C17 Of the Ten Women Nine Had More Thoughts!

Yuvyuv paused deliberately in her speech.

Seeing the puzzled look on Xiaotao's face, she leaned in and whispered, "I heard from Old Li, who drives for my dad, that he praised your skill and cleverness on his way to work."

"Really, Fifth Miss?"

Xiaotao's initially anxious and guarded expression shifted to one of secret delight. Trying not to show too much, she quickly looked down, a bit shy. "Fifth Miss, you're teasing. How could I possibly earn the master's praise? It's just what I'm supposed to do."

Yuvyuv coldly eyed Xiaotao, a mocking smile in her heart. But she didn't show it on her face. Suddenly, her expression changed, and she sighed, "Ah, it's a pity. You've been diligently serving Second Concubine, but she doesn't appreciate your efforts. I've overheard her telling my dad that you're clumsy and getting too old to be a maid, saying you’re an eyesore in the house and a disgrace to our family. She wants to send you away soon."

"What? Fifth Miss, did Second Concubine really say that?"

Xiaotao's face, once proud, turned from red to green to white, with resentment slowly surfacing in her eyes. Her hands clenched tightly without her realizing it.

Yuvyuv timely reached out and gently patted Xiaotao's tense shoulder.

With a hint of advice, she said, "Xiaotao, people should plan for themselves early on. Otherwise, you might end up being discarded like trash after a lifetime of hard work, and that would be a real shame."

Nianci had been listening to her sister's words, unsure of what she was up to. But she knew her sister's nature—she didn't like being interrupted when she had plans—so she stayed back.

By now, Xiaotao's face was quite troubled. She lifted her head, mustering the courage to meet Fifth Miss's gaze, her tone slightly firmer, "Fifth Miss, if you have something to say, just say it. What do you want me to do?"

Yuvyuv raised an eyebrow, thinking to herself that Xiaotao was indeed sharp, quickly seeing through her intentions. As the old saying goes, nine out of ten women are full of schemes. Xiaotao wasn't a fool. But what if she wasn't? In this era, if a maid didn't want to climb up the social ladder, she'd be at the mercy of the family, discarded at will. Those who wanted to rise had to be smart and plan ahead, just like Xiaotao, who wasn't content to remain a maid forever. Discontent leads to ambition.

Yuvyuv smiled faintly. She looked at Xiaotao and said slowly, "You're clever. As long as you're not foolish, you should know what to say and what not to say later. My father is just in his early forties, in his prime, and needs someone to take care of him. Don't you think?"

"Fifth Miss, would you help me?" Xiaotao's eyes lit up.

Yuvyuv neither nodded nor shook her head, just smiled and gestured, "Would you like to come with us to see the Second Concubine?"

Xiaotao stared at the Fifth Miss for a few seconds, her mind racing. She thought, "This is the apple of the master's eye, the most favored Fifth Miss. If I gain her favor..." Even if she couldn't catch the master's eye, being close to the Fifth Miss would still bring her prestige. Just like Xiaoju, the maid serving the Fifth Miss. Xiaoju wasn't as smart as she was, yet no one dared to mess with her. As the saying goes, you have to respect the owner before you can kick the dog.

"Fifth Miss, I'll go with you, but I ask for one promise," Xiaotao said, about to kneel.

Yuvyuv waved her hand, "What do you want?"

"I wish to serve by your side, Fifth Miss. I swear to be loyal and serve you faithfully," Xiaotao quickly pledged her loyalty.

“Hmm?”

Yuvyuv paused for a moment, glanced at Xiaotao, and nodded slightly. “Sure, I'll mention it to my dad later.”

“Thank you, Fifth Miss.” Xiaotao felt a wave of happiness.

Without waiting for more from Yuvyuv, she hurried downstairs. As she reached the stairway, she turned back to explain, “Fifth Miss, I need to head over there first.”

“Go ahead.”

Yuvyuv waved her off.

At this moment, her older sister, Nianci, couldn't hold back any longer and stepped forward to take Yuvyuv's hand.

“Yuvyuv, are you really planning to keep Xiaotao by your side as your maid? From what I see, she might not be the easiest to manage.”

Nianci's words carried a hint of warning. Anyone with a keen eye could tell Xiaotao was a bit of a handful.