Fight poison with poison

  Qing Liu was the most trusted and yet the least noticeable of Jia Min's personal maids, previously Lin Jing had secretly ridiculed her, perhaps it was Qing Liu's appearance that made Jia Min value her the most.

  But now, with just a lift of her hand and a lowered head, she walks in, matching that outfit perfectly. Tsk, tsk, no wonder people say that if you want to look stunning in mourning attire, adding this quiet and calm demeanor really does have an inexplicable charm that touches the heart.

  The maid walked in, first to greet Lin Ruhai, then glanced at Lin Jing and also called out "master", before putting the food box she was carrying on the table.

  Lin Jing stared at the maid as she came in, then quickly turned her eyes to look at her old father, but didn't expect to meet a pair of eyes with hidden anger, and was taken aback for a moment, hastily lowering her head, feeling somewhat bewildered, but her ears perked up.

  Only a soft voice replied: "Master, today is the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month. I hurried to bring this Laba porridge, please have some more, sir."

  Lin Ruhai's voice was somewhat cold, "Put it there for now."

  "Yes." Rong Liu replied, her hands still moving as she opened the food box, took out a small bowl, and scooped out a bowl of porridge from the large pot. "In previous years on Laba Festival eve, Madam would have us soak lotus seeds, peanuts, and red dates overnight, starting to simmer them before dawn, until they were thick and sticky. Only then would she add ice sugar and let me bring it to you. Master, you love eating red dates but can't stand the pits. Every time we cooked porridge, Madam would personally remove the pits before letting us cook. Each time she saw you savoring the sweetness, she'd smile with satisfaction, not caring that her fingers would be sore for days."

  As he spoke, he held the bowl up to Lin Ruhai and said, "Master, do you still remember the taste of the Laba porridge your wife made? Is this flavor right?"

  Lin Ruhai had unknowingly picked up the bowl and started eating.

  Lin Jing lowered her head and heard the sound of porcelain being lightly struck, as the maid continued to talk about how Mrs. Lin was so considerate and thoughtful towards Lin Ruhai, and how deep their feelings were for each other. Then she heard the maid ladle out another bowl of porridge.

  So it was like this that Lin Ruhai gave face!

  Lin Jing felt that in her past life, she must have read too many fanfics about Huan Zhu, and seen too many descriptions of girls depicting Empress Wei using Emperor Qianlong's filial piety to rise to power. So now, no matter what, she couldn't shake off the idea of linking Lin Ruhai with Wei Zifu. However, Lin Ruhai was really different from Emperor Qianlong in many ways.

  Is this really how things are? Or have I just been seeing too much and developed overly sensitive eyes that seek out affairs?

  Lin Jing thought for a moment and forgot the unhappy eyes of Lin Ruhai, and quietly raised his head to look at Qing Liu.

  Alright, putting aside those unfulfilled romantic feelings, this gentle willow appears to be very tender. Earlier when she first entered the house and didn't speak, she was quiet and reserved. Just now when she was persuading me, she was considerate. She doesn't look flirtatious, and paired with her behavior of following Jia Min's gaze, she really has a bit of a virtuous and gentle demeanor. Could it be that this is what they mean by "those who are lustful see lust"?

  Lin Jing looked at her like that, and it was actually discovered by Qing Liu. This maid smiled at Lin Jing, completely without the disdainful tone of people like Shi Ying: "Master, are you also thinking about it? It's all because I'm not careful enough when things happen, I didn't think to meet Master here, so I didn't prepare many dishes. Otherwise, let me send some to your house later?"

  Lin Jing didn't dare to speak out of turn, and hastily turned his eyes to Lin Ruhai. Indeed, Lin Ruhai was somewhat angry again, "No need, children can't be spoiled too much."

  Qing Liu nodded apologetically, but didn't know if the apology was for Lin Ruhai or Lin Jing, or perhaps it was directed at both of them simultaneously.

  Lin Jing immediately lowered her head obediently again, anyway, she was used to pretending to be a sparrow.

  Lin Jing's head was lowered, but his ears were perked up and his mind was racing. He listened to Qing Liu's words from back then and advised Master to take care of himself so as not to worry Madam, while constantly thinking in his mind.

  Everyone with eyes has seen Lin Ruhai's affection for Jia Min, but I estimate that no one will believe that Lin Ruhai would guard it for Jia Min. This is different from the general understanding of this world. These people think that even if the old master doesn't remarry, he won't really not be close to women. Even Lin Jing didn't have much confidence and didn't mention this in that book.

  If it's true that the maid has risen to power and even given birth to a little brother or sister for Lin Jing, (although it's not written in the book, but you can't believe everything in books), for Lin Jing, although it's not good, it's not all bad either. Although this means she needs to adjust her plan and can no longer reveal her identity in front of Lin Ruhai, that lazy mother will instead become even more closely tied to herself.

  However, other maids can be promoted, but those confidants left by Jia Min are not allowed. Because if that day really comes, for the sake of their own children, they will definitely leak their own secrets to Lin Ruhai. At that time, when Lin Ruhai has no shortage of sons, what awaits them is absolutely not a good thing.

  So, some things still need to be communicated with Lai Erjia's family.

  Never underestimate women, especially some crazy ones who only have one master in their minds, middle-aged women.

  Don't think that a servant can make decisions for his master or control his bed?

  Yes, Lai Erjia's is just a slave, can't control the master's bed. But she is the one who manages the inner courtyard, managing many slaves, eating and drinking, everything revolves around her. Climbing onto the master's bed, that becomes half a master, even Lai Erjia has to show respect. However, this person cannot always be on the bed, still have to get off the bed to eat, drink, and relieve themselves. After all, people who eat grains and miscellaneous food, can't avoid having three disasters and six diseases.

  Lin Jing lowered his head and thought, until Qing Liu bid farewell. Lin Jing only raised his head to take a look, but the upturned corners of his mouth did not retract. It wasn't until he came back to himself that he discovered Lin Ruhai looking at him with dissatisfaction.

  What's wrong with this guy today?

  Lin Jing dazedly listened for a while longer before coming out again.

  Lin Jing glanced at the sky and asked Xiao Si to tell Lai Er's family that he would visit her after dinner, then went to find his master.

  As soon as he came out from Mr. Zhong's place, Lin Jing hadn't thought of a good way to talk to Lai Erjia, and without any evidence, he went to speak, would this make people think that he was sowing discord? After all, this light willow, also counts as one of Jia Mian's confidants before her death, would it make Lai Erjia think that he is targeting something or plotting something again? Better not say...

  Wait, it seems like I've entered a misunderstanding! The Lai family should be more worried about their identity being exposed, and more worried that someone will take away Daiyu's benefits. Not to mention, that person can also coax Lin Ruhai. Only myself, in the eyes of Lin Erjia, am truly unable to take away Daiyu's benefits, I'm just a slave who is guarding them for Daiyu.

  So, why say it beforehand and be overly cautious? It would be better to just let things unfold naturally! If you just focus on your own affairs, it will actually push things forward and make the storm come even more fiercely!

  Lin Jing only felt that the haze was gone, and his footsteps were also lighter. It's just that he had said earlier that he wanted to go see Lai Pozi, but it wouldn't be good if he didn't go.

  She had just arrived at Lai Baba's place, but found that the old lady was not in a good mood. Lin Jing now had nothing to say to Lai Erjia's family and could only casually chat for a few sentences, asking about Daiyu's well-being in Rongguo Mansion and other similar things. Lai Erjia glared at Lin Jing with an unpleasant tone, saying: "I don't need you to flatter me or try to please me, this old lady. Just remember what you said is fine. If there's nothing else, please leave. With this effort, read more books and avoid being called stupid again, also don't let Master and the young ladies lose face because of you."

  Lin Jing cursed in her heart, wasn't it Jia Min and this person who spread the rumor about her being foolish? Now they're blaming themselves!

  It's not necessary to say this, but I still need to practice ninja skills for a few more years.

  Resigned from the Lai family, returned to my own courtyard, studied and wrote. Until it was almost time for bed, I suddenly realized that since returning home, I hadn't seen Po Ying at all, and also, Mrs. Feng was still sulking.

  What's wrong?

  On the second day, she got up early and still didn't see Shiyin. It was still Mrs. Feng who took care of her. From now on, Shiyin would be Lin Jing's personal maid, responsible for tasks such as washing her face, hands, and body, as well as helping her get dressed. Although Shiyin just pretended to do these things, in reality, Lin Jing did everything herself. But still, they had to put on a show. What was going on this time?

  "Nanny, I haven't seen Shiyingsister since yesterday. Has Shiyingsister fallen ill?" Lin Jing was completely unbothered by the early morning interrogation.

  Old Lady Feng didn't think there was anything wrong with saying that, she just snorted and said: "Hmph, Master still wants someone to serve you? Unfortunately, it's not possible now. Your Poetry Shadow sister has been transferred back to the main house since yesterday."

  "What's going on?" Lin Jing hurriedly asked: "Nanny, what's going on?"

  "You ask me, who else can I ask? She was originally the big maid by the madam's side, serving Master and Madam every day. In the past, it was because Madam pitied you that she temporarily let her come over to help take care of things, and that name is still hanging in the main house. Now if she goes back, what's wrong with that?"

  Of course not, just looking at Lai Erjia's face yesterday is enough to know that it's not right, and it's probably because of this matter. However, Lin Jing also had no way of getting more information from Feng Pozi's mouth, so he smiled and said, "I see, congratulations to Shiying sister then."

  Listening to the congratulations, Madame Feng's mouth twitched, Lin Jing didn't miss it, and she didn't say anything more about this. "Now that I'm older, I don't need people to wait on me like when I was a child. Originally, Shuying Jiejie was just lending a hand. From now on, Nainai doesn't have to work so hard either. Pouring tea and water is for those maids, as for personal care, I can take care of myself."

  Madam Feng only muttered, "It's good if you understand your own affairs," and didn't say more on this topic. She looked at Lin Jing calling Bi Cao to come forward and serve, but just hummed a sound.

  Taking advantage of Bi Cao seeing him off at the door, Lin Jing hurriedly asked if anything had happened yesterday. Bi Cao couldn't hide anything from Lin Jing and hastily said it was nothing.