11 Second Chance (1/2)

After Housekeeper Wang left, XuanRong beckoned Zou mama to come closer to her.

”I-is there something wrong, Da XiaoJie?”

XuanRong smiled but her eyes were cold, making Zou mama regret her decision a while ago. If she had known that Housekeeper Wang can't even retort back at XuanRong, she would have chosen to side with her, at least, no matter what, XuanRong was still the rightful owner of this manor in Lu Shan.

Too bad.

She knew it was already too late to redeem herself.

”Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. This Lady is very disappointed with Zou mama. This Lady thought that Zou mama was intelligent, but This Lady was wrong. Ayeee.... Too bad.... Too bad...”

Zou mama could feel that her intestines were starting to turn green due to regret. After XuanRong verbally slapped housekeeper Wang a couple of times without giving him any face, Zou mama immediately chose to close her lips to avoid being included in the conversation, fearing that she could no longer turn back and make amends for her previous misdeeds in front of XuanRong.

After hearing XuanRong's disappointment, Zou mama immediately fawned at her, kissing her ass and trying to mend their master-servant relationship.

”This servant was blind and could not see Mount Tai[1]. This servant hopes that Da XiaoJie would forgive this servant and give this servant a second chance.”

Zou mama was already determined to jump and aboard XuanRong's ship, leaving Housekeeper Wang on his own. Looking at XuanRong's slyness hidden in her every word, Zou mama knew that the best way to survive was to follow and obey XuanRong. Zou mama thought that during the previous week, XuanRong was disguising as a pig in order to eat the tiger[2], wanting to observe first before making a move. She thought that XuanRong was only pretending to be an arrogant lady and was in fact a very calculative person. Having a clever master like her, who was able to deceive them, what can Zou mama ask for? She would gladly serve a master like XuanRong.

XuanRong inwardly celebrated since one of her goals was to slowly convert the servants in this manor as her own. What she needed the most was her own pawns and soldiers. In this game of chess, her only advantage was her memory. Aside from knowing everything that would happen in the near future, XuanRong had no more tricks up to her sleeves. She had to build and stabilize her own power before she could retaliate to those wicked people and step on their corpses.

She really needs Zou mama's assistance right now since she lacks in manpower. Although she knew that Zou mama was resolute in following her, she did not show any happiness, instead, her face was full of reluctance, as if she did not believe the old woman's words.

Seeing the hesitation on XuanRong's face, Zou mama panicked a little. She had to show her loyalty towards XuanRong in order to convince her.

”This servant swears to the gods that this servant will remain loyal to Da XiaoJie. Heavens may punish this servant if this servant will not honor her oath.”

Zou mama kneeled and kowtowed three times, expressing her loyalty.

XuanRong nodded. She was pleased to hear that Zou mama wholeheartedly swore her allegiance to her. Although an oath could be easily broken, it would still depend to the one who made the oath-- if one had the guts to betray the person they pledged with their lives.

In the previous lifetime, although Zou mama also hated her and sometimes made things difficult, she did not participate in tarnishing her reputation. The old woman only hated XuanRong for being arrogant and had no other hidden motives.

Because of that, XuanRong decided to spare her life. Instead of grooming someone to do her bidding which would take years to train, why not use someone who was already well versed in scheming?

”Since Zou mama insists, This Lady will give you a second chance. This Lady hopes that Zou mama will help me manage the manor.”

Zou mama happily bowed her head.

”This servant obeys. This servant is happy to assist Da XiaoJie.”

”Mmm.. Good! Now, it's time to clean the manor. Zou mama, who are the servants that were appointed in the kitchen? Call them.”

After hearing XuanRong's question, Zou mama immediately understood XuanRong's plan. She could tell that XuanRong wanted to kill the chicken in order to warn the monkey[3]. It was the best move to strengthen XuanRong's authority.

Zou mama immediately saluted and turned her head. Her voice was loud and clear.

”Those who are working in the kitchen, move forward!”

The servants, who went forward, immediately kowtowed and asked for forgiveness. Thinking about the bullying they did behind XuanRong's back, they knew it was already too late to save their asses.

*baam!*

*baam!*

*baam!*

”This servant--- this servant begs for forgiveness!!”

”Have mercy for this servant!”

”Da XiaoJie, have mercy! This servant is innocent!”

Every single one of them tried to beg for forgiveness but XuanRong only looked at them without any emotion in her face.

”Zou mama, do you know why This Lady wants to punish them?”

Zou mama immediately opened her mouth and answered XuanRong.

”These servants were caught stealing money from Da XiaoJie's meal expenses.”