"If you have anything to say, elder sister, just go and tell Father," Xiao Jin said calmly. "This was originally Father's assignment, why make things difficult for me!"
"Don't try to intimidate me with your father!" Yao Niang said fiercely. "You're just making a mountain out of a molehill!" Suddenly, her eyes lit up, she chuckled twice, and stopped arguing.
Xiao Jin naturally knew what kind of bad intentions she was up to.
"Elder sister, I advise you to take this seriously!" Xiao Jin glanced at her calmly and said coolly, "If you break too many things or the progress is too slow, I will have no choice but to report to Father truthfully!"
“My eldest sister is already seventeen years old!” Xiao Jin suddenly said something that seemed completely unrelated.
Yao Niang was like a hedgehog with all its quills standing on end. She said sharply, "Xiao Jinniang, what mischief are you up to now!"
"Eldest sister's skills must be even superior to Yao Niang's," Xiao Jin said, clapping her hands. "How about eldest sister embroiders another pair?"
"You—" Yao Niang was so angry that she couldn't speak, her eyes fixed on Xiao Jin.
Xiao Jin looked at her casually, without the slightest fear.
In the end, Yao Niang was defeated. She said through gritted teeth, "I shouldn't have argued with my sister. Please forgive me!"
Xiao Jin adopted an understanding demeanor, saying magnanimously, "It's best that you think this way, eldest sister! Father is right, isn't it wonderful that we sisters are all so harmonious and happy!"
Yao Niang was so angry she wanted to grind her teeth, but she dared not say another word.
Yingniang, who was watching silently from the side, felt a chill run down her spine: When did Xiao Jin become this kind of person!
"I'll just say one more thing," Xiao Jin said with a smile, "I can recognize the work of my eldest sister and third sister at a glance... If they're having someone else do it for them, then I can inform Father!"
******************
"Young Miss, Third Miss, please take care!" Cui Zhu's suppressed laughter came from the courtyard.
Watching Yao Niang and Ying Niang leave dejectedly, Xiao Jin happily accepted the hot tea that Huan Yue served her. She had never thought that the aroma of Pu'er tea was so pleasant!
After what just happened, Xiao Jin felt even more strongly that she should thoroughly disgust these people before she got married.
What else is going on lately... dowry? No, she'll only ask for it when the Duke's betrothal gifts arrive! She refuses to believe that since the Duke's family is seeking her hand in marriage, they won't mistreat her in this regard!
Let's see if she doesn't empty out the Imperial Academy by then!
Oh, right, the third anniversary of the Luo family's death is coming up soon! Xiao Ji wronged her while she was alive, and he must make it up to her after his death!
Even if Xiao Ji is unwilling, Xiao Jin has ways to force him to hold a grand celebration!
It's easier to get things done if you're associated with the Duke's mansion!
Xiao Jin deliberately ignored the panic and unease in her heart. She couldn't imagine what kind of life she would have with the legendary cold and irritable Chu Tianshu. She would enjoy it while she could!
Xiao Jin thought dejectedly, hoping that Chu Tianshu wasn't a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Life is something you make by living it...
Xiao Jin repeatedly used this phrase to comfort herself, trying to convince herself that there would be a bright future.
Let's consider the Luo family's matter first! Xiao Jin sat down at his desk, cleared his mind of distractions, picked up his pen, and began to sketch.
In the east side room, Zisu and Huanyue were tidying up the remaining fabric.
Zisu said to Huanyue with a smug look, "I think it's quite good for Miss to marry into the Duke's mansion! The eldest young lady is usually so arrogant, but today she's all obedient and doesn't dare to utter a sound!"
"How dare you say that!" Huan Yue scolded in a low voice, "Have you forgotten all the rumors about Third Master Chu! You mustn't talk about such things in front of Miss!"
Zisu lowered her head sheepishly, feeling remorseful.
How could she forget the unknown life her young lady was about to face...?