Chapter Fifty-Two: Selfish Intentions

Spring Grass went to bring Madam Huang and the others inside, her expression less than pleasant.

But with Madam Huang present, Spring Grass could not directly speak to Xu Ruojin. She merely stood at the back, pursed her lips toward the leftmost maid, then nodded slightly. After spending some time together, Xu Ruojin and Spring Grass had developed a tacit understanding; noticing this, Xu Ruojin kept her composure and greeted Madam Huang.

“Strictly speaking, I should be the one going to Mother’s courtyard to choose attendants. Madam Huang, you’ve had to make a trip for me; you must be tired.”

“Not at all, not at all. It’s my honor to serve Second Miss,” Madam Huang replied. “Madam is concerned for you, worried that such matters might trouble you, so she’s chosen the girls herself,” she turned to the maids, “Step forward and greet your mistress. Do I need to repeat myself?”

The maids glanced at each other. Madam Huang added, “Start from the left.”

“I am Hong Xing, greetings to Second Miss,” said the first, whom Spring Grass had indicated earlier. She was plump and seemed older, perhaps fourteen or fifteen.

Xu Ruojin took note. The second stepped forward, “I am Bai Mei, I pay my respects to Second Miss.”

The third maid seemed nervous and quite young. When her turn came, she stammered, “I—I don’t have a name. I used to be called Xiao Ke, but that wasn’t given by my parents.”

Madam Huang immediately glared at her, “Did you swallow all the rules I just taught you? No more ‘I, I, I’—you’re to call yourself ‘maid,’ understand?”

“You didn’t use that term when speaking with Second Miss just now,” Xiao Ke muttered dazedly, her face full of confusion.

Madam Huang’s face flushed red to her neck!

With so many maids in the Xu household, never had one dared to talk back to her, especially in front of Second Miss. How was she to save face now?

Cheap girls bought for little coin—unreliable!

Xu Ruojin was secretly delighted. This Xiao Ke truly seemed clueless, watching others for cues on etiquette and speech. She clearly hadn’t served before, just recently sold into service.

But with Madam Huang awkwardly standing there, Xu Ruojin couldn’t let the moment drag on. She had to offer a way out.

“From now on, don’t speak to Madam Huang like that. She’s a senior in this household; we’ve all grown up under her care, so we’re as close as family. Enough, next—what is your name?”

“Maid Yang Tao,” answered the next.

Madam Huang relaxed slightly when Xu Ruojin smoothed things over without showing displeasure, her face betraying neither joy nor mockery.

With the introductions finished, Madam Huang stepped forward, her tone more intimate, “Does Second Miss find them suitable? If any do not please you, I’ll take them back.”

She deliberately emphasized “old maid,” but Xu Ruojin remained calm, replying as usual, “Mother selected them herself; what reason would I have to worry?”

Her words stifled Madam Huang’s follow-up. It was clear she didn’t care for Xiao Ke.

Madam Huang’s mood twisted, but she couldn’t argue with Second Miss, not with Madam’s authority behind her. She dared not quibble further.

“Madam chose them for your comfort. Perhaps I should take them back to teach proper manners, lest any ignorant ones offend Second Miss?”

“Let them stay. My courtyard is small; there isn’t much work. Let Spring Grass assign their duties. If any prove troublesome, I’ll report to Mother.”

Xu Ruojin’s gentle refusal left Madam Huang unable to press the matter. Her face soured, still seeking a way to reclaim some dignity.

“Spring Grass, take them to learn the work of the courtyard. I’ll speak with Madam Huang for a moment.”

After sending them off, Madam Huang’s eyes flickered with curiosity—why keep her behind?

Xu Ruojin was in no hurry and personally poured Madam Huang a cup of tea.

Madam Huang quickly accepted it, smiling nervously, “Second Miss, you honor me. Please, say what you need.”

“Don’t be upset by the little maid. She’s new and needs guidance,” Xu Ruojin’s smile was bright, her face soothing. “But that Xiao Ke seems straightforward; I’ll observe her a bit longer, lest Mother accuse me of being too picky.”

“As long as Second Miss is satisfied, everything I do is for you,” Madam Huang dared not call herself “I” anymore. Habit had blinded her for years, but now exposed, she had to restrain herself.

Xu Ruojin smiled at her, then suddenly asked, “The maidservants for my dowry are settled, but what about the household attendants? Can you give me any hints about Mother’s plans?”

Madam Huang was caught off guard that Second Miss brought up the attendants, but quickly recovered, “Has Second Miss already made up her mind?”

“Not at all. Didn’t you promise to help select attendants for me? That’s why I ask privately. I know nothing about managing several families; only the maids are familiar.”

Xu Ruojin feigned innocence, trying to see if Madam Huang had plans in place. She had asked Spring Grass to inquire about He Miao’s news, but nothing had come of it; last time she asked Mrs. Yang about attendants, she refused to answer.

After much consideration, Xu Ruojin decided to approach Madam Huang.

Spring Grass had already learned about Madam Huang’s family: two children, a daughter married far away, and a son running a small business in Zhonglin County—not serving in the Xu household.

Madam Huang’s eyes betrayed surprise.

She hadn’t expected Second Miss to remember such matters. She thought it was a casual question—could it be genuine?

Xu Ruojin’s expression was clear and sincere.

After hesitating, Madam Huang spoke honestly, “I wish to recommend a family to Madam, but she hasn’t responded yet, so I dare not say too much.”

“Which family?” Xu Ruojin asked directly.

“It’s rather embarrassing—it’s my daughter-in-law’s family. But her parents are honest and diligent; I can personally vouch for that. Still, they’re kin, so I feel awkward to mention it.”

“That’s perfect! With your guarantee, what could possibly worry me?” Xu Ruojin patted her chest. “That settles it. When Mother brings it up, I’ll speak to her directly.”

Madam Huang hurriedly waved her hands, “No, no—Second Miss, please don’t say more. Let Madam decide as she sees fit.”

“How could I arouse Mother’s suspicion? I understand your difficulty,” Xu Ruojin replied, cooperative and generous, which made Madam Huang suspicious. She probed, “Does Second Miss have her own ideas about this?”

Xu Ruojin shook her head firmly, “None at all. I follow Mother’s wishes—no selfish intent!”