28 The Tea (1/2)

While Mrs. Lin had no qualms about bullying her daughter-in-law, she was apprehensive of leading a bad example before her impressionable grandson, after all, Lin Xi was the future heir of Lin family. If she had accidentally left a psychological or physical scar on the boy while she was dealing with the mother, this was an error that she would not be able to survive or undo.

This was how Xiu Ling was saved from her mother-in-law's wrath. However, this only meant that the elder woman's pent up angered that was directed at Mrs. Xiu was all the more serious.

Nonetheless, Mrs. Xiu managed to hold up on her own quite well. Unlike her daughter, she was not that much of a pushover. In terms of combat power, she was no less impressive than her in-law, which was evidenced by the following interaction of note.

It was a warm afternoon. Xiu Ling and Lin Xi were in their bedroom resting while Mrs. Lin sat in the large living room alone, enjoying the afternoon tea. Mrs. Xiu stood beside the sofa, ready to attend to Mrs. Lin's every needs.

Mrs. Lin picked up a blueberry scone from the steel multi-tiered dessert stand. She slathered it with a generous amount of butter before taking a bite out of it. She nodded with satisfaction before placing the half-eaten pastry down on an empty dessert plate.

In the same motion, she cleared her throat and Mrs. Xiu took the cue to shuffle silently forward. The elderly maid picked up the tea pot off the table and poured a cup of flower tea for Mrs. Lin to go with her scone. After all, what was afternoon tea without… well, actual tea?

As Mrs. Xiu placed the tea pot back down on the table, Mrs. Lin picked up the cup of tea to take a sip. Then, her brows creased with a frown. The cup clinked against the saucer and Mrs. Lin demanded, ”Why is the tea cold? How do you expect me to enjoy my afternoon tea time with the tea being as cold as ice?”

Of course, Mrs. Lin was exaggerating. Both she and Mrs. Xiu knew she was merely creating trouble for the sake of creating one.

”Of course, Madam. I will go change for you a new pot,” said Mrs. Xiu in a respectful tone.

”Then, why are you still standing here? Are you waiting for the tea to brew itself?” needled Mrs. Lin.

”Of course not, Madam. I am sorry, Madam. I will be right back.” Mrs. Xiu picked up the tea set and entered the kitchen. She did not let Mrs. Lin get to her, she treated the other woman like an unruly child throwing a tantrum. She knew Mrs. Lin was purposely being difficult so she did not take the offense to heart.

After boiling the water and steeping a new pack of tea, Mrs. Xiu returned to the living room. She poured Mrs. Lin another cup and as the rim of the cup touched the other woman's lips, she yelped, ”That is so hot! Are you trying to scald me?!”