Chapter 300 - 300 298 Wash Three_1

Chapter 300: Chapter 298: Wash Three_1 Chapter 300: Chapter 298: Wash Three_1 Who knew that when Chun Xing’s mother arrived at the Princess of Zhen’s household, she’d hear from the servants that Chun Xing had been locked in the woodshed by the Commandery Princess the previous night? She immediately felt something was wrong. She quickly stuffed a pouch into the hands of the old woman guarding the side gate, respectfully lowering her voice: “Elder sister, did my daughter unknowingly offend the Commandery Princess? Why did I hear she was locked in the woodshed?”

The gatekeeper weighed the pouch and, seeing no one around, quickly hid it in her sleeve. She said, “I heard your daughter was caught stealing from the Eldest Miss, that’s why she was punished.”

Chun Xing’s mother turned pale. “That’s impossible! I know my daughter well. She would never be so short-sighted… She’s about to become a concubine at the Chief of Staff’s house. With all those jewelleries, there’s no need for her to steal from the Commandery Princess.”

The gatekeeper, scared by Chun Xing’s mother’s loud voice, glanced around, glaring at her. “It’s already a great favor that the Eldest Miss didn’t call in the tooth-women. If you don’t care for your reputation, then keep shouting!”

Finishing her words, the gatekeeper turned on her heel and went back into the guardhouse.

Chun Xing’s mother looked anxious. If the steward at the Chief of Staff’s mansion found out Chun Xing was dismissed by the Princess of Zhen’s household, they certainly wouldn’t want her. Then, the large sum of silver promised by the Chief of Staff’s house—wouldn’t it just disappear?

The Chief of Staff’s household was looking for a proper concubine. Many families would kill to send their daughters there. If it weren’t for Chun Xing being a maid beside the Commandery Princess, why would the Chief of Staff’s house choose her daughter?

Even though it was a bastard child, he was still a son of the Chief of Staff’s house.

Chun Xing’s mother thought it through. Since the Commandery Princess still had some consideration for her daughter and didn’t want to make a big deal out of it, it would be best to conceal the matter. Let people believe the Commandery Princess had granted her daughter a favor and let her leave the mansion.

Once her daughter married into the Chief of Staff’s household, it would be too late to change events. After all, the Chief of Staff’s son wouldn’t be able to shamelessly ask for the silver back after sleeping with her daughter!

Having made up her mind, Chun Xing’s mother waited at the entrance.

Not long after, Chun Xing came out from the side gate of the Princess of Zhen’s household with a small bundle in her hand, looking exhausted from a night in the woodshed.

Chun Xing burst into tears upon seeing her mother.

“Don’t say a word!” Chun Xing’s mother grabbed her daughter’s wrist, lowering her voice. “The Eldest Miss showed mercy by letting you out. Don’t cry!”

Recognizing her mother’s hidden message, Chun Xing stifled her tears. “But Mother, I still don’t have my indenture.”

Her mother hesitated, glancing at the black-lacquered doors of the Princess of Zhen’s household, gripping Chun Xing’s hand tightly. “We’ll talk at home!”

Chun Xing nodded and got on the rented carriage with her mother, slowly leaving through the side gate.

In the yard, after finishing her horse stance exercises, Bai Qingyan was practicing with her red-tasseled silver spear. Hearing from Nanny Tong that Chun Xing had been taken away by her mother, Bai Qingyan nodded. She took the handkerchief from Chun Tao and wiped the sweat from her face and neck. “Nanny, please pick another girl from the household slaves to replace Chun Xing.”

“Yes!” Nanny Tong curtsied, then added, “There is one more thing, Eldest Miss. As per your instructions, I inquired about the gatekeeper’s account of Chun Xing’s mother this morning. The gatekeeper said she mentioned Chun Xing’s thievery. Chun Xing’s mother was panicking at the mansion gates, exclaiming that her daughter was going to marry into the Chief of Staff’s household. Then she fell silent, and later, when Chun Xing was crying, her mother stopped her. So, this old servant took it upon herself to withhold Chun Xing’s indenture and planned to deliver it after the Eighth Miss’s newborn celebration banquet this noon…”

“Also, inform the neighbors that our Duke’s household will have nothing to do with Chun Xing’s family in the future. We can’t risk her disgracing the Eldest Miss. If the Eldest Miss finds this unsuitable, this old servant can quietly deliver it.”

Nanny Tong had already grasped the situation. Initially planning to return the indenture as instructed by Bai Qingyan, she changed her mind. Only by spreading the word would Chun Xing and her family no longer use the Eldest Miss’s name to amass wealth for themselves.

Otherwise, any future trouble would fall on the shoulders of the Eldest Miss.

“Nanny’s consideration is very thorough. Let’s proceed as you suggested.” Bai Qingyan placed the handkerchief on the black-lacquer tray held by Chun Tao and sipped a little tea from her teacup. “Grandmother is returning today, so that will be all for now.”

Chun Tao nodded, sending a maid to bring breakfast.

Today, Grandmother was bringing back Miss Lu. Even if it was just a show, Grandmother made it clear she cared for Miss Lu, specifically sending Nanny Jiang to relay a message back. She asked Mrs. Dong to prepare Bai Suqiu’s former courtyard for Miss Lu to reside in.

Mrs. Dong was surprised. Bai Suqiu’s Qiushuang Courtyard had been maintained all these years, with daily cleaning. Whenever the Eldest Princess missed Bai Suqiu, she would visit. The persimmon trees Bai Suqiu planted back then had now spread beyond the courtyard walls.

The whole household was curious about Miss Lu. Even Bai Jinxiu hurried back early in the morning to see the rumored reincarnation of Bai Suqiu in the Capital.

Only Bai Jinzhi, who had met the Eldest Princess and Miss Lu with Bai Qingyan, was the last to arrive at Changshou Courtyard. She respectfully greeted the Eldest Princess and stood aside, without even glancing at Miss Lu who stood beside the Eldest Princess.

Third Madam Mrs. Li, seeing Bai Jinzhi’s steady demeanor, thought her daughter had matured after her border trip. The joy in her heart was indescribable.

Everyone accompanied the Eldest Princess to meet the newborn legitimate granddaughter. The Eldest Princess gave Bai Wanqing a set of pigeon-blood gemstone jewelry as a gift, smiling from ear to ear.

Though the Eldest Princess regretted that the child wasn’t a boy, she felt the family could stay safe due to this, causing her both heartache and relief.

Seeing the midwife place the basin of medicinal bath containing mugwort and acacia ready, the elders added more hot water while the midwife uttered blessings. The joyful celebration ended with the giving of rewards.

“This little girl reminds me of Kid when he was born…” The Eldest Princess’s eyes turned red as she smiled. “A rare beauty just like him, fair and clean.”

The child clutched the Eldest Princess’s finger, waving her little hands, making the Eldest Princess laugh gleefully. Third Madam Mrs. Li said, “This child, like Kid, is destined for a close bond with her mother!”

The Eldest Princess nodded, handing the baby back to the nurse, and reminded Fifth Madam Mrs. Qi to take good care of the baby.