Chapter 1097: Chapter 1095: Purple Jade Advises the Younger Generation
Zhou Xiuer ran crying all the way from Madam Zhouâs room back to her own, and quite a few people witnessed it. Her guest room was arranged in the West Chamber, while Jadeite stood at the East Wing entrance, seeing it all clearly.
"Tsk tsk, Sister Zi Yu, you saw it too, didnât you? Maybe sheâs just acting out," Hongyu, standing beside Jadeite, sneered, "You and the young lady were not home, so you donât know. There have been even more outrageous antics than this. Madam promoted her, and now sheâs overstepping her bounds, really treating herself like the young ladyâs female cousin."
Jadeite turned back into the room with a cold smile, "With the young lady not around, it seems like every monster and demon dares to run wild in this house!"
Hongyu paused, unsure who she was talking about or perhaps referring to, but regardless of who it was, those words seemed to apply, and she burst into laughter, "Sister Zi Yu, you have a way with words. Exactly, monsters and demons indeed."
Jadeite sat back down at the table inside the room and looked at her, "Itâs been hard on you while we were not home, guarding the young ladyâs room. This is indeed an accomplishment. When we reach Changan City, Iâll certainly report it to the young lady and ensure your efforts are recognized."
Returning to Wufuâs room, Jadeite also carefully observed that none of Wufuâs belongings were missing or misplaced. This must be because Hongyu diligently guarded it, and to stand guard like that, preventing those with ulterior motives from sneaking in to snoop around, requires courage and bravery, especially since she is just a maid.
Hongyu blushed at the praise, her eyes filled with excitement, yet she pretended to remain calm, saying, "Iâm not as capable as you and Sister Yuyi, who can each do the work of ten people. I can only watch over the young ladyâs room. If I canât even handle this, then I wouldnât be worthy to serve by the young ladyâs side!"
"Youâre still young, donât underestimate yourself. You should observe more, think more, and learn more skills. The young lady will rely on you in the future!" Jadeite said with a smile.
"Really?" Hongyuâs eyes lit up. In truth, she felt a bit apprehensive and anxious, since she initially followed Wufu. But when Jadeite and Yuyi arrived, seeing how capable they were, seeming able to handle anything, she felt like a useless burden, fearing one day the young lady might not want her anymore.
"Silly girl, would I deceive you?" Hongyu was young, unable to hide her thoughts on her face, while Jadeite, who had received formal training, immediately discerned what she was thinking. She gently patted her two buns of hair, saying, "Youâre only eleven or twelve this year, three or four years younger than the young lady. As for Yuyi and me, weâre both older than the young lady. Iâm seventeen, and Yuyi, being a few months younger than me, is also approaching seventeen."
"The maids serving the young lady, unless they settle on a life of not marrying and choose to do their hair up, will be married off when the time comes. Even if we wait until the young lady herself is married, we, at twenty-one or twenty-two, wonât be able to stay. Older maids get married, and those with good fortune get their deed of sale returned, renouncing servitude to become commoners, or marry into the household and return to serve as stewards, becoming steward aunts or steward matrons. Yet, the people around the young lady cannot be in short supply; always there must be someone promoted or newly trained to serve her!"
Listening to this, Hongyu suddenly comprehended that Jadeiteâs words indicated that her age was sufficient to be considered a backup choice.
Indeed, Jadeite continued, "Youâre younger than us, and when weâre married, youâll be in your prime, with plenty of time to follow the young lady. So, donât be anxious; learning skills is whatâs crucial. You canât let newcomers catch up to you, right?"
Hongyu quickly stood and bowed, "Thank you for your guidance, Sister."
Jadeite smiled, and Qiu Xiangâs voice sounded at the door.