Chapter 25: Manipulation - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter
Chapter 25: Manipulation
"So, it's because my sister-in-law had a better upbringing and knows a few more words, that's why she's more attentive in raising her child? Rather than my unfortunate fate as a concubine, unable to read any words, leading to Yunli's lack of understanding?"
Each word was like a nail being driven into Concubine Lin's heart. For a moment, she widened her eyes, wanting to curse but held back due to her status.
With a cold snort, she said to Feng Jinyao, "This servant is unfortunate, unable to be born into a family like Madam and Third Miss. I was poor from a young age and was sold by my family to the mansion to be a maid. It was Master's kindness to pity my plight and took me in, and that's how Yunli came about."
As she spoke, she became more emotional, wiping away her tears with a handkerchief. "The child is innocent. He's still young and it's the best time for him to learn etiquette in school. Madam dislikes me, so she beats and scolds me as she pleases. Please don't harm my child. Must he also learn from me to turn a blind eye?"
These words almost made Madam Wen faint. Feng Yunhe, standing beside her, also looked at Concubine Lin with anger.
A sharp tongue could indeed turn black into white. No wonder Father didn't love Yunhe as much as before after the concubine and her son arrived. It was all because of her and her son!
"Yunxu!"
"Here."
"If a servant talks back, according to the house rules, what should be done? And if they deliberately provoke discord between the masters, how should they be punished?"
Feng Jinyao suddenly shouted, startling Concubine Lin, who stumbled and fell to her knees again.
Yunxu remained calm, bowing respectfully to her before turning to Concubine Lin. "If a servant talks back, they are to be lightly punished with thirty slaps on the face, to serve as a warning. If the offense is serious, they are to receive thirty strokes of the cane on the buttocks and then sold away. If they deliberately provoke discord, regardless of severity, they are to be tied up and handed over to the Prefect of Yingtian Prefecture for legal punishment."
The Prefect of Yingtian Prefecture!
Doesn't that mean imprisonment? Concubine Lin was completely panicked. She had caused trouble in the backyard before, but Madam Wen always overlooked it. Now, with Madam sick and the masters rarely at home, she dared to make a scene but she never expected to cause such trouble.
"You... how can you? I am not a servant, I am a concubine, Master's concubine. I also gave birth to a son for the Feng family, whose name is recorded in the family genealogy. You can't treat me like this!"
As she spoke, her confidence grew, but as she looked at Feng Jinyao's determined eyes, she became flustered again.
If she had known, she wouldn't have caused such a big fuss. Now, how could she resolve this situation?
"If I remember correctly, you were the maid bought into the study to serve my brother a few years ago. Although you were elevated to the status of a concubine, your contract is still in Mother's hands. In other words, you are still a servant. Do you agree?"
Madam Wen understood instantly. Although she was gentle, it didn't mean she was ignorant. When she was in her family, her mother had taught her household management and she naturally understood about contracts.
She also understood that Feng Jinyao had just handed her a weapon.
In the future, if Concubine Lin dared to make trouble again, she only needed to mention the contract, and Concubine Lin would have to submit.
Feng Yunhe's heart was filled with doubts as he looked at his aunt. He usually avoided meddling in family matters. He was either copying Buddhist scriptures in the room or offering incense at the Fahua Temple. He always greeted everyone with a smile but kept his distance. How could he suddenly be so decisive in dealing with Concubine Lin?
Concubine Lin was completely flustered. She had never managed such matters before, so she didn't understand about contracts. She thought that once she became a concubine, she wouldn't be considered a servant anymore. She never thought...
"Third Miss, please spare me. I didn't mean it. I won't dare anymore. I won't dare anymore. Please, spare my life!"
Madam Wen's eyebrows furrowed even more, her headache worsening. "Sister-in-law, rest assured. It's almost New Year, so the punishment won't be too severe. Now that Concubine Lin has admitted her guilt, I will punish her to copy the Women's Virtue ten times in her room. If she misses a word, I will report to Mother and let her deal with your contract. Do you understand?"
Concubine Lin thought it was going to be something severe, but it turned out to be just copying the Women's Virtue? She lowered her head, pretending to be submissive, but in her heart, she sneered at Feng Jinyao.
So she was just a paper tiger. Humph, wait until she finds a way to get her hands on the contract, then she'll deal with her!
A flash of determination passed through Feng Jinyao's eyes as she noticed Concubine Lin's malicious intent. Although it was a pity, she couldn't let Yunli be influenced by her anymore. Otherwise, his future would be ruined.
"As for Yunli, it's a good thing that he wants to go to school, but he's still young. Since spring has arrived, it's time to find a teacher to enlighten him. If he is truly talented, I will report to Father and find a way to send him to the academy."
"Yes, yes, thank you, Third Miss. Thank you, Third Miss. Yunli, you should thank your aunt!"
Yunli's chubby face frowned. Why was mother crying and laughing alternately? What did it mean?
It was Feng Yunhe, standing beside them, who clenched his fists behind his back, his breath quickening.
Feng Jinyao glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, realizing that he was just a child, but his dissatisfaction was still evident.
Unfortunately, there were some things she couldn't tell them yet, or else they wouldn't be able to expose the hidden snake behind Concubine Lin.
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