Butler Wang
Although the General left the quarters before dawn as usual, Xiao San no longer felt as sad as before.
Last night, General Song didn’t do anything to the Young Furen. In fact, he even tended to her illness. Xiao San had heard him get up several times throughout the night to wash the cloth used to cool his wife’s forehead. It seemed he did harbor some concern for her.
The Young Furen was healthy, so by morning, her fever had subsided, and after finishing her breakfast, Xiao San brought her the prescribed herbal medicine. The Young Furen grimaced before downing it in one go. Xiao San reported that the General had stayed the night and personally took care of her.
Nie Shuang wasn’t impressed. Instead, her expression showed understanding.
No wonder...she felt someone fussing around her last night.
Hmph! What a creep. Even when she’s sick, he couldn’t stop thinking perverted thoughts.
She didn’t pay attention as Xiao San continued to praise the General’s kindness. To her, there was no way someone like him would care for her!
After finishing her meal, Nie Shuang instructed Xiao San to bring the delivery boy to the outer courtyard. She had something to discuss with him.
There weren’t any useful books in Lian Fang Quarters that could help her understand the current society. Nie Shuang felt a bit frustrated. It had been four days since she’d arrived in this world, and if not for her quick wits, someone might have already suspected that she wasn’t the real Nie Shuang. Fortunately, the General’s household despised her background, so they mostly left her alone after the marriage.
Nie Ran was a clever man. He knew that she would be looked down upon by the Song family, but he also knew that they were honorable people. No matter how much they despised her, they would never mistreat her openly. Apart from some servants trying to curry favor, Nie Shuang hadn’t faced any real hardships. She didn’t have to worry about deceitful schemes.
Around noon, Nie Shuang met with the delivery boy from Tianfu Restaurant, who introduced himself as Da Shi. He had been working at the restaurant for four years, and when he saw her again, he smiled warmly and bowed deeply.
“How may I serve you, Furen?”
Nie Shuang sat in the pavilion, speaking to him as he stood outside.
“Da Shi, can you read?”
“I don’t know many characters, but I can read a little,” Da Shi replied. He was quick-witted and had learned how to read some characters during his time at Tianfu Restaurant, where he served high-ranking individuals. If an ordinary commoner like him hadn’t been sharp, the owner would have fired him long ago, as there was no shortage of people vying to work there.
Nie Shuang had Xiao San hand Da Shi a bag of money.
Da Shi bowed.
“That won’t be difficult. There’s a bookstore near Tianfu Restaurant that scholars frequent. They should have the types of books you’re looking for.”
Nie Shuang smiled in relief.
“In that case, if possible, could you also find me a map?”
Da Shi scratched his head.
“I’m afraid I can’t do that. Maps are considered state secrets. Only military officials can access them, so common people aren’t allowed to have them.”
“Then it’s fine. Thank you, Da Shi. The money in that bag is your compensation. You can come and get the money you use it to buy the books later.”
Da Shi’s eyes widened as he stammered,
“Young Furen, this is far too much money. I wouldn’t dare ask for more.”
Judging by the weight of the money bag, it was a large sum for a laborer like him, but Nie Shuang waved her hand casually.
“It’s fine. This is your payment for helping me. I always reward those who assist me well. It’s getting late, you should return to your work.”
Nie Shuang wasn’t stingy when it came to using people. If the results were satisfactory, who wouldn’t be motivated to work harder? Da Shi seemed smart and efficient—she might need to rely on him again in the future, so it was wise to win his loyalty now. Overjoyed, Da Shi bid farewell, and by the next day, he delivered all the books she had requested. Nie Shuang spent most of her time in her quarters, going through the materials Da Shi had purchased for her.
Later that afternoon, a broker arrived at the General’s manor, bringing a large group of women to the front gate. They were all sturdy and healthy, hoping to become maids in the Young Furen’s quarters. Some of them were quite attractive, and after hearing that they’d be working in the Young Furen’s quarters, they began to dream of serving the General himself. If they were fortunate enough to climb into his bed, they might even be promoted to concubine—a life of comfort and security. The gatekeeper didn’t dare risk dismissing such a large group, so he went to fetch the butler. Upon hearing the Young Furen’s name, Butler Wang was as startled as if he had seen a ghost.
He had been reprimanded by the General after the rumor spread that the Young Furen had to buy her own meals. Thankfully, the matter hadn’t reached the Hou or the Elder Furen, or else he would’ve been severely scolded.
Butler Wang quickly sent someone to ask the Young Furen how she wanted to proceed. She instructed him to prepare a room in the front courtyard, as she planned to ‘interview’ the candidates.
The messenger had no idea what interview meant, but Butler Wang assumed it was some form of selection process. He arranged for the group of women to wait at Feng Qiu Quarters, a more secluded area where they wouldn’t disturb anyone. At the same time, he sent word to the Elder Furen, just in case anything happened.
Actually, Butler Wang was a straightforward man, but he was fiercely loyal to his superiors. Upon hearing that the General had been forced into an unwilling marriage, he had taken offense on behalf of his master. Having known the General since he was a boy, he naturally wanted him to marry a woman of equal status, so he couldn’t help but hold some resentment towards the Young Furen.
In just four days after entering the manor, she had already caused more trouble than he could count:
The rumor about her having to buy food from Tianfu Restaurant...
Her return to her natal family without using the manor’s carriage...
And now, selecting maids without going through the central administration...If she stayed much longer, his hair would turn completely white.