"I don't know, but I heard the official rank is quite high."
"She's so lucky."
"Why am I not so lucky?"
Before leaving, Zou Shuang'er walked arrogantly up to Ye Lanyin.
"Ye Lanyin, I am at least your Marquis's cousin, why are you treating me like this?"
"Mrs. Zou, are you perhaps mistaken about something?"
"I have no misunderstanding."
Ye Lanyin lowered her eyes, her fingers unconsciously playing with the strands of hair in her hand, her voice carrying a barely perceptible hint of sorrow:
"Why not? You came to my house and we served you good food and drink for a month. You even stole Madam Sheng's bracelet at my daughter's one-month celebration."
“You were handed over to the authorities, but I rescued you out of kindness.”
“I brought my daughter to buy clothes for the New Year, and you snatched the one I had my eye on without saying a word.”
"I said whoever is willing to pay a high price, and I didn't set that price myself. You were the one who set it at one thousand taels! Do you think I can control your mind?"
Ye Lanyin's words were full of grievances, but every sentence pierced the hearts of the people present like a needle, arousing their indignation.
"My God, this is my cousin!"
"They treat her to good food and drink, and this guy steals what his sister-in-law wants. What kind of person is he?"
“That’s right, I also heard her shout one thousand taels herself, while the lady initially said fifty taels.”
"Greed knows no bounds, like a snake trying to swallow an elephant; that's exactly what she is. She's such an ingrate, treating us so well and still stealing things from the mistress of the house."
"Yes, what did that mistress just say? She even rescued her from prison. She's completely forgotten such a kindness."
"Wanqing's mother, you are too heartless."
Those who had initially looked at Zou Shuang'er with envy now turned to criticizing her.
These comments were like a heavy hammer, striking Zou Shuang'er's heart again and again.
Zou Shuang'er felt a lump in her throat.
From being the envy of everyone as the wife of an official, she instantly became an ingrate despised by everyone.
This huge difference was unbearable for Zou Shuang'er.
She gripped the hem of her skirt tightly, snatched the cloth from the shopkeeper's hands, and hurriedly fled the scene with Zou Wanqing in tow.
Ye Lanyin's eyes flashed with a sharp light as she watched her flee in panic.
Zou Shuang'er, you can't even stand it at the very beginning?
The best is yet to come!
After exchanging a few words with the shopkeeper, he saw her off as if she were a god of wealth.
When he left, he also gave her a piece of Shu brocade that was exactly the same.
"Let's go, let's disperse."
I've had enough of this show.
It's time to go home.
Ye Lanyin returned to the manor in the early evening.
The next day.
The Holy Kingdom welcomes its annual joyous day – the Little New Year.
On this day, the emperor granted all civil and military officials a day off.
To allow them to spend time with their families.
Because of the special occasion, the old lady was worried about Zou Shuang'er.
Because of the collapse of the outer courtyard a few days ago, she hasn't slept well for two days.
Early that day, he went outside with the Marquis of Zhenbei, and Lin Shixuan and Lin Shiming went along as well.
Ye Lanyin didn't get up until Chenshi (7-9 AM).
"Madam, the old lady and the master went out early this morning with the eldest son and the fourth son."
Ye Lanyin was coaxing Lin Wanwan to take the milk bottle to wash.
Hearing Hua Mei's words, she paused for a moment, then continued to coax her.
The two children are twins, yet they openly take one away; this is truly going too far.
"Let them go. Today is the Little New Year. They are a family and they should reunite eventually."
Hua Mei's eyes reddened with heartache. "Madam, you've given birth to so many children for Master. How could the Old Madam and Master treat you like this?"
"Hua Mei, stop talking. It's a joyous occasion today. Since Master and Madam aren't coming, we'll keep you company." Hua Xin didn't want Madam to be sad today, so she brought Lin Rui'an and Lin Chang'an early on.
It's strange, really. How could the master and mistress take the mistress's own son to the concubine's place?
Before Hua Xin could continue thinking, she stopped.
The two children stepped forward and took Ye Lanyin's hands.
"Mother, your son has grown up and will definitely be your support in the future."
Ye Lanyin smiled at Lin Rui'an and Lin Chang'an, "Your safety is the best reward for your mother."
"Painting plum blossoms, painting my heart, I'm still happy even though the master isn't here. Let's eat together today."
"While you're at it, have the kitchen prepare a table for the maids outside."
Hua Xin nodded, her voice choked with emotion: "Yes, Madam."
Meanwhile, Marquis Zhenbei was at the inn reuniting with Zou Shuang'er and her daughter.
"Wanqing, come here, let Daddy hold you." The Marquis of Zhenbei was very fond of this daughter.
He could speak right after birth and walk at six months old. When you took him out, everyone called him a genius.
She could readily quote famous poems and sayings, and sometimes she could even offer advice on matters concerning his official career.
Over the past year, he has had an incredibly smooth year and has made a lot of money.
"Master, look at you, our family is having dinner today. The food has already been prepared by the restaurant and should be on its way by now," Zou Shuang'er said with a smile.
Ye Lanyin, so what if you are the legitimate daughter?
So what if you are one of the four beauties of Bianjing?
Your husband, your mother-in-law, and your adopted son whom you raised as your own son are all now dining here with me, reuniting with me.
Her eyes couldn't hide her arrogance and haughtiness.
"Dad, let's eat and leave quickly, or Mother will find out we're gone soon."
"Yes." Lin Shiming's eyes softened as he thought of Ye Lanyin, who doted on him.
When Zou Shuang'er saw that her two sons were actually afraid of Ye Lanyin, she suddenly felt a strange unease.
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