vstars Chapter 681 A Big Gift
Chapter 681 A Big Gift
Liu Zheming never expected that before he even entered his employer's house, he would be packed up and sent to another mansion overnight.
It was the first time Liu Zheming had been given away as an object, and he didn't know how to feel.
He felt that he was no different from the girls in the brothel. The biggest difference was probably that the girls sold their bodies while he sold his art.
"Sigh~" She sighed softly, having already waited with the coachman outside this grand courtyard for two hours.
They didn't go through the door, and the person who was seeing them off went in but never came out.
Liu Zheming became increasingly uneasy, and even considered sneaking away with his bag.
But the coachman was a big, burly man, and he couldn't handle him.
Liu Zheming's forehead furrowed into a deep frown. As the moon rose above the willow branches, someone finally emerged from the side gate.
"Alright, come in with me. Once inside, don't look around or ask any questions. Just listen to whatever the master decides to do."
From now on, you are a member of this household. If someone tells you to tell stories, then you tell stories. When you are not needed, stay in your own place and do not wander around.
As you know, large families have strict rules; if you break any taboos, no one can help you.
Liu Zheming listened patiently, but he was already seething with anger.
However, he had no roots or foundation in the capital, like a floating duckweed, and it was absolutely impossible for him to rebel.
Today, he has silently recited "When you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head" countless times in his mind, just to ease his mind and prevent himself from losing his temper.
"Yes, thank you for reminding me."
Another servant from the mansion led Liu Zheming inside, but he was stopped by the guards at the side gate, who thoroughly inspected his belongings.
Although there was nothing shameful in the package, the whole ordeal still made people feel very uncomfortable.
"what is this?"
"Oh, this is the tool we use for eating, called a gavel."
"For storytelling?"
"Uh, yes, yes, it's for storytelling."
"Go inside! Don't look around!"
Liu Zheming swallowed hard and followed the people into the house through a secluded side gate.
We wandered through winding paths, corridors, and artificial hills, and the more we walked, the more remote the place became.
It's a small, independent courtyard, clean and elegant except for a few weeds.
Upon entering the courtyard, Liu Zheming even thought it was quite nice.
I have never lived in such a spacious courtyard, whether in my hometown or in Beijing, but it was earned at the cost of my freedom and dignity.
Adjusting my mindset, I followed the servant who led the way into the house.
There was a thin layer of dust in the room; it wasn't that no one had cleaned it for a long time, but it wasn't a place that was cleaned regularly either.
"From now on, you'll live here. Don't wander off unless necessary. If you need anything, contact me or someone from the side gate."
By the way, your neighbors are members of an opera troupe. They might practice their singing in the morning, so be prepared.
The masters live far away, so they can't hear the noise from this side courtyard. But since you live next door, the noise is bound to reach you. Don't make a fuss about it.
This courtyard is only occupied by you and the opera troupe; it's best if you all get along peacefully.
Just as Liu Zheming was about to ask when he would be scheduled to tell stories, the servant who had led the way turned and hurriedly left.
He sighed helplessly and began tidying up the rather simple house.
Just as he was packing his things, a melodious opera singing voice suddenly came from next door.
The voice was clear and melodious, as if it could penetrate walls and reach the heart.
Liu Zheming stopped what he was doing and listened carefully.
After the song ended, the courtyard returned to tranquility.
Didn't we say we should warm up our voices in the morning? Why are we doing this in the middle of the night?
"Never mind, it didn't affect me anyway."
After tidying up, Liu Zheming went straight to sleep, skipping even the washing up process. He was exhausted, both mentally and physically.
The next day, sure enough, the gurgling sounds of someone practicing their singing came from the stomach, accompanied by the rumbling of a rumbling stomach.
The babbling was coming from outside, while the rumbling in his stomach was Liu Zheming himself.
Not knowing where to get breakfast, they followed the sound into the actors' quarters.
Ouyang Family Main Courtyard —
"Miss, is it really appropriate for that person to just accept it like that?"
"If the storyteller leaves the teahouse, how can the teahouse stay in business?"
Lian Qiao knew she was being a bit of a worrywart, but that wasn't what she wanted to say.
That was someone sent by the Fifth Prince! The Fifth Prince! How could he just accept him like that?
This storyteller is different from the actors in the side courtyard. He is a respectable person and is said to be half a scholar, but he has fallen on hard times.
It is against the rules to force a scholar of good birth to stay in the mansion.
If someone goes abroad, they can easily file a complaint against you. Even if your own family is powerful, you shouldn't give outsiders any reason to criticize you.
"Why are you worrying about this? He's just a storyteller. Wouldn't it be better to invite him back?"
Wouldn't that mean we wouldn't have to sneak out to the teahouse so often? Besides, we're not withholding his monthly salary; we guarantee he'll earn more than he does at the teahouse.
Also, before, I had to report to my grandmother every time I went out. Even if my grandmother didn't mind, I did.
There's really nothing outside that attracts me. I have someone else to handle the grocery shopping, so I don't need to go to the store myself.
"My only hobby is listening to storytelling. Now that I have someone in the manor, I can listen whenever I want. Isn't that convenient?"
Ouyang Yan felt that it was just a matter of taking in one more person, nothing serious.
Lian Qiao was speechless. People can be taken in, but the Fifth Prince cannot be taken in. Doesn't Miss think the Fifth Prince has been appearing a little too frequently lately?
If you say that the Fifth Prince had no ulterior motives, Lian Qiao would never believe it even if you beat her to death.
The Fifth Prince had previously asked Ouyang Jue to create opportunities, and he knew all of this. It was Ouyang Jue's servant who secretly tipped her off, which allowed her to avoid several "encounters on the road."
So all my previous efforts were for nothing!
Besides, what kind of kind person would send a living person as a gift?
This person must have been forcibly taken from someone else's teahouse, otherwise who would give up a free and easy life to be treated like a bird kept in someone else's house?
“Miss, this is a living person, a law-abiding citizen.”
"Oh, that is a problem. Well then, when you have time, go and sign a contract with this storyteller. Keep that in mind, don't forget."
Lian Qiao was completely exasperated. This person just wouldn't have it, and she had to accept the gift!
Even though their master was already the best master, and even though he treated them, his servants, extremely well on a daily basis.
But with the young lady, people can be treated as objects and passed around.
"Understood, Miss. I'll have the butler take care of it later."
"When do you plan to meet this storyteller? Would you like to hear a story today?"
Ouyang Yan thought for a moment and then shook her head.
"Let's skip it today. Anyway, everyone's already at the manor. We can listen whenever we want. There's no need to rush."
Forsythia suspensa means to put it aside for now, just like the old opera troupes that could only perform a couple of shows a year, and were just idle, resting, or left to languish in a secluded courtyard.