Chapter 55: One Must Not Be Ungrateful-A matriarca renasce como madrasta e a família do marido canalha se arrepende profundamente(Uma flor desabrocha.)

The head of the Lu clan acted swiftly, arriving at the Lu residence without prior notice, accompanied by several elders from the clan.

When Lin Wanqing received the report from the servant boy, she was momentarily stunned. "The head of the Lu clan? Looking for me?"

The servant boy replied, "Yes, and he is accompanied by several elders from the clan."

Lin Wanqing furrowed her brows slightly. She had been married into the family for just over a month, and with Lu Jinxiao away on the battlefield, she had yet to formally meet the extended branches of the Lu family. Now, with Lady Lu absent from the residence, these visitors had clearly come for her—and their intentions were far from friendly.

Yet Lin Wanqing remained unfazed. She instructed the servant, "Inform Steward Jiang to escort them to the front hall. I will change my attire and come immediately."

The servant hurried off to find Jiang Yi. While helping Lin Wanqing change, Banxia expressed concern, "Miss, why would the Lu family’s branch send people here? Could they be here to cause trouble for us?"

Lin Wanqing adjusted the pearl ornament in her hair and said, "No one comes to the palace without reason. Since they’ve come, we shall meet them. Let’s go; we mustn’t keep them waiting."

In the front hall, the head of the Lu clan and several elders were seated as maids served tea. After taking a sip, the clan head glanced at Jiang Yi. "Who are you? You seem unfamiliar."

Jiang Yi cupped his hands respectfully. "Respectfully to the head of the Lu clan, I am Jiang Yi, steward of the General’s household."

The clan head frowned, slamming down his teacup. "You are the new steward brought in by the Lin family? As expected, someone from a minor family cannot hold their ground—a mere servant dares to speak so boldly before us, showing no respect for rules!"

Before Jiang Yi could respond, Lin Wanqing’s voice came from outside. "It would be understandable if those from a humble family had no manners, but what shall we say of the head of the Lu clan, a man from a grand household, behaving so rudely?"

Everyone turned to see Lin Wanqing entering, dressed simply in pale moon-colored robes, exuding elegance and dignity. Though she showed no anger, her displeasure was unmistakable.

She surveyed the Lu family members before her. "It is true Jiang Yi is steward of the General’s household, but he was hired by me and is not merely a servant of the General’s estate. He is no lower in status than any of you."

"And yet, you have come uninvited to my lord’s residence to boss us around—that is truly without decorum!"

Several members of the Lu branch looked grim. The clan head slammed the table again. "How dare you, Lady Lin! Such audacity to speak to us this way!"

Lin Wanqing snorted. "I think you are the ones who have the audacity. You didn’t even consider where you are and came here shouting at me. Although I have no official decree yet, I am Lu Jinxiao’s lawful wife and the lady of this household. The fact that I have not ordered you out is already a courtesy."

The Lu clan members were stunned by her boldness. They had assumed a merchant’s daughter, young and inexperienced, would be easily intimidated. Yet she refused to be cowed and even threatened to expel them.

The atmosphere turned awkward. Jiang Yi, moved by Lin Wanqing’s defense but worried she might offend the Lu clan, smiled diplomatically. "Madam, please calm down. The gentlemen here are unaware and only wish to uphold the dignity of the General’s household."

A portly man in his forties from the branch quickly added, "Indeed, indeed. We mean no offense to the General’s wife."

Lin Wanqing regained her composure. "If this is a misunderstanding, let it rest. Please, have a seat."

She settled into the main seat. "May I ask what brings you here, unannounced?"

The clan head scowled. "Lady Lin, why do you keep Lu Qinian confined to the residence, forbidding him to attend school? Do you know he is the legitimate eldest grandson of the General’s household, the future hope of this family? What is your intention?"

Lin Wanqing raised an eyebrow. "Who says I forbid him to go to school?"

"You need not concern yourself with who said it," he replied.

Lin Wanqing knew full well that only a few people in the residence cared about Lu Qinian’s studies, aside from Lu Huixin.

But she was unwilling to argue. "I shall say no more. Let Qinian explain himself to you, to avoid misunderstandings."

She sent someone to fetch Lu Qinian.

Soon, Lu Qinian appeared, sweat on his brow, dragging his small sword behind him. "Why call me?"

Interrupted mid-practice, he was clearly displeased.

Lin Wanqing said, "First, bow to the elders. They have questions for you."

Lu Qinian gave a perfunctory bow. "Greetings, elders. Ask quickly—I need to get back to sword practice."

The elders’ expressions darkened.

The clan head reproached Lin Wanqing, "His manners are poor. Why have you not taught him properly?"

Before she could reply, Lu Qinian retorted, "What does it matter to her whether I have manners? She’s only been here a few days. Why should she control me?"

Though he disliked Lin Wanqing, she had helped him the day before; he would not let these old men bully her.

The clan head was momentarily speechless but regained composure. "Qinian, why don’t you go to school? Is someone deliberately keeping you away?"

He glanced pointedly at Lin Wanqing.

Lu Qinian laughed. "You don’t actually think she’s the one stopping me, do you? That’s ridiculous. She can’t hold me back."

The clan head paused. "If not her, then why don’t you attend school?"

"I just don’t want to. I’m no scholar," he answered.

The clan head grew angry. "Nonsense! Education is important—it’s no game. Do you understand your duties as the eldest grandson of the General’s household?"

"I don’t want to be the eldest grandson. Whoever wants the title can have it. Any other business? If not, I’m going back to practice," Lu Qinian said, snatching up his sword and turning away, leaving the elders livid.

Lin Wanqing watched the scene unfold, then said, "I now understand the purpose of your visit. To be honest, Lu Qinian was expelled from school, and there is no institution in the city willing to accept him. Since you care so much about his education, I entrust you to find a school for him."

"After all, I am but a nominal stepmother. The schools I find may not satisfy you. To ensure the future of the Lu family’s legitimate eldest grandson is not compromised, I ask for your utmost effort."

She had been worried about this problem, and now unexpectedly, someone had come forward to help. How fortunate.