"Hmph, what kind of background can she have? Either a common wealthy family or a typical landowner’s household in a rustic place ," asserted Steward Cao indifferently, "But no matter which type, none can compete against the Lord Prefect. As for Funan, it’s our Lord Prefect who holds sway. When the girl learns that she’s to become the Lord Prefect’s daughter and also gets to participate in the selection for the emperor’s service, I wonder how overjoyed she will be."
Having considered this, Nurse Yun agreed, "What you said seems reasonable. When it’s time, we should explain the situation to the girl and her family. Nothing untoward should happen. With her looks, she will certainly be selected. Easily becoming an empress, what sort of fool would resist such immense wealth and status?"
"That’s the right way to think about it. As for whether she’s been married, it’s not a problem at all. As long as we have money, all will be fine. And speaking for ourselves, if we complete the tasks satisfactorily, the Lord Prefect’s reward will be ours."
Considering this, Steward Cao grew more pleased with the plan. Drinking happily, he even began to sing.
"Look at this dead expression on your face, you’re even singing now." Nurse Yun gave Steward Cao a disgruntled look.
With just this glance, Steward Cao’s heart fluttered. He found that Nurse Yun’s skin was incredibly fair, and her face was flushed which he presumed to be bashful.
Unconsciously, his hand moved to hold Nurse Yun’s. Despite being called ’nanny’, Nurse Yun wasn’t very old, only about twenty-eight or twenty-nine years, even younger than Steward Cao.
Being touched by Steward Cao, she became shy as if she were a young girl.
Seeing her blushing but not retreating, Steward Cao became braver, his hand roving and with the influence of alcohol, his words became inappropriate.
"Yun’er, your small face smells so sweet." Steward Cao kissed Nurse Yun’s face and buried his head in her chest.
"Pah, it’s certainly more fragrant than those two you held interest in today."
Steward Cao chuckled mischievously, "Well, I haven’t tasted those two yet, have I? But for now, Yun’er is the sweetest. Come, let Cao big brother cherish you."
With that, he carried her to the bed and laid her down, then he lay down on top of her.
After a passionate encounter, glancing at the time outside, Steward Cao exclaimed, "Damn! If I go to fetch County Magistrate Shen now, I probably won’t return until late. All because of you, you little seductress."
"What’s the big deal? Tomorrow, you can accompany County Magistrate Shen. Isn’t that okay?"
"Well, that makes sense. I will go to see County Magistrate Shen now." Steward Cao quickly got up, got dressed, and left.
After his departure, another person rushed out from the room next door and headed for Yangshu Village.
While Mu Shaoling had said he would investigate the matter and had left, Yang Dachuan and Ms. Wang, out of concern for the selection, were all full of worry.
Although Yang Chuxia had explained the situation to them, both remained fretful, fearing that she and Ye Zi’an would be separated because of this. Out of helplessness, Yang Chuxia spent the afternoon with them until they ate dinner, and then she returned home with Ye Zi’an.
After bathing, Yang Chuxia lay in bed reflecting on the day’s events, finding them absurd.
"What are you thinking about?"
Ye Zi’an entered wearing underclothes, a dry towel in his hand to dry his hair.
"I’m thinking about that scoundrel who dared to choose me. I feel a little regretful for not hitting him."
"You, you." Ye Zi’an chuckled and shook his head.
Yang Chuxia thought about what Ye Zi’an had said to her earlier in the day, then she sat upright, asking, "Was what you said today true?"