C13 The Real Thoughts

Yes.

This is Yan Li's true intention. It's not that she's deliberately opposing Mrs. Lau or trying to defend Luo Tingye. At the end of the day, she's simply looking out for herself. She doesn't intend to make things difficult for Mrs. Lau. If Mrs. Lau were a good person, Yan Li wouldn't be so confrontational. Besides, she understands that as long as she's the Great Young Madam of the Luo Mansion, as long as she's Luo Tingye's wife, Mrs. Lau will never let it go. Luo Tingye is a thorn in Mrs. Lau's side. So why should they live humbly and quietly? Instead, she chooses to confront her boldly. Even if she can't topple Mrs. Lau, at least she can find some personal satisfaction. Watching Mrs. Lau get frustrated from time to time is quite enjoyable.

Even if she doesn't go looking for trouble, Mrs. Lau will come to her. Isn't that right? With all the sarcastic remarks, Mrs. Lau even went so far as to meddle in her personal space. If Yan Li doesn't take a stand, she'll be completely overrun. She doesn't want to see that happen.

Luo Tingye pondered over his wife's heartfelt words, slowly grasping her meaning. Finally, his handsome brows relaxed, and he remarked, "After living low-key for so many years, maybe it's time to try something different."

Mo Shang, listening from the shadows, was stunned to hear his master break away from his decade-long "life philosophy." His jaw nearly dropped. He had suggested dealing with Mrs. Lau more than once or twice, only to be dismissed by his master. Now, with just a few words from Yan Li, his master was swayed?

Mo Shang scratched his head in confusion. Could it be that a woman's words are more persuasive than a man's?

...

The courtyard finally quieted down. The maids and servants thought Nanny Cheung and Mei'er wouldn't be accepted, but to their surprise, the Great Young Madam took them in.

Everyone looked puzzled, utterly confused.

Yan Li wasn't going to offer any more explanation. She simply said, "Nanny Cheung has been kindly appointed by the lady of the house. From now on, Nanny Cheung will be the head caretaker of this courtyard. Those responsible for cleaning, laundry, and serving tea and water will follow her arrangements."

This statement left everyone even more bewildered. Was this a sign of trust in Nanny Cheung or a subtle way to push her aside? If it was trust, why mention the lady's arrangement first? If it wasn't, why hand over all the courtyard's affairs to her?

Nanny Cheung listened, her mouth twitching slightly. Even though she had successfully come in, and the Great Young Madam didn't seem to mean any harm, something still felt off to her.

Yan Li glanced back at Nanny Cheung and said, "However, Nanny Cheung, I have one request: keep a close watch on the gate of the Banquet Night Courtyard. If any unwelcome guests disturb the Eldest Young Master, don't blame me for being unsympathetic."

Nanny Cheung had already experienced Yan Li's authority and respectfully accepted the task, "Rest assured, Great Young Madam, I will ensure no one disturbs the Eldest Young Master's rest."

Yan Li smiled with satisfaction, "Very good, Nanny Cheung. Since you were appointed by the lady of the house, do your job well and don't embarrass her."

Cold sweat broke out on Nanny Cheung's forehead, and she repeatedly agreed.

Yan Li curled her red lips into a smile and, with Ayuv, turned and went inside.

Watching her slender figure, Nanny Cheung swallowed hard. The Great Young Madam carried even more authority than the lady of the house. It seemed fulfilling the lady's instructions wouldn't be easy.

Thinking of this, Nanny Cheung regretted taking on this task. As the Great Young Madam had said before, she didn't have to accept it. But the monthly silver was higher than in other courtyards, and she had underestimated the Great Young Madam, thinking she was just a farmer's daughter who married into the family.

"Nanny Cheung, you're not thinking of backing out, are you?" Mei'er glided over like a ghost, startling Nanny Cheung.

"Goodness, you scared me! Can't you make some noise when you walk?"

Mei'er rolled her eyes. "Is it that I walk quietly, or are you just lost in thought? Don't forget, it was Mrs. Lau who sent you here. If you don't get this done, you know what could happen. And remember, even though the Eldest Young Master is the rightful heir, Mrs. Lau is the one in charge now. Don't lose sight of what's important."

Nanny Cheung swallowed hard, considering Mei'er's words. She was right. The Eldest Young Master had suddenly fallen ill, lying in bed like he was at death's door. Who knows when he might actually pass? If that happens, Yan Li would be left a widow, a Great Young Madam without an heir. They really had nothing to fear from her.

Nanny Cheung's resolve slowly strengthened.

"That's the spirit," Mei'er praised. "As the saying goes, 'Fortune favors the bold.' If we don't seize this opportunity to secure something for ourselves, we might be stuck in poverty forever."

Mei'er had big dreams. But you couldn't blame her. She had once been a maid in a wealthy household, turning heads with her looks and charm. Life had been good in those other estates, but perhaps she overstepped, and the lady of the house sold her off in a fit of anger.

She thought her hard days were ahead, but then she was sold to the Luo Mansion. When Mrs. Lau explained everything to her, she agreed without hesitation. Luo Tingye might not be in the best health, but he was handsome and of high status. If she could win him over and become a concubine, while also gathering some wealth, her future would be secure.

No matter what, she had to see her plan through.

Mei'er insisted, "Nanny Cheung, since you're in charge, let me take the medicine to the Eldest Young Master."

Her intention was clear: get familiar first, then proceed with her plans.

How could Nanny Cheung refuse? They were in this together now, like two peas in a pod, with no way out.

Ayuv withdrew her gaze from the window, having heard everything. Her face was full of anger. "Great Young Madam, they have some nerve, plotting about the Eldest Young Master right here in the courtyard!"

Yan Li remained calm and composed, her hands busy turning the soil in the flower pot. She was more concerned with her jasmine than with Nanny Cheung and Mei'er.

"Why worry? There will come a day to deal with them. Let them have their moment for now."

Besides, their presence in the courtyard was all for Luo Tingye, something she had anticipated. To handle them effectively and make a statement, a well-thought-out plan was necessary.

"Ayuv, did you manage to get the schedule for the maids?" Yan Li asked...