Chapter 196 - Bribery (1/2)

Chapter 196: Bribery

“This servant, Zhide, greets Old Mistress!” In the warm room, Zhide knelt and kowtowed to Wang Shi respectfully.

“You may get up now!!” Wang Shi smiled as she waved her hand and said, “I didn’t expect so many years to go by in a blink of an eye! The little girl from before has grown into such a beautiful young lady as well!”

Zhide blushed lightly and smiled as she got up and stood to the side. Without looking up, she smiled to reply, “It was all thanks to Old Mistress that I can become what I am today.”

“Hehe, it is also because you were smart and hardworking enough!” Wang Shi examined her with a smile before asking her amicably to show concern. However, the more she asked, the more insecure Zhide felt but she answered every question honestly.

Gradually, Wang Shi arrived at her purpose of calling Zhide over. With a smile, she said, “You’ve served Young Master dutifully, even until now when Young Mistress is present. And because you are loyal and reliable, it is no wonder that your young mistress would value you a lot even though it hasn’t been long since she entered the family! She even personally set your marriage!”

Zhide began to get a little worried, so she forced a smile and said, “I was only doing my job. That is Young Mistress’ grace and this servant will never forget it!”

“I’ve always knew you were a loyal one!” Wang Shi smiled in satisfaction, but her expression dampened all of a sudden and she said, “I have a few questions for you, and you have to answer me honestly!”

Zhide’s body stiffened slightly but she forced a smile, “Old Mistress, please go ahead and ask, this servant does not dare to lie to Old Mistress!”

Wang Shi nodded and asked, “Tell me, how do Young Master and Young Mistress normally get along?”

Zhide was still taken aback even though she had already made the necessary mental preparation. She looked up at Wang Shi subconsciously, still feeling a little stunned. She thought for a while before answering, “Young Master and Young Mistress… treat each other with respect.”

Wang Shi was apparently unsatisfied with her answer. She frowned slightly and said, “That’s not what I’m asking! Zhide, there are only the two of us here, and I’m asking you because I trust you. There’s no need to feel mentally burdened, you can just answer me with whatever you know! Is that clear?”

“Yes, Old Mistress…”

Wang Shi asked again, “Then let me ask you, has your young mistress ever ordered your young master about, like serve her tea? Does she lose her temper often, so much so that your young master has to coax her? Or has she ever crossed the line of being a wife? Women are supposed to be gentle and virtuous, and serve our husbands well, do you think Young Mistress has done that well?”

Zhide did not know what happened that night, so she was puzzled when Wang Shi questioned her. Without a clue about what happened, Zhide did not know how she should answer.

Wang Shi was not in a hurry to receive an answer and did not press her. Instead, she simply watched her at the side.

“Young Mistress has always been gentle and virtuous, and she is very considerate towards Young Master as well. This servant has never seen Young Mistress lose her temper in front of Young Master before! Young Mistress has always been the one serving Young Master, and never the other way around.” Zhide said after putting in much thought.

“Is that the case?” Wang Shi thought for a while before asking again, “Young Mistress never disrespected Young Master in any way?

“This servant doesn’t dare lie to Old Mistress!” Zhide knelt and secretly complained bitterly in her heart.

“Quickly get up!” Wang Shi smiled and said, “Look at you, why do you always kneel at the drop of a hat? I know that I can trust you. If you say so, then it must be so!”

Then she sighed, “You must be confused by my sudden questions, aren’t you? Ai, I’m just worrying for my own son as a mother! From what I have seen, your young master seems to be too nice to your young mistress, I am just afraid that your young mistress might develop a tendency of wanting him to do unacceptable favors for her behind my back! If others were to hear about it, our Shi family will lose our reputation! And if she ever behaves that way, I would have to discipline her well!”

Zhide did not dare to respond and could only reply with a soft ‘understood’ after a while.

“Zhide!” Once again, Wang Shi spoke affably, “You have been serving your young master since young and have always been doing your best. Although I have never praised you myself, but I’ve always noticed you and remember your good points! Zhide, I know you are a good girl; if you could help me with one more thing, I’ll definitely never shortchange you! And when you get married in the future, I will not forget to reward you!”

“This servant has always been grateful for Old Mistress’ kindness, and will never disobey any of Old Mistress’ instructions! Please tell me what I have to do, Old Mistress!” Zhide did not dare to hesitate or boggle. She hurriedly knelt before answering.

“Quickly get up!” Wang Shi went as far as to help her up and said, “I want you to be my eyes and watch everything that happens in Ning Garden1. I want you to keep an eye on your young mistress. You will inform me of any misbehavior or if she treats your young master poorly! Will you do that for me?”

Zhide’s face turned pale. She was stunned and did not dare answer her.