Chapter 20: Even in My Lowest State, I Am Still the Lady of the Manor

“No way—how could Miss Sixth’s monthly allowance be so little? Are you stingily withholding it?” Wen Qiu’s face flushed with anger as she pointed accusingly at the steward’s nose. “Where is it?”

Jiang Lingyao, seated at the table reading, glanced up at the steward. Seeing the single bolt of cloth and a small amount of silver he brought, she let out a derisive laugh.

Last time they withheld her medicine; now they skimped on her provisions. Song Lian’er was certainly not short of silver—this was clearly meant to disgust her.

“Miss Sixth!”

Wen Qiu’s eyes reddened. “I’ll go find the master and mistress right away, let them see how these vile servants bully you!”

“Hey!”

The steward calmly reached out to stop Wen Qiu, thinking Jiang Lingyao would remain silent as usual. With a sneer, he said, “You little maid, Miss Sixth hasn’t even spoken, and you’re already so worked up.”

Jiang Lingyao paused, then with a sharp smack, slammed her book onto the table. Looking up with a faint, mocking smile, she said, “Song Lian’er told you to do this, didn’t she? No matter how favored she is, she’s not the true lady of this household. You’re just a servant, yet you dare to bully me alongside Song Lian’er.”

This Miss Sixth seemed like a different person altogether. She never used to question or trouble the servants—she always took her grievances directly to the master, mistress, and eldest young master, only to be counterattacked by Song Lian’er each time.

If it weren’t for that, he wouldn’t dare to conspire with Song Lian’er to withhold her belongings.

The steward froze in place; under Jiang Lingyao’s piercing gaze, cold sweat broke out all over him. He could see a trace of the Duke’s commanding presence in her demeanor.

Jiang Lingyao’s eyes were icy, her tone colder still. “Make up for what’s missing.”

“If Miss Song finds out, this servant—”

“Are you more afraid of her finding out than I am?” Jiang Lingyao’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “No matter how fallen I am, I’m still the lady of this house. Kicking out a steward like you would be easy.”

Cold sweat beaded the steward’s forehead. “Please, Miss, don’t be angry. I’ll take care of it immediately.”

As the steward left, Wen Qiu stared blankly. “Miss seems like a different person. I’ve never seen the steward so scared before. Didn’t you notice? His legs went weak and he kept trembling.”

Jiang Lingyao nodded and sneered, “He just saw the rabbit suddenly turn into a wolf—he’s afraid I’ll settle old scores with new.”

But the steward dared to bully her only because he understood the other masters’ attitudes toward her. Their indulgence gave him the confidence to lord it over her.

In the end, the servants’ treatment of her reflected the masters’ feelings.

Jiang Lingyao coldly withdrew her thoughts and asked Wen Qiu, “Did you hear when Grandmother will return?”

“Miss, it seems three days yet. If she comes back and sees you, I’m afraid she’ll be heartbroken.”

Jiang Lingyao sighed, a touch of helplessness mingled with relief. Fortunately, Grandmother had gone to the Medicine King Valley to recuperate before her troubles began. Otherwise, hearing the news would have made her fret and exhaust herself on Jiang Lingyao’s behalf, worsening her health.

Grandmother had raised her alone. Her mother had been busy and distant in her early years, until Grandmother fell seriously ill when Jiang Lingyao was six, forcing her to be sent back to her mother.

The thought saddened Jiang Lingyao. This would be their final meeting—how could she say goodbye?

The day Grandmother returned was clear and bright.

Jiang Lingyao stood with the others outside the mansion gate, her eyes swelling as the familiar carriage appeared in sight. Long-suppressed grievances welled up suddenly.

As the carriage neared, Song Lian’er’s eyes dimmed. She whispered orders to the maids beside her, and soon Jiang Lingyao was pushed to the back, separated far from Jiang Xiuyuan and the others.

This was Grandmother’s big day back. Since her return to the capital, the third and fourth brothers, who had only shown up once, had somehow come back to the house, shooting her unfriendly glances from time to time.

Not wanting to cause a scene before Grandmother, Jiang Lingyao silently took a detour. Though still farther than Jiang Xiuyuan and company, she was at least closer than before.

The carriage finally stopped. A pair of thin, withered hands lifted the curtain, revealing a head of silver hair.

Grandmother didn’t even step down before scanning the crowd and spotting Jiang Lingyao. “Why is our Mingzhu standing so far away? Come here quickly! Let me see if you’ve gained any weight.”

Among so many people, Grandmother cared most about her.

Jiang Lingyao felt her throat tighten, a sharp sting at her nose as tears threatened to fall.

“Come here, let me see.”

She hurried forward, supporting Grandmother as she descended from the carriage. Feeling Grandmother’s hand gently stroking her cheek, she barely held back her tears.

“Grandmother heard our Mingzhu has done well—chosen to be the companion reader for Princess Ninghua.”

Everyone present was shocked. Smiles froze, and the atmosphere grew awkward upon hearing this.