Chapter 6: 006 Seniority and Hierarchy

Xue Qianwu had been listening attentively from the side for quite some time, and she had sensed that something was amiss. Usually, Qiange was very close to Third Younger Sister, yet after waking up from this beating, her attitude had suddenly changed. Furthermore, Third Younger Sister's behavior was also somewhat different from usual. Could there really be some hidden truth behind this incident regarding the borrowed hairpin?

Thinking this to herself, Xue Qianwu remained composed and said with a smile, "Look at me, I completely forgot. Third Younger Sister has been here for so long, why are you still standing? Usually, when you come over, you sit down immediately. Why are you being so polite today? Xique, quickly help Third Young Lady sit down."

Xue Qiandai leaned on Xique's hand to sit down, saying aggrievedly, "As soon as I arrived today, Second Sister began establishing rules for me. How would I dare to take the initiative to sit down?"

"Third Younger Sister really knows how to tease me," Qiange gave a soft laugh. "Although I am the host of this room, Sister is the legitimate eldest daughter and holds the highest status. If Third Younger Sister had politely invited Sister to sit first, Sister, being affectionate, would naturally have allowed Third Younger Sister to sit as well. Even a common maid would understand such a simple principle; since Third Younger Sister has studied the *Women's Precepts* extensively, how could you not be aware of it? By saying this, aren't you essentially insulting me? I am not one of those people who doesn't understand rules or fails to distinguish between seniority and status."

Xue Qiandai's face instantly turned from green to white, and the smile on her face nearly failed to hold.

Xue Qianwu opened her mouth slightly; she had certainly gained some insight today. She hadn't expected her Qiange to possess such excellent eloquence, leaving one utterly speechless.

Xue Qiandai struggled to suppress the anger in her chest, telling herself to endure it. Now was not the time to tear faces with these two贱women; they still had utility value. She and her mother would play the "good cop" and "bad cop" roles to better manipulate them.

Xue Qianwu was fortunate; she had been engaged to her aunt's cousin since she was three years old. Her aunt's family held high official positions in the capital, so her grandmother and father placed great importance on this marriage. She and her mother also hoped to latch onto Xue Qianwu's in-laws and marry into a noble family in the capital.

As for that little wench Xue Qiange, Xue Qiandai sneered inwardly. Her mother had already picked out a match for her, and they were just waiting to plan everything out to marry her off. Let this little wench enjoy herself for a few more days; there would be plenty of time for her to cry later!

Xue Qiandai lowered her head and gently brushed the bangs from her forehead. When she raised her head again, she assumed a frail appearance and said, "Second Sister's teachings today have been most beneficial. I am accustomed to playing around with my two sisters and occasionally lost my sense of decorum. I will certainly keep Second Sister's words in mind from now on and pay attention to etiquette at all times, so as not to give those sharp-tongued people any ammunition to use against me."

Qiange smiled. "As long as Third Younger Sister conducts herself properly and doesn't accidentally lose her sense of decorum again, I imagine even the most strict person wouldn't be able to find fault with you."

Xue Qiandai pursed her lips and fell silent. This wench was deliberately opposing her today; she would make her pay later!

Seeing that the three young ladies had stopped talking, Xique, being observant, immediately went to pour tea.

"Third Younger Sister's maid is quite thoughtful," Qiange smiled. "After talking for so long, I am indeed thirsty."

Xique was about to bring the tea to Xue Qiandai, and Xue Qiandai was also preparing to reach out, but upon hearing this, she abruptly stopped her movement.

Xique, having listened in the room for so long, was quite clever. She immediately pivoted her steps, walked in front of Xue Qianwu, and said respectfully, "Eldest Young Lady, please have some tea."

Xue Qianwu smiled as she accepted the teacup. It seemed that Qiange's outburst had not been without effect; in the past, how could Huamei or Xique have ever performed the task of serving tea and water for them?

Xique poured two more cups of tea, serving them to Qiange and Xue Qiandai in turn, and then obediently retreated to the side, standing as still as a pillar with her eyes cast down.

Qiange's gaze swept over Xique's face as she slowly savored the tea in her hand. She remembered that in her past life, it was this seemingly well-behaved and sensible maid who had stabbed Xue Qiandai in the back, causing her to be disfigured by her cousin from the Xue Ning Estate. It had caused such a scandal that everyone in the Xue Ning Estate knew of it, and she even became a temporary laughingstock among the young ladies of the capital.

Qiange's slender fingers lingered for a moment on the silver-inlaid lotus pattern of the teacup, and the corners of her lips curled up slightly.