Madam Xie and Qin Tingxue exchanged knowing glances. "Look at me, my memory fails me. She is a concubine, after all, and wouldn't know the bearing of a principal wife. My mistake, my mistake, Concubine Song, please don't take offense. Someone, bring the welcome gift I prepared for Concubine Song."
A silver hairpin and a bolt of pink fabric were presented. The items themselves were not shabby, but the fabric being pink was a clear reminder to Song Yulian that she was merely a concubine.
"Tingxue, look, doesn't this pink suit Concubine Song rather well? See how fair her complexion is, she's just the type to wear pink," Madam Xie said, patronizingly addressing Song Yulian.
"I still think crimson looks better. You see, don't I look quite striking in this? It's a pity Concubine Song won't have the chance to experience the beauty of crimson," Qin Tingxue said with feigned regret. "Pink, after a while, always feels a bit bland."
Every word was a blatant mockery of Song Yulian. Yet, Song Yulian found herself unable to retort. Or rather, even if she had words to say, her current status prevented her from speaking them. A concubine, if favored, could be considered a semi-elder. But she couldn't even get an audience with Xie Qingsong, let alone be favored.
Madam Xie watched Song Yulian's suppressed frustration with satisfaction, feeling a great sense of relief, her recent gloom completely dispelled. Indeed, it was beneath her to be vexed by such a unscrupulous individual.
Madam Xie casually waved her hand. "The Young Madam and I have matters to attend to. Concubine Song, you may withdraw."
"I have nothing to do back in my courtyard, Madam. If you do not mind, allow me to stay by your side as a serving maid," Song Yulian said, taking a deep breath, enduring the humiliation. If she left now, she didn't know when she would be able to leave this courtyard. Her chances of seeing Xie Qingsong again would be pushed even further into the future.
"Tingxue, Concubine Song wishes to be my maid?"
"Yes, that is what she said," Qin Tingxue replied.
"Last time you and Achen returned, didn't you also mention this? Last time, Concubine Song wished to serve you, to be your maid. Concubine Song, do you truly enjoy being a maid so much?" Madam Xie feigned surprise, though her surprise was somewhat deliberate.
"Perhaps there is something that can only be achieved by being a maid. Mother, since Concubine Song has spoken, and you are always so kind, please agree to her request," Qin Tingxue said. "Your daughter-in-law also wishes to see if Concubine Song has a natural talent for being a maid!"
"That must be it, otherwise, why would Concubine Song be so fond of being a maid?" Madam Xie chimed in with Qin Tingxue. "If that is the case, then Concubine Song will serve by my side from now on. Rest assured, your monthly allowance will not be lacking. My senior maids receive half a tael of silver each month, and I will pay you according to this standard. Do you have any objections, Concubine Song?"
Song Yulian nodded, indicating her agreement.
Madam Xie changed the subject. "A maid should look like a maid. Concubine Song, the attire you are wearing is a bit too extravagant. Look at the maids in my chambers; are they not all dressed simply, without any adornment? Go change your clothes first, and wash off the makeup from your face before you return."
The maids around Madam Xie were all dressed in plain grey. Song Yulian could tolerate changing her clothes. However, she was unwilling to wash off her makeup. Although her features were not bad, she had a significant flaw: her eyebrows were sparse and required careful drawing each day. If she washed them off, she would look rather comical and strange. In such a state, even if she met Xie Qingsong, she wouldn't be able to evoke his pity through her appearance. If that were the case, what would be the point of her painstaking efforts to serve Madam Xie?