Empress’ Game: Make-up Master Chapter 55 - A Reasonable Distribution

The old lady claimed she was making everyone an outfit so they could all be happy together, but in reality, she was reminding the younger generation: my good day is coming, so you should prepare gifts.

Ah, she was truly shrewd.

Wu Sheyue, a poor person who had only just reached a modest level of comfort, would find it very difficult to compete with the others when it came to gift-giving. Even though she had made a haul from Nanny Wang’s place, she had spent quite a bit buying things recently. She definitely could not compare to the accumulated resources of the other branches of the household.

This would need careful thought.

After Wu Sheyue washed and got up, she obediently had her measurements taken. As Ning’er served her breakfast, she shared the news she had gathered.

“Miss, I heard Nanny Wang was sent to the authorities. Her family was driven out of the Prime Minister’s Residence, but at least they weren’t implicated.”

“So Mother recovered quite a bit of her losses?” Wu Sheyue took a sip of porridge and thought that this punishment seemed rather light.

“I don’t know about that. But the Old Madam has seemed off these last two days.”

Wu Sheyue’s heart moved. She had been so quiet these past two days, doing nothing but working. It seemed the credit for catching corruption had not been placed on her head.

“All right. We’ll go see the old lady in a bit.” No matter what, she had to probe the old lady’s preferences recently.

After breakfast, Wu Sheyue went to Qunxing Studio. As soon as she arrived, she made the rare discovery that aside from Wu Liuyun, everyone had arrived before her.

Wu Lixiang was doing everything she could to make the Old Madam laugh, and even Wu Yin’er wore a rare smile. Only Wu Jinghua sat properly to one side with her head lowered, neither speaking nor looking at anyone. She seemed even more listless than Wu Sheyue.

The corner of Wu Sheyue’s mouth lifted. With everyone here so neatly, it seemed a birthday celebration really was a major event. Even Wu Jinghua, who had been grounded, had been released without charge.

The Old Madam had probably been angered by Nanny Wang, and there was still a trace of irritation between her brows. But lately, she regarded Wu Sheyue rather favorably. As soon as she saw her, she smiled and beckoned. “Girl Yue, come here quickly. What happened to your complexion?”

Wu Sheyue smiled and followed the motion to sit by the Old Madam’s side, acting spoiled.

“Grandmother, Yue’er hasn’t slept well these last two days. My courtyard is like it has rats. Things keep knocking around in the middle of the night, and I can’t sleep peacefully. These past two days, Yue’er has nearly been unable to get out of bed.”

“Is that so? Have people scatter some medicine around your courtyard. The furniture is good. Don’t let rats gnaw on it.”

“Yes. Yue’er has already had people handle it.”

When Wu Lixiang saw that the Old Madam ignored her as soon as Wu Sheyue arrived, she cut in sourly, “Third Sister, is it really rats? Could it be something else? You should be careful.”

Wu Sheyue smiled brightly. “Everyone should be careful. There have been a lot of snakes, rats, bugs, and ants lately. In any case, if they run into me, I won’t be merciful.”

Tch. Wu Lixiang had found no opening and pursed her lips unhappily.

“All right, all right. You little girls only know how to spar with your mouths.” Seeing Wu Sheyue put the Old Madam in a better mood. She waved to a maid at the side. “Go, bring the things over.”

As soon as she heard there were good things, Wu Lixiang’s smile immediately returned.

“Grandmother, what are you bringing out?”

“Isn’t the young prince from Prince Yu’s manor returning to court today? He brought many local treasures from the Coldlands. The old Princess Yu is delighted and sent some to every household. I’ll give you girls a few to wear for novelty.”

As soon as those words were spoken, the girls in the room all grew interested. Not only did the dispirited Wu Jinghua raise her head, even Wu Yin’er looked curiously at the Old Madam and asked, “Grandmother, do you mean that young prince from Prince Yu’s manor has returned?”

“Yes. The young prince has been gone for more than three months. The old Princess Yu is very happy.”

Wu Sheyue had no idea who they were talking about. She only felt that this prince-this or prince-that title sounded very vulgar.

Wu Yin’er softly praised, “If they were brought back by the young prince, they must be very precious.”

“Yes.” Wu Lixiang nodded repeatedly, smiling like a flower. “Anything the young prince brings back must be good.”

Wu Sheyue looked at their expressions and suddenly found it amusing. These women’s expressions were so sweet that it could not just be because they liked jewelry. This legendary young prince must be a calamity in human form.

The items were brought over, and the Old Madam personally reached out to receive them. Wu Sheyue had already been close by, while Wu Jinghua and Wu Lixiang, seated farther back, could not help leaning closer to look.

The Old Madam lifted the red cloth from the tray. On it were four crystal spheres, each the size of a fingernail and in different colors. Though small, they were extremely clear and translucent. Even under ordinary daylight, they were dazzling.

The four crystals were each set into five waist pendants, all with white knots and matching tassels hanging down.

“Heavens…” Wu Lixiang murmured. She had never seen such glittering jewels.

The Old Madam tossed the red cloth onto the table and held the tray. “I hear these are called cold crystals. They can only be found in the Coldlands. See which one you like. Each of you gets one.”

Wu Jinghua and Wu Lixiang were still considering which color was prettier when Wu Sheyue blinked curiously and asked, “Grandmother, what about Eldest Sister’s?”

Wu Sheyue’s attitude of looking after the main branch pleased the Old Madam very much. “Your eldest sister has been studying hard these last two days. I already had someone send hers over.”

Wu Sheyue nodded. “Oh. Then Yue’er can relax.”

Of course Wu Lixiang knew what Wu Sheyue meant. She disdained this kind of flattery, and she disdained the Old Madam’s excuse as well. Studying hard and unable to come? She had long heard that Nanny Wang, who worked under the First Madam, had caused trouble. The First Madam had been upset these past two days. It would be strange if Wu Liuyun had time to come.

Grandmother too. Wu Liuyun was so unfilial, yet Grandmother had still secretly sent her the best one. Being legitimate really was a good fate.

Still, the Old Madam had indeed been coaxed into happiness by Wu Sheyue’s thoughtfulness. She directly asked, “Girl Yue, which one do you like?”

At that question, Wu Lixiang was furious, but she still had to hold in her smile and swallow her anger. It was truly painful.

“Thank you, Grandmother!” Wu Sheyue immediately thanked her sweetly. It was always beneficial to be polite. She stared at the tray, hesitated, and said, “Yue’er thinks they’re all pretty. Any one is fine… Why not let Fifth Sister choose first? Fifth Sister is the youngest.”

The Old Madam’s smile deepened the wrinkles on her face. “You really are attentive, thinking of all your sisters. Fifth girl, come see which one you want.”

Wu Yin’er probably had not expected anyone to think of her. For a moment, she was overwhelmed by the unexpected favor. She slowly came forward from the back, face slightly flushed, and said very shyly, “Thank you, Grandmother. Thank you, Third Sister.”