Du Jingyi’s smile held a hidden agenda; today’s events needed to unfold flawlessly. First, it was crucial for her to retain everyone in the Fifth Household , as to convey the entire Duke’s Mansion, to understand that Dongyuan was not to be trifled with. Second, it was about establishing her authority for her upcoming move to the General’s Mansion. After all, she would soon be the mistress in charge of General’s Mansion , overseeing hundreds of servants in a grand estate. If she didn’t assert herself now, future endeavors would surely be fraught with difficulty. Thus, her smile grew even more gentle and captivating.
Unaware that they were about to become pawns in Du Jingyi’s intricate game, the occupants of the Fifth House continued to assert authority , demanding full respect .
“The Young madam is here!” Steward He’s booming announcement echoed through the flower hall as Du Jingyi entered , instantly drawing all eyes towards her .
The Fourth Lady, Mdam Ni, made a slight move to rise, intending to curtsy. By rank, commoners like them were expected to bow before the General’s wife. However, seeing her mother-in-law, husband, son, and daughter-in-law stubbornly rooted to their seats, she found it awkward to stand out. With a frustrated sigh, she settled back down again
As Du Jingyi entered, observing the family’s contorted expressions, their noses feel seemingly out of joint as their mouths twisted in displeasure. So a smirk played on her lips as she thought they were so accustomed to their arrogance that they’d forgotten their own place.
So, she deliberately offered a saccharine smile and spoke, “I apologize for keeping my Fifth Uncle and Grandma waiting. It’s quite a journey to come so early in the morning. What brings you here today?” Du Jingyi feigned ignorance of Steward Qi’s death, addressing them as if they were merely visiting relatives.
At this, Madam Wu’s the matriach of Fifth household’s temper flared and with a cold glare, she snapped, “My family is cursed! Why did I ever marry such an ignorant person as you? Your husband didn’t even tell you anything after he killed someone. Utterly useless!” She intended her harsh rebuke to deflate Du Jingyi’s composure, perhaps even frighten her into submission. This grand display was meant to thoroughly embarrass Du Jingyi.
Yet, Du Jingyi remained unfazed by the show of force. Her smile didn’t even falter as she replied, “Oh, has my Fifth Uncle and Grandma consumed something Unclean ? You’re speaking such nonsense. While I may not hail from a renowned clan, I am still the daughter of an honorable family. My marriage into the Duke of Shang’s palace was personally arranged by the Duke himself, decided after discussions with my parents, with all the proper rites and ceremonies, and I was welcomed through the main gate.”
“Why, then, in the eyes of my Fifth Uncle and Grandma, have I become an ‘ignorant ’ and ‘useless’ one ?” As she spoke, her face remained amiable, but her eyes held a chilling intensity as she fixed her gaze on Madam Wu.
The Fourth Lady Ni watched this scene, and a nervous gulp catching in her throat. It was Wu Lang’s wife her daughter-in-law beside her who patted her hand, easing some of her apprehension.
Meanwhile, Shang Yu’an and Shang Wulang exchanged glances among them , as a hint of difficulty appearing in their expressions. They hadn’t previously noted Liu Lang’s wife’s sharp tongue, but now they realized she was a formidable opponent. The father and son decided to observe the situation before interjecting in between .
The Fifth Old Lady was so stunned by Du Jingyi’s words that she nearly couldn’t retort. But the thought that she was the “Elder ” of the Fifth House quickly banished any fear. She glared at Du Jingyi and spat fiercely, “Bah, you dare to question me, no matter who you are you have to respect me ?”
Du Jingyi, having traversed the country with her parents for years in business, had encountered all sorts of shameless people . But someone like the Fifth House matriarch was truly a rare specimen among them. Still, she wouldn’t let her composure slip. With a resolute tone, she declared, “Since I am the Shizi’s wife, and have entered this Mansion with all the ceromonial rites in a sedan chair, and the wife of the current dynasty’s second-rank Husar Cavalry General, there seems to be nothing wrong with correcting a woman of no rank or standing in the back house.”
“You!” The Fifth Old Lady was incandescent with rage. It wasn’t just her; one of the most sensitive topics for the entire Fifth House was their status. As he brother-in -law the former duke of Shang’s lineage held high regard in this dynasty , while her husband was an unremarkable commoner. Though they had recently reaped significant benefits outside, relying on the Duke’s influence, yet their hearts grew increasingly twisted whenever someone mention this topic. They constantly believed they had all sprung from the same mother, so there should be no distinction between them. It was merely their misfortune. If only their grandfather, the Fifth Old Master, had followed the founding emperor in the uprising, then the glory would be theirs today. Why should they live in their uncle’s shadow, with their children and grandchildren suffering similar indignities?
Du Jingyi observed Madam. Wu, who now resembled a cat whose tail had been trod upon. Her hair seemed to bristle, and she eyed Du Jingyi fiercely, desperate for an opportunity to lash out. And Madam Wu did not disappoint Du Jingyi’s expectation. Predictably, she proved as dull-witted as a pig. as she rose from her seat , raised her hand fiercely, and cursed, “You dare to humiliate me! I’ll tear your mouth apart!”
The slap was about to descend when Butler He and Aunt Dou, terrified, rushed forward to intervene. But Du Jingyi stood calmly at her spot , a half-smile playing on her lips. As Madam Wu’s hand remained suspended in the air, Li Zhu delivered a swift, sweeping kick that sent her sprawling to the ground. Then, in a fluid motion, Li Zhu seized the Fifth Old Lady’s throat. The hand she had just raised was now twisted unnaturally behind her back. and with a sickening click, the bone dislocated.
Madam Wu could barely stir after being knocked down so violently. Li Zhu, kneeling on her body, had murdeeous intenet in her eyes as she spoke each word with chilling composure: “There are few who dare to lay a hand on my Young Lady and leave this door standing!”
At this, everyone finally reacted. They had expected that the servants of the Dongyan in the care of ShangJi may have some skill in martial arts, but not to this extent that even a dowry maid can make person go flying with a kick . How else could she have delivered such a decisive blow, exhibiting such lethal intent? Her speed was astonishing, catching everyone off guard. By the time they comprehended what had happened, the Fifth Old Lady’s wails had already filled the flower hall.
Shang Yu’an and Shang Wulang, aghast by the scene , immediately rushed over, crying out, “What do you think you’re doing? Let my grandmother go at once!”
“This is outrageous! A mere maid dares to cause trouble in the Duke’s Mansion! Beating a master is a capital offense. Are you tired of living?” As they spoke, the two moved to grab Li Zhu’s hand, but they were instantly surrounded by the Dongyuan male servants who had swarmed in from outside.
Seeing their favorable position abruptly transformed into that of a trapped turtle, Shang Yu’an’s loud voice withered into silence. He and his son, Shang Wulang, took a step back, looking at Du Jingyi with fear. “What do you want?”
Du Jingyi merely smiled, then gracefully took her seat, her voice calm as she replied, “We’ll see.”