Chapter 28: Gifting a Maidservant

Lin Jinyan smiled and said, "Aunt indeed dotes on me dearly."

Zhou Yuexue sighed with envy, "I truly envy you, Sister Jinyan, to have such loving relatives."

Lin Jinyan’s expression remained unchanged. "Why would Cousin be envious? Grandmother dotes on you even more than she does on me."

Zhou Yuexue smiled. "Great-Aunt naturally dotes on me."

The old lady feigned a frown. "What do you mean, 'more than you'? When has Grandmother ever failed to dote on you?"

Lin Jinyan pouted. "Grandmother~ Yan'er is just vying for your affection, yet you had to expose me."

Her coquettish manner sent the old lady into hearty laughter. "Hahaha, you little monkey! I shall indeed dote on you well. Manao, you are to go to Yanyu Pavilion to serve the Young Mistress from now on. Attend to her with the utmost care."

Manao stepped forward to accept the command, then stood before Lin Jinyan and bowed deeply. "Miss, please do not hesitate to command me whenever you need anything in the future."

Lin Jinyan froze for a moment; this had not happened in her previous life. She stood up and declined, "Grandmother, this won't do. Manao has always served you closely; you will surely find it difficult without her."

The old lady laughed. "Which young lady of a great family has only two maids by her side? I sent two away for sale a few days ago, and the remaining two are still too young—how could they possibly look after you properly? Manao has been working in this manor since she was small and is very capable. I will feel more at ease having her follow you. I'll have two more maids purchased later for Manao to lead."

Lin Jinyan: "But..."

The old lady: "Enough. A gift from an elder should not be refused. The two courtyards are not far apart; if I truly need her, I will call her back. This string of prayer beads was obtained from Abbot Kong from Fanyin Temple; they are meant to ensure safety. Take them and present them to the General's wife."

Seeing that she could not refuse, Lin Jinyan obediently accepted. She took the wooden box containing the beads, expressed her thanks, and then led Yutong and Manao back to Yanyu Pavilion to pack before leaving the manor.

At the manor gates, she encountered the steward, Lin Song. Lin Song was a lifelong servant of the Lin family, having grown up in the manor alongside Lin Siyuan. He was a few years older than Lin Siyuan, and because he was loyal, capable, and the Lin family's household was simple, Lin Siyuan had promoted him to steward after his marriage.

Lin Song smiled and greeted Lin Jinyan. "Is the Young Mistress heading to the General's Manor?"

Lin Jinyan smiled back. "Uncle Song, I am indeed on my way to the General's Manor. I have already informed Grandmother."

Lin Song: "The carriage is ready, and six attendants have been arranged. We have prepared some snacks and this year's new tea inside the carriage; they are all intended for the General's Manor. My son, Lin Shun, will also accompany you. Miss, please feel free to command him if you need anything."

Lin Jinyan: "I only brought two boxes of pastries. Uncle Song's arrangements are truly thorough."

Lin Song smiled. "The tea was requested by the Master yesterday, and the food was just arranged by the Old Lady's orders. I am merely following instructions; it cannot be called thorough."

Lin Jinyan said with a beaming smile, "With Grandmother and Father managing things for me, I don't have to worry about a thing. Uncle Song, I am off!"

Lin Song watched Lin Jinyan board the carriage with an affectionate gaze before turning back into the manor.

The Lin manor, belonging to a civil official, was on East Street, while the General's Manor, belonging to a military official, was on West Street. Although they were on opposite sides, both were close to the Imperial City, and the carriage arrived in about half an hour.

Once the carriage was parked and Lin Shun had set down the footstool, Manao stepped down first to assist Lin Jinyan out of the carriage.

Lin Jinyan looked up at the plaque above the door, inscribed by the Emperor himself, reading "Great General of Northern Pacification." It was as majestic as it was in her memories, but who could have imagined the tragic end the Gu family would meet in her previous life...

Lin Jinyan's hands involuntarily clenched. The current Emperor still had ten years before his passing. In these ten years, she must secure a way for both the Lin and Gu families to survive and thrive!

A way of survival that even the Emperor himself could not strike down!

(End of Chapter)