Old Madam Wang was truly calculating.
While other families sent their daughters off with entire retinues of maids, she was only sending one wet nurse.
Furthermore, the man was merely a stable hand, a position of low status. As for Nurse Hua herself, she was only an external overseer of the estate. If she were truly capable, she would have long since been assigned to duties within the inner chambers.
The old madam clearly believed Nurse Hua's family lacked influence and would be easy to control, which was why she chose her to be placed by Wang Qingyao's side. And she timed it so tightly, with the wedding fast approaching, only then did she graciously bring it up, leaving Wang Qingyao with no room to refuse!
The old madam certainly remembered that all four dowry maids chosen by Madam Bai had been dismissed by Wang Qingyao, not a single one remaining.
Wang Qingyao had always been respectful and obedient towards Old Madam Wang.
"The old madam's choice must be excellent. However, Nurse Nian is proficient in etiquette and rules. With her guidance by my side after I marry into the Prince of Ding'an's manor, I will surely not be at a disadvantage."
The old madam pondered for a moment. "Since you like her, let her follow you as a second-tier steward nurse." This was considered a reward for Wang Qingyao's obedience.
After all, the wedding was imminent, and adding another nurse wouldn't cost the Wang family any monthly wages, while also allowing them to gain favor.
Wang Qingyao kowtowed her thanks with feigned gratitude. "It is still the old madam who dotes on me."
The old madam was extremely pleased with Wang Qingyao's reaction. See, this was how it should be, a balance of leniency and strictness, to keep people firmly in one's grasp.
Back in Cold Fragrance Courtyard, Wang Qingyao relayed the old madam's words and then comforted Nurse Nian. "Don't mind that Nurse Hua. Once we reach the Prince of Ding'an's manor, I'll find ways to send her away."
Nurse Nian was very touched. "I am happy just to be by your side, young lady. It doesn't matter whether I'm a steward nurse or not."
Initially, she had stayed by Wang Qingyao's side for her retirement. After these few months together, a bond of master and servant had formed, and she wholeheartedly wished for Wang Qingyao's well-being.
"How can that be?" Wang Qingyao said. "I won't have people of unknown origins around me."
As the wedding day drew closer, it was impossible not to feel nervous.
This was the most crucial step in her transition from an intern to a formal employee. As long as she navigated it successfully, she would officially become the Princess of Ding'an.
A first-rank noblewoman, a civil servant of the state, a guaranteed lifetime position.
Just thinking about it made her happy.
She obediently waited in Cold Fragrance Courtyard for her promotion, not going anywhere.
But on the fifth day of the seventh month, Fang Yuan came to the Wang family to find her.
Fang Yuan had visited in June to send gifts. Her urgent visit now, so close to the wedding, surely something had happened?
Upon meeting, Wang Qingyao knew her guess was correct.
Fang Yuan's face was etched with the words, "I'm so worried, what should I do?"
Wang Qingyao invited her to sit, ordered cool water and fruits to be served, and asked softly, "What's wrong? You look as worried as an old woman."
Fang Yuan seemed hesitant, and after a long pause, she stammered, "Huang Xuanming wants to meet me."
"What?!" Wang Qingyao almost jumped up.
Fang Yuan was currently engaged to Zeng Huaiyi. And now Huang Xuanming wanted to meet her?
A proper ex-lover should be as good as dead! What did he want? What was his scheme?
Wang Qingyao had no good feelings towards Huang Xuanming. Deceiving someone's emotions was even more detestable than deceiving their wealth! She instinctively felt Huang Xuanming had no good intentions.
Her face clearly showed her refusal, but then she understood; Fang Yuan wanted to accept the meeting.
If Fang Yuan didn't want to go, she wouldn't have come to her.
"He said he has something very important to tell me. I don't dare tell my elder brother and sister-in-law; they definitely wouldn't let me go. Sister Yao Yao, you're different from them. You'll support me no matter what I do, right?" Fang Yuan nuzzled her shoulder, acting spoiled.
Wang Qingyao didn't fall for it and pushed her away. "You want me to accompany you?"
Fang Yuan rubbed her shoulder sheepishly and nodded. "Yes, I'm afraid of being misunderstood."
"Does he know you're engaged?"
"He does."
"What can't be said in a letter that must be said in person?"
"I don't know. He said it's very important and can only be said in person."
Wang Qingyao sized Fang Yuan up, frowning. "Are you still harboring feelings for him?"
"How could I be?" Fang Yuan quickly waved her hands in denial. "I'm not that kind of promiscuous woman. I just want to properly bid farewell to my past. After all, I once genuinely wanted to marry him... We haven't had a proper talk since the news of his illegitimate child broke. Sister Yao Yao, actually, I always felt he wasn't that kind of person."
Listen to her speak, like a female protagonist in an idol drama.
Wang Qingyao: "Hehehe."
"Sister Yao Yao," Fang Yuan hugged her arm and swayed it back and forth. "Just come with me, please come with me!"
"Alright, alright, stop shaking me. I'll go with you."
Wang Qingyao offered Fang Yuan a plan.
"Choose a secluded tea house or restaurant for the meeting, with a private room that has a screen. We'll go in advance, and I'll hide behind the screen. If he really has something to say, I won't show myself. If he has ill intentions, I'll jump out and beat him senseless."
Fang Yuan covered her mouth and laughed. "He's not that kind of person."
Wang Qingyao "tsk"ed. "You certainly have confidence in him." She then instructed her, "Once the location is decided, have a trusted maid send him a message. Don't write letters or notes, in case they fall into the wrong hands."
Fang Yuan lowered her head and replied, "I know." After a moment, she sighed deeply and said softly, "Actually, she has always been very good to me."
This "she" referred to Madam Huang.
Wang Qingyao remained silent, listening to her pour out her heart.
"When I was still in swaddling clothes, my birth mother passed away. She raised me herself," a hint of sorrow and confusion clouded Fang Yuan's youthful brows. "She truly treated me no differently than her own child. She loved me and doted on me, and she would scold me when I made mistakes. I know some stepmothers deliberately indulge or spoil the children left by their predecessors, but she didn't..."
"You all say she wasn't sincere, but if this isn't sincerity, then what is true sincerity?"
Wang Qingyao could not answer.