Transmigrated Genius: Fragile Heiress Reigns Supreme-Chapter 452 - 455: Legal Mother (3)

Steward Liu bowed and replied, "In response to the Marquis, this child is from Fourth Madam’s chamber, and I’ve been instructed to keep him for a couple of days before sending him to serve Young Master Min closely."

Xiao Yanyi showed a thoughtful expression and glanced at the child. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

Steward Liu, responsible for training the rules to the newly inducted pages in the outer courtyard, was highly perceptive. Observing Xiao Yanyi’s demeanor, he lowered his gaze and continued meticulously, "There are two or three from Fourth Madam’s chamber, brought together to learn the rules. Learning proper conduct is never a bad thing, so I’ve been asked to teach them first."

Xiao Yanyi seemed indifferent, nodded and said, "You may proceed with your tasks." Steward Liu then bowed and led the child into the side chamber.

Later that evening, when Housekeeper Hu came into the study to report on matters, Xiao Yanyi casually mentioned, "The stewards managing purchases are getting older. It’s time to add some pages for errands. Training them for a few years will ensure they aren’t left floundering when needed."

Housekeeper Hu was taken aback, puzzled by Xiao Yanyi’s sudden mention of this matter.

As Xiao Yanyi rose to leave, he halted momentarily and added, "Steward Liu has some promising ones at hand!" Then he strode out of the room.

Housekeeper Hu was even more stunned!

Over there, the newcomers were either too young or reserved for specific roles, as the Marquis knows well. So why the sudden statement?

In the First Madam’s room, Nanny Tang stood at the table grinding ink, while the First Madam, holding a goat-hair brush, gracefully wrote line after line in small, sharp regular script. Nanny Tang, observing the First Madam’s cool demeanor, remarked, "The Marquis and Fourth Master have arranged tutors for the children, with the school scheduled to start on the sixteenth day of the first lunar month. Should Madam send some gifts as congratulations?"

The First Madam didn’t immediately respond but continued writing until she filled the page. Then she paused, wiped her hands with a cloth from the table, and finally replied, "I know." After a pause, she added, "Later, select some Huizhou ink and Xuan paper and send some over."

Nanny Tang nodded in agreement. The First Madam inquired, "Was the tutor arranged by the Fourth one?"

"Indeed! I heard Fourth Master sought someone, and the Marquis met him and found him suitable, thus setting the school opening date." Nanny Tang said, pausing before continuing, "Second Madam had someone clean the schoolhouse and prepare the residence for the tutor. I heard the tutoring fee also comes out from her quarters."

The First Madam raised her eyebrows slightly, looked at Nanny Tang, who lowered her gaze, adding, "Fourth Madam hasn’t done anything in that regard." Although the First Madam always held affection for the two children, they weren’t her biological children nor legitimate heirs, so in any serious matter, she could only make gentle suggestions from the sidelines.

Sometimes she felt self-reproach, realizing that she should have encouraged the head of the household to take concubines earlier; then the First Madam wouldn’t be in such solitude now.

The First Madam didn’t speak further, sipping tea while observing Nanny Tang tidying the items on the table, her gaze drifting to the tree branches outside the courtyard, budding with new shoots, recalling Xiao Yanzhi’s demeanor...

When the fifteenth day of the first lunar month arrived, everyone gathered in the Grand Dowager’s room for a meal, then moved to the Warm Pavilion for tea. The children sat properly on stools, and the Grand Dowager smiled, asking Xiao Yanyi, "You’ve just returned from Shandong. Was the journey smooth?"

Xiao Yanyi’s face still bore the fatigue of travel as he replied to the Grand Dowager, "It was relatively smooth, but along the way, we encountered many refugees. Fortunately, it hasn’t snowed recently, and the weather isn’t as cold as it was before the New Year."

The Grand Dowager sighed, saying, "Who can deny it? Every year, many perish due to the cold, and one wonders when it’ll end." Her expression revealed sorrow as she spoke.

Second Madam noticed the Grand Dowager’s disheartened look and cheerfully remarked, "What’s this about? Today is the Lantern Festival; we should all be saying joyful things."

The Grand Dowager nodded with a smile, agreeing, "Chengning is right; these matters are best left unspoken!" After that, she asked Second Madam, "Has something from Mr. Song’s side been delivered to the banquet?"

Mr. Song had entered the manor on the twelfth day of the first lunar month, without bringing his family, who remained in Changzhou.

Second Madam nodded, confirming, "This afternoon, I sent someone over. Since Mr. Song arrived alone, I instructed Mr. Song’s Chief Steward to bring him some wine to keep him company, so he doesn’t feel lonely from homesickness."

"Chengning is always considerate." The Grand Dowager smiled and nodded, then turned to the three children, "Once we finish our tea, go to bed early to rest and gather your energy, for the school opens tomorrow."

The three children’s faces showed a mix of eagerness and anxiety as they nodded in agreement, "Grandmother, your grandchildren understand."

The Grand Dowager beamed with affection towards the three children, smilingly gesturing to Nanny Wu, "Bring out what I’ve prepared."

Nanny Wu smiled as she went to the inner chamber, emerging with a tray bearing three items, and the Grand Dowager spoke with a smile, "In no time, you’ll be starting school. Grandmother has prepared a gift for each of you, hoping you learn well from your tutor. Although our family doesn’t require taking official examinations, it’s beneficial to study, preparing you for future interactions and conduct. Understand?"

Though the three children partly understood, they still nodded obediently.

The Grand Dowager then took a four-sided pen holder carved from Purple Jade off the tray, depicting a green bird perched on a branch, adorned with specks of morning dew. The wings of the green bird spread with red and yellow hues, vibrant in color, the feathers distinctly etched and lifelike.

Clearly, it was an extraordinary piece.

Second Madam covered her sleeves and laughed lightly, saying, "Mother’s items each contain deep stories and are of great value."

The Grand Dowager chuckled, reassuringly, "Rest assured, these treasures will end up in your pockets eventually!"

Second Madam laughed brightly, "That’s our good fortune indeed."

The Grand Dowager then grinned, turning to Xing, "Your mother has gifted an inkstone." Pausing, she added, "Grandmother bestows Xing with a pen holder, wishing Xing a lifetime of peace and smooth passages in all directions."

Xing’s eyes immediately lit up upon seeing the pen holder, joyfully accepting it, examining it thoroughly, and cheerfully thanking the Grand Dowager, "Thank you, Grandmother!"

Xiao Yanyi observed Xing’s inability to restrain his excitement and furrowed his brows slightly.

The Grand Dowager then presented a pen wash to Min, "I hope Min’s writing improves significantly!"

"Thank you, Grandmother!" Min admired the white porcelain pen wash with green bamboo designs, pleased with its simplicity as he promised, "Min will respectfully follow Grandmother’s teachings!"

The Grand Dowager then handed a Hetian white jade pen rest to Sheng, depicting an immortal monkey bearing a peach. The three children clung to their respective gifts, excitedly whispering to one another.

Xiqiu quietly watched, her face also filled with a smile.

The First Madam coldly remarked, instructing Nanny Tang to bring over Huizhou ink and Xuan paper she had prepared to gift each of the three children. Second Madam supplemented each Min and Sheng with a paperweight.