Chapter 87: Chapter 87: Her Backer
What is shamelessness?
It refers to people like Miss Pei, the second daughter of the Pei Family—Pei Lan.
That day, during the restaurant opening, she was the one mocking and sneering. Now seeing the business booming, she’s jealous and wants to emulate it.
Why does she think it’s so easy?
Or is it that she considers everyone else a fool and herself the only smart one?
Their livelihood skills, can they be so easily passed on to others?
Her brain must have issues.
"What did the Old Madam say?" Qu Fulan asked.
Actually, even if the Old Madam agreed, she wouldn’t be willing to teach. Her unique advantages can’t be so easily shared with others.
She herself is still stuck in a quagmire, like a Buddha statue made of mud trying to cross a river, barely able to save herself, how could she care about others?
The skills she brought through time, they are her bargaining chips for freedom.
Meanwhile, what Miss Pei is doing is just adding flowers to a life already wealthy; there’s no reason to satisfy her vain wishes.
But she also believed that the Old Madam isn’t someone who accommodates the younger generation without limits.
Indeed, Yueyuan said, "How would the Old Madam agree? She merely said those are your skills, and it’s up to you to decide, so she can’t forcibly make decisions."
Hua Hao also said, "You didn’t see it; Miss Pei’s face at the time was extremely ugly. But the Old Madam said it this way, after all, considering the bond of grandparents and grandchildren, so she didn’t say it too absolutely. Miss Pei might come to talk to you later, so be careful."
Qu Fulan laughed, "Thank you both sisters for the reminder. Fulan is aware."
To be honest, Qu Fulan wasn’t worried at all in her heart.
If she were still the dependent little girl from before, she might be controlled, but now, her supporting force is none other than Heir Pei, who, apart from the Old Madam, holds the most power in the Pei Mansion. Who should she fear?
Isn’t it because Miss Pei knows she is hard to deal with that she didn’t approach her directly, but the Old Madam instead?
Thus, Qu Fulan didn’t take Miss Pei seriously at all.
A woman whose vision is limited to the inner chambers, besides playing some petty tricks, what else can she do?
Meanwhile, Ying Man’er was sitting in front of the mirror drawing her eyebrows, meticulous with each stroke.
Since she moved into the Pei Mansion, she didn’t allow any sloppiness in her makeup.
Unlike before, where just having a meal was good enough, she had no leisure to tidy up.
It shows how blissful it is to be a young lady of a wealthy family.
When Ying Man’er first arrived at the Pei Mansion, seeing its vastness, even just a small courtyard was larger than her family’s home, and lavishly elegant.
Not to mention, there was a garden so beautiful it dazzled the eyes; the wealth of Capital City easily mesmerizes people.
From that moment on, she was determined to stay in Capital City, knowing that marrying into a wealthy family would guarantee great riches for life.
Gradually, as she accompanied the Old Madam to other mansions for social events, her knowledge expanded, only then realizing how narrow her former thoughts were.
It turns out that in the world of the rich, there are hierarchies; what she previously considered a wealthy life was insignificant in Capital City.
Yet, even those wealthy families need to rely on others.
To this day, she hasn’t seen the Pei Family needing to bow to anyone, but rather they are sought after by those prominent figures.
If she could stay in the Pei Mansion, her status would naturally become extremely esteemed in the future.
From then on, her determination to stay in the Pei Mansion grew stronger by the day.
"Are you going to the garden with such a look later?" Xiao Hu asked as she combed Miss Ying’s hair, smiling.
Ying Man’er glanced at Xiao Hu in the mirror, feeling good today, and didn’t mind explaining, "I plan to visit that girl Fulan. The gift I prepared before, bring it out."
Xiao Hu didn’t understand, "Why would you give Fulan a gift out of the blue, and such a valuable one?"
Ying Man’er was applying rouge and replied, "Naturally, I need her help with something. When you need a favor, you must give a gift."
Xiao Hu responded with an ’oh,’ but didn’t ask further about what help was needed. If Miss Ying wanted to talk about it, she would naturally say; otherwise, asking too much would anger her.
Indeed, Ying Man’er didn’t mention what matter required Qu Fulan’s help, only sighed, "That maid Fulan has great airs. Ordinary gifts won’t please her, so one must present precious things."
As long as the other party is pleased, naturally, she will obediently help Ying Man’er thought to herself.
Xiao Hu didn’t know what else to say, but anything that could make Miss Ying bring out such fine things to curry favor must be significant.
Hopefully, it wouldn’t be something too difficult.
As Qu Fulan came out from the Old Madam’s place, she headed to the second wing.
No choice, as the person in charge of Lixiang Courtyard, there are many things she needed to discuss with the Second Madam.
Heir Pei, being a man, rarely intervenes in the internal matters, but he can’t ignore everything, so he needed a capable assistant. That assistant was Qu Fulan.
The Second Madam wasn’t someone who refuses to hand over control after managing the household, understanding the heir’s intentions, gradually transferred some responsibilities to Qu Fulan.
Having dealt with some affairs with the Second Madam, Qu Fulan left.
Unexpectedly, on her way back she encountered Ying Man’er.
"Miss Ying." Qu Fulan greeted her with a bow.
Ying Man’er smiled, "What a coincidence, isn’t it? I was just looking for sister about something and happened to run into you."
It wasn’t a coincidence; rather, Ying Man’er had came looking after finding out Qu Fulan’s whereabouts beforehand.
Qu Fulan was a bit puzzled, "What does Miss Ying need from me?"
"Let’s sit at the pavilion," she suggested.
Qu Fulan knew it was hard to refuse but had to mention her urgency to make sure the other wouldn’t take too long.
"I’m afraid I can’t stay long, as the Young Master will be back soon, and I have urgent matters to report to him."
Ying Maner’s smile stiffened slightly but promptly replied, "It won’t take much of your time, please grant me the favor of staying for a moment."
After speaking, without waiting for a reply, she instructed the maid to serve tea.
Qu Fulan had no choice but to enter the pavilion with her.
Ying Man’er noticed the token in Qu Fulan’s hand, aware that only someone managing the household would use it.
Rumors had been circulating since the Heir returned, suggesting he might reclaim the right to manage the household because the entire Pei Mansion belonged to the first branch, and taking it back was quite reasonable.
However, Ying Man’er didn’t think this way. The first branch was often not at home, and although the heir had returned, he hadn’t married yet. Even if he did marry in the future, it didn’t guarantee that he would find a wife capable of managing the house.
So it was better to let the second branch continue managing. Once she marries in, she’ll naturally take over the management.
With such plans, how could Ying Man’er be happy about Heir Pei reclaiming the household management?
"Sister, you’re truly capable, well-versed in medicine and cooking, now even managing the household. With you by his side, the Heir surely feels relieved. But while those aware say you’re managing for the heir, those who don’t might think the Pei family lacks personnel and lets a maid manage." Ying Man’er playfully remarked.