Chapter 1431 - 1430: The Eldest Young Master Is the Master of the House

Chapter 1431: Chapter 1430: The Eldest Young Master Is the Master of the House

He Ma, who had lived most of her life, had always served her masters diligently and faithfully, almost never stepping outside the Li Family residence. Not just He Ma, but the other elderly servants too had long become accustomed to it. If there were to be a change, it wouldn’t be such a simple matter.

Li Yan pressed his lips together, understanding the implication of He Ma’s words, so he didn’t say much more.

He didn’t expect He Ma to necessarily correct herself, nor did he insist that she immediately adapt to the changing times.

The conversation moments ago was merely a probe; they were subtly exploring each other’s true intentions, using words as a means of indirect communication—a give and take.

Li Yan smiled faintly, saying, "In name, I am an Eldest Young Master, but in reality, I don’t understand the family’s rules. Just as He Ma said, when something becomes a habit, it’s hard to change."

He Ma didn’t find anything unusual. Her voice was gentle as she said, "The Eldest Young Master is the master; whether you change or not, there will always be someone accommodating you and acting according to your preferences."

This is the fundamental difference between master and servant. If the master suddenly changes temperament, they say he is progressive and adaptable. But if a servant changes, people invariably gossip. There’s always a clear and stark treatment difference between master and servant.

Li Yan parted his thin lips with the intention of probing, "I don’t know much, not as forward-thinking as He Ma, so when I have time, I’d like to ask for your thoughts."

He Ma was an elder in the household with her own ways of getting by. Li Yan considered that she had experienced the turmoil in the Li Family, having served the old master and his father. She might not be entirely loyal to Gong Qingwan, and even if there was just a tiny possibility, he wanted to test it.

He Ma was slightly stunned and said, "Since the Eldest Young Master holds me in such high regard, I shall dare to speak. In wealthy families, affections are superficial. The way you dote on the Young Madam is bound to make others envious. But she is the person closest to your heart; it’s only right for you to cherish her, so protect her for a lifetime."

And that’s it...

Li Yan raised an eyebrow. From what He Ma said, it sounded like a lot but she hadn’t really said much other than stating the current situation.

Indeed, somewhat cunning.

Everything remained unsaid explicitly; she only outlined part of it, leaving the rest for Li Yan to interpret on his own.

If looked at this way, whether He Ma was Gong Qingwan’s person, or whether she might betray, it all needed to be pondered slowly.

Of course, Li Yan wasn’t in a hurry. He had time to reflect, and he also didn’t think this was something to accomplish in just one day.

He Ma had said as much as she intended, certainly not planning to say more.

Li Yan knew this and said, "It seems I’ve learned a lot from He Ma; I’ve been enlightened," he said politely.

He Ma lowered her head, speaking with particular respect, "The Eldest Young Master is intelligent and wise, having inherited the good genes of the Li Family. Even if I say nothing, you already know in your heart."

Both sides knew it was time to end the discussion.

Each holding their own standpoint, waiting for the conversation to conclude, it was true it felt rather pointless to continue.

At last, He Ma found an excuse, saying, "Then I’ll excuse myself and not disturb the Young Madam’s rest."

"Hmm, He Ma, you should get some rest too," Li Yan said, going along with the natural flow, making everything seem effortless and without any awkwardness.

Li Yan escorted He Ma to the door, his eyes focused on her departing figure, filled with a sense of inquiry.