When Lin Yan returned to the Marquis's mansion this time, her treatment was completely different from before.
Although she had been away from the Marquis's mansion for over two years, it seemed legends about her had circulated within its walls.
Upon her return, she presented New Year's gifts to every master in the mansion. Particularly, the silver silk charcoal that was distributed to each of the young masters and ladies born of concubines was seen by everyone as a direct challenge to the Marchioness.
"You said I took the household's share? Then I'll make up for it."
This move, a bloodless blow to the Marchioness, left her with no recourse.
It seemed this young cousin was no easy target either. Thus, from the first day Lin Yan returned to the Marquis's mansion, the servants no longer dared to neglect her.
This was a person who dared to confront even the Marchioness herself. These servants would be wise to remain respectful.
In the study, the old steward was reporting to Marquis Huaiyin. The main topic was, as expected, the New Year's gifts.
"I heard that because the Marquis's mansion sent a cartload of charcoal to the estate, it affected the allowances for the young masters and ladies in the mansion. Miss felt particularly guilty and thus instructed me to purchase more charcoal to send over.
This winter is not yet over, and we cannot let the young masters and ladies of the Marquis's mansion suffer from the cold."
The old steward spoke with apparent sincerity, yet Marquis Huaiyin could detect a veiled accusation in his tone.
But what could he do? His own wife's foolish actions meant he could only compensate for them.
"There is no such thing! Their charcoal is just enough. This explanation is merely the baseless gossip of some gossipy old women. Tell Yan'er not to mind it."
"Miss would not dare. You said it was merely the idle chatter of some women. If Miss were to take offense, wouldn't that make her seem petty?
My young lady resides in the Marquis's mansion. If the mansion requires anything, you need only send word to this old servant, and I will immediately deliver it." The old steward subtly jabbed at Marquis Huaiyin.
Since his young lady did not wish to marry into the Marquis's mansion, there was no need for her to humble herself. Although Marquis Huaiyin was her uncle, providing her with a pillar of support regardless of whom she married in the future.
However, this pillar of support had now lost its significance. Looking at the Marchioness's current demeanor, even if his young lady were to suffer any injustice in the future, she likely wouldn't be able to seek help from Marquis Huaiyin's side.
"Yan'er is my only niece, and I can certainly provide for her needs!" Marquis Huaiyin's expression shifted.
Although his wife was somewhat harsh towards Lin Yan, he was not dead yet. As long as he lived, he would protect Lin Yan.
If Lin Yan were to live in his mansion and still rely on the Lin family's wealth, wouldn't that be a disgrace to him!
"Yes, Marquis is right. Then, Marquis, please continue your work. This old servant will take my leave." After bowing to the Marquis, the old steward retreated.
Marquis Huaiyin was indeed angry, but he also knew that the old steward was looking out for Lin Yan. After all, Lin Yan had indeed suffered many grievances in his mansion!
This old steward was from Lin Yan's grandfather's generation. Even his brother-in-law had grown up under his tutelage. Now that Lin Yan was the sole surviving descendant of the Lin family, how could he not care?
However, he could not entirely side with Lin Yan. After all, Lin Yan was destined to marry into their family. If relations with his wife became too strained, it would be even more difficult to get along in the future.
Lin Yan was, after all, a junior. If she endured some hardship now, they could all live together harmoniously later.
What daughter-in-law didn't face challenges from her mother-in-law? They were all family, so why dwell on such matters!
Once Lin Yan married in, he would arrange for them to be posted elsewhere. When they had children, his wife's attention would shift to the children, and she would no longer focus on Lin Yan.
Although he knew this might cause Lin Yan some distress, with him present, his wife would likely not go too far.
Feng Qiong looked at the two baskets of silver silk charcoal that had been delivered and couldn't help but smile. Her cousin was truly interesting.
If she could indeed become her sister-in-law, that wouldn't be bad. It would certainly be easier to live under her hand than under her stepmother's.
"Put away the New Year's gifts. Go and give my cousin the handkerchiefs I embroidered a few days ago as a return gift."
"Second Miss, aren't these gifts a bit too light?" The maidservant had seen the boxes and boxes of New Year's gifts sent by the young cousin. Although some of the items were not particularly valuable, returning only a few handkerchiefs seemed rather meager.
"Light gifts carry deep sentiment! Stop talking. My cousin will understand my difficulties." Her cousin was an intelligent person, and these handkerchiefs were not merely a return gift.
It was a shame that her cousin was still young and had only recently emerged from mourning. Otherwise, she truly wished her cousin would marry into the family quickly, making the Marquis's mansion much livelier.
The other young ladies born of concubines were not as perceptive as Feng Qiong, but they also felt that this young cousin was not to be trifled with. Therefore, they intended to keep their distance. Since they couldn't afford to offend either side, it was best to remain neutral.
As for the New Year's gifts delivered to Feng Yue's courtyard, she flung a teacup at them.
"What trash! Only those destitute households would value such things. Why bring them into my room? Do you think I care about them!"
The servant who was moving the New Year's gifts trembled and immediately knelt, not daring to make a sound.
Seeing the servant's fear, Feng Yue's wet nurse waved her hand, signaling them to leave.
At the same time, she gestured to the head maidservant by Feng Yue's side to slip a sachet to those servants.
Their young lady was about to be married soon, and any bad news had to be prevented from spreading. The incident today had to be kept quiet. They absolutely could not let this news leak out.
"Young lady, what about these New Year's gifts?" the wet nurse said, approaching Feng Yue.
"Take them and distribute them. But wear them within the household, don't bring them before me. They're an eyesore!" Feng Yue knew she shouldn't lose her temper.
But she really couldn't stand it. This Lin Yan had been opposing her mother since she returned, and she loathed her immensely! Why did Lin Yan have to come back? Couldn't she just stay on the estate? It would be best if she never returned!
And now, pretending to send New Year's gifts, who cared about her meager offerings!
"Thank you, Young Lady! Young Lady is so generous!" Feng Yue's wet nurse led the thanks.
"Alright, you can distribute them. I'm going to see Mother." Feng Yue waved her hand and prepared to return to her chambers.
A maidservant quickly followed Feng Yue, ready to assist her.
When Feng Yue emerged again, her hair had been re-styled, and she, accompanied by two maidservants, headed towards the main hall.
Her mother was greatly angered by that Lin Yan, and she had to go and comfort her. Her younger brother was too young, and her elder brother was always busy; she had to keep her mother company.
Feng Yue truly did not understand why her father insisted on having his son marry such a detestable woman! This Lin Yan was so obnoxious, she was completely unworthy of being her sister-in-law.