Qingqing looked at her mother in astonishment, “How does Mother know? Aren’t you upset about his neglect of us?” The Third Lady was about to respond when a sweet, mocking voice came from outside, “She wishes she could blame the master.” With that, the person burst into laughter.
Then, a group of people entered, led by the Second Lady and the Youngest Lady, both adorned with pearls and jewels, dressed in fine silk, their demeanor haughty. They sat down unceremoniously. The Youngest Lady continued, “But can she really blame him? Does she even have the chance?” The Third Lady’s face was awkward as she asked, “What wind has brought you two noble visitors here?”
The Second Lady said, “It’s been years since we’ve seen our sister, and you’ve become even more impolite. Don’t you need to greet us?”
The Youngest Lady added, “Do you think just because you have such a daughter, you can reach the heavens? Have you forgotten about respect?”
The Third Lady, though furious, gradually calmed down, a charming smile appearing on her lips, “We are all the same kind of people. Should I bow to you just because you’re a bit older?” Women are strange creatures; in their teens, they wish to be seen as mature, not as little girls. But when they truly are mature, they wish to be seen as young. The Second Lady, being mature, also wished to be treated as a young girl. However, the Third Lady, instead of complying, emphasized the word ‘older’ in ‘a bit older.’ Over the years, although Old Master Lin had not made her the official wife, he had entrusted her with all the household affairs, and everyone treated her with respect. She was both angry and anxious but couldn’t lash out.
The Youngest Lady, who always followed the Second Lady’s lead, was now thinking of how to retaliate. Her eyes fell on the timid Qingqing, and she laughed, “I heard this girl called me a lowly maid. Isn’t that disregarding respect?”
Qingqing, already displeased by their bullying of her mother, couldn’t help but retort, “It was Yafu who insulted me first. She’s the one who doesn’t respect her superiors.”
The Youngest Lady laughed as if she had heard the most absurd thing, “Are you even worthy to compare with her? Look at yourself.”
Qingqing retorted, “What do I look like?”
The Youngest Lady immediately showed contempt, “You look like Zhong Wuyan.”
