As soon as Lu Ye entered Ning Garden, she received a baptism of stares from the maids and servants.

Lu Ye faced them calmly, completely unbothered.

Lunch was again served at two tables, with men and women seated separately.

At this time, everyone had arrived except for Liang Yunshan.

When Liang Zhe and Qin Shuying entered, Luo Meixiang was sitting before Old Madam Liang speaking with her. Upon seeing Lu Ye follow them in and stand nearby to serve, she exclaimed “Oh!” and then said: “Eldest daughter-in-law, do you have no one to serve you?”

Qin Shuying paid her respects to Old Madam Liang first, then said: “Madam, you’re teasing me again. She is my first-class maid, Lu Ye.”

Old Madam Liang frowned—truly a thing without proper rules.

Generally, wealthy households were very particular about the appearance and bearing of their servants, especially personal maids, who were usually required to have proper looks. Yet here she was, keeping an ugly creature with half her face disfigured by her side, and on the second day of marriage, brazenly bringing her out to embarrass the family.

This was the Pingxi Marquis Manor, not some declining minor household.

Luo Meixiang said: “Eldest daughter-in-law, speaking of this, I must instruct you. The Marquis Manor has its rules—any head maid serving a master must have proper appearance. This Lu Ye girl is clever enough, but unfortunately has some shortcomings. I happen to have suitable people available. You should choose one to serve you.”

These words were spoken mercilessly. The nearby maids and servants exchanged glances full of mockery and derision.

In such an atmosphere, Lu Ye showed no embarrassment or inferiority whatsoever, standing properly with a faint smile on her face, appearing not the least bit awkward or flustered.

Qin Shuying smiled. “Madam, Lu Ye was left to me by my mother.”

Luo Meixiang said: “If that’s the case, it’s natural for you to value her somewhat. However, you should keep her in Songtao Residence and not bring her out casually, lest outsiders say the Marquis Manor has no rules—that would look unseemly. Sister-in-law, don’t you agree?”

When Luo Meixiang called on Lady Meng, she smiled cheerfully: “Elder sister-in-law always speaks and acts reasonably.”

Luo Meixiang knew Lady Meng was always slippery. Having watched this drama for a day or two, Lady Meng was deliberately playing deaf and dumb while probably delighting inwardly.

Luo Meixiang wouldn’t let her stay out of it: “Sister-in-law, when discussing Hao’er’s marriage prospects, as his mother, you value the woman’s family rules most highly, don’t you?”

Lady Meng couldn’t help cursing Luo Meixiang inwardly, but smiled cheerfully: “Elder sister-in-law speaks truly. Eldest daughter-in-law, since you’ve married into the Marquis Manor, you should prioritize the manor’s rules.”

Qin Shuying smiled, appearing very agreeable, but said nothing.

“Then it’s settled. I’ll have someone come to Songtao Residence later.”

Without giving Qin Shuying any chance to refuse, Luo Meixiang had extended her hand into Songtao Residence.

Yet Qin Shuying showed not a trace of anger, which Liang Qiong observed closely.

Liang Yunshan strode in with great steps, laughing heartily as he pointed at Liang Zhe and said to Old Madam Liang: “Mother, when I was in the Northwest, the people there all called Ziyu the Northwest Wolf. This stinking boy really is like a wolf—ruthless! Hahaha!”

Though these sounded like words criticizing Liang Zhe, everyone knew Liang Yunshan was very pleased and admired Liang Zhe.

Instantly, everyone in the room harbored different thoughts.

Liang Hao looked at Liang Zhe with complete admiration, but knowing that the Marquis’s wife had never liked Liang Zhe, he swallowed the words of agreement that had come to his lips.

Liang Yuan and Liang Jie’s gazes turned cold.

Liang Qiong’s eyes flickered slightly, while Luo Meixiang’s face stiffened.

Old Madam Liang glanced at Liang Zhe and said coolly: “Marquis, Ziyu grew up in the Zhao family. His becoming a fierce general is entirely the Zhao family’s achievement. Since the Marquis has returned, you should go to the Zhao family to express gratitude.”

Liang Yunshan’s hearty laughter immediately subsided. He gave two dry laughs: “Mother speaks correctly.”

Then he sat down: “Mother, is everything ready? If so, let’s begin the meal.”

He mentioned his earlier words no more.

Old Madam Liang said coolly: “Let us eat.”

With that, she picked up her chopsticks and placed a piece of food in her bowl.

Luo Meixiang stood behind Old Madam Liang, serving her food, while Qin Shuying also stood behind Old Madam Liang, attending to her meal.

However, unlike during breakfast, she didn’t appear clumsy but very perceptively ladled a bowl of soup for Old Madam Liang and selected some soft, easily digestible foods to place on her plate.

Old Madam Liang ate very elegantly, unhurried and composed, every movement displaying her excellent upbringing and refinement.

Qin Shuying pondered the meaning of Old Madam Liang’s earlier words.

She had only mentioned it casually, yet Liang Yunshan’s initially enthusiastic intent to discuss Liang Zhe immediately died away.

While admiring Old Madam Liang’s precise grasp of Liang Yunshan’s psychology, Qin Shuying was also curious—could there be some hidden reason behind this?

When Old Madam Liang had eaten enough, she had both Luo Meixiang and Qin Shuying sit down to eat.

The meal concluded peacefully. Liang Yunshan called to Liang Zhe and the others: “You all come with me to the martial training grounds to aid digestion.”

Liang Hao eagerly followed, while Liang Yuan and Liang Jie exchanged glances—Liang Yuan reluctant, Liang Jie indifferent.

Once the men left, Qin Shuying also made to take her leave.

But Luo Meixiang wouldn’t let her go: “Eldest daughter-in-law, the old madam has a habit of afternoon naps. At her age, she has some minor ailments and doesn’t fall asleep easily. I heard that at the Qin Manor, you often helped Old Madam Qin fall asleep. Why don’t you try helping our old madam as well? When word of this spreads, people outside will praise you endlessly, knowing you’re a filial and good child.”

Qin Shuying smiled and looked at Old Madam Liang without speaking.

Luo Meixiang dragged Lady Meng, who was playing mute on the side, into it: “Sister-in-law, don’t you agree?”

Lady Meng observed Old Madam Liang’s calm expression: “Elder sister-in-law speaks correctly. Old Madam, are you still having headaches?”

Old Madam Liang nodded lightly without speaking.

Seeing Qin Shuying standing motionless, Luo Meixiang beckoned: “Eldest daughter-in-law, what are you standing there for? Come quickly and help Miss Jinxiu.”

If she didn’t know that Old Madam Liang wasn’t actually Liang Zhe’s biological grandmother, didn’t know that Old Madam Liang was behind Zhao Wanniang’s tragic death, didn’t know what role Old Madam Liang played in the harm that befell Liang Zhen, didn’t know that Old Madam Liang even wanted Liang Zhe to die… Qin Shuying would naturally try to gradually melt Old Madam Liang’s heart.

She would earnestly play the role of granddaughter-in-law, help Liang Zhe honor Old Madam Liang, and ultimately win Old Madam Liang’s sincere affection.

Some misunderstandings between family members meant nothing. As long as family harmony could be achieved, no matter how difficult or bitter the process, she would strive for it.

But knowing full well that Old Madam Liang was determined to see the Liang siblings dead, that they were already irreconcilable enemies, was it necessary to waste her emotions trying to please Old Madam Liang?

Or rather, could it make Old Madam Liang change her mind?