Time Travel: The Noble Family
Chapter 401 - 139: The Return of Nanny Wang_3

Chapter 401: Chapter 139: The Return of Nanny Wang_3

Hong Mei felt helpless about her young lady’s occasional stubbornness: "Miss, it’s been five months since the Old Madam passed away, and the period of deep mourning is over. Moreover, the Third Young Lady only played the flute once; it’s not like she plays every day, so you cannot say it’s disrespectful." The filial mourning period for grandchildren is nine months, and over half of that time has already gone by, so the rules are not that strict.

Yuehuan looked at Hong Mei, her thoughts shifting: "What do you think of Hong Yi? Have you ever felt that her words always seem to create tension between me and my sisters?" Hong Yi often subtly badmouthed Yueying and Yueyao; however, she never spoke ill of Yuebing.

From these incidents, Yuehuan deduced that Hong Yi must have been sent by Lady Mo to watch over her. In fact, up to now, Yuehuan didn’t fully trust Hong Mei either, but at least Hong Mei acted with restraint and propriety. Being monitored was not a big deal, but keeping such a double-hearted maid by her side was absolutely out of the question.

Hong Mei’s expression stiffened: "Although Hong Yi is somewhat gossipy, she does it out of concern for you, Miss." Hong Mei was well aware of Hong Yi’s small actions and intentions. Yet, after all, they were maids who lived and worked closely together, and she didn’t want to push Hong Yi down.

Yuehuan gave a faint smile: "As for whether she is doing it for my good, I am well aware." After the courtyards were divided, the young ladies’ courtyards were very close to each other, which made communication convenient.

During Yueyao’s visit to pay her respects, Lady Mo said: "Third Girl, staying alone in the Lanxi Courtyard must be rather lonely. Conveniently, there is an empty courtyard next to Yuebing’s. You should move there, then all of you sisters will be close to one another, which would make things more lively with more people around."

Yueyao refused without a second thought: "No need, Auntie. The Lanxi Courtyard is very peaceful, and I quite like it." Originally, Lady Mo’s plan was to make Yueyao dwell on her emotions by staying in the Lanxi Courtyard, but now that her plan had failed, she wanted Yueyao to move out. Wishful thinking.

After returning, Yuebing asked: "Nanny Wang, what do you think my third younger sister is like?" She actually found Yueyao somewhat inscrutable.

Nanny Wang’s face remained expressionless, as solemn as when she used to give lessons: "Third Young Lady, I am not your nanny. Starting from today, I am your steward mother, and you should address me as ’Mother.’

Yuebing, amenable as ever, corrected herself: "Mother."

Nanny Wang nodded: "The Third Young Lady is a very clever person, who knows what is good for her and what isn’t, and even more so, what she should and should not do." Among the four young ladies, the Third Young Lady was the most intelligent, followed by the Fourth Miss. Of course, the Second Young Lady wasn’t foolish either, just slightly inferior; however, she had her own strength, which was her firm resolve.

After some thought, Yuebing spoke up: "I do want to get along with Yueyao, but it seems difficult to make a move. Mother, what method should I use to soften Yueyao’s attitude toward me?"

Nanny Wang shook her head: "The Third Young Lady is a very clever person. The fact that she has won such affection from Lord Ma shows that the Third Young Lady is not to be underestimated in her scheming. And it is quite clear from her attitude; she does not wish to get close to you, Miss. Since that is the case, it is unnecessary for you to insist on making overtures only to be rebuffed. Otherwise, the Third Young Lady might suspect that you have ulterior motives." To maintain a certain distance if they couldn’t be close like real sisters was also a good strategy.

Yuebing snorted coldly: "What ulterior motives could I have toward her? She is always worried that someone is after her money; I think she has become paranoid." Yuebing truly had no designs on Yueyao’s dowry, she just couldn’t stand Yueyao’s arrogance.

Nanny Wang believed that Yuebing had no intentions towards Yueyao’s dowry, but that didn’t guarantee that Madam shared the same sentiment; on the contrary, Nanny Wang was sure that Lady Mo was indeed coveting that wealth. However, these were not thoughts she could share with Yuebing.

Yuebing also knew it was pointless to discuss this openly: "Mother, the third younger sister has always been indifferent towards us. What do you think that means?" Yueyao hadn’t always been like this.

After some thought, Nanny Wang said: "The Third Young Lady does not wish to get close to you, Miss, but she also does not want to become your enemy. Miss, in prominent families, what is most valued in choosing a daughter-in-law is character. The Third Young Lady does not want rumors of disputes with her cousins spreading around. Likewise, even if you don’t like the Third Young Lady, when you go out and visit, you should still present a picture of sisterly harmony. Large households have many people and much intrigue, but on the surface, they all display unity and joy."

Yuebing thought about it and nodded.