Hui Chun was, after all, a maid trained by Ling Changyi herself, practically her spokesperson.
If it were in the past, being bullied like this, Hui Chun's few sharp words could always drive people away.
But this time, before Hui Chun could even turn to look at Ling Changyi, she was directly slapped hard across the face.
The crisp sound of the slap echoed in the room, making Hui Chun's head spin slightly.
"You clueless thing, these are things you can say? Hurry up and leave this afternoon, don't continue to embarrass yourself here."
Ling Changyi scolded angrily, directly chasing Hui Chun out. She took a deep breath and her gaze fell on Ju Qing. Her father was determined to monitor her every move, even sending such an astute maid.
"It was my oversight. Fortunately, you reminded me, otherwise I would have disappointed Father's good intentions. My maid is from the countryside and doesn't understand etiquette. Please don't take what she said to heart."
"Eldest Miss, you are too kind. We are merely here to serve Eldest Miss on Old Master's orders and cannot bear such treatment from Eldest Miss."
Ju Qing had a somber face, appearing unyielding. She truly lived up to being chosen by her father to be sent here, and was indeed difficult to deal with.
Ling Changyi, having been put in an awkward position more than once, managed a strained smile. Her hands, hidden in her sleeves, clenched into fists. She had no choice but to allow Ju Qing and the other three to enter and serve.
...
"Madam, what is the background of these four? How can they be so formidable? Especially that Ju Qing, she acts as if she is the mistress."
Hui Chun, recalling how Ju Qing had spoken to her earlier, couldn't help but gossip in front of Ling Changyi.
"She was assigned by Father. You should avoid her in the future and not clash with her."
"Yes... Madam..." Hui Chun had intended to provoke Ling Changyi into supporting her by saying a few inflammatory words. She hadn't expected such a response and was momentarily stunned. With a heart full of confusion, she nodded in agreement.
*Bang... Bang... Bang...*
A regular knocking sound came from outside the door, and then the door was pushed open from the outside. Ju Qing walked in with a blank expression, bowed to Ling Changyi, and said, "Eldest Miss, Old Master requests you to dine in the dining hall."
"I'll change my clothes and go over."
After relaying the message, Ju Qing did not linger and walked away directly.
"Madam, look at her arrogant demeanor, she truly doesn't put you..."
The rest of her words were cut short by a stern glare from Ling Changyi, and Hui Chun swallowed them back.
Ling Changyi slammed the cup in her hand down on the table, glanced at Hui Chun, and reprimanded, "Don't spread gossip and stir up trouble here. This is the Ling Manor, not some countryside village. The Ling Manor despises gossiping maids the most. Keep your mouth shut."
"This servant understands." Hui Chun lowered her head and replied.
"Go get that peony embroidered dress. I'll wear that one."
"Yes, Madam."
By the time Ling Changyi arrived at the dining hall, it was still empty. It seemed she was early. She surveyed the place. She had entered this dining hall very few times in her life.
As a concubine's daughter, she was inherently of lower status. Moreover, her father had always disliked her, and her mother had passed away early, leaving her to be raised on a manor for several years. Sometimes, even the servants in the manor didn't take her seriously.
Fortunately, the late Grand Madam had a kind heart and didn't make things too difficult for her. After returning to the Ling family, she had enough to eat and wear, but it was like keeping a cat or dog.
The other sisters had all married into prominent families, while she could only choose someone early and be married off. Little did she expect that just two years after her marriage, her husband's family would go bankrupt.
If she hadn't pawned all her dowry and worked tirelessly to make ends meet, she would have likely been abused and beaten to death by that useless man.
To return after many years and still be treated with such indifference, Ling Changyi's resentment and dissatisfaction grew.
"You're quite early. Please be seated first."
Old Master Ling's steady voice sounded from behind. Ling Changyi's body trembled slightly. Her eyes shifted, her expression of resentment vanishing, and she turned around with a gentle smile. "Father is here. Please sit down first, Father. I'll serve you a bowl of soup."
Saying that, Ling Changyi solicitously served a bowl of soup and presented it to Old Master Ling. "Before you eat, drink the warm soup to warm your stomach. This way, you'll feel more comfortable after the meal."
"You've become much more sensible than before."
"Before, I was young and ignorant, and made many mistakes that disappointed Father. I've returned home this time because I want to take good care of Father and show filial piety by your side..."
"Alright, sit down first. The younger generation will arrive soon. You are their elder, after all. How can you let them see you in this state? It's improper."
Ling Changyi's lips twitched awkwardly, but she hid her inner emotions and smiled in agreement. Just as she was about to sit down next to Old Master Ling, she heard the sound of chopsticks falling. Ling Changyi, who was about to pull out a chair, froze abruptly.
"Look, there's a place to put the chopsticks, but they insisted on placing them on the bowl, and now they've fallen. It seems one shouldn't place them haphazardly!"
Old Master Ling murmured to himself, a look of regret on his face. He then instructed a maid to pick up the dropped chopsticks, discard them, and bring a new pair.
Seeing this, Ling Changyi understood the implication and directly took a seat further away from Old Master Ling.
As soon as she sat down, Ling Mu Zhu walked in. "Greetings, Grandfather, Aunt."
"You've worked hard studying. Sit down quickly and eat first. No need to wait for your eldest brother and sister-in-law. After eating, hurry back to your studies. The imperial examinations are approaching, not a moment of slackness should be allowed."
"Grandfather, please rest assured. In the past two days, Eldest Brother has personally guided me, and I am confident for this imperial examination."
He was indeed uncertain before, but after his Eldest Brother's meticulous guidance in the past two days, he felt a sudden enlightenment and was full of confidence for this imperial examination.
"With your Eldest Brother guiding you, I am at ease. If you achieve high honors this time, a great weight will be lifted from my heart."
He had always been worried about Ling Mu Zhu. Earlier, this child had been led astray by his good-for-nothing father. Fortunately, he had turned over a new leaf and was now solely focused on preparing for the imperial examinations. As long as he achieved high honors, his future would be secure, and his greatest concern would be resolved.
"Mu Zhu is intelligent, he will surely achieve high honors in this imperial examination. Father need not worry too much."
Ling Changyi said gently, her gaze towards Ling Mu Zhu filled with affection.
However, this caused Ling Mu Zhu some embarrassment, as he had absolutely no memory of this aunt, and this was their first meeting.