Chapter 12 Chapter Eleven

Mina's life has turned into a living hell, and all of this is caused by Rain. The source of Euphemia's pride and joy was her son Rain, who arrived at the castle just hours after Connor and Ariel left. Minna was in the kitchen at the time and didn't hear the sound of the drawbridge being lowered, so she was the last to hear about Ryan's arrival. When all the servants were busy looking for her, Mina was sitting at the kitchen table with Ada, and the two were struggling to explain, trying to make each other understand what they meant.Wenna wanted to make today's meal with her stepmother as perfect as those holiday feasts her mother throws at home, so she had been explaining to Ada for half an hour, or at least trying to explain to her what to prepare. What, what time will the food be served and so on.She wanted to impress Euphemia, hoping the woman would think Connor made a good wife.Discussing the menu is exhausting work.Ada kept smiling and said that she was very willing to help, but obviously, she could only understand one or two words from the hostess.If Nate hadn't come to help, God only knows what would have happened to the two men at the final table.Nate translates Wenna's Gaelic language into a weird dialect that only she, Ida, and God can understand.

Nate is such a treasure.Although this servant is only a few years older than Wen Na and has only worked for the lord for a short year, she has lived in He's territory all her life, so she knows everything that happened here.More importantly, Nate knew how to provide the necessary things for the hostess. As soon as Wenna finished talking about the changes she wanted to make to the lobby, Nate asked for help with some brushes.She promised that the hall floor would be swept and cleaned the next morning. I'd rather have nothing changed until I've finished the chair cushions and found other trim, I want to wait until all the prep work is done and the hall looks new overnight.

Nate and Ida also share the hostess' enthusiasm, and Nate is constantly giving ideas. As for the chairs you want, I do know of a place that has two handsome high-backed chairs about the same size as the one our lord likes to sit on at dinner.Right in the tanner's hut.She went on to say that Lowther said he didn't need the chairs and that he was going to burn them to make room for other things.He is happy that you like these two chairs, and if you need anything else, he will also send you, proud of it.I'll warn you, though, that Lawther is a talkative guy, and he won't bother you even if you're busy, because he's so lonely, his wife's gone, and he likes to talk, so always Never miss an opportunity.

I'm happy to have a little more chat with him, and I'll do as he pleases.Wen Na said. Shaking with excitement at the thought of starting her hall remodel sooner than she had expected, she asked Nate to give her the address of Lowther's Cottage, but the servant suddenly remembered what she had just been seeking for Lady Wenna Come, and immediately told her the great news. Lady Euphemia's son has arrived, madam. Startled by this news, her mistress hurried towards the door.Ada pushed Nate, and Nate remembered that her friend had one more question to ask. Ma'am, can you spare a minute to address Ada's concerns?

Mina stopped at the door. Ada is worried that you will fire her because she is too stupid to understand what you say.she is very worried Nate stopped talking because Mina hurried up to Ada and grabbed her hand. You are the mistress of the kitchen and can cook as long as you want, Ada.She assured her that when Nate finished translating her words, she continued, I couldn't speak your words well enough to make you understand, but if you will be patient, I promise I will improve. Knowing that the hostess would not relieve her of her duties, Aida held Minna's hand tightly and nodded gratefully to show that she understood.When Mina left the kitchen, she was wiping the corners of her eyes with a towel Nate handed her.

Outside, the sky was overcast with clouds, and Minna hated the weather. When she was at home, she had to stay inside whenever it rained.Luckily she made it to the back door before the rain fell. She closed the door softly without making a sound.She didn't want to disturb the reunion between mother and child, and wanted to wait until the conversation in the hall had calmed down before going in.Her plan was to introduce herself briefly, make sure Euphemia and Rain were both comfortable, ensure that everything they needed was provided, and then she would leave again so they could continue their mother-son conversation.

At this time, she heard Euphemia's low voice, and she guessed that she was talking to Rain. I don't know if Kang Nuo's marriage is happy.Mina is a pretty little thing, but she's just grown up, and she doesn't seem to be able to manage such a big house at all.She seemed eager to please, and from what I observed, she was completely devoted to Connor.Too bad there isn't an older woman around to guide her, but soon that won't be a problem, will it?There can only be one mistress here. You said she was pretty, right?Tell me what she looks like.Ryan said. For heaven's sake you ask such absurd questions, Euphemia blamed her son, if you think so, go find a whore and stop thinking about other people's wives.Have you learned nothing in these years?you will be bad if

Calm down, mother, Ryan ordered angrily, I'm just curious.Do you think I'm going to sleep with a married woman.This is really insulting to me. That's what you've done before, Ryan.She reminded her son, and more than once. I was too young then, he said, and Connor liked his wife very much.Do you think they are happy? From what I've seen, I'd say Connor doesn't seem happy.But I haven't gotten along well with her yet, so I don't know what she thinks yet. It would be enough if she could satisfy him in bed.At least I don't care if my wife does other things.

Do you only think about this mating thing? Most men are like that, and I'm no different, Mother, so you don't have to glare at me like that. Of course I don't know, but I think she might not satisfy him in bed.He moved her to another bedroom this morning.She must have been pleading with him, begging him to take back the order, or maybe she was going to remind him that there would be no heir if he didn't sleep with her. Did she convince him? Yes, Euphemia replied, an hour ago, I saw one of his men move her things back to Connor's bedroom. According to what you said, he seems to be very unlucky.Ryan laughed.

I think so, his mother assured, and I certainly don't feel sorry for him.It was he who married her in spite of everything, and he could only blame himself and not others.Even what he stole was not what he wanted. What kind of nonsense is this? This is a fact.Mina's father promised McNair a daughter, but instead sent another. English!Ren murmured, with a hint of meanness in his voice. Wen Na's face seemed to be on fire, and she was embarrassed to hear others talk about whether Kang Nuo was satisfied with her or not.People should not discuss such intimate matters between other people's husbands and wives.Could Connor's relatives be so ignorant and rude because they lived in the wilderness of the north?Don't they know what not to do?

It hurt even more when Euphemia mentioned that Conor wasn't even getting the woman he wanted, even though she didn't think it should be. His stepmother got it all wrong.Connor didn't know or care that the daughter was given to McNair, he just wanted to steal the man's bride, and he did.But how on earth did Euphemia know about the father-for-daughter exchange?Wen Na seemed to have a vague feeling that Euphemia might have something to do with the disagreement between Mai Shi and He Shi.Everyone in the Highlands probably knew they were at odds, and maybe they'd all heard about McNair's plans to marry an Englishwoman. But it seemed like she shouldn't know about his father sending another daughter, unless Connor told her. Why would Connor tell her this?This is not like Connor's style, except for Ariel and his two good friends, he will never tell anyone else about his plan.They would never have told her such a thing. She leaned heavily against the door, trying to find a reasonable explanation for the incident.How could she not feel humiliated and seem worthless?Hadn't her own father just ruthlessly roused her from the warmth of her bed and given her to McNair? Could it be that Connor betrayed her?She shook her head immediately to drive away the thought.It was true that her husband had a lot of flaws that probably drove her crazy before she was old, but he had a lot of good qualities too.He was a man of honor in the first place, she was sure of that, and honorable men would never embarrass their wives. God only knows how Euphemia knows, but someday, when Mina has won her approval and friendship, Mina will find the courage to ask her. Now the problem she needs to solve is to prove to Euphemia that although she is still young, she is absolutely capable of taking care of the Conor family.His stepmother had never spoken ill of her, which gave Mina hope that she would soon be able to prove it all. She figured that if he found her accepting of his family, he would accept her relatives as well.At least he should be able to listen patiently to her talking about his siblings.He didn't even know their names yet.She swore she would make him remember. It might be difficult, but she never bows to difficulties, and of course she will go all out this time.Her ultimate goal is to transform a ruthless and relentless warrior into a loving husband, and she must succeed no matter what method is used.Taming a bear might be harder than making Connor considerate, but it's still possible, isn't it? She stood up straight, strengthened her determination, made a plan in her mind, took a deep breath slowly, and opened the back door.She slammed the door shut so Euphemia and Rain could hear her, and walked in with a grin. Good day, madam.She said hello. Good day, Mina.Glad to have you join us.We've been waiting for you for a while. Sorry to keep you waiting for me.I was just now in the kitchen ordering today's dinner. Come here, boy, let me introduce you to my son. She suddenly felt angry at being called a child, but suppressed her anger.Ryan was standing by the fireplace.She curtseyed to him, and before she could pass, Euphemia's son was in front of her.In fact, he almost ran over. Fortunately, he stopped his feet in time and did not knock Mina down.She was baffled by his enthusiasm, and she took a step back uneasily to put distance between them. My son, Rain, said Euphemia aloud, from the look on his face, I can only think that you are the reason why he is so anxious to act.Where is your manners, son?The last sentence was addressed to Ren, so her voice was unusually gentle. Still he said nothing.The way he scrutinized so closely made Mina very uncomfortable.Is there something wrong with him? Nice to meet you.She said she looked up at him, wishing he'd stop being dumb and say something. She couldn't understand that the man in front of her could be Euphemia's son.They are nothing alike.Ren obviously inherited his father's appearance, which is really unfortunate, obviously the people there look stupid. He's not the kind of annoying fool, just ordinary-looking, with a featureless appearance, pale face, and hazel eyes that are so pale that you can't tell the color.He was tall, almost as tall as Connor, but judging from the thick fat on his body, he seldom did physical work. The way he looked at her made her feel very uncomfortable.His gaze lingered on her lips for a full minute, and then came to her chest, where he stayed for even longer. This is so inappropriate.But he was from the far north, and probably knew no manners at all. You are very beautiful, Mina.He grabbed her hand and whispered, I hope Connor realizes your worth. Of course, you should also understand that the value of a woman is not only in her appearance, but in her heart.Ryan, I assure you, my husband has realized my true worth.Fearing that Ryan would be offended, she found her words sounding like a lesson, and immediately added, I am very grateful for your compliment. Of course, he agreed.He bowed his head and told her that he had been longing to see her all this time, his thumb had been slowly stroking Wena's palm back and forth, she didn't understand why he did that, she didn't like it at all, but when she wanted to pull her hand away At that time, he even grabbed her tightly to prevent her from coming out.So she understood that she could be polite to this man, but it was absolutely impossible to like him. Come and sit at the table with me, my back hurts watching you like this.Euphemia said. Wen Na immediately seized this opportunity, she pulled her hand back suddenly, and then faced her stepmother, madam, you will be more comfortable in that high-backed chair. Do you want me to take the host seat when Kang Nuo is away? Euphemia obviously didn't need to answer, she immediately sat on the seat of power, faster than the speed of the cup falling to the ground.You are so considerate, boy. Ren came behind Wen Na, and Wen Na immediately wanted to leave, but Ren reached out and pressed Wen Na's shoulder to prevent her from leaving.Mother, Mina is not a child.Just by looking at her, anyone can tell that she is already a woman. Ren, don't be picky, okay?Euphemia said. The son ignored his mother, and leaned close to Wen Na's ear and said, sit next to me in a while and tell me about your wedding. She knew that if she turned around to answer, she would not be able to hide her disgusted expression, so she said to his mother, I must have interrupted your reunion. Bullshit, I just left her a week ago. I don't know why, I thought it was a long time, she lied, she remembered that Euphemia had insisted that she hadn't seen her son for a long time, she continued, but a week is long enough for a mother Yes, is it not, ma'am? Yes, Euphemia replied, Ren, you are too close to Mina, I don't intend to be ignored by you anymore, come and sit with me. I didn't realize I was so close.He said, in a tone of surprise, enough to convince his mother of his sincerity.Wen Na is not a fool, she suppressed her urge to express doubts, and walked to the table after Ren let her go. Mina, you can go about your own business.Ryan, I want to tell you something interesting. Mina leaves in a hurry lest Euphemia change her mind. Rain blocked her, we heard thunder, wasn't it raining when you came? It's raining. Then why aren't your clothes wet? She didn't want to tell the truth, and it wouldn't be a good thing to tell them she had come in before it rained, because they would surely guess that she had overheard their conversation. Two servants brought me here with their cloaks over my head. He nodded, accepting her lie, I hope the rain will pass quickly, I hate being locked in the house like this. She thought it was odd that the rain would keep him out. Connor's soldiers would carry out their duties no matter the weather.And Wren was nothing like the other Highland men she knew.His mother was probably overly doting and overprotective, and he had no idea that he looked like an idiot. God, how was she going to survive dinner tonight?She prayed to God that she would not spoil her appetite by sitting next to Connor's stepbrother. She didn't go back to the hall all day, and in the evening, she had to go back and have dinner with them.To her surprise, though, the evening went well.Not only did Euphemia become less mean, but Ren also became more or less charming.He sat across from Wen Na and told a lot of funny stories about his experiences, which both women found very interesting.By the time she was going upstairs, she was even longing to have dinner with him next time. The next day, another pleasant evening was spent.She was starting to feel a little guilty for jumping to conclusions about him that way at first.She had always thought badly of him, and now she knew how wrong she was.Granted, Ryan was a little overzealous when he first met her, but it wasn't the immoral idea she thought it would be.Maybe he's just being informal.Or, he may be trying to make up for his mother's lukewarm attitude towards Mina, to show that he fully supports her position. When she went to bed that night, she thought she must have overreacted, and she swore she would never do it again.Everyone deserves the chance to change. On the third morning after Kang Nuo left, Min Na woke up to sunshine and laughter.She kicked off the quilt, went to the window, and looked at the blue sky outside.The servants were busy below, and from the happy expressions on their faces they seemed to enjoy being out as much as she did. Today she has a lot of things to do, although she knows that she shouldn't delay work, she still decides to go to the hills outside to explore first. She smiled and hurriedly dressed and went downstairs.The hall was empty, and she tried to go to the front yard, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't open the heavy front door.She had to go out through the back door again. Good morning, madam.did you sleep well last night?Nate asked the hostess. Yes, very good, thank you.She replied, did Mrs. He go downstairs? Not yet, madam.Ryan had already ridden out.He told me to come back during dinner. Were any of Connor's soldiers with him? No, he left by himself.He's taking a risk, isn't he? He certainly didn't think so.Mina shrugged, wondering where he was going. I can't ask that, it's against the rules.Nate said. Wen Na found a box full of things at the door, and immediately turned her attention away from the servant.Nate told Mina that these things looked familiar because they belonged to her, and Nate helped take these things to Mina's room. That night, Ryan returned just in time for dinner.He seemed tired, but he was quite happy, and he followed the rules and didn't do anything out of the ordinary. He got up just as she was about to go upstairs.So he took her by the elbow and accompanied her upstairs, and he told a joke, and they both laughed.He brushed Mina's chest with his hand when he opened the door, but the expression on his face was so innocent, as if he didn't even notice what he was doing.Later, when Mina was alone, she wondered why she was so suspicious. As she was getting ready for bed, she wondered what was wrong with herself, and then thought that perhaps she had been too nervous to get Euphemia's approval.It must be so, that woman could make a saint lose his temper.Undoubtedly, Minna had to be on her toes. Connor's stepmother was a difficult woman to please, and winning her favor was far more difficult than Minna expected.Although Euphemia never publicly criticized Mina, she managed to make Mina realize that everything she did was wrong in an indirect condescending manner, which made Mina bite the bullet. Of course she would not give in, she decided to try harder. The next morning, Ryan rode out alone again before Minna went downstairs.She had worked hard all day to please Euphemia, and by dinner time she was exhausted and exhausted. But there are worse.This night, Minna was not happy at all, it was horrible.She kept trying to get Ryan to talk, but he was sullen and defiant.Maybe he's tired of being charming all the time, he can barely keep up with the basics of politeness. He returned to his lustful face again.He couldn't stop staring at her, even staring at her mouth, Mina felt that the dinner was so difficult that it would never end, the smirk on his face and the look in his eyes made Mina realize that he knew exactly what he was doing Watching how uncomfortable Mina is makes and enjoys it. Euphemia chose to play dumb and pretended not to know anything.Wenna thought that even if she asked Euphemia for help, she might not bother at all.Her devotion to her son fueled his arrogance.Euphemia thinks Ren is perfect, as she can see from the way she always fulfills his every request. Until that night, except for not being picky about the food, Euphemia had been criticized by her for everything else.Wenna guessed that her stepmother still liked her food very much, she ate everything on the plate like the previous meals, but after the servants cleared the table and left the hall, Euphemia expressed her displeasure . Mina, I thought you weren't ready for the last few days, obviously you've been in a hurry and haven't been able to arrange dinner with the cook, so I haven't said much.But now I really can't take it anymore, I think you should get a better cook.Tonight's stuff was really bad.I swear there was too much fat in it, and those pies were so bitter and hard they couldn't be eaten.Did Connor have to suffer from this kind of food all the time? Mother, Minna just came here, so she still has no way of knowing about this situation.Ren said abruptly. Euphemia continued to frown at Mina, you don't look well, you've been busy all day, haven't you? yes ma'am. Why not go upstairs to bed?Ryan can be here with me. It's a pity that she didn't leave quickly, and Ren followed her to the stairs.He grabbed her arm, offered to escort her upstairs, and clung to her.In order to distance herself from him, she clung to the handrail of the stairs. You don't have to accompany me upstairs at all, Ryan.I think you must have a lot of things to do. You've already fallen down the stairs once, and the stairs here are just too steep.He forced her to go upstairs. How did you know about my fall down the stairs? I asked a servant why you were hurt, and she told me you fell down the stairs.I must not neglect my duties when Connor is not around. I must pay attention to your safety. Back then I fell because I wasn't careful, and now I'm careful. He let go of her arm, and just a few seconds after she relaxed, he wrapped his arms around her waist. Please let me go.she asked. He ignores her, are you eager to see Kang Nuo again?I know you miss him a lot, especially when you go to bed at night.You must miss the feeling of him inside you, right? Don't talk to me like that again.she ordered.She was so pissed off that she struggled to get out of his hands. He moved his hand away, made a fist, and placed it under Mina's chest, making her afraid to move, because as long as she moved, his knuckles would touch her chest. Her nails were digging at his flesh, but he didn't look down at her, or even show the slightest sign of pain. I can take care of you while he is away.He whispered, I know how to relieve that pain.Don't lock the door tonight, Mina. Minna is shocked by his dirty proposal, she has lost her mind and I will scream if you don't let me go. Why do you want to scream?He asked mockingly, he slowly opened his clenched fist, and squeezed Mina's chest upwards. Anger gave Mina strength.She elbowed his waist, and he let go of her with a grunt of pain.She ran to the door of her room and reached out to touch the dagger on her body.For a second she panicked as she realized she hadn't kept the dagger in the pouch she carried.But Ren no longer looked at her, and no longer tried to grab her. He opened the door for her, said good night to her, and turned to leave.He actually whistled as he came downstairs. She was shaking with anger and fear.She ran into the bedroom, bolted the door, and cried. What should she do? The thought that he might touch her gave her a twinge of terror.That night, she slept on Connor's side, and the next morning, she came downstairs much later than usual.She had calmed down, and she thought that Ren would not dare to do anything outrageous in front of others blatantly, as long as she tried not to be alone with him, she would be able to wait safely until Connor came back. When the time comes, she will immediately tell Connor all these things, and Connor will send Ren away immediately. But until then, she can only protect herself. This matter must be told to Connor first.Ryan was his stepbrother, and she didn't want to say anything about it unless necessary.But she didn't intend to endure that man's lewd expression any longer.If he dared to take a step closer, she would drive him out immediately, but if she didn't have the right, she would tell Kunlan the ins and outs of the matter, then pack up and move to Jin Yalie's house.Ariel promised to take care of her, and he would never refuse her. She was in constant anxiety that afternoon, and at dinner she chose to ignore Rain and kept talking to Euphemia.Connor's stepmother seemed to relish being the center of attention, spending over an hour boasting about her glorious history.Mina pretended to listen carefully, and she planned to go upstairs with Euphemia.Ren soon realized Mina's intentions, so he got up and announced that he would leave the hall and go for a walk. Before he left, he actually dared to ask Wen Na if she wanted to accompany him, his tone was full of ridicule and sarcasm, his expression seemed to tell Wen Na that he understood her little trick very well, and found it very funny. No, thank you.She didn't even look at him.I'd much rather listen to your mother talk.Lady Euphemia, what a colorful life you have lived. My life is very bitter.Euphemia corrected her. Encouraged by Mina, she resumed the conversation and began to describe the great pain she had endured when she lost her parents.No one has lived so hard as Euphemia, no one has suffered as much as she has. Euphemia continued talking for another hour or so.Mina sat on the side, pretending to be fascinated and listened. Finally, Euphemia expressed that she wanted to go upstairs to sleep, Mina breathed a sigh of relief, took her arm, and went upstairs with her. I want to talk to you about dinner, madam. I also want to tell you about this, Mina, I still feel very dissatisfied.Didn't you listen to me and fire that cook? Of course I quit her.Mina lied, I have a plan in mind that you will approve of.Of course you know more than I do, so I'll take your advice. Don't be too hard on yourself.You just don't quite get it yet. Wen Na did not refute, but did not agree.I have ordered five cooks to prepare your supper in turn, and after this week you will decide which one is most pleasing to you. Euphemia shrugged nonchalantly, okay, leave it to me. Thank you, madam. Wen Na tried her best not to contradict this woman, and then returned to her bedroom. She leaned against the door and let out a long sigh of relief. Nate stood in front of the fireplace, warming himself by the fire.Did Lady Euphemia believe your plan of five different cooks? Mina smiles, of course.Be sure to remind Ada to never let Euphemia see her until the end of the week. She knows, madam.And she is very grateful for your help.But she was still worried that Euphemia would find out that all this was done by herself.Are you sure you don't need anyone else I am sure.Wen Na replied, Aida is a good cook.Our lord's stepmother just likes to make things difficult.I don't think we're being disloyal to Conor, we're just trying to please his relatives.that is it. We don't think it's disloyal to play tricks with Euphemia.Do you know how long she and her son plan to live here? No idea, but I promise, that will be the first question I ask my husband. Is there anything else bothering you?I noticed that you hardly ate anything tonight, and when you came in just now, your face was very ugly. Wen Na would not tell her about Ryan, she thought it could only be solved by herself, not relying on a servant.There were a lot of serious things going on about denouncing the lord's stepbrother like that, and she couldn't imagine how she would feel if one of her sister-in-laws yelled at her other brothers, she would feel disgusted.As Kang Nuo's wife, she can only tell Kang Nuo about this matter, not others. I'm not too hungry tonight, she answered Nate's question. After a few minutes the servant left the bedroom.After closing the door, Mina sat on the bed and began to sew the tablecloth.Ada gave her a piece of saffron fabric, and Mina wanted to embroider a Connor shawl pattern on one side.She wants everything to look perfect, so she works late every night.If she keeps going at her current pace, the tablecloth will be finished in a few days. She planned to lay the table when she was done, which meant she would have to work at least another hour each morning, but if the weather cooperated, she could sit outside with the women and talk to them as they sewed the tablecloth. She didn't intend to sit like this all day, especially after the sun went down, and she wanted to allow herself an hour of horseback riding every afternoon.She planned to secretly practice riding without a saddle. As Connor's wife, how could she not do this? And, what's so hard about that?