Chapter 10: A Case of Backfiring

Aunt Hu raised her eyebrows slightly, yet the corners of her mouth turned down. There was a hint of annoyance mixed with a greater sense of amusement. "Silly girl, do you really think that we can command others just because we have the master's words? That would be truly laughable, treating a feather as a command! Just look around you; although the master has spoken, has anyone from the main house come into our courtyard since this morning?"

Yinzi sent Huixin away, feeling quite puzzled. "Aunt, didn't you say you would help the third young lady? Why have you sent her away now? It's just a matter of calling a doctor; we could easily send a servant to run an errand. Moreover, the master just mentioned that you should manage things at home; isn't this a perfect opportunity to do a favor?"

Yinzi smiled so broadly that her face seemed to bloom with flowers, swearing, "I was personally brought back by my grandmother from Yangzhou. Although my pair of shoes may not be very bright, they can only accommodate my grandmother, and I have no other intentions!"

Zhangfu, Jufang Studio

"Be quiet!" Aunt Hu scolded after she finished her flattery, "Do not underestimate the madam. Over the years, she has managed to keep the master obedient. There are not many legitimate concubines in this household, and that alone is a skill!"

Great! This has left Aunt Hu fuming, staring blankly. If Zhang Qingting were not seeking anyone's favor, it would be fine, but she is clearly going to seek Lady Lin's help obediently. Doesn't that mean I have wasted my efforts in showing goodwill? Is this third young lady a fool or simply lacking in perception? How can she be so obedient, following orders without question?

The messenger girl smiled in a way that was even more unappealing than crying, "Miss San said... she said... she said she came to visit you"

Yin Xin pondered for a moment, "Oh, I understand. This lady is unwilling to relinquish her authority, so you deliberately did not agree to the third young lady's matter, allowing her to come and seek you personally. Then we can further incite her to escalate the issue to the master, making it even more difficult for the lady to handle!"

Silver frowned and said, "Miss San wouldn't really think that we are unwilling to help, would she?"

Aunt Hu expressed her concerns, her face revealing a hint of displeasure. "If she weren't the daughter of a merchant, would she cling to the purse of the household so tightly? The master has given us an opportunity this time, and we must seize it well. It is impossible to rise to the top in one step, but now that we have a foothold, do not think we can withdraw. From today onwards, you must put in a hundred times the effort. If there are benefits, you will certainly not be treated poorly in the future"

Silver took the opportunity to flatter, "This little cleverness of mine is all learned from you! Good Auntie, please show me some kindness and reward me with the other half as well! Otherwise, I will be anxious and restless, and if I lack spirit while working, it is one thing, but if Miss San arrives and I fail to greet her properly, that would be quite unfortunate"

Silver took the order and left. Not long after, the young girl returned with news, reporting nervously, "The third young lady is not in her room; the maid in her room said she has gone to the main hall."

Yinzi playfully remarked, "But old men are quite different!"

Yinzi deliberately put on a long face, "Grandma, you are just too kind-hearted! To put it bluntly, how noble is the background of that lady in the upper room? She is merely the daughter of a merchant, and her ancestors only donated a small official position. Yet she always thinks she is superior to others, humph! I really look down on her pretentiousness!"

The young girl was unclear about the circumstances, wearing a puzzled expression. "This servant does not know either, but I did not hear that old woman mention anyone else coming. It was just after Huixin returned not long ago that the third young lady went over."

When Aunt Hu was unwilling to lend her a hand with this matter, she had already begun to contemplate some strategies. Although she had not lived in this residence for long, she had spent many years navigating the outside world. What kinds of people had she not encountered?

Zhang Qingting has a keen eye for observation. Since her cheap father dealt with the first wife last night and altered his own private affairs in such a manner, it is likely that Madam Lin would feel embarrassed to bring up old grievances with her. At the very least, it cannot be done openly

Upon hearing that Miss San had arrived, Madam Lin was taken aback and blurted out, "What is she here for?" Is it not enough that there was a commotion yesterday? Does she still want to stir up more trouble?

Aunt Hu's little schemes, although Zhang Qingting could not fully grasp them, he understood the general idea. Trying to use her as a pawn? No way!

Aunt Hu smiled with satisfaction and said, "I suppose you guessed half right"

Silver appeared enlightened and said, "I always said our grandmother is the most astute! With your level of intelligence, it is not flattery from a servant; even if you were in charge of the Zhang residence, you would certainly manage it better than the lady of the house!"

"Go ahead and prepare the tea!" Aunt Hu clearly appreciated this display of loyalty, her tone becoming much gentler. "In this hot sun, quickly prepare some cool tea. When Miss San arrives later, we must not neglect her!"

Thus, Miss Zhang confidently went to seek out Madam Lin

Zhang Qingting is not foolish at all

"What you said makes some sense!" Aunt Hu adjusted her clothing, slowly stood up, and fed a few pine nuts to the parrot on the shelf before leisurely saying: "Tell me, when it comes to helping others, is it better to assist them in their difficulties or to help them in a way that is neither painful nor beneficial?"

Wouldn't that be counterproductive? Aunt Hu, think about it, "You can send a little maid to quietly check on what is happening at He Feng Pavilion. If she is too afraid to come, just have someone say that I am currently thinking of a solution, and tell her not to worry too much."

What? Aunt Hu can no longer laugh this time, extremely astonished. "The Third Young Lady has gone to the main room? Was it the Madam who called her, or who invited her?"

My goodness! Mrs. Lin's nose is so crooked from anger! She made me so upset, and now she comes to visit me? Look around, everyone here is close to me, so I said irritably: "I won't see anyone! Just say I'm unwell and don't want to see anyone!"

Aunt Hu covered her mouth and chuckled lightly, but whispered, "It’s fine to say this in our room, but let’s not let anyone with ulterior motives hear it, or else they will start saying such unseasoned things again"

Understood! Silver was very diligent in making arrangements. Not only did he brew tea, but he also sliced fruits and arranged pastries

You won't let me seek Mrs. Lin? Then I shall indeed go!

Aunt Hu couldn't help but laugh, "Silly girl, if I were truly in her position, I fear it wouldn't be easy either. Men, after all, are always fond of the new and tired of the old. No matter how beautiful a woman is, once they have her, they won't cherish her for long."

It is not easy for the common people to make a living, and they often employ various tricks just to earn a single coin. Although they cannot be compared to the wealthy families, in essence, there is not much difference.

Yinzi deliberately curled her lips, "Hmph! What kind of ability does she have? If it were you, Grandma, in her position, there wouldn't be a single concubine!"

But who would have thought that the guest would neither arrive from the left nor be seen from the right? Waiting and waiting, even Aunt Hu began to lose her patience.

This time, she did not show off; instead, she engaged in a self-questioning dialogue, "Since these three young ladies have requested me, if I merely send a little maid in response, wouldn’t it make me seem rather indifferent? It is but a small effort; who would remember whom?"