The Master Likes the Current Feel
"Thirty strokes of the cane. Whether she lives or not depends on herself," Xie Jin said indifferently.
"Look at me, only talking about distressing matters to trouble the master. But there is also a happy thing: Ye Yiniang spent silver to build a pergola and a Climbing Frame for Brother Yu and Yan Jie.
Since then, Brother Yu has been eating an extra bowl of rice at meals and looks much sturdier than before.
Yan Jie has also invited many young sisters to visit, enjoying the shade under the pergola, swinging on the swings, and having some snacks. After returning home, those young girls eagerly imitated this, and for a time, many noble households set up such pergolas."
Zhang Jingyi spoke and then laughed.
When the pergola was first built, Zhang Jingyi never expected this thing to become popular among the wealthy households in the capital.
Instead, it brought their Marquis's Estate some prestige in the upper circles of the capital.
For this, Zhang Jingyi rewarded Ye Qingzhi with another set of imperial-golden cups.
"Hah, even under house arrest, she can still stir up such a fuss," Xie Jin curled his lips, his expression unreadable.
He seemed satisfied with Ye Yiniang's actions, yet it also felt like he was suppressing some anger inside.
Although they had been married for ten years, Zhang Jingyi sometimes still couldn't understand Xie Jin, couldn't read his thoughts, and could only say,
"Ye Yiniang is still quite well-behaved, she knows her place, has clever ideas, and is also very attentive to serving the master.
I heard she has been practicing her body these days, and the movements seem quite… interesting. Why not go take a look later, master."
Zhang Jingyi naturally knew about the news of Ye Qingzhi practicing those wanton movements. When she heard it, she fell silent for a moment and could only sigh that Ye Yiniang was truly willing to go all out.
"Not in a hurry. Call Brother Yu and Yan Jie over to have dinner together," Xie Jin ultimately didn't refuse and got up to bathe and change clothes.
"Madam, the Marquis has just returned. Why are you actively sending him away?" Granny Zhou frowned and said.
"Forced melons are not sweet," Zhang Jingyi smiled bitterly. "I tested him just now. If the Marquis had any intention of staying, he would naturally have refused to go to Ye Yiniang's place."
Now that she had both a son and a daughter, with all the face and authority she deserved, and the Marquis had given her everything, she no longer wanted to compete for the Marquis's favor.
If he was willing to stay, she would happily serve him; if he wasn't, she would calmly see him off, preserving her own dignity.
Yanliu Courtyard.
After dinner, Ye Qingzhi began to walk around the courtyard. Once she had digested her food sufficiently, she returned to bed to do yoga.
Because of the heat, even with ice basins placed in the room, after a few movements, Ye Qingzhi had broken into a light sweat.
She took off her outer garment, wearing only a yellow bellyband and light, breathable silk trousers, assuming a lotus position.
Xie Jin didn't let the maids in the courtyard announce him. Pushing the door open and entering, he saw her in this cool attire of just a small bellyband and that rather improper posture.
It could be described as Guanyin sitting on a lotus, enchanting to the bone, brimming with allure.
Xie Jin's breath tightened, his eyes darkened, staring at her intently as if fixated on a delectable prey.
Hearing the noise, Ye Qingzhi looked toward the door. Seeing it was Xie Jin, her eyes instantly lit up, her smile blooming like a flower, her whole person radiant and stunningly beautiful!
"Ah, Houye, you're back! This concubine was just thinking of you."
"What were you thinking about me?" Xie Jin walked over to her, lifted her chin, and kissed her small mouth. "Were you thinking about how much I dote on you?"
"Master, you truly see everything clearly and judge matters with divine insight. That is exactly what I was thinking."
Ye Qingzhi stood up, actively wrapped her arms around his neck, and offered her red lips.
"You've been well-nourished these days, quite plump."
After they parted, Xie Jin still held her, feeling that her touch had improved.
"Does Master like me like this? Is it better to be a bit plumper, or as before?"
Ye Qingzhi asked with particular seriousness.
The leader wasn't just the leader; he was also the sole user of her work. Naturally, she had to conduct thorough customer satisfaction surveys and follow-ups.
Xie Jin kneaded her body all over before giving his answer.
"Master likes the current feel. You can eat a bit more."
Most women in the rear courtyard were skin and bones, which made them uninteresting to touch.
Ye Qingzhi had gained quite a bit of weight compared to before, and Xie Jin found it pleasantly surprising as he touched her.
Xie Jin wanted her to eat more and gain more weight, but Ye Qingzhi merely listened and had no intention of actually doing so.
If she gained any more weight, she wouldn't look as good as she did now. This was her most seductive figure and her best state.
If she truly listened to Houye and grew plump, he would likely become dissatisfied again.
In the workplace, one must have a clear sense of self-awareness. This way, one won't easily fall for the leader's manipulation or be moved by empty promises to work oneself to death for them.
It was only because Houye had easily dealt with Yao Yinyin for her and provided her with a newbie protection period, along with high benefits and treatment, that Ye Qingzhi was willing to put more effort into improving her work skills. Otherwise, ha!
Offering little pay yet expecting an all-around excellent employee? Dream on.
Xie Jin, after all, pitied Ye Qingzhi's body, which had only just recovered somewhat. He didn't torment her excessively and instead showed much more tenderness.
"Your movements are quite well-practiced. Where did you learn them?" Xie Jin stroked her soft back, enjoying the post-coital tranquility, and began the leader's talk session.
"Before I entered the mansion, my father specially hired a knowledgeable matron to teach me, so I could serve Master well." Ye Qingzhi wasn't entirely lying.
Her scumbag father really had hired someone to teach her. Unfortunately, the original host at the time felt it was a great humiliation and didn't learn a thing. Instead, she went all out and beat up the old woman who had once been a brothel madam.
Xie Jin narrowed his eyes slightly, seemingly casually mentioning,
"Before entering the mansion, you seemed to have been engaged. I heard it was to a talented scholar from a humble background, whose literary skills were quite impressive. He even ranked at Jiangnan Academy. Not only was he likely to pass the autumn examinations as a provincial scholar, but he also had hopes of achieving top honors in the spring imperial examination next year.
You gave up the chance to be a proper official's wife and chose to serve me instead?"
"Ah… To be honest with you, Master, I was unwilling at first and even attempted suicide once because of it."
Ye Qingzhi pretended to let out a long sigh, thinking to herself, here it comes, the leader's test of loyalty.
It all depended on whether she could act convincingly enough and maintain her persona.
Xie Jin's hand, which had been roaming her back, paused slightly. He glanced at her, as delicate and beautiful as a flower, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.
Of course, he knew she had attempted suicide once. He had had all her information thoroughly investigated before taking her into the mansion.
He just hadn't expected her to admit it so readily.