"You're right, old lady. I'll definitely talk to her about it later. She's still young, so it's normal for her to be confused for a moment. Back then, Hua Hao and I often made mistakes. It's all thanks to the old lady's tolerance that we're where we are today."
Yue Yuan could only go along with the old lady's words. At the same time, she also emphasized that Hai Tang was young and it was normal for her to make mistakes occasionally so that the old lady would not be disgusted with Hai Tang.
As expected, the old lady's criticism was not as strong. "You're right. It's just that the two of you didn't advance as quickly as she did back then. Now that she's become a second-rank maidservant after being here for such a short time, this little girl's heart can't help but become impetuous and lose restraint. It's appropriate for her to train more."
As the two of them were talking, Hua Hao came in and happened to hear the word 'train.'
"Old lady, who are you trying to train? Tell me, I'll go and help supervise," Hua Hao said with a smile.
Hua Hao didn't like to talk much to outsiders, but she was an exception in front of the old lady. She treated the old lady like family.
Yue Yuan happened to need help, so she objectively told her what happened during the day.
Hua Hao finally understood why Hai Yue's hand was so red and swollen.
"Then in the future, I will send you to specially monitor Hai Tang. If she makes a mistake again, I will hold you responsible," the old lady said sternly.
Yue Yuan looked at Hua Hao and thought that she would agree to this matter directly. However, Hua Hao's words were unexpected.
"The old lady has wrongly accused Hai Tang," Hua Hao said directly.
"Why do you say that?"
"Old lady, don't you know that girl, Hai Tang? She's the most honest and straightforward person. How could she be lazy? When the Second Miss had arrived at Fushou Hall earlier, so many maidservants had fought to show off in front of her to ask for a reward, but that maidservant had foolishly stayed in the tea room to watch the tea. In the past, after she gave the old lady medicine every day, she ran to do other chores and never cared about the hard work. It was only when Yue Yuan told her not to work blindly that she stopped. This matter today, ah, there must be something behind it. The old lady did not understand more and directly convicted people. She is really wronged."
The old lady was convinced. "Could it be that you know something and I'm mistaken?"
Yue Yuan also looked at Hua Hao in surprise. If she really knew something, this matter would be easy to handle.
Hua Hao smiled.
"It's also a coincidence that I happened to know about this matter and was involved in it. That day, I went to find Hai Tang and saw her being pushed out the door by Hai Yue. She said that she was not allowed to participate in the paper cutting and purse sewing. Hai Tang went in twice in a row but was kicked out. That girl Hai Yue was probably worried that her work would affect the old lady's medicine making, so she was determined not to let Hai Tang participate. After that, I told Hai Tang that there was no need to go. It could be done with seven people. I just didn't think that Hai Yue would take all of Hai Tang's work on her own, resulting in this situation. When the old lady questioned Hai Tang, that girl definitely didn't defend herself, right?"
When the old lady heard these words from Hua Hao's mouth, her feelings were very different. Although Hai Yue had repeatedly emphasized that she did not allow Hai Tang to do things, some things were not as clear as what the person involved had said.
She subconsciously felt that Hai Yue had said that to protect Hai Tang, but she didn't know that it was the truth.
Hua Hao saw the old lady's expression and knew that she had guessed correctly. "Hai Tang can't explain this," she said. "Is it wrong to say that Hai Yue is in the wrong? No way. She can't say that I'm in the wrong either. She can only admit my mistakes. What did she do wrong? The person-in-charge didn't even let her participate, and even advised her not to participate. What else can she do other than obey? If you really want to pursue this matter, even I am at fault. Old lady, don't just blame Hai Tang, blame me."
When the old lady heard this, she sighed. "I've wronged this girl. She did admit her mistake directly without any explanation. At that time, I thought she was brave enough to take responsibility. I didn't expect this child to be honest and bear all the responsibility alone."
It was only then that Yue Yuan spoke up for her. "Speaking of which, I'm at fault too. If I had known earlier, I wouldn't have stopped her from doing more work. Then, people wouldn't have misunderstood that she's idle and likes to slack off."
Seeing that the two maidservants were beginning to blame themselves, the old lady felt even more guilty toward Hai Tang. "Pass on my words. Say that this matter has wronged her. She will do what she did in the past. There is no need to deliberately change it. As for the work of the happy occasion in the manor, find a few people to help."
When Yue Yuan brought a few servants to look for Hai Tang, Hai Yue happened to be resting in the room. She heard the entire process and had an indescribable feeling in her heart, but she still went out to welcome her with a smile.
"After all is said and done, this matter was all because of me. If I hadn't arranged it randomly, Sister Hai Tang wouldn't have been misunderstood. Today, it's all thanks to the old lady's tolerance and compassion for the servants, or I would have died of guilt."
"You're just being kind, don't blame yourself," Yue Yuan said.
After she had arranged everything, she called Hai Tang out for a private chat.
"You're too honest. Next time, you should at least explain to me. That way, I'll know what exactly happened and why I'm speaking up for you. But you just admitted it. I don't even know where to start to put in a good word for you in front of the old lady."
"It's my fault for not being considerate. I won't do it again," Qu Fulan quickly said.
Yue Yuan nodded. "This time, it's all thanks to Hua Hao. Otherwise, you would have suffered a great loss."
"I'll remember Sister Hua Hao's kindness and will repay her in the future."
"There's no need to repay her. In fact, you've done her a great favor. In short, be smart in the future. Don't just admit everything, understand?"
"Yes, I will remember Sister's teachings."
Only then did Yue Yuan leave with a peace of mind.
Qu Fulan watched her back as she left, and the smile on her face gradually disappeared.
How could it be a coincidence?
How could there be so many coincidences in the world?
It was just a pre-planned arrangement.
The first time Hai Yue didn't allow her to participate, she had already taken precautions.
Anything could happen in a mansion in ancient times, so even if it seemed insignificant, she would be fully prepared to prevent herself from having a way out if something happened.
Having Hua Hao was her way out.
She knew that Hua Hao had been dealing with the potted plants in the old lady's courtyard recently. She knew that she would come to the backyard at a certain time every day to look at the potted plants and choose them, so she deliberately chose that time to look for Hai Yue.
As expected, she was rejected the first time and the second time. Hua Hao thus witnessed the process.
With her kindness to Hua Hao, Hua Hao would definitely not stand by and do nothing after knowing that she was being punished.
No matter how much she explained, it would be seen as an excuse in the eyes of others, but the explanation of bystanders was often very objective and convincing.
As for Hai Yue, she wasn't sure if she had done it on purpose or not, but it was always good to be on guard against her in the future.