Volume One, Chapter 18: Backing Up
The expressions of everyone present changed abruptly, and the two maids crouching on the ground trembled uncontrollably.
Judging merely by the attire of Meng Xueyi and Meng Tingfeng, outsiders could easily discern Meng Lan’s favoritism, let alone the differences in their provisions and clothing. Meng Tingfeng undoubtedly received far less than Meng Xueyi in every aspect.
Yet, despite Meng Tingfeng having returned to the residence for some time, this was the first instance someone openly exposed the matter. Moreover, the one who pointed it out was not even a member of the Meng family, but Shi Jing’s younger sister.
Meng Lan’s mouth twitched, his eyes tentatively glancing at Shi Jing, who sipped his tea silently, instantly understanding his stance.
Shi Jing had originally come with his sister to express thanks, but upon discovering that someone in the residence was spreading rumors, he tacitly allowed Shi Zilu to stand up for Meng Tingfeng, signaling that he expected Meng Lan to handle the matter properly.
With a grand gesture, he commanded:
“Guards! Drag these two foolish rumor-mongering maids away and deal with them according to the family rules!”
The two maids lifted their heads in terror. One of them crawled to Meng Yuhong’s feet, clutching the tip of his boot and just about to plead when Yinsuang knocked her unconscious with one clean strike.
The action was swift and decisive, and Shi Jing took in the entire scene.
The other maid was too frightened to say anything further and was escorted away by the servants.
Soon, agonized screams echoed from the adjacent courtyard.
Shi Zilu’s face brightened slightly, but she still felt it wasn’t enough:
“Meng, your decision to punish the gossiping maids shows you are a just man. But regarding the legitimate daughter’s status, shouldn’t you pay more attention?
“If you ask me, these maids dared to talk so boldly behind their mistress’s back simply because they don’t respect her or take her seriously! If that’s the case, Meng, you ought to consider why things have come to this.”
Her words were blunt and sharp, almost branding Meng Lan with the label of “inaction.”
Standing aside, Meng Tingfeng felt the warmth from Shi Zilu’s palm and couldn’t help but look at the young lady with newfound respect.
She expressed herself so clearly, and her powerful words seemed to reflect the shadow of another person.
Catching a glimpse of that gaze from the corner of his eye, Meng Tingfeng quietly turned around, a slight smile tugging at his lips.
Meng Lan’s face darkened; was this young lady trying to teach him how to conduct himself?
Yet he was clearly the elder!
But no matter how much dissatisfaction he felt, Meng Lan had no choice but to keep it locked away in his heart.
“Since Tingfeng’s return, the household affairs have been overwhelming, and I have neglected to announce her status outside.
“But since Tingfeng is my legitimate daughter of the Meng residence, I will not let her suffer the slightest injustice!”
Meng Lan straightened his back and vowed firmly.
---
Shi Zilu finally showed some satisfaction. “That’s good to hear. From now on, I’ll frequently associate with Tingfeng. If I catch her being mistreated again, I’ll personally teach Meng a lesson, understood?”
“Meng will strictly discipline the household staff to ensure today’s incident never happens again!”
Though the matter was settled, Shi Jing set down his now-cold teacup and rose to say:
“It’s getting late. I shall take my leave.”
His family followed his steps, and only when they reached the carriage did Shi Zilu reluctantly release Meng Tingfeng’s hand.
“Farewell, Tingfeng.”
Meng Tingfeng smiled gently, “Farewell.”
Standing nearby, Shi Jing gave her a lingering, deep look.
Meng Tingfeng secretly curled her lips; she certainly wouldn’t forget!
But Shi Jing said, “The clothes.”
She was puzzled. What clothes?
“The clothes I entrusted you with last time, the ones you were supposed to wash. You can return them to me now.”
A blush rose on Meng Tingfeng’s cheeks.
She hadn’t expected Shi Jing to actually have her wash his clothes, and those garments were long lost somewhere.
Trying to laugh it off, she said, “They’re still drying. Next time, I’ll find Miss Shi and we’ll deliver them to you together.”
Shi Jing’s lips twitched downward in displeasure but nodded and turned to board the carriage.
The carriage stirred up dust as it departed, and Meng Tingfeng made a face in their direction.
Did he take her for his maid? Washing his clothes by hand? Not a chance!
Turning back, she noticed the various expressions among the Meng family members.
Meng Lan’s face was the darkest of all.
Today, he had been utterly lectured by a mere yellow-haired girl!
---
Seemingly aware of his thoughts, Meng Xueyi, who had witnessed everything, comforted him:
“Father is magnanimous; there’s no need to lose temper over trivial matters. The prime minister’s visit today is all thanks to your sister. Given time, Father will surely gain the support of the Shi household.”
Meng Lan glanced at her sideways, deeply gratified.
“I am well aware of the stakes involved. It’s fortunate that Miss Shi discovered the rumors; had other guests learned of the gossip, they might think the Meng household lacks discipline.”
He turned his gaze to the unusually quiet Meng Yuhong.
“Yuhong, you should know your limits from now on. Don’t disgrace yourself in front of important guests.”
Meng Xueyi stopped and looked at him, but the once arrogant youth quietly nodded without objection, his eyes fixed on the uneasy Meng Tingfeng.
Though the incident was not Meng Tingfeng’s fault, everything stemmed from her presence.
Meng Xueyi mistakenly thought he was still angry. “Yuhong, don’t be upset with your sister. Miss Shi’s visit was for Tingfeng; it’s understandable we weren’t noticed.”
Seeing his silence, she reassured Meng Tingfeng:
“You need not worry. Today’s matter has nothing to do with you; it’s the fault of foolish servants who talk too much. Father’s punishment of them was to protect your reputation. He will not blame you for this.”
Seeing Meng Tingfeng’s timid eyes, Meng Lan’s anger dissipated like smoke.
Since Shi Zilu interfered in the Meng household’s affairs, and it wasn’t at Meng Tingfeng’s behest, why should he secretly blame her?
Still, his daughter was too inconspicuous, allowing servants to gossip so freely...
Perhaps it was time to give her more opportunities to gain experience. She seemed to get along well with Miss Shi. With Xueyi soon to choose a husband, it would be fitting for Tingfeng to accompany her sister and see more of the world.
After much thought, Meng Lan spoke:
“In a few days, there will be the birthday palace banquet for Consort Xian. Xueyi, you shall bring Tingfeng along so she can gain some exposure.”
Meng Tingfeng’s eyes lit up. “Thank you, Father. I will certainly learn well from Sister.”
Meng Xueyi smiled on the surface but subtly cast a glance at Tingfeng’s bright eyes, her fingers curled into a fist beneath her sleeve.
Could it be that Father was beginning to pay attention to her?