1.10 Jia Min: Caution Between Men and Women Is Still Necessary

Volume One
1.10 Jia Min: Boundaries Between Men and Women Must Be Respected

The Lin Residence, back garden.

Lost in thought the entire way, Lin Daiyu was clearly distracted. Even upon entering the warm chamber, she remained unfocused, failing to notice that someone had already been waiting inside, watching her enter with evident displeasure.

“Mother?” It wasn’t until a delicate hand reached out and gently twisted her earlobe that she was pulled back to reality.

“You little brat, hand it over!” Jia Min snapped, giving her a light tap.

Lin Daiyu blushed, hastily withdrawing an envelope from her sleeve and offering it with an apologetic smile.

“Mother, this is from my maternal grandfather’s side—”

“Did you just go to Brother Rui’s place?” Jia Min interrupted without missing a beat. She pulled out the letter to confirm nothing was missing before slipping it back into her sleeve. Then, raising her beautiful eyes with a faintly teasing smile, she stared at her daughter until Daiyu was too embarrassed to answer. “I didn’t see you when I came by, so I knew you weren’t being honest!”

“Mother, I only wanted to ask about matters over there,” Lin Daiyu’s voice was soft and weak.

“You, eh!” Jia Min sighed softly, hesitating for a moment before pulling her daughter close. The two sat together on the long couch. “I never told you before because... well, because of what happened in the past. Your father was an official serving far away; I thought we might never meet again in this life.

Now times have changed, and you should know some things. Just as I told you before, your mother comes from the Rongguo Mansion. Your father was the late Duke Rongguo, Jia Daishan by name, and your mother is the most honored matriarch in that household.”

“...What does that matter?” Lin Daiyu did not understand.

“I have two elder brothers. The eldest is the current heir to the Duke’s title, though he was reckless in his youth... some things are best left unsaid,” Jia Min shook her head lightly as she spoke. “The second brother works at the Ministry of Works now; he’s a more reasonable man.”

“So I have two maternal uncles?” Lin Daiyu felt something was off.

Was this really how one introduces family members—even an elder brother?

“Exactly,” Jia Min nodded. “And you must show proper respect to your two aunts.”

“I understand!” Lin Daiyu’s expression shifted slightly, nodding hastily.

What did “show proper respect” even mean?

True family members deserved respect, but surely that wasn’t all one said when introducing them?

Lin Daiyu was clever; she sensed there was more beneath the surface.

“There are also many cousins your age,” Jia Min listed the younger generation of the Rongguo Mansion, mostly briefly mentioning them, adding a bit more about the women. She emphasized the last point: “Just remember, your second uncle has two sons—you must be especially polite to them.”

Lin Daiyu was stunned again.

Was this really a family introduction?

“Mother, is there something—” She hurriedly asked, “inappropriate?”

“When I was still a young lady at the Duke’s mansion, I was always favored by my late father and handled most household affairs,” Jia Min recalled with a hint of nostalgia. “Back then, my eldest sister-in-law was still alive, and we had a harmonious relationship; we never even argued. But later... ah, my eldest brother was reckless!”

“Mother means the eldest aunt passed away?” Lin Daiyu’s confusion deepened.

“Later, your eldest uncle remarried, and after I married out, the one in charge at the Duke’s mansion was your second aunt,” Jia Min nodded, then shook her head. “You don’t need to worry too much about elders’ affairs. In any case, there’s someone to look after me—just make sure to show respect.”

So the eldest aunt and mother managed the household, then the former died and power shifted to the second aunt?

If Lin Daiyu couldn’t see the problem, she’d have to think she was foolish!

“Don’t worry, Mother, I’ll be careful!” she said, though it was all she could manage.

---

Elders are always like this—secretive about past troubles and scandals, believing they are protecting the younger generation, unaware that such secrecy often stirs greater suspicion and trouble instead.

At least Lin Daiyu’s doubts only grew stronger.

Yet she wisely kept them to herself, unable to learn more and hoping to ask someone else.

“Where’s Xueyan?” Jia Min, unwilling to continue, changed the subject abruptly.

“She...” Lin Daiyu didn’t want the maid to suffer.

“To Brother Rui’s place?” Jia Min furrowed her brows immediately.

“Mother, please don’t misunderstand,” Lin Daiyu quickly embraced her mother. “After we went together earlier, Brother Rui said he had something to bring over, so he left the maid behind to tidy up. She must have been delayed.”

“Even if Brother Rui is family, boundaries between men and women must be respected!” Jia Min tapped her daughter’s forehead with a slender finger, scolding gently. “Xueyan serves you and running around outside is too dangerous. We’re family and easy to speak with, but what if rumors got out?”

“I understand!” Lin Daiyu dared not argue.

Yet inwardly, she resolved to find someone and clarify everything properly.

The two did not speak further of the Jia family, instead embracing and laughing softly.

---

The Salt Patrol Inspector’s Office, backyard.

Lin Rui kissed the slender figure in his arms deeply, holding her until her trembling ceased before reluctantly pulling away. He waved to Yu Erjie, whose cheeks were flushed, signaling her to bring warm water and other things.

“You really are tormenting me!” The still-dazed Xueyan’s voice was unusually sweet.

“Feeling better now?” Lin Rui laughed, pulling her close again. “Little jealous pot!”

“What face does a maid like me have to be jealous?” The maid was startled into alertness by his teasing, burying her head in his embrace. “It’s just... Sister, please don’t misunderstand. I’m not truly angry... I mean—”

“Hahaha!” Lin Rui was amused by her flustered state.

“Don’t mind her,” Yu Erjie said softly as she placed the items down and sat on the edge of the bed. “We all serve you, Sir. Since we rarely see you these days, we’ll be running into each other often in the future. No need to be so distant.”

Lin Rui’s expression flickered with surprise.

“Sir!” Yu Erjie blushed, unable to hide her shyness. “This little sister serves Miss Lin!”

Lin Rui finally understood.

A personal maid is practically one with her mistress; she can be seen as a kind of “full representative.”

Since Xueyan followed him, Lin Daiyu naturally became his “possession.” No matter what happened in the future, her status would far surpass that of the Yu sisters. It was only prudent to be cautious.

“Sir, I should be going,” Xueyan said reluctantly. “Our Miss is still waiting.”

This little maid was the classic type—young and inexperienced but fully aware of her worth. She never spoke harshly in front of Lin Rui and knew her place well.

“Be careful on the way!” He understood the balance, rising as he spoke and retrieving an ornate box from the cabinet. “Here are ‘Eight Treasures Pastries’ from Youweizhai. I happened to get some and don’t like sweets. Take them to try.”

Both women looked at him in surprise.

“Sir, are you serious?” Xueyan asked eagerly. “I’ve heard these treats are rare and expensive. I’ve only had them once, as a gift from our lady. This big box must have cost a fortune, right?”

“Ten taels of silver,” Lin Rui smiled lightly. “Just take it; don’t delay.”

“Thank you!” Xueyan’s eyes glistened with emotion as she glanced between the box and him.

“What’s this?” Lin Rui teased, waving his hand in front of her. “So happy you’re dizzy?”

Xueyan said nothing but knelt before the bed, bowing her head deeply.

Lin Rui exhaled softly and pulled Yu Erjie into a long kiss.

After some time, watching the maid stumble away, he couldn’t help but laugh.

“Sir—” Yu Sanjie, who had been inside the west wing across the hall, finally entered, slamming the curtain with a smirk revealing her coquettish face. “I remember you’re also from the Lin family of Suzhou, right? Will Miss Lin still call you—”

“You’ll find out soon enough!” Lin Rui interrupted carelessly. “Come, finish up!”

“Hmph!” Though displeased, Yu Sanjie knelt obediently by the bed.

“Sir, why not formally accept us sisters?” Yu Erjie asked, puzzled.

“Unfortunately, there’s no good day these few days,” Lin Rui said, wanting to give them some dignity. “Look through the almanac when you have time and find the best day. Then I’ll formally take you in—just the official status will have to wait.”

“Thank you, Sir!” Yu Erjie visibly relaxed.

Not being formally accepted meant they could still be dismissed—a very real concern.

In truth, even after formal acceptance, the outcome was uncertain; concubines’ status was only slightly above ordinary servants, considered “half masters.” In noble families, exchanging or gifting such positions was not uncommon.

Regardless, it was better than being mere servants.

---

That evening, Lin Residence back garden.

In the warm chamber, mistress and maid laughed and embraced, reclining on the long couch in the parlor, whispering intimate words into each other’s ears. Suddenly, Lin Daiyu’s cheeks flushed, and she raised a delicate hand to “punch” the maid.

“Miss, have mercy!” Xueyan dared not retaliate.

“You little pest, you say anything now?” Lin Daiyu blushed, delivering a few more playful taps before relenting, though hesitation lingered on her face. After a moment, she asked softly, “Are you telling the truth?”

“How could I lie?” Xueyan shook her head anxiously. “The Yu sisters... yes, the two in the house, both surnamed Yu, are truly biological sisters. According to Sir, they haven’t been formally taken into the household yet; they’re just kept nearby to serve and must wait for an auspicious day.”

“Is that so?” Lin Daiyu’s thoughts grew complicated. After a long pause, she shook her head gently. “What does it matter to us? But these pastries are really good. It’s a pity that when I brought some to Mother this afternoon, I heard Youweizhai’s goods are limited and hard to buy even with silver.”

“Anyway, I’ll go find Brother Rui again,” Xueyan said, unable to think of another solution. Glancing at the clock, she added, “Good girl, it’s late. Let’s rest.”

“Alright.” Lin Daiyu allowed the maid to help her up. “Go prepare.”

“Yes, Miss!” Xueyan was about to fetch the washing supplies when—

“Hm?”

“What’s that noise?” Lin Daiyu looked toward the front courtyard, puzzled. “Why is it so loud?”

As the sounds grew clearer—shouts, clashing metal, curses, and screams—it was obvious to everyone that something was wrong up front!

“Father! Mother!” Lin Daiyu cried, about to rush out.

“Miss!” Xueyan grabbed her arm tightly, pulling her back. “What can we do? Brother Rui’s soldiers are in the front yard, and Father’s servants are in the main hall!”

“Yes, we can’t cause trouble.” Lin Daiyu realized. “The ice cellar!”

“Yes, Miss!”