Chapter 14: I Won’t Indulge Your Bad Habits

In the past, she would constantly introspect whenever she was bullied, blaming herself for being inadequate. But now, having been given a second chance at life, she understood that when malice strikes, what she must do is protect herself and deliver a powerful counterattack to let the other party know she was no pushover.

Wiping the smile off her face, He Lingyi bowed respectfully to Madam Guo.

After all, she was currently living at the Vice Minister’s residence, so naturally, she had to show some “respect” to the lady of the house.

“Good day, Madam Guo.”

“No need for formalities, Miss He. Consider this your home.”

Madam Guo always played the good person, otherwise, she wouldn’t have allowed He Lingyi to stay at the Vice Minister’s residence for so long. It was merely a way to draw closer ties with the esteemed scholar of Southern Province.

Old Master He had long stopped taking disciples; the last one rumored to have been accepted was a member of the royal family.

So how could their modest Vice Minister’s residence be taken seriously?

Yet for her son’s future, she had to think of ways. If she could secure this favor, it would give her more confidence when asking for help in the future.

Therefore, her expression towards He Lingyi was unexpectedly sincere.

Unfortunately, Chi Guiying nearby was wary of her, the bright smile on her face tinged with apprehension. Though beautiful, she looked somewhat uneasy at this moment.

Jin Xiuniang, accustomed to such scenes, greeted the three newcomers with a bow.

Though Chi Guiying showed no signs of skill, her usual habit of pretending ignorance and joining in was easy to spot. She picked up the fabric Jin Xiuniang brought and displayed an envious expression.

“My eldest sister is making clothes, how wonderful! Mother recently said she’d make several outfits for the three of us siblings, but there hasn’t been a chance. Today is perfect, since Jin Xiuniang is here. Could you measure me and my little brother? He’s grown quite a bit. Don’t skimp on the fabric—we need something light and breathable. Boys always sweat heavily when riding horses and shooting arrows; it’s no good if they get sick from being overheated.”

Her movements were smooth and natural, her instructions calm and composed—truly impressive to watch.

Such matters were no strangers to the three siblings in the past.

If the seamstress worked in the Yue Sheng workshop, the payment would go through official accounts. But if she entered the Si Jin workshop, it would be charged to Chi Guiwan’s private account. Over the years, whenever it was time to make clothes, these people were simply impossible to turn away.

Chi Guiwan used to think, “It’s just a few outfits; I can just make them for my siblings myself.”

But now, she would no longer tolerate their bad habits.

Casting a cool glance at Jin Xiuniang preparing to take measurements, she said with a hint of coldness, “Unfortunately, this time the clothes cannot be made for second sister and little brother.”

“What do you mean?” Chi Guiying asked, face full of confusion. She was still waiting for new summer clothes to attend the gatherings. The Ning’an Embroidery Workshop’s garments cost over a hundred taels of silver each. Over the years, they wouldn’t have been able to afford them without taking advantage of their eldest sister.

How could they just decide not to make them?

Chi Guiwan calmly explained, “Aunt sent word saying she hasn’t seen me for some time and wants me to visit. She’s worried my clothes might be too tight after being ill, so she specifically sent Jin Xiuniang to measure me. The charges will be on the Haibo Marquis’s household account. If we made clothes for you as well, it wouldn’t be appropriate—after all, spending over a thousand taels of silver just like that, even for family, there must be a proper explanation.”

This single statement left Chi Guiying embarrassed to the point of blushing.

“Eldest sister, do you really need so many clothes? Can you even wear them all?”

“Whether more or less, it’s Aunt’s kindness. As the younger generation, I cannot refuse. Besides, I’ve been ill for quite some time. Didn’t second sister fall at the Great Prime Minister Temple? Why not write to your uncle in Qingzhou and ask him to sponsor a couple of outfits? I’m sure Uncle Guo wouldn’t be stingy with such a small sum.”

When she said this with a smile, not only He Lingyi but even the two maids following her, Qianchun and Fudong, felt a wave of relief as if a heavy burden had been lifted.

They had watched these years of futile persuasion and were worn out from pleading with no effect.

After all, as servants, they couldn’t overstep the second young lady and the third young master. But now that their mistress had stood up for herself, they too felt a rare sense of pride and satisfaction!

“You! Eldest sister, your words have really changed. Uncle is far away in Qingzhou. Even if a letter were sent, who knows when it would return? Are you willing to let me go without summer clothes? Not to mention anything else, little brother travels outside—doesn’t he represent the Vice Minister’s residence? What if he wears ill-fitting clothes and others laugh at us?”

Chi Guiying’s words were forceful and convincing, and an uninformed observer might think Chi Guiwan was truly heartless as an elder sister.

But Chi Guiwan merely shrugged her hands and asked, puzzled,

“Mother, is the family out of money? Can’t even afford clothes for second sister and little brother? If that’s the case, then I’ll save my clothing allowance this year to help them. After all, I’m the eldest daughter of this household and should contribute.”

Her sincere tone and earnest attitude left even Chi Yun Jing with no room to object.

Moreover, she spoke in front of Jin Xiuniang, which made Madam Guo’s face grow a bit awkward. She chuckled sheepishly and said,

“What nonsense, eldest daughter. How could the family be without money for clothes?”

“Good, you startled me. I was worried the pressure of my upcoming marriage at year’s end was too much for the family. Father always says I was pitiful to lose my mother young and insists on preparing a generous dowry to make up for it. I’m deeply grateful, and it’s thanks to mother’s capable management that we’ve lived comfortably all these years.”

No sooner had she finished flattering than Chi Guiwan instructed Jin Xiuniang,

“Take the money for these clothes from the Haibo Marquis’s household. Aunt has arranged it, and the housemaids won’t give you trouble. Also, second sister and little brother do deserve some clothes. Use the best fabrics, no matter the cost. When the time comes, go to the Yue Sheng workshop and get the money from mother. It’s all for the Vice Minister’s reputation, and mother won’t make things difficult for you.”

With just a few words, she shut down all of Chi Guiying’s schemes.

Chi Guizhao, unable to gain an advantage, snorted coldly and turned to leave without a word. He Lingyi watched this and shook her head, frowning.

“Grandfather once said: When elders ask, do not deceive; when elders command, do not delay; when elders grant, dare not refuse. The young master left like that—it shows too little respect to Madam Guo. After all, she is his mother. He should at least bow and take his leave before leaving.”

Born of a family of great scholars in Southern Province, He Lingyi spoke with reason and principle.

Madam Guo, fearing her son would gain a bad reputation over this, quickly explained,

“He’s young and somewhat shy, so he hasn’t learned proper manners well. Please forgive him, Miss He. I’ll have him stand in punishment. Second sister, let’s go. As eldest sister, you should supervise your brother more closely.”

Mother and daughter then quickly left the scene.

After they were gone, Chi Guiwan let out a long breath, feeling somewhat vindicated.

“I’ve been a pushover for far too long. From now on, let whoever want it have it!”