The Maid’s Revenge

Mr. Jacobs, I didnt mishear you, did I? You said the main family is giving me a raise?

The man before me was the head butler of the top-tier Jacobs family, and effectively, my boss. I had worked for the Jacobs family for three years, handling all the chores inside and outside the house by myself. Now, the main family was giving me a raise.

Mrs. Peterson, do you have any other thoughts on the salary?

I smiled, untying my apron and gently placing it aside. No thoughts. I plan to resign.

Mr. Jacobs paused, glancing at the apron, a hint of confusion in his eyes. Mrs. Peterson, are you dissatisfied with the salary?

I shook my head. Mr. Jacobs, I simply dont want to work here anymore.

Three years. From the day I arrived in this big city from the countryside, until now, I had worked for the Jacobs family for three years. Back then, the Jacobs family wasnt quite as it is today. They had always been a wealthy family, never short on money. However, Mr. Jacobs Sr. was an illegitimate son, and he had married a woman with no family connections or background. When I first arrived, even a junior maid could freely pilfer things from the household. Eventually, I couldnt stand it anymore and stepped forward.

I was a countrywoman, with no grand education, but I understood how to manage people. The method I devised for winning over the staff is still used on new servants in the Jacobs household today.

Mrs. Peterson, you must understand, its almost the holidays, the busiest time of the year. If you choose to leave now Mr. Jacobs considered his words carefully. Then we can only pay your salary up to last month. All holiday bonuses and benefits will be forfeited.

Those things, for me, make little difference whether I have them or not, I said, shaking my head. I dont need them.

Mr. Jacobss expression soured slightly. He scrutinized me, his tone filled with bewilderment. Mrs. Peterson, I know you had a small disagreement with Mrs. Jacobs a few days ago, but you must understand, you are an employee of the Jacobs family. Some matters must naturally prioritize the employers opinion.

I smiled faintly, a touch of pallor in my face, and suddenly asked Mr. Jacobs a question. Mr. Jacobs, do you know what tasks I typically perform?

Mr. Jacobs was visibly stunned and remained silent. I continued speaking, unprompted. Every morning, I wake up at five, go grocery shopping at five-thirty, make breakfast at six, and remind Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs to get up at six-thirty.

At seven, I dress and wash Miss Lily, at seven-thirty, I take her to school, and at eight, I prepare formula and change diapers for young Master Ben.

Mr. Jacobs was speechless, about to speak, but I gave him no chance. Mr. Jacobs, this is just my morning work. I wont bother to mention my tasks for the afternoon and evening.

Mrs. Peterson, capable people do more. The Jacobs family is not an ordinary household, and there are indeed many things to be done

I took a deep breath. But Im not the only one in this house.

Mr. Jacobs fell silent. I let out a bitter laugh, turning to leave. Mr. Jacobss voice sounded behind me. Mrs. Peterson, have you truly thought this through? Once the arrow is shot, theres no turning back. If you regret it later

I have. I met Mr. Jacobss gaze, unflinching, my voice firm.

Mr. Jacobs sighed. Do you know? Mrs. Jacobs always refused to give you a raise before.

What? This time, it was my turn to be stunned.

Mr. Jacobs glanced at me. A long time ago, I suggested giving you a raise, but Mrs. Jacobs refused.

I was somewhat incredulous. Why?

Mr. Jacobs touched his nose, a rare hint of guilt in his expression. She said you were just a housekeeper, and the salary you were already receiving was quite high. There was no need to 'feed your ambition.'

Feed my ambition? I murmured.

Me? The person who had diligently managed everything, inside and out, for the mistress for three years? The person who climbed out of bed in the middle of the night whenever young Master Ben cried, to soothe him back to sleep? The person who had been worked like a dog, yet never complained? I had no idea my ambition was so great, so overtly displayed that the mistress felt she needed to guard against it?

I suddenly burst out laughing. Mr. Jacobs flinched. Mrs. Peterson, what are you laughing at?

I wiped away the tears that came with my laughter. Nothing, Mr. Jacobs. Since Mrs. Jacobs has said such a thing, let her see who truly has the biggest appetite.

Mr. Jacobs looked at me disapprovingly. Mrs. Peterson, you dont need to be so resentful He opened his mouth as if to say more, but I didnt give him the chance. Mr. Jacobs, I am not resentful. These are my genuine thoughts. I smiled at him, then turned and left.

The house was quiet. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs were at work, and the children were at school. The path from the living room to the entryway was one I had walked countless times over these three years. For the last time, I etched everything in my sight into my memory. As I changed my shoes in the entryway, I noticed the scattered slippers by the shoe rack and, instinctively, tidied them. After I finished, I straightened up, paused, and suddenly felt a touch of irony. An unconscious act, one Id performed countless times over the years, now ingrained in my very being. I closed my eyes, opening the front door without a hint of reluctance.

Three years ago, I arrived with nothing. Three years later, I leave, still empty-handed. Passing through the garden, I overheard two maids talking in low voices. What do you think Mr. Jacobs called Mrs. Peterson for?

I know! The main family is giving Mrs. Peterson a raise.

Really? But I heard Mrs. Petersons salary hasnt gone up in years.

No way. Is her salary only three thousand a month? She seems to do so much work

One of the maids deliberately lowered her voice, but I still heard her clearly. Keep your voice down. Mrs. Jacobs once said that Mrs. Peterson, being from the countryside, was already getting too much with three thousand. Give her more, and her ego would swell to the sky

I didn't linger to hear more, heading directly to my living quarters. My home was a humble little house in the Jacobss backyard. Three years ago, when I first arrived at the Jacobs household, I was dressed in country attire, my face reflecting a complete lack of worldly experience. The person who hired me back then was Mrs. Jacobs Sr., the matriarch.

Mrs. Jacobs Sr.s reputation wasnt exactly stellar. As the former mistress of the late Mr. Jacobs, even if unknowingly, she had faced much controversy. It wasnt until she gave birth to Mr. Jacobs Sr. that her situation improved, receiving compensation from the Jacobs family and setting up her own household with her son. Yet, fate had a twisted sense of humor. The late Mr. Jacobss other sons had either died or proven useless, leaving only Mr. Jacobs Sr. as a somewhat acceptable heir in his final days. And so, Mr. Jacobs Sr. became the Jacobs familys successor. Outsiders marveled at Mrs. Jacobs Sr.s good fortune, but only she knew whether this immense wealth was a blessing or a curse.

At that time, Mrs. Jacobs Sr. and Mr. Jacobs Jr. were already married. The matriarch hadnt anticipated such an opportunity falling to her son, so she had let him follow his own preferences. Mrs. Jacobs Jr. came from an ordinary background; in a prominent family, she was naturally not up to par. The matriarch, a fellow countrywoman of mine, seeing her daughter-in-law making a mess of the Jacobs household, specifically sent someone to invite me. Although I was just a middle-aged woman from the countryside, the matriarch understood that sometimes, we common folk understood more about human nature and practicalities than city dwellers.

Mrs. Peterson, my only concern is my daughter-in-law. Shes never managed such a large household. If the staff below try to deceive her, I need you to keep an eye on things. The matriarchs kind, benevolent face as she spoke to me is still vivid in my memory.

Madam, if you trust me, I wont mess things up for you.

On my first day at the Jacobss, I took my post, and there I stood for three years. For that single promise to keep an eye, I worked diligently for these three years, believing myself to be clear of conscience.

Back then, the Jacobs household had many servants, but all the responsibilities seemed to fall on me alone. Mrs. Jacobs, shouldnt we divide the household chores? It would be more organized. When I cautiously presented my idea to the then-mistress, the refined woman didnt even look up at me, instead scrutinizing her fingernails. After a long pause, she replied indifferently, Well see. Mrs. Peterson, just take care of your duties.

And so, I worked for three years, and my tasks were never distributed. Every single matter, inside and outside the Jacobs family, had to pass through my hands. The other servants in the house only helped out when the Jacobs family entertained guests. This was all because Mrs. Jacobs felt I was not presentable enough to be in charge, fearing I would embarrass her.

Over these years, the Jacobs familys development stabilized, with prominent figures constantly coming and going. As Mr. and Mrs. Jacobss social engagements increased, I spun around like a top every day, tirelessly busy. Whenever the Jacobs couple returned home late at night, they were always greeted by my smiling face and a steaming hot meal. It seemed that somewhere along the line, Mrs. Peterson had become a perpetually on-call presence in the Jacobs household.

I no longer remembered how long it had been since I had any private time. Sometimes, in a daze, I would feel like Mr. and Mrs. Jacobss old nanny. What was ironic was that, despite constantly calling me Mrs. Peterson, the couple never truly held me in their hearts. To them, I was merely a machine, my salary the fuel that kept me serving them.

I wasnt without holidays. In my first year, during the holidays, Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs granted me a month off. I remember clearly: that day, I had just finished packing my things and was about to leave when a maid frantically found me, saying Mrs. Jacobs had fallen and gone into premature labor. I didnt have time to think, dropping my belongings and rushing her to the hospital. The Jacobss maids were all in a state of panic, losing their heads. I was equally terrified, but I still forced myself to settle Mrs. Jacobs, not forgetting to call Mr. Jacobs in the meantime. That holiday season, I spent in the cold hospital corridor. Through the wall, I could hear the joyous laughter of Mr. Jacobs and his new family of three. And just like that, I missed my first long break.

The second year, I asked for a vacation, but Mrs. Jacobs objected. Mrs. Peterson, Im in confinement. If you leave now, what will happen to me and the baby? Hearing this, I felt a bit helpless. Mrs. Jacobs, you could hire a professional postnatal caregiver. After all, Im not a specialist in that area My intention was to offer helpful advice, but Mrs. Jacobs didnt take it in at all. Instead, she only thought I was trying to be lazy. Why would I need a postnatal caregiver when I have you? Mrs. Peterson, my mother-in-law didnt hire you to enjoy yourself. If everyone acted like you, leaving whenever they pleased, what kind of example would that set?

Her words struck me speechless. I really wanted to say that any other servant in the house had more holidays than me, and since starting work, I had only asked for this one time

In the third year, Mrs. Jacobs was expecting young Master Ben. Recalling the past three years, I suddenly realized I had been away from home for a full three years, and hadnt returned even once. A bitter ache spread across my chest. I blinked, and tears fell silently. What had I gained in these three years?

In the first year, the Jacobs family paid me three thousand dollars, with food and lodging included. Mrs. Jacobs Sr. told me this was a trial period for city folks. After the trial, my salary would increase to ten thousand, like the other servants; this was something she had discussed with Mrs. Jacobs Sr. long ago.

In the second year, the Jacobs family still paid me three thousand dollars. In the third year, the Jacobs family still paid me three thousand dollars. Unlike other servants, I didnt have my own separate meals during these three years. Each time, I waited for the Jacobs family to finish eating, then cleaned up the leftovers. I didnt mind; in my eyes, the Jacobs family ate lavish meals I could only dream of before, and the leftovers were no different from what I was used to eating back in the countryside.

As for living arrangements, it was also different from the other servants. Their accommodation was in apartments next to the Jacobs mansion. As for me, Mrs. Jacobs Jr. had me live alone in a small house in the backyard. Calling it a small house, it was actually just two six-square-meter single rooms. I wasnt without doubts, after all, people are inherently selfish. Seeing those who put in less effort receive better treatment easily makes one feel uneasy.

I sought out Mrs. Jacobs Jr. Mrs. Peterson, are you comparing yourself to the other nannies? They are all hired from an agency and have to give a commission to their company. How can they be compared to someone from the countryside like you?

I opened my mouth to speak. But Mrs. Jacobs, Mrs. Jacobs Sr. told me my salary

Mrs. Jacobs Jr. smiled, a look I couldnt quite decipher hidden in her expression. Mrs. Peterson, you are my familys employee, so naturally, youll receive the treatment I deem appropriate for my family.

I fell silent.

I had thought that after so many things, my heart had already grown numb. Yet, upon hearing Mr. Jacobs utter those words, my heart couldnt help but tremble. Feed my ambition?

Actually, I had overheard Mrs. Jacobs and Mr. Jacobs chatting that day. Mrs. Jacobs, Mrs. Peterson has put in so much hard work over the years, even if its not recognized. Dont you think her salary should be increased?

I stood not far off, and hearing Mr. Jacobss words, my eyes involuntarily welled up. To avoid drawing attention, I didnt linger to listen, turning to leave instead, naturally missing Mrs. Jacobss subsequent remarks. Later, when my salary wasnt increased, I naturally deduced something was amiss. Even now, I still find it laughable.

For three years, I worked diligently, day in and day out, for that three-thousand-dollar salary, working myself sick. Even so, Mrs. Jacobs still thought my ambition was too great? As a housekeeper, cook, and postnatal caregiver, my monthly salary was only three thousand. Meanwhile, the new recruits the Jacobs family continuously hired from agencies all started with a base salary of ten thousand. Every new hire was placed under my guidance by Mr. Jacobs, so I naturally knew their situation intimately. Watching those I had trained perform the easiest tasks, yet earn several times my salary, who wouldnt feel resentful?

Each month, when I received my salary, I would discreetly mention to Mr. Jacobs that I wanted to apply for a raise, after all, that three thousand was initially agreed upon as an internship wage. But each time, Mr. Jacobs would equivocate, brushing it off with vague responses. Mrs. Peterson, I will convey your request to the main family, but dont be too impatient.

After all, the Jacobs family has so many servants, and Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs are so busy. Its normal for them to overlook things for a while.

And so, I waited year after year, only to be told I had big ambitions. Of all the servants in the Jacobs household, only I genuinely wished for the Jacobs familys true well-being. Only I truly treated all matters of the Jacobs family as my own, personally handling everything. You all spoke of fearing youd feed my ambition, so now, let me show you whose ambition is truly grand.

I silently packed my belongings, no longer dwelling on things. Halfway through, Mrs. Jacobs came to find me. She had likely just returned from work and heard Mr. Jacobss report. I glanced at Mrs. Jacobs, saying nothing. In all these years, this was the first time she had condescended to visit my living quarters.

Mrs. Peterson, Mr. Jacobs tells me you wish to resign? Seeing my continued silence, a flicker of displeasure crossed Mrs. Jacobss face, but she patiently pressed on.

I nodded, answering without servility. Yes, Mrs. Jacobs. My things are packed; I will be leaving shortly.

Mrs. Peterson, the holidays are almost here. Isnt it a bit impulsive to leave now? A rare hint of surprise flickered across Mrs. Jacobss face. Mr. Jacobss words imply that youre leaving because youre unhappy with the salary?

I shook my head. No, Mrs. Jacobs. I simply dont want to work anymore; its for personal reasons.

Mrs. Peterson, Im not saying this to be mean, but at your age, if you choose to resign now, it will be very difficult to find another job like this. Or have you already been poached by someone? Facing Mrs. Jacobss scrutinizing gaze, I sneered inwardly. No.

This time, Mrs. Jacobs completely lost her composure. She looked at me in disbelief. Since none of those are your reasons for leaving, Mrs. Peterson, dont tell me you want to leave because you have an issue with me?

I know youre capable, but nannies are a dime a dozen. If it werent for my mother-in-law, I could replace you anytime with someone younger and more efficient. By the end, there was a subtle hint of threat in Mrs. Jacobss tone.

Hearing this, I sighed deeply, suddenly weary of life in the Jacobs household. What else was there to say?

Mrs. Jacobs, do you know what tasks I perform every day? I asked Mrs. Jacobs the same question I had just asked Mr. Jacobs. This time, it was Mrs. Jacobss turn to be stunned. I smiled at Mrs. Jacobs, said nothing, and turned to continue packing my things. Since Mrs. Jacobs said anyone could replace me, why should I stay here and make a fool of myself?

After finishing my packing, I left just as the Jacobs familys other servants were finishing their shifts. Looking at the lights illuminating the Jacobs mansion, my nose stung. For three years, this was the first time I could leave as soon as work hours ended. Usually, at this time, I had no concept of personal time. My routine was different from the other servants; even after their shift ended, I still had to serve the Jacobs family. But starting today, I would no longer be bound by these things. Carrying my belongings, I stood on the empty street, feeling a sense of bewilderment for the first time. Where should I go?

For some reason, Mrs. Jacobss words suddenly came to mind: Those servants are all hired from agencies. How can they compare to someone from the countryside with no connections or background like you?

My fingers curled slightly. I hailed a taxi and, following the directions, found a domestic staffing agency. Standing before the tall building, dressed simply and carrying a worn suitcase, I felt utterly out of place. For the first time, a sense of timidity rose within me. I doubted whether I would be deemed suitable.

Hello, Mrs. Peterson, are you here to apply for a position? The person who greeted me was a very young woman. After learning my request, she first asked me a few simple questions, then took me to a room to perform some basic housework tests. After seeing the test results, the young womans face showed a hint of satisfaction.

Alright, Mrs. Peterson, well introduce you to your first client family. This family is mainly looking to hire a postnatal caregiver for their child, offering a salary of around one hundred thousand dollars. Are you satisfied with that?

I froze, repeating in disbelief, One hundred thousand?

The young woman nodded. Seeing my complex expression, she couldn't help but ask further, Well, Mrs. Peterson, you have extensive experience, and based on the test, its clear youre very knowledgeable about all aspects of household tasks. One hundred thousand is only considered a moderate salary.

If I may be so bold as to ask, what was your salary at your previous employer?

I opened my mouth with difficulty. Three thousand.

The young woman paused, then looked at me, her gaze filled with a touch of sympathy. Mrs. Peterson, are you serious? Then they clearly didnt recognize your worth! Dont worry, leave it to our company. We will definitely find you the best-paying job.

After a simple interview, I successfully signed a contract with the domestic staffing agency. After moving into the apartment the agency arranged for me, I was still in a state of bewilderment. It turned out I wasnt as pathetic as Mrs. Jacobs had claimed. It turned out that in the outside world, my value was far greater than I had imagined. The thought of being confined to the Jacobs household for three full years brought tears to my eyes.

Fortunately, all of that was in the past.