vstars Chapter 13 Taking It Out
Chapter 13 Taking It Out
Seeing that Manager Liu looked puzzled, Su Wan continued, "This person might be able to help us."
This man was an aide to the Minister of Justice in his previous life. Tong Lin said that it was because of him that Su Wan and Xie Yin were able to join forces.
At that time, Su Wan was imprisoned, and people around her were either dead or imprisoned. She could only rely on Tong Lin to pass on information about everything. She remembered Tong Lin saying that this person was a scholar.
"It should be the common people."
Since he is a staff member, his status and position probably won't be too high.
"There's no rush for this. You just need to pay attention slowly."
"I've made note of this. Also, the tea shop is expanding now. If nothing goes wrong, it will reopen next month."
Su Wan's face showed surprise. "I think the plan is very good. I have important needs for this shop. I hope you, Uncle Liu, will take care of it yourself, and try to fill it with our elderly people."
This place is located in the most prosperous Shuiwu Lane, not far from the common people's Lvyang Lane. Across from it is Fengming Tower, a gathering place for the sons of noble families. It is very convenient for inquiring and spreading information.
Speaking of this, Su Wan thought about how she didn't have enough people. She also thought it was inappropriate to just ask her aunt for help. She should find some help.
After explaining some things, Su Wan followed Manager Liu to the largest pawnshop and returned to the Duke's Mansion in a cup of tea.
"Young Madam, you're back?" Linglong came forward.
"Where's Liushang?"
"Sister Liushang went to the kitchen to collect her share and specifically asked me to keep an eye on the bird's nest that was stewing. Sister is really attentive."
Su Wan lowered her head and smiled. She entered the inner room and saw the nanny sorting books. Su Wan untied her cloak and went to help the nanny.
Su Wan's study wasn't large, but the shelves were overflowing with books. She put the travelogues and anecdotes her father had given her in one place. Turning around, she saw the worn copy of Mencius, and was momentarily lost in thought.
Her father often read this book. She had never known why he was so obsessed with it, turning it over and over again. It was not until later that she understood that even after living in seclusion for many years, her father had never truly let go of worldly affairs.
"My lady, that's all right now. You'll have something to entertain yourself from now on." Nanny Li smiled like a flower.
Su Wan curled her lips, her smile as soothing as a spring breeze. "I've been busy with the shop these days and haven't had much time to visit."
"My dear, this is the qingtuan I made. How does it taste?" Su Wan took it with a smile. After taking a bite, she thought of another little foodie, "How long has Liu Shang been gone?"
"He should be back soon." Nanny Li looked outside, somewhat puzzled.
"Young Madam, something's wrong!"
At this moment, a sudden call came from outside, and Su Wan almost dropped the celadon plate in her hand.
Yu Luo came running over and said, "Young Madam, Sister Liushang is arguing with a maid in the kitchen."
"Why?"
"My sister went to collect her share of the allowance, and unexpectedly she bumped into that nanny."
"Wouldn't it be better to just apologize? Although Liu Shang has an impatient temper, he's not someone who doesn't know his limits."
Linglong swallowed and shook her head, saying, "I don't know why, but that nanny started scolding my sister as soon as she caught her. I thought if we alarmed the Madam, my sister would be punished."
"Which nanny?" Su Wan asked anxiously.
"I haven't seen him, but from the sound of his voice, he seems to be from the eldest young lady's side."
Su Wan's heart skipped a beat when she heard the name Qin. All the recent troubles had been directed at Qin, so the nanny must be the seldom-seen Zeng. Su Wan hurriedly stood up, gave her instructions, and hurried to the kitchen with Liuyan.
At this moment, in front of the kitchen in the yard, the maids and old women gathered in a circle, and sharp curses came from the middle.
"You bitch! I just said a few words, and you're talking back like that. Are the people at Tingyuxuan so unruly?" Madam Zeng said with a mean look on her face, her eyes wide open as she pointed at Liu Shang's nose and cursed. She was already unhappy with Su Wan today, and it was a coincidence that she ran into Liu Shang.
If it were an ordinary person, Liu Shang would have hit him immediately. But this was someone brought here by the Qin family, and was favored by the Madam. If they offended them, the Madam would be in trouble. He wanted to apologize, but the nanny said, "I was wondering what good things could come from a poor and remote place. So, is this how the Second Madam taught you to behave?"
Liu Shang became anxious when he heard someone indirectly insulting his wife. "Madam, I was wrong in this matter. I've already apologized sincerely, but you're still not letting it go. And what does this have to do with the Young Master's wife? You said I was ignorant, but is it appropriate for you to talk about the Second Young Master's wife like this? Would the First Young Master's wife approve of your behavior?"
Nanny Li choked. Seeing that little mouth was always right and even brought up the Young Madam to interrupt her, she became even angrier. "Well, the Second Young Madam first upset her sister-in-law, and now you, a servant, are bullying me, a Nanny. Do you really think I'm soft?"
As the nanny was about to take action, the onlookers were all talking but no one went up to help.
This is the old nanny beside Qin. Even Qin has to be respectful to her. How dare they offend her?
"Stop!" A deep, angry voice suddenly rang out. In an instant, the atmosphere froze, and everyone looked in the direction of the voice, only to see Qin slowly approaching with a powerful aura.
She was on her way to see her mother-in-law to explain recent events, but as she passed by, she heard from a maid that Madam was arguing with someone. She wanted to join in the fun, but she didn't expect that the person was Liu Shang, the person Su Wan trusted the most.
Looking at Liu Shang's stubborn face, listening to her sharp retorts, and remembering how Su Wan had taught Qiao Hui a lesson, she felt it was time to let out some anger.
Qin stared at Liu Shang and said, "You are indeed a sharp-tongued girl."
Liu Shang watched Qin staring at her blankly, her face pale. She knew that Qin had been in a bad mood recently, and she had really hit a snag today.
Liu Shang immediately slowed down his tone and said, "Please forgive me, Madam Young Master. Liu Shang dared not offend you. It's just..." Liu Shang thought that if he explained it clearly in front of everyone, Qin Shi would not be too harsh.
"Just what?" Qin interrupted immediately, "Did the Second Young Master's wife ask you to spill my soup?"
Seeing that she was about to pull Su Wan, Liu Shang hurriedly shook his head, "No, no, no, Madam, it was all my fault."
"Is that why the Second Young Master's wife told you to answer Madam like that just now?"
Liu Shang knelt down and said, "Young Master, please forgive me. All the mistakes are my fault. It is because I am blind. I am willing to accept the punishment."
"Now that you mention it, I'm being too harsh. But a bowl of soup is enough to punish you severely."
Qin lowered her head and said thoughtfully, "Your mistake was that you shouldn't have been rude and contradicted Madam."
She turned around and said, "This matter should be handled by Mammy."
"Madame Zeng."
"The old slave is here."
"She spoke ill of her master and contradicted her elders. How should she be punished?"
"Madam, according to the law, he should be caned and sold."
Qin looked up, her face arrogant. "No way! She's my sister's most successful maid. How about you just let out some anger today, and I'll close my eyes for a bit, and let this matter be over? What do you think?"
Madam Zeng seemed aggrieved. "Madam, you are so kind. I will obey you."
Seeing Qin raised her head, Madam Zeng walked up to Liu Shang who was kneeling on the ground, glared at him and slapped him twice, scaring the people around her so much that they covered their mouths and stepped back.
The nanny had hit her so hard that Liushang's cheeks flushed red and her eyes were bloodshot. But she had a strong temper and even though she was kneeling on the ground, she remained upright.
"What? Are you not convinced?" The nanny rolled up her sleeves and said, "How can you serve the Second Young Master's wife well with such a temper? Today, this old servant will discipline you on behalf of the Second Young Master's wife." As she spoke, she raised her hand high.
"stop!"
Hearing the voice, Matron Zeng's hand froze in mid-air. She turned her head and saw Su Wan looking at her fiercely. Her pupils shrank.
"Sister, what are you going to do?"
Qin took a step forward, blocking Su Wan's steps. Su Wan looked past Qin and saw Liu Shang, his face frozen, kneeling silently on the ground, not saying a word. Her heart suddenly sank.