Huichun was, after all, a maid trained by Ling Changyi, practically her spokesperson.
If it were in the past, being bullied like this, Huichun would have spoken a few harsh words and managed to drive the person away.
But this time, before Huichun could even turn to look at Ling Changyi, she was slapped hard across the face.
The crisp sound of the slap echoed in the room, leaving Huichun slightly dizzy.
"You ignorant thing, are these words for you to speak? Hurry up and get out, don't keep embarrassing yourself here."
Ling Changyi scolded angrily, directly driving Huichun out. She took a deep breath and her gaze fell upon Ju Qing. Her father was determined to monitor her every move, even sending such a shrewd maid.
"It was my oversight. Fortunately, you reminded me, otherwise, I would have failed to appreciate my father's good intentions. My maid is from the countryside and doesn't know the rules. Please don't take her words to heart."
"Young Madam, you are too kind. This servant and the others are merely here to serve Young Madam on the Old Master's orders and do not deserve such treatment from Young Madam."
Ju Qing maintained a stern face, appearing unyielding. She truly lived up to her father's choice and was indeed difficult to deal with.
Having been put in her place more than once, Ling Changyi managed a strained smile, her hand hidden in her sleeve clenched into a tight fist. She had no choice but to allow Ju Qing and the other three to enter and attend to her.
...
"Madam, who are these four women? How are they so capable? Especially the one named Ju Qing, she acts as if she's the master."
Recalling how Ju Qing had spoken to her earlier, Huichun couldn't help but gossip in front of Ling Changyi.
"She was assigned by my father. You should avoid her in the future and not get into conflict with her."
"Yes... Madam..." Huichun had initially thought that by saying a few instigating words in front of Ling Changyi, she would surely get her to stand up for her. She hadn't expected such an answer and was momentarily stunned, nodding in agreement with a face full of confusion.
"Bang... Bang... Bang..."
There was a rhythmic knocking sound from outside the door, and then the door was pushed open from the outside. Ju Qing walked in expressionlessly and curtsied to Ling Changyi, saying, "Young Madam, the Old Master invites you to the dining hall for a meal."
"I'll change my clothes and be right there."
After relaying the message, Ju Qing did not linger and left directly.
"Madam, look at her arrogant demeanor. She truly doesn't respect you..."
The rest of her words were swallowed by Huichun under a fierce glare from Ling Changyi.
Ling Changyi slammed the cup in her hand onto the table, glancing at Huichun and reprimanding, "Don't be a gossip and stir up trouble here. This is the Ling manor, not some countryside village. The Ling manor detests servants who stir up trouble the most. Keep your mouth shut."
"This servant understands." Huichun replied with her head lowered.
"Go and get me 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. Her gaze swept over the place. She had stepped into this dining hall only a handful of times in her life.
As a concubine's daughter, she was inherently inferior in status. Furthermore, 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 pay her much attention.
Fortunately, the late Old Madam was kind-hearted and didn't make things too difficult for her. After returning to the Ling family, she had adequate food and clothing, but it was akin to being kept as a pet cat or dog.
As for her other sisters, each and every one of them married into prominent families. She, however, was married off early after choosing a husband. Little did she know that barely two years after her marriage, her in-laws' family went bankrupt.
If she hadn't sold all her dowry and worked hard to make a living, she would have likely been abused and beaten to death by that useless man.
To think that after many years, upon her return, she would still be treated with such coldness. Ling Changyi's heart filled with even more resentment and dissatisfaction as she thought about this.
"You're quite early. Please take a seat first."
Old Master Ling's steady voice came from behind. Ling Changyi's body stiffened slightly. Her eyes flickered as she suppressed the resentment on her face and turned around with a gentle smile. "Father is here. Please sit down first, Father. Daughter will serve you a bowl of soup."
Saying so, Ling Changyi solicitously served a bowl of soup and handed it to Old Master Ling. "Before you eat, please drink this warm soup to warm your stomach. This way, you'll feel more comfortable after the meal."
"You've become much more sensible than before."
"In the past, daughter was young and ignorant and made many mistakes that disappointed Father. Daughter has returned home this time precisely to take good care of Father and fulfill filial duties by your side..."
"Alright, sit down first. The younger generation will arrive soon. You are their elder, after all. It wouldn't be proper for them to see you like this."
Ling Changyi's lips twitched awkwardly, but she managed to hide her inner emotions and agreed with a smile. Just as she was about to sit beside Old Master Ling, she heard the sound of chopsticks falling. The hand reaching for a chair froze abruptly.
"Look, there's a place for the chopsticks, yet they were placed on the bowl, and so they fell. It seems one mustn't place them carelessly!"
Old Master Ling muttered to himself, his face filled with a look of regret. He then instructed a maid to pick up the fallen chopsticks, discard them, and replace them with a new pair.
Seeing this, Ling Changyi understood the implication and took a seat further away from Old Master Ling.
As soon as she sat down, Ling Muzhu strode in. "Greetings, Grandfather, Aunt."
"You've been studying diligently. Sit down quickly and eat. No need to wait for your eldest brother and sister-in-law. Finish eating and hurry back to your studies. The imperial examinations are imminent; there can be no slackening whatsoever."
"Grandfather, rest assured. Eldest brother has been personally guiding me these past two days. I am confident for this imperial examination."
He was indeed uncertain before, but after his eldest brother's dedicated guidance over the past two days, he felt as if a veil had been lifted, and he was full of confidence for this imperial examination.
"With your eldest brother guiding you, I am also at ease. If you succeed this time, a great burden will be lifted from my heart."
He had always been worried about Ling Muzhu. Previously, the child had been led astray by his incompetent father. Fortunately, he had realized his mistakes and was now focused on preparing for the imperial examinations. As long as he succeeded, his future would be secure, and his greatest concern could be put to rest.
"Muzhu is intelligent. He will surely succeed in this imperial examination, Father. You don't need to worry too much."
Ling Changyi said gently, her gaze towards Ling Muzhu filled with affection.
However, this made Ling Muzhu a little embarrassed, as he had no impression of this aunt and this was their first meeting.