Few would not scold and abuse them, telling them that all who were born into this world were equal, and that no one was born to be a servant.
To be human was to live for oneself with dignity, to be a person of integrity.
"You are not old, yet you are very wise and perceptive. It is good that you understand these things. We servants have no control over our lives. If we are lucky, we will find a good master. If we are unlucky and fall into the hands of someone cruel, it is good enough if we can survive."
Granny Lin's tone was very calm. Having lived to her age, she had long since come to terms with everything and held no attachments.
"I have noted Granny's teachings," Chu Qing nodded obediently, her smile faint, not reaching her eyes.
"Go in. I will speak to the old master. You can leave with the child in your arms later. You are one of the young madam's people, and they will give you face and not stop you."
Although the young madam had not managed the household for long, she had brought order to the entire estate and was kind to the servants. Everyone in the estate had benefited from the young madam's kindness.
As long as one acted in the name of the young madam, anything could be done smoothly within the estate.
"Thank you, Granny, for your guidance. I have noted it all."
Chu Qing was overjoyed that someone was willing to help, and followed Granny Lin obediently.
The people in the courtyard showed Granny Lin respect. From the entrance to the inner courtyard, everyone bowed respectfully to Granny Lin.
Chu Qing was initially confused as to why they were so respectful to Granny Lin. After a long pause, she suddenly remembered that the young madam had told her that Granny Lin had once been close to Old Master Ling.
No wonder these people were so respectful to Granny Lin. Their usual arrogance had vanished.
Granny Lin entered the main hall and bowed slightly to Old Master Ling.
"Old Master..."
"Enough. I know why you are here. Both children are asleep. Bring them back when they wake up."
He did not intend to keep the children this time. It was just that the two little ones had played until they were tired and had fallen asleep.
He had intended to send them back when they woke up, but unexpectedly, they had come to ask for them so soon. This saved him the trouble of sending someone.
"Then I shall go and see the two young masters."
After receiving Old Master Ling's permission, Granny Lin stepped into the inner room. Seeing this, Chu Qing quickly lowered her head and followed.
This was the first time she had seen Old Master Ling, and she was awestruck by his presence. Just sitting there, he exuded an innate sense of pressure. She felt scared after a single furtive glance at Old Master Ling.
Hurrying towards the room, Chu Qing finally breathed a sigh of relief. This old master was truly frightening.
"It's alright. Old Master Ling looks fierce, but he is actually a very good person. I have served here for so many years, and even when I made mistakes, Old Master Ling never punished me. You don't need to be afraid, just relax."
Granny Lin saw through Chu Qing's thoughts and said these words, which she had repeated dozens of times, with practiced ease.
Every servant who entered the Ling estate felt scared upon their first encounter with Old Master Ling. She had said these comforting words many times.
"I understand, Granny."
The timidity in Chu Qing's voice had not yet dissipated. She nodded quickly, took a deep breath, and tried to relax so as not to be so afraid.
After sitting for a while longer, they left when the two children woke up.
Chu Qing, carrying Er Bao, bid farewell to Old Master Ling with Granny Lin and left in a hurry.
As soon as Da Bao and Er Bao left, Old Master Ling felt an emptiness in his heart, as if something was missing. He sighed several times.
"Old Master is reluctant to part with the two young masters. Why not let them stay here for a few days?"
The steward, having served Old Master Ling for many years, immediately guessed his thoughts.
"No, the children are too young and must stay with their mother. They cannot stay with me all the time. If they visit me from time to time, an old man like me will be satisfied. When people get old, they tend to overthink things."
"You say that you never thought of keeping your children and grandchildren by your side before, and even felt they were an eyesore. Now, why do I miss them more and more? Am I about to die?"
"Old Master, you mustn't speak such words. It's inauspicious. Spit twice on the ground to expel the bad luck."
Old Master Ling burst into laughter, his wrinkles filled with mirth.
"Alright, you old fool. You're getting more superstitious as you get older. Everyone has to die sooner or later. I've lived such a long life, and it's more than enough. To see my great-grandchildren in my lifetime, I would be happy even if I were to die and lie in my coffin."
"Old Master, you are blessed with immense fortune and will surely live a long life. You still have to watch the two young masters grow up."
When mentioning the two children, Old Master Ling's eyes were filled with tenderness. Seeing the children every day made him genuinely happy.
"I will be happy to see them grow up, but I don't know if I have that fortune. Let's not talk about it anymore. Let's go out for a walk. Otherwise, these old bones will rust."
He was tired of staying in this courtyard all day. He got up and walked out.
The steward hurried after him, holding a cloak.
"Old Master, the wind is strong outside. Please wear a cloak so you don't catch a cold."
After strolling around the estate, Old Master Ling found it extremely boring. He was too familiar with every tree, every piece of wood, every brick, and every tile in the estate. He even knew what kind of grass was growing on the ground, so there was nothing new.
After sitting in the pavilion for a while, Old Master Ling suddenly said, "Go and prepare a carriage. Then send someone to tell Feng Jin that Han'er needs to see her and bring her to the carriage."
"Old Master, you… deceiving the young madam like this, isn't that a bit too much?"
"It's alright. I'll take responsibility if anything happens. You just do it."
Old Master Ling patted his chest to guarantee it, taking all the responsibility onto himself.
Although the steward was reluctant, he followed Old Master Ling's instructions and prepared the carriage early. All that was left was for the little servant at the door to inform Feng Jin and trick her over.
As soon as Feng Jin received the message that Ling Mohan wanted to see her, she did not hesitate and hurried out with the servant, getting into the carriage parked outside the main gate without a second thought.
It was only when she saw the person sitting inside the carriage that Feng Jin suddenly realized she had been tricked and had boarded a pirate ship. By then, it was too late.