"Has Madam gone mad today? How could she hit Miss like that!"
“That’s right, Miss is right, Miss is still so young…”
"I think Madam is just jealous that Miss Cousin is doted on by the Marquis and the Old Madam, so she's taking it out on the child!"
The whispers buzzed like flies.
Shen Qingtang coldly swept her gaze over, her eyes like knives: "When did it become your place to interrupt when the master is speaking? Anyone who dares to utter another word will be beaten to death on the spot!"
Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried an intimidating authority, and the maids were instantly silenced.
One by one, they lowered their heads.
They didn't even dare to breathe loudly.
The aura of the eldest daughter of the Duke of Dingguo's mansion was something that these servants dared not challenge.
Seeing this, Lin Peirou bit her lip, her eyes red, and stepped forward: "Sister, don't blame them, they're just worried about Jiaojiao..."
"Get out of my way." Shen Qingtang interrupted her sharply, her eyes piercing. "I'm disciplining my daughter; what right do you, an outsider residing in this mansion, have to interfere?"
Lin Peirou trembled at her outburst, and tears immediately rolled down her cheeks: "Sister, that's not what I meant..."
"No?" Shen Qingtang sneered, then suddenly raised her hand and slapped Lin Peirou hard across the face.
That slap was both swift and brutal.
Lin Peirou's head was turned to the side after being hit.
Five clear finger marks instantly appeared on her fair cheek.
She covered her face, completely stunned, her eyes filled with shock and disbelief.
Shen Qingtang looked down at her, her voice icy cold: "Remember this, Lin Peirou. I, Shen Qingtang, am the mistress of the Yongning Marquis's mansion, not you, a mere cousin who lives off a man!"
"If you live under my roof, you must abide by my rules. If you dare to put on airs and sow discord in front of me again, I won't hesitate to let you know what it means to wish you were dead!"
Her words were like poisoned ice picks, piercing deeply into the hearts of Lin Peirou and everyone present.
The entire Qingzhi Courtyard fell silent instantly. Lin Peirou covered her face.
Tears streamed down like beads from a broken string.
Her body swayed precariously, her frail and terrified appearance suggesting she had suffered a tremendous injustice.
She looked at Shen Qingtang, her eyes filled with incomprehension and hurt.
But her heart was churning with turmoil—how could Shen Qingtang, who used to be so devoted and obedient to her, suddenly become so fierce and terrifying?
Shen Qingtang looked at her posture.
I just feel disgusted.
She remembered how good she had been to Lin Peirou in her past life, sharing with her new clothes, rare tonics, and anything she had.
He even went so far as to argue with the old lady and quarrel with his brother in order to protect her.
What did they get in return? They lost their space and were plotted against, resulting in the destruction of their families.
It was that heart-wrenching betrayal before death!
Just then, a male voice filled with anger rang out: "Shen Qingtang! What nonsense are you spouting!"
Shen Qingtang looked up and saw Lu Jin stride in, dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, with a handsome face, but his eyes were full of undisguised disgust and reproach as he looked at her.
He was obviously summoned by the maids, his gaze sweeping over the wailing Jiao Jiao and the tearful Lin Pei Rou.
Finally, the voice fell on Shen Qingtang, cold as ice: "Rou'er kindly advised you, and you not only didn't appreciate it, but you actually hit her? And Jiaojiao, how old is she, how could you hit her so hard!"
Seeing this, the maids nearby mustered their courage and chimed in, "Yes, Lord Marquis, Madam was terrifying today. She not only hit Miss, but also Cousin..."
Jiaojiao rushed over and hugged Lu Jin's leg, crying her heart out: "Daddy! Mommy is bad! Mommy hit me! She even hit my aunt! Grandpa and Grandma are bad! Uncle is bad! They are all bad people!"
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