Chapter 013: Pink Bomb

On the third day after the wedding, Yu Ziqi personally accompanied Ning Qian home to visit her family. The moment she arrived, Ruan Qi’s eyes reddened and she hurriedly pulled her daughter into the inner chambers, leaving Ning Qian’s father and his three sons to chat with Yu Ziqi in the hall.

Once inside Ning Qian’s old room, Ruan Qi clasped her daughter’s hand tightly and spoke in a muffled voice, “Qianqian, tell me honestly—has Yu Ziqi been good to you? If he ever mistreats you, I’ll take you home immediately.”

Ning Qian patted her mother’s hand in reassurance. “Mother, don’t worry. I’m well, and he treats me kindly. I promise, every word I say is true. If you still doubt me, ask Cousin Qin or Shuni. Even if you don’t trust Shuni, surely you believe what Cousin Qin says?”

Ruan Qi turned to look at Nianyu, who was sitting quietly to the side. “Qin’er, I’ve always regarded you as my own daughter. Tell me truthfully—how does Yu Ziqi treat Qianqian?”

Nianyu smiled serenely. “Everything Qianqian said is true. Yu Ziqi is genuinely good to her. Though I haven’t known him long, I can tell that he treats her sincerely. Of course, this is just my impression for now; as for the future, we’ll have to wait and see.”

Ruan Qi finally let out a breath of relief. “Ah, now I can set my mind at ease. Qin’er, you know Qianqian’s temperament. Life in such an aristocratic family is never simple. Without someone by her side to guide her, how could I not worry? I’m grateful that you’re there. I’ll entrust Qianqian to you from now on.”

“Aunt, how could I not take that to heart? Qianqian is like a sister to me. Rest assured, I will always look after her.”

“With your promise, I’m at peace. By the way, Qianqian, how did the Yu family address that matter?”

Although she left the question incomplete, Ning Qian understood. Her cheeks flushed as she leaned in and whispered a few words in her mother’s ear.

Ruan Qi’s eyes widened, then narrowed, her expression shifting several times before returning to normal. She gently pushed Ning Qian away and shook her head. “I never imagined things would turn out like this. In that case, I’m even more reassured. Still, convincing others won’t be easy. Qianqian, be careful in all things.”

“Don’t worry, Mother.”

Yu Ziqi and the others dined at the Ning household before returning to the Yu residence. The journey was quiet, and by the time they arrived, it was already time to rest. But let us leave that aside for now.

The following morning, after breakfast and her daily greeting to the old madam, Ning Qian as usual sat reading a travelogue. Suddenly, the sound of commotion from outside reached her ears. She was about to ask when Nianyu lifted the curtain and entered. “Madam, Jiao Ran, the head maid from the old madam’s quarters, has arrived with several maids and servant women. She says they’ve been assigned to our courtyard by the old madam. Would you like to meet them?”

“Have them come in,” Ning Qian replied, inwardly amused. So they have come, just as expected. Her philosophy was always to leave others be unless provoked—so long as they didn’t trouble her, she would not seek trouble with them.

“Very well, Madam,” Nianyu answered, then left and soon returned with the group. After a courteous greeting, Jiao Ran smiled and said, “Third Madam, at the old madam’s command, I’ve brought several maids and servant women for you to use as you see fit.”

Ning Qian cast a glance toward the door. “Thank you for the trouble. Why did you come in person? You could have simply sent a maid to inform us. Nianyu?”

“Yes, Madam.” Nianyu produced an embroidered pouch and offered it to Jiao Ran. “A small token of our lady’s appreciation.”

Jiao Ran hurriedly waved her hands and stepped back. “I can’t accept this. Serving the old madam is my duty; how could I take rewards from you, Third Madam?”

Ning Qian laughed softly. “Don’t say that. It’s only a token—a trifle, nothing more. If you refuse it, are you looking down on your Madam?”

“I wouldn’t dare, Third Madam, I wouldn’t dare! Since you insist, I’ll thank you for your generosity.” She accepted the pouch and gave a deep bow.

“There’s no need for such formality, Miss Jiao Ran. I’m new to the Yu household and know little of its ways. I’ll be relying on your help in the future.”

“You flatter me, Third Madam. If you ever need anything, just say the word. Now, if you’ll excuse me, the old madam is waiting for my report.”

“Nianyu, see Miss Jiao Ran out.”

“Yes, Madam. This way, Sister Jiao Ran,” Nianyu replied, smiling as she escorted her out.

After their departure, Ning Qian turned her attention to the four new arrivals—three maids and one housekeeper. Among the maids, it was clear there were different ranks: one, by her attire and bearing, was of the highest order, perhaps not quite the chief maid but close. The other two seemed lower-ranked, their clothing marking them as second-class, but both were strikingly attractive. In fact, all three maids were beauties—a coincidence she found highly suspicious. She smiled wryly to herself; wasn’t this what people called a “pink bomb”?

Just then, Shuni and Nianyu entered, one carrying a tea tray, the other a plate of fruit. They set the items down and stood behind Ning Qian.

Ning Qian speared a piece of apple with a silver fork and tasted it, the sweet juice filling her mouth. “Mm, delicious. Shuni, share these apples with our guests.”

“Yes, Madam,” Shuni replied crisply and obeyed at once.

Ning Qian exchanged a glance with Nianyu, who nodded in understanding. Nianyu went to a cabinet, retrieved a small wooden box, and approached the maids, handing each a brocade pouch. “This is a reward from Madam. Please accept it.”

The maids exchanged uneasy glances and immediately knelt in alarm. The highest-ranked one spoke, head lowered, “Madam, we can’t accept this.”

Nianyu chuckled quietly. “What are you doing? Madam’s reward is your good fortune. Is there any reason to refuse? Or is it that you scorn Madam’s gifts?”

The maids looked at each other again, even more anxious than before. Seeing this, Nianyu helped each of them to their feet. “Enough. Listen to me. Madam is the eldest daughter of the Ning family—she lacks nothing. She is always generous with her servants. So long as you perform your duties faithfully, you will never be wronged. You all understand what’s expected of you, don’t you?”

The maids nodded one by one, visibly relieved. At Nianyu’s signal, they accepted the pouches and stood with heads bowed.

Ning Qian leaned back in her chair and suddenly pointed to the highest-ranked maid. “What’s your name?”

“My name is Yuzhi, Madam.”

“Yuzhi? That’s a fine name.” Ning Qian smiled with an enigmatic air. “You may all go for now. Nianyu will arrange your quarters shortly.”

“Thank you for your kindness, Madam.” The maids bowed deeply and withdrew.

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