Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Before Tang Yingying could react, Auntie Linâs expression soured.
âOur young master is extremely particular about cleanliness. Since both of you have been carried by a man, you are no longer eligible to serve as his personal maidservants.â
âI can only be servant girls.â
âThe two of you, follow me. One will tend to the front and back courtyardsâ flowers and plants, while the other will handle the cleaning duties.â
âBoth tasks require early mornings, and Iâll personally instruct you on the proper methods.â
Tang Yingying was taken aback. âWe wish to see the Young Master! We were actually given to you by the governorâ¦â
Auntie Lin didnât wait for Tang Yingying to finish speaking and signaled to the two servants.
âTake them to the backyard so thev donât disturb the Young Master and Madam. â n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
The two servants promptly escorted Tang Yingying and Tang Cuicui away.
Auntie Lin had her own methods for disciplining maids. Disobedience resulted in a whipping, and laziness meant no food.
In less than three days, Tang Yingying and Tang Cuicui became markedly more obedient.
Though they were forced into these rough maid roles, they had no choice but to endure their misfortune.
Initially, they believed that Su Bin dared not accept them because of Qin Zhenzhenâs influence. After all, could any man in the world be entirely free from lustful desires?
They secretly resolved to work diligently if they ever had the chance to be alone with Su Bin.
However, their hopes were dashed after half a month passed.
Su Bin and Qin Zhenzhen had returned to their hometown and hadnât seen each other in weeks.
Su Bin and Qin Zhenzhen had returned home because Su Binâs sister was on the verge of giving birth.
Perhaps due to the well-rounded nutrition, Su Lanâs belly appeared exceptionally large, causing Qian Shanmin to worry about his wife and childâs safety.
Qin Zhenzhen had already made a trip back earlier when she noticed Su Lanâs condition. Concerned, she decided to remain by Su Lanâs side to support her through childbirth.
Unexpectedly, Su Bin insisted on accompanying her.
Qin Zhenzhen posed a serious question, âAre you truly willing to forgo the Capital Examination?â
Only a few months remained until the Capital Examination, and he hadnât dedicated himself to rigorous study at the prefectural school. Was he truly prepared to abandon this opportunity?
Su Bin nodded resolutely. âIâve pondered this deeply. Even if I attain a high ranking on the Golden List, itâs meaningless to become a high official if Iâm not serving a wise ruler.â
Qin Zhenzhen offered a rational analysis. âApart from his indulgences, the current emperor has shown wisdom in other matters.â
âSince ascending the throne, he has undertaken numerous initiatives for the people and dealt sternly with corrupt officials.â âFurthermore, he can prioritize the bigger picture despite his personal flaws.â
âSuch a monarch is indeed worth supporting.â
Su Bin agreed, saying, âYouâre right, my dear. The current emperor has his merits. He is astute and considers the greater good.â âPerhaps he might even hold me in high regard.â
âBut the Crown Prince is a menace!â
âIf he ascends to the throne, will we have any hope left?â
As Su Bin spoke, he discreetly passed a sealed letter to Qin Zhenzhen, freshly received.
The letter revealed a shocking truth: to lure Qin Zhenzhen to the capital, the Crown Prince had resorted to poisoning his secondary consort.
Subsequently, the Crown Prince sought an imperial decree from the Emperor, summoning Qin Zhenzhen to the capital under the pretense of treating his ailing secondary consort.
The Emperor, upon dispatching an imperial physician to investigate, uncovered the Crown Princeâs malicious scheme. He sternly rebuked the Crown Prince and issued a grave warning.
He cautioned that if the Crown Prince persisted in such reckless behavior, he would face disinheritance.
The fact that a crown prince was fixated on a woman already married into another family, and furthermore, a granddaughter-in-law of the Marquis Mansion, would undoubtedly trigger a major scandal. It would tarnish the royal familyâs reputation irreparably.
Even if the Crown Prince managed to seize Qin Zhenzhen in the end, the Imperial Family would suffer immeasurable humiliation.
Faced with the Emperorâs unyielding stance, the Crown Prince had no choice but to abandon his treacherous plan..