Chapter 9 - 5: Sang Wan Teaches the Servant
For instance, at this moment, if it were Gu Fangzi asking the question, there would already be maids rushing to answer it, eager to make themselves noticed. Xingzhi, of course, would not compete for such an opportunity. But since it was Sang Wan asking the question, not a single person answered. Xingzhi, as the head maid, naturally had to respond. Her answer was simple; she didn't mention who Mrs. Li was or where she had gone since Sang Wan didn't ask.
"Mrs. Li?" Sang Wan knew who she was but feigned confusion and asked, her gentle and clear gaze looking at Xingzhi, indicating her to answer.
Xingzhi had no choice but to explain, "Mrs. Li is young master's wet nurse. She has been managing Ningyuan for a long time. She went back home for rest and recovery due to a waist and leg pain a few days ago, and she might not be back for a while."
"I see!" Sang Wan nodded with a smile and asked, "Did Mrs. Li discuss with the young master who would be in charge of Ningyuan's affairs during her absence?"
Xingzhi replied, "Please give your orders, madam! This slave is called Xingzhi."
"Alright, thank you for your hard work!" Sang Wan smiled and said, "I'll go in and rest for a while. Call me for lunch. After lunch, I'd like to meet the servants in Ningyuan. There is nothing important; I just want to get familiar with them!"
"Yes!" Xingzhi slightly bent her knee and agreed, stealing a quick glance at Sang Wan with a hint of surprise in her heart. She didn't expect that the new madam, despite her modest family background, was so generous and courteous in her conduct, truly worthy of being a scholar's daughter!
"Madam, please rest. I'll give the order later." Thinking to herself, Xingzhi couldn't help but add voluntarily before instructing the young maids to fetch water for Sang Wan to wash her face.
The maids were all experienced in serving others and began working quickly and methodically. One of them held a large towel to cover Sang Wan's clothes, another gently pulled up her sleeves, one knelt in front of her holding a carved copper basin, while another first washed her hands in a basin held by a small maid beside her. She then picked up a clean, soft towel from a red lacquer tray held by another maid, soaked it in warm water, wrung it half dry, and carefully handed it to Sang Wan. Finally, she was given fragrant face wash and cream to use in sequence.