Matron Qin observed the situation with a slight furrow of her brow. ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ N0veI.Fiɾe.net
No wonder Nalan Jinlian looked displeased.
She appeared respectful on the surface but was actually contemptuous and even scorned people.
"Chunqiu!" Matron Qin said sternly.
Chunqiu was startled and nervously muttered, "Matron!"
"This is the only time. If there is a next, it would be merciful to send you away. Otherwise..." Matron Qin glanced at the approaching Juan Ye, gave Chunqiu a look, and said no more.
"Matron!" Juan Ye curtsied towards Matron Qin.
It was said that Matron Qin was the young lady’s nursemaid, so everyone in Qinglian Garden called her Matron. Even though she had become the Head Maid by the young lady’s side, Juan Ye still dared not act rashly.
"Since the young lady has promoted you, serve her well from now on!"
Juan Ye entered the room, which was warm and toasty. Seeing Nalan Jinlian leaning on the Chaise Longue, she hesitated for a moment before softly saying, "Miss, the clay pot and the sieve are ready. Are we still going to Plum Garden?"
Nalan Jinlian opened her eyes, "Yes, why not go? Let’s go!"
Juan Ye went and called four other maids, all of whom had returned from the border town.
Chunqiu wanted to follow, but Nalan Jinlian smiled and said, "You stay in the courtyard, they will accompany me!"
Chunqiu’s face turned pale immediately.
Nalan Jinlian gave her a glance but said nothing more, leading the five, including Juan Ye, out of Qinglian Garden to Plum Garden.
Without the meddling Chunqiu and the mysterious Chong Ling, the little maids, though brought from the border town, seemed proper enough.
Juan Ye, newly promoted to Head Maid, obeyed Nalan Jinlian in all things, believing everything she said was right, which greatly delighted Nalan Jinlian.
They gathered the delicate snow from the plum blossoms or picked vibrant blossoms to place in the sieve, intending to dry them later to make plum blossom cakes.
Mrs. Xu softly called.
Nalan Jinlian turned, smiling mildly at Mrs. Xu, "Mother, are you also here to gather plum blossoms?"
"No, I went to Qinglian Garden to see you and learned you had come to the Plum Forest. Why not rest properly?" Mrs. Xu stepped forward, seeing the sweat on Nalan Jinlian’s forehead, and quickly took a handkerchief to wipe it for her.
Nalan Jinlian laughed and leaned into Mrs. Xu’s embrace.
Though Mrs. Xu’s embrace was somewhat cool, Nalan Jinlian found it comfortable.
"How about I sleep with you tonight?"
Mrs. Xu was taken aback, but her heart warmed immediately.
This child wasn’t her own, yet she filled her with endless hope.
She embraced Nalan Jinlian from behind, "Alright, I’ll have Matron Zhao tidy the bed later!"
The bed had traces of Nalan Bo’s presence, and she didn’t want Nalan Jinlian to pick up on it.
"How about you come to Qingjue Academy, Mother?"
Mrs. Xu chuckled, "Silly child, it’s not customary for a mother to sleep in her daughter’s courtyard. Just come over tonight, and we can cook a hotpot, chat while eating, and keep cozy and warm!"
Nalan Jinlian nodded eagerly.
"What a great idea, Mother!"
Mrs. Xu patted Nalan Jinlian’s head, "Speaking of which, it’s been days since we returned to the Imperial Capital, and I haven’t taken you out yet. Once you’re feeling better, we’ll go out tomorrow. I’ll buy you some jewelry and a few sets of pretty clothes. Fabric can’t be skimped on either; we’ll make several sets for the New Year!"
Even though the Marquis Residence had already instructed to have clothes made for Nalan Jinlian, Mrs. Xu still wanted to take her out for more things.
"Alright, but Mother, let’s make it a deal. We’ll leave early tomorrow and not just shop for jewelry and fabric. Let’s also visit the Bookstore. The books in Qinglian Garden, I don’t like any of them. Perhaps I never liked reading books before!"