"!!"
At her words, Xue Baochai's heart gave a sudden leap, and the silver needle in her hand accidentally pricked her finger.
A tiny bead of crimson immediately appeared.
But she had no time to worry about it. She merely sucked on the wound, then abruptly raised her eyes and quickly scanned the area beyond the doors and windows. Only after confirming there was no one nearby did she turn back to the mother seated across from her.
"Mother!"
"You must never speak of such things in front of outsiders!"
"Walls have ears. If this reaches Third Sister or Grandmother's ears, won't we have offended them for no reason?"
"After all, we're guests here!"
Though her voice was quiet, it carried a rare note of sternness and caution.
"Oh, look at this mouth of mine!"
"I won't say it again!"
Aunt Xue hurriedly covered her mouth and pleaded for forgiveness. She clearly knew that Third Miss was now favored by Grandmother, and was no mere concubine-born young lady. What she had just said had indeed been rather out of line.
"..."
Seeing her mother's expression change, Xue Baochai realized she had spoken too harshly. She softened her voice, but continued earnestly:
"Mother may not know this, but that Immortal Annie behaves in a way that is utterly unlike ordinary people. She pays no heed to worldly rules or distinctions of rank."
"She gets along with Third Sister, so she is willing to offer her some guidance. When the mood strikes her, she'll casually give a few pointers on cultivation to the maids in Daiyu's courtyard, Zijuan and Xueyan."
"But when it comes to anyone else, even Baoyu..."
She paused, lowering her voice further.
"You don't know, but Baoyu has used his connection to Cousin Lin to beg and sound her