Lin Siyu bit her lip, and even though she was unwilling, she had nothing to say and muttered, "Yes, I’ll remember."
Lady Jin snorted coldly in her heart, becoming increasingly dissatisfied with her, look at that, Maternal Aunt Liu would refer to herself humbly when speaking to her, and this little wretch, it’s either ’I’ or calling herself by name, acting as if she was so powerful!
The atmosphere in the hall was somewhat awkward, and Zi Yu, clever as she was, immediately went out to bring in the pastries that Lin Yuan had brought over. She personally presented a tray of exquisite pastries to Lady Jin and said with a smile, "Madam, these are the pastries brought by Miss Lin, the latest creations from Rice Flower Fragrance. They look so delicious that I couldn’t resist, you must try them."
Zi Yu was truly a marvel; when Lady Jin heard her speak, the pent-up anger in her heart dissipated by more than half. Upon tasting the pastries, her gloom swept away entirely, and she praised repeatedly, "Hmm, these pastries from Rice Flower Fragrance are indeed extraordinary, truly delicious. Look at this pastry, its crust is both flaky and soft, melting in the mouth, really nice. Come on, you all must try."
Lady Jin invited Mrs. Liu and Lin Siyu to taste the pastries together. Mrs. Liu had never gone out since she entered the Li Mansion, and recently, she was even less favored; she had never tasted the pastries from Rice Flower Fragrance before. Now seeing the delicate pastries on the table, she couldn’t help but feel tempted.
She pinched a piece of green, soft, and chewy pastry, taking a light bite—it was sticky, a bit tough on the teeth, but very delicious, something she had never eaten before.
"These pastries are really tasty."
Mrs. Liu, who had not said much since she entered, broke her silence with such praise; it seemed the pastries must indeed be good.
Lady Jin nodded with a smile.
Mrs. Liu turned to Lin Yuan sitting beside her and spoke her first words since entering, "Miss Lin, did these pastries come from your shop? I didn’t expect that someone as young as you already has her own shop and can make such good pastries!"
Mrs. Liu was a woman without much scheming, and Lin Yuan saw genuine praise in her eyes, leaving her with a very good impression, "Maternal Aunt Liu, if you like them, you should visit my shop more often; we at Rice Flower Fragrance regularly introduce new styles of pastries. I didn’t bring much today, but if you were to come to my shop, you’d definitely find it hard to leave."
Mrs. Liu’s eyes lit up, then, seeming to remember something, her expression dimmed again; she nodded with a smile, "Thank you for the invitation, Miss Lin. If there’s a chance in the future, I will definitely visit your shop."
Across from her, Lin Siyu suddenly chuckled, looking at Mrs. Liu with haughty eyes and a disdainful smile, "Sister Liu, you clearly can’t even leave the mansion, and yet you agreed to her invitation? Ah, but if there’s anything you want to buy in the future, you can come to me. After all, I’m the one with the master’s special permission to come and go freely. Seeing as you’re in such a pitiable state, sister, I’m naturally willing to help."
Lin Yuan suddenly understood, realizing where the sadness in Mrs. Liu’s eyes had come from. As a Little Concubine, unlike the main wife, she could not come and go from the mansion freely without the permission of the Madam or Family Head. Given Mrs. Liu’s gentle and uncompetitive nature, she certainly hadn’t taken the initiative to approach Lady Jin—no wonder she was so delighted by a single donkey rolling pastry.
Having her own freedom stripped away, Lin Yuan felt pity for the women here, especially the Little Concubines, for the first time.
However, Lin Siyu’s arrogant demeanor really was infuriating.
Lady Jin scoffed and turned to Mrs. Liu, "Maternal Aunt Liu, it’s been almost half a year since you entered our mansion, yes? You were unwell recently, so I didn’t mention it. But now that you seem much improved, you shouldn’t always stay cooped up here. If you wish to go out, just send a Maid to inform me. Getting out and about regularly is good for your health."
Lady Jin looked at Lin Yuan and laughed, "This niece of mine’s Rice Flower Fragrance is now the best pastry shop in our town. You really should take a look."
Hearing Lady Jin’s words, Mrs. Liu was completely shocked; what did she just say? She’s allowed her to go out?
Mrs. Liu stood up excitedly, bowed deeply to Lady Jin, trembling with emotion, "This humble concubine, this humble concubine thanks you, Madam."
Lady Jin waved her hand in satisfaction; she was becoming fonder of Mrs. Liu. See, granting her the permission to leave the mansion had already made her so grateful she was almost ready to kneel. Such an easily managed Little Concubine, why had she initially mistaken her judgement and brought Lin Siyu into the mansion instead?
Now that Mrs. Liu had the opportunity to leave the mansion, Lin Siyu’s previous words were like a slap in her own face. She bit her lip angrily, wanting to confront Lady Jin, but she didn’t dare. In the months she spent at Li Mansion, not only had she enjoyed a lifestyle she’d never had before, but she also keenly felt the distance between the main wife and a concubine. Particularly with Li Chang’s attitude; although he doted on her, he discussed all important matters with Lady Jin, never involving her. She wanted to manage the household provisions just like Lady Jin, but Li Chang just rolled his eyes and feigned deafness.
That old coot, really maddening!
The angrier she became, the less Lin Siyu felt like eating any pastries, especially since they were brought by Lin Yuan. She snorted and stood up to leave.