Return of the Swallow

had expectations confirmed that the third madame sent many items to the old dowager during the night.
She didn’t think much of this, but envy and sourness began to creep in again when she heard that the third madame also sent presents to Snowpear Courtyard earlier in the morning, and even a respectable mama from the second branch visited bearing gifts as well.
Why wasn’t second aunt and third aunt so generous to me before?

A real niece is different alright!

Snowpear Courtyard.

Qin Yining instructed her people to accept the gifts and treat the mamas who’d delivered them to tea, sending them off only after a round of pleasantries.
Some bolts of cloth with the latest patterns were placed on a round, side table, along with fine tea, brush and ink.
Those were from the second madame.
A set of fine jade jewelry and the latest all-natural powder from Pureheart Pavilion rested in a delicate black lacquer cosmetic box.
This was from the third madame.

She may not know much about powder, rouge, and cosmetics in general, but Qin Yining knew that these items were expensive.
She thought for a moment and then directed some instructions at Ruilan, “Count the items carefully and record them in a separate book.
Use the ones that we should use.”

Ruilan started with delight when she heard this.
The miss was trusting her to look after her personal inventory and record the flow of favors!

“This servant understands and won’t disappoint you, miss!” Ruilan curtseyed solemnly to Qin Yining.

Qin Yining knew that Ruilan was still worried about matters that had happened her first night, so was arranging a task for the maid to do.
This was both to test and reassure.
How would her little household present a united front if those around her spent their days in apprehension and was unable to trust each other?

“Go about your business.” Qin Yining’s tone was gentle as she smiled and continued copying “The Classic of Filial Piety”.

Ruilan nodded happily, heading off to clean with Zhu-mama, so full of vigor that she seemed to have received a jolt of adrenaline.
Qin Yining took a look at the time and decided to go for her evening greeting to the old dowager after her current line was finished.
However, a maid announced from the outside at this moment, “Miss, Qin-mama is here.”

Qin Yining was astonished and hastily stuck her brush in a blue and white porcelain pen holder.
She rose to welcome the old servant with a smile, “Qin-mama’s here.
Please, come in and have a seat.”

“I hope you’re doing well, Fourth Miss.” Qin-mama curtsied with a smile as Ruilan fetched a stool upholstered with satin.
The old servant didn’t sit, just lowered her head and spoke gently, “I’m here with a message and need to return afterwards.
There’s a mountain of work to be done in Garden of Loving Piety.”

“Does Old Dowager have any pressing matters? Please, speak on.” Qin Yining looked seriously at the servant.

“Old Dowager says that the evening greetings can be foregone today.
She wants all the girls to learn from Zhan-mama, and invites the miss to Garden of Loving Piety at the beginning of the hour of the snake for lessons.”

Although Qin Yining nodded with a smile, she knew what was really going on.
The appearance of such an impressive mama had spurred the other branches into action.
There were plenty of Qin daughters, after all.
Even though she hadn’t seen with her own eyes what had happened, Qin Yining could easily guess that Qin Huining had done something.
With that girl’s personality, how would she possibly allow such an outstanding mama to teach only Qin Yining?

The old servant was soothed by Qin Yining’s lack of surprise and maintenance of a demure smile.
The girl was like a clear spring, gently welling up beneath the sunlight, further softening Qin-mama’s tone.
“The teacher that the lord has hired for you has also arrived.
Apparently he’s a very distinguished old scholar.
He’s settled in in the outer residence, and Old Dowager has said that you will learn manners with the girls in the mornings, and add to your knowledge with the teacher in the afternoons.” The old servant’s smile became more sincere at this point.
“It’s quite wonderful that you have gained Old Dowager’s attention, miss.”

“It’s all thanks to Old Dowager’s love and favor.
I am very grateful and will learn well so that I don’t let her down.
Please convey my thanks to her, Qin-mama.
I will go kowtow in thanks when the opportunity presents itself.”

“Yes, this servant will surely bring the message.” Qin-mama took her leave, and the two chatted until they reached the covered walkway.
The old servant hadn’t even descended the steps before head maid Jixiang, Ruyi, and the various serving girls and old grannies from Garden of Loving Piety came by carrying much luggage.
Qin-mama was greatly surprised.
She’d just come from there, why hadn’t the old dowager given all of her orders in one go? Was this more presents for Qin Yining?

Jixiang and Ruyi walked up to curtsy.
The head maid smiled.
“This servant is here on behalf of Old Dowager.
Zhan-mama just said that while Jade Bamboo Veranda is nice, it’s too lonely.
She genuinely likes the miss and specially asked Old Dowager to permit her to live in Snowpear Courtyard.
Old Dowager and Senior Madame have already agreed.
These are her items.”

She turned back to point at the various comforters, pillows, and other daily necessities.
Two strong grannies lifted two stretchers of items.
They were filled with clothing, cloth, blankets, braziers, and others.
Ruyi said, “Fourth Miss, the old dowager specifically sent you this.
She says that the days are turning cold, and you must be careful and dress warmly.
Don’t catch a cold or pneumonia.”

Was this compensation for taking a share of the mama sent to teach her? Qin Yining smiled.
“Many thanks, sister.
Please thank the old dowager for me when you return.”

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