Chapter 292: Chapter 109: Not Short on Money_5 Chapter 292: Chapter 109: Not Short on Money_5 Just at that time, a Maid outside replied, “Madam, someone from Ma’s Mansion has sent something for the Third Young Lady. The old nanny from Ma’s Mansion says she is here to pay her respects to the Third Young Lady.” This so-called paying of respects was merely an excuse to see how Yueyao was faring.
Yueyao genuinely laughed at this moment. It didn’t matter if Lady Mo disagreed with her; it was the perfect opportunity to tell the old nanny from Ma’s Mansion about the turnip greens and stale buns she had been given that morning, and, through her cousin-in-law, to spread word of Lady Mo’s character to the wives of other official’s families. Yueyao was curious to see how Lady Mo would manage her disgrace then.
Lady Mo found Yueyao’s smile particularly irritating, aware of the scheme brewing in her heart. Lady Mo seethed inside, resenting the ill-timing and wondering if it had been orchestrated. Lady Mo had come to realize that this Maid, relying on her wealth, almost sought independence for her own quarters. No wonder she had seemed oblivious to the recent staff changes within the mansion; she had been waiting right here for her. Lady Mo gave her final decision, “There is no reason for you to support the Maids in your courtyard. However, if you insist, I will not stop you. The rightful share from public funds shall be delivered to you without shortfall, but you must pay for any additional items you want yourself.” That was Lady Mo’s bottom line, determined not to let Yueyao support her own Maids. If Yueyao were to distribute the monthly allowance of silver, soon all the Maids and nannies would be heeding only Yueyao’s command.
Seeing Yueyao look her way, the steward hurriedly spoke up, “Miss, just give me a list of the things you need. As soon as the items are procured, I will have someone deliver them to the Third Young Lady.” It used to be in the main kitchen too, but they had grown lax over time.
Yueyao glanced at the steward with a faint smile, “I once read of an amusing story in a book. It told of an Emperor who, while discussing politics with his ministers, learned that one of them ate four eggs every morning. The Emperor enviously exclaimed, ‘My faithful subject, you are indeed wealthy.'” She then asked the steward if he knew why the Emperor regarded the minister as rich.
The steward answered honestly, “I don’t know.”
Yueyao’s smile broadened, “The minister left court deeply puzzled, only to learn later that the Emperor, being unaware of household affairs, had been deceived by others into believing that an egg cost ten pieces of Silver each. Naturally, seeing his minister afford to eat four eggs each morning, the Emperor concluded he must be wealthy.”
The room fell so silent that one could have heard a needle drop.
Yuebing chuckled after hearing this, “Third younger sister, I had no idea you were so good at telling jokes. From now on, you can’t say you don’t know how to do so anymore.” Yuebing understood the implication of Yueyao’s words, but she thought Yueyao had gone too far today in pressuring their mother.
Lady Mo inwardly shuddered with fear, not expecting the girl to be so shrewd. It seemed Yueyao’s former demure and honest facade had been an act all along.
However, Maternal Aunt Su spoke up, “Third Young Lady, there is no Emperor so foolish. Third Young Lady should not fabricate such stories. Should such rumors spread, who knows what others might think of Lian Mansion?” The notion of rebellion was something Maternal Aunt Su wouldn’t dare to speak of carelessly.
Yueyao replied with a light laugh, “I read it from a book; it’s something from many years ago. Our Emperor is wise and valiant; certainly, no such thing could happen.”
In front of everyone, Lady Mo looked at the steward and said, “Did you hear what the Third Young Lady said?”
The steward nodded repeatedly, “I heard, I heard.” How could he dare to entertain thoughts of tricking such a sharp and formidable Third Young Lady?
Yueyao spoke indifferently, “Make a detailed list of the items you bring me. Mark down the price of each one. This will prevent any misunderstandings.”
Sweat beaded on the steward’s forehead; if anyone still said the Third Young Lady was clueless about mundane matters, he would take issue with them, “Yes, yes, yes. Everything will be handled perfectly for the Third Young Lady.”