NOVEL NEXT Chapter 91 - You Can Only See This Face
After enjoying two cups of tea, Zuo Shaoqing noticed Luo Xiaoliu bringing along a plump elderly woman. As she walked, she reprimanded her, “Behave yourself, San Ye wants to meet one of your servants. How dare you defy his orders!”
“Hmph! Who do you think you are? You actually have the audacity to lay hands on me, disrupting my dinner! Can Lord Third afford the consequences?”
Zuo Shaoqing crossed his arms, standing firmly in front of the door. Just looking at the peculiar appearance of that woman, with a nose that seemed out of place and eyes that didn't quite belong, made him seethe with anger.
“Does Maid Ma believe I'm unworthy of even one meeting?” Zuo Shaoqing inquired icily.
Maid Ma, the long-serving head of the kitchen, had a clear understanding of the household's dynamics. He was, after all, a bastard. Since Lady Ruan's departure, there had been no need to prepare meals for him alone in the kitchen, and nobody ever inquired about San Ye's dining preferences.
Initially, there was some apprehension among the staff. After all, he was still a master, and if they reported him to the old master, he would undoubtedly face punishment.
However, for several months now, San Ye hadn't uttered a single word. Whatever food was left in the kitchen only fueled the servants' frustration.
What they didn't know was that Third Master Zuo had his pockets filled with provisions, rendering him uninterested in eating anything. The master and the servant often had their separate ways of preparing meals.
Maid Ma never anticipated that San Ye, known for his patience, would lose his temper today, and all for a servant. How absurd! He hadn't even considered his own status.
“Master San, this humble servant harbors no disrespect for you. It's just that this servant is responsible for the entire kitchen, and from morning till night, I must prepare dinner. I cannot afford to waste time here with you,” Maid Ma retorted, lifting her chin defiantly.
Leaning against the door frame, Zuo Shaoqing casually inquired, “Lil ‘Six, are you familiar with the family rules of this household? What are the consequences for a servant defying their master?”
Luo Xiaoliu stifled his laughter and responded loudly, “Reporting to Lord Third, for minor transgressions, they'll receive thirty lashes, while serious offenses result in being sold.”
Zuo Shaoqing waved his hand, saying, “Using a paddle seems too cumbersome. Besides, I'm feeling generous today; just give her ten slaps.”
Maid Ma's eyes widened, as if she expected Luo Xiaoliu to devour her alive should she make a move.
Even Luo Xiaoliu was a tad apprehensive. However, the thought of San Ye emboldened him, and he seized Maid Ma's arm with one hand and delivered a resounding slap with the other.
With three consecutive hits from Luo Xiaoliu, Maid Ma finally accepted the reality that she was being assaulted by the attendants.
She struggled and kicked Luo Xiaoliu's calf in retaliation.
Though Luo Xiaoliu wasn't a formidable opponent, his agility helped him evade her kicks. He patted his chest in surprise.
Zuo Shaoqing scooped up two small stones from a nearby pot and aimed them at Maid Ma's knee.
He gauged his strength perfectly. The stones struck Maid Ma's Marrow Sutra, but they didn't cause any harm to her legs.
Observing Maid Ma's legs give way, causing her to kneel, Zuo Shaoqing calmly issued a directive, “Continue.”
Luo Xiaoliu chuckled and waved his sleeves, delivering a few slaps to her face.
“Ahhh…” Maid Ma lashed out wildly, scratching Luo Xiaoliu's face with her sharp nails.
“Ouch!” Luo Xiaoliu quickly released her and touched his burning cheek, his anger flaring. “You lunatic! You still dare to retaliate!”
The servants, who had gathered outside the courtyard to witness the commotion, were utterly stunned to see San Ye taking action. They had been part of the Zuo's Mansion for many years, and this was the first time they had witnessed such an outburst from San Ye.
Yet, there were also those who speculated, “It's understandable for Master San to assert himself now that he's different from the past. He just had a confrontation with Maid Ma in the kitchen. His future life might not be smooth sailing.”
Mrs. Hoe heard the commotion and entered the yard, her hands on her hips. She observed the altercation and inquired, “Third brother, what's happening here?”
Upon seeing his family arrive, Zuo Shaoqing immediately put on a smile. “Sis, I'm so glad you're here. I was about to ask you what you'd like for dinner, and…” He trailed off, feigning disappointment. “Well, if you don't want to tell me, that's fine too.” Zuo Shaoqing let out a dramatic sigh.
The management of the Zuo Family had always been in the hands of Mrs. Xue. Mrs. Hoe, who had been married for many years, had never interacted with the household staff and was cautious with her words. She simply commented, “Third brother, Mother is returning soon. Take a look… How did things end up like this?”
Zuo Shaoqing responded with a composed smile and a cool tone, “No need. If there's no place for me in this family, I'll simply relocate to avoid becoming the subject of others' mockery.”
The esteemed Top Scorer found himself being berated by a servant within his own household. Zuo Shaoqing's audacity was not the only issue; even Mrs. Xue had to bear the blame for her leniency in governance.
Mrs. Hoe was on the verge of intervening when she overheard Maid Ma's scornful remark, “Humph! Do you even know your own status? Do you think achieving the title of High Scholar will elevate you to the heavens? You're merely the son of a concubine born to an imperial concubine.”
Zuo Shaoqing remained remarkably unruffled. He even offered a chair to Mrs. Hoe, inviting her to sit down. “Sister-in-law, why don't you take a seat and listen to how this overbearing servant decided to educate my concubine-born son.”
Mrs. Hoe couldn't help but feel somewhat perplexed. She seldom interacted with her third brother, and the composed demeanor she witnessed now differed greatly from her memories of him.
Luo Xiaoliu, having previously suffered at the hands of Maid Ma, felt his anger surge upon hearing her audacious words. He seized her hair and scratched her face.
“Ah…!” “You insolent slave! When I begged for your help before, you were eager to lick my toes…”
Observing that Luo Xiaoliu wasn't being overpowered, Zuo Shaoqing turned around and inquired with concern, “How has Eldest Sister-in-law been lately? A few days ago, Second Uncle sent over some ginseng. I have no use for it, so perhaps you could take it back to Eldest Sister-in-law for recuperation?”
Mrs. Hoe suddenly raised her head, studying him. She claimed not to be surprised, but their relationship had always been distant. Why would her third brother proactively extend a hand of friendship?
“Eldest sister-in-law, there's no need to be astonished. This younger brother is simply…” Zuo Shaoqing turned his gaze away and sighed, “Just concerned about my sister-in-law's well-being.”
Mrs. Hoe's heart warmed, her eyes flickering with emotion. Despite her status as a major in the Zuo Family, she had no authority within this household. She constantly had to appease her mother-in-law and her husband wasn't exactly someone who kept her company.
Shortly after becoming pregnant, her mother-in-law hastily arranged three concubines into her husband's quarters.
Seeing the right moment, Zuo Shaoqing hesitated before saying, “Sister-in-law, there are certain matters that I shouldn't be the one to discuss. I'm only worried that if Sis were to overhear the rumors, it might upset her…”
Mrs. Hoe's heart skipped a beat as she sensed an ominous premonition. She mustered a forced smile and replied, “If Third Brother has something to say, please go ahead.”
Zuo Shaoqing sighed once more, his gaze fixed on the two servants in the yard, both looking disheveled. He spoke softly, “A few days ago, little brother overheard… that a certain nobleman's daughter has taken a liking to her elder brother and has been visiting his inn daily. This news has spread quite widely…”
Mrs. Hoe's eyes widened in shock as she stared blankly at him. It took her a moment to regain her composure. Seeing her pale face, Zuo Shaoqing leaned in and asked with concern, “Sister-in-law, are you alright?”
She managed a smile that looked more pained than cheerful and replied, “Third brother, please disregard such baseless rumors. They're merely rumors. Please be cautious with your words.”
Zuo Shaoqing suddenly appeared apprehensive and said, “Sister-in-law is absolutely correct. I shouldn't have brought this up.”
Mrs. Hoe unsteadily rose to her feet and placed a hand on her nearly five-month-old belly. She paid no attention to the commotion in the yard as she guided her servant girl away.
A faint smile played on the corner of Zuo Shaoqing's lips. He called out anxiously as she departed, “Sister-in-law, what should we do if you leave?”
Naturally, Mrs. Hoe didn't respond to his question. Zuo Shaoqing stepped forward and delivered an angry kick to Maid Ma's chest, exclaiming, “How dare you! Mother will deal with you when she returns!”
Zuo Shaoqing employed only half of his strength in the kick, but it sent Maid Ma soaring into the air, rendering her incapacitated for a while.
Upon learning that Zuo Shaoqing intended to seek judgment from Mrs. Xue, Maid Ma not only remained unafraid but also grew more defiant. “Hmph, just you wait!” She then crawled away on all fours.
Zuo Shaoqing beckoned to Luo Xiaoliu, pinched his chin, and scrutinized his face with a thoughtful expression. He clicked his tongue and remarked, “Xiao Liuzi, Xiao Liuzi, what should I do with you? If you can't handle a wife, how can I rely on you in the future?”
Luo Xiaoliu winced in pain and spoke with a strained voice, “Master, why don't you consider Mrs. Ma's physique? It's twice that of a servant's. After all that fighting, she can still stand.”
Zuo Shaoqing chuckled and patted his bruised cheek. He retrieved his purse and tossed it to Luo Xiaoliu, saying, “Very well, go find a doctor. Ensure there are no scars; only this face of yours should bear witness.”
Luo Xiaoliu accepted the purse without hesitation, weighed it in his hand, and then slipped it into his pocket with a grin. He then bowed to Zuo Shaoqing, saying, “Thank you for your generosity, Master San!”