Chapter 508 - 502_1
If one were to say that both sons of the Marchioness of Zhenbei were duplicitous and malicious, then her only daughter, Feng Lingling, was rash and thoughtless—probably spoiled as the only girl of the Marquis. No sooner had she heard about a rural couple delivering a New Year’s gift to the Princely Heir at the gate than she dashed over, declaring she’d join her mother and brothers to mock them. What she thought, she blurted out directly without any filter, even in front of a room full of servants; truly, she held not the slightest reservation.
The Marchioness of Zhenbei felt a headache coming on at the sight of her pampered daughter. How could her daughter only grow in age and not in wisdom? Her sons were both so clever, yet only this daughter remained carefree and brainless. Thankfully, the servants in the house were her people; had her words spread further, the consequences would be dire. If the Marquis heard, at most he would scold or express some displeasure, but if word reached the ears of the Empress Dowager, that would be quite serious. The Empress Dowager disliked her already, only recognizing the former as her sister-in-law. If she learned of Lingling’s attitude towards that wretched son, she surely wouldn’t be lenient. It was also a relief that the Empress Dowager never meddled in the affairs of the previous dynasty, otherwise that wretch would have had even more support and arrogance.
"Lingling, what nonsense are you spouting? How did your mother teach you? You should be more thoughtful in daily life, not so careless. Should you speak like that? He’s your elder brother; no matter what you think inside, you must show him respect outwardly. Otherwise, not to mention the Empress Dowager, even your father would be displeased. You’re a grown woman now; if you keep this up, life in your husband’s house won’t be so easy."
"Alright, alright, Mother, I get it; stop harping on about it. Let’s hurry to Big Brother’s courtyard. I’m really curious to see what sort of valuables those peasants from the boondocks could possibly bring." Feng Lingling grew impatient with her mother’s scolding, pulling the Marchioness of Zhenbei forward, eager only to see the commotion.
"Princely Heir, the Lady and Young Master Erhu, along with Miss, are heading this way. They probably know about Zhao Erhu’s family bringing a New Year’s gift and have come over on purpose," reported someone to the Princely Heir. Even though the estate was under the control of the Marchioness of Zhenbei, the Princely Heir had still arranged quite a few eyes and ears around, and they were promptly informed of the arrival of the Marchioness and her children.
"What does that woman want, surely up to no good!"
The Princely Heir expressed scorn, "What else could it be but to ridicule and laugh at me for receiving a New Year’s gift at the gate, and to use the opportunity to smear me in front of my father. It’s her usual trick; nothing surprising."
"Princely Heir, why don’t we just refuse the gift? After all, the Zhao family is just from a farmer’s background; they surely don’t have anything of value. We can’t let that woman make fun of us," said Xiaojin, the young servant with the Princely Heir, hurriedly, his words not without resentment.