Xue Ying was startled by Zi Lin Ling's obvious intention to fight and quickly stopped her, "Miss, don't go!"
She truly did not want her mistress to clash with the second branch of the family for her sake again.
Although her mistress could cultivate now, her wings were not yet fully grown. If she were to confront the second branch now, she would surely suffer significant losses.
Seeing the worry in Xue Ying's eyes, Zi Lin Ling felt a trace of helplessness. Why did this girl's nature resemble the original owner's so much?
It seemed her outburst yesterday had only been a reaction to being provoked. Now, without the stimulus, she had returned to her inherently frail state.
But the kind were bullied, and the good were ridden! Constant forbearance and retreat would only embolden those with ill intentions.
Xue Ying's disposition was deeply ingrained. To change it in a short period, a strong medicine was needed.
In that case, then…
Zi Lin Ling steeled her resolve and said coldly, "Xue Ying, I understand your intentions, but in this world where the strong prey on the weak, acting this way will only make your enemies mock you."
"Miss, I…"
Xue Ying was about to explain when Zi Lin Ling stopped her with a gesture.
"Now, I'll give you two choices. One, you continue to be weak, but I have no need for weaklings by my side; two, become strong. Whoever bullies you, you bully them back!"
"But…"
"No buts! If you lack strength, then train, then fight! Dare to pull down the emperor by the skin of your teeth! So, choose one!"
Xue Ying was stunned and stood there contemplating.
Zi Lin Ling was not in a hurry, waiting patiently.
Everyone's acceptance of a new idea takes time and a process, and Xue Ying was no exception.
Moments later, Xue Ying's frailty slowly receded, replaced by a sense of fortitude and resilience.
She wiped the tears from her face and said firmly, "Miss, I choose two. I want to stay by your side!"
A knowing smile bloomed on Zi Lin Ling's face, her voice softening slightly.
"That's more like it! Your mistress doesn't need you to sacrifice your dignity to protect me, understand?"
"Yes!"
Xue Ying nodded resolutely.
From this moment on, no matter how difficult the trials, Xue Ying would firmly remember Zi Lin Ling's words.
"Now, tell me, what exactly happened!"
Zi Lin Ling's words carried an undeniable assertiveness.
Danger glinted in her eyes.
To properly train Xue Ying would not be achieved with just a few words.
Now, she would take Xue Ying to practice, to show her what it meant to protect one's reputation, to fight for one's honor!
"It was… it was Cui Hua, the head maidservant of the second madam. She deliberately bumped into me and drank the chicken soup that Granny Hua kindly gave me. When I told her it was for Miss, she slapped me and said… and said…"
"What did she say?" Zi Lin Ling's voice was filled with icy chill.
"She said… she said, 'A weakling is a weakling, no matter how much chicken soup they drink. It's better for me to enjoy this chicken soup than to waste it on that good-for-nothing!'"
After hearing Xue Ying's account, Zi Lin Ling strode out without a word.
A chilling aura radiated from her. How dare someone strike someone she cared for! If she didn't retaliate, she wouldn't be the Ghost Hand Poison Doctor!
Furthermore, a mere maidservant dared to be so arrogant. She didn't believe there wasn't a mastermind behind this!
"Miss, where are you going again?"
Xue Ying scurried to catch up, calling out as she ran.
"To get revenge! Are you coming or not!"
Zi Lin Ling didn't look back, quickening her pace.
"But…"
"No buts!"
As Zi Lin Ling spoke, she had already reached the courtyard.
Xue Ying followed closely, and though a trace of timidity remained in her eyes, she stayed tightly behind Zi Lin Ling.
Just then, the courtyard gate was opened from the outside, and a group of people barged in.
Leading them was a woman in opulent attire, supported by a maidservant. Perhaps due to excellent preservation, she appeared to be only around thirty.
Memories of the woman flooded Zi Lin Ling's mind.
Wang Pinting, Zi Wen Chang's wife, whose maternal clan was one of the eight prestigious families, the Wang family.
And the maidservant supporting Madam Wang was Cui Hua, who had just slapped Xue Ying.
Behind Madam Wang followed Zi Jin Ling, whom Zi Lin Ling had kicked out yesterday.
Zi Jin Ling's face was slightly swollen from the abrasions she sustained when she fell into the ruined courtyard wall yesterday.
Zi Lin Ling sneered inwardly. They had all arrived! Good, it saved her the trouble of finding them one by one!