Yueyao immediately rejected the idea, "No need to investigate." Yueyao felt there was no necessity to delve into the matter, the reason being quite straightforward: Nanny Wang was no ordinary woman and unlikely to have been manipulated by the Lady family. Since Nanny Wang willingly accepted her role, even if the reasons were known, it wouldn’t change anything.
Nanny Hao sighed lightly and said, "Nanny Wang is not a simple person. With her around, the Eldest Madam will be even harder to deal with."
Yueyao shook her head, "Don’t worry, Nanny Wang won’t get involved in the internal affairs of the Lian Mansion." Given Nanny Wang’s shrewdness, she probably hoped Yuebing could form a good relationship with her own sister, creating a harmonious sibling bond that could provide mutual support in the future!
Yueyao, in her heart, also greatly admired Nanny Wang for her broadmindedness and far-sighted vision. Yuebing had been able to secure a stable position in the Marquis’ household largely because of Nanny Wang’s efforts. Such a person was someone Yueyao found herself unable to dislike, even if she tried.
Nanny Hao felt that Yueyao was being too optimistic. Previously, Nanny Wang had the role of a teacher, but now she was Yuebing’s steward. The nature of the roles was different, and naturally, her actions would be different too.
Yueyao didn’t explain any further, saying that seeing would be better than saying more.
According to proper etiquette, Yueyao should pay a visit to Nanny Wang. After all, Nanny Wang had taught Yueyao for more than a year, making her something of a mentor.
After changing her clothes, Yueyao headed to Yuebing’s courtyard. By the time she arrived at Yuebing’s courtyard, Yueying and Yuehuan had already arrived.
Nanny Wang was very clear about her own role: previously, she was just a nurturing nanny, but now she was Yuebing’s steward. The status and attitude required for these roles were naturally different.
Yueyao simply didn’t want to be impolite. After meeting Nanny Wang, she returned to Lanxi Courtyard. After the others had left, Nanny Wang turned to Yuebing and said, "Second Young Lady, Madam asked me to come back as your steward to help correct some of your bad habits. I hope you won’t let down Madam’s motherly affection." Nanny Wang wouldn’t have returned to the Lian Mansion if there had been any other choice. But the situation was beyond her control, forcing her to temporarily commit to the Lian Mansion.
Yuebing bowed to Nanny Wang, "Don’t worry, Nanny. I won’t disappoint Mother." She was already eleven years old, and in a couple of years, she would be of age to discuss marriage. These two years were critical; she needed to learn diligently. Only by excelling in both arts and graces could she have the chance to marry into a high-status family.
Nanny Wang nodded, "Then, Second Young Lady, you mustn’t be afraid of hardship or fatigue in the future." The Second Young Lady had potential but was slightly spoiled. If she could overcome this, Nanny Wang believed the Second Young Lady could certainly find a good match.
As Nanny Hao returned, she spoke with an odd expression, "Miss, I noticed that ever since we returned from the mountain, Fourth Miss has been sticking close to the Second Young Lady and following her orders obediently." During their time in the mountains for over a month, Fourth Miss hadn’t complained even once. She thought Fourth Miss was quite good. Upon returning, it seemed she had changed completely. Nanny Hao felt fortunate that her own miss had always been cool and distant towards Fourth Miss, sparing her miss any distress.
Yueyao was not surprised, "Fourth Miss, as a daughter born of a concubine, naturally wants to get along well with her legitimate sisters." Yueyao didn’t expect Yuehuan to bond with Yuebing so quickly, which was quite good.
After the new year, as Yueyao had anticipated, Yueying and Yuehuan were given their own courtyards.
Yuehuan finally breathed a sigh of relief. During this time, she had suppressed her own nature, striving to act in accordance with the real Yuehuan’s temperament. She acutely noticed a significant change in Maternal Aunt Su’s attitude towards her. The effect was noticeable, but it was exhausting for her, as she was not a born actress. If it weren’t for Yueyao telling her that they would soon part ways with Maternal Aunt Su, she wouldn’t have dared to use this approach. Fortunately, the move was imminent, and many things would be easier once they were no longer living together.
Yuehuan sighed slightly; apart from Maternal Aunt Su, forming a good relationship with Yuebing was not going to be an easy task either.
Yuehuan was curious why Nanny Wang had returned to become Yuebing’s steward. However strange it seemed, she had no one to ask; even the maids by her side were out of the question.
Hong Mei shared an amusing story with Yuehuan, "Miss, I heard that the Third Young Lady was playing music in Lanxi Courtyard early in the morning. According to some maids and old nannies, Third Young Lady was using leaves to create the music, and it was said to be very pleasant."
Yuehuan was astonished, not at Yueyao’s ability to play music with leaves, but at the fact that Yueyao, who always preached about observing mourning, was actually playing music during the mourning period. She asked, "Isn’t it forbidden to play musical instruments during the mourning period? How did Third Young Lady manage to play music in the courtyard?"