Nanny Gu found it utterly incomprehensible. She had only been away from the old madam for a little over half a year, yet the woman felt like a completely different person. The former old madam had been wise and methodical in her actions, never asking such unrefined questions.
She even harbored doubts that the elder before her was not the old madam at all.
"Grandmother, speak slowly and don't rush," Xu Miaoniang said gently. "You and the Consort are mother and daughter, the closest of people. You mustn't let a difference of opinion create estrangement. Miss Qi was chosen by the Heir Apparent, and the Heir Apparent's judgment is naturally not poor. It is likely that Miss Qi is an excellent person. Nanny also said that the Consort found her quite agreeable upon meeting her. What are you still worried about? After all, your original intention was to find a suitable match for the Heir Apparent!"
Xu Miaoniang's words were like a potent elixir. The old madam, who had been quite angry, had her emotions soothed.
Nanny Gu cast a surprised glance at Xu Miaoniang. She recalled the old madam's previous letter to the Consort, mentioning that she had taken in an orphan girl. This must be her.
She didn't seem particularly outstanding, but based solely on her ability to manage the old madam's temperament, Nanny Gu dared not treat her as an ordinary orphan.
Who was the old madam? She was someone who had weathered great storms, always had her own opinions, and possessed a sharp mind. Although she was advanced in age, she was not someone whom others could easily sway.
"Is this Miss Xu?" Nanny Gu inquired.
A smile graced Xu Miaoniang's lips as she gracefully curtsied to Nanny Gu. "This humble one is Xu Miaoniang, greetings, Nanny. I have long heard Grandmother speak of you, Nanny, serving by the Consort's side since her childhood. You are the Consort's most capable attendant, and your bond with her is exceptionally strong. It is finally a pleasure to meet you. Nanny, your service by the Consort's side has been arduous. This is a small token of my regard, please do not refuse."
With that, a young maid standing nearby presented a sachet to Nanny Gu.
Nanny Gu glanced at it but did not reach out to take it. Not everyone was qualified to bestow gifts upon her.
This little orphan was indeed no ordinary person. After only a few words, she was reminding her that no matter how capable, she was still merely a servant.
Such a troublesome girl, perhaps she harbored ulterior motives. It was possible that the old madam's attitude towards Miss Qi and her deliberate trip to the palace to discuss the matter were instigated by this girl.
Nanny Gu offered a perfunctory smile. "Miss Xu is alone, and life is not easy. How could this old servant accept anything from you? You should keep it for yourself, Miss. There will be times when you need to spend it."
Xu Miaoniang did not insist. She turned, poured a cup of tea, and personally offered it to Nanny Gu. "If Nanny will not accept my token, perhaps you would accept a cup of tea?"
She then looked at Nanny Gu with earnest anticipation.
Nanny Gu had followed Consort Gui into the palace for over a decade and had experienced many events. She remained vigilant at all times. She would not even touch food or drink prepared by anyone she did not fully trust. Logically, this was at the Duke Huguo's manor, not in the palace, so there should be no foul play. However, years of ingrained intuition told her not to be careless.
"Miss Xu is thoughtful, but this old servant has always disliked tea. I must, regrettably, disappoint Miss Xu's kind intentions," Nanny Gu said with an apologetic expression.
Xu Miaoniang had not expected this old woman to be so guarded. Although inwardly annoyed, she maintained an appearance of barely suppressed grievance. "Grandmother, Miaoniang has heard you speak of Nanny Gu several times, expressing great admiration for her. Upon meeting her today, I couldn't help but want to get closer. But..." Xu Miaoniang sighed softly. "Miaoniang is foolish and does not know what has displeased Nanny. If you would tell me, Nanny, Miaoniang can strive to improve."