Chapter 132 FCADW? IRTBTMOTMM

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 Favoring Concubines and Destroying Wives? I Refuse to be the Mistress of this Marquis' Mansion

 Chapter 132: 

 Morning and Evening Reflections

"Let's light a perpetual lamp for Miss Lin when we find the time!"

"You're tired too; get some rest."

Lin Yunwan went to bed, but tonight, she tossed and turned. 

© translations belonging to  flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com. If you read this somewhere else instead of flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com then the translations has been posted WITHOUT permission of translator.

In her heart, she certainly didn't want to ask the prince for help. She already owed him too much, and being a woman, repeatedly seeking assistance from the prince felt improper. It wasn't just about breaking societal norms; it was more about the unease of having such a close connection with the prince.

She wasn't a naive girl anymore. There were things she couldn't deceive herself about.

Lin Yunwan cautioned herself not to be lazy or greedy, emphasizing the importance of sticking to her principles. She believed in doing what she could on her own without seeking help from others. However, there were certain things she still needed to request from the higher powers, and owing favors to them wasn't a concern.

~

In early spring, during the third month, Lin Yunwan chose an auspicious day to approach Lin Huabin and discuss her intention to visit the Cien Monastery.

"Old Master, with the passing of our elders, I find myself unable to fulfill filial duties or perform rituals for them. I wish to offer perpetual lamps for our departed relatives," she explained.

Lin Huabin's expression remained gentle.

He speculated that she was referring to her birth mother. If it weren't for her birth mother's death, Zhao Jingyi wouldn't have sent her to be raised here.

"Good niece, you are a filial child. If you wish to go, then go," Lin Huabin said.

Concerned about her responsibilities at Madam's residence, Lin Yunwan mentioned, "For Madam's matters, it will be up to you..."

Lin Huabin assured her, "You don't need to worry about that; I will talk to Madam."

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Lin Yunwan bid farewell respectfully, and when she stepped outside, Xiruo was waiting for her. She helped Lin Yunwan put on a purple cloak and asked, "Did Old Master agree?"

Lin Yunwan nodded, saying, "We'll have to wait for news, likely in the next few days."

That night, when Lin Huabin retired with Madam Zheng, he brought up the matter.

"She wants to go to Cien Monastery to pray and dispel some misfortune. Also, she mentioned offering perpetual lamps; don't stop her," he informed Madam Zheng.

Madam Zheng was annoyed that Lin Yunwan was causing trouble just by going out. Now, with the additional request to offer perpetual lamps, she was furious. "After so many years, you're still thinking about her mother? Offering perpetual lamps! Having her memorial tablet at home isn't enough to vex me; now you want to offer perpetual lamps!"

"Why do you always link everything to Yunwan's birth mother?" Lin Huabin, feeling troubled, patiently explained, "She wants to offer perpetual lamps to honor her loyal servant, claiming she constantly dreams about it and feels guilty. Why can't you tolerate even this?"

Feeling a bit guilty, Madam Zheng refused to admit it but retorted, "Am I being blamed for being petty as a mother? Take a look at how your precious daughter filially treats me, her stepmother!"

"What did Yunwan do?"

Lin Huabin wasn't entirely convinced; he knew Yunwan was a child who understood propriety. Though her temper had become a bit more assertive, she remained sensible. When this was mentioned, Madam Zheng grew even angrier. "I've never seen a daughter paying respects to her stepmother, and her stepmother was waiting for her!"

"It's already mid-morning; I don't even know how long it took her to manage household affairs. She only came after the sun had risen three poles!" Madam Zheng continued with a cold expression, "And her maid! A country bumpkin, robust and sturdy, even more capable than the maids in our mansion! That day, when we went to Prince Huan's mansion, Yunwan had this maid command her servants and maids to beat up Yunjiao's attendants!"

"I've never seen such a formidable maid before!"

"Master, I pitied Yunwan for coming from the countryside without anyone familiar to attend to her, so I let this wild maid serve her. However, this maid is truly too unruly! We must take action!" Lin Huabin was somewhat suspicious of Madam Zheng's words.

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With his knowledge, Lin Huabin couldn't fathom why Madam Zheng, with her quick temper, would tolerate the misbehavior of the maid for so long. Little did he know that Madam Zheng had been preoccupied with gathering information about the selection of a princess for Prince Huan's mansion during this time and had not paid much attention to Xiruo.

Lin Huabin inquired, "How do you propose to handle this?"

Madam Zheng had thought it through and straightforwardly replied, "There are rules for maids entering the mansion. Either let her go outside the mansion or make her sign a contract. If she wants to be a maid of the Lin Mansion, she must sign a contract. Otherwise, she stays within the inner courtyard, overhears family affairs, and spreads gossip outside, and we won't be able to control her!"

These words struck a chord with Lin Huabin. He could raise Zhao Jingyi's daughter, but having a sharp-witted maid causing trouble in the mansion was something he couldn't tolerate. He agreed, "Taking her contract is your decision then!"

Madam Zheng chuckled.

A contract was a powerful tool in her hands. With the maid signing it, she could easily control her. This was like cutting off both hands of her stepdaughter.

Lin Huabin said, "I leave everything to you. Don't hesitate about the incense. As a stepmother, even if not for Yunwan, consider our reputation as a couple."

Madam Zheng replied, "Got it! Tomorrow, I'll take her and Yunjiao to Cien Temple to offer incense and pray for blessings. And we'll also have the long-lasting lamp. Are you satisfied now?"

Lin Huabin nodded. Despite their arguments, the couple still maintained a close relationship.

~

The next day.

Lin Yunwan waited until she had a good rest before going to pay respects to Madam Zheng. Upon arrival, to her surprise, Lin Huabin was also present. Judging by their expressions, she could sense that Madam Zheng was up to something again.

"Respectfully greeting Madam," she curtsied, but Madam Zheng only made a disdainful sound without asking her to rise.

Lin Huabin spoke gently, "Please, have a seat."

© translations belonging to  flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com. If you read this somewhere else instead of flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com then the translations has been posted WITHOUT permission of translator.

Madam Zheng toyed with the tea leaves using the lid of her teacup, then, with a strange tone, said, "In the past, if I made my parents wait for me like this, I'd have to kneel in front of the ancestral shrine for three days, at the very least."

"I might not be your birth mother, and if I treat you strictly, I'm afraid it would tarnish my reputation as a heartless woman. But as a daughter, you should show me proper respect! Don't take my kindness for granted."

Lin Huabin sat silently on the side, clearly endorsing his wife's words. Although she wasn't their biological daughter, since she came to their home, she should adhere to the rules and etiquette to maintain the family's good reputation.

Zhao Jingyi, who had come in person today, had nothing to say. He looked up at Lin Yunwan and noticed she was looking at him as well.

Lin Huabin had no choice but to say, "Yunwan, what Madam said makes sense. Please have a good talk with Madam and ensure that the family rules are strictly followed in the future."

Lin Yunwan smiled. Did Lin Huabin think she was seeking help? It seemed that he must have faced challenging situations with Madam Zheng.

"Master, Madam, I've been in the mansion for a short time, and I'm not as familiar with the rules as my younger sister. I thought it would be appropriate to follow her example in all matters," Lin Yunwan said, furrowing her brows as if pondering, "Is there something wrong with following my younger sister's rules?"

She looked at Lin Huabin and Madam Zheng with confusion.

The couple remained silent.

Madam Zheng had no words to respond. After all, her biological daughter, Jiao'er, and Yunwan couldn't possibly be the same!

Lin Huabin awkwardly pinched his brow. He had forgotten that while he allowed his own daughter, Yun Jiao, to misbehave, he was now expecting Lin Yunwan, who wasn't even his biological daughter, to strictly follow the rules every day.

At this point, Lin Yunjiao still hadn't woken up. She was still lost in her dreams!

Lin Huabin could only employ a strategic approach, saying to Madam Zheng, "The matter of morning and evening routines should be treated equally for everyone."

Madam Zheng suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. She was well aware of her own daughter's behavior. Allowing Yun Jiao to come over every day? Was that even possible?

She gave a perfunctory response, "Yes, this concubine understands."

She then subtly hinted to Lin Huabin that it was time to dismiss the maid by Lin Yunwan's side.

© translations belonging to  flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com. If you read this somewhere else instead of flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com then the translations has been posted WITHOUT permission of translator.

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