Chapter 37: The Stern Governess

Lin Wanqing tried her best to recall, but she could not remember any past connection between herself and Lu Jinxiao.

Jiang Huaiqian said, "I am not clear on the specifics either. It was the General himself who mentioned it. If you wish to know, you should wait for him to return from his campaign and ask him yourself."

Lin Wanqing dropped the matter and turned the conversation to another plan of hers. "Uncle, have you considered moving to Yuzhou to settle down?"

Jiang Huaiqian hesitated. "But Xiangyang City is our home..."

Lin Wanqing smiled. "Uncle, Xiangyang City is the foundation of the Jiang family; that will never change. But I fear you are struggling to make ends meet in Xiangyang. It would be better to come to Yuzhou to seek new opportunities. I have some ideas that require your assistance."

Fearing he might refuse, she added, "Uncle, the tragedy that befell the Jiang family has yet to be investigated. I worry that those behind it will not let things rest. Furthermore, my mother's death has always felt suspicious to me. I suspect these two events are not coincidences, but deliberate acts."

Jiang Huaiqian looked at her in surprise. "Wanqing, how do you know?"

Lin Wanqing was equally surprised. "Did you suspect this as well, Uncle?"

Jiang Huaiqian nodded. "In truth, I have had my doubts all these years, but having been exiled to Lingnan, what could I do even with my suspicions?"

Lin Wanqing said, "That is all the more reason to move to Yuzhou. Although the General's manor is as it is for now, it still holds a position of merit. If you are in Yuzhou, I can look after you. Besides, I wish to go into business with you."

Jiang Huaiqian was even more shocked. "You want to do business? You are the General's wife. Commerce is considered a lowly trade. Will the General..."

Lin Wanqing smiled slightly. "Why would he be displeased? Does he not hold several mercantile firms himself? If Lu Jinxiao can earn money, why can I not?"

"Uncle, although business is not considered high-status, what in this world can function without it? It is precisely because I am now married into the General's manor that many things are inconvenient for me to handle personally; that is why I need you to help me."

Having said this, she played the pity card: "You are the only one I can truly rely on now."

Jiang Huaiqian’s heart softened. "Let me think it over carefully. Moving the entire family to Yuzhou is a major decision; I need to discuss it with your aunt back home."

Lin Wanqing smiled. "That is only right. Xiangyang City is Aunt's home as well; it must be discussed with her."

She was not at all worried that her aunt would refuse. Her aunt was the kindest, most tender-hearted person. In her previous life, her aunt had been the one to make her feel the warmth of a mother’s love. In this life, she was determined to protect her family and ensure they lived better than they had before.

Jiang Huaiqian did not stay long at the manor. Once they had finished discussing, he took his leave. With the General away, the manor was inhabited only by women, and it would be inappropriate for a male outsider to linger. Lin Wanqing personally saw him to the gate.

Jiang Huaiqian waved his hand. "Go back inside. I will set off for Xiangyang tomorrow. Just wait for my good news."

Lin Wanqing smiled; his words meant he had already decided to move to Yuzhou.

After seeing him off, Zisu came to report: "Miss, the governess has sent word that she will arrive at the manor tomorrow."

In truth, the governess had been eager to come that very day, but it was too late, so it was pushed to the next morning. Lin Wanqing chuckled, "Why is she in such a hurry?"

Zisu suppressed a smile. "That Matron Zhao is notoriously strict. Which lady of status would be willing to invite such a governess to teach her own daughters? Only those with ill intentions looking to grind down their concubines' daughters, or stepmothers like the Qin woman, would hire her. She has lived in poverty these past two years. When she heard you were the one hiring her, she nearly jumped for joy."

She leaned in close to whisper, "Don't worry, Miss, I have already hinted to Matron Zhao that she must spare no effort in teaching the two young ladies of our manor."

Lin Wanqing gave her a thumbs-up. "Well done. You shall be rewarded."

Zisu curtsied. "Thank you, Miss."

In truth, Lin Wanqing did not intend to bully Lu Jinrong and Lu Huixin, but their manners and upbringing were simply abysmal. One acted without judgment, reckless and rude; the other was as full of schemes as a sieve, yet she wore them all on her face. Such people were fools.

Though Matron Zhao was harsh, she was undeniably skilled at molding people. Lin Wanqing herself had learned much under her tutelage. Whether the two Lu girls could endure it, and for how long, remained to be seen. But she would not let them off easily. After all, once they were properly disciplined, her own path in the General's manor would be much smoother.

Meanwhile, in Lu Jinrong's courtyard:

"Find someone to send this letter to the frontier!" Lu Jinrong said, furious, tossing a thick letter to her maid, Lianxin.

Lianxin looked troubled. "Miss, is this really a good idea? If the... if she finds out, she will surely find ways to make things difficult for you."

Lu Jinrong sneered. "Does she not already make things difficult for me? If I don't find a way to suppress her, she'll be walking all over me! Enough, stop the chatter and go do it!"

Lianxin had no choice but to take the letter and leave.

Banxia hurried in from outside. "Miss, the eldest young lady wrote a thick letter and had her maid take it to the courier station. It looks like it's being sent to the General. Should we intercept it?" As she spoke, she gestured to show the thickness of the letter, making Lin Wanqing laugh.

"No need to intercept it. Let her send it."

She didn't care that much about the title of "General's Wife," did she? Furthermore, she believed Lu Jinxiao was not a dim-witted man who would divorce her based solely on a letter from Lu Jinrong. Although she had only spent a short half-hour with him, she possessed that confidence. A man so loyal and patriotic would never be a fool who only listened to one side of a story.

The next morning, at the crack of dawn, Matron Zhao arrived at the manor carrying her bundle. Upon seeing Lin Wanqing, she performed a deep bow. "This old servant pays her respects to the Madame."

Lin Wanqing personally helped her up. "Matron, please rise. We have no need for such empty formalities."

Matron Zhao beamed. Truth be told, she had been anxious coming here. She knew that when she had taught Lin Wanqing in the past, she had been overly harsh under the instructions of the Qin woman. She feared Lin Wanqing would seek revenge. Yet, she could not refuse the olive branch; she was in dire need of money and the opportunity the General's manor offered.

Upon arrival, she had immediately pledged her loyalty, making it clear that since she took Lin Wanqing's silver, she was Lin Wanqing's person. To her surprise, Lin Wanqing did not mention the past and treated her with such courtesy. Her heart finally settled.

Lin Wanqing smiled. "It is hard on you to be bothered at your age. I leave the two young ladies of our manor in your hands."

Having received Zisu's hint the day before, Matron Zhao patted her chest. "Rest assured, Madame. This old servant guarantees she will not fail the task. I will mold the two young ladies into the very model of refined young noblewomen in Yuzhou."