Full House Spring

Chapter 19: Three Blessings of Fortune and Longevity (Seeking first order, monthly ticket, and collection)
Xia Li walked towards the osmanthus tree with small steps. She said calmly:
"Didn't you hear it just now? Madam Lu is still childless. She has not given birth to a child for her husband's family. That is her original sin."

Qiao He lowered her eyebrows slightly, looking helpless.

"I heard that Madam Lu gets two taels of silver per month. She can live on her own. Why does she have to stay in the Zhao family?"

Xia Li sat back on the stone bench and continued combing the wool. Her hands kept moving and she said bluntly:
"She is just too narrow-minded. She is imprisoned by the idea of the Three Obediences and Four Virtues. She is willing to devote her life to her husband's family. When you go back to work, don't say too much. She doesn't need other people's sympathy."

Qiao He sat beside Xia Li, helping her to sort out the embroidery threads, and said calmly:

"I saved it. She always beats and scolds me. I can barely protect myself, so how can I have the energy to sympathize with her? I'm just worried that she will take the injustices she suffered from her husband's family and beat me up even more. If that happens, I will inevitably suffer more."

Xia Li stopped what he was doing, and said solemnly:

"Zhao Daqiao's widowed cousin looks charming and seductive, but she is definitely not a good person. If she marries the Zhao family and has a child, Madam Lu will be very angry. So it seems that we should not stay in the small kitchen for long."

Qiao He looked sad at first, then said with relief:
"This is all our private speculation. Maybe Madam Lu won't swallow her anger. People's patience is limited. Madam Lu is not easy to deal with. I don't know what her sister-in-law said to her just now, but she persuaded her to go back to the house with just one sentence. It seems that she is quite capable."

Xia Li naturally noticed Zhao Xiaohui. That girl was born with a smiling face. She looked only two years older than her, but she was very mature and sophisticated in her actions and words.

Madam Lu had intended to get her to work in the old lady's courtyard, but she and Qiao He suddenly showed up and took up the vacancies. I'm afraid that these two sisters-in-law are still thinking about it and will continue to make trouble.

Seeing that Xia Li was silent, Qiao He muttered while combing her wool carefully:
"Mrs. Lu really cares about this sister-in-law. A few days ago, she was looking for ways to get her into the mansion to work."

Xia Li curled her lips lightly, "I see that the small kitchen is short-staffed. Why doesn't she take Zhao Xiaohui directly to the small kitchen and take care of her directly? Her words should carry some weight."

Qiao He hesitated for a moment, then said with a half-chuckle:

"I heard from Madam Lu and the woman who washes vegetables that her sister-in-law is clever and deft, and can comb her hair very well. She will serve the master closely in the future. They are aiming for the position of the head maid, so naturally they look down on the work in the kitchen."

Xia Li had a hunch that Zhao Xiaohui might really be able to enter Leshou Hall. She tied the combed velvet with copper wire and whispered:

"I am now a second-class maid, and there is one more vacancy for the third-class. Do you think she can fill it?"

Qiao He was a little surprised. "Your promotion has allowed her to take advantage of you. It's hard to say. Madam Lu has been running around a lot recently..."

Xia Li was not afraid of Zhao Xiaohui, but she did not want to cause more trouble. Qiao He saw her deep in thought and asked with a confused look, "What's wrong? Is Zhao Xiaohui a hindrance to you?"

Xia Li shook her head slightly, her expression calm as she said, "Although she came here for the position of head maid, she doesn't necessarily want to be the head maid at Le Shou Tang. The old lady's place is not a good place for ambitious maids."

Qiao He was young and had limited access to information. She did not understand Xia Li's words for a moment. Facing her blank look, Xia Li curled his lips slightly and sneered:
"Not everyone is just looking for a peaceful life like us. Some carefree girls are aiming for the position of the master's concubine. Do you understand what I mean?"

Qiao He's face showed sudden realization. She said contemptuously, "Even the wife has to suffer from anger and rage, so the concubine is even more lowly and humble. To put it bluntly, she is just a plaything for men to warm their beds and bear children. She is not even as respectable as the maids in charge of the mansion."

Xia Li rubbed the tied velvet and chuckled:
"Everyone has their own ambitions. Just wait and see. Our Le Shou Tang will not be quiet for a few years. You just focus on your work. It's fine as long as Madam Lu is happy. If she always takes it out on you, we can find a way to learn skills in the kitchen. There are too many clever maids in this mansion. You might as well learn some real skills to rely on."

Qiao He thought the same thing. She looked at the velvet that Xia Li had kneaded, took it in her hands and said in surprise, "This looks pretty good. What kind of hair accessories are you going to make?"

Xia Li continued to rub the velvet and said calmly: "You will know when I am done later. If you find it boring, just go and do your own thing. I can be alone."

Qiao He shook her head. "I'll stay here with you to see how this velvet flower hair accessory is made. Aren't you afraid that I might steal your knowledge?"

Xia Li said with a smile: "It would be a good thing if you have the ability to learn it, and you can help me in the future. I am not petty."

Qiao He laughed when he heard that. The two of them sat under the osmanthus tree, chatting while making velvet flowers. Time passed quickly. When the first velvet flower was assembled, Qiao He's eyes widened in amazement. She carefully held it in her hand and said excitedly, "Xia Li, this pink and blue mutant chrysanthemum is so beautiful. Can you give me one?"

Xia Li nodded slightly, "Take it if you like it. I was planning to make more and give the extra ones to the sisters in the courtyard. I'm just a little undecided, whether to make them all chrysanthemums or other flower shapes as well."

Qiao He pondered for a moment and said, "If you can make a variety of patterns, make a few more, so that the sisters can wear different ones. Only honor the old lady with the pattern, and it's best if others don't have it."

Xia Li knew what was going on and would never make a stupid mistake. She thought that since she was going to give gifts, she would give everyone more options to choose from. She could make chrysanthemums in more colors to suit the occasion. As for the old lady, she could make some headdresses with good meanings.

Xia Li made up his mind, looked at Qiao He and said with a smile: "Since you said so, then help me in the next few days, and we will try to finish the work as soon as possible."

Qiao He was diligent and nodded in agreement without any objection. From then on, the two of them began to work day and night.

Counting from the day Xia Li left the mansion, she had lived in the house for a total of eight days. Although she was extremely reluctant to return to the Duke's Mansion, her reason still urged her to go back as soon as possible.

She has taken very good care of herself these days, and her skin is even whiter and more beautiful than when she first entered the mansion. Nanny Xie did not come to see her, probably because the old lady was too busy to leave.

Xia Li did not stay any longer. After she had tidied up the house, she returned home with Qiao He.

Qiao He was a little bored. Xia Li might come again, but it was unlikely for her to come. She treasured the velvet flowers Xia Li gave her in her bag. Kitchen work was heavy with oil and smoke, and she was reluctant to waste such good things.

After the two men entered the mansion through the corner gate, their aura changed unconsciously. They no longer laughed and joked, and even their words and actions became more disciplined.

After entering the gate of Leshou Hall, the two went their separate ways. Xia Li went to thank the old lady first. She put the velvet flowers in a box, held them in both hands and went to the main room.

As soon as she showed up, she was spotted by Qiancao who was wearing a ginger-red boa. Xia Li was not familiar with the maids serving the old lady, and she couldn't remember the names of anyone except Baishao and Shimi.

Qiancao was quite kind. She took the initiative to greet him and said, "I heard that you went out to recuperate. Now you look well. Can you come back to work?"

Xia Li smiled gratefully, holding the box and bowing to her, "Thank you for your concern, sister. I have recovered. I am familiar with your face, but may I know your name?" Qiancao smiled softly and said, "You have not been in the mansion for a long time, so it is normal that you don't recognize me. My name is Qiancao, and I am a second-class maid in front of the old lady. In the future, we will have to work together and slowly become familiar with each other."

Qiancao leaned down slightly when talking to her, and her voice was like a trickle of tears, which sounded very comfortable. Xia Li blinked her clear and beautiful eyes and said softly:

"That's right, sister. I just returned home and wanted to kowtow to the old lady to express my gratitude. I wonder if sister could help pass on the message."

Qiancao said in a gentle voice, "The Second Madam and the Fourth Miss are chatting with the old lady. I will go in and report. You can go to the shade and rest for a while."

The autumn heat has been raging recently and the temperature has risen to a very high level. Qiancao was attentive and considerate, and sympathized with Xia Li as she had just recovered from a serious illness. Xia Li appreciated her kindness and stood obediently under the eaves waiting for her. Only then did Qiancao feel at ease to go in.

There was an ice basin in the inner room, and a maid was fanning gently. When Qiancao came in, Luo was discussing with the old lady what clothes the fourth young lady should wear on the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet.

Qiancao was very perceptive. After her masters finished speaking, she stepped forward and said calmly, "Old lady, sister Xia Li has recovered and returned home. She is waiting under the eaves and wants to come in to kowtow to you and thank you."

The old lady was in a good mood at the moment. She looked at Aunt Xie and said, "That girl came back so soon. Has the wound on her head healed?"

Madam Xie said at a loss: "I haven't seen her in the past few days, and I don't know how she is doing. She came back so quietly, I guess she must be missing the old lady."

Luo Madam hurriedly followed suit and said, "That girl is a loyal protector of her master. Let's call her in first to take a look."

Qiancao looked at the old lady, and when she nodded, she turned around and went out to call for help. Luo said with emotion, "Mother is really good at training people. The maids in Leshou Hall are all amazing. When Wanqiao grows up and gets married, you must give her one or two to be her companions."

The old lady said unhappily, "You only know how to plunder from me. You want to pick up all the good things that are already there. There are so many servants in the mansion, can't you choose and train them yourself?"

Mrs. Luo flattered, "I don't have my mother's ability. Wan Qiao is gradually becoming sensible. If she can learn 30% to 40% of what my mother does, I won't have to worry about it."

The old lady scolded her with a smile, but did not respond. Seeing her daughter going crazy, Mrs. Luo couldn't help but feel a sense of crisis. She was really afraid that her daughter would grow up to be a bad girl. No matter how incompetent the old lady was, she was still more capable than her. It would never be wrong for her daughter to learn from her grandmother.

While they were chatting, Xia Li walked in with the box in her hand. She lowered her eyebrows and eyes, knelt down and kowtowed to the old lady respectfully, and said in a pious manner:
"Thanks to the old lady's blessing, I have escaped death and my wounds have healed. I came here to express my gratitude!"

No matter how Xia Li got injured, it was an indisputable fact that the old lady asked for medical treatment for her. She was grateful to her master, and the old lady was undoubtedly satisfied. She said happily:
"Help her up quickly. You are so polite, girl. She has just recovered. Why do you have to kneel down and kowtow? Look up and let me see that she is really recovered."

Xia Li smiled and raised her chin. Her eyes were watery, just like the stars dotting the night sky on an autumn night, lively and clear.

The old lady already had a good impression of her, and after seeing her face clearly, she couldn't help but be even more satisfied.

"Alan has good taste. This girl is a natural beauty. After being nurtured for a few days, her complexion is rosy and she looks even prettier."

Aunt Xie knew that Xia Li was good-looking, so she flattered him, "This shows that the old lady is raising people in this place."

Mrs. Luo continued, "Mother does have a lot of people to support here. Why don't you let Wan Qiao move in with you? She can at least get some of the blessings."

The old lady had a very thorough understanding of things at this age. She didn't want to cause trouble for herself, so she immediately refused: "Children and grandchildren have their own blessings. You can teach your daughter yourself, and don't think of arranging work for me."

Ever since the old lady gave Mrs. Luo some advice last time, she has been thinking of ways to fill in Wan Qiao's shortcomings. Since her biological mother's background is not good enough, she would send her child to the old lady for education.

By then, with the support of the Duke's Mansion, you will be able to choose a good marriage, but the old lady refuses to agree.

Although the fourth girl is young, she is very observant. She had not spoken before, but now that the atmosphere was awkward, she hurriedly asked in a soft voice, "What treasure is that in your hand, sister? Can I see it?"

Her words drew attention back to Xia Li, who said calmly:
"Of course you can see that this box contains velvet flowers made by me using embroidery thread."

No matter how smart Lu Wanqiao was, she was still just a child. She was curious about things she had never seen before. She stood up from the armchair with her eyes blinking, and Xia Li immediately stepped forward with the box.

Lu Wanqiao stretched out her hand to open the box, and saw the various velvet flowers inside. Her eyes widened in amazement. She picked up a velvet butterfly, turned around and said to the old lady, "Grandma, look, the velvet flowers made by this sister are really exquisite."

The old lady took the velvet butterfly handed over by the fourth girl and squinted her eyes to examine it carefully. Mrs. Luo also came over. Her eyes lit up when she saw the velvet butterfly. She picked out a pink and purple chrysanthemum hair ornament and put it in her bun, smiling happily.
"Mother, do you think this pink chrysanthemum looks good on my head?"

This was the first time the old lady had seen such delicate velvet flowers. She smiled until her wrinkles showed on her face. She praised them generously, "It looks great. It goes really well with the hairpin on your head. Bring it here so I can pick one."

Xia Li walked forward with a smile on her face and said in a steady voice:
"Look at this, old lady. It is a combination of Buddha's hand, peach and pomegranate flowers, which symbolizes good fortune, longevity and many children. I made it especially for you. No one is more suitable to wear it than you."

The old lady was immediately attracted by the three blessings of good fortune and longevity. She picked up the hairpin and saw that the pomegranate on it was bright and eye-catching, the peach was round and plump, and the Buddha's hand was delicate and juicy. The combination with the leaves was particularly pleasing to the eye.

She couldn't let it go and asked, "How did you come up with this? This pattern looks so complicated. Did you make it yourself?"

Xia Li smiled shyly and said frankly, "These velvet flowers were all made by me, but because there were too many flower shapes, I couldn't handle it alone, so I asked Qiao He from the kitchen to help. The flower in the old lady's hand was not made by anyone else."

The old lady smiled even more and said to Aunt Xie, "What a good and honest child. Come and help me put on the three blessings of happiness and longevity."

Matron Xie bent over to take the hair ornament and carefully inserted it into her bun. Qian Cao hurriedly took the palm-sized peep show and held it in front of the old lady for her to see.

I have to say that everything Xia Li makes with her skillful hands is exquisite. Although the colors of the three-in-one blessing and longevity ornaments are varied, they are matched together just right. When inserted on the old lady's hair, it not only does not steal the show, but makes her look younger and more energetic.

　Now available!!! Thank you for your company along the way.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)