Chapter Ninety-Five: The Unlucky Chang Kang

As soon as Liu Qin’s bottom touched the floor, she heard two dull thuds, and two people sprang down from the couch behind her.

Two pairs of pale silk stockings came into the corner of her eye, and at the same time two hands steadied her arms. With that support, Liu Qin rose very easily, patting herself down. Luckily, it barely hurt; far better than the last time Xiao Wu had dropped her.

She glanced at Xiao Wu in surprise, not expecting him to be so concerned about her. Thinking of this, she gave him a gentle smile full of gratitude.

Xiao Wu met her gaze with a calm expression, said nothing, released her, and went back to the couch to put on his shoes.

Meanwhile, Jiang Li wore a stern face and rebuked Chang Kang, who had frozen at the doorway: “Why are you always so reckless? Do you not know to announce yourself before entering?”

A person who is usually mild and kind, once he turns grave, can be more frightening than those stern by nature. Chang Kang was rather shaken; he lowered his head, his legs weakening as he knelt.

He felt anxious and ashamed. In the past, Chang Xing and Chang Sheng had always been more favored by the young lady and the young master, and he himself was never as steady as Chang An. It had not been easy to gain a little presence before the young lady and speak a word or two, and yet such a thing had happened. If the young lady had been injured, he would truly deserve death. Alas!

“Sister, are you all right?” Jiang Li asked with concern.

“I’m fine, I’m fine.” Liu Qin quickly gave him a broad reassuring smile. “Brother Ali, let Chang Kang get up. He didn’t mean it.”

She could have told Chang Kang to rise directly, but since she wanted Jiang Li to act as her chief steward and manage the people beneath him properly, she naturally had to uphold his authority. Sometimes combining kindness with discipline was an effective way to govern others.

“Get up, then. Be more careful next time.”

Only then did Jiang Li soften his expression and say a few words to Chang Kang, who was inwardly tossing and turning with anxiety, cursing his own bad luck.

“Yes, sir... I will remember.” Chang Kang stood up and lowered his head beside them.

The pale silk stockings were truly glaring, and now it was already winter; standing on the cold floor in stockings alone made it easy to catch a chill. Liu Qin tugged at Jiang Li’s hand. “Brother Ali, put on your shoes first.”

Only then did Jiang Li react. A little red-faced, he let go of her and returned to the couch to put on his shoes.

“Chang Kang, is something the matter up front?”

They were in a private room at Jade Liquor Hall, and since Chang Kang had come in such a hurry, something must have happened in front.

“Sir, Master, two more houses have come to discuss cooperation. Steward Cheng asked me to come see what the young master thinks.”

“Oh? Which two?”

“Red Sleeve Manor and Drunken Spring Pavilion.”

“Have they left yet?”

“No, they’re still waiting for a reply.”

Liu Qin did not hesitate. Back when she had promised Wan Yue of Rain and Mist Tower that she would no longer sign long-term wine-supply contracts with other pleasure houses, she had already made up her mind. Since that was so, there was no need for roundabout words; a direct refusal would do.

“Go tell Steward Cheng that we will not take this business. Ask him to decline politely.” Chang Kang answered yes and was just about to leave when Liu Qin called, “Wait.” He hurriedly turned back to await her new instructions.

“After Steward Cheng sends them off, have him come to the back.”

“Yes.” Only then did Chang Kang depart.

Before long, Steward Cheng lifted the curtain and came in. He was wholly in favor of Liu Qin’s decision. From the very beginning, he had opposed their entanglement with Rain and Mist Tower, though that place at least had a respectable name, far better than Red Sleeve Manor or Drunken Spring Pavilion. If he were to choose, he would still rather choose Rain and Mist Tower.

“I wonder what orders the young lady has for me?”

“Steward Cheng, sit.” Liu Qin pulled him to the couch and sat him down before smiling. “It’s nothing major. I only wanted to give a warning and tell the shop hands to stay alert. I’m afraid someone may come and make trouble.”

“Make trouble?”

“Yes, though I hope I’m worrying needlessly.”

Steward Cheng was, after all, a seasoned hand. Hearing this, he immediately understood. He gave Liu Qin a long, deep look, and his admiration for the girl he had watched grow up increased once more. This was something even he had not thought of so quickly. It was not merely a matter of cleverness; it required experience. Then where had the girl gained such experience?

He pressed the question down in his heart and told himself that perhaps the young lady’s mind truly was different from other people’s.

That day, everyone returned to the residence early, because Liu Qin had promised her mother that she would accompany her to dinner.

The first one or two months at year’s end were the busiest in the yamen, with many matters that had to be settled before the New Year. Thus, Master Liu and the eldest master often returned very late, and sometimes even stayed overnight at the yamen.

That day was no exception. Since the men had not come back, the several young masters did not need to go to the rear courtyard either, and dinner was sent directly to each of their rooms.

When Liu Qin arrived at the main house, the place was full of laughter and cheerful voices, very lively indeed. Faintly, she heard an old woman saying, “Thank you for your grace, Old Madam.”

“The young lady has arrived.” A little maid lifted the curtain and smiled as she announced her entrance.

Seeing the young lady arrive, the maids inside also busied themselves at once, some fetching water, others handing over towels. Liu Qin paid respects to her mother and elder sister-in-law, had her face washed and her hands wiped, and then climbed up beside her mother to sit properly.

Chao Geer was seated next to Madam Cai. When he saw Liu Qin come in, he did not, as usual, run up happily to pay his respects. Instead, he puffed up his cheeks in anger and turned his face away.

“Chao Geer, why aren’t you greeting your aunt?”

At his mother’s words, Chao Geer turned and looked at his aunt, gave a huff, and then turned his face away again.

“You child, what kind of manners are these?” Madam Cai was a little angry.

Liu Qin hurriedly jumped down from the couch and ran before Chao Geer, smiling brightly as she asked, “Chao Geer, what’s wrong? Why are you angry?”

Chao Geer blinked his eyelashes, looking very wronged. “You never play with me, and Brother never plays with me either. Mother won’t let me go to the front courtyard to find you, and I...”

He pouted, looking as if he were about to cry.

In truth, he really did want to cry, but his mother had said that when he became a real man, he could go to the front courtyard and study and practice martial arts with his aunt and brothers. In order to become a real man, he would not cry.

Liu Qin felt genuinely guilty. How long had it been since she had properly kept company with this little nephew of hers? It seemed that ever since Jiang Li had come, her whole heart had been thrown into the front courtyard, and she had grown impatient with dragging around this little tail. Compared with Chao Geer’s attachment to her, did this count as valuing beauty over friendship?

“Chao Geer, next time I find something fun, I’ll definitely take you along, all right?”

Chao Geer’s eyes instantly lit up, wide and bright. “You’re not allowed to fool me, and you’re not allowed to go back on your word.”

“I promise. I won’t fool you, and I won’t go back on my word.”

Only then did Chao Geer smile.

The Old Madam watched the aunt and nephew speaking affectionately, smiling all the while. At last she waved them over. “Qin girl, come. Mother has something to tell you.”

“Mother, what is it?” Liu Qin burrowed into the Old Madam’s arms and rubbed against her collar. A mother’s embrace was always so fragrant, so warm.

“Qin girl, how about I give Cai Rui to you to use?”

Following the Old Madam’s gaze, Liu Qin finally noticed the ordinary-looking maid standing below, who nonetheless seemed very honest. She was about the same age as Cui Yu. Liu Qin thought hard for a moment before remembering that Cai Rui had been promoted after Cai Yun married off, and was now the most useful person at her mother’s side apart from Cai Xia.