Although Meng Yao always believed that relying on others is not as good as relying on oneself.
But this is because she’s from the modern era, and the education she received from childhood is different from the feudal education in ancient times.
Therefore, Wen Nuan having such thoughts at this age is quite remarkable.
She dedicates herself for Wen Shu, partly because of familial bonds, and partly as a gamble with her own efforts for a better future.
Wen Nuan felt anxious because Meng Yao hadn’t responded.
"Madam, are you unwilling to take me in? I’m very capable; I can wash clothes, cook, and handle farm work," Wen Nuan said. "Moreover, I’m very obedient. I promise, whatever Madam tells me to do, I will do."
"Then let’s wait until they’ve finished the exams? If your brother achieves success, I’ll agree," Meng Yao said.
She also had her own intentions; Zhao Dahe would need to cultivate friendships with virtuous people in the future. This way, they could support each other in the officialdom.
Meng Yao had high hopes for Wen Shu.
When the time comes, Wen Nuan following her can also strengthen the relationship between the two families.
Of course, she certainly won’t treat Wen Nuan as a maid.
With Zhao Xiaohua in the house, Wen Nuan can accompany her as well.
Wen Nuan beamed with joy, since her brother would certainly succeed, wasn’t this equivalent to Madam agreeing?
"Shall we go shopping?" Meng Yao asked.
"Mm." Wen Nuan happily agreed.
Meng Yao purchased brightly colored fabrics for Song Xiu’er and bought her some exquisite jewelry. As for Zhao Dajiang, Meng Yao couldn’t think of what he liked, so she ended up buying some fabric in colors suitable for him, expecting Song Xiu’er to make clothes for him.
For Zhao Xiaohua, Meng Yao also purchased fabric suitable for her age. Seeing a box of brightly colored velvet flowers, Meng Yao generously bought one. The assortment of colors piled together was very pretty.
As for Zhao Xiaoshu, Meng Yao saw a mortise and tenon joint house model and gritted her teeth to buy it.
One square foot in size, each piece of furniture inside was made to scale as a miniature version of real furniture.
Meng Yao thought Zhao Xiaoshu would definitely like it.
Having bought quite a lot, Meng Yao had to hire a laborer to help carry the items back at the end.
The lobby of the guest’s venue was filled with quite a few people.
Seeing Meng Yao enter, they immediately fell silent.
Clearly, their earlier topic of discussion was related to Meng Yao.
The incident at the entrance justified Meng Yao, yet the affairs surrounding her still remained juicy topics for people to talk about.
Meng Yao didn’t mind; the words were theirs to say, whatever they wished.
But Wen Nuan spoke up very unceremoniously, "Gossiping behind others’ back leads to the tongue-plucking hell when you die. Ghost executioners carry long, red-hot pincers, reaching into the gossiping mouth of the ghost, and only by exerting effort do they pull the tongue out long enough to be plucked. It’s said the plucked tongue is thrown directly into a cauldron of boiling oil. It’s said the tongue remains connected to the ghost body, so the ghost suffers both the pain of plucking and frying."
She spoke vividly, making those who were gossiping earlier instinctively want to cover their mouths.
Even Meng Yao shuddered at the description.
"You little attendant student, we didn’t say much, just discussed how Chen He was unfair in his actions and envied Mrs. Zhao’s good fortune," someone explained.
"Exactly, exactly, we didn’t speak ill of Mrs. Zhao," one person echoed.
"Even if you hadn’t said so just now, you said unpleasant things before! You’ve said many unsavory things!" Wen Nuan sneered.
Everyone felt awkward, most of them being either relatives or attendants of the exam candidates.
Wen Nuan didn’t wrong them; they did curse Zhao Dahe’s mother behind her back.
"Mrs. Zhao, I was wrong before, gullibly believing the words of lowlifes and insulting you. I know my mistake now and sincerely apologize, hoping you’ll forgive me," someone spoke up.
With someone taking the lead, others found it easier to speak up.
One after another, they apologized to Meng Yao.
Having connections with the County Magistrate, they dared not provoke her.
Now being the sister of the County Magistrate’s late wife, they were even more cautious.
Meng Yao smiled softly, "I never keep bad words or deeds in mind. You talk amongst yourselves, I’ll return to my room."
This didn’t imply forgiveness.
It also expressed that she didn’t consider them important, naturally not caring about what they said.
Meng Yao went upstairs, Wen Nuan followed, only pausing briefly on the stairs to turn and glance at the people in the lobby, her look filled with sarcasm.
These people hadn’t a shred of genuine apology.
They seemed to speak sincere words, yet truly, they only feared offending the madam.
And not because they truly realized their mistakes.
Such people’s apologies, not to mention disinterest from the madam, not even she as a little maid found them worthy.
Everyone exchanged glances, only beginning to speak again after watching Meng Yao and Wen Nuan’s figures disappear, albeit with no enthusiasm to discuss Meng Yao’s situation again.
The story unfolds in two directions, like two flowers blooming.
Zhao Ting had already left Huaiyuan County on horseback, heading straight for Fengyang Town.
The case Ren Zhong handed him must have clues over in Fengyang Town.
Although he had visited Fengyang Town before, Zhao Ting’s past memories hadn’t returned then, so nothing felt familiar.
Now possessing numerous memories of Fengyang Town, who knows, might recall more upon visiting.
Not just considering his relation with the Meng Family, recalling more things is always beneficial.
Meng Yao looked surprised at the tear-streaked, utterly disheveled face of Meng Ruyu before her.
She never expected Meng Ruyu would find her.
Though, given her current notoriety, she wasn’t difficult to find.
"Aunt, I know what the family did before was wrong, I apologize on their behalf," Meng Ruyu knelt before Meng Yao.
This unexpected act left Meng Yao at a loss.
"Stand up," Meng Yao said.
Meng Ruyu choked, "Aunt, unless you forgive them, I won’t get up."
Wen Nuan suddenly stepped forward, swiftly pulling Meng Ruyu up in a flash.
Meng Ruyu straightened up before realizing what happened.
"Didn’t you understand Madam’s words?" Wen Nuan said curtly.
Though this girl called Madam "Aunt," Wen Nuan sensed Madam didn’t like her.
No need to be polite to someone Madam disliked.
Besides, refusing forgiveness as a condition for standing, what was that?
Meng Ruyu stood awkwardly, unable to kneel again, never having truly intended to kneel.
Meng Yao found the stalemate meaningless and spoke directly, "Why has Miss Meng come here? Also, your title for me is incorrect. I am no longer related to the Meng Family, so I can’t be considered your aunt."
Meng Ruyu faltered, "I... I have been calling you that since childhood."
Meng Yao curled her lips, her eyes holding an unclear meaning.
Meng Ruyu understood, it was sarcasm.
She seldom called Meng Yao "Aunt," for she had never truly regarded her as family.