"Auntie, we servants wouldn’t dare... Madam, please calm your anger, Auntie, please..."
"You dare not? I think you dare quite a bit!" Yang Chuxia sneered, "What are you bunch doing huddled at the door? Seeing that my aunt is upset, none of you had the mind to comfort her. What is the use of you all?"
The Yang family was well aware of Yang Chuxia’s temperament. Once she got angry, she would punish anyone standing in her way, even sky-high bigwigs, disregarding the fact that she was married and shouldn’t meddle in her maternal family’s affairs. She would manage everything she ought to without a hitch. The Madame and the Old Master would only be pleased and wouldn’t say much.
"Mother, how do you think we should handle this?"
When the servants heard what Ms. Wang said, they all looked as if they were expecting it.
As for Ms. Wang, naturally, she wouldn’t oppose. Letting her order a whipping was a bit hard for her, she rarely did that before. It was usually her daughter who disciplined the servants. Recently, she felt that the servants at home weren’t as obedient as before, so it would be good for her daughter to take charge now.
Yang Chuxia knew Ms. Wang’s character too. She didn’t like meddling with the servants. Even after so many years, she still held onto that. Yang Chuxia lamented, she could help manage now and keep everything at home in order, but what if she was not in Yangshu Village anymore? At this time, Yang Chuxia thought it would be better for her younger brother to get married earlier. He could then take over the house chores sooner.
"Since it’s left to me to handle." Yang Chuxia paused here and looked at the expressions of everyone present, then slowly said, "Considering you all have served my family for a few years, I’ll make the punishment light this time. Drag them away and administer ten beatings to each, regardless of gender. Deduct two months salary. If it happens again, we’ll sell them directly to the dentist."
"Of course, thank you, Auntie, for your mercy, thank you, Auntie."
This is the sadness of a feudal society, they even have to be grateful after being punished.
When the people working in the next courtyard came and dragged away this group of onlookers, Ms. Qian of Wang Family hadn’t reacted yet. When the sound of the beatings began to sound from the next door, her face became more than just ugly.
Pubilcly punishing servants in front of relatives, wasn’t this just a slap to the face?
But Yang Chuxia was intentional about it. She thought just because you are my second aunt and an elder, you make a fuss in front of a crowd of servants at the door, causing us all to lose face, and now you hope I spare you some face? Dream on.
However, while confrontation had begun, the cause of the confrontation was still unclear.
It was Ms. Wang who remembered to ask, "What happened to my second brother and sister-in-law for them to start a ruckus at my door? What happened?"
If Ms. Wang hadn’t asked, it would be fine. But as soon as she asked, Ms. Qian of Wang Family blew up.
"You have the audacity to ask me? Why don’t you ask your lovely daughter instead? Your family is considered one of the biggest names in Yangshu Village. Any town or village nearby that mentions your family would give a big thumbs up, but why, then, are you so petty and envious of others’ good fortunes?" Ms. Qian of Wang Family pointed directly at Yang Chuxia.
"What do you mean by that, second sister-in-law? What business is this of Xiaxia?" Wang was at a loss for words hearing Ms. Qian Wang Family’s scolding. She could no longer maintain her composure.
"It’s not her business? If it’s not her business would I be here making a fuss?" Ms. Qian Wang Family started to get worked up, "I’m telling you, Ms.Wang, if you don’t give me an explanation today, we are not done. Unless you never come back to your maternal home again in this lifetime, or else every time you come back, I’ll drive you away."
"Auntie? What exactly are you upset about? Please just tell us directly, instead of beating around the bush."