Helian Yu chuckled softly; the Yu family’s servants were indeed well-trained.
Helian Yu paid her no further attention and began wandering leisurely around the garden. Although the Pear Garden was primarily a theater, it was planted with pear trees to suit the na. In springti, the trees were covered in white pear blossoms—a grand sight to behold.
Now, deep in autumn, only bare branches lined the paths.
Just then, the maid said, "Madam, if you’d like to see flowers, you should head over to the neighboring Chrysanthemum Garden. It’s filled with fad chrysanthemums cultivated ticulously by the First Madam. Not long ago, during the chrysanthemum banquet she hosted, the prized Yuhu Chun drew universal acclaim."
Helian Yu remarked regretfully, "What a pity I couldn’t witness it myself."
As if recalling sothing, she asked, "I rember there’s also a Plum Blossom Banquet held every year during the first snowfall, isn’t there?"
The maid smiled and replied, "Indeed. The Second Madam enjoys plum blossoms, and she hosts the Plum Blossom Banquet each year."
Helian Yu raised an eyebrow.
The Yu family’s founding ancestors fought to establish their legacy, while their descendants now basked in luxury. Each one hailed from humble roots yet indulged in pretentious pursuits of refinent—a truly ironic spectacle.
When attempting to paint a tiger, they end up resembling a dog instead. So things, when absent from one’s essence, can never be fully learned regardless of how much one imitates. It only results in a laughable display, akin to Dongshi’s infamous mimicking of Xi Shi’s beauty.
Of course, in modern-day Jingzhou, no one would dare ridicule them openly, but one could imagine the gossip that must abound behind closed doors.
"Tell , was it you who stole my bracelet? You ungrateful wretch! I treat you well, yet you shalessly repay like this!" A shrill and caustic voice faintly drifted over.
Next ca a woman’s stamring pleas for rcy, followed by the sharp crack of a resounding slap.
Helian Yu paused mid-step and raised an eyebrow.
The maid behind her quickly lowered her voice and whispered, "Madam, let’s go this way."
But that woman seed particularly alert, imdiately turning toward the direction where the pair was hiding. "Who’s there? Show yourselves!"
Helian Yu had no intention of hiding. Under the maid’s uneasy gaze, she sauntered out with poised grace.
"Second Madam, it’s ."
The woman was dressed in a sapphire blue silk cheongsam embroidered with plum blossoms. Her shoulders were draped in a snow-white ermine shawl, accentuating her delicate and curvaceous figure. Her jet-black hair was styled in a dignified updo, and her fair face, adorned with exquisite features, was strikingly beautiful.
Yet the ensemble’s excessive opulence, glittering with jewels and gold, ca off as garish and tastefully lacking, betraying a certain petty air.
Her almond-shaped eyes swept over Helian Yu and landed fixated on the hairpin behind her head. With difficulty, she tore her gaze away and frowned. "Which family are you from?"
Her tone carried no trace of politeness.
Helian Yu smiled warmly and replied, "Madam doesn’t rember ? My surna is Helian, and my husband’s family na is Liu."
The woman suddenly understood. "Ah, so you’re from the Helian family. Why aren’t you enjoying the opera in the Pear Garden? What are you doing idly wandering out here? Aren’t you cold?"
Helian Yu maintained her graceful smile. "It was a bit stuffy inside. I ca out to get so fresh air."
The woman narrowed her eyes, her expression hostile. "You’re not planning to spread gossip about what you saw here today, are you?"
The Yu family ladies took liberties disciplining their servants, but such affairs were unsavory if leaked. The old lady of the house cared deeply about the family’s reputation. News getting back to her would certainly invite a round of reprimands.
"Madam worries too much. In dealing with dishonest servants, the thod you used today was perhaps overly kind."
Helian Yu’s tone was casual.
The young woman kneeling on the ground flinched, raising her head in disbelief.
The other woman remained composed and elegant, embodying the perfect image of an aristocratic lady. Her lovely face wore a kind smile, but her eyes harbored a chilling intensity that pierced to the bone.
Though winter’s chill had yet to arrive, the kneeling servant already felt frozen to her core.
The woman raised her brows with interest. "Oh? And what makes you say that?"
"Stealing gold today, scheming for a kingdom tomorrow. Madam mustn’t forget—being the Second Madam of the Yu family ans ruling the household as one would lead an army. Lead by example, te out rewards and punishnts with precision, and ensure peace within, lest Mr. Yu be troubled by distractions."
The woman burst into a loud laugh. "You speak well! It’s a sha, though—I don’t manage the household."
Her tone betrayed a hint of regret.
Helian Yu raised an eyebrow and took a step forward, crouching slightly to et the young servant’s eyes directly.
"If you did take Second Madam’s gold bracelet, then you should confess now. She’s rciful—perhaps she’ll grant you so leniency. But if this matter reaches the First Madam, well, that’s an entirely different story."
The young servant shook her head vehently. "I didn’t steal it—I truly didn’t...."
The girl seated before her was young—barely in her early twenties. Her jet-black hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her fair complexion frad delicate features. Her tear-stricken face made her appear like a pitiable sight straight out of a painting, fragile and heart-wrenchingly beautiful.
Helian Yu gazed into her watery eyes, the smile at her lips deepening subtly.
"You filthy wretch! Full of lies! Watch how I’ll beat you to death!"
Second Mrs. Yu exclaid furiously and raised her hand to strike. Helian Yu, still smiling, intercepted her hand gently. "Second Madam, there’s no need to lose your temper over such a lowly person. It wouldn’t be worth harming your health."
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