Bai Suihe quietly winked at her, and Dongmei seemed to see the young miss from before her marriage, her eyes softening involuntarily. The young miss had awakened.
Seeing the young miss follow rules in front of the old madam every day, these young maids felt distressed.
The young miss was dearly loved at home, but over this year, she suffered hardships no less than those of the maids.
They had subtly reminded her a few times, but the young miss said it was the rule, and all daughters-in-law had to endure it.
In her heart, she was aware that the young miss understood this was a high marriage, and knew the significance of the union. No matter how much dissatisfaction there was, she kept it all inside.
At that time, they were so angry that they gritted their teeth, blaming the young miss's wet nurse for always repeating the old village sayings to her, like "a daughter-in-law endures to become a mother-in-law," "filial piety is greater than the heavens," and "marry and follow the husband..."
Fortunately, the madam noticed something amiss, but thinking of the young miss's reputation, she gave that wet nurse a sum of silver to retire back in the countryside before the young miss got married.
In hindsight, it wasn't entirely the wet nurse's fault; the young miss had her considerations.
As for why they had even kept things from the maids like them before—Dongmei never thought about it.
The young miss is the master; when did masters ever have to explain to servants?
"The Third Young Madam feels dizzy; she should rest well; otherwise, when the Third Young Master returns, he will feel distressed." Dongmei helped her tuck in her blanket, then after seeing her young miss just wake up, with her rosy face, quickly walked to the dressing table and, using her body as a shield, swiftly applied a layer of powder on her cheeks.
Bai Suihe blinked; this girl was truly clever, knowing how to cover up for her.
She patted her hair with her hand, making herself appear more haggard.
The family physician arrived quickly, as the Third Young Madam had fainted the day before yesterday from overexertion.
If it got out that the Third Young Madam of a wealthy family fainted from fatigue, it would be a huge joke, but he had already received the old madam's hush money, so he dared not spread the news. For the next few days, he didn't dare leave the residence, fearing that if he spoke carelessly, he would offend these nobles.
Arriving at the Third Young Madam's courtyard, his eyes couldn't help showing some sympathy. If a woman didn't receive her mother-in-law's favor after marrying, even if there was much silver coin, life would not be easy.
The Third Room's Young Madam, the most luxurious among them, but she had the hardest time.
Diagnosing her pulse through a veil, the family physician found it strange how quickly her pulse had changed. How come today it felt so vigorous, she seemed very healthy?
Although he was suspicious in his heart, the family physician dared not speak out.
Unless one had taken some miraculous medicine, it was impossible for a person's pulse to change so dramatically overnight.
If he said it out loud, wouldn't that be slapping his own face, showing his medical skills were lacking?
Pondering for a moment, he then said mysteriously, "During the pregnancy of the Third Young Madam, one must avoid overthinking and focus on rest.
I will prepare a dose of fetus-preserving medicine for the Third Young Madam to stabilize her condition."
Bai Suihe was, of course, clear about her own health; upon waking this morning, all previous fatigue had vanished.
Now she simply didn't want to meet those women or get dragged into their infighting, as she had no experience and feared falling into traps. She decided to avoid conflict with them as much as possible before the confiscation of the family properties.
As for after the confiscation, who would care for her then? Any changes in temperament would likely go unnoticed.
Dongmei, receiving a look from Bai Suihe, quickly slipped a small pouch over, "Thank you, Sir. We hope the family physician will take great care of our Third Young Madam's health."
Feeling the lightness of the pouch, the family physician was delighted. Even though the Third Young Madam was not in a favorable position in the family, she had a solid foundation, showing her generosity.
Thinking again of the strange pulse earlier, he immediately nodded understandingly, "Pregnancy is never easy. The Third Young Madam should try to rest more and avoid prolonged standing or sitting. Balance rest and activity."
Bai Suihe admired the physician's discernment and instructed Chunxiang at the door, "Chunxiang, accompany the doctor back, and collect the medicine on your way back."
After the family physician left, it wasn't long before news reached the main house. The old madam, Xu Huizhen, sitting on the soft couch, pondered for a moment before saying to Nanny Zhou beside her, "Ms. Bai is not in good health; we shouldn't let outsiders say I am harsh as a mother-in-law. Instruct the kitchen to look after the Third Room these few days. Whatever the household has should be prioritized for them."
Nanny Zhou bowed her head in agreement; she understood the old madam's meaning. The main kitchen's provisions were fixed daily, so if the Third Young Madam wanted better, she'd have to pay for it herself.
When the Third Young Madam makes delicious food, it can't just stay in their main estate; maybe the other rooms will benefit as well.
Bai Suihe was unaware of the old madam's intentions. By now, she was already up, getting dressed with the help of the maids. The time left for her was now limited; she had to seize it.
"Miss, is this okay?" Chunxiang was a little anxious. Though her figure was not much different from the young miss, even if her hair was styled the same, they were not the same person.
"What's the matter? After I leave, you just lie on the bed and draw the canopy; who would come to check on us?" Bai Suihe carefully inspected her appearance, continuously comparing her face.
Modern makeup techniques could be equivalent to plastic surgery. Back then, when she was working, she studied with female colleagues frequently. Although not as skilled as those in big photo studios, she was able to change someone's appearance.
Indeed, the reflection in the bronze mirror began to slowly change, her features gradually resembling Chunxiang's.
With the same clothes and head lowered, it wouldn't be easy to recognize from the profile.
Besides, a maid going in and out wouldn't be noticed as long as she remained silent throughout the journey; there was no way to fail.
Chunxiang and Dongmei watched Bai Suihe in amazement. Having served her for so long, they never knew the young miss had such a skill.
The two maids did not doubt it. When Mrs. Bai was training the young miss, she had hired many tutors, perhaps one of them taught this in class.
Bai Suihe straightened her hair, ensuring everything was in order, she then waved to the two maids, carrying a food box towards the corner gate of the backyard.
Chunxiang grew anxious, palms sweating, "Dongmei, do you think the young miss will be really alright?
The young miss going out alone—I really don't feel at ease. Why don't you follow her out?"
"We must listen to the young miss. You quickly lie down on the bed. I have to handle things here; we cannot let anyone discover the young miss's departure. That would truly be an irreversible disaster." Dongmei remained calm. Since the young miss made the decision, it was not for them to question, so they must keep it secret for the young miss.
Bai Suihe, as mentioned by Chunxiang, discreetly slipped a silver coin to the woman guarding the gate. The woman asked no questions and immediately opened the door, "Chunxiang girl, remember to come back early."
Bai Suihe did not reply, only nodded, quickly disappearing outside the gate.
The gatekeeper woman was puzzled; why didn't Chunxiang girl chat with her today? Was something wrong with the Third Young Madam?