Hong Mama waited until Qingqing had gone into her room before saying, “Madam, it looks like things are going to get better from now on.” The Third Madam replied, “It’s all up to her now. If I had given birth to a prettier child, or none at all, things might have been different…” Hong Mama, seeing the deep resentment in her eyes, comforted her, “Isn’t this a good turn now?” The Third Madam reminisced, “Remember when the youngest madam came into the household? We thought Master Lin was showing us kindness by renovating our place, but after the renovation… who knows how long this current favor will last?” She was so caught up in her sorrows that she forgot the saying, “Men are often unfaithful.” Let alone Master Lin, with his power and influence. If it were an ordinary family, he would probably cherish his delicate wife and daughter dearly. Hong Mama, unsure how to console her, just bowed her head in silence.
“Third Madam, is the Third Madam here?” Steward Lin, looking at the desolate east courtyard, couldn’t help but pity this mother-daughter pair. Hong Mama hurried out, delighted, “Third Madam, Steward Lin is here.” Steward Lin, always bringing good news and rewards, had arrived. The Third Madam adjusted her attire and greeted him with a smile, “Steward Lin, you certainly work fast.” Steward Lin laughed, “When Master gives an order, how could I not be quick?” He gestured, and two servants came in, quietly placing down fabrics and daily necessities. Steward Lin then pulled out a packet of silver, “Third Madam, here are fifty taels of silver, Master instructed that these fabrics and silver are to be given to you and the young miss, with instructions for you to make some new clothes for the eldest miss.” The Third Madam quickly nodded in agreement, “Yes, yes, very good!” Steward Lin continued, “Please have the eldest miss start attending lessons in the study from tomorrow at Chen hour. She must not be late.” The Third Madam assured, “You can tell Master to rest assured, I won’t let that girl be late.” Steward Lin nodded in acknowledgment and left.
