Chapter 38 - Battle of Words (2) (1/2)
Liu Li slightly nudged Concubine Wan. She didn't want Concubine Wan to lose her temper and fail to sow a discord between Madam Wang and Yao Ling. If it were her, she wouldn't be easily affected like this. The more she thought about it, the more she felt Concubine Wan wasn't going to succeed earning the 'Madam' title. Besides, there were still two other concubines who were eyeing the same position. They were more clever and had better temperament, maybe she should find herself a way out. This kind of Mistress wouldn't go far.
Girls from the brothel were always a bit selfish and greedy. Liu Li was thankful Concubine Wan brought her out from that place, but she still needed to think about her future. She needed to have a plan of her own.
Yao Ling saw the way Liu Li nudged Concubine Wan discreetly. If she didn't pay close attention, she might have missed this movement. After being nudged, Concubine Wan once again changed her expression into a tranquil one. Yao Ling smiled to herself, 'So, it's you…'
She noted this gesture and reminded herself to pay attention to this little maid.
Yao Ling paid close attention to the maid. She wasn't beautiful. She looked somehow delicate but still attractive. If you looked at her big eyes, you would see her cleverness. The way she behaved made her look innocent and pleasing to the eyes. If she didn't see the way she nudged Concubine Wan just now, she certainly wouldn't believe a thirteen or fourteen-year-old girl like her would be the brain behind Concubine Wan.
”Concubine Wan, your maid is very delicate and beautiful.” Yao Ling praised Liu Li while looking at Concubine Wan's reaction. She heard this maid was personally brought back from the brothel. Other than 'Wang Fu' people, no one knew that both of the women were from a brothel, otherwise, it would ruin the 'Wang Fu' reputation.
Concubine Wan and Liu Li stunned. What was with the sudden question? Did Yao Ling suspect something? They quickly arranged their expressions, afraid to let out a loophole. ”Thank you for Young Mistress' praise.” Liu Li appeared to be shy. Yao Ling just nodded and let this matter go. She just wanted to gauge their reaction. Nothing more.
After Yao Ling letting the matter go, Concubine Wan and Liu Li sighed in relief. They didn't want to open up their cards this early. Liu Li started to think, provoking them today was a mistake. She didn't think Yao Ling was this perceptive. The first time she laid eyes on this young mistress, she simply thought she was only a simple and naïve peasant girl. She miscalculated but it was too late to retreat. Concubine Wan still brewed the tea, so there was nothing else she could do – except help Concubine Wan out.
After she finished brewing, Concubine Wan presented the tea for Madam Wang and Yao Ling. Madam Wang's mood was better, so she was able to enjoy the tea. Yao Ling was more easygoing ans paid no mind to Concubine Wan's taunting. A tasty good tea… she should just drink and enjoy it.
”How does it taste?” Concubine Wan asked politely.
”Mei mei personally brewed this tea, naturally the taste is exquisite. This tea is really nice to drink with a lingering charming taste and orchid-like aroma. Husband really loves you a lot. Otherwise, I don't think he would be able to part with this lovely tea.” Madam Wang truly praised Concubine Wan's skill.
”This daughter agrees with Mother. Concubine Wan isn't only beautiful, but also talented. No wonder Father appreciates your talent.” Yao Ling also praised Concubine Wan. The taste of the tea was really good. She wasn't exagerrating.
”Thank you for jie jie and Ling-er's praise. If you like it, I will certainly brew tea more often for you.”