
The usually cheerful girl was now blushing and looking down at her feet.
Qing Wu knew that Xia Rusi felt a bit uncomfortable in this situation, so she said to the He Family, "Sister Xia probably hasn't had lunch yet? Just in time, my lunch is ready." She took Xia Rusi's hand and added, "I feel like I've known Sister Xia forever; we have so much to talk about. Why don't we go to my place and chat while we eat?"
After saying this, she winked at Xia Rusi with a smile.
Xia Rusi, who was naturally lively, had been silent earlier because she was with two elders and had no one to talk to. She would only respond briefly when asked questions by the elders.
Now that this younger sister had noticed her feelings, Xia Rusi didn't mind at all; instead, she gratefully smiled brightly at Qing Wu. She squeezed Qing Wu's hand and whispered in her ear, "It's just unfortunate today. Thank you for your trouble."
Qing Wu lowered her voice as well and said, "What trouble is there? Sister Xia mustn't be polite. By the way, do you like sesame cake? The kitchen made some today. Shall we go over and eat together?"
"Sesame cake?" Xia Rusi replied happily, "I love it. I often order it when I have nothing to do."
The sight of the girls giggling softly made the two ladies exchange smiles.
"Don't hold them back any longer," Madam Wu said to the He Family. "Let them go! Otherwise, with us here, the two sisters won't dare to speak loudly."
"Exactly," the He Family said. Seeing Xia Rusi and Qing Wu getting closer made them even more pleased with her. They told Qing Wu, "You two go ahead." Then they instructed Red Peony, "Send more fresh fruits over to the young ladies."
The girls went to the Clear Mist Room to have a meal and play together.
Now, only two ladies remained in the room. Madam Wu recalled something and whispered to the He Family, "Do you remember the family that was arrested for opening a pastry shop?"
The Wu and Liu families had always been close. Madam Wu naturally knew some of the intricacies within the Liu Residence. Therefore, when mentioning the third master Liu Fangshi, she used a euphemism, fearing that the He Family might be affected by hearing that name.
The He Family knew who she was referring to and asked, "Of course I remember. The master later inquired about him and only heard that his daughter was released early, but he is still at the Ministry of Justice. Because of the recent New Year, I haven't bothered to pay attention to that matter; I don't know how it turned out."
"Just yesterday, he was released," Madam Wu said softly, covering her mouth with her hand. "I heard he has been doing quite well at the Ministry of Justice. General Qin is kind to him; he even gained some weight after coming out. However, he had only stayed home for one night when this morning his wife hurriedly reported that her husband was missing and didn't know where he had gone. Others comforted her in front of her, but secretly laughed at her, saying that after what happened before, she has become overly worried and even more foolish. How could she know by evening that he was missing instead of just going out for a stroll?"
Everyone in the neighborhood knew Liu Fangshi's temperament. With his flirtatious nature, it was common for him not to be home during the day or even to stay out all night.
No one took Shen's worries seriously; they treated it as a joke and laughed about it outside.
Coincidentally, when Madam Wu went to select silk today, the shop was not far from Liu Fangshi's place. The owner of the silk shop mentioned this incident, which is how she found out.
Liu Fangshi's situation was merely mentioned in passing. Now that both girls were not present, the two ladies began discussing their children's important matters.
One was Xia Rusi and Liu Anzhi.
The other involved Qing Wu and Wu Linxi.
The good tea in the Clear Mist Room had already been consumed some days ago. Having been away from home for several days, they hadn't requested any from the He Family. Dou Mama noticed that the tea in the girls' room wasn't very good, so she went to Mama Huang's place to get some.
Since the main house wasn't too far from the West Courtyard, and on her way back from this room to the West Courtyard she would pass by the tea room, Dou Mama decided to take a detour to prepare some tea there, thinking it would be just right for the girls when she brought it over.
As soon as she entered and poured the tea, preparing to carry it back, she overheard a faint conversation between the He Family and Madam Wu next door.
She had originally worked in the palace, so she naturally knew that she shouldn't eavesdrop on others' private conversations. She immediately picked up the teacup and was about to leave. However, she paused when she heard Qing Wu's voice coming from the ladies.
"After the New Year, Mistress Wu will be twelve, right? That's just the right age. If we discuss this matter, it will take at least a year or two. Why not settle it early?" Madam Wu said with a smile.
The He Family hesitated a bit, "She's still too young. I want to keep her for a few more years."
"We're neighbors, and our doors face each other; there's no need for you to stand on ceremony with me. Even in my house, you can come to see her every day. You can also enjoy tea and chat with me. What’s there to worry about? If it were up to me, we could start discussing it after the New Year. Don't worry, I will take good care of her and ensure she is not wronged."
Upon hearing this, the He Family finally smiled in relief.
The two initially lowered their voices to discuss many matters in detail. When they were almost done, they raised their voices to continue their conversation.
But just those few words allowed Dou Mama to catch on to something.
Even someone as composed and capable as her felt a sudden shock. The cup in her hand shook slightly, spilling some water.
— The Wu Family matron actually has her eye on the girl?
They actually plan to start discussing engagement matters after the girl turns twelve?
But what about His Majesty?
Dou Mama felt anxious and immediately decided to report this matter to the Emperor.
Setting down the teacup and stepping outside, she paused again.
She did not know what His Majesty was thinking.
She created a "Lady-in-Waiting" role for the young lady, as if treating her like an official. Yet, every word and action seemed to suggest otherwise, almost as if she held a special place in his heart.
Even if she had some standing before the Emperor, it was merely a gift from her master. How could she be sent to probe the Emperor's thoughts?
Dou Mama casually wiped away the tea stains on her hands, turned around to head back inside, but hesitated.
The Emperor had always been indifferent towards women, not even granting them a glance. The young lady was the only woman by his side.
Currently, the two ladies were merely in verbal agreement. If, in the years to come, the young lady's marriage to Wu Young Master was truly settled, then the Emperor...
She sighed deeply.
It was difficult either way.
What should be done about this?
After pondering by the corridor for a while, Dou Mama finally came up with an idea. She hurriedly made her way out of the courtyard.
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