newbobooks Chapter 15 1 Everything is under control
Chapter 15 1 Everything is under control
Before Chu Ruohan left, Aunt Zhao stopped her. "Why did you help me?" Aunt Zhao's eyes were full of doubt and complicated emotions.
This time, she finally saw things clearly.
Chu Ruohan turned around and said, "Auntie, we live under the same roof, so helping you is helping myself."
Aunt Zhao never expected that the one who would stab her in the back was the maid she trusted most.
She watched Chu Ruohan's departing figure, her heart filled with mixed feelings. Now that things had come to this, even if she was stupid, she knew who had harmed her.
It's ridiculous that she used to think that vicious woman was a kind-hearted and tolerant mistress.
She was never short of food or drink, and her clothes were made every three months. It turned out that she was being raised like a pig...
Aunt Zhao shed tears of regret, and her body trembled slightly involuntarily.
She suddenly realized that of the original four concubines in the Marquis of Anyang's mansion, she was now the only one left. A chill ran from her feet to her heart, as if she had fallen into an ice cave...
Chu Ruohan told Aunt Zhao the truth not so that she would go after Gu's mother; she would be lucky if she didn't get played to death by her own brains.
In her previous life, Chu Ruohan was tormented by Gu's mother, who made her kneel in the snow for a whole day and night in the dead of winter. It was Aunt Zhao who saved her and gave her a bowl of hot porridge.
As for Aunt Zhao, she died from overeating.
She has repaid this kindness...
For the past two days, the Marquis of Anyang has been running around trying to raise money, and most of the officials who used to be on good terms with him have now become his creditors.
But he was unwilling to bow down to the Earl's mansion.
On the Chu family's side, Chu Ruohan's parents had both gone to Mengzhou, saying that something had happened at the winery and they weren't home at all, leaving only a steward in charge.
With no other options, the Marquis of Anyang had no choice but to reluctantly sell his own land and shops to alleviate his immediate crisis.
Chu Ruohan had already planned ahead and secretly instructed Qin Fang to seize the opportunity to acquire the goods. Since cash could be paid immediately, the price was naturally kept very low.
The land and shops of the Marquis of An's mansion were all part of the bride's dowry, and they were all of excellent quality in terms of location and yield.
She was the daughter-in-law of the Anyang magistrate, so naturally she couldn't let these things fall into the hands of outsiders.
"Miss, this is the land deed that Qin Fang brought."
Chu Ruohan reached out and took it: "Well done."
The wet nurse quickly replied, "Qin Fang is fortunate to be able to share Miss's burdens. It is also because Miss values him and is willing to give him this opportunity."
Chu Ruohan nodded slightly. Qin Fang was the son of the wet nurse and had been learning from the head manager of the Chu family since he was a child, so his abilities were naturally beyond question.
Chu Ruohan's gaze fell on the land deed, and she seemed to be deep in thought: "Mother Gu has never been good at managing property. These shops are gradually declining, but their foundation is still there. With a little management in the future, they will surely be able to regain their former glory, and my plan will not have been in vain."
"Miss is exceptionally intelligent; all of this was within her calculations. Marquis Anyang was kept in the dark, thinking he could get out of his predicament temporarily, but little did he know he had already handed over his foundation."
Chu Ruohan gently stroked the land deed, a barely perceptible smile curving her lips: "We still need to keep a low profile and avoid arousing suspicion, lest we create further complications."
"This old servant understands. As for Qin Fang, this old servant will also instruct him to manage things properly and never let Miss down," the wet nurse said respectfully.
"There's one more thing I need you to do." With that, she gently raised her hand and took out an exquisite sachet.
The sachet was made of brocade with exquisite embroidery, and delicate silk ribbons hung from the edges, swaying slightly with her movements and emitting a faint fragrance.
Chu Ruohan handed the sachet to the wet nurse and instructed, "Give this sachet to Baoling and tell her that she did a good job and this sachet is a reward for her."
The wet nurse accepted the sachet with both hands, saying, "With such appreciation from Miss, Bao Ling will surely work even harder."
Chu Ruohan only needed to beckon, and the wet nurse would understand, quickly bowing slightly and gently bringing her ear close...
Baoling is Chu Ruohan's personal maid. She has been with her since childhood and has seen all kinds of good things. She can tell at a glance that it is a rare and high-quality item.
Bao Ling was overjoyed and immediately put the sachet on her waist. The sachet hung down by her side, making her look even more lively and playful.
"If you do your job well, Miss will certainly not treat you unfairly."
Bao Ling nodded repeatedly in agreement.
Then, the wet nurse mysteriously took out a jar of wine, saying, "This is the first batch of wine from our Chu family winery this year. It's very precious and has always been a fine wine reserved for high-ranking officials and nobles."
After saying that, she deftly poured two glasses of wine, the liquid swirling in the glasses and emitting an enticing, mellow aroma.
"Try it!" the wet nurse urged warmly.
Bao Ling took a small sip and felt a rich aroma of wine instantly spread in her mouth. It was smooth as silk and warm as it went down her throat, followed by a warm feeling in her stomach.
The wine that important people drink is truly fine.
She was not a strong drinker, and soon her face flushed.
Seeing this, the wet nurse hurriedly said, "I've had enough to drink. You should stop drinking now, or you won't be able to do your job properly if you get drunk."
"Didn't Miss tell you to keep an eye on Suijinxuan? You'd better be on your guard." As she spoke, the wet nurse gently helped Baoling up. Baoling's steps were slightly unsteady, but she still tried her best to stand up.
Baoling, having drunk too much, muttered, "Miss is really something. Why does she have to go and marry a cripple when she can't let go of the Second Young Master?"
Granny Qin quickly covered her mouth and scolded her in a low voice, "You little brat, what nonsense are you talking about?"
Baoling tried to struggle, but the wet nurse held her down tightly and dragged her towards the front yard.
The task the young lady instructed me to complete is not yet finished...
Marquis Anyang traveled far and wide and finally paid off all the debts owed to various families. However, he was summoned to the palace, where he was severely reprimanded by the emperor, dismissed from his post, and ordered to stay at home to reflect on his mistakes.
Marquis Anyang returned to his residence dejectedly, filled with resentment. He blamed that shallow-minded, foolish woman for dragging him down with her.
Suddenly, a maid stumbled and bumped into his arms. Marquis Anyang instinctively wanted to reprimand her, but when he looked up, he saw that the maid's eyes were blurry, her face was flushed, and she reeked of alcohol.
Is he drunk?
The sudden warmth and softness of the woman in his arms caused a sudden tightening in his abdomen and his heart to pound like a drum.
The maidservant, without any shame, boldly put her hand inside his clothes.
Marquis Anyang felt a surge of heat rush to his heart, his reason instantly overwhelmed, and he hugged the little maid tightly in his arms.
The two were instantly aroused, completely disregarding the fact that they were in the courtyard, using the sky as their blanket and the earth as their mat, indulging in unrestrained revelry.
The wet nurse watched all this from the shadows, a slight smile playing on her lips. "It's done."
The wet nurse turned and quietly left...