Upon hearing the suggestion to visit Mrs. Qin, Mrs. Xie immediately hesitated. She wasn't foolish and knew that Mrs. Wang's proposal wasn't about seeking Mrs. Qin's opinion on the fabric styles but rather about inviting her criticism.
Mrs. Qin was already exhausted from family matters and illness. Mrs. Xie could imagine how inappropriate it would be to trouble her with trivial fabric choices, especially when the astute Mrs. Qin would likely discern the underlying issues. She would undoubtedly scold her severely.
"Dear sister-in-law, there's no need to trouble Mrs. Qin with such a trivial matter, is there? It would be better to surprise her," Mrs. Xie said with a wry smile.
Mrs. Wang replied, "To please the old lady, it must be to her taste."
Seeing Mrs. Wang's insinuation, Mrs. Xie's expression soured. What was the big deal about a few pieces of fabric?
While Mrs. Xie wanted to cause trouble as she used to, Mrs. Wang didn't give her the chance. She turned to the maid and said, "Go and fetch Qihuang to help organize these items. Since it was Miss Qinye who had them brought back, it's only fitting to see how she wants them handled."
"Understood."
Mrs. Xie was taken aback. "Dear sister-in-law, what are you saying? These fabrics were brought back by Qin Liuxi's maid?"
"Certainly," Mrs. Wang sighed. "I don't know how that girl managed it, but she brought back these items so quietly. Such thoughtfulness makes me, as an elder, feel ashamed."
Suddenly, Mrs. Xie felt the fabrics burning in her hands and quickly set them down.
Mrs. Wang, noticing this, subtly curled her lips.
Qihuang arrived soon after. On her way, she learned from the maid about Mrs. Xie's actions. Disgusted, upon her arrival, she treated Mrs. Xie with indifference and respectfully greeted Mrs. Wang with a bow.
"Miss Qinye said that now the mistress of the house is Madam, all expenses should be decided by her," Qihuang stated.
"Where did Miss Qinye get these items from? She's a young lady, don't let her be deceived," Mrs. Xie retorted, feeling annoyed.
Mrs. Wang's expression darkened. "Younger sister-in-law, as someone's second wife, your words are inappropriate."
Qihuang glanced at Mrs. Xie and remarked, "Second Madam's words amuse me. She calls others wolves but doesn't reflect on herself. How ridiculous! These items were obtained through a merchant who was grateful for Miss Qinye's kindness, hence selling them at a good price. Unlike some people who are ungrateful and ignorant of their good fortune."
"Why, you insolent maid! Who are you calling ungrateful?" Mrs. Xie fumed.
Ignoring her, Qihuang bowed again to Mrs. Wang and said, "Madam, since Miss Qinye has given her orders, you should decide on the usage. If she doesn't want something, whoever takes it from her will have to return it. I shall take my leave now."
After she left, Mrs. Xie muttered, "Such arrogance from that maid! She's as audacious as Qin Liuxi herself."
Mrs. Wang calmly replied, "She's Miss Qinye's maid and has come of age. She knows how to manage herself. I won't interfere. Younger sister-in-law, you may leave now. When the items are organized, they will be sent to you."
"Dear sister-in-law!"
Mrs. Wang's patience wore thin. "Younger sister-in-law, my temper is short these days."
Mrs. Xie fell silent under Mrs. Wang's cold gaze, unable to say anything further. She left with a parting shot: "Dear sister-in-law, if you're feeling hot-tempered, just cool down a bit. Don't take it out on me."
Watching her leave, the maid sighed and glanced sympathetically at her mistress. "Madam, Second Madam is really..."
Mrs. Wang rubbed her temples. "She's changed, and not for the better. Call Xue'er to tidy up."