Chapter 414: Chapter 413: Even Face-Changing Isn’t as Fast as You!
In the study.
The furnishings and ornaments displayed opulence. The mahogany floor alone was not cheap. The screen a few meters away was preserved exceedingly well, likely a relic from the previous dynasty.
A small Prefecture Experience could not afford such luxury in a lifetime’s salary. It’s clear he’s made a good deal of profit. No wonder Luo Chengdong had him sit in the study.
Seeing that Cui Yun did not recklessly look around, Luo Chengdong’s desire to show off diminished slightly.
After all, the Yang Family is wealthy, and Yang Yu has seen it all.
"In the 15th year of Jiayou, the Yang Family was falsely accused, and your father was taken away by the government office officials, hanging by a thread. It was through your efforts running around outside, negotiating, that you averted disaster. You’re quite capable."
"You flatter me."
"A matter from three years ago is not worth mentioning."
Luo Chengdong indirectly inquired about many things, all deftly dismissed by Cui Yun with ambiguous words.
And what he disclosed was merely what Cui Yun wanted Luo Chengdong to know.
Luo Chengdong took it as true and regarded Cui Yun with understanding.
He picked up the copper enamel flower pot. The shoulder of the pot bore a design of twining plumeria, and the body was decorated with fan-shaped peony branches. He poured a cup of tea for Cui Yun.
"Try this tea, how does it taste?"
Cui Yun lifted the White Jade Cup in his hand and glanced at the tea’s color. The cup had a round mouth and flat bottom, carved with bamboo and vine patterns.
His gaze flickered as he casually took a sip. His comment, however, stiffened Luo Chengdong.
"Not great."
"The tea is good, but brewed too long, has become bitter, losing its true essence."
Luo Chengdong: ???
What nonsensical child!
He held himself back.
"Blame me, my tea brewing skills are not expert."
If it were someone else, they would certainly offer their compliments.
But Cui Yun nonchalantly replied, "Indeed."
"Brother Luo knowing his shortcomings is commendable."
"In such a large residence, these trivial matters should be left to the servants. If not, consider hiring a servant from a teahouse outside."
The Yang Family’s business is extensive, even involving the Imperial Family. Mr. Yang had shown his face in front of officials in earlier years.
Luo Chengdong has his way in Hengzhou, but if truth be told, he’s only an eighth-rank official.
Aside from his lecherous nature, Yang Yu is also haughty and prideful.
While the former is difficult for Cui Yun to handle, having known Shen Hua and raised Cui Rong, Cui Yun easily managed the latter.
"Had it been before, I absolutely would not have drunk such tea."
"It’s merely out of respect for Brother Luo that I deign to drink it."
Luo Chengdong continued to endure.
From his initial contact with Yang Yu, he knew his personality.
Initially, when he sent invitations intending to make his acquaintance, Yang Yu did not even accept them for several days, showing no respect for him at all.
His seeking further contact meant that achieving cooperation, bringing Yang Yu into the fold, would place him in a position to help the Fourth Prince. When the Fourth Prince ascended the Dragon Chair, the Yang Family would naturally benefit as well.
Once everything was negotiated, Yang Yu would have to thank him, and that would certainly not be the current indifferent demeanor.
"I heard you got married three years ago, and I thought it was a pity. Had I met you earlier..."
Before he could finish, Cui Yun smiled and interrupted.
"Brother Luo wishes to be my father-in-law?"
Cui Yun sighed softly, as if conflicted, "I have seen the Prefectural Magistrate’s daughter, she is indeed plain."
He paused: "Not a match for me."
Luo Chengdong felt like slamming the table.
What are you saying!!!
It’s true his daughter has imperfections in her appearance, and Yang Yu is handsome enough; at least, he had not seen any younger man more handsome than Yang Yu.
To say he was as tranquil as the moon when still, and like a gallant young man on horseback when in motion was not an exaggeration.
Especially when he spoke with a carefree humor, even Luo Chengdong couldn’t help wanting to look a little longer.
"To be honest, it’s the Prefecture Magistrate’s daughter. The Prefect is troubled over his beloved daughter, choosing one but being unsatisfied with all. Had you not been married, I’d have been willing to act as a matchmaker."
The girl, being picky and spoiled, doesn’t care about family status but seeks to marry someone handsome. Recently, upon encountering Yang Yu on the street, it was hard for her to hide her feelings, insisting on marrying him.
The Prefect naturally looks down on Yang Yu.
The matter of the mine is no trivial issue.
If this matter succeeds, we’ll all be in the same boat. Only when our own people have control, can it be truly secure. Thinking of Fourth Prince ascending the Dragon Chair, Lord Prefect might also get a promotion.
While saying this, he feigned regret and lowered his voice.
"In my view, Prefecture Magistrate’s daughter is quite a match for you."
Cui Yun understood.
He suddenly smiled, realizing these people’s tactics. Yet, he didn’t respond at all.
Seeing that he wasn’t taking the bait, Luo Chengdong was not in a hurry.
"My Lord."
A servant hurried inside.
"Lord Prefect has arrived."
Luo Chengdong pretended to be surprised and stood up.
"I will go personally to welcome him."
As he said this, he took a few steps outside but then paused.
"Mr. Yang, why don’t you join me? If you want to do big business in Hengzhou, you inevitably have to interact with the government. It certainly won’t harm you."
The servant hurriedly added another line.
"Prefecture Magistrate’s wife and the noble lady from the mansion are also here."
All of this was overly coincidental.
It was evident that Luo Chengdong was doing this intentionally. He was clumsily letting Cui Yun know too much.
Luo Chengdong then said: "Quickly, go call Madam."
Cui Yun’s fingertips paused.
He thought, he shouldn’t have brought Shen Hua.
————
On the women’s side, Lady Luo soon left the seating area upon receiving the news.
Shen Hua was still holding a piece of dessert when she heard a woman whisper beside her.
"The ladies from the Prefectural Magistrate Mansion have arrived. There’s really a grand air about them. Everyone got here early, but she leisurely arrived just before mealtime."
"Last time my residence hosted a banquet, the food was almost cold, and everyone was waiting for her. She then sent an old woman to run around saying she wasn’t coming."
Why didn’t she say earlier!
Is she playing games with us!
"This Prefecture Magistrate’s wife fancies herself noble, yet can’t bear even a single legitimate son. She particularly looks down on someone like me who climbed up by relying on giving birth, and publicly humiliated me last time."
Shen Hua in silence: ...You really think of me as one of your own, huh.
While saying this, Madam Qiu laughed till she was trembling. She looked towards Shen Hua.
"Now that you are here, I suppose I have some company."
Shen Hua wasn’t particularly interested in her company.
The girl was melancholically touching her flat stomach.
Soon, Lady Luo respectfully invited people inside. The surrounding chatter completely dissipated,
Shen Hua was pulled up by Madam Qiu.
All the ladies also stood up together.
The Prefecture Magistrate’s wife, adorned in fine silk and glittering with jewels, said gently,
"Please, there’s no need for formalities."
She dismissed the greetings from everyone.
Madam Qiu, who was just complaining about Prefecture Magistrate’s wife’s ugly demeanor, immediately approached with a smiling face.
"Madam, your esteemed self is so honorable, it’s our fortune to greet you. How could we possibly skip it?"
"It’s been a long time since we saw you, Madam. You seem even younger."
Shen Hua: ...
You changed faces faster than anyone!
However, the Prefecture Magistrate’s wife didn’t even glance at her, bypassing Madam Qiu and taking the main seat herself. Her side companion, He Yuan, however, paused for a moment in front of Shen Hua.
With a look that seemed to appraise something worthless, her scorn was clear. Her gaze finally landed on the girl’s stomach.