Li Daniu's mother shook her head helplessly, "Your father wasn't like this before."Li Yuanchun lowered his eyes in self-blame, "Well, I know. It's my illness that's dragging everyone down, and Father...Chapter 1108: Will you come by my side and work
"What evidence"
Hibiscus told him everything she had seen the past two days, not a single word left out.
The last time the Lord returned home, his wife was away. Qin Qianqian snuck to the side and peeked at the King while he was there, and even bribed a maidservant who served in the front hall to take her place and deliver tea to him.
"Another time, the lord was holding a meeting in his study, and she also sent food over."
The master certainly wouldn't remember which maidservant should be on duty where, and the other servants dared not say anything to her because of Qin Qianqian's relationship with the mistress.
So she sought every opportunity to appear before the prince.
"These are all things that Mu Jin has seen with her own eyes."
Fang Jinshu nodded upon hearing this. Qin Qianqian being so active in the Hou residence without anyone knowing about it
She turned her head to look at Xiaoyue, who blushed with shame.
"I'm so sorry, Madam. It was Xiao Yue's negligence."
Now all the maidservants in the mansion are temporarily under her care. Qin Qianqian has done so many things behind the scenes, but she is completely unaware of them. It is indeed her dereliction of duty.
Fan Jinshu did not blame Xiaoyue.
"The Hou Mansion is so large, and we just moved in recently. It's not entirely your fault that you haven't noticed."
"This girl is clever, relying on her connection with Mr. Qin and our family, indeed those new servants in the mansion would be intimidated by her. This matter can't be entirely blamed on you."
No one would dare offend someone close to the master. Qin Qianqian simply mentioning that her father was once Master Zongbai's teacher was enough for all the servants in the house to respect and fear her.
"Thank you, Mrs. [Last Name]." Let me know if you need anything else translated!
Xiaoyue was quite angry, “Since I know what kind of person that girl is, I'll go get her here right now and expose her in front of everyone.”
"My lady, a person like this should not be kept close."
"If you consider the kindness Mr. Qin showed to the second young master in his teachings and can't bear to drive her away, then send her to work at the manor house. This way, you'll have repaid Mr. Qin's kindness to the second young master."
Fāng Jǐnxu shook her head.
"Ai Yu just became the Marquis for a few days, and the Marquis's mansion doesn't have much foundation. The servants in the house probably don't have much sense of belonging to the Marquis's mansion yet, and their hearts are unstable."
Although Qin Qianqian didn't go around proclaiming that her father was Zong Bai's master, the servants in her household already knew about it. Soon, her identity among the servants wouldn't be a secret any longer.
Only Mujin had witnessed the incident of her trying to seduce the Wangye, and there was no concrete evidence. Without proof, she merely called the person in and dismissed them, fearing it might chill the hearts of the other servants in Houfu.
Both Zongyu and Zongbei became officials. As their status rose, the circumstances of their family were incomparable to their days in Xizhou.
In the countryside, she wasn't afraid of people's gossip. If someone annoyed her, she would drive them away. She wouldn't use anyone she didn't want to, and other people's opinions couldn't hurt her in the slightest.
But things are different in the capital.
Here, rumors are as dangerous as knives. Anyone who exposes even a tiny flaw risks being relentlessly targeted and ultimately destroyed.
Therefore, all words and actions should be cautious, and it's best to have sufficient reasons and evidence that can convince people.
"Hibiscus, did you see with your own eyes what she did to the Prince And how did the Prince react"
Hibiscus shook her head.
"My lady, forgive me. Everywhere the prince goes, there are guards, and no one else is allowed near except for the on-duty maids."
After I noticed Qin Qianqian had this intention, I would follow her whenever I had time. But as soon as she entered the room where the Lord resided, I couldn't know what happened inside.
Fang Jinshi nodded. That made sense. If Mu Jin saw what Qin Qianqian had done to Zong Yu, she wouldn't have waited until now to tell her.
"It's alright, a fox will always show its tail."
"No evidence at the moment doesn't matter, let's give her a chance to provide some."
Xiaoyue thought about Fang Jinshu just now letting Qin Qianqian live with her, she seemed to have guessed what the madam was going to do, and her face was startled.
"My lady, it's unthinkable! Other ladies would be wary of maids who climb into their beds. You, however, give her the chance to invite a wolf into the fold."
"What if she actually succeeded What would happen then Would they really let her become the concubine of a marquis"
Fang Jinshu laughed out loud.
"Little Yue, you worry too much."
"Do you not believe me, or do you not believe the Lord"
"Could my wife and I possibly be so foolish as to be led around by her little tricks"
She probably wouldn't even remember what Qin Qianqian looked like by now.
If he had truly sensed her intentions, been tempted by her, he probably would have stormed over to kick her out a long time ago.
But, it's better to be safe than sorry. Mujin felt Xiaoyue's worry was reasonable.
Although the Marquis is kind to his wife and it's clear he isn't a man who is frivolous with affections, since ancient times men have been accustomed to having three wives and four concubines. Which official's inner courtyard would only have one legitimate wife.
It's hard to say about things like throwing your arms around someone.
Mu Jin doesn't distrust the mistress, she distrusts the inherent weakness of men.
Fang Jinshu sighed helplessly, these two girls were too much of a worrywart.
"If a man wants to cheat, there's no way you can stop him."
She had already said everything she needed to say, Qin Qianqian's matter was really nothing major in her eyes.
It's nothing more than the next bait, waiting for the fish to take the hook and then dealing with it.
She still has other more important things to do.
"Alright, that's it for now. When Qin Qianqian arrives, you better put away those scowls and don't scare her off with your expressions."
Since everyone was saying so, the two young girls had no choice but to obey.
“It’s madam.”
Fang Jinshu turned her gaze to Mulan. This girl had a good character.
"Mujin, to which post have you been assigned"
"Respectfully replying to Madam, I am mending clothes in the Second Young Master's courtyard."
She looked at the hibiscus's hands, which were indeed skillful hands. It would be a pity to just use them for mending.
Haven't you ever complained that your work isn't good enough After all, you're skilled, and your craftsmanship is unmatched by almost anyone in the world.
Disguise is not a skill that anyone can learn easily. Their hands are as skilled as those of a surgeon, precious and valuable.
Mujin smiled, "Madam, I only ask for a safe place to live. Furthermore, you have been kind to me, and I have no complaints about my current life. On the contrary, I never thought I would be able to live such a good life one day."
She wouldn't be threatened with her life, she wouldn't have to endure beatings, she would have enough to eat and wear, and no one would force her to sell her beauty to serve men.
The treatment of those serving at the Hou Mansion was truly excellent. The food was several times tastier than what was available outside, clothing was distributed according to the seasons, and there was a monthly rest period as well as an objective stipend. Even when women were unwell during their menstruation, they could take leave.
Where else in the world could be better than the Hou Mansion The master and mistress are rare to find, she's not foolish, if she can still have complaints, then it means she doesn't know what's good for her.
"You're so easily satisfied."
Fang Jinshu smiled.
"Muqin, you are kind and loyal. Would you come to my side and serve me" and helped her up.Zhao had already been scolded by the village head Wang and his son. Even if she used to be close with Hu Ailan's mother, she couldn't interfere in the affairs of the Zongyu family.T...