Compared to the completely deserted main courtyard, the east courtyard was bustling with life. The Momos-in-charge continuously came to her door, asking Third Young Miss what they should do with a new master in the manor. They heard the rumor about Second and Third Young Miss were extremely hostile with each other, and had recently fought a few times. Lin Shi had a deep hatred for Third Young Miss. If the two of them were in charge of the manor, the situation would be very disadvantageous for the Third Young Miss.
However, Third Young Missâ backer was the Marquis. Therefore, whether she was in charge of the manor or not, no one could bully her. On the contrary, as long as Yu Xiang showed a bit of intention to do so, the Momos-in-charge would be willing to plot against Lin Shi and Second Young Miss, to help Third Young Miss take back the reign.
Although, in the beginning, it was true that they were really dissatisfied with Yu Xiang, when they could no longer grease their belly. Nevertheless, as long as the work was done well, Yu Xiang would provide additional silvers every month and there would also be generous bonuses annually during festivals. Compared to the little profits they took here and there, this money was taken with a peace of mind, righteously, and taken without biting their hands. Thus their lives were more comfortable than ever before.
If a new person was in charge, there would be different kinds of regulations and they would be at loss as to what to do so they came to seek advice from Third Young Miss.
Yu Xiang was lazily lounging on the couch. She held a random book in her hand, waved her other hand and said, âDonât ask me about it. In the future, these matters are not my responsibility. You must not forget the rules of the manor, and it is only right that you keep your head down and do your job well so that no one can catch you making a mistake. All of you can leave now, Iâm going to sleep.â She yawned as she covered her mouth.
Not letting anyone catch you making a mistake? Thatâs true. The new person in charge cracks the whip three times[1], who knows what Second Young Miss was thinking? She was not like Third Young Miss who was always fair, impartial and abided by the rules in everything. If she didnât like someone, she might just find an excuse to bring them down and replace them with one of her own. The days ahead arenât going to be easy!
The Momos-in-charge benefited from the advice, apologised and quietly exited the room. Before meeting Yu Miao Qi, her impression of her had already deteriorated a bit, but it also increased with the Momoâs vigilance.
When Yu Pin Yan returned home, his sister was already asleep with her little mouth slightly opened revealing a little âpink tongueâ as she mumbled a few words in her sleep from time to time. She looked indescribably lovely and delicate. He sat on the edge of the couch and stared at her for a long while. Only when the Old Madam sent someone to invite him over did he quietly leave. not forgetting to move his younger sisterâs exposed arm under the blanket and gently rubbing her red and full lips.
In the main courtyard, the Old Madam received her grandson solemnly and didnât even smile when she saw him. She got to the point and bluntly said, âYanâer, I didnât take back your motherâs right to be in charge of the manor, but I was hoping that she would make a big mistake so that I could repudiate her marriage for her and kick her out of the manor. Iâve endured fourteen years, and Iâve had enough. She disobeys her parents[2] resulting in going against morals. She is jealous[3] which results in disharmony in the family. She talks too much or gossip about other people[4] causing distance between the family. Take a look, out of the seven rules[5] she had already committed three. If she sincerely repents this time and focuses on taking care of the manor, Iâll let her off. But, if she doesnât repent and stir up trouble, Iâll have to give her a letter of repudiation. Yanâer, what do you think?â
Yu Pin Yan sat down and slowly sipped the tea. He said indifferently, âIf she does not have any mistake, no one can do anything about her. If she makes a mistake, she would naturally be punished and disposed. Grandson has no second thoughts on this.â
Who is Lin Shi? It doesnât make a difference if the manor has her or not.
The Old Madam nodded, and said tiredly, âGood, itâs good that you can think it through. You havenât received any love and care from her since you were a child. And now you donât need to protect her, you donât owe her anything. Just wait. Yu Miao Qi is greedy yet her life is thinner than paper. Sooner or later she will make a commotion.â
âIâm not afraid of having a commotion, but I just canât let her put the blame on Xiangâer. Iâm often outside performing my duties, so Iâll have to trouble Grandmother to look after her a bit more.â Yu Pin Yan cautiously pleaded.
The Old Madam didnât notice anything wrong, she smiled after putting her worries aside. She waved her hand and said, âLook at what youâre saying. In my heart, Xiangâer is no different from my own granddaughter. Even without you asking, I would also protect her. Iâm sure you are overthinking, Yu Miao Qi was a little more scheming than the tigress Xiangâer, but their capabilities are still far apart. Itâs fine if she doesnât have any delusions, but if she has a thought which she shouldnât have, then Xiangâer will hit her face until it is swollen.â
Recalling his little sisterâs appearance of making threatening gestures, Yu Pin Yan lowered his gaze and smiled.
Yu Miao Qi woke up when it was shenshi. She couldnât be bothered about her headache and immediately got up to find Lin Shi to order her to summon all the Momos-in-charge.
âLetâs wait a few more days, what will Grandmother think of us if we rush to take over control of the manor after just upsetting her?â Lin Shi was very hesitant.
Yu Miao Qi sneered, âNo matter how much time we wait, Grandmother and big brotherâs opinion of us wonât change, so itâs even more imperative for us to try to hold the family together, and use our actions to make them change their opinion about us. Mother, get a hold of yourself, Father is still watching you from the heavens!â
Hearing the last sentence, Lin Shi immediately agreed and sent someone to inform the Momos.
Yu Miao Qi secretly heaved a sigh of relief. Lin Shi was someone that was very easy to persuade. This was one of the many fortunate things amongst all the misfortunes she came across after she returned home. Moreover, with Lin Shi in front of her, it was easier for her to make a move
She had always been a âtake chargeâ kind of person. No matter how big of a blow she might suffer, she would be able to quickly pull herself together. When the Old Madam and Yu Pin Yan disliked her, she would never feel sorry for herself and shrink away like Lin Shi. Instead, she would stir up even more ambition and fighting spirit. If she was unable to rely on others, then she would do her best to make herself stronger.
No matter what, she refused to believe that she could not take down a bastard. Besides, that bastard was a useless person with broken legs.