Abomination
"I heard from the village mothers that Miss Yu has a strange habit."
"I just went into seclusion to read for a while, often not stepping out for ten days or even half a month. The courtyard gate remained closed, guarded by a few girls like statues of King Kong. They glared at anyone who approached, ensuring no one got near."
Yu Pianpian's eyes flickered. "She stayed inside the whole time? Is it possible that she had already slipped out long ago?"
"Exactly! They suspected that too. So, they barged in twice, trying to catch her in the act. But each time, they found the little ancestor suddenly appearing behind them like a ghost."
"She didn't say a word, just stared at them with cold eyes, almost scaring them to death."
Madam Hu stepped forward hesitantly, her expression filled with reluctance. "Madam, forgive me for saying this, but Miss Yu truly... Sometimes, just seeing her makes me uneasy."
"Those village mothers aren't brave either. After being thwarted twice, they no longer dared to provoke her."
"Oh, by the way," Madam Hu added, "one old lady even confided in me. She felt Miss Yu was elusive and dangerous. She said the girl usually seemed carefree and casual, but at times, when she turned back, she exuded an eerie, radiant presence."
Madam Huo sneered at the remark.
Yu Pianpian pursed her lips, smiling but saying nothing.
Yu Linlang's face was too unremarkable to cause a stir. There was no way she could be considered brilliant.
The moment Yu Pianpian saw Yu Linlang's face, she knew she had already won.
"As for that little troublemaker Hongwei, she nearly caused a huge disaster for the governor's mansion and ended up getting caught. But what about Madam Fang? She was locked in the woodshed—where did she go?"
"I only realized she was missing before we left," Madam Hu said, frowning in thought. "At the time, I had no idea what was going on. But thinking back now, could this have something to do with Miss Yu?"
"Her?" Huo frowned. "Didn't you say you had people guarding the place? Could that girl really move people without anyone noticing?"
Madam Hu smiled awkwardly. "Yes, perhaps I'm just overthinking."
Yu Pianpian lowered her eyes, gently tracing the edge of her teacup with her fingertips. "Mother, do you think it's necessary to invite the village mothers over and get to the bottom of this?"
"According to the villagers, this sister Linlang seems a little... unusual." Yu Pianpian sighed softly. "We hardly know anything about her. Where did her so-called medical skills come from? And where did she learn those rare diagnostic techniques?"
"If we could understand her better, it might help us get along with her."
A flicker of hatred crossed Huo's eyes.
Whenever she thought of that girl's hands, a chill crept over her body.
That wretched star of misfortune—she should never have agreed to let her return.
A young lady from a respectable household, dealing with corpses all day—it was utterly unbecoming.
"Mother?" Yu Pianpian gently shook her arm, pulling her from her thoughts.
Huo furrowed her brows. "Alright. Find a few servants and bring all the village mothers over. We need to understand exactly what Yu Linlang has been up to these past ten years."
"Madam, Miss Yu also mentioned that the village mothers withheld her monthly allowance. What should we do about that?"
Impatience flashed in Huo's eyes. "That's because she's incompetent. If she couldn't even retrieve her own monthly allowance, she has no right to complain."
"Silver is a trivial matter, but the old master gave her five hundred taels in front of Prince Mu—what a disgrace."
Five hundred taels—given away so easily. Their family wasn't lacking money, but even her precious Pianpian had never withdrawn that much at once. Why should Yu Linlang be treated differently?
Huo rubbed her temples. "Forget it. Madam Hu, from now on, bring Xiangling and Xiangye with you. You will all serve in Yu Linlang's courtyard. No one can say we are treating her poorly—her yard should have sufficient staff now."
Madam Hu opened her mouth to protest, but when she saw Huo's sharp gaze, she swallowed her words and nodded begrudgingly.
It was over. Once she stepped into that little demon's territory, she feared she wouldn't even be able to listen properly without getting beaten by the fierce girls at her side.
After Madam Hu retreated, Yu Pianpian leaned closer to Huo.
"Mother, grandmother's birthday is approaching. My longevity embroidery is nearly finished. Besides this, do you think I should prepare another gift? Would just the embroidery be too simple?"
Huo looked at her beloved daughter, full of pride and tenderness.
"Silly child, the longevity embroidery you made is the most precious gift for Grandmother Ji. There's no need for anything else."
---
That evening, when Yu Linlang returned home, Madam Hu greeted her with a forced smile, leading two young maids forward.
"The two girls are named Xiangling and Xiangye. They are both clever and hardworking. Despite their young age, they are very diligent! These two were specially arranged by the eldest lady for Miss Yu," Madam Hu said with an ingratiating smile.
"The eldest lady was worried that Miss Yu might struggle to adjust after returning from the village, so she arranged for more maids and attendants to serve her. From today onward, I will also be serving in Miss Yu's courtyard."
Jiujin stepped forward, raising a hand to block the old woman. "Are you here to serve the girl or to act as spies?" she asked bluntly. "Are you afraid that our girl will embarrass the governor's mansion outside, so you've been sent to watch her?"
Madam Hu's smile stiffened. She rubbed her hands nervously. "Miss Jiujin, don't misunderstand. The eldest lady is simply concerned for the girl. After all, Miss Yu only has you to assist her. If something happens, there won't be anyone else to help."
"No need," Yu Linlang said coolly. "More girls will arrive soon. Besides, we're used to living independently in the village. We don't need so many attendants. You may take them back."
Xiangling and Xiangye immediately fell to their knees, tears streaming down their faces.
"We beg the lady to keep us! If we fail to fulfill our duties, Madam Huo will surely sell us off!"
Madam Hu smiled awkwardly. "The eldest lady has only the kindest intentions. Wouldn't it be better for Miss Linlang to accept them?"
Jiujin scoffed. "She was abandoned in the village at the age of three, and now you suddenly want to show kindness? Isn't it a little too late for that?"
Yu Linlang sighed, unwilling to argue any further. "Fine. If they want to stay, they can. But they must keep their mouths shut. If anything from my courtyard is leaked, they will bear the consequences."
Jiujin shot Madam Hu a cold look. "What are you waiting for? Fetch water. The lady wants to bathe."