She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 444 - 442: A Smart Person

Chapter 444: Chapter 442: A Smart Person

Ye Xinyan was aware of the protocol Madam Zhao was referring to; Nanny Jin had mentioned it to her before, but she had not made up her mind about her future plans. Before things were settled, she did not want to be too entangled with Duke An’s Mansion.

As the old saying goes, "He who takes a man’s silver becomes his servant." Wouldn’t she be able to speak and act with more confidence if she did not use the wealth of Duke An’s Mansion?

Yet, if she were to be too blunt in her refusal, it seemed somewhat ungrateful for Elder Master Ye’s kind intentions. It wouldn’t be good if he felt she was an ingrate.

"Jiu Yue," Ye Xinyan said to the one beside her, "fetch a stool for Madam Zhao." Then she turned to Madam Zhao," I’m not sure if Madame Zhao is busy, but please take a seat. I only have a few words to say."

Madam Zhao appeared surprised but delightedly responded, "Not busy, not busy at all. This humble one just finished her tasks before coming here. Nowadays, who doesn’t know that our young miss is a very capable person? For this humble one to sit here is a blessing."

Madam Yin watched as Madam Zhao took a seat before her, finding it unpleasant to the eye. But this was her beloved daughter’s wish, so she quietly sipped her tea without obstructing.

Seeing Madam Zhao carefully seated on the stool, Xinyan somewhat regretted it, guessing that sitting like this was probably even more tiring than standing. After more than two years in this era, despite her unfortunate circumstances, she had not been so cautious or fearful in dealing with others.

"It’s like this," considering the difficulty of Madam Zhao’s sitting posture, Ye Xinyan got straight to the point, "I won’t be staying for long this time. After the New Year, I will have to return to Yuyuan Prefecture, where there are still some matters I haven’t settled. Regarding the protocol Madam Zhao mentioned... my thought is, let’s not use it for now. It would be a waste to spend so much silver for just a few days’ use. We could record this protocol in the account books for now. I can use it when I come back for a longer stay in the future, or it could be transferred to the public fund. Madam Zhao, you can decide on this yourself."

Madam Zhao answered readily, "Since the young miss trusts this servant, I shall take responsibility for this matter, and we will record the protocol in the accounts. When the young miss returns, if you need to purchase any items, just give this servant a list, and I will make the arrangements according to the list for the young miss."

"Troubling Madam Zhao," Ye Xinyan politely remarked. To her, being a concubine was not Madam Zhao’s fault. Before harboring any evil intentions, she saw her as just a pitiful person.

The matter concluded, but Madam Zhao showed no signs of getting up.

Noticing the impatience on Madam Yin’s face, Ye Xinyan stiffly asked Madam Zhao, "Do you have another matter?" It was a hint for her to leave, and she felt a bit awkward about it.

Madam Zhao had been sitting quite contently, but upon Ye Xinyan’s question, her expression turned awkward, "Yes, there is something. Our mansion’s masters are few, and the daily management is quite simple. However, during guest receptions and banquets, Nanny Qian and I find it somewhat overwhelming. Now that the young miss has returned, the affairs of our mansion should rightfully be managed by the wife of the heir apparent and the young miss.

"I came over to discuss with the wife of the heir apparent and the young miss, if you would like to take over the management of the middle kitchen affairs? Our mansion will have guests on the sixth day, would it work for you both to supervise the household matters? With the wife of the heir apparent and the young miss in charge, our mansion’s reception would certainly be more presentable."

Ye Xinyan was stunned for a moment—what did this have to do with her? When she worked, she was always paid for it. She wouldn’t work without pay just for the thrill of wielding power; she considered such acts without practical significance unworthy of her time.

However, what Madam Yin intended was unknown. Originally, Madam Yin, disheartened by the loss of her daughter who seemed gone beyond recall, had relinquished the rights to manage the household provisions. Now that circumstances had changed, it was uncertain whether she would reignite her fighting spirit and use those rights to make Maternal Aunt Liu’s life less pleasant.

Ye Xinyan looked at Madam Yin, hoping Madam Yin would not get involved with Duke An’s Mansion affairs and would simply focus on making her Pastry House successful, manage her own courtyard well, and lead a comfortable life.

As soon as Maternal Aunt Zhao started speaking, Madam Yin understood her intention. She revealed a cold smile, and after Maternal Aunt Zhao finished, Madam Yin said icily, "Maternal Aunt Zhao should not overthink, nor is there any need to probe our mother-daughter stance. As long as Maternal Aunt Zhao does her duties quietly and lives her life modestly, the control over the provisioning within Duke An’s Mansion will eventually fall entirely into Maternal Aunt Zhao’s hands. The most pressing matter for Maternal Aunt Zhao at the moment is to bear an heir for the Duke’s Mansion as soon as possible; everything else is trivial."

Maternal Aunt Zhao looked even more embarrassed and explained, "The wife of the heir apparent has misunderstood my intentions. I truly wish for the wife of the heir apparent to take charge of the provisioning. Since the wife of the heir apparent has put it that way, I will temporarily assist Nanny Qian with the responsibilities, and if the wife of the heir apparent or young miss has any commands, I will be ready at all times to serve diligently and do my utmost."

Maternal Aunt Zhao’s tone was sincerely earnest. Madam Yin’s expression softened slightly as she spoke indifferently, "I don’t have much to instruct here. However, let me give you an unsolicited piece of advice as the villain: clarify the relationships with the people within the mansion and manage your own attendants and possessions well to avoid falling into traps and ruining your life. Maternal Aunt Zhao, you and I are different. I have a daughter, as well as my natal family and dowry, but you cannot afford to make mistakes in your life."

Maternal Aunt Zhao quickly stood, deeply bowed to Madam Yin, and said, "Thank you for your kind reminder, wife of the heir apparent. I am grateful for your benevolence. If you ever need my assistance in the future, I will not hesitate to respond."

Madam Yin waved her off, "No need for such, Maternal Aunt Zhao. I was merely making casual remarks, which aren’t worth such a grand gesture. You are busy with many tasks, so I won’t hold you up from your duties."

Having said what needed to be said, Maternal Aunt Zhao naturally wouldn’t overstay her welcome and interrupt the mother-daughter reunion. She expressed her utmost thanks once more to Madam Yin and Ye Xinyan, then took her leave.

Watching Maternal Aunt Zhao leave, Ye Xinyan said to Madam Yin with a smile, "Mother, I didn’t expect you to be so open-minded. I was just weighing the possibility that you really might take up managing the household affairs again."

Madam Yin gave Ye Xinyan a playful glare and retorted with a smile, "Do you really think your mother can’t let go of such things? No matter whose sons—whether Maternal Aunt Liu’s or Maternal Aunt Zhao’s—inherit Duke An’s Mansion, it will have nothing to do with us. Instead of managing provisions, it’s better to make our Pastry House thrive and earn more silver for Ah Yan to have besides her."

Ye Xinyan watched Madam Yin with a beaming smile. She didn’t need her mother to make money for her; she could earn it herself and even provide for her mother’s retirement. The Pastry House was merely something to keep her mother occupied and to provide her with some distraction.

She asked, "Did Maternal Aunt Zhao come here just to test whether you intended to take back control of the provisioning?" Maternal Aunt Zhao had extended goodwill upon arrival and only afterward did she probe. This indicated that Madam Yin had no plans to resume control over provisioning. If Madam Yin had taken the opportunity, would Maternal Aunt Zhao have re-evaluated their relationship?

Madam Yin replied, "This Maternal Aunt Zhao has been fairly appropriate in her conduct since she entered the mansion. Although she arrived at a time when Maternal Aunt Liu was already suppressed and restricted by the lady of the house, Maternal Aunt Zhao still managed to laugh off provocation and ignore it when necessary. She’s a smart person, smarter than me."