106 Doing It Herself
On the other hand, Old Madam Yu was very surprised. She saw that Yang Shuwan’s eyes were dark and swollen. Although her lips were smeared with lipstick, they were also dry. The thick powder could not hide her haggard expression, and she did not seem to be pretending.
It seemed that a few days ago, Eldest Son had gone too far.
Old Madam Yu nodded. “In that case, you should rest well for a while. Nanny Liu and I will handle the matters in the residence, so you don’t have to worry. Resting is a big deal, especially for your head.”
Her tone also revealed rare concern.
Yang Shuwan looked grateful and quickly said, “Thank you for your concern, Old Madam. I understand. However, I won’t be able to be filial to you these few days.”
Old Madam Yu nodded. “Your health is the most important.”
Yang Shuwan gratefully let Nanny Li help her out of An Shou Hall.
Old Madam Yu wrapped the prayer beads around her wrist and looked at the large bunch of keys on the table. She turned to Nanny Liu and asked, “What do you think Madam Yang’s intentions are?”
Nanny Liu did not dare to say anything. She quickly said, “I think First Madam is indeed very sick.”
Old Madam Yu rolled her eyes at her and did not press her further. Instead, she said coldly, “She has her eyes on this piece of land in the residence, trying to gain benefits for herself. How can she hand over the benefits so easily? She has an expert to guide her.”
As for who this expert was, was there even a need to think about it?
Nanny Liu agreed deeply. The Old Madam had seen through everyone in her life, and no one could escape her sharp eyes. It was also because of her eyes that her two sons had become successful.
Old Madam Yu sighed slightly. “She’s just sick, but she doesn’t know how to stop. She’s so scheming. No wonder Eldest Son is fooled by her. However, Yang Shuwan is indeed a little unpresentable, but she still knows how to hold on to Eldest Son’s heart. In this aspect, she’s better than Madam Xie. I really admire her.”
If Madam Xie had Yang Shuwan’s temperament, she wouldn’t have died so young.
Nanny Liu lowered her head and did not dare to breathe too loudly.
Old Madam Yu was silent for a while before changing the topic. “Since Madam Yang has handed over the right to manage the household, you can bring Yao Yao along to manage the household during this period!”
Even Nanny Liu was stunned.
After following Old Madam for so many years, there were times when she really couldn’t understand her thoughts.
Eldest Miss was in charge of the household at this time. Not only was she “filial,” but she had also gained a virtuous reputation. She could also learn more about the ways of managing the household, win over the hearts of the people in the residence, and establish her authority in the residence. In the future, she would have a legitimate reason to interfere in the matters of the residence.
Even if First Madam recovered and regained her authority, the Eldest Miss probably would have more control of the matters in the residence.
It was time to show off Eldest Miss’s honor as the eldest daughter of the first wife.
She wondered how First Madam would feel when she found out about this.
First Madam was living a good life, but all she wanted was to fool others. No matter how magnanimous Old Madam was, she would not allow her to use her methods and schemes on Eldest Master.
This person! She really couldn’t take it.
As soon as she did that, she was implicated as well.
That day, Yu Youyao asked Qing Xiu to invite her to An Shou Hall after school.
Old Madam Yu mentioned this matter. “While your mother is recuperating, you’ll help Nanny Liu manage the house. I know that you’re learning from Nanny Xu, so it won’t take up too much of your time. You’ll just take an hour every afternoon to read some accounts and settle some important matters in the residence.”
Yu Youyao was a little surprised. “Grandmother, I’m still young. How can this be?”
Old Madam Yu waved her hand and said, “Why not? Your mother is sick, so it’s not good to let her manage the household. I’m old and don’t have the energy to manage the household. How can Nanny Liu manage so many things alone? As the eldest daughter of the first wife, even though you’re young, you should learn to share your mother’s and grandmother’s burdens.”
At this point, how could Yu Youyao refuse? She hesitated for a moment before nodding. “I’ll listen to Grandmother.”
Old Madam Yu smiled and held her hand. “That’s right. I know that it’s a little difficult for you to manage the household at such a young age. Don’t worry too much. Learn more from Nanny Liu and listen to Nanny Xu. No matter what, you have me. I won’t let you suffer.”
Yu Youyao felt relieved. “Grandmother, I understand.”
Old Madam Yu hurriedly called Nanny Liu over. “Call all the servants in the residence over.”
Nanny Liu responded and quickly got someone to arrange it.
Yu Youyao also took the opportunity to ask Xia Tao to go to the second house to look for Chang An. She told her that she would be taking care of the house at noon and that she would not be practicing her calligraphy today. She also told her cousin not to run back and forth.
In less than ten minutes, everyone had arrived.
Old Madam Yu did not beat around the bush. “First Madam is not feeling well and needs to recuperate for a while. During this period, Nanny Liu will help Eldest Miss manage the household.”
Everyone was in an uproar when they heard this.
A few good-looking housekeepers couldn’t help but step forward. “Eldest Miss has to go to school every day and doesn’t have time to manage the house. Old Madam, you have to think twice…”
“Although Eldest Miss is smart, she’s still a little young. It’s not easy to manage a household either. Isn’t that a little rash?”
“Eldest Miss is still a little young. If anything happens, won’t…”
Old Madam Yu said coldly, “She’s young, but there’s still an old woman like me in this residence. All of you are old people and have been doing things for many years. All the rules in the residence have been set, and there are also some special cases. Everyone has to follow the rules. How can there be anything wrong? Don’t be careless. If there’s a mistake, that means you’re useless.”
As soon as these words were spoken, the few nannies fell silent.
Old Madam’s words were truly impressive. If there was nothing wrong with the family affairs, it was because Eldest Miss was good at managing the family. If the family affairs were managed well, it was all Eldest Miss’s efforts.
However, if anything went wrong, it would become their fault and they would be the ones punished.
It was precisely these words that made those who thought that Eldest Miss was young and wanted to take advantage of her seniority stunned. They did not dare to be rash.
Old Madam Yu waved her hand and dismissed the servants, leaving behind a few useful stewards.
Seeing this, how could they not understand that the Old Madam was determined to have Eldest Miss take charge of the household? They could not help but look at the two young mothers who were wearing average-looking clothes and quietly exchanged glances.
Yu Youyao, on the other hand, had seen this scene correctly and recognized it. Of these two unusual mothers, one was wearing a dark green ball-patterned jacket and was in charge of buying things in the main kitchen, while the other was wearing a lotus flower-patterned jacket and was in charge of the storeroom. Both were very important.
She pretended not to see them. Looking at the stacks of ledgers on the stone table, she casually picked out one from the big kitchen and flipped through a few pages. Then, she chose the mother wearing a dark green ball-patterned jacket.