Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 134

Chapter 134: Tan Bawang Incurs Public Wrath

Very soon, Cai Qing came out with Jin Qiao. The moment she saw Magistrate Zhao, she hurriedly bowed.

“Greetings, Magistrate Zhao.”

When Tan Bawang saw that Cai Qing was truly safe and sound, he could not help glaring at her viciously. That little bitch must have turned against him at the last moment. Since she had broken faith, that girl Lier need not go on living either.

The moment Cai Qing saw Tan Bawang, she shrank back involuntarily and moved a little closer to Mu Yunyao’s side.

Seeing this, Magistrate Zhao’s thoughts shifted slightly. He asked,

“Cai Qing, did you willingly agree to become Tan Bawang’s concubine?”

Cai Qing immediately shook her head.

“Magistrate Zhao, please see clearly. Tan Bawang lusted after me when he saw me and had my two younger brothers beaten in order to force me into submission. Fortunately, my younger brother Nan’er had some acquaintance with Miss Mu, and while Tan Bawang was threatening me, he slipped out to beg for help. Miss Mu is kind-hearted and rescued me. Only because of that was I not violated by him.”

That little bitch!

Tan Bawang was gnashing his teeth with hatred, yet he quickly produced a written contract.

“Magistrate Zhao, this contract bears Cai Qing’s thumbprint. Please have someone examine it. Whether it is genuine or false can be determined at once.”

Once he had finished dealing with Mu Yunyao, he would come back to deal with Cai Qing. Not a single person who had dared plot against him would escape unscathed.

A constable took the contract and brought it to Magistrate Zhao. The writing and thumbprint on it were both clear and unmistakable.

“Cai Qing, you clearly pressed your mark to this contract. Why do you now refuse to acknowledge it?”

Cai Qing glanced at Tan Bawang, her eyes full of anger.

“Tan Bawang, I never expected you to be such a shameless creature! Magistrate Zhao, please judge fairly. My hands are injured. I could not possibly have pressed a thumbprint at all. How, then, could I have signed any contract?”

As she spoke, she held out both hands. Her fingers were covered in wounds that had already scabbed over. The pads of her fingers, in particular, were full of crusted blood; there was no way she could have left a proper print.

Tan Bawang froze, then barked out sharply,

“Good, very good, Mu Yunyao! You actually coached Cai Qing to falsify evidence and deceive Magistrate Zhao. Why, this very morning, her hands were perfectly fine. How is it that now they are injured and unable to leave a print? Unfortunately, such tricks cannot deceive Magistrate Zhao. I request that a physician be called to examine the injuries. Her hands must have been wounded only recently. That will prove their guilty conscience and show that they are fabricating everything.”

Inside, Tan Bawang was gloating. He had never expected Mu Yunyao to leave behind such an obvious flaw. Once the examination was done, he wanted to see how she would continue arguing. Yet when he turned to look for the panic on Mu Yunyao’s face, he found her perfectly calm. Cai Qing, too, appeared remarkably composed.

Magistrate Zhao ordered the coroner to inspect the wounds on Cai Qing’s hands.

“Reporting to Your Excellency: the injuries on Cai Qing’s hands are burns. Judging from their appearance, they are already five or six days old.”

“What? Impossible!”

Tan Bawang rushed forward at once, seized Cai Qing’s hands, and rubbed at them hard. Yet the injuries showed no sign of being fake.

Cai Qing gave a startled cry, then raised her hand and slapped him across the face.

“Shameless! Magistrate Zhao, I beg you to uphold justice for this commoner!”

When Mu Yunyao had falsified the injuries on her hands, Cai Qing had feared that the deception would be discovered. She had never expected that even the coroner would fail to distinguish truth from falsehood.

“How dare you, Tan Bawang! To behave so wildly in this official’s presence!”

Noticing Mu Yunyao’s expression, Tan Bawang was suddenly seized by a surge of panic. All of this must have been arranged by that little wretch from the start. He had been led by the nose the entire time. That damned girl—that cursed little bitch!

“Magistrate Zhao, please see clearly. That contract truly was signed by Cai Qing…”

Cai Qing at once prostrated herself on the ground and burst into tears.

“Magistrate Zhao, that day my younger brother Little Mao accidentally blocked the road. Tan Bawang ordered his attendants to beat him, then falsely claimed that Little Mao had dirtied his clothes and demanded one hundred taels of silver as compensation. This commoner could not bear such injustice and went forward to argue, but Tan Bawang, failing to molest me by force of words, later brought Matchmaker Liu to coerce and lure me, insisting on taking me as his concubine. I resisted to the death, whereupon he ordered his attendants to beat both me and my two younger brothers. At this very moment, Nan’er and Little Mao both lie unconscious in Miss Mu’s home. Their injuries may be examined at once. Moreover, many townspeople saw him come to the Charity Hall with his men, and they can testify for me.”

“That is true. I happened to be passing by when Tan Bawang was beating that child Little Mao, and I even tried to persuade him to stop. Instead, Tan Bawang was so arrogant that he threatened to beat me as well.”

“What Miss Cai Qing says is correct. Early this morning, I saw Tan Bawang lead men into the Charity Hall.”

Cai Qing bowed deeply to those who had spoken up for her.

“Many thanks to all of you for testifying on my behalf. Cai Qing is deeply grateful. Magistrate Zhao, Tan Bawang ,also seized my younger sister Lier and is using her to force me into submission. Heaven only knows what has become of my poor little sister by now. I beg Your Excellency to save her!”

Mu Yunyao, who had remained silent until this point, finally spoke.

“Magistrate Zhao, by now I believe the truth of the matter is clear to you. Saving the child is the urgent thing. If there is any further delay…”

Magistrate Zhao nodded and turned toward Tan Bawang, his gaze now severe.

“Tan Bawang, confess honestly at once. Where have you taken the girl?”

“I—I never seized anyone. What Lier, what Ping’er—I know nothing about any of them!”

Tan Bawang had truly begun to panic. If Magistrate Zhao were to search out Lier now, then Cai Qing’s entire accusation would be proven true.

Just then, a shout rang out from the crowd.

“I saw Tan Bawang’s attendants carrying a sack into the inn where they’re staying!”

Magistrate Zhao’s eyes sharpened.

“Men, go to Tan Bawang’s inn immediately and conduct a search!”

The people watching all wore dark expressions. Tan Bawang had claimed to be the young master of Caiyue Pavilion, which meant he was not from Jingling City. Before this, the Caiyue Pavilion manager had lent money at usurious rates, causing deaths and leaving the people of Jingling City with a very poor impression of Caiyue Pavilion. Now the young master of Caiyue Pavilion had come here to seize a young woman by force, which only fanned their anger higher. If Caiyue Pavilion were not already closed down, some of them might well have gone directly to smash up the place.

Soon, two constables came hurrying back. Behind them, a woman carried a little girl in her arms. The child was covered in injuries, her face deathly pale, and it seemed she had far more breath going out than coming in.

The crowd grew even more furious. Tan Bawang had not only tried and failed to seize a young woman by force, but he had also harmed an innocent child’s life. Did he take the people of Jingling City for easy prey?

“Magistrate Zhao, this villain must be punished severely!”

“Magistrate Zhao, please uphold justice for these poor children!”

Cai Qing threw herself down before Lier, utterly panicked.

“Miss Mu, please, I beg you, save my little sister!”

By now, a physician had stepped out from the crowd.

“I am Physician Zhang of Ren Shan Hall. Let me see how this little girl fares.”

Cai Qing looked in alarm toward Mu Yunyao. Only after Mu Yunyao gave a slight nod did she let go and allow the physician to examine Lier.

“This…”

After taking the girl’s pulse, the physician from Ren Shan Hall shot Tan Bawang a furious glare.

“If the blows had been any harsher, this little girl would already have died on the spot!”

Magistrate Zhao’s face turned as hard as ice. With a wave of his hand, he ordered the constables to seize Tan BContentsnd his men.

“Forcibly seizing women, maliciously beating commoners—this official will question each and every one of your crimes until the truth is made clear!”

The people around them were beside themselves with anger. Some could not help stooping to pick up pebbles and bits of debris from the ground and hurling them at Tan Bawang and his attendants.

Once one person started, more and more of the crowd began throwing things. Someone even brought over a pot of hot tea and splashed it straight over the faces of the two attendants who had been lying on the ground, covered in blood.

That one splash was enough. The two attendants, scalded by the hot tea, leaped up instantly and hurriedly raised their sleeves to wipe at their faces. With one wipe, the blood on their faces came off cleanly, revealing skin beneath that was wholly uninjured.

“They were faking it!”

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Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 134

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 133

Chapter 133: Tan Bawang’s Righteous Outrage

“I never expected to run into Miss Mu here,” Tan Bawang said. “Back then, you claimed to be from the Han family and sent me on a fine chase!”

His eyes darkened even further, and hatred boiled inside him. He longed to tear Mu Yunyao into pieces.

Back on the streets of Huai’an City, she had beaten him soundly with an oil-paper umbrella, leaving him bedridden for more than a month. Yet what enraged him even more was this: ever since she had kicked him between the legs, he had discovered that he could no longer function as a man. He had sought out every famous physician he could find, and none of them had been able to improve his condition in the slightest. How could he not hate her so bitterly that his heart bled?

“Did I say that? I have been terribly busy of late, and my memory seems to be getting worse and worse. I do not recall ever claiming to be from the Han family. May I ask what instruction Master Tan has come here with such fanfare to bestow upon me?”

Tan Bawang let out a cold laugh.

“You stole my concubine and still ask me what I came here for? Miss Mu’s talent for feigning ignorance is truly admirable.”

“I have heard that Master Tan keeps many concubines in his household, but unfortunately I have had the fortune to meet none of them. Besides, my household is hardly short of servants. Why would I steal your concubine?”

Tan Bawang was so enraged his liver seemed to tremble. His concubines had all been selected with the greatest care. How had they become mere servants for attending to others the moment they passed her lips? Though he himself had never thought much of those women, hearing Mu Yunyao speak of them in such a way felt like a knife driven straight into his lungs.

“Miss Mu, enough of your tricks. Hand over Cai Qing!”

“So the concubine you speak of is Cai Qing?”

“Exactly. Early this very morning, I signed a contract with that girl Cai Qing. She willingly entered my household as a concubine, with Matchmaker Liu of Jingling City as witness. I was just about to discuss taking her back with me to Huai’an City when you sent your people to seize her by force. I should like to ask—what kind of reason is that?”

Mu Yunyao frowned slightly.

Tan Bawang’s hatred burned hotter and hotter. At the sight of her expression, he nearly laughed aloud in satisfaction. To make that contract hold water, he had even gone so far as to hire a matchmaker in advance. With witnesses and proof all in place, he wanted to see how Mu Yunyao planned to wriggle out of this one.

“What is it—have you nothing to say now? Under the laws of the Great Li dynasty, seizing another man’s concubine without cause is punishable by exile eight hundred li away. Mu Yunyao, if you kneel and admit your fault now, perhaps this young master may still spare you!”

The crowd all around began whispering among themselves. None of them knew Tan Bawang, but who in Jingling City did not know Mu Yunyao? Now that they heard she had stolen another man’s concubine, their curiosity immediately flared. If a man stole another man’s concubine, that would be one thing—but what would Miss Mu want with another man’s concubine?

Someone in the crowd could not help stepping forward to speak in Mu Yunyao’s defense.

“This young master must not speak carelessly. How could Miss Mu possibly seize your concubine without cause? There must be some misunderstanding here.”

“What misunderstanding could there be? It was that subordinate of hers, the one called Liu Liang, who went to seize her. He even beat two of my attendants badly. Men, bring them forward quickly and let everyone see how miserable my two attendants have become!”

At once, two men were indeed carried forward. Their faces were mottled blue and purple, streaked with blood, and they lay on the carrying frame wailing incessantly. The sight of them was so miserable that many people in the crowd retreated two steps, unable to bear looking directly at them.

Tan Bawang’s face was full of indignation.

“Mu Yunyao, you are lawless and outrageous beyond measure. Return my concubine Cai Qing at once. Otherwise, I will immediately report this to the authorities and have the county magistrate take you in for questioning!”

Someone nearby quietly advised Mu Yunyao:

“Miss Mu, it really is not worth making such a great fuss over one concubine. If that Cai Qing is truly in your household, perhaps you should simply hand her over. They did sign a contract, after all. No matter how you look at it, she belongs to someone else now…”

Mu Yunyao only shook her head slightly.

“Thank you for your concern, sir, but things are not as Tan Bawang has described them.”

Seeing her refuse, Tan Bawang let out a savage laugh inwardly, his eyes shining with the thrill of imminent revenge.

“Mu Yunyao, the reason you refuse to hand her over—could it be that something has already happened to my concubine in your house? Ah, now I remember. Cai Qing once told me that her younger brother, Nan’er, had accidentally offended you. Could it be that you took the matter to heart and seized both Cai Qing and Nan’er to take revenge on them?”

“That is nonsense! Miss Mu is not that kind of person!”

“Exactly! Miss Mu taught embroidery techniques selflessly and helped the women of Jingling City acquire a skill. How could she be the kind of vicious woman you describe?”

Tan Bawang gave a mocking snort.

“It is easy enough to know a face and impossible to know a heart. Who is to say she is not simply fishing for fame? If she is not guilty, why does she still refuse to hand them over? Seizing another man’s concubine and still acting as though she has the right of it?”

Then, feigning sudden alarm, he blurted out,

“Could it really be that you have already done something to Cai Qing? Hand her over at once. If you keep delaying, I shall lead men inside myself and search for her!”

At once, Steward Qin brought people forward and blocked the gate.

Tan Bawang let out a cold laugh. Seeing Mu Yunyao behave like this, he became more certain than ever that Cai Qing had already swallowed the drug and died, and that Mu Yunyao dared not hand her over because her heart was full of guilt. His arrogance rose still higher.

“Mu Yunyao, do you think this can hide your crime? Let me tell you—I have already sent someone to report this to the authorities. Today, I will definitely seek justice for Cai Qing!”

Even as he spoke, the crowd suddenly parted. County Magistrate Zhao, dressed in official robes and accompanied by yamen runners, stepped forward.

“I heard that a case involving human life has arisen here, so I came to have a look. Miss Mu, what exactly is going on?”

“Greetings, Magistrate Zhao. I merely brought Miss Cai Qing and her two younger brothers into my house so they could recover from their injuries. This Master Tan then came to my gate, making trouble, insisting on slandering me for stealing his concubine and hinting at every turn that I had taken a life. Speaking truthfully, I myself do not clearly understand what exactly has happened.”

Magistrate Zhao turned to Tan Bawang.

“Who are you, and why are you making such a disturbance here?”

“Greetings, Magistrate Zhao. I am Tan Bawang, the young master of Caiyue Pavilion. My concubine Cai Qing was taken by Mu Yunyao, and now her life or death is unknown. That is why I went to the yamen to report this matter and ask that Magistrate Zhao judge it impartially.”

Magistrate Zhao’s brows drew together.

“Whoever is involved, this official will deal with the matter impartially. Explain the details of the case clearly.”

Seeing that Magistrate Zhao meant to hear the case in the street itself, even more townspeople crowded in. But with the yamen runners standing guard, they could only watch in silence and did not dare make too much noise.

Tan Bawang immediately recounted the entire matter in vivid detail. In particular, when he spoke of Mu Yunyao sending people to seize Cai Qing and Little Mao, his expression became especially righteous and indignant. Matchmaker Liu stepped forward as well and testified on Tan Bawang’s behalf, saying that Cai Qing had indeed pressed her thumbprint onto the contract and had willingly agreed to become Tan Bawang’s concubine.

The two injured attendants also spoke up, and the story they told was so pitiful that anyone hearing it would grieve, and anyone listening would weep. Quite a few among the crowd began to sympathize with them.

After hearing everything, Magistrate Zhao’s face remained as stern as ever, impossible to read.

“Miss Mu, are matters truly as Tan Bawang describes them?”

Mu Yunyao shook her head slightly.

“As for the full truth, I am not entirely certain either. It would be better to let Cai Qing speak for herself.”

“What?”

Tan Bawang blurted out in shock. According to their plan, should Cai Qing not already have taken the powder by now?

Mu Yunyao looked at him, the corner of her lips curving in faint mockery.

“What is this? Master Tan seems disappointed that Cai Qing is still alive.”

“How could that be? I only fear that you have threatened her in secret…”

“Just now, by your own account, you and Miss Cai Qing are deeply in love and bound by mutual affection. You even traveled all the way from Huai’an City solely to bring her back with you. If your feelings are truly that deep, how could she possibly be induced to act against you because of one or two threats?”

Mu Yunyao turned to Jin Qiao.

“Go and invite Miss Cai Qing out.”

“Yes, Miss.”

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Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 133

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 132

Chapter 132: Meeting Tan Bawang Again

Mu Yunyao bent down and picked up the packet of powder.

“If this were truly poison, I might have believed you. Unfortunately, you did not finish staging your little play. This powder would make someone vomit blood and appear to be on the verge of death, but it would not actually be fatal. If treated in time, a few months of recovery would be enough.”

Cai Qing looked up, trembling all over.

“Miss Mu understands medicine as well?”

“There are too many wicked people in this world. One must know a few methods of self-protection. If I did not understand medicine, would I not have been deceived by you today?”

Cai Qing fell silent for a moment, then suddenly burst into tears.

“Miss Mu, I deserve to die. I gave rise to thoughts I never should have harbored. But I truly had no choice. Little Mao was injured and we had no silver for a physician. Nan’er is already eleven years old, yet because he has never had enough to eat, he looks no more than eight or nine…”

Mu Yunyao looked at Cai Qing coldly, disgust flashing through her heart.

“And even now, you still use them as an excuse? Or do you think I have no way to deal with you? There are many ways in this world to make a person die without a sound. You said it yourself—when people of your station die, the officials do not trouble themselves over it. I have more than enough means to settle the matter.”

She did not believe that this clever young woman would risk her life to scheme against her for such a reason. If Cai Qing truly valued Nan’er and Little Mao above her own life, how could she have brought herself to use them?

Cai Qing shuddered, then raised her hand and struck herself hard across the face. She used such force that blood immediately appeared at the corner of her mouth.

“Miss Mu, I will tell the truth… It was not really for Nan’er and Little Mao that I allowed myself to deceive you. It was for the sake of getting enough silver to leave the Charity Hall!”

As Cai Qing spoke, she raised her head slightly. When she saw Mu Yunyao’s expression grow still colder, a desolate look flashed through her eyes.

“You live in comfort, high above us. How could you possibly understand the suffering of orphans like us? On the surface, the Charity Hall appears to exist to shelter children like us, but behind the walls it is full of filth. Girls like us, once we are grown, are quietly sold off. The fortunate ones become someone’s concubine. But more often, they are bought and kept in private houses as secret prostitutes. I was unwilling to fall to such a fate, and that is why I agreed to Tan Bawang’s terms…”

The Charity Hall? Secret prostitution?

Mu Yunyao had never expected the Charity Hall to be engaged in such business. She measured Cai Qing carefully.

“And you were certain I would send someone to rescue you? If I had not granted Nan’er’s request, how did you intend to end this matter?”

“Miss Mu likes that child Nan’er, does she not? He was abandoned at the gates of the Charity Hall when he was small. Because he is thin and weak, people often bully him. Yet he has never blamed Heaven or resented others. Most of all, those eyes of his are so clear that they seem untouched by filth. Give him only a little kindness, and he can live clinging to it with happiness. I believed that Miss would not refuse such a pure-hearted child. And even if this attempt failed, there could always be another. In time, it would succeed…”

Mu Yunyao let out a cold laugh.

“You certainly know how to use people thoroughly. And you were quite certain I would save you, weren’t you?”

Now that Cai Qing was in her house, even if Mu Yunyao were to throw her back out this moment, Tan Bawang would still cling to the claim that she had stolen another man’s concubine. And if he were ruthless enough, he could even have Cai Qing quietly poisoned, then lay the blame at her door. What a neat calculation.

Cai Qing burst into sobs.

“Miss, I truly regret it. I should not have used Nan’er, and I should never have placed Lier in danger. I was only confused for a moment. I simply did not want my own end to be so miserable. I truly never meant to harm them. Please, find a way to save them!”

Mu Yunyao’s brows knit tightly. Just as she was about to speak, she noticed movement from the side.

“Miss, please… please save Sister Cai Qing…”

Nan’er was struggling to rise, but there was not the slightest strength in him. He nearly rolled off the daybed.

Cai Qing rushed over and caught him.

“Don’t move. Miss Mu said that two of your ribs are broken. If you move carelessly, it may leave lasting harm.”

But Nan’er only looked stubbornly toward Mu Yunyao.

“Miss, I know I am being unreasonable, but other than you, I do not know any noble person at all. I can only beg you to save Sister Cai Qing. I have nothing in this world except this life. If it would save her, I am willing to pay it with my life. I would do anything!”

At those words, Cai Qing covered her face and wept aloud.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry to all of you…”

At the doorway, Su Qing stepped in, her eyes red, and looked at Mu Yunyao with some hesitation.

“Yao’er…”

Mu Yunyao gave her a small nod, then turned to Nan’er and Cai Qing.

“I can save you, and I can help you leave the Charity Hall. But the two of you must sign indenture contracts. Are you willing?”

Nan’er nodded frantically.

“I am willing. Many thanks for Miss’s great kindness.”

Cai Qing agreed without the slightest hesitation.

“I am willing as well. Many thanks, Miss.”

She truly regretted everything now. Even if Mu Yunyao were to sell her off afterward, she would accept it. They had lived together for years. How could she not have long since regarded Nan’er and Little Mao as younger brothers of her own? Seeing them reduced to such a miserable state because of her, and still pleading on her behalf, her heart had already been drowned in remorse. She could no longer understand how she had once become so crazed as to use them, nearly costing them their lives.

Seeing this, the chill in Mu Yunyao’s eyes eased slightly.

To Cai Qing, she said, “Come with me. I will have Jin Lan watch over these two children.”

“Yes, Miss.”

After a round of busyness, noon was nearly at hand when a commotion suddenly broke out at the gate of Jinxiu Garden, drawing many townspeople over to watch.

At the front gate, a servant missing one finger was shouting at the top of his lungs:

“Mu Yunyao, come out! Hand over our young master’s concubine! Stealing another man’s concubine is a serious crime. If you do not surrender her, our young master will take you to court and ask the county magistrate to decide justice!”

Jin Lan brought the matter to Mu Yunyao. Beside her, Su Qing was full of worry.

“Yao’er?”

“Mother, do not worry. I will go have a look at the gate and return shortly.”

“You must be careful. Take Siqin and the others with you. Do not let yourself suffer any loss!”

Su Qing hurriedly called for Siqin and the others.

“You must protect Miss properly!”

Mu Yunyao could not help laughing.

“Mother, rest assured. They would not dare lay hands on me.”

“Take them anyway. They kicked Nan’er so hard that they broke his ribs. That alone shows how lawless they are. You must not lower your guard.”

“All right. I’ll do as Mother says.”

As soon as she stepped out of the room, the warmth vanished from Mu Yunyao’s eyes.

Steward Qin had already gathered people at the gate. The moment he saw her come out, he hurried forward to greet her, then stood at her side, looking at Tan Bawang and his people with open hostility.

The instant Tan Bawang saw Mu Yunyao, his teeth ground audibly. He narrowed his eyes and looked her up and down, resentment filling him to the brim.

So he had finally gotten hold of this little wretch.

Mu Yunyao naturally saw Tan Bawang as well, but the sight of him brought a flicker of surprise to her eyes. Compared with the last time, he had grown much thinner. The air about him had also changed, becoming far softer and more affected. Something about every movement of his carried an indescribable sense of wrongness.

“Master Tan, it has been quite some time. I never expected that you would come all the way to Jingling City.”

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Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 132

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 131

Chapter 131: A Vicious Scheme 

After wiping her hands clean, Mu Yunyao finally let Liu Liang enter.

“You mean Tan Bawang, the young master of Caiyue Pavilion in Huai’an City—the one I beat before?”

“Yes.”

Mu Yunyao lowered her eyes slightly, thinking it over in silence. What a coincidence. The people she had just rescued had been injured by Tan Bawang. Was it truly a coincidence, or had it been arranged on purpose?

“The attendant whose finger you cut off before would surely recognize you.”

“Yes. Just now, when I saw Master occupied with saving lives, I did not step forward to report it. Please punish me.”

Mu Yunyao glanced at him. Ever since the day she had asked about his identity, Liu Liang had become especially cautious around her, to the point that his respectful manner felt strange to her.

“I understand. Go and investigate what Tan Bawang has been doing since arriving in Jingling City.”

“Yes.”

After Liu Liang withdrew, Mu Yunyao thought for a moment, then went to the east side room.

Ding Yuelan’s injuries had nearly healed, but she had grown much quieter than before. From time to time, she would sit in a daze, lost in thought. Su Qing had tried to console her many times in private, but with little effect. Her embroidery, however, had improved by leaps and bounds. The patterns she now produced were nearly on par with Mu Yunyao’s.

“Miss Mu, what brings you here?”

Mu Yunyao looked at the peony Ding Yuelan was embroidering. The layered petals were vivid and lifelike.

“There is no need for Madam to rush your work so hard. Your eyes will not be able to endure it.”

Ding Yuelan gave a faintly bitter smile.

“It is only when I embroider that my heart becomes a little calmer. Did you come because you had something to ask me?”

“There is indeed something I wish to ask Madam, only…”

Mu Yunyao hesitated, worried about reopening old wounds. Yet if she did not ask, her mind would not be at ease.

Ding Yuelan seemed to understand her hesitation at once and led her farther into the room to sit.

“Please ask whatever you wish, Miss.”

She had already gone completely cold toward the Ding family. Though she still felt pain, it was no longer the soul-crushing despair she had once known.

“I wanted to ask whether the Ding family came into contact with anyone after its downfall.”

Ding Yuelan thought carefully.

“When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter. After the Ding family collapsed, no one came to our door anymore. Especially after my father… after Master Ding suffered a stroke and became bedridden—even our relatives did not come to see him. I never noticed anyone contacting the family…”

She paused, then suddenly added,

“However, two days before Old Madam Ding decided to sell me into Ruyi Pavilion, she suddenly changed. She no longer looked worried or miserable. Instead, she was extremely pleased and kept saying that Heaven had eyes, that she had met a benefactor, and that once they reached Huai’an City there would still be a chance to rise again.”

“Thank you, Madam, for telling me honestly. In a little while, Ni Yun Fang will reopen. If Madam is willing, I have always kept the manager’s position for you.”

When Ding Yuelan shook her head in refusal, Mu Yunyao continued,

“Madam, people must always move forward. To waste the rest of your life over those who are not worth it—that is what would truly be unworthy. I hope Madam will think it over carefully.”

“...Thank you, Miss. I will think about it.”

Mu Yunyao nodded with a smile.

“Then I won’t disturb you further.”

After leaving the east side room, Mu Yunyao’s expression turned cool. The so-called benefactor from Huai’an City could only be Tan Bawang. That meant the disturbance from Ruyi Pavilion had most likely also been his doing, a behind-the-scenes probe. But what about Cai Qing? What connection did she have with Tan Bawang?

Cai Qing was tending to Nan’er and Little Mao. When she saw Mu Yunyao enter, she hurriedly rose and bowed.

“Greetings, Miss Mu.”

Mu Yunyao sat down in a nearby chair, her cool gaze settling on Cai Qing with unmistakable scrutiny.

“I have heard that Tan Bawang has taken a liking to you and intends to take you as a concubine?”

Cai Qing’s head jerked up. The moment her eyes met Mu Yunyao’s, she lowered them again like a startled animal, her gaze trembling violently.

“It was only because Tan Bawang deliberately made trouble and beat Little Mao. I stepped forward to argue with him, and who could have guessed that he was harboring such wicked thoughts? That is why…”

“I already know all that. Nan’er told me. But I think there are still things in this matter that I do not know. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Cai Qing stood there clutching her skirt so tightly that her knuckles whitened. Sweat was already dripping from her forehead.

“I… I don’t understand what Miss means…”

“I heard from Nan’er that there is also a child named Lier under your care. Where is she now?”

Cai Qing bit down hard on her lip. Then she suddenly took two quick steps forward and dropped to her knees before Mu Yunyao.

“Miss, I beg you—save us!”

A chill spread through Mu Yunyao’s eyes. When Nan’er had first come up to speak to her, she had not thought much of it. But now, with one thing after another emerging, she could not help but feel that his approach back then had been deliberate. Nan’er was clear-hearted, timid, and shy. How could a child like that have found the courage to step forward and warn her on his own? The only possibility was that someone had instructed him from behind the scenes.

“Why should I save a liar?”

She had seen far too much of the Su family’s false and hypocritical eldest young lady. Looking at Cai Qing now, she saw flaws everywhere.

Cai Qing shook her head frantically.

“Miss Mu, I am not a liar. I never meant to deceive you. But if I had not been forced, how would I ever have dared approach you? It was Tan Bawang. Before this, he falsely accused Little Mao of dirtying his clothes and demanded one hundred taels of silver in compensation. If we could not pay, he said he would beat Little Mao to death. For people like us, even if we are beaten to death, it can be settled with a bit of silver. The officials would not care. In order to save Little Mao, I had no choice but to obey him and have Nan’er approach you.”

Mu Yunyao remained cold. Hearing this, she let out a faint mocking laugh.

“Nan’er trusts you as though you were his own elder sister. He would rather go hungry himself than keep even two pastries for his own stomach, and instead bring them back for you. How could you bear to use a child who trusts you so completely?”

“I was forced into it. If I had not done so, they would all have died…”

As she spoke, tears streamed down Cai Qing’s face.

“Though we are not related by blood, I helped raise them in the Charity Hall. In order to preserve their lives, I had no other choice.”

Mu Yunyao frowned but said nothing.

Cai Qing shuffled forward on her knees and knocked her head to the ground.

“This morning, Tan Bawang brought a matchmaker with him. He seized my hand and forced my thumbprint down, making me admit that I was willingly entering his household as a concubine. Then he secretly had Nan’er come here to beg for help. He had already calculated that you would soften and rescue me. After that, he seized Lier and gave me a packet of poison, ordering me to swallow it and kill myself when he later came here to make trouble, so that he could use my death to frame you, Miss. If I obeyed him, he would release Lier. If I refused, he would find a way to beat all of us to death. I truly had no other choice. I beg Miss to show mercy…”

After saying this, Cai Qing took a packet of powder from inside her clothes and laid it out, then bowed low to the ground, her posture humble to the extreme.

Mu Yunyao looked at the girl prostrate before her and let out a cold laugh.

“How am I to know whether what you are saying is true? Who can say that you and Tan Bawang are not secretly working together to drag me into a trap?”

“I would never joke with the lives of Nan’er and the others. Miss Mu, every word I have spoken is the truth. There is not a single lie in it!”

“If I had not come to question you, what did you intend to do?”

Cai Qing’s face turned pale. Under Mu Yunyao’s gaze, it was as if her thoughts had nowhere to hide.

“I… I would have found a chance to tell Miss…”

“No, you would not.”

Mu Yunyao rose to her feet. If not for the lingering flicker in Cai Qing’s expression, she might almost have believed her.

“Tan Bawang is not only threatening you with Lier. He must also have promised you quite a few benefits, mustn’t he?”

“No. He told me to swallow poison and die—what benefit could he possibly promise me? Even if there were benefits, I would have no life left to enjoy them…”

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Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 131

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 130

Chapter 130: Stepping In to Save Someone 

Mu Yunyao looked at him quietly. Seeing his eyes brimming with tears and how anxious he was, she finally spoke.

“As it happens, there really is one matter in which I would like your help—though I do not know whether you can persevere.”

Nan’er’s eyes lit up at once, and his whole face immediately brightened with excitement.

“Please give your orders, Miss. I may be small, but I’m very strong!”

As he said this, he even tugged up his sleeve to show off a thin little arm. Perhaps feeling that this did not look persuasive in the least, he quickly pulled the sleeve back down again and gave a shy smile, the little dimple at his cheek flashing in and out of view.

Mu Yunyao could not help but laugh.

“All right, then. Come with me.”

Nan’er nodded quickly and followed Mu Yunyao into Jinxiu Garden.

The moment he entered the garden and passed the Xiangfei bamboo grove screening the gate, he could not help gasping aloud. When he saw Mu Yunyao glance back at him, he hurriedly clutched at the hem of his clothes.

“Forgive me, Miss. I spoke out of turn. This place is simply too beautiful. It is just as Sister Cai Qing said—like an immortal realm. Those older brothers and sisters seem like immortals as well.”

As he spoke, he could not help sneaking another glance at the tea attendants.

Though he was still such a small orphan, his bearing in advancing and retreating was unexpectedly courteous. Mu Yunyao found herself even more curious about Cai Qing.

“Were all your manners and rules taught by Cai Qing?”

“Yes. Sister Cai Qing says one must understand propriety and keep propriety. Only then is life meaningful. If a person lives only to satisfy hunger, then he is no different from a cat or a dog.”

“Your sister sounds quite remarkable.”

Nan’er was little and thin, and after a while, he began to struggle to keep up with Mu Yunyao’s pace. Yet he made no sound. Even when his face had gone pale, he still pushed himself to follow.

When they reached the winding bridge, Mu Yunyao stopped.

“There are many water birds by the lake. In order not to disturb the guests, someone must clean up after them regularly. If children your age were to do it, it would take at least three or four of you. The tea wares must also be specially washed and polished, which would require at least five or six people. The flowers, plants, and paths all need tending as well. Tell me, what kind of work do you think you could do?”

Nan’er’s eyes widened.

“Miss, I can trim flowers and plants, and I can sweep the paths. Could you let Sister Cai Qing help wash the tea wares?”

“You know that washing tea wares is easier work. Why would you not choose it for yourself, and instead give it to Cai Qing, when she is older than you and has more strength?”

“Little Mao was beaten and injured. Every day Sister has to go wash clothes for people, and people often bully her. She also has to look after Granny and Lier. She works very hard. I want her to have something easier.”

Jin Lan felt a pang in her heart at once. This child was far too sensible.

Mu Yunyao, however, did not agree immediately. Instead, she led him to a courtyard that had not yet been opened and pointed to a path.

“Go clean this path first. I will decide whether your work is good enough after I see it.”

“All right. I’ll go at once.”

Jin Lan fetched a broom, and then she and Mu Yunyao sat down in a nearby pavilion.

“Miss, you seem especially fond of this Nan’er.”

“His thoughts are clear and simple. Being around him makes one feel lighter.”

Nan’er worked with great seriousness. He carefully pulled out even the small weeds growing between the cracks in the paving stones, then swept the path clean. He even tidied the flowerbeds on both sides. Since there were many flowers and plants he did not recognize, he did not dare touch them carelessly. He only carefully picked away those leaves that had yellowed or been damaged.

Seeing how earnestly he worked, Mu Yunyao simply had Jin Lan bring over embroidery cloth and thread and sat in the pavilion embroidering a beauty figure.

Only after nearly an hour did Nan’er come over. Seeing that Mu Yunyao was busy, he did not dare make a sound to disturb her. He merely stood quietly to one side, even softening his breathing.

The sight of him unexpectedly made Mu Yunyao think back to when she had first entered the Su residence in her previous life. At that time, she too had been this cautious, not even daring to breathe too loudly. Her heart stirred, and her expression softened.

“You’ve finished cleaning?”

“Yes, Miss. I cleaned it very carefully.”

Even from a distance, Mu Yunyao could already see that the path had been made exceptionally clean. Even the flowerbeds on either side looked noticeably neater.

“Jin Lan, take him to wash his hands, then bring him back to eat something.”

Though Nan’er was anxious to know whether his cleaning had been acceptable, the moment he heard the words eat something, his stomach let out a loud growl. At once, his face turned bright red, and he let Jin Lan lead him off in confusion.

By the time Nan’er returned with clean hands, the table had already been laid with many delicate pastries, all in shapes he had never seen before, fragrant and tempting.

Mu Yunyao nudged the plate toward him.

“Sit down and eat. You just helped me clean a path, and now I am treating you to pastries. That is only fair and proper, so you need not worry about accepting something you did not earn.”

Nan’er could not help swallowing. His fingers rubbed uncertainly against his clothes. The pastries before him smelled so wonderful, and even the plate beneath them shone so brightly. He was afraid that if he touched it, he might somehow break it. Such a beautiful plate—even if he sold himself, he could never repay it.

Seeing that he still would not move, Mu Yunyao picked up two pastries and held them out to him.

“Eat.”

Nan’er swallowed more quickly, but still lifted his head to ask timidly,

“Miss, may I take these two pastries back for Little Mao and Sister Cai Qing? Little Mao is covered in injuries, and his whole body is burning hot. He hasn’t been able to eat for several days. And Sister has been unhappy all day long. Maybe if they taste pastries this delicious, they’ll get better.”

“You eat your share. When you leave, I’ll have Jin Lan pack some for you to take back.”

“Really? Thank you, Miss!”

At last, Nan’er could hold back no longer. Clutching the pastries, he stuffed them into his mouth. Though he tried his best to restrain himself, he was still only a child. Hunger had driven him too far, and he no longer cared about his manners. He simply wolfed them down.

Jin Lan’s heart twisted at the sight. She poured him a cup of warm water and placed it by his hand.

“Eat slowly. No one is going to take them from you.”

Nan’er’s mouth was full of pastries, but his eyes had already turned red. Rubbing at them with his sleeve, he forced the food down and said,

“Thank you, Miss. I know you only found an excuse to give me pastries because you pitied me. I only cleaned one path, and it took me a very long time. It simply wasn’t worth pastries this good... Miss, you are a good person. Good people will surely be rewarded.”

Even Jin Lan felt her heart ache.

Mu Yunyao merely smiled and pushed the other plate toward him.

“Fill your stomach first, and talk afterward.”

People often said that children from poor families learned to shoulder burdens early. But in truth, that happened only because life forced it upon them. When hunger and struggle arrive too soon, every step of living is bitter and hard. It becomes impossible not to grow up early.

Only after finishing two full plates of pastries did Nan’er finally stop, still looking reluctant—not because he no longer wanted to eat, but because his stomach truly could not hold more.

“Thank you, Miss.”

Looking at the empty plates, Nan’er began to grow flustered again. Would this young lady think him too greedy? Would she become annoyed and decide not to let him work in the garden after all?

“Miss, I usually don’t eat that much. Truly. Just two pastries would have been enough. If I eat two pastries, then I won’t feel hungry for the whole day!”

It was all his own fault for being greedy. Why had he not listened to Sister Cai Qing and stopped himself from wanting too much?

Mu Yunyao looked at him and said quietly,

“Even if you say that, two pastries could never last a whole day when you are still growing. Starting tomorrow, come to the garden and help sweep the paths. I will have clothes prepared for you. You will be given two meals a day, and in addition, five copper coins each day.”

Nan’er froze completely. Then, with a thump, he dropped to his knees before her.

“Thank you, Miss! Thank you for your great kindness!”

Clothes to wear, food to eat, wages to earn—such a life was something he had never even dared dream of.

Seeing that Jin Lan had already wrapped up some pastries, Mu Yunyao nodded faintly.

“That is enough for today. Go back now. Come again first thing tomorrow morning when Jinxiu Garden opens.”

“Yes.”

Jin Lan stepped forward, placed the wrapped pastries into his arms, and then guided him toward the exit.

“Come. I’ll see you out.”

“Thank you, Elder Sister.”

Nan’er looked up obediently to thank her, which made Jin Lan rub his head without thinking. Nan’er flushed so red he looked as if he might burn.

Mu Yunyao had Jin Qiao inform Steward Qin that she would be recruiting a few people to help tend the garden. After hearing Nan’er’s story, Steward Qin repeatedly praised Mu Yunyao for her kindness and readily agreed to have someone keep an eye on things in secret.

But the next day, Nan’er did not come.

“Miss, this servant went to the gate twice and still didn’t see him.”

Jin Lan reported back, secretly wondering whether Cai Qing had perhaps been too wary and deliberately stopped Nan’er from coming to work in the garden.

Mu Yunyao paused in the middle of organizing the account books.

“Have Liu Liang go and see whether something delayed him, or whether he simply does not wish to come.”

Seeing that Mu Yunyao had not grown angry over it, Jin Lan felt relieved and quickly turned to go find Liu Liang.

“Yes, Miss.”

Nan’er was such a likable child that she had truly feared Miss might be annoyed and refuse to let him come to the garden again.

Before she had even stepped out of the room, she saw Jin Qiao running toward them in a hurry.

“What is it?”

Mu Yunyao also raised her head.

Jin Qiao, still panting for breath, reported,

“Miss, that Nan’er has come—but he is kneeling outside the gate and crying!”

Mu Yunyao’s brows drew together.

“Go and see.”

Su Qing had already had Nan’er brought inside and had even wiped his tears for him with her own hands.

“Yao’er, you’re here. This child was kneeling outside the gate and crying without stop. I truly could not bear it, so I had Siqin bring him in. But no matter what I asked, he would not say anything. He would only say that he wanted to see you.”

The moment he saw Mu Yunyao, Nan’er dropped to his knees by her feet.

“Miss, please—please save Little Mao, please save Sister Cai Qing!”

“What happened?”

Mu Yunyao’s eyes fell at once on the handprint across his face, and her brows moved slightly.

“A few days ago, when Little Mao was begging on the street, he accidentally got in the way of a young master. That man ordered his servant to beat him. Sister Cai Qing stepped forward to argue, and then that young master began harassing her. He said he wanted to take her as a concubine. Sister Cai Qing refused, so every day after that he sent people to the Charity Hall to make trouble for us. Today, that young master came in person. He said Sister Cai Qing had stolen his silver and that he was going to take her to the magistrate. But really he is only using that as an excuse to force Sister Cai Qing to agree to become his concubine!”

Jin Lan and Jin Qiao fell silent behind them, not daring to speak.

Su Qing also looked troubled, glancing hesitantly toward Mu Yunyao. A man bold enough to use such methods to force a girl must surely possess a certain position and power. Though Ni Yun Fang and Bu Xian Lou now stood on solid ground, whether to make a great stir for the sake of a girl they had met only once was still something that required careful weighing.

Seeing that Mu Yunyao had not yet spoken, Nan’er began trembling even more violently.

“Miss, please! I’ll kowtow to you. So long as you save Sister Cai Qing, from now on I’ll be your ox, your horse—I’ll repay you for the rest of my life! Please, Miss! Please!”

He put all his strength into it. After only two kowtows, his forehead was already bruised blue.

Su Qing could not bear it and bent to hold him back.

“Child, do not be so anxious. Let us think carefully—”

“Madam, I’m afraid that if we delay any longer, Sister will be taken away by that man. I... I...”

As he spoke, his face turned paler and paler, and he suddenly collapsed unconscious.

Mu Yunyao stepped forward at once. The moment she touched his pulse, her expression darkened. Without hesitation, she pulled open the front of his clothes. There, across his chest, was the mark of a dark bruise in the shape of a footprint, and the chest bone itself had slightly deformed.

“Liu Liang, go at once and bring the others to Jinxiu Garden.”

Liu Liang nodded and turned to leave immediately.

Su Qing was torn between worry and hesitation.

“Yao’er, is it really proper to do this?”

Jin Lan had already lifted Nan’er onto a nearby daybed.

Mu Yunyao wrote out a prescription and handed it to Jin Qiao, then stepped forward and took Su Qing’s hand to comfort her when she saw how tightly her mother’s brows were knit.

“Mother, do not worry. Nothing will happen.”

She needed to be careful, yes—but that did not mean she was timid or afraid of trouble. Especially now, with her footing in Jingling City secure, she truly did not fear stirring up trouble there.

“But what if they are people we simply cannot afford to provoke? Mother was muddle-headed just now. I saw the child was pitiful and forgot our own situation.”

“Mother truly need not worry. We stand on the side of reason. We will not suffer so easily.”

There was no way for her to explain more to Su Qing now. Her mother would have to understand such things slowly over time.

By the time Jin Qiao returned with the medicine, Liu Liang had already brought the others back.

The young girl called Cai Qing was covered in injuries, and in her arms she held a child even smaller than Nan’er. His face was flushed red, his lips bluish, and the rise and fall of his chest was so faint as to be almost invisible.

The moment she saw Mu Yunyao, Cai Qing dropped to her knees.

“Many thanks, Miss, for saving us! Please, Miss, have mercy and save Little Mao!”

Mu Yunyao said nothing. She stepped forward, took the child’s pulse, and the moment her fingers touched it, her brows drew together even more tightly.

“Jin Lan, go to my room and bring the medicine chest from beneath the bed. Jin Qiao, cut some ginseng slices and prepare ginseng broth. We need to keep this child alive.”

Cai Qing bit her lip hard and bowed heavily to Mu Yunyao, forcing back her tears. Then she knelt quietly to the side, not daring to make a sound to disturb them.

Seeing the way she looked, Su Qing could not help but soften.

“Get up, child. Yao’er will certainly do everything she can to save your younger brother.”

“Thank you, Madam.”

When Jin Lan brought the medicine chest, Mu Yunyao took out a set of silver needles, loosened the child’s clothing, and inserted the first needle directly into his chest.

After sixteen needles in all, and after forcing two bowls of ginseng broth down him, the dark bluish hue on the child’s face finally began to fade.

Mu Yunyao withdrew the needles and carefully took his pulse again, then turned to Cai Qing.

“For the next two days, he must be watched over with particular care. I will have medicine prepared and sent over. He must take it every two hours. If his fever rises, his whole body must be wiped down with cloths.”

“Miss, your great kindness can never be repaid. Cai Qing bows to you here.”

“Better that you first look after him properly. Nan’er was kicked in the chest; two of his ribs are broken. If he had not begged me, I would never have stepped in to save you.”

When she looked at Nan’er, she could not help thinking of herself in her previous life. It naturally stirred a bit of pity in her heart. And when she first met Cai Qing, she had not disliked her either. That was why she had chosen to intervene—but only to this extent. The people had been saved. As for whether she would continue to involve herself in their affairs, that would require more thought.

Some blood had gotten onto Mu Yunyao’s hands, and the sensation made her deeply uncomfortable. After giving Cai Qing her instructions, she returned to her room and washed her hands with great care.

Liu Liang came and spoke from the doorway.

“Master, I saw the man in Huai’an City whom you once beat with an oil-paper umbrella.”

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Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 130

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 129

Chapter 129: Good People Are Rewarded 

“Now that I think of it, there really is one thing I would like to trouble you to help with—if you can endure it.”

Nan’er’s eyes lit up at once, and excitement immediately appeared on his face.

“Please give the order, Miss. I may be small, but I’m very strong!”

As he spoke, he even tugged up his sleeve on purpose, revealing a thin little arm. Perhaps feeling that this was not convincing in the least, he quickly tugged the sleeve back down again and gave a shy smile, the small dimple at his cheek appearing and disappearing.

Mu Yunyao could not help laughing.

“All right, then. Come with me.”

Nan’er nodded quickly and followed Mu Yunyao into Jinxiu Garden.

The moment he entered the garden and passed around the Xiangfei bamboo grove screening the gate, he could not help gasping aloud. When he noticed Mu Yunyao looking back at him, he quickly gripped the hem of his clothes.

“I have been disrespectful, Miss. I beg your forgiveness. This place is simply too beautiful. It’s just as Sister Cai Qing said, like an immortal realm. And those older brothers and sisters are like immortals too.”

As he spoke, he could not help sneaking another glance at the tea attendants brewing tea.

Though he was only a small orphan, he was unexpectedly well-mannered in the way he advanced and retreated. Mu Yunyao became even more curious about Cai Qing.

“All your manners and rules—were they all taught by Cai Qing?”

“Yes. Sister Cai Qing says one must understand propriety and keep propriety, or life has no meaning. If a person lives only to fill the stomach, then he is no different from a cat or a dog.”

“Your elder sister sounds like a remarkable person.”

Nan’er was young and thin, and gradually he began to have trouble keeping up with Mu Yunyao’s pace. Yet he made no sound. Even when his face had turned pale, he still did his best to keep following.

When they passed over the winding bridge, Mu Yunyao stopped.

“There are many water birds by the lake, and in order not to disturb the guests, the area must be cleaned often. If children your age were to do it, it would take at least three or four of you. The tea wares also need dedicated hands to wash and polish them—at least five or six people. And the flowers, plants, and roadways all need tending as well. Tell me, what kind of work do you think you can do?”

Nan’er’s eyes widened.

“Miss, I can trim flowers and plants, and sweep the roads. Could you let Sister Cai Qing help wash the tea wares?”

“You know very well that washing tea wares is easier work. Why not do that yourself and leave the heavier work to Cai Qing, when she is older than you and stronger too?”

“Little Mao was beaten and injured. Every day Sister has to go wash clothes for people to earn money, and she is often bullied. She also has to look after Granny and Lier. She works very hard. I want her to have something easier.”

Jin Lan, hearing this, could not help feeling her heart ache. This child was far too sensible.

Mu Yunyao, however, did not agree at once. Instead, she led him to a courtyard not yet opened to guests and pointed to a path.

“Go clean this path first. I will see how well you do the work before deciding.”

“All right. I’ll go at once.”

Jin Lan fetched a broom for him, and then she followed Mu Yunyao to sit in a nearby pavilion.

“Miss, you seem especially fond of this Nan’er.”

“His thoughts are clean and simple. It makes one feel lighter in his company.”

Nan’er worked with extraordinary care. He even pulled out the small weeds growing between the paving stones, then swept the road clean. He tidied the flowerbeds on both sides as well. Since there were many plants in the beds he did not recognize, he did not dare touch them carelessly. He only carefully plucked away the leaves that had yellowed or been damaged.

Seeing how earnestly he worked, Mu Yunyao simply had Jin Lan bring over embroidery cloth and thread and sat there in the pavilion embroidering a beauty figure.

Only after nearly an hour did Nan’er come over. Seeing that Mu Yunyao was busy, he did not dare make a sound to interrupt her. He simply stood quietly to one side, even lightening his breathing.

At the sight of him like this, Mu Yunyao unexpectedly recalled the time when she had first entered the Su residence in her previous life. She, too, had been just as cautious then, hardly daring to breathe too loudly. Her heart stirred, and her expression warmed.

“Have you finished cleaning?”

“Yes, Miss. I cleaned it very carefully.”

From a distance alone, Mu Yunyao had already seen that the little path had been made exceptionally clean. Even the flowerbeds on either side looked neater.

“Jin Lan, take him away and let him wash his hands, then bring him back to eat something.”

Though Nan’er was anxious to know whether his work had passed or failed, the moment he heard the words eat something, his stomach let out an unwilling growl. His face turned scarlet at once, and he let Jin Lan lead him away in confusion.

When Nan’er returned with clean hands, many delicate pastries had already been laid out on the table. They were all shapes he had never seen before, fragrant and mouthwatering.

Mu Yunyao pushed the plate toward him a little.

“Sit and eat. You just helped me clean a road, and now I am treating you to pastries. That is only fair and reasonable, so you need not worry about accepting something you have not earned.”

Nan’er could not help swallowing hard. His fingers rubbed uncertainly against his clothes. The pastries before him smelled so good, and even the plates they sat upon were bright and shining. He was terrified that if he touched them, he might somehow break them. A fine plate like this—he could never repay it, even if he sold himself.

Seeing that he still did not move, Mu Yunyao picked up two pastries and held them out to him.

“Eat.”

Nan’er swallowed even faster, but he lifted his head and asked tentatively,

“Miss, may I take these two pastries back for Little Mao and Sister Cai Qing? Little Mao is covered in injuries and is burning all over. He hasn’t been able to eat for days. And Sister is unhappy all the time. Maybe if they eat something as delicious as this, they’ll get better.”

“You eat yours. When you leave, I will have Jin Lan pack some for you to take back.”

“Really? Thank you, Miss!”

At last, Nan’er could no longer hold back. He clutched the pastries and stuffed them into his mouth. Though he tried his best to restrain himself, he was only a child. Starved to the limit, he could no longer care about manners and simply wolfed them down.

Watching him, Jin Lan felt her heart twist. She poured him a cup of warm water and set it in his hand.

“Eat slowly. No one is going to take them from you.”

Nan’er’s mouth was full of pastries, yet his eyes had already turned red. He rubbed at them with the back of his hand, forced the pastry down, and said,

“Thank you, Miss. I know you only found an excuse to give me pastries because you felt sorry for me. I only cleaned one little road, and it took me such a long time. It simply wasn’t worth pastries this delicious... Miss, you are a good person. Good people will definitely be rewarded.”

Even Jin Lan’s heart turned sour at his words.

Mu Yunyao only smiled faintly and pushed the second plate toward him.

“Fill your stomach first, and talk afterward.”

It was often said that children from poor families learned to shoulder burdens early. But in truth, that was only because life forced them to. When hunger and struggle become familiar too soon, every step of living is filled with hardship and bitterness. It becomes impossible not to grow up early.

Only after finishing two plates of pastries did Nan’er finally stop, still unwilling, not because he no longer wanted to eat, but because his stomach could not hold more.

“Thank you, Miss.”

Looking at the emptied plates, Nan’er began to feel flustered again. Would the young lady before him think he had eaten too much? Would she become annoyed and decide not to let him work in the garden after all?

“Miss, I don’t usually eat much—really. Just two pastries are enough. If I eat two pastries, I won’t feel hungry the whole day!”

It was all his own fault for being greedy. Why had he not listened to Sister Cai Qing and stopped himself from wanting so much?

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Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 129

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 128

Chapter 128: Liu Liang’s Identity 

As soon as Steward Qin heard that she had come, he hurried forward to greet her.

“Miss, you have come. As for the plaque—”

“I know. In a little while, I will have Liu Liang bring over the imperial calligraphy. Just have someone copy it and make the plaque.”

“Good, good. I have already found the right man—the most famous mounting Master in Jingling City. He will certainly make the plaque flawless.”

Mu Yunyao could not help smiling.

“I naturally trust your judgment.”

Only then did Steward Qin realize that he had been a little too eager, and he gave a sheepish chuckle.

“Miss, now that we have His Majesty’s plaque, the number of people coming to reserve seats has suddenly doubled. They are already booking a month in advance. And early this morning, several merchants came to place orders for tea leaves. It is only that our tea garden is too small; we cannot supply enough.”

His tone was full of regret. Watching people come to the door bearing silver in both hands, yet being unable to take it from them, truly made his heart ache.

“Our tea garden may be small, but all of Jiangnan is vast. We can purchase fresh leaves elsewhere and roast them ourselves. In places where transport is inconvenient, we can send over masters who already know how to roast tea, rent a courtyard, hang up the signboard of Bu Xian Lou, and business will come more easily. In the future, once Bu Xian Lou grows larger and opens tea houses elsewhere, those places can also serve as supports. Is that not the best of both worlds?”

Steward Qin froze, then slapped his forehead.

“Is my brain made of wood or something? Such a simple principle, and I did not think of it. Miss must be laughing at me.”

“You simply did not think of it in the moment, that is all. But if we are to expand elsewhere, everything must be considered carefully in advance. The people we send out must also be reliable. Once the distance grows greater, trouble becomes easier to breed. Bu Xian Lou hangs the plaque bestowed by His Majesty, after all. The quality of the tea must remain consistent from beginning to end. Even in other places, strict quality control must be kept. We must not smash our own signboard.”

“Yes. I will select very carefully. Please rest assured, Miss. The account books will also be sent over on time, and your share will be settled punctually.”

Mu Yunyao laughed softly.

“That would naturally be best. In the future, I can simply sit at home while money falls from the sky.”

Steward Qin hurried off to make arrangements. Mu Yunyao then called Liu Liang over and told him to investigate the matter of the beggar children outside the garden gate.

Jin Lan could not help but ask,

“Miss, why are you interested in those people?”

Beggars of that sort could be found anywhere, after all. Xiling in the capital was the same, and Jingling City was no exception.

“They simply seem somewhat interesting to me. If they can be of use, then I can both open a path of survival for them and, without much effort, find people I may be able to use. That would kill two birds with one stone.”

“Miss means to use those beggar children?”

Jin Lan could not help feeling worried.

“Although there are certainly good people among beggars, many of them have already developed fixed habits. They think only of receiving alms. Even if you give them work to do, they will loaf and shirk. I fear they may not be fit for real use.”

“For now, I am only taking a look. Even if they truly can be used, they would still need to be selected carefully.”

Now that Bu Xian Lou had gradually stabilized and Ni Yun Fang would soon reopen and bring in gold by the bucket, it was time to find ways to cultivate people of her own. Later, when she opened embroidery houses and tea houses elsewhere, she would need them.

Mu Yunyao handed the matter over to Liu Liang and went off without worry to occupy herself with other business. By evening, Liu Liang returned to report.

“Master, I have already found the place where the beggar child you mentioned is staying. He, together with the young girl who spoke to you today, both come from the Charity Hall.”

Mu Yunyao was somewhat surprised.

“The Charity Hall?”

“Yes. It is a place that specifically shelters the old and the young in Jingling City who have no one to depend on. The young girl is called Cai Qing, and the child who spoke to you is called Nan’er. They only began coming to the gate these past few days. That Cai Qing also once studied embroidery, but only halfway through. A child in the Charity Hall happened to fall ill, so she went back to care for him, and that interrupted her training.”

“That is rather interesting. Let us simply watch for now.”

“Master, do you need people? I have already recruited some men under me. If you have use for them, you need only give the order.”

Mu Yunyao was slightly surprised. After giving Liu Liang the silver earlier, she had more or less let the matter go and never asked further. She had not expected that in such a short time, he would already have gathered people who could be used.

“Can they be trusted?”

“They can.”

Liu Liang nodded.

Seeing how certain he looked, Mu Yunyao suddenly asked,

“Liu Liang, come to think of it, I still do not know what your real name is, or what you used to do before. ”

That she trusted Liu Liang’s character came in part from her previous life, when she had seen him stay by Jin Wang’s side and remain loyal to him from beginning to end. But in truth, whether in the past or now, she knew absolutely nothing about his earlier life.

Liu Liang stiffened all over and suddenly dropped to one knee before her.

“I do not remember. But Master may rest assured—Liu Liang will never betray you.”

Seeing such a drastic reaction from him, what had only been a casual question now gave rise to deeper thought in Mu Yunyao’s mind. The gaze with which she looked at Liu Liang grew sharply cool.

“If I did not trust you, I would never have handed over my entire fortune and my life into your keeping. Rise. If you do not wish to speak of it, then so be it. Why must you make up such talk as not remembering?”

Liu Liang remained kneeling on the ground, stubborn and unyielding.

Mu Yunyao frowned, and at once a trace of anger rose in her heart.

“What is this? Will you not even listen to my command?”

Liu Liang immediately raised his head, panic flashing in his eyes.

“Master, I did not mean it that way. It is only...”

“That is enough. If one employs a person, one does not doubt him; if one doubts a person, one does not employ him. You have followed me long enough now. If I did not trust you, I would already have driven you away. I asked only casually, yet you react like this and only make it seem as though you truly do have something to hide.”

Liu Liang had never been good with words, and hearing Mu Yunyao speak like this only left him even less able to answer.

Looking at him standing there like a wooden block, Mu Yunyao laughed helplessly in her heart. She had long known what sort of person he was, so why get angry with him?

“Get up. If you do not wish to speak, then I will not ask. Since you already have useful people under you, then help keep an eye on Steward Qin’s movements. In a few days’ time, he will likely begin sending people elsewhere to buy fresh leaves and roast tea. I need to know at least some of what is happening. I cannot simply leave everything entirely to him.”

Though she and Yue Wang were cooperating for now, there was no guarantee they would not turn against one another one day. It never hurt to be on guard.

“Yes, Master.”

“Tell your men to be careful. Better that they watch loosely than let themselves be discovered.”

“Please rest assured, Master. I will definitely instruct them well.”

“Very well. You may go.”

Once Liu Liang had left, Mu Yunyao raised her head and thought quietly for a while before her brows slowly eased.

For now, Liu Liang still seemed trustworthy. She could only hope he would remain so.

Early the next morning, when Mu Yunyao went to Jinxiu Garden again, she remembered the child at the gate and deliberately took a detour to pass by the main entrance.

Sure enough, the child called Nan’er was there. The moment he saw her, awkwardness appeared on his face.

“Greetings, Miss.”

“Your elder sister is not here today. Would you like to come into the garden with me and have some pastries?”

Seeing how thin and frail he was, and yet how clear and bright his eyes remained, Mu Yunyao felt a faint liking for him.

At once, Nan’er’s eyes lit up. Yet after hesitating a moment, he shook his head.

“Many thanks, Miss, but Elder Sister says one should not accept a gift without merit. I have not done anything for Miss, so I cannot eat your food.”

One should not accept a gift without merit?

This child was rather interesting indeed.

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Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 128

Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 127

Chapter 127: The Little Beggar at the Garden Gate 

Liu Liang caught Mu Yunyao around the waist and carried her straight up onto the branch.

The moment she landed lightly atop the osmanthus tree, Mu Yunyao could not help laughing out loud. After finding a branch to sit on, she snapped off a spray of blossoms and cradled it in her palm, then turned to ask Liu Liang, who was standing guard beside her,

“Is this spray even prettier than the one I picked before?”

Under the moonlight, her slender fingers gleamed white as jade, lovelier even than the cluster of osmanthus itself.

Liu Liang nodded. The beautiful sight before him had thrown his mind into confusion, and he no longer knew what answer he ought to give.

Only then did Mu Yunyao seem satisfied.

“Then I shall take this spray back and give it to Mother. As for the one I picked before, let it count as something wasted on a dog.”

As she spoke, she made to jump down, which startled Liu Liang so badly that he immediately stopped her.

“Master, be careful!”

Mu Yunyao only burst into laughter.

“You used to be wooden as a block. I do not know how many times people scolded you for it. Who would have thought that after following me, you would begin speaking so much? If that black-hearted ghost saw you now, who knows how furious he would be!”

Liu Liang did not understand what she meant.

“Master, you are drunk.”

“I am not drunk. I am perfectly clear-headed...”

She lifted her head and looked through the osmanthus branches into the night sky. Under the moonlight, everything was bright and pure, as though the whole world had become cleaner.

“The evening clouds have all withdrawn, overflowing with clear chill;
The Silver River turns in silence around the jade moon-disc.
This life, this night, will not forever be so fair—
When next year’s bright moon comes, from where shall I look upon it?”

By next Mid-Autumn, she ought already to have returned to the Su family. Even if she were to encounter such a beautiful moonlit night and such lovely scenery again, she feared she would no longer have the heart to admire it.

Liu Liang looked at Mu Yunyao and felt only that she was wrapped in some intense emotion he could see but could not understand.

“Master, if you like the scenery here, then next year you may still come again to enjoy it.”

Mu Yunyao gave a soft laugh, and all the emotion about her vanished in an instant.

“I have heard that there is a kind of cinnabar osmanthus whose blossoms bloom red, vivid as blood and strikingly beautiful. Tomorrow, have this golden osmanthus cut down and replaced with cinnabar osmanthus instead. If I have the chance next year, I want to see red osmanthus blossoms...”

Next year, once she returned to the Su family, her revenge would begin. On a Mid-Autumn night of reunion, to admire blood-colored osmanthus would be the most fitting thing of all.

“Yes, Master.”

When the night wind blew, the wine in her blood seemed to deepen. Mu Yunyao felt herself growing increasingly hazy. Somewhere in that blur, she vaguely remembered Liu Liang helping her down from the tree and escorting her back to her room.

When she awoke again, the sky was already bright with daylight. She had only just sat up when Jin Lan, hearing movement, knocked at the door.

“Miss, are you awake? May this servant come in?”

“Come in.”

Osmanthus brew was mild in strength, but this body of hers had never drunk wine before, so only a few cups had been enough to leave her thoroughly drunk. Now, after sleeping a full night, the effects had completely faded, and she felt no discomfort at all.

“Miss, you are finally awake. Steward Qin has already come twice asking after you. He says he wishes to borrow the piece of calligraphy bestowed by His Majesty so that it can be copied and made into a plaque to hang up. This servant told him you were still sleeping, so he did not dare let anyone disturb you.”

“Very well. Once I have washed and dressed, I will go have a look.”

Mu Yunyao put on her clothes and, after stepping around the screen, immediately saw the vase set upon the table. In the spring-form vase stood a single spray of osmanthus, its leaves green and its blossoms bright, perfectly suited to it.

Jin Lan noticed her gaze and quickly explained,

“It was Liu Liang who told me to find a vase. He said Miss liked osmanthus blossoms, so this servant made the decision on her own to place it here.”

Mu Yunyao stepped forward and examined it carefully for quite some time before smiling softly.

“I do indeed like it very much. Later, carry it to Mother’s room for her.”

“Yes, Miss.”

After washing and eating a little, Mu Yunyao finally made her way to Jinxiu Garden.

Now that Bu Xian Lou had been bestowed imperial calligraphy by the Emperor himself, business had grown even more prosperous. The moment it opened today, the garden was already full of guests.

Things had stabilized enough now that invitation cards were no longer sent out. Anyone wishing to come into the garden for tea had to reserve in advance. And once a time had been reserved, if the guest failed to arrive within half an hour, that place would be given to someone else.

These days, several children aged eight or nine can be found waiting outside Jinxiu Garden each day. The moment they discovered that someone had failed to appear, they would run off to find a nearby well-dressed passerby and ask whether the person wished to enter Jinxiu Garden. If the person took the spot, they would usually reward the child with a few copper coins. When they happened upon someone particularly generous, one such opportunity might feed them for a whole month.

Just as Mu Yunyao arrived, a child approached her. Seeing that she was heading toward Jinxiu Garden, he ran over and gave her a quiet warning.

“Miss, no one has failed to appear today. The garden is full for the moment, so even if you go in, there will be no seat available.”

Mu Yunyao could not help but stop to look him over carefully. He looked no more than seven or eight years old. His clothes were patched, yet unusually clean and well-washed. When she stopped to face him, he instinctively retreated two steps, his face filled with timidity.

“Thank you. I am going in to find someone, so I do not think it will be a problem.”

“So you are looking for someone. Then I have delayed Miss’s time...”

As he said this, the child’s face reddened abruptly. He pressed his lips together, and a small dimple appeared on one side of his cheek, making him look especially adorable.

Mu Yunyao found herself somewhat interested.

“Do you wait here at the gate every day?”

The child clearly had not expected her to continue speaking to him. A trace of unease came over his face.

“I... I only wait here by the gate. I do not beg from the guests who enter the garden. I would not dare disturb them...”

“Beg?”

Jin Lan stepped forward and explained,

“Miss, these days a number of beggar children have been gathering at the gate. They run errands here, keeping watch to see whether any guests with reserved seats fail to arrive. If they discover such a thing, they carry the news out, and whoever takes the place will give them a few copper coins in reward.”

The child nodded, looking at Mu Yunyao somewhat nervously. The young lady before him did not seem especially old, and yet she was the most beautiful person he had ever seen. Just standing before her and speaking made him feel ashamed of his own poverty.

“That sounds like a rather good business. May I ask who told you to come here?”

“It was our elder sister.”

The child did not dare hide anything and answered honestly.

Even as he spoke, a young girl came running over and hurriedly bowed to Mu Yunyao.

“Greetings, Miss. My younger brother is still young and ignorant. If he has offended you in any way, I beg your forgiveness. Nan’er, quickly apologize to this young lady.”

“Sister, I...”

The little boy, Nan’er, immediately lowered his head and twisted his fingers in his clothing.

“I... I am sorry...”

Mu Yunyao smiled and shook her head.

“You misunderstand. Your younger brother has been very well-behaved. He merely offered me a reminder; there was no offense at all. If you have the time, I have reserved a place inside the garden. I could treat you and your brother to something to eat and a cup of tea.”

At once, caution flared up on the young girl’s face.

“There is no need. So long as he did not offend Miss, that is enough. We...”

“Elder Sister... I’m hungry...”

At the mention of food, longing filled the little boy’s eyes. Tugging at the girl’s sleeve, he spoke in a tiny voice.

“Be quiet! We are leaving...”

Then, after bowing once more to Mu Yunyao, the girl took the little boy by the hand and turned to go.

Mu Yunyao smiled and did not mind it. She simply brought Jin Lan with her and entered the garden.

* The Mid-Autumn Festival Tune by Su Shi

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Continue reading Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 127