Xiaosuisui was standing on a small stool, bending over to pick up a meatball from the center of the dining table.
Upon seeing this, Xie PanāEr did not immediately help her; instead, she wrapped her arm around Xiaosuisuiās waist, preventing her from accidentally slipping off the stool and injuring herself.
Seeing Xie PanāErās actions, Old Madam Ji, Zhu Xiuxiu, Huo XingāEr, and the others were very satisfied; it was clear that this Third Miss Xie was kind-hearted.
Their intention was not to treat her as a maid for Xiaosuisui.
Instead, they wanted a person with a kind heart and intelligent adaptability to accompany and guide her.
"There are three days left until the Double Ninth Festival. Have someone prepare two sets of attire for Suisui and Miss Xie to wear to the Palace Banquet. Also, itās best to have someone teach them the palace rules quickly."
"Naturally. I already made arrangements yesterday for the Nanny sent by His Majesty. She is in Suisuiās courtyard and will begin teaching Suisui and Miss Xie palace etiquette and rules today!"
Upon hearing Zhu Xiuxiuās words, Xiaosuisui listened obediently, quietly eating the aromatic meatball in her mouth without interjecting.
Xie PanāEr, however, listened with a racing heart.
Did Old Madam Jiās words mean that she would be entering the Palace too? My god, who was she? Where was she? Was she dreaming? Would she wake up if she patted her face?
Xie PanāEr childishly patted her own face, Old Madam Jiās voice still echoing in her ears.
"In addition to Miss Xie, let the two little Palace Maids newly gifted by His Majesty also accompany her into the Palace. Furthermore, select two clever little maids for Miss Xie to serve by her side at all times, so she is not mistreated!"
Upon hearing this, Xie PanāEr could no longer remain calm.
"Old Madam!" she stammered, her face flushing red, "I... I donāt need this."
Her face turned a deep shade of crimson. Before she could think of a convincing excuse, she had already refused outright.
Heavens! In the Xie Family, she, Xie PanāEr, was nominally a young lady of the Mansion. However, her father was the son of a mistress. Although he had gained an official title through his studies after reaching adulthood, and the main family had subsequently accepted him back and added him to the family register, her own status remained unchanged. This was because her mother had been someone elseās servant. Furthermore, her fatherās leg had been inexplicably crippled in his youth. Consequently, she held the title of a young lady in name only; in reality, she was treated as anotherās servant!
Old Madam Ji looked at Xie PanāEr, observing her anxious, flustered, and apprehensive demeanor. Knowing her family situation, she couldnāt help but sigh internally. It was truly not easy for this girl to maintain her inherent kindness, born into a family like the Xie Family with parents of such awkward status.
"You need not be alarmed. This is what you deserve. From now on, stay by Suisuiās side and treat her as your own younger sister. What do you say?" Old Madam Ji asked Xie PanāEr.
"Always stay with the Elder Princess?" Xie PanāEr asked.
Old Madam Ji nodded. "Yes, always stay with her!"
Xie PanāEr pursed her lips, thinking for a moment.
"Then what about my parents? If I always stay with the Elder Princess, will I still be able to see my parents? If Iām not with them, they will surely be bullied by my clan-cousins and eldest aunt."
"If they bully you, just bully them back. Why donāt you just hit them?" Xiaosuisui mumbled, her words slightly indistinct as she had been listening to Xie PanāEr. Before Old Madam Ji could respond, she interjected.
Xie PanāEr gave a bitter smile. "They are my elders, and my parents have such an awkward status. How could I possibly hit them?"
"Pretty sister canāt hit them? What should we do then?" Xiaosuisui tilted her head and scratched it in frustration, an action that was both amusing and adorable to watch.
Zhu Xiuxiu, upon seeing this, let out a PFFT! and burst out laughing.
"Yes! Suisui, what do you think we should do? Why donāt you try to think of a solution for your pretty sister?"