Looking at Mo Lan's demeanor, Old Mrs. Zhao narrowed her wise eyes slightly. "Hmm, she's a clean and efficient child. You managed to bring Yun'er here safely, which shows you're quite capable. I must thank you."

“Mother is right. Miss Mo Lan is clearly capable; otherwise, she wouldn’t have dared to settle this matter so easily.” The Third and Fourth Madams looked at Mo Lan and immediately echoed with a smile.

It was meant to be a polite thank you, but it always felt like a thorn in my side.

Looking at this large family, Mo Lan's expression immediately softened. "What the old lady said is true. I do have some skills, otherwise I wouldn't dare to take on such a delicate job. I already told the second madam that it was just something I did on the side. I couldn't bear to see Miss Zhao all alone and pitiful, so I just took pity on her."

Mo Lan's meaning is simple: you're fighting amongst yourselves. She's just pitying that little girl Zhao Ziyun. Don't overthink it.

"Saving someone is an act of kindness, and we should still express our gratitude. There's no need for you to be so modest, young lady." The old lady looked at Mo Lan's cold eyes and heard the sarcasm in her words. It was quite arrogant of her to say that the Zhou family had a bad reputation in front of her.

Mo Lan glanced around the dining hall, her expression growing increasingly indifferent. "If the old lady hadn't said 'thank you,' I would have thought we were going to have a public interrogation. Let me emphasize again, Miss Zhao was just an unintentional encounter, it was a small favor. I didn't originally intend to stay, but I was worried that Miss Zhao wouldn't be able to explain herself, so I was going to follow the principle of doing good deeds to the end and be a witness if needed. But it seems that's no longer necessary."

After Mo Lan finished speaking, the Second Madam's expression changed immediately. She quickly grabbed Mo Lan's hand and patted it, saying, "Miss, please don't mind. The women in the manor rarely go out. They get curious when something happens and want to come and get to know you, this chivalrous woman."

"Is that so? I am not someone that just anyone can see. Second Madam has overstepped her bounds. What should I do? I'm starting to regret saving her."

Seeing the Second Madam's demeanor, Mo Lan withdrew her hand without ceremony; she had thought this person was someone important.

If we could gain her approval, a little collaboration wouldn't be bad, but now it seems unnecessary. To cater to the public, they'd rather wrong their daughter's savior; ultimately, it's just selfishness.

When her elders suppress her, she takes the pressure upon herself. Good, very good.

Second Madam: "..."

Looking into Mo Lan's all-seeing eyes, the Second Madam felt a pang of unease, as if she had lost something.

"Tch, that sounds nice, but who knows if it was all premeditated? Otherwise, where would all these coincidences come from? Who are you trying to fool?"

"I've heard that these wandering knights-errant are incredibly poor. They talk about upholding justice, but really they just want to befriend us aristocratic families and then sneak in some freebies..."

"Ahem... How dare you speak so much in front of our guests? If you don't want to eat, then leave." The old lady glanced at her granddaughters as they whispered, and the entire dining hall fell silent.

"Young lady, I'm sorry you had to see this. Please sit down, this old woman will apologize to you." As she spoke, Old Mrs. Zhao picked up a cup of sake beside her, gestured to Mo Lan, and then tilted her head back to drink it.

The old lady's actions silenced the women in the dining hall, their eyes darting around, and their gazes towards Mo Lan were filled with hostility, as if she had done something to offend the old lady.

Isn't this all your own doing?

Damn it!