Chapter 40: Something Entertaining to Watch

As soon as Madam Lu left, the General’s residence suddenly became much quieter.

In truth, Madam Lu had only taken away the maids and elderly women from her own courtyard, reducing the household staff by just a dozen or so.

However, the servants now clearly understood the situation: the entire General’s household was firmly under the lady’s control. Of the two most troublesome young ladies, one was under house arrest, and the other was learning manners from the governess the lady had brought in. Even the usually unruly Second Young Master had been unusually well-behaved these past few days.

With the matriarch absent as well, if they didn’t behave themselves and crossed the lady, what good fate could they expect?

The servants shuddered at the thought of the several stewards who had been sent to the magistrate’s office. Formerly, Steward Lu had been an unchallengeable presence in the household; his words carried more weight than even the old matriarch’s. Yet after being sent to the magistrate’s, he had been beaten to death. The other stewards fared no better — the mildest punishment was flogging followed by exile three thousand miles away.

Though they were small fry unlikely to commit such grave offenses, if they angered the lady and were sold off, to whom could they turn to complain?

Life in the General’s residence was less carefree than before, but the lady did not seem the type to deliberately make life difficult for her servants. As long as they kept their nerves taut and made no mistakes, it was better than being sold off.

Thus, the servants all spoke cautiously and lowered their voices. The General’s residence was indeed much quieter.

Banxia cursed, “A bunch of bullies with power.”

Lin Wanqing smiled gently. “That’s normal. By the way, call over the maid named Qingzhu.”

Soon, Qingzhu knelt before Lin Wanqing.

“Your servant greets madam,” she said, kneeling upright, her gaze full of admiration and gratitude.

Lin Wanqing smiled and helped her up. “I called you over to ask about some things in this household. Just tell me whatever you know.”

Qingzhu immediately began counting on her fingers.

The young maid was clever and articulate, recounting the household’s past in a way that made everyone in the room laugh, yet she didn’t miss a single key point.

For example, the chief maids and governesses around Lu Huixin and Lu Qinian had been deliberately left by her biological mother. Also, Lu Jinrong often disguised herself as a footman to sneak out of the residence.

Lin Wanqing’s impression of the girl grew even more favorable.

This maid was bold yet meticulous, adept at observing people and events around her, and, most importantly, fully aware of the stakes involved.

When Lin Wanqing dealt with those stewards and household managers, Qingzhu had been the first to confess, seizing the opportune moment.

She understood that her offense was minor, and by confessing first, her mistress would treat her leniently to ensure smooth handling of subsequent matters.

Indeed, Lin Wanqing not only spared her punishment but also gave her an opportunity to advance.

Such a decisive and intelligent person, if properly nurtured, could be of great use in the future.

Lin Wanqing had her thoughts but showed nothing. After Qingzhu finished speaking, she sent her away.

Banxia clicked her tongue. “I didn’t expect the General’s household to look so simple, yet have so many hidden affairs.”

Lin Wanqing said, “No family’s foundation is spotless. Compared to others, the General’s residence is quite decent.”

Apart from the prodigal Lu Jinrong, there was nothing else particularly surprising.

Lin Wanqing turned to Zisu. “Go investigate the former lady of the house.”

That was Zhou, the biological mother of Lu Huixin and Lu Qinian.

Though Zhou had remarried two or three years ago, it was clear she still had considerable influence over the two siblings. Lin Wanqing suspected there was secret communication among the three.

Such contact was not unusual, after all, blood ties between mother and children cannot be severed.

But she had to be wary of Zhou’s malicious intentions.

She was not opposed to a widow remarrying, but a woman who insisted on remarriage shortly after her husband’s death was certainly not a good sort.

Moreover, Zhou had two other children and prospects for the rest of her life.

Qingzhu had just mentioned that Zhou had caused great trouble in the residence to force the issue of remarriage, even making Madam Lu ill. It was only after Lu Jinxiao intervened that Zhou’s remarriage was approved, even though less than half a year had passed since the death of Lu Huixin and Lu Qinian’s father.

Such a selfish woman with no regard for the past would she care if the two children of her deceased husband suffered in the future?

Of course not.

Therefore, the maids and governesses she purposely left behind were worth investigating. Coupled with what Lu Huixin said yesterday, Zhou was definitely scheming something.

Soon after Zisu left, a young maid hurried in.

“Madam, just now some people from the Su family arrived. They said there’s some excitement over there.”

Lin Wanqing immediately smiled. “Tell me quickly, what kind of excitement?”

She had arranged spies in the Su household and had not heard any reports recently. Unexpectedly, something had happened suddenly.

The young maid smiled. “Master Su’s chief maid is pregnant. It was just discovered. The old madam of the Su family is overjoyed. She promoted the maid to concubine and is preparing two banquet tables in the residence.”

Lin Wanqing felt a wave of disgust.

When she married into the Su family, it was a good half month before Lin Qianyun married into the General’s household. So there had been no maid pregnancies then, but that chief maid had still been promoted to Su Jincheng’s concubine.

Later, Su Jincheng, to ensure her loyalty in scheming for his future, had arranged to sell that chief maid off.

This lifetime, Lin Qianyun, to make her experience the embarrassment of a wedding night, had deliberately delayed the wedding date, resulting in Su Jincheng and the chief maid causing a fatal incident.

She wondered if Lin Qianyun would be furious upon hearing this good news.

Lin Wanqing smirked and said to Banxia, “Send this news directly to Lin Qianyun.”

She wanted to see if Lin Qianyun would remain so steadfast after learning what kind of man she was about to marry.

Banxia was ecstatic, nearly jumping as she left.

Lin Wanqing laughed until her eyes curved.

Banxia’s efficiency was impressive; that very night, Lin Qianyun learned of the matter.

Immediately, Lin Qianyun smashed everything in her room and even struck the maids nearby.

Qin Shi, hearing the commotion, rushed over. Lin Qianyun collapsed into her arms, crying and revealing the news.

“What? Master Su’s chief maid is pregnant, and the Su family is holding a banquet for her?!”

Qin Shi’s vision darkened with rage. “That despicable Su family! They have gone too far! Qianyun, listen to me — break off the engagement. No matter what, this marriage cannot happen!”

Unexpectedly, Lin Qianyun jumped up. “Break off the engagement? No, I absolutely will not!”