Granny Tan glared at Hongzhi, and although she didn’t yet know exactly who Sixth Master Rong was, she thought that Sixth Master Rong’s family servant was very ignorant. Didn’t he see that daughters of high status were present? Yet he dared to barge in so recklessly.
However, Hongzhi didn’t move, he didn’t even glance at these several people; instead, he turned and bowed to Qi Younian and Nanny Jin as a greeting.
Liang Wanqiu was also extremely angry. Just by looking at such an ill-mannered servant, she could tell that Sixth Master Rong was not someone worthy of respect. She signaled Mother Yang to immediately get rid of this boy.
Mother Yang, however, hesitated. Being older, she had seen more and considered more things. Sixth Master Rong was a guest of Lord Jiang, not someone insignificant, and she had even heard that her own lord showed considerable respect to Sixth Master Rong. It was not wise to offend Sixth Master Rong’s personal boy servant without clarifying his exact identity.
Taking a step forward, Mother Yang politely addressed Hongzhi, "Young man, it would be better if you informed your Sixth Master. This little shop really is a black shop; nothing special about the goods, yet the prices are outrageously high. Our Miss was just about to go back and inform the Head of the Liang Family to have this black shop closed down. It’s better for Sixth Master Rong to stay away from this village woman, to avoid having his reputation tarnished by her."
Mother Yang deliberately emphasized their connection to the Liang Family, trying to remind the boy that Sixth Master Rong had visited the Liang Residence, and also to probe Sixth Master Rong’s background based on the boy’s response.
Hongzhi turned his head upon hearing Mother Yang’s words, as if he had just noticed Mother Yang and the several people behind her.
Although Hongzhi was a servant, when facing Mother Yang and Miss Liang behind her, he didn’t bow or offer a greeting. Instead, he straightened his slightly bowed body from speaking to Ye Xinyan and said in surprise, "Oh, it’s the Head of the Liang Family. May I know what official position the Head of the Liang Family holds to be able to personally shut down businesses registered with the county government office? Also..."
As he spoke, Hongzhi also casually scratched his head, looking quite troubled, "If the Head of the Liang Family closes down this shop, where will my Sixth Master go to enjoy rare delicacies?"
Liang Wanqiu stepped back two steps in disgust when she saw the servant scratching his head, followed by Granny Tan scolding sharply, "Presumptuous!"
However, as if he hadn’t heard, Hongzhi continued blatantly, "Or should he go to your Liang Residence instead? It’s just that the food at your place..." Hongzhi paused, then disdainfully added, "Our Sixth Master doesn’t like any of it."
Granny Tan had not yet realized what was going on, but Mother Yang and Liang Wanqiu had already sensed that something was amiss. This boy knew that Sixth Master Rong had been to the Liang Residence and still dared to derisively criticize the Liang family’s feast. Judging by his current behavior, he was not simply ignorant of the rules, he simply did not regard the Liang family and them with any esteem.
After saying these words, Hongzhi had fulfilled Jinrong’s instructions. He didn’t linger, turned to Ye Xinyan and Qi Younian and bowed, "I have delivered Sixth Master’s message, and will now return to report back."
Qi Younian hurriedly returned the gesture, urging him to stay, "Young man, there’s no rush. Rest your feet and have a cup of tea before leaving."
Hongzhi took two steps back and bowed with a smile, "I have tasks to attend to and dare not delay. When I have some free time, I’ll come by for tea." He then bowed again to the Qi family’s group, seemingly not seeing the displeased faces of the Liang family’s master and servants, and turned to walk out.
Qi Younian and Nanny Jin swiftly followed to see him out, especially Nanny Jin, who wanted to use the opportunity with His Highness Prince Yu to her advantage, so she displayed an exceptionally warm attitude, inviting Hongzhi and his master to visit their little shop again in the future.
Ye Xinyan watched Hongzhi leave and then turned back, smiling amiably at Mother Yang, "I’m truly sorry, it seems the little shop can’t be closed down for now. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to explain it to Sixth Master Rong. Also, the cost for your Miss’s visit to the shop today is 3 taels and 3 qian of silver."
Ye Xinyan’s eyes were brimming with anticipation and delight for the silver as she looked towards Mother Yang and her entourage. If she were to bow her head now, then surely, her mind would be waterlogged.
With such obvious protection from the Sixth Prince, of course, our little shop must stay open; otherwise, it would be like slapping the face of the emperor’s son. She was no longer the legitimate granddaughter of Duke An’s family and could not bear this burden.
Therefore, Miss Liang, the silver spent at our shop must still be paid.
taels and 3 qian of silver wasn’t much, but it was enough for a poor farming family to live on for several months. And from this sum, after deducting various costs, we would likely net just over 2 taels of silver.
Indeed, what a windfall!
Filled with unstoppable joy, Ye Xinyan considered that, indeed, the price was inflated; she did open a "black spot" after all. But, making money off Miss Liang was a delightful and pleasing affair. To earn silver while discrediting someone—what could be better?
Liang Wanqiu’s expression changed several times, but ultimately, she didn’t dare cause trouble for her family. She suppressed the fury in her heart, and with an expressionless face, said to Mother Yang, "Mother, settle the bill with Lady Qi. Let’s go back first; we shouldn’t delay their business."
After speaking, she forced a stiff smile at Ye Xinyan and left the shop, cushioned by her servants.
Nanny Jin stood at the door to see off the guests, smiling at Granny Tan, "Thank you all for visiting our shop. I wish all the distinguished guests and this old woman a safe journey." Hurry along now, once you leave, we still need to welcome customers to earn our living. Our little shop had the honour of serving Miss Liang, so today’s business will surely be good—haven’t you seen that two groups of customers are already waiting outside?
Liang Wanqiu, grinding her teeth to suppress her rage, nearly stumbled over the threshold as she walked. It was only because her two maidservants were astutely holding her that Miss Liang didn’t lose face in front of the crowd.
Mother Yang, worried that Liang Wanqiu couldn’t contain her anger, quickly paid the silver and followed her out to her carriage.
Before Mother Yang could even settle herself, Liang Wanqiu, through gritted teeth, asked sharply, "Mother Yang, have you ever heard from the people in the outer court about what exactly Sixth Master Rong’s status is?"
Mother Yang hastened to reply, "This servant only knows Sixth Master Rong and Lord Jiang have been to the Liang Residence. I heard about it while inquiring about Lord Jiang and incidentally learnt that Sixth Master Rong was also present, but I did not pay attention to his status. Once we get back, this servant will immediately send someone to inquire in the front court."
Grinding her teeth, Liang Wanqiu bitterly said, "Humph, if he truly holds some extraordinary status, so be it. But if he’s just a tradesman clinging to Young Master Jiang, I must have father smash that rustic shop, make them take a few days’ jail meal. And as for that worthless Sixth Master Rong, for endorsing unlawful merchants and ignoring the laws of the court, he deserves to be beaten and driven out of Qingyuan County!"
Mother Yang held a less than optimistic view concerning Liang Wanqiu’s imaginings. Since Sixth Master Rong had visited the Liang Residence, it stood to reason that he knew the head of the Liang family was the Prefectural Magistrate’s uncle. If under such circumstances, the fellow could still act so haughty, it was likely he did not even regard the Prefectural Magistrate’s aunt in his eyes.
If the bustling Ye Xinyan in the shop knew about Liang Wanqiu’s thoughts, she would most likely admire this young lady’s audacity immensely. To have Sixth Master Rong beaten and banished from Qingyuan County—what a grand and fearless aspiration! Whether it was achievable was a question, but just daring to entertain and voice such a thought was courting death, and not just for her but for her entire family as well.
Describing Liang Wanqiu as fearless because of her ignorance might be fitting, yet to say she was incomprehensibly foolish would not be