Hongmian continued, “Everyone knows how capable I am. Even without Sister Hongye’s introduction, how could Madam, with her discerning eye, not have seen me? Sister Hongye has indeed been kind to me, but this is only a small favor. Although it is said that one should repay a drop of kindness with a spring of gratitude, I feel that it is not worth repaying with my marriage.”
Hongye's face darkened further. Hongmian's words were tantamount to saying that she had taken advantage of her small favors and was now demanding repayment, and that she would turn her back on her when she couldn't get what she wanted.
Qin Yuan thought for a moment and then said, "Although the logic is correct, you didn't say it that way, and you didn't do it that way."
Hongmian remained silent.
Qin Yuan said slowly, "The relationship between Hongye and Gu Shiliu is already halfway to the public eye. Others may not know this, but you do. Although Hongye has done you some small favors, which are not worth repaying with marriage, why does everyone look down on you? Is it just because you offended Hongye? Why don't you think about it carefully?"
Hongmian lowered her head and remained silent.
Cui Ming said, "It's clear that Hongye and Gu Shiliu have feelings for each other, and the masters have all given their approval. They're just waiting for the right time to get married, but you suddenly pulled the rug out from under them. Not only did you accept their favor, but you also tried to steal their marriage, and then you said that you're capable enough and don't need their small favors, so it's not worth using your own marriage as a favor. We despise people like you. It's only because Madam is kind-hearted that she's explaining things to you. If it were anyone else, she would have slapped you across the face and taught you a lesson."
Hearing this, Hongmian secretly rolled her eyes, then looked up at Qin Yuan and said, "Madam, you heard it too. Cuiming was standing up for Hongye. If I were to work under Cuiming, I would certainly not get any credit, and I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to serve you in the future. You are in need of capable people right now, so why would you dismiss me over something like this? Although I have a thousand faults, I have never made a single mistake in my work, and my loyalty to you has never wavered. I am always concerned about what you are concerned about and think what you are thinking. I deserve the title of 'loyal'."
Qin Yuan remained silent, only looking at Hong Mian without saying a word.
Hongye opened her mouth, but couldn't say a word.
Hongmian mustered her courage and said, "If I were to work under Sister Cuiming, I would be ostracized and tormented. In the future, everyone would know to follow their lead and dare not offend them in the slightest. Over time, the two of them would become all-powerful around Madam. If they don't harbor any selfish motives, that's fine. But if they do, even if Madam is wise, how is she any different from others if she listens to only one side? I admire Madam's abilities and hope to work under Madam for a long time, but I am unwilling to be subordinate to others. Although others may see me as an ingrate, I ask you, which capable person would be willing to serve under a mediocre person and be controlled by petty favors?"
The room remained quiet for a while.
Hongye slowly spoke up: "It turns out it was my fault. I did you a favor, and you used that favor to blackmail me into repaying it... Calling you an ingrate wouldn't be wrong."
Hongmian retorted, "I have received your kindness, so I will naturally repay you in other ways. But if I am an incompetent fool, and you give me a chance but I can't seize it, then naturally you won't give me another chance. Do you expect me to give you every chance you give me, and then be an ingrate if I don't give you a chance? Gu Shiliu is a man of outstanding character. Both of our families are servants of the household. I have long had feelings for him. Do you expect me to give them up for you? Everything else is fine, but this is not acceptable."
"You, you, you!" Hongye was furious, but she couldn't say anything to refute it.
Cui Ming chimed in, "The two of them are already in love. What kind of person are you to interfere?"
Hongmian retorted, "Marriages are arranged by parents and matchmakers. I asked my parents to make the decision, and the two families agreed on the marriage. I did not use any underhanded tricks, nor did I interfere, spread rumors, or sow discord between you."
In that sense, she was quite upright and honest.
Qin Yuan laughed and said, "You're so insightful, but you're a bit too eccentric. They've already passed by the master's door and are just waiting to discuss marriage. You've interfered and created so many complications. If you succeed, wouldn't it be like you've taken a husband from Hongye? How could Hongye not hate you? Putting aside whether Hongye has been kind to you, just the fact that they are both maids in my garden is inappropriate. Everyone who knows this will call you heartless."
Hongmian bowed her head and remained silent.
There's nothing to argue about.
Qin Yuan continued, "You're still young, thinking that I'll only do something unethical this once, and that I'll get the person I want. You're clever and quick-witted, and you think that once things are done, Gu Shiliu won't have a good life in the future. But have you ever considered that Gu Shiliu isn't someone who's so easily manipulated? If you can manipulate him, that's fine, but if he doesn't, you'll only be able to cause trouble in his house, making a mess of things and ruining everyone's life. Why be so foolish as to do something that will only backfire? Do you think Gu Shiliu is a good person, and that you're the only one who's interested? Have you considered using such methods? Why did you do it when others didn't? If you can't figure it out, then stay working in the sewing room for as long as you can. Everything else you said was from the bottom of your heart, and I've taken it all to heart."
Hongmian shed tears, stood up and bowed, forcing back her sobs as she said, "I have remembered everything you said, Madam."
Cuiming obeyed and led her to the sewing room. The two remained silent the whole way. As they approached the sewing room, Cuiming said, "Don't worry, I only punished you a little because I couldn't stand you bullying Hongye. If you have the ability to gain a foothold in the sewing room, I won't try to control everything. Hongye and I are both the lady's personal maids. We made a promise to stay together through thick and thin. Don't waste your energy trying to sow discord between us. Show us what you're capable of first, then people will use you properly. Don't waste your time on these things. You're like a troublemaker, making people look down on you."
Hongmian hesitated for a long time before replying, "I remember Hongye's kindness to me and will repay her in due time. As for the matter of Sixteen, we'll each rely on our own abilities."
Cui Ming sneered a few times and said, "Madam is right. Although you are clever and quick-witted, you do things that harm others without benefiting yourself. You only have eyes for the tip of your nose. You should know that in this world, besides the word 'clever,' there is also the word 'reason.' I don't want to say anything more. You should think about it carefully in the sewing room. We'll talk about it when you've figured it out."
Hongmian remained silent. Cuiming knew she hadn't listened, but she didn't want to say another word to her. She led her directly into the sewing room and instructed Li Mama and Lu Mama to take good care of Hongmian.
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