"Then this servant will report back as such." The maid placed the teacup down and stood up: "I shall return now to deliver the message, so as not to disturb the Madam any further."
Xiqiu did not ask her to stay and instructed Biwu to see her out.
Early the next day, Ruan Pingrong and Le Xiu arrived at the mansion, accompanied by Miss Huang. The three were surrounded by a group of older women and maids, chatting and laughing as they entered. Xiqiu came out from the side room, looked at the three young women, and smiled: "I thought you would come a bit later."
"Madam!" The three of them greeted Xiqiu with a bow. Ruan Pingrong laughed and replied, "I was dragged out of the bed by my cousin."
