Сhаpter 18: Сарturе
Аs soon as Stеwаrd Zheng finished sрeaking, thе соurtуаrd gаte wаs рushеd оpen.
Ji Ruуue walked out slоwlу, her ехрrеssiоn cаlm аnd hеr demeаnоr elеgant.
She gavе a slight bоw to the crоwd and sаid, “Fellоw villаgers, I am thе young mastеr оf thе Ji fаmily, Ji Ruyuе. Whаt Stеwаrd Zheng said is аbsolutеly true! Тhe Ji familу will never tоlerate Zhао Тong’s vаriоus actions. I hоpе уou cаn distinguish right from wrong, fоr the sаkе оf the Ji fаmily and fоr yoursеlvеs.”
Тhe old man was surprised to seе suсh a young mastеr, аnd a woman аt thаt.
But remembering the Ji family’s only daughter, he was certain.
His gaze held more respect as he said, “Young Master, in that case, we are willing to follow your instructions.”
Ji Ruyue hadn’t expected it to be so easy.
She nodded slightly to Steward Zheng and said, “Let’s go. Sooner is better than later.”
Understanding her meaning, Steward Zheng spoke a few words to the crowd and led Ji Ruyue toward the main courtyard where Zhao Tong was.
The courtyard was currently in chaos, with many servants carrying things to the carriage at the gate. Seeing Ji Ruyue and her group arrive, they immediately panicked.
Xi Qiu had already rushed out from the crowd, grabbed one person to ask for Zhao Tong’s location, and led several guards straight toward him.
Zhao Tong was busy packing valuable items, planning to leave soon.
He only needed to trap Ji Ruyue for one day—one day was enough!
After searching around, Xi Qiu spotted Zhao Tong and charged straight at him.
Seeing this, Zhao Tong was startled!
Knowing things had gone wrong, he hurriedly picked up his weapon to defend himself.
But Xi Qiu was agile and skilled, subduing the enemy with a single move. He easily captured Zhao Tong, pressing a dagger against his neck. “Don’t move, or I’ll deal with you, this treacherous servant who betrayed your master, right here.”
The farmers who had followed them in scattered, clearing a path.
Ji Ruyue walked gracefully forward, followed by her maids and matrons. Her expression was solemn, exuding immense authority.
“Steward Zhao, we meet again.”
Zhao Tong’s legs went weak, but his words were fierce as he glared angrily at the farmers. “Have you all lost your minds? Drive these people out, or I won’t increase your tenant fees next year!”
The farmers remained silent…
Ji Ruyue’s gaze was sharp as she stared directly at Zhao Tong. “The Ji family has treated you so generously, yet you tried to trap me in danger. You are truly bold! And when has the Ji Family Medicine Manor ever been dictated by a mere servant like you?”
Zhao Tong’s face turned deathly pale.
Ji Ruyue turned to the villagers, her voice clear. “All of you have seen what happened. I believe you now understand right from wrong.”
The old man led the crowd in a bow. “Yes, we were blind and mistook our master. We beg the young master to be magnanimous and forgive us!”
Ji Ruyue’s eyes darkened. She didn’t want to hold it against them, but she still felt some resentment. “What happened today will be forgiven if you make up for it. Let it end here. The Ji family never breaks its promises to you.”
Steward Zheng signaled to the old man to step aside with the others.
Ji Ruyue stepped closer to Zhao Tong and sneered. “Now, let’s talk about the medicinal herbs.”
Zhao Tong’s heart sank into despair. The buyer he had arranged to meet was delayed by heavy snow and wouldn’t arrive until tomorrow. If Ji Ruyue searched the warehouse now, she would immediately know how much stock was left.
Zhao Tong gritted his teeth. “Young Master! Does the old master know how you’re treating me? I’m an old servant of the Ji family, I’ve worked here for many years. Even if I have no merit, I have toil…”
“Oh?”
Ji Ruyue found it amusing. How could this person still utter such shameless words in this situation?Zhao Tong was filled with regret, knowing full well that the tide had turned against him. He only hated himself for acting too late and that this person had arrived at such an inopportune time!
He was someone who could bend and stretch with the situation. Seeing that the tenant farmers had already grown disloyal, he knew they could no longer be commanded.
His thoughts raced, and he immediately changed his expression. “Young Mistress, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have taken advantage of your youth and tried to put on airs in front of you. I was merely blinded by momentary arrogance and had no other intentions. Young Mistress, you…”
Ji Ruyue narrowed her eyes slightly.
“Young Mistress, please spare me this time!”
Ji Ruyue’s lips curved slightly, but she gave no response. Instead, she signaled to Steward Zheng, “Steward Zheng, take the accountant and go check the inventory.”
Steward Zheng glanced at Zhao Tong and replied, “Yes, I’ll go right away.”
Zhao Tong hurriedly spoke up, “I’ll take Steward Zheng there. I’m familiar with this area. I hope Young Mistress will give me a chance to atone for my mistakes.”
Ji Ruyue lowered her gaze, not even looking at him, and simply waved her hand. “Tie him up and keep a close watch on him!”
“Yes, Miss.”
Zhao Tong had truly been raised by the Ji family to be far too self-important. Even in such a situation, he still clung to hope.
After Steward Zheng left, Ji Ruyue stood up and walked toward the group of tenant farmers.
The guards remained on high alert, not daring to relax in the slightest—they hadn’t forgotten what had just happened!
These tenant farmers looked simple and honest, yet they had dared to surround the Young Mistress…
Ji Ruyue’s voice was calm as she spoke softly, “Thank you all for your help today. Your ability to distinguish right from wrong will not be forgotten by the Ji family. Everything is under control here, so you may return now. Please discuss and select a few candidates for stewards. Tomorrow at Chen hour, we will discuss this matter together.”
“Yes, we will follow the Young Mistress’s instructions.” Seeing that Ji Ruyue truly did not blame them, the tenant farmers felt a weight lift from their hearts and respectfully withdrew.
Ji Ruyue nodded, watching as they left.