Chapter 26: Excessive Rigidity Leads to Fragility

If it wasn't stolen from Luo Yunzhen, then it must have been stolen from someone else in the manor.

Although Luo Zefeng’s accusation was clearly aimed at Luo Yunqiao, his logic was, in principle, sound. Luo Zeting also turned his gaze toward her, his eyes filled with suspicion. "Indeed, Yunqiao, where did you get those ornaments?"

The group seemed to have already concluded that Luo Yunqiao had stolen them. Madam Luo Zhou wore an expression of profound disappointment. "Yunqiao, you are the legitimate daughter of the Marquis's estate. If you needed money, you could have simply requested it from the accounting office or come to me; I wouldn't have refused you. You must not do such foolish things!"

Luo Yunzhen nodded in agreement, feigning extreme concern. "That’s right, Elder Sister. Where did you get those ornaments?"

One after another, these people hid behind the guise of concern while pinning the blame on her without a second thought. What a wonderful family she had.

Luo Yunqiao remained silent. She had no desire to explain herself to them, nor was there any need to. However, her attitude was misinterpreted as a sign of a guilty conscience.

Seizing what he perceived to be a slip-up, Luo Zefeng immediately interjected, "Mother, you see? She is feeling guilty!" He looked at her with disgust, as if he were staring at something filthy. "Who knows where she stole these ornaments from? It is truly a disgrace to our Marquis's estate!"

Luo Yunqiao remained indifferent. She did not argue or clash with them; she was simply waiting.

Before long, a servant arrived to report that the Old Matriarch had arrived. Everyone in the room immediately stood up to receive her.

"What a lively gathering! What are you all talking about? Tell this old woman as well."

Her voice preceded her, echoing through the main hall, followed by a pair of sharp, piercing eyes that swept over everyone present.

"Zefeng, you tell me."

Suddenly called upon, Luo Zefeng felt a surge of nervousness. "Grandmother..."

The Old Matriarch spoke with an unreadable expression. "Go on, let everyone know. Surely you wouldn't keep things from an old woman like me?"

Luo Zefeng bowed. "I wouldn't dare, Grandmother. It’s just that Luo Yunqiao suddenly appeared with many ornaments of unknown origin, and she was sneaking around having her maid take them out to be sold. So, I thought..."

"So you thought the items were stolen by Yunqiao, is that correct?" the Old Matriarch finished for him.

Luo Zefeng nodded, intending to continue, but the Old Matriarch cut him off. "Enough!"

The Old Matriarch rarely displayed anger, and her sudden outburst silenced the entire room.

"The ornaments belonging to Yunqiao were all given to her by me. If you have any complaints, take them up with me. I never imagined, however, that a few ornaments would bring such disaster upon the girl."

As these words fell, everyone present—save for the Old Matriarch and Luo Yunqiao—wore an expression of utter astonishment.

"Given to her by Grandmother? But these pieces are of such exquisite quality; they look exactly like your dowry from years ago. Even Yunzhen doesn't have such rare treasures." Luo Zefeng’s voice trailed off. "Why would you give them to her..."

Luo Yunzhen’s face flickered with embarrassment, followed by a flash of fleeting resentment. This old woman was already half-buried in the earth; why was she meddling in these affairs?

The Old Matriarch glanced at Luo Zefeng coldly. "What, you can freely decide to give away your own dowries and lands, but I cannot? Since when did I need to report to you when giving ornaments to my own granddaughter?"

"Furthermore, Yunqiao is the legitimate eldest daughter of this Marquis's estate. How could she not be worthy of these items?"

Luo Zefeng felt indignant, but he dared not defy the Old Matriarch.

She snorted coldly. "Always suspecting this and questioning that, turning the whole household upside down." She waved her hand. "You may all leave. Yunqiao, stay."

Luo Zefeng, likely still fuming, was the first to storm out. Madam Luo Zhou glanced at Luo Yunqiao with an expression of wanting to speak, but ultimately remained silent.

The spacious main hall was left with only Luo Yunqiao and the Old Matriarch.

Luo Yunqiao bowed respectfully. "Thank you for today, Grandmother."

The Old Matriarch cast a sidelong glance at her. "You seemed to know in advance that I would come today."

"I did."

Luo Yunqiao did not hide the truth; otherwise, she would not have allowed Luo Zefeng to heap filth upon her so freely. She had simply been playing the part of the vulnerable victim to draw the Matriarch in.

The Old Matriarch did not ask how she knew, but instead questioned why she had been selling the ornaments. Luo Yunqiao already had her response ready.

"The servants in this house are accustomed to bowing to the high and trampling on the low, looking at the faces of their masters. They know well that I am an eldest daughter in name only. Therefore, I have had to pay for my own daily expenses, such as food and clothing."

"I could no longer afford it, which is why I resorted to this last resort." Luo Yunqiao knelt, her back held perfectly straight. "I beg Grandmother not to blame me."

The Old Matriarch’s face was stern. "It is preposterous! Since when does a legitimate daughter have to find her own ways to earn money? Is the vast Marquis's estate unable to provide for you?"

"Had I not come today, wouldn't you have handed your enemies a weapon to use against you? You are truly foolish."

Although her words were harsh, there was no true malice in her tone. At the same time, she pointed out a clear path forward for Luo Yunqiao. Regardless of her status or favor in the house, a master is a master; what is hers by right should remain hers. How could she simply hand it over to others?

Luo Yunqiao lowered her eyes. "I understand, Grandmother. Thank you for your guidance."

Seeing that Luo Yunqiao had grasped her meaning, the Old Matriarch did not linger and returned to her own courtyard.

Beside her, Nanny Chen could not help but remark, "Old Madam, your health is already frail. You exerted yourself to come out just to uphold Miss Yunqiao’s dignity. One can only hope the eldest young lady understands your good intentions."

The Old Matriarch smiled. "That girl is clever enough; I am not worried about that." As she spoke, her smile faded slightly. "It is just that she is too unyielding. That which is too rigid is easily broken..."

...

With the Old Matriarch’s guidance, Luo Yunqiao took Jinxin and Yinxin to the accounting office. It was time to take back what was hers.

The accountant was busy with his ledgers. Hearing footsteps, he glanced up briefly before lowering his head again, showing no intention of acknowledging the three of them.

Yinxin stepped forward. "The eldest young lady has come to collect her monthly allowance."

The accountant did not look up, sneering, "The eldest young lady? Which one? My apologies, I only recognize Miss Yunzhen."

Yinxin was most indignant when people questioned Luo Yunqiao’s status. Clearly, her own mistress was the legitimate eldest daughter of the Marquis's estate, yet these people acted as if their minds were twisted, always showing disrespect to her.

"What do you mean by that? My lady is the legitimate eldest daughter, recognized on the family register! What kind of person are you to dare to comment?"

The accountant stopped his work and looked up at Yinxin, displeased that a mere maid would dare speak to him in such a way. Truly, like mistress, like maid.