Good Ending: She Swears She Will Not Let Him Die!

Chapter 229: Chapter 228: Bai Niang

Mrs. Zhen left Lianfu Garden and returned straight to Qinghui Garden, then sent someone to call Nanny Shui over.

Nanny Shui did not dare delay, quickly made her way over, wiped the sweat off her face under the veranda, tidied the corners of her clothes, and then followed Shui Yue inside.

Mrs. Zhen was seated in the East Wing, waiting for Nanny Shui to greet her before instructing Shui Yue to offer her a seat.

Nanny Shui declined politely a few times, but eventually sat on the edge of the stool.

Mrs. Zhen asked, ”Nanny, you’ve been at Anhua Courtyard for five or six years now. In your opinion, among those second-tier maids, is there anyone outstanding?”

Nanny Shui lowered her eyes, quietly contemplating for a moment.

When Mrs. Zhen originally sent her to serve at Anhua Courtyard, it was tantamount to having an informant, for any major or minor event involving Du Yunluo, Nanny Shui would report to Mrs. Zhen.

A few years ago, she was more frequent with her visits. Since spring last year, Du Yunluo’s temperament has mellowed significantly; except for the incident before last Dragon Boat Festival where she argued with Du Yunnuo, resulting in breaking things, Nanny Shui had not come to report anything.

These days, rumors about Jin Ling’s marriage have been circulating privately. Nanny Shui understood that Mrs. Zhen was looking for someone to replace Jin Ling.

With just a word or two, she could decide the fate of those second-tier maids in the courtyard. Frankly speaking, Nanny Shui felt quite tense and had to be extra cautious.

After a while, Nanny Shui looked up and said respectfully, ”In response to Madam, in my opinion, while those second-tier maids are decent at cleaning and serving the young lady, they lack in steadiness and cleverness.”

Mrs. Zhen raised her eyebrow and asked, ”Why do you say so, Nanny?”

Having spoken up, and being in Mrs. Zhen’s quarters, Nanny Shui was not afraid of being resented for her words going public, thus she said, ”Quite a few lack discernment. You know Jin Rui’s nature, Madam, she discipline maids strictly, so both the second-tier and third-tier ones fear her, but do not like her.

Jin Rui’s sharp tongue offends people, and even the old maids in the courtyard dislike her. They gossip behind her back, speaking ill of her, while those second-tier and third-tier maids can’t differentiate right from wrong, easily fooled and swayed. On the surface, they dare not speak against Jin Rui, but secretly join in the gossip with the old maids.

Such inability to distinguish right from wrong, taking wind as rain, if someone wanted to trick them into being pawns, it would certainly work instantly with them.”

Nanny Shui’s words were extremely clear.

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Zhen sneered coldly, ”I didn’t know there were so many long tongues in Yunluo’s courtyard! Today it’s the big maid they talk about, tomorrow it’s the mistress!”

Mrs. Zhen had limited interactions with Jin Rui, but having allowed her to serve Du Yunluo for many years, she was already very clear about Jin Rui’s temperament.

Jin Rui is loyal, capable, quick to act, never shirking, sharp-tongued yet never spreading rumors, distinguishing clearly between right and wrong, one complements Jin Ling’s good temperament. As Mrs. Xia said, one red face and one white face make for a perfect match.

As for the other second-tier and third-tier maids, although not personally selected by Mrs. Zhen, Nanny Zhao carefully examined their backgrounds and personalities. They seemed quite sensible when they were young, but how have they regressed while staying in Anhua Courtyard for a few years?

To say that proximity leads to corruption, small maids being spoiled by old maids, but they were also taught by Jin Rui and Jin Ling, why haven’t they learned well!

Indeed, learning bad is easy, learning good is difficult.

Mrs. Zhen had a grim expression, intending to select someone now, yet found the entire lot ruined.

Nanny Zhao brought fresh almond dew cooled with ice to soothe Mrs. Zhen’s temper, comforting her, ”Madam, don’t be anxious, if truly discussed, it has roots.

Both Jin Rui and Jin Ling are exceptional, serving as the right and left hands of our young lady, and are of similar age to her. Anyone with foresight can see that when she marries, she’ll certainly take those two with her.

Those small maids in the courtyard, knowing they can’t surpass Jin Rui and Jin Ling, having no hope of advancement, are easily swayed by those old maids over time, which is understandable.”

Mrs. Zhen remained silent, carefully considering Nanny Zhao’s words.

Whether one is a master or a maid, everyone should have aspirations. Who wouldn’t wish for a better life for themselves? Yet in Anhua Courtyard, those at the bottom seem devoid of aspirations.

However, fate is unpredictable, who would have thought Jin Ling would marry before Du Yunluo?

If known earlier that a vacancy would occur, perhaps they’d have restrained their thoughts and actions.

Mrs. Zhen’s gaze turned sharp; there aren’t so many ”known it earlier” scenarios. Since none of them are dependable, not one will be used.

Mrs. Zhen turned to Nanny Zhao and asked, ”Is there any other maid in the manor who is outstanding?”

Nanny Zhao furrowed her brows, deep in thought.

Yet Nanny Shui’s eyes brightened, just about to speak out, but realizing she had just dismissed a group earlier, bringing up another now seemed deliberate, she quickly lowered her head.

Mrs. Zhen did not miss Nanny Shui’s expression and said, ”If there’s someone to suggest, just say it. No need to worry; good or bad, I would investigate further. It’s not like one sentence seals the deal.”

Nanny Shui replied, ”Mistress, I heard from Mrs. He in Shuifu Garden.

Before Third Mistress married, there was a second-tier maid named Bai Niang, eleven years old this year, very quick-witted, a house-born child, working with the two big maids beside Third Mistress, both praising her cleverness.

Mrs. He, finding her capable, took her as a goddaughter.

When Third Mistress got married and couldn’t take her, Mrs. He consulted Mrs. Shen Changgen, who said, with so many second and third tiers suddenly available, there aren’t enough good positions; Bai Niang is still young, better to wait two more years until some Chunhua Courtyard maids are released before moving in to serve Second Mistress.

Mrs. Zhen took a sip of almond dew.

The manor has established procedures for employing people, and there aren’t any vacancies.

When Du Yunru married, she also left behind a batch of second and third tiers, taking over half a year, eventually settling into various spots, Miao Family handled everything properly.

According to reason, Du Yun Ying left some behind, ready for selection, and once Du Yun Lan gets married, they could be assigned to his courtyard. Yet, due to Liao Family’s disposition, it’s unlikely they’ll use those from Shuifu Garden, making it difficult to find satisfactory places for them.

Mrs. Shen Changgen’s meticulous and picky nature agreed to let Bai Niang go to Chunhua Courtyard in two years, indicating her satisfaction with Bai Niang’s competence.

Mrs. Zhen thought it over and said to Nanny Zhao, ”Go to Shuifu Garden to inquire, if truly dependable, inform Mrs. Shen Changgen.”

Nanny Zhao agreed and personally went over, by afternoon had brought someone to Mrs. Zhen.

Bai Niang only knew that it was Third Madam looking for her, the rest remained concealed, feeling slightly anxious, yet not panicking, she performed courteously, waiting for Mrs. Zhen’s questions.

Mrs. Zhen scrutinized briefly; Bai Niang, small in stature, features not matured, yet looking quite proper.

After asking a few questions, Bai Niang answered articulately with clear reasoning. Mrs. Zhen instructed her to move and sit, and the girl’s posture and demeanor showed no fault, immensely satisfying Mrs. Zhen.

Mrs. Zhen took Bai Niang to Lianfu Garden; Old Mrs. Xia looked over and the matter was settled.