Chapter 74: Miss, Choose Me

Xianyu Zhen and Nangong Xin had reached a temporary truce and he no longer wished to cause trouble in front of Madam Nangong. “It was my own fault for not balancing work and rest, which affected my sleep. That’s why my eldest brother took me to see the doctor.” After explaining, he added, “I’m much better now.”

“That’s good,” Madam Nangong replied with a gentle smile. “Xin is just like her father, rather impatient, but she’s not complicated—she’s a straightforward child. As you spend more time together, she’ll come to accept you.”

Xianyu Zhen nodded. Daughters from powerful families often held themselves above others, but truly malicious ones were rare.

After exchanging a few words about daily matters, Madam Nangong turned to Steward Xue. “Bring in those new servants and let Zhen have a look.”

Xianyu Zhen was puzzled—why was she being asked to pick servants again?

Madam Nangong looked at her kindly. “Zhen, since you all think Su Cha isn’t doing well enough, choose two more. Aunt Rong can’t possibly manage everything on her own.”

Xianyu Zhen quickly said, “No need, Su Cha is excellent. There’s no need to change.”

Aside from Su Cha’s mutual dislike with Jiang Mohe, her character and work suited Zhen perfectly. There was no guarantee a replacement would be as agreeable.

Madam Nangong chuckled with a hint of deeper meaning. “I thought you were dissatisfied with Su Cha, which is why you sent her back.”

Feigning ignorance, Xianyu Zhen replied, “Maybe Xin wasn’t satisfied with Su Cha before, so my brother let Su Cha come back for a few days. Now that Xin is living at home again, I’m still used to Su Cha taking care of me. Let’s not change things.”

“As long as you’re content.” Madam Nangong nodded in approval.

Just then, Steward Xue led in several new servants, including some maids and two older male workers.

Pointing at the two men, Madam Nangong explained, “Uncle Chen resigned recently due to family matters. These two are long-time staff here at the estate, reliable men. They’ll be sent to help out.”

She then indicated three maids. “These girls were carefully selected from home and have been here several years. Choose one. Now that both you and Ziyu need looking after, adding two more is only proper.”

“I defer to your judgment, Great-Aunt,” Xianyu Zhen replied, not daring to object.

But Madam Nangong only smiled. “You’ll be the lady of the house someday. You must learn to make your own decisions about such things.”

The words struck Xianyu Zhen as odd.

Lady of the house? Which house? Did they plan for her to live separately one day?

Sensing her confusion, Madam Nangong offered no further explanation, merely gesturing for the three maids to step forward.

The first two maids were quiet and reserved, much like Su Cha.

The youngest, standing behind them, had slightly sallow skin and wide, darting eyes, reminiscent of that little blue cat. She noticed Xianyu Zhen looking at her and eagerly volunteered, “Miss, pick me! I may be small, but I’m very strong!”

“Ahem!” Steward Xue coughed twice, warning her in a low voice, “Mind your manners! Who told you to speak out of turn?”

The little maid, heedless, blurted, “Miss, I can fight too—”

“Enough! Out!” Steward Xue stepped in front of her, sternly reprimanding her.

The maid pouted and backed away.

Xianyu Zhen understood that the strict rules of the estate made this little maid feel constrained, which explained her eagerness to be chosen.

“How about her?” Xianyu Zhen pointed. “Aunt Rong is getting on in years and shouldn’t be doing heavy work. She seems strong and could help out.”

Steward Xue looked displeased. “This girl always forgets her manners at crucial moments. I’m afraid she’s not suitable.”

The little maid immediately protested, “No, no, I’ll be sure to follow the rules and do as Miss says!”

“Still interrupting? That’s not proper!” Steward Xue corrected her sternly.

“I—” The little maid clamped her hand over her mouth, not daring another word.

Xianyu Zhen was unbothered and persisted, “It’s fine. Aunt Rong can guide her, and Su Cha can supervise. She should adapt quickly.”

Steward Xue looked to Madam Nangong, who had no objections. “Let Zhen decide.”

The little maid was so happy she nearly jumped for joy—but no, she must behave! She’d celebrate in her room later… no, once she was out of the estate.

With the selection over, it was nearly lunchtime.

After lunch, Su Cha came to attend to Xianyu Zhen for her nap.

Seeing her again, Su Cha was visibly pleased. “Thank you, Miss, for not sending me away!”

Xianyu Zhen smiled. “You’ve always taken such good care of me. Why would I send you away?”

In her heart, she never considered Su Cha a mere servant, just an employee.

But Su Cha had been raised with a strict master-servant mentality by the Nangong family. In her eyes, absolute obedience to her mistress was paramount.

And choosing the right mistress mattered. With someone as thoughtful as Xianyu Zhen, her loyalty would be unwavering. Whatever command was given, she would follow, even into fire and water.

“Miss, choosing that Hua Xiaocui as a maid might cause you trouble,” Su Cha offered as a loyal subordinate, her tone gently cautionary.

“You think she’s a bit too rambunctious?” Xianyu Zhen chuckled. “But isn’t she rather endearing?”

She found the little maid amusing; her presence would surely bring more laughter to the house.

Su Cha saw nothing cute about Hua Xiaocui, but since her mistress didn’t mind, she would accept her. In any case, she could be trained over time.

After her nap, Madam Nangong had Steward Xue arrange for someone to take Xianyu Zhen’s measurements for new clothes.

A month later would be Nangong Ao’s birthday, and naturally, many important guests would be invited. The evening gowns had to be custom-made in advance.

Though Madam Nangong had no immediate plans to officially announce Xianyu Zhen’s identity, as a member of the Nangong family, she still needed to make an appearance.

After hours spent on fittings and choosing styles, the weekend slipped away.

That evening, Xianyu Zhen was asked to stay overnight, and Jiang Mohe also remained at the estate.

Previously, he had been suddenly reassigned. The other security officers speculated about his departure, but only Han Zhong knew the real reason.

Upon seeing him again, Han Zhong couldn’t resist teasing, “So, now that you’ve been promoted, you’ve forgotten your old sponsor? Never come back for a drink with me!”

Jiang Mohe knew he was joking. Working for the Nangong family meant total abstinence—there was no way they could share a drink.

He glanced at Han Zhong with calm indifference. “I’d have the time, but can you even approve your own leave?”

Han Zhong was momentarily taken aback, then gave him a hearty thump on the shoulder. “Look at you! Out in the world for a bit and you’ve picked up some wit, eh?”

Not bad at all—he’d finally shed some of that rigid seriousness.

Han Zhong remembered the first time he’d met Jiang Mohe after his return from abroad—his eyes were full of darkness and repression, his presence sharp and menacing. That was the aura of someone who had lived for years on the battlefield, soaked in blood and death.

But now, that murderous air had faded, and there was a new gentle light in his eyes.

What had changed him?

Suddenly, a message alert chimed.

Han Zhong, as if discovering a new continent, fished out a phone from Jiang Mohe’s coat pocket in amazement. “Didn’t you say you never used a phone?”