Chapter 19: The Orphaned Child and Lin Wanqing’s Return Gift

Lin Wanqing turned to look at the four concubines, feeling somewhat speechless.

In her previous life, Su Jincheng had never taken concubines for the sake of maintaining a good reputation—at least not openly—so she had never had to worry about their affairs. Unexpectedly, in this life, she suddenly had four sisters.

Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter stood in a row before Lin Wanqing, their hearts slightly uneasy. They had just witnessed the matriarch’s methods from beginning to end in the old lady’s courtyard. This lady’s tactics were no ordinary matter. Could they really expect any kindness under her hand?

Lin Wanqing raised her hand and tapped the table. “You’ve seen this courtyard for yourselves. There really isn’t much space, so you’ll stay in the neighboring courtyard.”

Immediately, a maid reminded her, “Madam, the neighboring courtyard belongs to the general.”

Lin Wanqing waved her hand dismissively. “Isn’t that good? The ladies will be staying there, so when the general returns, it’ll be convenient for them to serve him.”

As long as they weren’t under her watchful eye, it was fine.

Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter were overjoyed at once. Being assigned to the general’s courtyard was the best outcome. It would make it easier to see the general whenever they wished.

Banxia hurried over and whispered into Lin Wanqing’s ear, “Miss, how could you arrange it like this? If they live in the general’s courtyard, will you still be able to see him?”

Lin Wanqing held back a smile and thought to herself, it would be better if she couldn’t.

She didn’t mind how many women Lu Jinxiao might have in the future, as long as it didn’t affect her.

Not wanting Banxia to nag, she replied perfunctorily, “Let’s just arrange it this way for now. The general isn’t here at the moment, and I’m not familiar with the household yet. Once everything is settled, we can make adjustments.”

Thus, the four concubines happily moved to the neighboring courtyard.

Lin Wanqing looked down at Lu Qian’an in her arms. “Are you hungry?”

Lu Qian’an rubbed his belly and shook his head.

Lin Wanqing frowned again. The child was clearly hungry. The third young master of the general’s household wouldn’t dare admit hunger—it was likely he had suffered much torment from the cruel servants.

A motherless child was like a fragile blade of grass.

Coupled with his grandmother Lu’s easygoing nature, this child surely endured countless grievances.

Lin Wanqing’s heart tightened. “Banxia, quickly check the small kitchen for anything the child can eat and bring it here.”

Banxia hurried off with a maid to the kitchen.

After a while, they returned with a bowl of steamed egg custard. “Miss, the small kitchen hasn’t been tidied up yet. I had someone steam this bowl of egg custard just now so the young master can have something to fill his stomach.”

Their people had only just arrived yesterday, and the old kitchen staff hadn’t yet organized everything.

Lin Wanqing said nothing and took the bowl, carefully blowing on it to cool it before feeding Lu Qian’an.

He lifted his round eyes and stared at her for a long moment, those eyes holding a wary and appraising look far beyond his years.

Lin Wanqing pretended not to notice the emotions and smiled. “What is it? Are you really not hungry? If not, I’ll have someone take the egg custard away.”

At the mention of taking the custard away, Lu Qian’an quickly opened his mouth and took a bite.

The custard was tender and smooth, perfectly warm, and it opened his appetite. He finished the whole bowl.

Soon after, Lu Qinian rubbed his eyes.

Lin Wanqing carried him to her bed, took off his shoes, covered him with a quilt, and gently patted him.

Before long, Lu Qian’an fell asleep.

Lin Wanqing got up to handle some affairs but noticed the little boy was clutching the hem of her robe.

Such a lack of security.

To cling to a stranger they had just met.

Lin Wanqing’s heart suddenly ached.

She had grown up motherless, surrounded by the Qin family’s people, enduring years of abuse. It wasn’t until she was seven or eight that she managed to expose the cruelty and had her father punish those wicked servants severely.

Therefore, she deeply empathized with Lu Qian’an’s unease.

Unwilling to pull her robe free, she beckoned Banxia.

Banxia came over at once.

Lin Wanqing lowered her voice. “You and others go to the young master’s courtyard and see what the servants are doing. Investigate the small kitchen there.”

Banxia was stunned. “Miss, do you suspect the young master is being bullied?”

Lin Wanqing looked at Lu Qian’an. “A four- or five-year-old child, so thin he’s skin and bones, and even someone like me he clings to so tightly—that shows how neglected he must be.”

Banxia understood her mistress was recalling her own childhood and quickly made arrangements.

Half an hour later, Zisu returned carrying a large bucket, her posture revealing how heavy it was.

She placed it in the yard, hesitant to bring it indoors and scare her mistress.

Lin Wanqing walked over, opened the lid herself, and glanced inside with a satisfied smile. “Not bad. Tonight, when that boy is asleep, put it in his room.”

Zisu twitched at the corner of her mouth. “Miss, the second young master is so brave—do you really think he’ll be afraid of this?”

Lin Wanqing smiled mysteriously. “You’ll know if you try.”

Seeing her mistress’s mischievous grin, Zisu couldn’t help but twitch her mouth again. Why did she feel her lady had changed?

Her lady had always been clever but restrained and considerate before. Now, she was more outgoing, a bit reckless, caring only about her own satisfaction.

But she had to admit, it was refreshing.

Before, her lady dared not fight or compete, guarding her little world carefully.

Now, she was bright and lively, bold and decisive—just a joy to behold.

Still, Zisu worried her lady might get herself into big trouble.

Lin Wanqing patted her shoulder. “Don’t worry, I know my limits.”

The next morning, a terrified scream rang out from Lu Qinian’s courtyard.

“Ahhh!”

Lu Qinian, his clothes disheveled, dashed out of the room. Running so hastily, he tripped over his own feet and fell flat on the doorstep.

The young master’s servant heard the commotion and hurried over to help him up.

Lu Qinian’s chubby face was pale as he trembled, shouting, “Burn them! Burn them all! I don’t want this house anymore!”

The servants exchanged glances, puzzled. The usually fearless second young master was so terrified—what could be so horrifying?

One brave servant peeked inside the room and was startled.

Good heavens—snails with large round shells were everywhere!

On the floor, walls, tables, beds—everywhere!

At first glance, it was quite disgusting.

But these creatures neither made sounds nor bit anyone, and their movements were slow as molasses. What was there to be afraid of?

Though the servant said nothing, his expression said it all: Really? The second young master is scared of snails? That’s hilarious.

Lu Qinian, half-dead from fright, saw the servant’s expression and suddenly exploded in anger.