Chapter 81: Chapter 81: Did I Say You Could Speak?
As soon as Shi Er finished speaking, Lianhua’s face flushed red, and she quickly defended, "It’s not like that, Princely Heir, listen to me..."
Pei Ji’an looked amused, "Did I give you permission to speak?"
Lianhua was so stunned that her eyes shimmered pitifully, gazing at the Princely Heir in disbelief.
Even Huang, who was about to plead their case, was shocked into silence by the Princely Heir’s words, not daring to breathe loudly.
Pei Ji’an turned to Qu Fulan, "How do you wish to deal with them?"
Everyone turned to Qu Fulan.
It was expected that in front of the Princely Heir, everyone would want to show their best side, ideally showcasing their kindness and magnanimity. So, based on this reasoning, regardless of what Qu Fulan had planned in her heart before, at this moment before the Princely Heir, she should display a magnanimous side, a little reprimand for Huang and her daughter would suffice. As for more severe punishment, she shouldn’t and wouldn’t voice it.
Even the four chief guards thought so, although they believed Huang and her daughter deserved harsher punishment, as the Princely Heir hadn’t asked for their opinion, they had no say in the matter.
But if Qu Fulan were to raise the issue loudly only to let it down gently, with more thunder than rain, it would show a lack of decisiveness and she wouldn’t have the standing to manage the inn.
Huang and her daughter also looked at Qu Fulan, all the while breathing a sigh of relief, thinking the Princely Heir was still considerate of them, not directly punishing them, but leaving it for Qu Fulan to handle.
She’s just a girl, what kind of punishment could she possibly come up with? Surely, it’s to show her own generosity and kindness, and even put in a good word for them with the Princely Heir.
Qu Fulan had already decided how to handle Huang and her daughter; she was always methodical in her actions and wouldn’t easily change her decision.
"Since the Princely Heir has entrusted ’Flower Garden Ode’ to me for management, then under my management principles, there cannot be people who disobey orders, especially on such a special day as today, where everyone else is orderly and obedient, except for the mother and daughter, who instead of helping, cause trouble. For me, one disloyal act means they are never needed for a lifetime. ’Flower Garden Ode’ cannot accommodate such people; I want them expelled from ’Flower Garden Ode’ and sent to a remote manor."
A manor is no good place to be sent, especially a remote one.
Pei Ji’an said, "Then so be it."
Everyone was shocked by this turn of events.
First, Qu Fulan dared to unabashedly speak her mind in front of the Princely Heir, and then the Princely Heir agreed without asking any further questions.
Although the Princely Heir seemed easygoing, everyone knew he had his limits that couldn’t be easily crossed, so ordinarily they dared not act recklessly, abiding by the rules for fear of displeasing him.
Now, Miss Qu’s words directly bypassed the Princely Heir, making decisions on her own, and yet the Princely Heir didn’t blame her but instead indulged her?
This was simply unfathomable!
Even the four chief guards were slightly agape in astonishment.
This incident once again reshaped their understanding.
But none were more shocked than Huang and her daughter; when they heard Qu Fulan utter those harsh words, they were furious, thinking Qu Fulan was simply mad, using her position as the Princely Heir’s maid to act recklessly and overestimating her capabilities.
How could the Princely Heir possibly listen to a maid’s words? This was just a passing inquiry, and yet she took it seriously.
Who would have thought, the Princely Heir indeed agreed without a single query.
As the Princely Heir pronounced his decision, Huang and her daughter realized the severity of their situation, their faces turning pale as their bodies slumped.
Working at ’Flower Garden Ode’ for so long, who didn’t know what the manor was like?
Those whom the Princely Heir trusted, like the descendants of the old soldiers, went to the manor to manage affairs, living comfortably.
But such good opportunities were limited, so most people, especially those who’d erred, when sent to the manor, it meant a lifetime of hard labor, working till death.
For those at the inn, even just washing dishes was a hundred times better than being at the manor.
Previously, a plump woman had made a mistake and was sent to the manor. Later, when Huang went to deliver a message, she saw the woman, who after only three months had become skin and bones, and appeared aged and sun-darkened. They were the same age, yet that woman seemed old enough to be her mother.
When she arrived, the woman thought Huang was there to rescue her from her plight and poured out her grievances, allowing Huang to see what life at the manor was truly like.
Every day, before dawn, she would start work, doing dirty and exhausting tasks like fetching water and carrying manure.
As for food, it was only steamed buns, apart from the occasional chicken leg at New Year’s time.
How can one describe such misery?
Days of waking at all hours, amid the coldest of winters, like that for a lifetime, just the thought nearly made Huang faint.
Her own years were passed, perhaps she’d scrape through a lifetime, but her daughter was young and tender-skinned. Going to such a place wouldn’t just ruin her future but would mean marrying someone impoverished.
Huang could imagine, but could Lianhua not? She immediately began to plead for mercy.
"Princely Heir, Lianhua did not intentionally disobey Miss Qu’s orders, you most enjoy the dishes Lianhua makes, don’t you? Lianhua was worried the Princely Heir wouldn’t be used to others’ cooking, worried you might go hungry, so in a moment of foolish concern, she used the kitchen. Please, Princely Heir, consider my sincerity and forgive just this once!"
Pei Ji’an scoffed, "Qu Fulan is the appointed manager by me, the whole ’Flower Garden Ode’ must follow her arrangements. Who are you? Not only do you disobey her orders, but you act on your own authority. When did I tell you to cook for me? When did I say I only like to eat the food you prepare?"
This was the first time the Princely Heir had spoken so sternly and bluntly, and Lianhua bit her lip, her whole body starting to tremble.
Indeed, he never said so; it was her...
At this, Huang, recalling something, knelt before the Princely Heir, attempting to grasp his boot.
Pei Ji’an avoided her, and then Shi Yi and Shi Er stepped forward to take Huang aside, not allowing her to touch the Princely Heir, not even his boot.
In her stupor, Huang realized this might be her last chance and spoke.
"Princely Heir, for the sake of our family’s merits, though we have made many mistakes, my late husband died on the battlefield and contributed to your accomplishments. Now we are widowed and alone, not daring to wish for much, only hoping life could be like before. We will surely follow Miss Qu’s arrangements and not disobey her orders. We beg for your grace!"
Qu Fulan, listening on the side, couldn’t help but find the pair bizarre.
One mistaken as a favored cook, believing the Princely Heir preferred only her dishes; the other expecting privileges, even asking to keep their past lifestyle despite their reduced circumstances.
What kind of logic is that, tsk tsk tsk.