Chapter 196: Paying New Year’s Respects

Chapter 196: Paying New Year's Respects

By evening, Zhu Shi had fallen ill.

For people of Great Xia, the New Year wasn't considered over until after the fifteenth day. Particularly before the sixth day, going out to pay New Year's respects and hosting guests could keep the mistress of a large household busy from morning till night.

With Zhu Shi falling ill, the responsibilities fell to the elderly lady. The elderly lady was busy for just two days before her vision blurred and her feet felt unsteady, feeling her old body couldn't endure it.

Due to the chaos in the mansion, Duan Shaoqing had a mishap with the arranged carriage, causing a delay in one of his outings.

"Mother, what did the doctor say? Is Second Sister-in-law not getting better?"

The elderly lady had developed sores in her mouth, and her anger flared when her son asked, "Why are you, the eldest brother, asking so much?"

Suppressing his frustration, Duan Shaoqing said, "With so much happening at home, I am worried about you, Mother."

The elderly lady calmed a little and said, "The doctor couldn't pinpoint anything specific. There don't seem to be any major issues, but she feels dizzy as soon as she gets up."

The elderly lady even suspected that Zhu Shi might be pretending to be sick but quickly dismissed the thought.

This was the first New Year Zhu Shi was in charge of. If she didn't perform well, wouldn't she be afraid of losing the household management authority?

Zhu Shi wasn't as concerned about the household management authority as the elderly lady thought. By the fourth day, she spoke to the elderly lady, "Mother-in-law, my illness seems strange. I feel something is off. Last night, I secretly invited a fortune teller. She said that I have a clash with Second Young Miss, and it's not good for us to see each other often."

The elderly lady frowned.

Clashing with Huahua?

They hadn't clashed for years, so why suddenly now?

Weak and breathless, Zhu Shi leaned against the head of the bed, "Second Young Miss is a cherished guest. There's no reason for her to avoid me. I was thinking, perhaps our second branch should move out."

A glint of sharpness flashed in the elderly lady's eyes, "Do you mean to separate the family?"

Zhu Shi struggled to sit up a bit straighter, "How could I think of separating the family? We would just move out temporarily and return once Second Young Miss is married."

"That wouldn't look good!" The elderly lady rejected the idea without a second thought, "Moving out for no reason would lead outsiders to speculate that there's discord between the two branches. Or do you want people to know that you and Huahua clash? Huahua is set to marry into the Gu Family this year."

Before the elderly lady could finish her lecture, Zhu Shi's eyes rolled back, and she fainted.

The maids were in a flurry, and Zhu Shi only slowly regained consciousness, looking extremely weak.

Suppressing her irritation, the elderly lady comforted her briefly and returned to Ruyitang. After some thought, she realized: Did Second Miss offend Zhu Shi in some way?

Recalling the timing of Zhu Shi's illness, the elderly lady instructed her trusted maid, Hong Yun, to investigate.

Although it was said that Zhu Shi managed the household, it was truly the elderly lady who held the reins. Without much effort, Hong Yun found out.

"A young maid overheard by chance an argument between Second Miss and Miss Xin. Fourth Miss was also there."

After hearing the report from her trusted maid, the elderly lady angrily slammed her cup down on the table, "This wretched girl!"

She was angry at Duan Yunhua for stirring up trouble and equally annoyed with Zhu Shi for being petty.

After her anger subsided, the elderly lady didn’t summon Xin You to clarify the matter, nor did she mention it to Duan Yunhua. Instead, she called Duan Yunhua to Ruyitang to advise her, "The Gu Family is different from ours. Once you marry in, you'll have to deal with the royal family. Grandmother has arranged for a palace maid to teach you proper etiquette so you won't make mistakes in the future. For now, focus on learning the proper etiquette and preparing for your wedding."

Listening to the plans made for her, Duan Yunhua obediently agreed. Later, she found it difficult to leave her courtyard, but that's another story.

When she heard that Second Miss was confined to learn etiquette, Zhu Shi’s health started to improve.

Second Master Duan Wenbo was concerned about his wife. "Aren't you afraid the matriarch will impose strict rules on you?"

Zhu Shi smiled. "With all the household matters to attend to, the matriarch won’t have the time for that."

"I’m worried that when your elder brother remarries, the matriarch might hold a grudge."

Zhu Shi sneered. "We’ll deal with it when the time comes. If I remain silent now, I’ll let down my Yan'er."

Duan Wenbo put his arm around Zhu Shi's shoulder. "It’s all my fault that you and the children have been wronged."

"Don't think like that, husband. We can’t choose our origins. Since your elder brother holds an official position in the court, you manage most of the family’s estates. The matriarch needs us to share the burden for your elder brother. Even if she’s harsh on me, she still has her limits."

Duan Wenbo nodded.

"We should also thank Qingqing."

Hearing that Second Miss Duan Yunhua was confined to her courtyard and forbidden to leave, Xin You was glad for Duan Yunyan.

A girl with a mother’s protection is always happier.

"Cousin Qingqing—"

Xin You looked at the little girl approaching and gave a gentle smile. "Fourth Cousin, is there something you need?"

Duan Yunyan placed a handkerchief in Xin You's hand. "Mother said that if you receive help from someone, you must give something in return. This is my way of showing gratitude."

Xin You unfolded the handkerchief to reveal a pair of birds perched on a blooming plum branch and couldn't hide her surprise. "Did you embroider this, Fourth Cousin?"

"Yes, I embroidered magpies on a plum tree. When the plum blossoms bloom, spring arrives, bringing good fortune." The little girl looked solemn. "I’m not very skilled at embroidery yet, but when I improve, I’ll embroider a beautiful one for you, Cousin."

"This handkerchief is already lovely. Thank you, Fourth Cousin. I really like it." Xin You carefully folded the handkerchief and put it away.

Even after returning to Qingsong Bookstore on the seventh day of the first month, Xin You remained in good spirits after receiving this gift.

"Boss, Happy New Year." Liu Zhou and Shitou rushed to give Xin You their New Year greetings.

Xin You distributed generous New Year bonuses to everyone at the bookstore, while the staff busied themselves cleaning and preparing for the store's reopening the next day.

The eighth day of the first lunar month had fine weather. Qingsong Bookstore opened slightly later than the other shops on the street, and the sound of firecrackers could be heard nonstop outside, creating quite a lively atmosphere.

Liu Zhou and Shitou each carried a string of firecrackers, preparing to go outside and set them off.

As Liu Zhou pulled the door open, he quickly shut it in fright.

Xin You, along with Hu Boss and others, were about to head out when they noticed and looked over inquiringly.

"Boss, there are a lot of people outside!" Liu Zhou said nervously. "They seem to be holding something in their hands. I'm not sure what they're planning to do."

A public robbery? Could they really be that brazen?

"Let me see."

"Boss—" Seeing Xin You step forward, Hu Boss hurriedly called out, "Let Liu Zhou check instead."

If it really was trouble, it would be better for the younger and stronger ones to handle it. He could take the boss out the back door.

"No need." Xin You smiled and opened the door.

With so many people in the bookstore, if something bad were happening, she would have sensed it already.

Outside the bookstore, a dense crowd of people gathered. Xin You quickly noticed Guyu standing at the front.

"You—"

Guyu took a step forward, "Miss Kou, because of you, the neighbors can celebrate the New Year and enjoy a reunion. Today, someone from each family has come to wish you a Happy New Year."

After the young man finished speaking, those present, regardless of age or gender, bowed together to the girl standing outside Qingsong Bookstore.

"Happy New Year, Miss Kou!"