Chapter Seventeen: A Gift
By the time they returned to the Prime Minister’s Estate, the sky was already nearly dark. The steward was waiting anxiously at the entrance. The moment he saw them return, he hurried forward and said, “Madam, you’ve finally returned. The Master is waiting for you.”
“Waiting for me? That’s a rare occurrence. What does he want?” Hua Ling asked curiously, never having expected that Mu Yelei would seek her out.
“How would this servant know? Madam, you’d best hurry.” Steward Xu urged. The Master had already asked several times. If she didn’t return soon, there was no telling how great his anger would be. He had never seen the usually calm Master flare up like this.
Hua Ling’s lips curved into a cold sneer. “How absurd. He wants me to go, so I should go? On what basis? Go tell him I’m not going.” With that, she turned to head toward Yinlu Pavilion.
Xu quickly blocked her path. “Madam, you’d best go. Consider it doing this old man a favor. If you don’t go, won’t I just have to make another trip to Yinlu Pavilion to invite you? Look at my advanced age—I can’t endure all this running back and forth!” Steward Xu employed a psychological tactic; he knew she was kind-hearted.
Hua Ling sighed. This old man did look rather pitiful. Forget it—she wouldn’t make things difficult for him. One trip wouldn’t waste much time. “Fine, I’m scared of you. I’ll go, alright, Steward Xu?”
“Thank you for your understanding, Madam.” Steward Xu’s face was wreathed in smiles. Such a good woman—why couldn’t the Master appreciate her? Sigh! He truly didn’t know what the Master was thinking.
“Yue Chun, return to Yinlu Pavilion first. Divide the things we bought among the other young maids. They’ve been busy all day; they shouldn’t work for nothing.” Hua Ling said with a smile.
“Yes, Madam. I understand.” Yue Chun replied with a smile, her hands full of packages large and small—all of them for the maids.
At that moment, Hua Ling took out a brocade box from among the items and handed it to Xu. “Steward Xu, this is for you. It’s not worth much, but make do with it.”
“Madam, this old servant has done nothing to deserve such reward. Please take it back.” Steward Xu declined, thinking that the Madam had truly changed. In the past, she had always been timid and fearful, never stepping out the door.
“Steward Xu, if you refuse again, you’re looking down on me. Hurry and accept it—it’s merely a small token.” With that, she stuffed it into his hand and turned to leave.
“Thank you, Madam.” Steward Xu called out toward Hua Ling’s departing figure, so moved that his eyes brimmed with hot tears.
“Steward Xu, the Madam has really changed so much. Look how well she treats us. Yun Xiu’s mother fell ill, and the Madam gave her own jewelry to Yun Xiu to pawn for money to treat her mother. Where can you find such a good person?” Yue Chun sighed, her face full of gratitude.
“Really? The Madam really gave jewelry to be pawned?” Steward Xu asked in disbelief. Those pieces of jewelry were the Madam’s dowry—how could she bear to part with them!
“Yes, I’m not lying to you. Steward Xu, I truly thank you for transferring me to the Madam’s side. It’s like arriving in paradise. If you ever need me in the future, just say the word—consider it my repayment to you.” Yue Chun said with a smile. She was truly grateful to Steward Xu.
“You girl, your tongue is getting sharper and sharper. Hurry back already—aren’t you tired carrying all those things?” Steward Xu said with a smile. This young girl had a good heart.
“Yes, yes, as you command, Lord Steward.” Yue Chun said playfully. Then she waved her hand and skipped away. Behind him, Steward Xu was all smiles. He had a feeling that this Prime Minister’s Estate was about to change. However, he welcomed such a change. The entire estate would no longer be so deathly still.
Hua Ling arrived at the main hall, but upon entering, she found not a single person inside. Hadn’t Mu Yelei been looking for her? Why was no one here? Hua Ling felt somewhat puzzled. Where had everyone gone? Walking out of the hall, she saw the study brightly lit from afar. Hua Ling thought that perhaps he was there. She might as well go take a look.
She was in a good mood today. She had found a suitable house and negotiated a business deal. She wouldn’t have to worry about her days ahead. When she earned big money, she would definitely renovate her house properly in a modern style. Only then would living there be comfortable. Thinking of the beautiful prospects ahead, she broke into a wide smile.
Before she even reached the study door, she heard continuous arguing coming from within, seeming quite intense. Hua Ling found it odd. Who was Mu Yelei arguing with?
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