Chapter 24: A Good Show

Yulan was startled by Lin Jinyan's words. It was true; she was merely a servant purchased by the Lin household. Although the Lin family treated their servants kindly and Lin Jinyan was usually lenient with the subordinates, if she were to become displeased, Lin Jinyan had every right to beat, scold, or even expel her from the manor.

At this thought, Yulan hurriedly placed the food box back on the stone table, bowed her head, and said

"I relied too much on your generosity and lost my manners. Please do not be angry with me, Miss."

Seeing that Zhou Yuexue was about to speak, Lin Jinyan said with an innocent smile

"I told you I was only teasing you, there is no need to take it seriously. Just be more careful in the future. You have been in the manor for many years and grew up alongside me; as long as you have not done anything to betray me, why would I be angry? Now, go and serve the osmanthus cakes to Sister Yuexue."

After straightening up and agreeing, Yulan cast a glance at Lin Jinyan's smiling face, picked up the food box, and withdrew.

Zhou Yuexue studied Lin Jinyan for a moment before speaking, "Sister Jinyan, you seem a bit different than before?"

Lin Jinyan smiled faintly. "Is that so? Having experienced a brush with death, I have naturally grown a little."

Zhou Yuexue thought for a moment and nodded. "It is only natural to mature through experience. Surviving a great disaster brings great blessings; having endured this ordeal, Sister Jinyan will surely be blessed with great fortune."

Lin Jinyan smiled. "I shall take your kind words to heart, Sister."

As they were speaking, a well-dressed woman rushed into the pavilion. She grabbed Lin Jinyan's hands, looked her up and down, and said with tears in her eyes

"The Bodhisattvas have protected you! I just heard from the gatekeeper that you fell into the water the night I left, and you were only able to get out of bed today. My heart has been trembling with anxiety. It is good that you are alright, truly alright..."

Lin Jinyan stood up and gently patted the woman's hand, saying softly

"Mama Zhou, look, I am perfectly fine. Do not worry anymore."

Mama Zhou said guiltily, "It is all my fault for going home and failing to look after you properly, causing you such suffering."

Lin Jinyan comforted her, "I was the one who told you to go home, and my falling into the water was an accident. You do not know how to swim, Mama; you could not have gone in to save me anyway."

Mama Zhou replied, "I will never let you go to the water's edge alone again."

Lin Jinyan took out a handkerchief, wiped Mama Zhou's tears, and smiled

"Are you blaming me for being too playful, Mama? I won't go to the water alone next time. This time, Sister Yuexue was with me, and I fell in by accident."

Suddenly named, Zhou Yuexue froze for a moment before hurriedly standing up.

"Mama Zhou, it is my fault for taking Sister Jinyan out to play. She ran too far ahead, and I failed to notice, which allowed her to fall into the water alone. I have been kneeling before the Buddha these past few days, reciting scriptures to pray for Sister Jinyan. I only returned to my room this morning because my great-aunt saw I was exhausted from lack of strength. I rushed here to see Sister Jinyan as soon as I woke up. This truly cannot be blamed on her; if you must blame someone, Mama, blame me."

As she spoke, Zhou Yuexue began to weep beautifully. Before Mama Zhou's dissatisfaction could even take root, it was replaced by Zhou Yuexue's apparent distress.

Turning to comfort her, Mama Zhou said, "Miss Yuexue did not do it on purpose. Please do not be sad; the young mistress certainly won't blame you. Thank you for your hard work praying for my mistress."

Zhou Yuexue took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears. "I have always felt that because you share the same surname, Mama, you feel as close to me as my own elders. And you treat me like your own junior with such kindness that I cannot bring myself to be harsh. My heart truly..."

Lin Jinyan sat down and silently watched the drama unfold.

Zhou Yuexue's words left Mama Zhou feeling both happy and sympathetic.

"Stop crying, please. You are a lady of noble birth, a precious pearl. I am merely a servant; how would I dare to act as your elder? You would be overtaxing my soul."

(End of Chapter)