Chapter 140: Xu Xu Pingmei's Distinction Between Legitimate and Illegitimate [Many Thanks for Everyone's Support

Xu Xu Zaijing finished his morning exercises in the Sheng family courtyard; the scar-faced personal soldier put away the bows and arrows and the simple arrow target that was nearly reduced to powder.

Just as he had been practicing for three quarters of an hour, Old Lady Sheng had sent Mama Fang over to explain the situation; Xu Xu Zaijing could not say too much to the Old Lady, after all, she now followed the rule that a wife obeys her son upon her husband's death, and the current master of the Sheng household was Sheng Hong.

By the time Xu Xu Zaijing returned to Shou'an Hall, the younger generation of the Sheng family had already paid their respects and returned to their respective courtyards.

Upon entering the courtyard of Shou'an Hall, a young female servant announced his arrival; bowing his head, he entered Shou'an Hall beneath the cloth curtain, and glancing around, Xu Xu Zaijing saw the Old Lady sitting on the couch in the main hall with a grim face, while Wang Shi, evidently having already washed and dressed, sat in the lower seat looking restless and aggrieved.

Seeing Seeing Qingcao had already been tidied up by Mama Fang; her hairstyle looked much better than before, yet Seeing Qingcao's expression held a certain bewildered fear, as if she had been frightened.

Seeing Xu Xu Zaijing enter, she looked at him with eyes full of plea for help.

Upon seeing Xu Xu Zaijing, the Old Lady forced a smile, then put on a stern face and said to Wang Shi, "Daughter-in-law, you explain this to Jing-ge'er."

Wang Wang Ruofu stood up with an embarrassed expression; seeing this, Xu Xu Zaijing quickly clasped his hands and said, "Auntie, there is no need for such formality; please remain seated while you speak."

Wang Wang Ruofu was always one to be coaxed gently; seeing Xu Xu Zaijing behave so politely, she instead felt somewhat ashamed, and clutching a handkerchief in her hand, she said, "Jing-ge'er, it is... it is I! I failed to manage the household strictly, allowing a kitchen matron to offend a female servant of the Hou Fu; that matron has already been ordered by my husband to be beaten to death with a staff..."

She stole a glance at Old Lady Sheng's expression, then steeled her heart and said, "Jing-ge'er, I will give..."

Seeing Wang Shi's posture, Xu Xu Zaijing quickly stepped forward several paces to stop her from performing the squatting bow: "Auntie, this is undeserved, truly undeserved; it was merely that your nephew caused trouble this morning, thereby disturbing your peace; the entire cause lies with your nephew, and the fault is not yours."

Feeling Xu Xu Zaijing's sincere support and hearing his words, Wang Wang Ruofu was somewhat moved on her face; clearly it was Lin Lin Qinshuang's fault, yet he, Wang Wang Ruofu, had to apologize, and the grievances she had suffered at the hands of her own husband suddenly surged into her heart, so that she looked at Xu Xu Zaijing with tears in her eyes and sincerely said, "Good child."

"Cough." The Old Lady coughed once, and Wang Shi reined herself in.

"Jing'er, go to the inner room to eat," the Old Lady said kindly to Xu Xu Zaijing; after Xu Xu Zaijing entered the inner room, the Old Lady said to Wang Wang Ruofu, "Xu Xu Pingmei, the eldest legitimate daughter of the Xu family, will be arriving shortly; as you know, do not speak any more of beating to death or offending people."

Wang Shi nodded and said, "This daughter-in-law understands."

"Dress up the children of the household well; the second legitimate son and eldest legitimate daughter of the Lady Ningyuan Hou Fu will also be coming."

Wang Wang Ruofu's face was filled with surprise; in these past few days, the number of noble families she had encountered rivaled what she had seen in the previous several decades combined, after all, she had grown up in the countryside with her uncle, and after coming of age, she had not stayed long in Bianjing before marrying Sheng Hong; the most she had seen was perhaps her sister-in-law's family, the Cheng Duke's household, but even that was only from a distance.

And now, this...

Wang Shi hurried off to notify her own children, saying as she walked, "Liu family's woman, quickly take that set of Dayuchuan Mr. sent from Youyang, wash it, and move it to Shou'an Hall for use."

In the inner room of Shou'an Hall, the very sensible Seeing Seeing Qingcao followed Xu Xu Zaijing inside; seeing her bewildered eyes, Xu Xu Zaijing asked, "What is wrong?"

"Young Master, was that matron beaten to death because of me?" Seeing Seeing Qingcao asked with lifeless eyes.

"No." Hearing Xu Xu Zaijing's answer, Seeing Seeing Qingcao raised her head in surprise, her face showing confusion.

"Do you know why you were splashed with a basin of water?" Hearing Xu Xu Zaijing's question, Seeing Seeing Qingcao lowered her head and said, "It must be that I disturbed that matron's good sleep, and she was aggrieved, so she acted thus."

"Has such a thing ever happened in our household?"

Seeing Seeing Qingcao shook her head and said, "No; in our home, the female servants on night duty can have hot water whenever they ask for it."

"Then what kind of person is this matron?" Xu Xu Zaijing asked. Seeing Seeing Qingcao thought for a moment and said, "Neglecting her duties; it is dereliction of duty. But she is just a matron; how would she dare to treat the master's female servant this way?"

Xu Xu Zaijing said nothing, eating the sesame oil flower rolls from the Old Lady's room.

Watching her Young Master's demeanor, Seeing Seeing Qingcao lowered her head to think for herself; reflecting on the encounters of this entire morning, there was still some incomprehension in her eyes.

Seeing her confused gaze, Xu Xu Zaijing said, "This morning, Mama Fang said it was a female servant of Wei Wei Xiaoniang from the side courtyard who escorted you back?"

"Yes, and also the Sixth Miss, along with her young female servant, Xiao Xiao Xiaotao."

"How tall is Xiao Xiao Xiaotao?"

"Same as this servant—Young Master, are you saying that matron mistook me for Xiao Xiao Xiaotao? Is that why she..."

"Then do you think the courtyard where Xiao Xiao Xiaotao stays is a good one?"

Seeing Seeing Qingcao shook her head.

"If she were splashed with cold water in this season and caught a chill, would she still have her life?"

"This servant saw that the courtyard was severely mistreated; perhaps..."

"Bullying the weak, neglecting duties, treating human life like grass; being beaten to death is what she deserved." After saying this, Xu Xu Zaijing glanced at Seeing Seeing Qingcao and continued to eat a few more flower rolls.

This Guan Guan Pozi, in the drama, assisted Zhou Zhou Xueniang throughout, and later, when Wei Shi was giving birth, she got a matron from Wang Shi's room who knew how to deliver babies drunk, acting as an accomplice.

Her final outcome was merely receiving a beating from Sheng Hong's willful Dong Rong, making a loud commotion but causing little actual harm, and that was the end of it.

He also had not expected that his own young female servant, Seeing Seeing Qingcao, would encounter such a situation, causing this Guan Guan Pozi, who had relied on Lin Lin Qinshuang to act arrogantly in the rear courtyard for so long, to crash into the staff herself and lose her life.

At this moment, Old Lady Sheng walked in, wearing a helpless smile, and said, "Jing'er, my family lacks rules; we have made a fool of ourselves before you."

Xu Xu Zaijing stood up and said, "Great-aunt, why do you say such things? The current master of the Sheng household is my table-uncle Sheng Hong; it has nothing to do with you, Great-aunt."

The Old Lady glanced at Seeing Seeing Qingcao; seeing that she no longer had the panic from earlier, she smiled and asked, "Has the little girl figured it out?"

Seeing Seeing Qingcao quickly bowed and said, "Thank you, Old Lady, for your concern; I have figured it out."

"Good, she is a good girl."

They had only spoken a few sentences when Mama Cui from outside said, "Old Lady, Jing-ge'er's page boy says he has something to report."

"Great-aunt, then I will step out for a moment."

Coming out of Shou'an Hall and arriving at the front courtyard of the Sheng family, listening to Brother Qingyun's speculation, Xu Xu Zaijing said, "Table-brother, didn't you say your comrade's younger sister was named Er-ya?"

Zhu Zhu Qinghu frowned and said, "Xiao Mao has always said his younger sister is called Er-ya."

"What Brother Qingyun said, I feel is correct; Wei Wei Xiaoniang is indeed originally from Chuzhou; so, Table-brother, wait for my news."

Late morning, Si hour (around ten o'clock).

Wang Shi and Sheng Hualan, dressed brightly and beautifully, waited at the second gate of the Sheng family for the guests.

Soon, two precious carriages made of precious wood and hanging with the Gu plaque of the Lady Ningyuan Hou Fu stopped before the gate.

From the first carriage, a handsome youth emerged first; after getting off, he bowed and said, "Greetings, Da Da Niangzi."

At this moment, Qingxia had already run over from the rear carriage; arriving before the carriage just as Xu Xu Pingmei emerged, Qingxia hurriedly went to support her; after exchanging bows with Wang Shi and Sheng Hualan, Xu Xu Pingmei turned back and extended her hand, and the handsome Gu Gu Tingyi also emerged from the carriage.

Subsequently, all the female family members walked toward Shou'an Hall, while the female servants and maids behind them carried the gifts they had brought.

Inside Shou'an Hall, Xu Xu Zaijing spoke a few words to the Old Lady; the Old Lady angrily tapped him and said, "You little monkey, why didn't you say so earlier! Sister Sister Suqin, Cui Cui Ruan, quickly! Go! Go to the entrance; under no circumstances must the Eldest Miss perform the bow! Quick!"

Seeing the Old Lady's attitude, Mama Fang and Mama Cui exchanged a glance and immediately understood what was happening.

Xu Xu Pingmei, along with Wang Shi, Sheng Hualan, and the others, arrived at the entrance of Shou'an Hall, and Wang Shi's voice came through: "Mother, the Eldest Miss has arrived."

Xu Xu Pingmei waved away Qingxia's hand, entered the door of Shou'an Hall, and was just about to perform the bow...

She was immediately supported by two matrons, gentle yet firm, leaving Xu Pingmei momentarily stunned; then she saw the young master beside the Old Lady, smiling at her.

"Little Fifth, didn't you promise not to tell Great-Grand-Aunt?"

"Pay him no mind; he did the right thing! Come in quickly and let me have a look," the Old Lady said, rising.

"Great-Grand-Aunt, please sit."

After exchanging pleasantries, Xu Pingmei introduced the brother and sister from Lady Ningyuan Hou Fu.

Once everyone was seated, the chair placed beside the Old Lady for Xu Pingmei was exceptionally wide, complete with a backrest and thick cushions beneath.

Glancing around Shou'an Hall at everyone present, Xu Pingmei laughed heartily and said, "Great-Grand-Aunt, since Hua Lan and I are of the same generation, do not let her stand; may she sit beside me?"

Hua Lan, standing beside Wang Shi, glanced at the Old Lady, who naturally smiled and granted permission: "Hua'er, go ahead."

Matron Fang placed an embroidered stool beside Xu Pingmei, and Hua Lan sat down.

Xu Pingmei carefully observed the noble and dignified Hua Lan; having already learned the Xu family's intentions from the Old Lady, Hua Lan now met Xu Pingmei's gaze, forcing herself to hold the eye contact despite feeling a touch of shy embarrassment.

Xu Pingmei's eyes were full of appreciation; then, taking Hua Lan's hand, she smoothly slipped a magnificent bracelet onto her wrist.

Seeing Wang Shi rise to intervene, Xu Pingmei said, "Aunt, this is my meeting gift for my younger sister!!"

She then glanced at the Old Lady and said, "Great-Grand-Aunt, this younger sister of mine is truly wonderful!"

Gu Gu Tingyi, seated in the lower position, also looked at Hua Lan with eyes full of praise; he whispered something to Gu Gu Tingye, who upon hearing it, chuckled with a "Hei-hei."

Wang Shi was naturally delighted, her eyes wide with joy as she watched the scene, her heart filled with happiness that Hua Lan had received such a bracelet; nearby, Matron Liu, observing the way Xu Pingmei looked at Hua Lan, felt a slight tremor in her heart—could it be...

Then, sensing the Old Lady's gaze directed at Wang Shi, Matron Liu hurriedly whispered in Wang Shi's ear, "Da Da Niangzi, it is time to bring them in."

"Eldest Daughter, I was so happy I forgot; children, come in and meet your eldest sister," Wang Shi called out.

For this visit, Xu Pingmei had brought ample gifts: sets of precious brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones for Sheng Changbai and Sheng Changfeng, and mostly valuable jewelry for the girls; the only difference was that the gifts for Sheng Changbai and the hairpins and ornaments for Hearing Rulan were personally presented by Xu Pingmei herself.

This action greatly pleased Wang Shi, as it clearly distinguished between the children of the principal wife and those of the concubines.

Sheng Changfeng and Minglan did not mind, but Hearing Rulan's triumphant and mocking gaze made Seeing Mo Lan feel somewhat uncomfortable.

In this interval, Xu Xu Zaijing exchanged a few words with the Old Lady; upon hearing Xu Xu Zaijing's explanation, the Old Lady nodded and said, "In that case, you should ask the Da Da Niangzi."

Hearing the Old Lady's words, Wang Shi felt greatly pleased and looked at Xu Xu Zaijing with expectation; Xu Xu Zaijing bowed and said, "Aunt, I have an impertinent request and hope you will grant it."

He then recounted the matter of Zhu Zhu Qinghu,

"Therefore, I beg Aunt to send someone to inquire about the characteristics of the elder brother of this female servant in the inner quarters."

"That is easy to arrange, very easy! Matron Liu, go quickly, summon the female servant named Sister Xiaodie, and question her personally."

At this moment, Xu Pingmei smiled and said, "Aunt, is this female servant Sister Xiaodie attending Wei Wei Xiaoniang?"

Wang Wang Ruofu nodded; Xu Pingmei, looking thoroughly interested, said, "Some time ago, when my husband and I held our wedding, the Sheng family sent congratulatory gifts, all of which I greatly liked; however, there was one embroidered painting titled 'Plum Blossoms Opening to Five Blessings' that was exceptionally well done; my younger sister Xu Anmei and I are both very curious about this embroidery technique, and I wonder if we could invite the..."

"Of course! Matron Liu, have Lady Wei come along as well." This differential treatment between the principal wife's children and the concubine's children by Xu Pingmei greatly pleased Wang Wang Ruofu.

Matron Liu then walked out of Shou'an Hall and headed toward the side courtyard.

In the hall, the brother and sister, Gu Gu Tingye and his sibling, hearing their eldest sister-in-law's words, instantly became eager to try; they then looked to Xu Xu Zaijing for help.

Seeing their expressions, Xu Xu Zaijing smiled and said, "Great-Grand-Aunt, Aunt, the younger brothers and sisters are likely bored; since Brother Ye always brings arrow-pitching equipment when he goes out, why not let the younger ones go play?"

Upon hearing "arrow-pitching," Sheng Changfeng's eyes lit up, and he secretly glanced at Gu Tingyi.

Hearing Rulan, meanwhile, was intently examining Xu Pingmei's gifts.

In the side courtyard,

Minglan and Xiao Xiao Xiaotao had been summoned to Shou'an Hall,

Wei Wei Shuyi, somewhat absent-minded, was embroidering a handkerchief on her frame.

"Hiss!"

Sister Xiaodie nearby hurried over and asked, "Wei Xiaoniang, what is wrong?"

Wei Wei Shuyi waved her hand and said, "Nothing, I just accidentally pricked myself."

Seeing that Wei Wei Shuyi was fine, Sister Xiaodie continued wiping the tables and stools in the room.

"Wei Xiaoniang, the female servant who came to summon people earlier said that the Xu family's Eldest Miss has arrived; I wonder what good things she will give the young ladies this time."

"That Eldest Miss is already married..." Wei Wei Shuyi said, her thoughts drifting away again until her voice faded; gazing at the recently completed embroidery of "Lady Li Defending Da Niangzi Pass," she hesitated and murmured softly to herself, "To compete or not to compete?"

Just as she was about to continue embroidering, Matron Liu's voice came from outside the room: "Wei Xiaoniang?"

In the courtyard, Matron Liu, accompanied by a young female servant, smiled broadly as she saw Sister Xiaodie supporting Wei Wei Shuyi out; she quickly squatted and bowed, saying, "Wei Xiaoniang, the Eldest Miss from Marquis Marquis Yongyi's residence said the embroidery painting you sent was excellent; the Da Da Niangzi has specifically instructed this servant to invite you to Shou'an Hall."

Wei Wei Shuyi was stunned and said somewhat at a loss, "Matron Liu, please wait; I will go change my clothes."

"There is no need for Wei Xiaoniang to rush; let this little girl help you," Matron Liu said with a smile, gesturing for the female servant behind her to enter.

Sister Xiaodie hurried to the wardrobe to fetch the new clothes made for the New Year; Matron Liu stood solemnly aside, reached out to take the clothes, handed them to the young female servant, and signaled her to assist; then she said, "Wei Xiaoniang, the Da Da Niangzi has another instruction: she wishes to question Sister Sister Xiaodie by your side; since your condition is heavy, let this young servant help you."

"Matron Liu is a capable person in the Da Da Niangzi's service; please ask away," Wei Wei Shuyi said, her back to Matron Liu, her eyes revealing an excitement she could barely suppress.

"Sister Sister Xiaodie, do you have an elder brother?" Matron Liu asked, her tone serious as she stared intently at Sister Xiaodie.

Wei Wei Shuyi was stunned; hearing Sister Xiaodie reply with somewhat depressed emotions, "Yes, some time before the New Year, a letter arrived saying he had died for the country."

Hearing this, Matron Liu was somewhat surprised; thus, the most important characteristic matched.

"Then what is your elder brother's name, and what are his characteristics?" After Matron Liu finished asking, Sister Xiaodie thought for a moment and said, "My elder brother's formal name is Liu Liu Xiao Mao; he has a birthmark on the back of his hand and a knife scar at the corner of his eyebrow."

Matron Liu nodded; while they spoke, the young female servant had already helped Wei Wei Shuyi put on her new clothes; Wei Wei Shuyi turned to Matron Liu and said, "Since we returned to Yang Zhou, her mother knew she had returned to her hometown, and also said that Sister Xiaodie's second uncle was lazy and unreliable, so she did not tell Sister Xiaodie's second uncle; I wonder why you..."

Matron Liu nodded, looked at Wei Wei Shuyi, and said, "Wei Xiaoniang, a distinguished guest from the family wishes to ask; let us go over now."

The four of them left the side courtyard together.

Previously, Wei Wei Shuyi would often accompany Minglan to pay respects to Lady Sheng, frequently receiving cakes and biscuits gifted by the Old Lady; she had walked this path to Shou'an Hall many times, but never before had it felt as long as today, or as short as today.

Arriving at the entrance to the Shou'an Hall courtyard, Wei Wei Shuyi heard cheers coming from within; it sounded like the Fifth Miss.

It was a little past four in the afternoon; while I was writing the scene where Matron Liu goes to the side courtyard, I received a notice that I might have to move.

My writing state instantly collapsed; I wrote only three hundred characters in two hours.

I wrote, then deleted, then deleted and wrote again; it was miserable.

No stored chapters again, it's miserable. Tomorrow I'll do my best to guarantee two chapters totaling 4,000 words and find a place to live as soon as possible to resume my daily 10,000-word output.

The news came suddenly and has severely affected my state of mind.

My apologies.

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(End of Chapter)