Reborn in Each Other’s Bodies: A Mother and Daughter’s Deadly Revenge - Chapter 24

Qingying had no idea what her mistress had noticed or remembered, but the woman’s emotions shifted drastically—anger, fear, hatred, followed by sorrow and pain, and finally, a flicker of vindication?

Yet the mistress clearly wished to conceal her turmoil, so Qingying pretended not to notice. Just then, Xiangxiang returned with the food box, and Qingying quietly exhaled in relief.

“Madam, please have some supper,” Qingying urged.

After receiving a nod, she arranged the meal on the low table in the center of the room: a bowl of fragrant sweet soup with lotus seeds, longan, and red dates, alongside a bowl of shrimp wonton. The lower tier of the box held an additional plate of tofu-skin dumplings and red bean cakes.

Qingying understood immediately—the tofu-skin dumplings were her favorite.

The kitchen staff had recently been overhauled, with the former stewardess sold off. The new head, Stewardess Fang, had only taken charge a few days ago but had already memorized Qingying’s preferences. To avoid waste and cater to the mistress’s distaste for extravagance, the portions were modest yet artfully presented. Only the red bean cakes were slightly more abundant, as they could be kept for another day.

This Stewardess Fang is thorough and capable, Qingying noted.

Sheng Minmin, weary from hours of work, moved from the desk to the daybed. The sight of the delicate supper warmed her. She gestured to the two maids.

“Share the dim sum. Next time, ask the kitchen to prepare more broth-based dishes—it’ll help you both stay warm in this cold.”

“Thank you, Madam.”

Relieved to see the mistress’s mood lighten, Qingying and Xiangxiang settled on small stools below. They finished the tofu-skin dumplings and sampled the red bean cakes.

After the meal, Sheng Minmin dismissed Xiangxiang to rest. The maid cleared the table and withdrew, leaving the room bathed in lamplight, the brazier radiating warmth. Satiated and cozy, Sheng Minmin felt exhaustion creep in.

The candlelight also revealed Qingying’s tired face.

This girl has endured much these past days.

Sheng Minmin was deeply satisfied with Qingying. In her past life, the maid had shown her kindness more than once, and now she wished to repay it. Qingying had proven sharp-witted, capable, and composed, with a knack for handling subordinates.

Recently, while Sheng Minmin audited the accounts, she had entrusted Qingying with managing both Peony Court and the estate’s affairs—without a single misstep.

Moreover, Qingying had been purchased from outside, with no family ties in the household. Her deed of sale was held by Huang Yaning—now Sheng Minmin herself. Unlike servants born into the household, Qingying was far more reliable.

Best of all, the girl was tight-lipped—never gossiping or prying.

Competent maids are common, but those who are discreet and loyal are rare. I’ve truly found a treasure.

Her expression softening, Sheng Minmin said gently, “You’ve worked hard these days. Take 100 taels from the chest as your reward.” After a pause, she added, “And give Xiangxiang 10 taels.”

Qingying froze, then warmth flooded her chest.

Her monthly wage was two taels—100 taels amounted to over four years’ earnings. Though the mistress had always been generous, past rewards had never exceeded 20 taels, except for Sixth Miss’s wet nurse and the recent 100-tael severance for the dismissed matrons.

This sum was a clear mark of the mistress’s trust.

“This humble maid thanks Madam for your generosity! I will serve with all my heart.”

Sheng Minmin motioned for her to sit on the daybed.

At present, she had few reliable aides. Xiangxiang was meticulous but too mild to command authority. Qingchi, the younger maid, was naive and fit only for bodyguard duties, not management.

Qingying was her sole dependable ally—her future chief maid and confidante. It was time to share certain truths.

After a moment’s thought, Sheng Minmin spoke gravely.

“From now on, you’ll be my right hand. I won’t hide this: recent events have forced me to reconsider many things.

“I spoiled my children and lavished devotion on my husband, even at the cost of my own heart. Yet what did I gain?”

A sigh escaped her before she continued.

“My children respect and cling to others, not me. My husband offers only perfunctory courtesy… I’ve heard that a woman must guard her wealth and retain loyal followers to thrive.

“I was a fool to pour my dowry into the family’s debts. That ends now.

“But if I change course, many in the Sheng household will resent it. As my chief maid, you’ll bear the brunt of their displeasure. Do you understand what awaits you?”

Qingying’s heart pounded. This confirmed her suspicions—something had happened to sever the mistress’s hopes for her husband and even her three sons and Sixth Miss.

If the mistress stopped funding the Shens, the master would retaliate. As her chief maid, Qingying would face his wrath.

Am I afraid?

A little. But the mistress’s gaze was unflinching, almost frightening in its resolve—like a moth diving into flame.

There was no escape. Trapped between wolf and tiger, Qingying would choose the wiser path.

The mistress’s candor, her recent clarity and kindness, swayed Qingying’s loyalty. And objectively, with her deed in the mistress’s hands, she had no choice.

Drawing a deep breath, Qingying knelt and kowtowed three times.

“This maid will never forget whom she belongs to—or her place.”

“Good. Rest assured, I won’t mistreat you.”

Sheng Minmin personally helped her up, sealing the pact.