Farm Tough Girl

Chapter 141 - 141 142 Still Want to be the Master_1

?Chapter 141: Chapter 142: Still Want to be the Master?_1 Chapter 141: Chapter 142: Still Want to be the Master?_1 Liu’er pursed her lips, feeling extremely uncomfortable inside, “Yes, that lady has a terrible temper, can’t stand seeing someone like a servant, always targeting me. Throughout the entire time, she never showed me any kindness. Just before leaving, she caught sight of Lakeheart Pavilion and forcefully insisted on going there to have a look. Knowing that the young master never liked others casually entering your usual haunts, I respectfully tried to stop her, but who knew that lady would even remind me to be aware of my own status, scolding me for nothing but a servant, questioning what right I had to stop her—”
As Liu’er spoke, tears streamed down her face as if she had suffered a great injustice, looking pitiable indeed, “I know I am lowly born, not fit to compare with those who are masters, but to be splashed with cold water so openly, my heart can’t feel at ease.”

Wu Haoli frowned, not quite believing this story. Muniang’s household wasn’t without servants, and she never treated them harshly, but even if she had been harsh, Wu Haoli’s expression darkened further, “You don’t want to be called a servant; could it be that you desire to become a master?”

His words, though spoken lightly, surged like a tidal wave, frightening Liu’er so much that she quickly knelt down, “I dare not, I dare not. I just meant to say that lady has a peculiar temper. I am indeed a servant, why would that lady need to remind me? I always remember my place!”

In truth, she had never seen herself as a servant at heart. The speech she gave just now was firstly to smear Muniang and secondly in hopes that Wu Haoli might develop a sense of pity for her. But who would have thought it would end like this!

Liu’er’s face turned pale, and her body trembled as she awaited Wu Haoli’s judgment.

Wu Haoli said coldly, “Considering that you have managed the Wu Family for so many years, I won’t drive you out. From now on, let Liu Fu handle the mansion’s affairs, and you will not be involved.”

Liu’er’s heart skipped a beat. Not managing the household anymore? Wouldn’t she then have no power at all? How was this different from being expelled?

Just as Liu’er was about to plead, Wu Haoli swept a cold gaze over her, “Leave.”

With a shiver, Liu’er realized she truly did not dare disobey; otherwise, she might actually be thrown out. She hastily staggered out, her heart filled with regret. She had intended to strike first to show the young master “the true face of Qiao Muniang,” but who knew she would end up like this? What is this if not bringing trouble upon oneself?

In the study, Wu Haoli asked Liu Fu, “Why did Qiao Muniang insist on going to Lakeheart Pavilion last time she was here?”

Liu Fu then recounted in detail what he had witnessed that day, “Later, that Madam Qiao examined the tiger skin carefully, and her expression suddenly changed. She threw down the tiger skin and stormed off angrily.”

“Damn it!” Wu Haoli cursed, annoyed, “She probably realized.”

Liu Fu still looked confused; the people in Wu Mansion didn’t know Wu Haoli’s true background, “Realized what?”

“Prepare the carriage, to Qiao Muniang’s home!”

Wu Haoli left that command behind and immediately swept out the door.

Muniang had just finished applying medicine to Eryang and hadn’t even left the room when Qingya said, “Lady, Mr. Wu is here, at the flower hall.”

Muniang snorted through her nose. He sure came quickly. But these past few days, as Muniang thought about it calmly, her anger had subsided somewhat. After all, she couldn’t force someone to reveal all their secrets to her, right? They weren’t even that close. Initially, she was angry because she felt deceived by Wu Haoli, as if she had been played. But after calming down, she thought maybe she shouldn’t have been that upset.

“I’ve already paid the money, yet Mr. Wu still comes knocking for debts? Could it be that he’s come to collect interest?” Muniang walked into the flower hall. Although most of her anger had dissipated, a trace of resentment still lingered.

Wu Haoli put on a smile, “How would I dare? I heard that you were upset, so I hurried over to apologize.”

In fact, as he heard Muniang sarcastically speak, he knew she wasn’t angry anymore. He understood her; if she really had been angry, she would probably have had a cold expression.

Muniang glared at him with annoyance, “I wouldn’t dare. The owner of Dongxing Building, our humble abode surely cannot afford to offend.”

Wu Haoli laughed helplessly, “You already know?”

Eryang said, “Mistress commented that you always act nonchalant, but still engage in deceptive money-making schemes.”

Wu Haoli paused, then began to smile, “Fine, fine. I have made a profit through deceit, it seems. I never really intended to keep it secret, just didn’t make a fuss about it.”

“But you’re a big boss, selling fields and land—don’t tell me you’re really short on money?” Muniang asked curiously.

Wu Haoli’s eyes darkened, “There’s no point in keeping them anyway.”

Muniang, seeing his demeanor, knew there must be some unspeakable troubles and tactfully didn’t inquire further. Instead, she said to Qingya, “Go get a watermelon from the well.”

“Oh, such generous hospitality, it seems my trip here today wasn’t in vain.”

“Our family’s watermelons are different; you’re in for a treat today,” Er Liang chuckled.

Wu Haoli was somewhat puzzled, “What’s different about them?”

“You’ll see in a moment,” Er Liang said with a proud smile.

Qingya came up with the sliced watermelon, its plump yellow flesh inside, Wu Haoli was astonished, “How come this watermelon is yellow?”

Muniang smiled, “Try it and see. It’s even tastier than the red ones; a new variety we’ve grown.”

Wu Haoli’s Dongxing Building had also purchased cauliflower from Muniang and naturally knew the Qiao family’s Tianzhuang produced novel items, but he hadn’t realized they had such great produce.

Wu Haoli ate with delight, “Muniang, how much of this watermelon do you have? I’ll take it all; just name your price.”

Muniang replied, “The goods have already been booked by someone else.”

“Ah? You’re not being a friend; how come you didn’t sell such a good thing to our restaurant?”

“How would I have known your restaurant would want it? I sold it directly to a fruit shop. Didn’t I sell those two kinds of vegetables to you?”

Wu Haoli sighed, a look of regret on his face, “If only I had known earlier.”

“Actually, there is something else I want to know,” Muniang said, suddenly serious.

“What is it?”

“How, with your silly antics, did you become the boss of Dongxing Building?”

Wu Haoli: “········”
Compared to the stability at Muniang’s home, the Qiao family was completely in turmoil.

“Move out? With what silver would you move out? Where would you get the money to build a house?” Madam Liu’s sharp voice echoed in the courtyard.

Qiao Yuanming had finally mentioned moving out to his parents, but to his surprise, Madam Zhao flew into a rage on the spot. Madam Zhao was well aware that Madam Liu must have made some money by now. If they really moved out, it would likely be hard to control them in the future.

Madam Liu calmly said, “Father and mother don’t need to worry; we have our ways. Besides, the family property was divided long ago. Moving out is the same as staying, and the children are grown now. They can’t always be crammed into one room.”

“Oh, so you think I’ve been too harsh on you, isn’t that it? Now that you’ve made some money, you think our mud-brick house isn’t good enough for you anymore, right?”