Chapter 107: The Maid’s Bold Advance

With the holidays approaching and a banquet to be held at the estate, First Madam Song did not take all the responsibilities upon herself. She delegated the task of inventorying the household utensils and vessels to Madam Lu, while Madam Jiang was tasked with drafting the menu and noting the preferences of the guests.

Once the three sisters-in-law had reached an agreement, they each went about their respective duties.

Holding the tally, Madam Lu felt a sense of surprise. She had not expected First Madam Song to be so generous in delegating authority or to involve her in the management of affairs. She wondered if this was a sign of trust, or simply the First Madam’s confidence that no one could seize the reins of the household from her. Upon reflection, she realized that apart from the Old Madam, no one could truly surpass First Madam Song. She was indeed fortunate; her maternal family was distinguished, and her husband was successful, having earned her the title of a first-rank noblewoman. Aside from her mother-in-law, she stood above everyone else. Madam Lu tightened her grip on the tally and stopped overthinking. The situation was one where she had to yield to a stronger power; it was better to stop entertaining idle thoughts and instead learn to leverage the current momentum.

In the main courtyard, Nanny Fang served tea to the First Madam and asked, "Are you truly at ease, Madam, letting the Third Madam manage the warehouse and the vessels?"

First Madam Song took a sip of tea and replied, "Why wouldn't I be? She has just returned from Shanxi and is eager to prove herself. She wants me to see her competence, so she will manage it well."

Nanny Fang thought this made sense.

First Madam Song added, "Even if she isn't fully committed, what does it matter? The household ran as usual even when she wasn't here, so her presence or absence makes no difference. On the contrary, if she isn't diligent, she will never gain any favor in the future. If she is smart, she will ensure the task is completed properly for my sake."

"You are wise, Madam."

First Madam Song raised her hand, her fingers poised like an orchid, and used the lid of her teacup to brush aside the tea leaves. "Regarding the new maids and servants, Nanny, go ask Nanny Zhang how their training in the rules is progressing. Once those who have mastered the etiquette are ready, let a few out to familiarize themselves with the estate. We don't want any embarrassing blunders on the day of the banquet. Tell Nanny Zhang to keep a close watch and ensure they are ready as soon as possible."

The banquet on the eighth was not only her birthday celebration but also the first time the Song family would host guests since the Prime Minister's promotion. Given the status of the Prime Minister's residence, the event represented the family's honor, and they could not afford to be the subject of ridicule.

"Rest assured, Madam, I will keep an eye on Nanny Zhang."

First Madam Song nodded. Nanny Fang observed her, recalling what she had seen the previous night, and hesitated.

"Is there something you wish to say, Nanny?"

Nanny Fang glanced out the window, where she saw Furong standing on the lotus-viewing platform, pointing at a young maid and scolding her. She said, "Madam, Furong is already twenty. What are your plans for her?"

First Madam Song was startled. Why the sudden talk of Furong? She instinctively looked at Nanny Fang, only to see a cold look in her eyes as she stared out the window. Following her gaze, she saw Furong.

"Nanny, is there something wrong with Furong?" First Madam Song steadied herself, pretending to calmly adjust her teacup lid.

Nanny Fang lowered her head and replied, "I fear Furong’s ambitions have grown too large."

First Madam Song set her teacup down heavily on the kang table, her voice icy. "What exactly have you seen?"

Nanny Fang did not hold back and recounted what she had witnessed the previous night.

*Bang.*

"What an utterly shameless wench." First Madam Song swept her teacup onto the floor. She glared at Furong outside the window, her chest heaving with rage. A sudden thought of her husband’s doting affection from the night before struck her, and she clenched her fists.

First Madam Song took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and then opened them again, her voice cold. "Tell her to stay in her room and finish sewing me an outfit for the eighth, featuring embroidered peonies and butterflies. Then, bring up Green Chrysanthemum. After the eighth, have her parents come to take her back and marry her off."

She could arrange for concubines for Song Zhizhi, but she would never tolerate a maid who dared to crawl into his bed of her own accord, especially behind her back!