Count Croyso looked at his wife’s ashamed demeanor and sighed. He said gently, “I know your nature well. This matter doesn’t concern you.” He continued, irritated, “Selena used to be so sweet and lovable. How has she become so insufferable now that I’m back? To the extent of using such despicable means against Miranda?”Miranda interjected softly, “Perhaps someone around her incited this behavior.”Did she aim to remove Selena’s trusted aides? The Countess’s heart skipped a beat, and she hurriedly responded, “What would those servants know? It’s the tutors in the estate who dare to bully even Miss Miranda and Selena. Who knows what example they’ve set? I failed in hiring proper teachers.”Count Croyso's anger flared, “Even I was deceived, let alone you. These despicable individuals have corrupted my daughter. They must not be spared. Have each of them receive twenty lashes and be expelled from the estate. As for the maids in Selena’s quarters, they must also be dealt with harshly!” He
Langley Manor, once the estate of a declining noble family in a remote part of the capital, boasts a broad courtyard planted with clusters of green bamboo and a garden full of blooming flowers. The black-tiled, white-walled manor, with its verdant bamboo and floral splendor, exudes a refined elegance. The Langley couple purchased this manor after making their fortune in early business ventures.Amidst the jade-like bamboo, a graceful figure sat in the garden pavilion, savoring her tea with elegance. Sensing something, she slowly set down her teacup and turned around.At the courtyard entrance stood a serene young girl. Mrs. Langley was momentarily stunned by the familiar face, immediately recognizing the visitor. She nodded, gesturing for the maid who brought the girl in to leave.A glimmer of light flickered in the woman’s eyes, and her voice trembled slightly, “You are… Miranda?” She quickly composed herself, concealing her emotions, “Come, sit down!” She instructed the maid beside h
The stolen poem incident ended with the tutor expelled and Selena's servants punished. That night, Selena "accidentally" fell into the water and was rescued in a soaked, near-death state. Tearfully clinging to Count Croyso, she admitted being misled by the tutor. Her pitiful state softened the Count’s heart, resulting in only a harsh scolding and a punishment of copying the family rules twenty times.The accusation against her was thus easily dismissed, showcasing the Countess’s skillful handling.Miranda had expected this outcome; Selena was also her father's beloved daughter. She sighed, knowing revenge would require patience. Under Lady Langley's guidance, she proceeded with plans to hire new servants, which required another outing.On the day she left the estate with Molly, she encountered Selena at the gate, dressed in a bright red, gold-embroidered gown that couldn't hide her pale complexion. A flash of resentment crossed Selena's face, but she forced a smile. "Miranda, where are
Two quarter-hours passed, yet the cash had not been delivered, and Andrew continued his relentless mockery.At that moment, Molly, who had gone out earlier, finally returned and whispered something in Miranda's ear. Miranda turned, her eyes glinting with cunning. "Lord Andrew, the cash has arrived. Would you like to count it to ensure none is missing?""Of course, I must count it," Andrew sneered, raising an eyebrow. "I wouldn't want to be cheated by any devious means and end up paying out of my own pocket.""Since that is the case, please take your time, Lord Andrew." Miranda had anticipated Andrew's desire to humiliate her and knew he would say this. She smirked slightly and gestured for the guards outside to bring in the money.Robust young men in grey uniforms filed in, each pair carrying a basket as tall as a man. There were fifteen baskets in total, and as they were set down with a resounding thud, dust shook loose from the roof above.Andrew's smile froze on his face, and he sto
The spectacle at the jewelry shop continued until dusk. Andrew, initially furious and embarrassed, soon became resigned and indifferent, eventually adopting a “dead pig fears no scalding water” attitude.His face was lost, and he refused to continue counting the money, leaving the task to the shopkeeper and assistants. Despite this, he remained the unshakable protagonist of this unprecedented thousand-coin counting event, earning him the nickname "Andrew Thousand Coins."It was said that after this incident, Andrew would fly into a rage at the mere mention of "one thousand," "coins," or "copper money," resulting in countless unfortunate servants and accountants suffering his wrath.It was also said that the story of "Andrew Thousand Coins" quickly spread throughout the capital. The tale of a clever woman punishing her ex-fiancé became widely popular, turning into various anecdotes, plays, and songs performed all over the city. This only exacerbated Andrew's temper, leading him to smash
Molly asked with a hint of confusion, “Miss, you know there are problems with Nora and the others. Why not just dismiss them? I bet it was they who stole your poetry book at the last royal garden party and gave it to Miss Selena. Such people are nothing but trouble.”Miranda sat gracefully, using a hairpin to pry open a nut, and replied calmly, “It's easy to find a reason to send them away, but if I dismiss my maids one after another in a short period, it will be rumored that the Count's household treats its servants harshly and is difficult to serve. So, either I gradually dismiss them over a year or two, or—”She paused, her expression darkening, and the nut shell in her hand cracked with a sharp sound.Though she was not in a hurry, these maids were getting too audacious!Although Count Croyso had been called back from the frontier to a civil position, seemingly losing the Emperor’s favor, he had served in office for many years and had extensive connections. His thirty-eighth birth
Miranda took a lacquered box from Molly’s hands, opened it, and smiled. “I know Father loves plum blossoms, so I have this embroidered piece, ‘Longevity with Plum Blossoms,’ as a birthday gift for you.” Together with Molly, she unfurled a meticulously mounted scroll.The snow-white silk revealed ink-black branches, strong and vigorous, with crimson blossoms proudly adorning the tips. The embroidery vividly captured the resilience and beauty of plum blossoms, showcasing Miranda’s exceptional skill. The black threads resembled night, the red silk like precious gems, making it an ideal birthday gift.“What a wonderful piece!” The Croyso Count, obsessed with plum blossoms, couldn’t help but praise as soon as he saw it.The Countess, feeling uneasy, deliberately nitpicked, “Miss Miranda calls this ‘Longevity with Plum Blossoms.’ We see the plum blossoms, but where is the ‘longevity’?”No one expected Rose to step in. After gazing at the embroidery for a long while, she exclaimed, “At first
A middle-aged noblewoman dressed in a plum-colored gown said, "Miss Miranda should have been the one to entertain the ladies, but Lady Croyso is not her birth mother, so how could she dare to command her?" The implication was clear: Miranda should have taken the initiative to entertain the guests from the start. Her lack of action was a breach of etiquette, and Lady Croyso, unable to direct Miranda, had to settle for Selena, which only led to further blame.Lady Croyso seized the moment and said, “Not at all! The fault is mine; I should apologize to Miss Miranda!” She curtseyed deeply, though the apology suggested Miranda was ungrateful.Someone nearby sneered, “All the elders are here, yet Miss Miranda wants to take the ladies away? Lady Sheffield knows the rules, but it seems Lady Croyso and Lady Sheffield have their own set. Perhaps I should ask my husband’s mistress for guidance!” She laughed, shaking, and the others followed suit.Lady Sheffield, long sensitive about her past as a