Chapter 58: Chapter 25: Nanny Deng _2
Yueyao was momentarily dazed. Uncle, dear uncle… Her uncle loved her dearly, but the woman he married later, Lady Cheng, was a greedy and malicious person. When Yueyao was ten, her great uncle passed away, and that woman shamelessly went to the Lian family to demand the marriage dowry of Yueyao’s mother. At that time, it caused Yueyao to lose all her dignity and become the laughingstock of others.
Nanny Deng, noticing Yueyao’s distracted state, was certain something significant had happened: “Miss, what exactly happened? Tell me, did they bully you? I would risk my life to prevent anyone from mistreating you.”
Yueyao took a deep breath, determined not to let anyone else know about her rebirth, even if this person was her mother’s most trusted and reliant confidante. Yueyao wiped her tears, “Mom, it’s nothing. Seeing you just made me miss mother.”
Nanny Deng, seeing Yueyao quickly regain composure, thought to herself that this girl, whom she had watched grow up, would surely tell her if something was wrong. Even if it wasn’t the right time now, she would eventually tell her.
Hua Lei reported from outside: “Miss, Young Master Zheng heard your crying and has been insisting on seeing you. I couldn’t calm him down.”
Nanny Deng was startled.
Yueyao told Nanny Deng about Brother Zheng. Nanny Deng had just returned without being fully informed about specific details until now, learning that Yueyao had brought Brother Zheng over to tutor him, and she was to act as Steward Mother for him.
Upon hearing this, tears welled up in Nanny Deng’s eyes: “Miss has grown up. You did the right thing. Young Master Tingzheng should be kept close and nurtured. He will be your support in the future.” She was sure the young lady must have suffered a lot of grievances, otherwise why would she think to personally tutor Brother Zheng! It was unfortunate that her health had failed, and she had fallen ill upon returning to Capital City.
Yueyao smiled and said, “Mom, come with me to see Brother Zheng. He’s a very well-behaved boy. I believe you will like him once you meet him.”
Nanny Deng was not very familiar with Brother Zheng. When in Jiangnan, this child was always kept under Maternal Aunt You’s care. Madam was kind, and she provided for the child just as well as any young master. Madam had even planned to hire a teacher to start his education once Tingzheng was a bit older. But nobody expected so many things to happen.
Qiao Lan brought in water, and Yueyao redressed and freshened up.
Nanny Deng personally helped Yueyao freshen up. She parted her hair, styled it into a bun on top of her head, allowing it to naturally hang down without any support, and tied it at the ends, leaving it draped over her shoulders. After finishing, she adorned her with a silver-plated butterfly hairpin and a pair of snow-white beaded flowers.
Nanny Deng then changed Yueyao into a moon-white cloud-patterned damask long sleeve, a moon-white horse-face skirt, and the skirt’s hem was embellished with an elegant jade patterned skirt pendant.
Nanny Deng looked at the reflection in the bronze mirror, the pale face, big eyes, a pointed chin, and lips lightly tinted as if with rouge, the eyebrows curved, dark, and smooth. The face that used to always be smiling joyfully was now as still as an ancient well, utterly calm. Anyone unaware would think this was a middle-aged woman!
Nanny Deng thought about how the Old Master and Madam had passed away, leaving the young lady entirely alone and destitute, causing her current state. Nanny Deng felt a sour ache in her heart.
Yueyao had cried until her eyes were red and swollen. It wouldn’t do to let others see her like that. Hua Lei brought a hot towel for Yueyao to use on her eyes.
After everything was put in order, Yueyao finally allowed them to call Brother Zheng over.
Nanny Deng watched as Brother Zheng entered, his hair styled in tufts and wearing a dark-colored pine soft satin robe. Brother Zheng had fine skin, as white as jade, and his features were delicate. Nanny Deng had seen Brother Zheng’s mother, and the child had indeed inherited his mother’s snow-like complexion. It was hard to say whether it was good or bad for such a young child to have grown up so quickly.
Yueyao stood up and said, “Brother Zheng, this is Nanny Deng. Nanny Deng used to serve my mother and will now attend to you.”
Hearing this, Brother Zheng, remembering the etiquette Yueyao had taught him before when addressing Yueying, prepared to bow. Yueyao quickly stopped him. Although Nanny Deng was closer than most, she was still a servant. There was no propriety in a master bowing to a servant. Yueyao realized she had neglected to fully teach Brother Zheng proper etiquette.
Nanny Deng, noticing Brother Zheng’s manners, realized he hadn’t learned the rules well yet. She thought to herself that this couldn’t be neglected, though her face remained kindly: “This old servant has seen the young master.”
At this gesture, Brother Zheng grew a bit fearful and moved closer to Yueyao, but his eyes were still fixed on Nanny Deng.