Chapter 9: The Time Given to You Is Running Out

“Mama Lin, you are an old servant of the Jiang family. You should understand my mother’s temperament!”

Aside from Furong, none of the maids by her side were chosen by herself.

If she rashly promoted an unfamiliar maid, Lady Shen would undoubtedly grow suspicious.

Moreover—

She lacked the proper attitude of someone seeking a favor. No matter how foolish she might be, she would never place a stranger by her side.

Who knew whether she would be the one controlling the other or the other way around—being monitored by them!

Jiang Jin lowered her eyes, concealing the ferocity within them.

Mama Lin listened, assuming Jiang Jin was merely worried that Lady Shen would not agree.

She hurriedly offered the excuse she had prepared: “Third Miss, do you remember the sachet found on Fu Ju?”

“At the time, Fu Ju tried to defend herself before Madam, claiming she had been momentarily bewitched and had embroidered it herself, imitating the Young Master-in-Law’s sachet.”

After saying this, Mama Lin pulled the maid beside her in front of Jiang Jin.

“At that time, it was my Cuiju who picked up the sachet and recognized that the fabric was extraordinary—something a lowly maid like Fu Ju could never afford. That’s how Fu Ju’s malicious intent was confirmed!”

Cuiju kept her head lowered, suddenly pulled forward, her expression still somewhat nervous.

Seeing her standing there dumbly without speaking, Mama Lin grew angry and pinched her.

“Hiss.” Cuiju felt the pain, but meeting Mama Lin’s gaze, she gritted her teeth and mustered her spirits to greet Jiang Jin.

“Third Miss, this servant previously worked in the embroidery room and is well-versed in fabrics and embroidery.”

“This servant…” She took a deep breath, her words flowing continuously, “This servant knows embroidery, laundry, and cooking. If Miss requires it, this servant can learn anything—only begging Miss to take this servant in!”

But after speaking, she quickly deflated, lowering her head so deeply it seemed she wished to bury her entire face in her collar.

Jiang Jin observed the maid. Compared to Mama Lin’s assertiveness, she appeared rather timid.

However, everyone has their own way of upbringing. Her soft nature might well be the result of Mama Lin protecting her too well…

Earlier, listening to Mama Lin’s words, she had merely thought Mama Lin wanted to pave a better future for her daughter.

But now, judging by Cuiju’s temperament, it seemed unlikely she would be entrusted with important tasks.

If it were her mother, she would surely protect her well under her own care, just as she did with Fifth Younger Sister.

Rather than sending her to the seemingly glamorous yet utterly corrupt Marquis’s Residence!

“Your name is Cuiju? Which courtyard are you in now?”

Cuiju slowly raised her head, her fingers tightly clenched. “This servant is currently in the Second Young Master’s courtyard, responsible for tidying the study.”

Cuiju’s voice grew softer and softer. Listening, Jiang Jin soon sensed something amiss.

She glanced at Furong, and the two exchanged a look.

Furong then walked over to Mama Lin. “Mama, you must be tired from standing. Come with me to the next room for some tea?”

Mama Lin shook her head, about to refuse, when Furong added, “You know, the tea here is all sent from Jingzhou. Usually, it’s not served to outsiders.”

Hearing this, Mama Lin quickly understood Furong’s meaning.

This… meant she was agreeing!

She promptly nodded and followed Furong out.

However, upon reaching the doorway, she couldn’t help but glance back at Cuiju with unconcealed worry in her eyes.

Furong took note of this but said nothing, simply leading her away.

Once the door closed, Jiang Jin looked at the kneeling Cuiyu and wearily rubbed her temples.

“If you’re willing to tell the truth, I might still listen to a few words from you.”

“But if you insist on repeating useless things, I won’t have the patience for it.”

Jiang Jin spoke coldly.

Cuiyu looked up, tears in her eyes.

Her voice choked with sobs, knowing this might be her last chance.

“Third Miss, I beg you… save this servant!”

“Ten days ago, the Second Young Master’s cousin sent someone to the embroidery workshop, demanding that a dress be made for her urgently. At the time, everyone in the workshop was busy with tasks, and there was simply no way to free up time.”

“The workshop supervisor told the cousin to seek Madam’s permission, saying only with Madam’s order could the schedule be adjusted. The cousin, feeling slighted, went crying to the Second Young Master.”

“The Second Young Master, distressed for his cousin, then told Madam that his courtyard was short-handed and requested someone from the embroidery workshop be transferred over. Madam refused, so the Second Young Master went to plead with the Old Madam. The Old Madam agreed and even let the Second Young Master choose the person himself.”

“In the end… this matter somehow fell upon this servant.”

Cuiyu spoke, her tone growing more aggrieved.

“At first, this servant didn’t think much of it. After all, as a maid of the Jiang family, it shouldn’t matter where one works.”

“But later… this servant accidentally witnessed the Second Young Master and his cousin… engaging in improper conduct.”

“The cousin wanted to kill this servant to silence me, but the Second Young Master, considering this servant’s mother, came up with a vile plan—he said he would take this servant as a concubine, tormenting me day and night, and make me the scapegoat for the cousin.”

“If they were ever discovered, they would claim this servant was jealous and spreading lies!”

Cuiyu wept timidly, desperately trying to control her voice, afraid of earning Jiang Jin’s disgust.

As Jiang Jin listened, her frown deepened.

The Second Brother Cuiyu spoke of was nothing like the Second Brother she had known before!

The Second Brother she knew was honorable and kind, having passed the provincial examination at a young age.

Even before coming of age, he was already betrothed to the daughter of the Grand Tutor.

Once he passed the imperial examination next spring, they could set a date for the wedding.

She had also met his future wife—beautiful, gentle, and kind.

Whether in family background, appearance, or talent, the Second Young Master’s maternal cousin could not compare to his future wife.

Moreover, in her memories from her past life, she had never heard of the Second Brother taking a concubine, nor had she seen any discord between him and his wife.

Apart from their lack of children after years of marriage, they were considered one of the most enviable couples in the capital.

Seeing Jiang Jin remain silent for so long, Cuiyu grew terrified.

After all, the Second Young Master was skilled at deception and had always maintained an excellent reputation in the household.

When she had told her mother about it, her mother had immediately questioned whether she was confused.

If not for knowing she was her own flesh and blood and that she never lied, even she might not have believed her own words.

“Cuiyu, if what you say is true, taking you into my service would mean offending my Second Brother. You should also know that my courtyard is not short of people…”

Jiang Jin stared straight at Cuiyu, trying to detect any flaws in her expression.

But in Cuiyu’s eyes, there was nothing but despair and sorrow.

Jiang Jin withdrew her gaze and continued, “So you must understand that when asking for help… you must show the attitude and capability to do so!”

“The position of head maid in my courtyard could be filled by someone else at any moment.”

“Your time is running out!”

After speaking, Jiang Jin stood up.

The reason she was willing to give Cuiyu a chance was not because she truly believed her words.

Rather, she had suddenly recalled something from her past life. If Cuiyu could demonstrate sufficient sincerity, the benefits of bringing her over would far outweigh the drawbacks!