Taking in a Disciple (Part Four)
Everyone’s attention was focused on Qingqing when suddenly a woman’s rude scolding voice was heard, causing slight frowns among the crowd for its vulgarity, though the voice was pleasant and somewhat similar to Qingqing’s. Qingqing, unlike the others, was already scared white upon hearing it, trembling as she said, “Mother, I’m here.”
It turned out that the third madam, seeing Qingqing hadn’t returned after a long while, feared she might have offended someone. Qingqing wanted to go to her, but with her father and everyone else there, she dared not move. The third madam was still scolding loudly, but upon approaching and seeing Mr. Lin and others looking at her disdainfully, and Qingqing standing submissively, she approached without hesitation and slapped Qingqing hard across the face. Qingqing’s face immediately showed clear red marks, slightly swollen with traces of blood. The third madam paid no mind, quickly kneeling down to kowtow, “This ignorant girl, if she has offended you, please punish her as you see fit.”
Qingqing, in shock, forgot her pain and also knelt down. Mr. Lin hadn’t seen the third madam in a long time. Her beauty might still be there, but she had lost her former grace, her attire was casual, and her hair was disheveled. Mr. Lin felt a pang of sadness, wondering how such a once proud woman had become so unbecoming, so fearful. His disdain for her grew. He said indifferently, “She hasn’t offended anyone. You’ve taught her well, but why are you…”
The third madam was unsure if Mr. Lin was genuinely complimenting her teaching or being sarcastic, as she had never actually taught her daughter. Even Qingqing’s red sugar as a child was delivered to her mouth by the third madam’s toenail. “What have you done wrong?” she asked Qingqing, lacking the resources or mood for guessing games or coquetry, only seeking a quick resolution without implicating herself.
“I don’t know…” Qingqing replied.
Just as the third madam was about to scold again, Mr. Liu interjected, “Madam, the eldest miss hasn’t offended anyone. She’s a clever woman, and I wish to take her as my student.”
His words stunned everyone, except for the third madam, who didn’t know who this man was and looked questioningly at Mr. Lin.
