137 Not a Reward, But a Warning
“Imperial Duke Zhan is quite generous.” As Gu Qingxue spoke, she picked out two jade crowns and a small bracelet made of red jade and gave them to the three cubs.
When Madam Qiao returned, she must have told Imperial Duke Zhan about the general situation of the Gu family. That was why Imperial Duke Zhan said that these things were given to her alone, and not to the entire Gu family.
Imperial Duke Zhan had already said so much. Even if Madam Kou was envious, they did not dare to have any schemes on these things.
The three children had never seen so many treasures before. For a moment, they held the treasures their mother had given them and looked at them seriously.
“Imperial Duke Zhan should be urging Eldest Miss to treat his wife as soon as possible. Imperial Duke Zhan placed great importance on his wife. Eldest Miss has delayed treating his wife because of her own reasons. I don’t know if Imperial Duke Zhan would mind,” Lan Wen said worriedly.
Nanny Sheng seemed to have come to her senses when she heard this, and the smile on her lips immediately disappeared.
Cui’er hurriedly said, “It shouldn’t be, right? Didn’t the imperial duke also reward the Eldest Miss?”
Gu Qingxue gave Lan Wen an appreciative look. “That’s not a reward, but a warning.”
She had originally agreed to go to Imperial Duke Zhan’s manor yesterday to treat his wife’s illness. Now that she had taken two days off, Imperial Duke Zhan, who loved his wife dearly, became anxious. The reason why he had sent the gifts over was firstly to express his sincerity, and also to urge Gu Qingxue to hurry up and treat his wife’s illness. Even if they treated her with courtesy this time, it might not be the case the next time.
“Nanny Sheng, send someone to deliver a letter to the Imperial Duke Zhan’s manor in a while. Tell them that I’ll pay a visit tomorrow morning.” As Gu Qingxue spoke, she walked to the Old Madam’s side and sat down.
Madam Qi smiled when they saw Gu Qingxue, but her expression was still one of stupidity and foolishness.
“Lan Wen, Cui’er, bring Lil’ Lin and the others to the dining room first. I’ll bring my grandmother over when the dishes are all served,” Gu Qingxue said.
Lan Wen and Cui’er nodded in agreement and left with the three cubs.
“The inventory has been completed. You can put these things in the Old Madam’s storeroom temporarily and take them away when the Eldest Miss leaves one day. Remember, even if you lose one copper coin, you will offend Imperial Duke Zhan!” Nanny Sheng ordered in a harsh tone.
The servants and maids were so scared that they shivered and left hurriedly with the big mahogany boxes.
Gu Qingxue saw everything and said to Nanny sheng, “You’ve served my grandmother for so many years. My grandmother has been muddle-headed, so you’ve surely suffered a lot.”
Nanny Sheng said, “This old servant is the Old Madam’s dowry. I’ve been following the Old Madam since I was young. I’m used to it, so I don’t feel bitter.”
“But my heart aches for you. You’re already old, so you should go home and live a peaceful life. I’m willing to give all the rewards to you, so you won’t have to serve my grandmother in the future.” Gu Qingxue picked up the teacup on the low table beside her and Madam Qi, then she took a sip of the tea.
Nanny Sheng’s smile froze on her lips. She raised her head to look at Gu Qingxue. “Eldest Miss, why did you suddenly want to chase me away? Did I do something wrong?”
“No, I just felt that you worked hard. Besides, with so many rewards, it’s enough for you to live a life that is envied by everyone. Aren’t you willing?” Gu Qingxue asked.
“I don’t want to.” Without hesitation, Nanny Sheng knelt in front of Gu Qingxue, “After your father passed away, I swore that I would never leave the Old Madam’s side. If the Eldest Miss wants to chase me away, I’d rather die.”