Hong Mian added, "Everyone knows that I’m capable. Even without Sister Hong Ye’s recommendation, how could Madam fail to notice me? Sister Hong Ye has indeed been kind to me, but it’s just a small favor. Although they say one should repay a drop of kindness with a fountain, I don’t think it’s worth repaying with my marriage."

Hong Ye’s face looked even worse. These words from Hong Mian implied that she only offered small favors to manipulate gratitude, and now that she can’t gain from it, she turns her back.

Qin Yuan thought for a moment and still said, "Although that’s the logic, your words aren’t appropriate, nor are your actions."

Hong Mian remained silent.

Qin Yuan spoke leisurely, "Between Hong Ye and Gu Shiliu, the path has been half-cleared. Others may not know, but you do. Although Hong Ye has shown you small favors, they’re not worth repaying with your marriage, but why does everyone look down on you? Is it solely because you offended Hong Ye? Why don’t you think carefully about it?"

Hong Mian lowered her head and still didn’t speak.

Cui Ming said, "Clearly, Hong Ye and Sixteen are infatuated, the masters have approved, and they’re just waiting for the right time to finalize it. Yet you suddenly undermine everything. You accepted her favors, but you want to take her marriage, claiming you are inherently more capable and don’t need those small favors, not worth using your marriage as a favor. Meeting someone like you, we look down on with contempt, but Madam still reasons with you patiently. If it were someone else, they’d have taught you a lesson with a slap long ago."

Hearing this, Hong Mian secretly rolled her eyes, then raised her head to Qin Yuan, "Madam, you heard it too. Cui Ming stands up for Hong Ye, and if I worked under Sister Cui Ming, I certainly wouldn’t have a good time and couldn’t serve the masters well. When the master is in need of people, why waste me on such matters? Though I have countless faults, I’ve never erred in my work and have always been loyal, never wavering for a moment. I care for what the master cares for and think what the master thinks, worthy of loyalty."

Qin Yuan said nothing, only looking at Hong Mian without speaking.

Hong Ye opened her mouth but couldn’t say anything.

Hong Mian mustered her courage and said again, "If I were to work under Sister Cui Ming, being excluded and bullied, everyone would know to heed to them in all matters, daring not to offend. Over time, Madam’s surroundings would be controlled by them. If they remain selfless, fine, but if they develop selfish motives, then even an astute master is no different from others listening to slander. I admire the master’s abilities and hope to work long under her command but unwilling to be beneath others. Though appearing like an ingrate to others, who’s willing to be subjugated by mediocrity, relying on petty favors?"

The room fell silent for a while.

Hong Ye slowly spoke, "So it’s my fault. I offered small favors, trying to ensnare you in return... it’s not wrong to call you an ingrate."

Hong Mian retorted, "I’ve received your kindness, naturally I’ll repay you in other aspects. But if I’m a hopeless case, even if you give me chances they won’t stick, you’d naturally not offer again. Is it because you gave me one chance that I must yield to you in everything? Denying you once makes me an ingrate? Gu Shiliu is an exceptional person; our families have served here, and I’ve been inclined toward him. Should I let that go for your sake? Anything else is negotiable, but not this."

"You, you, you!" Hong Ye was infuriated but couldn’t rebut.

Cui Ming chimed in, "Clearly the two of them are mutually affectionate, yet you interfere What is that?"

Hong Mian held her neck high, "Marriages are dictated by parents and matchmakers. I’ve sought my parents to oversee it; an engagement between the families. I haven’t used any underhanded tricks or interfered in spreading rumors or creating discord between you."

That did make her seem upright.

Qin Yuan laughed, "I called you perceptive, but you’re also somewhat stubborn. They’ve already shown their intentions to the master, just waiting for marriage discussions. But you interfered, complicating matters. If you succeed, wouldn’t it mean you snatched the groom from Hong Ye, wouldn’t Hong Ye resent you? Not discussing if Hong Ye did you any favor, just considering the two being maids under my domain is inappropriate, which would make everyone see you as unkind."

Hong Mian lowered her head and said nothing.

There was no argument to be made there.

Qin Yuan continued, "You’re still young, thinking that acting once unscrupulously could win the person you like. Being sharp-witted, as long as the rice is cooked, you aren’t worried about Gu Shiliu not living well. But have you considered if Gu Shiliu is easily manipulated? If he allows himself to be controlled, fine; if not, you’ll only stir trouble in his household, making life difficult for everyone. Why seek to make trouble, doing things that end up hurting yourself? You think highly of Gu Shiliu, only you would resort to such tactics? Why hasn’t anyone else done it, only you have? Until you figure it out, you’re better off working in the sewing room. I’ve heard every earnest word you’ve uttered."

Hong Mian shed tears, stood up, bowed respectfully, and choked back saying, "I will remember all Madam’s words."

Cui Ming took her to the sewing room, both silent along the way. As they neared the sewing room, Cui Ming said, "Don’t worry; I only wanted to offer a slight punishment for your bullying of Hong Ye. If you manage to stand your ground in the sewing room, I won’t overshadow you. Hong Ye and I are Madam’s close maids, sworn to accompany each other for life, so you best not try to divide and incite us. Show your worth first, then people will put you to good use, not spending energy on this like a troublemaker, no one wants to look down on you."

Hong Mian pondered for a moment and responded, "I remember Hong Ye’s kindness and will repay her someday. But concerning Gu Shiliu, let it be based on ability." 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Cui Ming sneered several times, "Madam is right, you’re clever yet doing things that harm others and don’t benefit yourself, only looking at the small immediate sense. Know that besides ’cleverness,’ there’s also ’reasonableness’ in this world. I won’t say more; think it over yourself in the sewing room, and talk once you’ve figured it out."

Hong Mian stayed silent; Cui Ming knew she hadn’t listened but didn’t want to engage further, leading her directly into the sewing room, instructing Mrs. Li and Mrs. Lu to take good care of Hong Mian.