Chapter 12

The much-anticipated "talent show" finally began, with the girls, seven at a time, walking in batches to be inspected by the old matriarch. This made Xu Hao feel as if he had been transported through time, as if he were watching a modern beauty pageant or a TV drama about a palace selection.

However, the quality of the beauties varied greatly; some were beautiful, while others were ugly. It seemed that the old lady did not place a high value on appearance, but rather focused on their posture when walking and standing.

Those who were slightly hunched, had a humpback, walked unsteadily, or had severe pigeon-toed or splayed feet were all eliminated.

In addition, those whose appearance was truly unappealing, who were too tall or too short, had yellowish hair, were too thin or too fat, had an unpleasant voice, spoke unclearly, stuttered, or were incoherent were also eliminated.

What surprised Xu Hao, yet made sense, was that a few girls who spoke quickly and accurately, with lively expressions, were also eliminated. As his second sister, Xu Cuitaos, put it, they looked like people who were quick-witted and enjoyed stirring up trouble.

Of course, girls who were overly alluring, had sharp features, and were exceptionally plump were also not to the old lady's liking. Soon, out of about thirty girls, only seventeen or eighteen remained.

Lady Wang suddenly became nervous because the old matriarch was staring at the one she had her eye on. Lady Liu gave Lady Xiao a meaningful look, indicating that this was the one.

Lady Xiao took a closer look and indeed saw a beautiful young lady, with eyebrows like the spring mountains and eyes like the autumn waters, probably around fourteen or fifteen years old.

"What a pretty girl, who are you?" the old matriarch asked.

The girl's voice trembled with nervousness as she replied, "I, I am the daughter of Lady Zhao, who is in charge of the night patrol."

Old Lady Xu whispered an explanation, "Her mother is the widow Zhao, who is responsible for the night patrol in the inner quarters. Her husband died in battle with the old master. Lady Wang has been very kind to them, so this child has never suffered much."

"Hmm." The old lady nodded slowly, looking deeply at the girl and said softly, "Show me your hands, don't be afraid."

"Yes." The girl took a deep breath and extended her arm, revealing her delicate hands.

Xu Hao, who was sitting on the side watching, said, "Indeed, she looks like she has never suffered."

Xu Cuitaos sneered, "Not only has she never suffered, but even I can't afford to offend her. She's just like her flirtatious mother, not a good person at all."

Xu Hao pondered his second sister's words and observed the girl's beautiful face carefully. Unfortunately, he lacked the ancient skill of reading people and couldn't discern much.

The girl, having followed Lady Xiao's advice, was now standing with a plain face, wearing a half-new, half-old green dress. Due to her nervousness, apart from her natural beauty, there was nothing particularly special about her.

But the old lady, with her sharp eyes, observed the girl's reaction intently, pondered for a moment, and then gently shook her head.

Xu Cuitaos praised, "No wonder you are our grandmother, your eyes are like a torch."

There was something going on here! Xu Hao, not being stupid, immediately thought of his older brother, Xu Wen, who was hiding on the wall. He deduced that this girl must have some feelings for Xu Wen, otherwise, his second sister wouldn't have said she couldn't afford to offend her.

"This girl is very pretty, and her mother dotes on her, pampering her with fine skin. It would be a waste to make her a maid. Forget it."

The old lady said regretfully, then turned her gaze away. Lady Liu and Lady Xiao exchanged a knowing look, and Lady Liu subtly smiled at her sister-in-law.

Lady Wang immediately jumped in, saying, "I have watched this child grow up from a young age. She is gentle and kind. Please keep her."

The old lady thought for a moment, then nodded and smiled, "Since you have spoken, and I like this child too, she will stay with me from now on."

Lady Wang was immediately stunned, speechless, and Lady Liu almost burst out laughing.

In the end, sixteen girls remained, all of whom were to stay in the old matriarch's courtyard for a few days of training. Xu Hao didn't know if Qiuxiang and her sisters had made it through. He bid farewell to the old lady and followed his mother back to their courtyard.

On the way, Qiuxiang and Dongxue were jumping and laughing, while Chunyue and Xiayu looked gloomy. The answer was obvious.

Xu Qinglian comforted them as they walked, "After all, our family is not a large household in the capital, so we can't keep too many maids. Each person has their own destiny, so try to be optimistic."

Xu Hongye, holding her sister's warm hand, pouted, "Grandma is really something. With so many brothers and sisters, she only kept sixteen. According to the rules, she should keep four, and each of the three ladies should keep two. How will the remaining six be divided?"

Xu Qinglian was taken aback, then said happily, "Hongye is right. You two should be patient for a few days; there might still be a chance."

Chunyue was surprised, "Do you mean there will be another selection for maids? That would be a blessing."

Xu Hao suddenly spoke up, "There won't be another chance. You two should give up. When the other mansion needs maids, I'll try to help and send your sisters there. It will depend on their luck then."

Chunyue was anxious, "Why? There aren't enough maids."

Xiayu was dejected, "If we can't make it here, it will be even harder at the other mansion, where the rules are stricter. Sigh!"

Xu Hao smiled but didn't respond. Honestly, he had great faith in the old lady's judgment and experience and didn't want to bring in trouble out of pity.

Even Lady Xiao, walking at the front, said unhappily, "That's enough. You girls should stop wasting your time. When will it be your turn to speak out of turn?"

Chunyue and Xiayu were startled and quickly lowered their heads, not daring to say another word. Xu Qinglian could only smile bitterly, while Hongye didn't care.

Back in the courtyard, Lady Xiao signaled for her son to follow her into the house. Xu Hongye was about to follow, but her sister pulled her into the main room on the left side.

The flower hall was empty without the maids. Xu Hao poured two cups of cold tea and brought them to his mother.

Lady Xiao watched her son's every move silently. When Xu Hao finished and sat down, she said, "You said there won't be another chance. Tell me, how do you see this?"

Xu Hao gulped down the cold tea in one go. Lady Xiao quickly said, "Oh, slow down, be careful not to hurt your stomach."

"It's fine." Xu Hao put down the empty cup and raised his arm to wipe his mouth. Lady Xiao said, "Come here."

"Okay." Xu Hao put down his arm, stood up, and walked to Lady Xiao. She took out a white silk handkerchief and gently wiped the water from the corners of his mouth. For a moment, Xu Hao felt as if his mother from his past life and the one in front of him were overlapping.

Shaking off his thoughts, Xu Hao said, "Selecting a maid has involved so many people. How could the old lady remain unaffected? I bet her people will bring in some maids, and after picking and choosing, there will be no fewer than ten."

"My son has finally grown up." Lady Xiao was delighted and patted Xu Hao's forehead.

Xu Hao smiled, "Big Sister is about to get married. This time, Hongye and I can each keep one or none at all, and give four more maids to Big Sister. She is the young lady of the Xu family, so we can't be too frugal."

"Oh, you're worried about your sister?" Lady Xiao pretended to be angry and huffed, "Look what you're saying. Your sister has had Chunyue and Xiayu since she was young, which is enough. Even in wealthy families, a young lady usually has only two close maids to attend to her, because girls are sensitive and have many private matters. Having too many people around is not good."

Xu Hao thought about it and found it reasonable. Noble young ladies often seemed mysterious, but they still had to eat, drink, sleep, and have embarrassing moments. If there were too many close maids, rumors would surely spread.

It was like in the modern world, where leaders have many subordinates, but only a few, like their secretaries and drivers, are truly trusted and always by their side.

Lady Xiao smiled, "But you are right. The young lady's status cannot be compromised. After you and Hongye have chosen, the rest can be her second-tier maids."