Chapter 15

Daohua followed behind the maid, discreetly taking in the layout of the County Governor’s Office’s rear courtyard. The rear courtyard of the County Governor’s Office wasn’t as luxurious and imposing as she had imagined. It wasn’t very large, and there weren’t many courtyards, but they had everything that was needed, including pavilions, rockeries, and gardens, with nothing missing. As she passed by each location, Daohua’s gaze lingered only momentarily. Although she found the ancient courtyard architecture fascinating and of interest, she did not rashly inquire out loud. Don’t think she hadn’t noticed that many people were sizing her up in secret now. At such a time, she certainly didn’t want to give off the impression of a country bumpkin entering the city. Meanwhile, Ping Tong, who was leading the way, was also quietly sizing up this new senior maid. The young girl was quite young, yet she conducted herself with remarkable composure, not like other young girls who would incessantly chatter in a new environment. At the same time, she didn’t show any signs of timidity or restraint. Her calm and composed demeanor didn’t seem like that of a child raised in the countryside. Madam had been worried that she might be overshadowed by Yan Yishuang and the others, but now, it seemed that her concerns had been unfounded. “Senior Maid, we will soon arrive at the main residence.” Daohua glanced at Ping Tong. This maid was dressed better than the others, apparently the senior maid of her mother’s entourage. “Do Father and Mother live in the main residence?” Ping Tong smiled and nodded, “Yes, the master and Madam live in the main residence. The second master and his wife live in Chunhua Courtyard, the third master and his wife in Qiushi Courtyard, and the elder Madam in Songhe Courtyard.” By this moment, Daohua had already stepped into the main residence’s gate, “I saw that there are more than four courtyards in the rear, are the other courtyards unoccupied?” Ping Tong’s eyes flickered, hesitating a bit before replying, “The other courtyards are all occupied. The eldest master and the fourth master live in Zhegui Courtyard, Lin Cailiang takes care of the sixth master and third mistress in Shuangxin Courtyard.” After saying this, she couldn’t help but sneak a peek to see how this new senior maid would react. Unfortunately, she was disappointed. All she saw was the new senior maid purse her lips into a slight smile, and then, without a word, she merely moved on. For some reason, seeing her like this suddenly filled Ping Tong with a strong sensation. This new senior maid seemed to be rather extraordinary! Having entered the main residence, Ping Tong led Daohua to a side room, “Madam said that from now on, the senior maid will live here. Everything in the room has been personally arranged by her. If there is anything else you need, tell me, and I’ll report to Madam so that it can be added for you.” Daohua scanned the room without a comment, her gaze quickly turning to the bathwater and clothes that had been prepared in the side room. Seeing these, her serious facade finally fell away, revealing a look of sheer relief. She could finally have a proper wash. These past days, she had almost been suffocated by the lack thereof. Noticing Ping Tong was still there, seemingly intent on helping her bathe, Daohua hurriedly spoke up, “Sister, please go on with your duties. I can bathe by myself.” Ping Tong, still uncertain about the new senior maid’s temperament, did not insist on staying, smiling as she said, “I will be just outside. If you need anything, just call for me.” Daohua nodded, “Alright.” Soon, Ping Tong left the side room and thoughtfully closed the door behind her. Once she had gone, Daohua immediately relaxed, and began to quickly undress. She was quite eager to immerse herself in the water and soak. —— Meanwhile, everyone in the various courtyards was discussing the people they had just met today. Shuangxin Courtyard. Lin Cailiang was somewhat anxious, her brows tightly furrowed as she observed her brother, Yan Wenbin, and her sister, Yan Yishuang. She knew they had thoroughly offended the old Madam today. Aside, Lin Cailiang was pacing back and forth with worry. He was considering how to reverse the bad impression elder Madam Yan had formed of his sister and his niece and nephew. Yan Wenbin felt dizzy from the pacing, “Uncle, please stop walking back and forth. You’re making my head spin.” Lin Cailiang was somewhat angry, “You’re feeling dizzy? Do you have any idea how much you’ve offended elder Madam Yan today?” Yan Wenbin shrank his neck. A month ago, when it was confirmed that the grandmother was coming, their father had warned them to show her utmost filial piety. Just now, they had treated the grandmother as if she was a beggar; it seemed something was indeed amiss. Would their father punish them upon finding out? Although Yan Wenbin knew he had erred, he still stoutly said, “It wasn’t on purpose. Who could have known the grandmother would look like a beggar?”