Ever since Lin Family had married into the Xie household, Old Madam Xie had consistently yielded to Lin Family, anger long simmering in her heart.
Ordinarily, she swallowed her anger towards Lin Family. She felt deeply unwilling but always found excuses for herself, claiming it was for the sake of the clan’s interests.
But who was Xie Pan’Er? Just a little girl, yet she dared to flaunt the Eldest Princess’s backing and behave so arrogantly before her?
Old Madam Xie slammed the teacup heavily onto the table and ordered in a stern voice, "Someone, slap her mouth!"
Nanny Hua stepped forward, rolled up her sleeves, and delivered two heavy slaps to Xie Pan’Er’s face!
"Third Miss, please watch your words. The reputation of the Xie Family must not be harmed."
Nanny Hua’s slaps left two large, red handprints on Xie Pan’Er’s face.
She was stunned for a good while before she finally reacted.
A cold smirk touched the corners of her lips. "There’s nothing that cannot be said openly. If Lin Family dares to act, then I dare to speak. I refuse to believe there’s no justice in this world! Old Madam, you are the eldest and most senior member of the Xie Family. Today, I ask you to make a judgment and give us of the Fifth Room an explanation."
"What did you say? You, a mere child, dare to demand an explanation from me? What audacity! It seems that all these years following your clan sister in the countryside have made you wild and undisciplined. From today onwards, Nanny Hua, you will accompany her and thoroughly teach her some manners!"
Old Madam Xie said she was having Nanny Hua accompany Xie Pan’Er to teach her etiquette, but her actual intention was related to the upcoming Double Ninth Festival, where the young ladies of the Xie Family were to present their talents before the imperial presence. Xie Pan’Er herself was quite pretty. If she were to be chosen, having Nanny Hua by her side would mean Old Madam Xie had secured a connection or a backup plan.
Taking a step back, even if Xie Pan’Er wasn’t chosen, the girl was also to accompany the Eldest Princess. Placing an operative by her side was therefore imperative.
"Old Madam, you truly are generous. Nanny Hua is such a capable Nanny by your side. If you have her follow me, who will attend to you? I’ve spent all these years as a servant to others; how could I possibly afford a servant of my own? Besides, you are not my biological grandmother. As for educating me, if you wanted to take charge, Old Madam, you didn’t when I was young. Now that I’m grown, there’s hardly a need for you to intervene, is there?"
"You... you... you sharp-tongued girl!" Old Madam Xie was so furious her body trembled, her teeth chattering uncontrollably.
"Old Madam, you flatter me. Since we’re speaking frankly today, I’m not afraid of offending you. Please, Old Madam, summon Eldest Uncle, and bring the clan register and the inventory of family assets. We of the Fifth Room demand to be separated, removed from the clan, establish our own ancestral hall, and live independently!"
"What... what did you say?" Old Madam Xie felt her composure shatter, her head buzzing; she even doubted if she had heard correctly.
Just moments ago, she had heard this Xie Pan’Er accuse her eldest daughter-in-law—Lin Family—of poisoning Xie Wulang and his father. She hadn’t yet gotten to the bottom of this matter and had just secretly dispatched someone to find Lin Family.
Lin Family hadn’t even returned yet, and now this young girl was demanding to be removed from the clan and establish a separate ancestral hall!
Old Madam Xie felt like she was about to explode.
"You want to betray our ancestors? You little girl, stop your nonsense this instant, or I will punish you according to the clan rules!"
Old Madam Xie slammed her hand on the table, glaring fiercely at Xie Pan’Er.
Xie Pan’Er flinched and shrank back in fear, but she still refused to yield.
"I’m already planning to be removed from the clan; do you think I’m still afraid of your clan rules? Old Madam, you had best agree to my demands: remove us from the clan and return the properties of our Fifth Room. Otherwise, I will go straight to the Government Office and make this whole affair public knowledge!"
"How dare you threaten me! Xie Pan’Er, you really think you’re somebody, don’t you! Nanny Hua, beat her! Beat her hard!"