The funeral lasted for several days before it ended, after which the Marquis's residence returned to its tranquil state.
After a few days, Qingqing had a general understanding of the layout of the Marquis's mansion and the people in each room and courtyard.
In fact, the Hou family had a small population. Xie Tianlin did not have any wives or concubines. His first wife had passed away long ago, and a concubine who had borne him a son and a daughter had also passed away many years ago.
Now, in the Marquis's mansion, there are only three masters: Xie Jingrun, Xie Jingyi, and Xie Jingxuan.
With Xie Tianlin having just passed away, the entire Hou Mansion appeared unusually deserted.
Strangely, Xie Jingrun did not appear during the days of mourning. Many people were gossiping behind his back, saying that Xie Jingrun was an ungrateful wretch and that the Marquis had spoiled him for nothing.
Of course, they only dared to discuss these things in private and did not dare to say them to Xie Jingrun.
The name Xie Jingrun is extremely useful to Qingqing.
After what happened that day, no one dared to make things difficult for her for several days, because they had automatically categorized her as Xie Jingrun's camp.
Offending her is tantamount to offending Xie Jingrun, and they don't have that kind of guts.
Of course, there are exceptions.
As soon as Qingqing came out of the mourning hall, Xie Jingyi blocked her way.
"Oh, isn't this Miss Rong? No, no, you should call me Madam Xie now." Xie Jingyi's words were full of sarcasm.
Qingqing curled her lips, and suddenly, without saying a word, stepped forward and slapped her. "You bastard, who taught you to behave like this? When you meet your elders, you not only don't know how to be polite, but you also have no respect for your elders. You have absolutely no manners."
Without warning, she suddenly struck, and Xie Jingyi was slapped hard, covering her face and staring at her in disbelief.
After realizing what had happened, she was so angry that her face turned ashen. "Rong Qingqing, you bitch, how dare you hit me! I'll fight you to the death!"
Rong Qingqing stepped aside to avoid her scratches, and then kicked out, hitting her knee squarely.
Xie Jingyi was caught off guard; her knees went numb, and she knelt down with a thud.
Rong Qingqing covered her mouth in surprise and said, "Oh dear, Yi'er, why are you kneeling? Although you were quite offensive to me just now, you don't need to perform such a grand ceremony to atone for your sins. Considering that you are still young, I won't hold it against you. Please get up quickly!"
The commotion had already attracted a crowd of servants, who were astonished to see the once arrogant Third Miss kneeling at the feet of the Stepmother.
However, after hearing Rong Qingqing's words, everyone understood.
So the Third Miss was disrespectful to Madam just now!
Xie Jingyi's face turned ashen. This Rong Qingqing really acted like an elder to her?
The two are only a few months apart in age, so where does she get the nerve?
"Rong Qingqing, you jinx, don't be so smug! Do you think being a widow is glamorous? You'll never be able to remarry in your life, and you'll have to be a widow at such a young age. I really feel sorry for you!"
Upon hearing this, Rong Qingqing seemed to stumble and took a step back, looking at her with a hint of sadness. "Yi'er, how can you say that? Now that I have married into the Marquis's mansion, I am naturally a member of the Marquis's family. For the rest of my life, I will remain chaste for the Marquis. I am willing to remain chaste for the Marquis, and it is only right."
Upon hearing this, Xie Jingyi's expression changed. Sure enough, the people around her looked at her with accusations and disapproval.
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