Chapter 36 (2/2)

At a side, Concubine Shui was not happy. For many years, Concubine Shui had fought against Concubine Fang and was obvious in recent years that she was at a losing end. What came to her mind was to join forces with the new concubine and trample over Concubine Fang. However, because of the recent event that resulted in Second Old Master not being able to obtain Liu Ya as his concubine, her idea was all for naught.

Feeling frustrated, she deliberately went to find trouble and complained to Second Old Mistress, “Don’t you smell the smelly smell from a far? Mistress, just think about it: First Young Master chose such a day to close the deed with that servant, Liu Ya. Doesn’t that make it clear that he is going against our old master and not wis.h.i.+ng for Mistress to request for that servant?”

Second Old Mistress was not foolish, and of course had that thought before. However, she was fine with how things were. Or even, she was happier as to how things turned out. As such, Concubine Shui’s words sounded extremely ear-piercing. Glaring angrily at the concubine, she reprimanded, “Keep your mouth shut! Do not make matters worse! Liu Ya is First Young Mistress’s maidservant; when she wants to give her maidservant to First Young Master has got nothing to do with you! What did you say, about going against my husband? And about not wis.h.i.+ng for me to open my mouth? Even Second Young Mistress didn’t raise this topic, then who was it that went about blabbering it?”

Having said that, Second Old Mistress stared at Concubine Shui suspiciously.

“I did not! This concubine absolutely didn’t speak of it!” Concubine Shui panicked and quickly waved her hands.

If it was because word got out that resulted in First Young Mistress to put her guard up and disrupted the old master’s plan, then he would definitely pursue the matter until the end and place all the blame onto his wife’s head.

“Oh?” Second Old Mistress observed, “Since it wasn’t you, why is your tone like that? I’m sure you know who it was that let the word out! Speak, who was it?”

“This concubine doesn’t know, this concubine doesn’t know!” Concubine Shui softly cussed herself under her breath and sweared. If only she knew that all she would be doing was inviting trouble, she would not have opened her mouth.

Second Old Mistress sneered in her heart. For a small concubine like you, how dare you come and provoke me? Joke’s on you then! With that, she severely punished the concubine before letting her go.

Concubine Shui left Second Old Mistress’s place like a defeated rooster. At the corridor, she was met with Concubine Fang who had a face of smile and a faint amount of ridicule. Furious, Concubine Shui stomped off and repeated the same words, which she said to Second Old Mistress, to Second Old Master.

Second Old Master did not actually give much thought about the matter that had already pa.s.sed, but after listening to Concubine Shui’s words, he became slightly unhappy. Coupled with Concubine Shui’s exaggerations, Second Old Master could not stomach the anger in him and went to file his discontent to Second Old Mistress.

Second Old Mistress immediately knew it was Concubine Shui who spoke out of turn and she developed a sense of hatred towards her behavior but she dared not show that hatred in front of her husband. Smiling, she spoke, “Those words sounded so unpleasant. Didn’t you only wish to have that servant come over to explain how she made Xiao Bai behave? Although not easy, I’ll have our daughter-in-law ask the servant to come over and ask her personally. And then I’ll explain to you what that servant said, how about that?”

Second Old Master’s eyes instantly glistened; not bad! Instead of having to inconvenience himself by presenting himself in front of his nephew’s concubine, having a woman do it for him wouldn’t make much of a difference!

“Then it’s a yes?” Sensing that her husband was slightly moved, she felt somewhat elated.

“With your memory, I doubt you’ll be able to remember anything. Have that servant invited over and bring along Rou’er with you!” Second Old Master gave her a glance and spoke.

Rou’er was Second Old Master’s new favorite.

“Yes, Old Master!” Second Mistress promised unhappily. Her heart still harbors a deep sense of hatred towards Concubine Shui, and once all the matter was taken care of, she was sure to cure that concubine of her stubbornness.

Second Old Mistress knew of her husband’s obsession towards his fish and birds. As such, she dared not drag the task and sent a useful servant to invite Sang Wan over in less than a few days later. Within the message which she asked to be pa.s.sed, her implied purpose was obvious.

Sang Wan was dumbfounded. Her heart could not help but understood why Second Old Master was so out of control. With five wives who would support him unconditionally, there was nothing for him to scruple about.

Sang Wan knew that dealing with animals was Liu Ya’s field of expertise; and when dealing with animals, there was a unique technique in doing so. As such, she spoke clearly with her and instructed her to teach them with all her heart to avoid any more of such a case from happening again.

Liu Ya was surprised and was a little proud of herself. Never had she given a thought that she’ll have a chance to guide others. Words were not able to leave her mouth and she nodded repeatedly to show her answer.

Within Second Old Master’s domain, there was a very wide yard in front of the living quarter. On each side of the yard, there was a porch, and a quartzite road stretched from one end of the yard and through to the inside.

On both sides of the road sat four large vats, at the height of half a grown man, in an orderly arrangement. Those vats were used to keep Second Old Master’s precious goldfish which he had nurtured for several decades. Each of the goldfish was not the same for their colors and shapes were different; one gaze at the numerous goldfish would fill anyone with awe. Sang Wan was not even sure what their names were.

Sang Wan heard from Nanny Li about Second Old Master’s temperament. That old man purposely had those vats placed in the front yard instead of the back so as to boast to his relatives and guests. Even servants who saw those goldfish could not help but praise him. However, as those fish were delicate, they must not be scared. As such, when walking past the vats, one’s footsteps must be light and their voice must not be loud. Otherwise, the old man would become extremely unhappy. And once the old man becomes unhappy, he would often speak in disgust, calling the guests ‘rough! Vulgar!’ after they left.

Next to each side of the porch planted a magnificent tree. On the trees, different types and sizes of birdcage were hung. Hopping up and down inside the birdcages were the birds which the second old master kept. Thrush, starling, oriole, parrots, and many others, their feathers beautiful and they were chirping mildly. Just imagine when the first ray of suns.h.i.+ne s.h.i.+nes through the dense branches and the many different birds will begin chirping to mark the beginning of a day.

Sang Wan and Liu Ya followed the la.s.s from behind as she guided them on the road. The two, master and servant, followed quietly and did not give a single glance at those beautiful goldfish and expensive birds, let alone inquire or marvel at those animals.

At this point, Sang Wan did not wish to show any interest that may result in her suddenly becoming Second Old Master’s ‘friend’. The best ending that could ever happen here was that they would never have to return to this place ever again.

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