When Ren Jingshu brought her younger sister back, two people suddenly rushed out from the crowd. They looked at her tearfully, lips trembling, as if they had countless words to say.
“Elder sister, the older one is Steward Wang Mama from your courtyard, and the younger one is Gui Xiang, who has served you since childhood.”
Remembering that her sister had lost her previous memories, Ren Jingyan quickly leaned close to her ear and reminded her in a low voice.
The former servants of the original body?
Ren Jingshu’s gaze turned slightly cold. When her sisters had been treated so cruelly earlier, where were these servants then?
“Miss, this servant is guilty.”
Seeing Ren Jingshu’s unpleasant expression, Wang Mama knew they had made a grave mistake today. Without hesitation, she dropped to her knees with a “thud.”
“This servant is also guilty. Please punish us, Miss.”
Gui Xiang also quickly knelt beside Wang Mama. Both of them pressed their foreheads to the ground and began sobbing.
“Since you both say you are guilty, then tell me clearly—what exactly did you do wrong today?”
Ren Jingshu’s gaze swept over them as irritation rose in her heart.
Why had the original owner left her with no memories at all?
Now she was completely in the dark, which made everything extremely inconvenient.
“Miss, after we stopped to rest today, Second Madam sent someone to call us over. She said… she said…”
Wang Mama gritted her teeth and said angrily, “She said that our main branch did not suffer like the others only because her maternal family contributed money and effort. Since we did nothing, we should not enjoy benefits for free.”
Wang Mama’s voice trembled with anger. When they returned, the battle here had already ended. After hearing the truth from Li Mama, she nearly fainted on the spot.
Second Madam—how could she do such a thing?
This was the legitimate daughter of a general, the young miss of the Ren family’s main branch. Even if they had fallen from grace, she should not have been humiliated like this.
“Second Madam told us to go fetch water. If we could not bring back clean water, then today… neither of the two young ladies would be given a single grain of food from them.”
Seeing Wang Mama too emotional to continue, Gui Xiang quickly lifted her head and finished the explanation.
They had only intended to share their master’s burdens, which was why they fell into the trap and were sent out without suspicion.
“Did you bring the water back?”
Ren Jingshu’s tone was cold. Although she could not detect any obvious lies in their expressions, she still did not fully trust them.
“Yes… yes, we did bring it back, but… but…”
Gui Xiang’s previously indignant expression turned evasive. Her tongue seemed tied, and she began stammering.
“What?”
Ren Jingshu looked at her coldly. Could it be that this girl was lying? Perhaps the water-fetching was just an excuse.
This area was full of hills and ridges. Fetching water would indeed require effort.
“The water was brought back… but it was spilled.”
Wang Mama, now recovered, quickly helped explain.
“How coincidental.”
Ren Jingshu’s gaze grew even colder. She did not want to waste words with them anymore. She walked past them and led Ren Jingyan toward the fire.
“Miss…”
“The Miss is back!”
“Quick, serve her food…”
Seeing them return, the women all stood up respectfully and bowed, smiling in a way that felt uncomfortable and unnatural.
Ren Jingshu said nothing. Her gaze slowly swept across their faces.
“Don’t rush to eat. All of you come here.”
Earlier, she had already taken two steamed buns from her space, pretending they were stolen from the guards. Ren Jingyan did not suspect anything, and the sisters had already eaten enough.
“Yes, Miss.”
No one dared delay. They quickly stepped forward and lined up in front of her, heads lowered, eyes fixed on the ground.
Today’s Miss was completely different from before—the ruthless and bloodthirsty aura had truly frightened them.
Wang Mama and Gui Xiang also returned and stood with them.
Ren Jingshu glanced at them lightly, said nothing, and sat down on a wooden stump by the fire with Ren Jingyan.
Seeing them still standing stiffly, she frowned.
“What are you all standing there for? Do you want to become wooden stakes?”
Only Chunhong reacted immediately—truly worthy of being Second Madam’s trusted maid. She dropped to her knees at once.
The rest followed suit and knelt all over the ground.
Ren Jingshu nodded in satisfaction.
“From today onward, whether main branch or second branch, all of you will obey this young lady. Your tasks will be reassigned, and your slave contracts will also be taken over by me.”
Her expression was calm, but her words carried undeniable authority and killing intent, causing everyone to tremble.
“Yes, this servant obeys.”
No one dared object.
“Since no one has objections, then properly introduce yourselves in front of your new master.”
She pointed at Chunhong.
“Name, age, and what you used to do—state everything clearly. If anyone dares to lie, don’t blame me for killing a chicken to warn the monkeys.”
Everyone’s hearts tightened.
Chunhong immediately bowed deeply.
“This servant’s name is Chunhong, age twenty-one. I was formerly a first-class maid serving Second Madam, responsible for dressing and grooming her, and also sewing undergarments when free.”
She was one of Second Madam’s right-hand aides, together with the deceased Lüyì. One handled inner courtyard affairs, the other external matters, which was why Lüyì had been so arrogant.
Ren Jingshu nodded lightly.
“Go kneel over there.”