Empress’ Game: Make-up Master Chapter 27 - Openly Planting a Bomb

That made Wu Sheyue somewhat suspicious. Under normal circumstances, shouldn’t Jiang Qingxue be inserting a spy? Politicians and business managers both did that. Then again, she remembered that her assassin training had never been up to standard. Could it be that my ability is poor and I simply cannot tell? In the end, she could only casually point to two of them.

The maid holding the tray drew out the contracts for those two. The broker took the other six contracts and led the remaining girls away.

The two little girls knelt in unison before Wu Sheyue. Jiang Qingxue gave them a few routine instructions, then told them to stand aside. Wu Sheyue thought the matter was finished.

But when the maid at the side came to hand the contracts to Jiang Qingxue, Jiang Qingxue took them and said to Wu Sheyue, “Yue’er, I remember that you only have one second-rank maid here.”

Wu Sheyue gave an uncertain sound. She truly did not know what rank Ning’er was.

Jiang Qingxue smiled and pulled the tray-carrying maid in front of Wu Sheyue. “This one is called Bailian. She used to serve in Mother’s courtyard. From now on, Bailian will attend to your daily needs. I know this girl thoroughly, so with her here, I can feel at ease. Bailian, you must take good care of Third Miss.”

Bailian bowed charmingly to Wu Sheyue. “Yes. This servant greets Third Miss.”

Ning’er, standing to the side, felt full of bitterness. She had forgotten that she was only a second-rank maid. By rights, she should not be entering and leaving the young miss’s room. Then… from now on, will I no longer be Third Miss’s personal maid? Looking at Bailian’s clean, proper clothing and light, pretty makeup, she did indeed look much better than Ning’er. Sigh. No matter where one lives, people are divided into ranks.

Wu Sheyue finally looked properly at this maid who had been like background scenery. Bailian was fair and clean, with a graceful figure. But those foxy eyes made Wu Sheyue uncomfortable. Generally speaking, women with that kind of tilted gaze were rather tricky. And her name was Bailian? White Lotus? If her personality truly was like a white lotus, Wu Sheyue would have plenty to be annoyed about later.

At that moment, Wu Sheyue truly felt that Jiang Qingxue had courage. She understood one thing: if Wu Sheyue was going to suspect the person Jiang Qingxue sent over, then no matter whom Jiang Qingxue sent, she would be suspected. So it was better to openly insert one of her own people, making Wu Sheyue know exactly who the spy was, yet unable to do anything about it.

That feeling of disliking someone yet being unable to get rid of them is truly infuriating.

Wu Sheyue kept her expression calm and smiled faintly. “Mother, Ning’er has been with me for many years. Although she is a second-rank maid, she has always stayed by my side, and I am used to having her.”

“These are two separate matters. It is precisely because you are used to her that you act without proper manners. Bailian is not only clever and sensible, she has also learned palace-maid etiquette from a matron. Though it may make things less free for you in the future, once you marry, you will know this is all for your good.”

Wu Sheyue tugged Jiang Qingxue’s sleeve and began acting spoiled. “Mother, Ning’er has also devoted herself to me all these years. Why not let Ning’er become a first-rank maid alongside her?”

Jiang Qingxue immediately refused. “That would not be proper—”

“I only want Ning’er to learn bearing and etiquette properly and cultivate herself. After all, she suffered with me for several years. I also hope she can marry well in the future. Bailian will still be the one attending to my daily needs. I won’t use Ning’er anymore, all right? I’ll use Bailian.”

Jiang Qingxue paused. She actually believed it somewhat. If Wu Sheyue did not use Ning’er, then Bailian would still be the one by her side. At most, Ning’er would receive a first-rank maid’s monthly allowance in the future. That did not seem like a loss.

Wu Sheyue pressed on with her sweet act. “Mother, don’t worry. Yue’er keeps her word. If I say I won’t use Ning’er, then I won’t. Please agree, Mother. Yue’er does not want others to say she forgets old kindness. Don’t you agree?”

Jiang Qingxue sighed and tapped Wu Sheyue’s forehead with one finger. “You… what am I to say? If I refuse, would I not also gain a reputation for being harsh?”

“Thank you, Mother.”

Bailian carefully watched Wu Sheyue’s expression. Why do I have a bad feeling? That should not be the case. Madam said Third Miss had only just recovered from foolishness. Such a person should not be too intelligent.

After giving Wu Sheyue a few more reminders, Jiang Qingxue left on her own.

As she departed the west courtyard, her brows were tightly locked and her heart was conflicted. Wu Sheyue’s performance just now had been a little annoying, but nothing had been particularly wrong. On one hand, Jiang Qingxue loathed that face of hers. On the other, she felt that what the Old Madam had said earlier made sense.

After all, Yin Qiuming was dead. The past was completely over. It would be better for Jiang Qingxue to raise this child properly for two years, then find a suitable noble or powerful man and send her over as a second wife or favored concubine. With Wu Sheyue’s excellent looks, if Jiang Qingxue arranged things behind the scenes and made her win favor, once Wu Sheyue had a voice there, she would absolutely be able to help Ziqi.

Should I secretly take action and relieve the hatred in my heart, or keep Wu Sheyue and make use of her?

After walking for quite some time, Jiang Qingxue sighed. “As long as you behave, I will let you marry well and live steadily. But if you have crooked thoughts…”

(To be continued)