"My Lady, you've returned!"
Steward He beamed, bowing to Jiang Wuyan with an air of practiced courtesy. "The Old Madame was aware of your return today and specifically ordered the gates to be swept clean, fearing the dust might soil your shoes. Why are you sitting out here? Please, come inside with me. The sun is harsh; you must be careful not to suffer from the heat."
To serve as the steward of the Pingyang Marquis Manor, one must have a sharp mind. More often than not, this Steward He saw things more clearly than the Old Madame herself, and he rarely let things get too ugly on the surface. Yet, beneath his seemingly respectful words lay a pointed trap aimed at Jiang Wuyan. He wasn't technically barring her entry, but by framing the Old Madame’s actions as a grand gesture of welcome, he made Jiang Wuyan’s choice to sit outside and "make a scene" look spiteful. He was effectively shifting all the blame onto her.
Chapter 21