"Today, the Consort saved my daughter, and my daughter wishes to be your maidservant," Mei Yue'e said earnestly.
"But I already have two young maids, Xing'er and Ling'er, which is enough for me."
Leng Ruo'li immediately refused Mei Yue'e, as she disliked having too many people serving her.
"Since you are skilled in needlework, why not come work at my clothing shop? I will give you a monthly salary," Leng Ruo'li suggested.
"Okay, thank you, Consort!"
Mei Yue'e said gratefully. Not only was she saved from destitution today, but she could also support herself through her own skills, which was a cause for great happiness for her.
"Then I'll send you to Jinxiu Pavilion now. It's been quite some time since I last visited," Leng Ruo'li said.
After speaking, Leng Ruo'li asked Xing'er to find the steward to arrange a carriage for them to go out.
A moment later, they were all seated in the carriage, smoothly traversing the bustling streets of the capital.
As Leng Ruo'li and the others were halfway to their destination, they discovered that the ones driving their carriage were none other than Ye Yi and Ye Wu. They said that Jun Mohan had arranged for them to protect them.
However, what Leng Ruo'li and the others didn't know was that not long after they left, Jun Mohan also took Ye Ying and set off in a carriage towards the street. He intended to help Leng Ruo'li find a good shop for her medical clinic today.
Soon after, they arrived at Jinxiu Pavilion.
Upon seeing Leng Ruo'li's arrival, the people in the shop greeted her enthusiastically.
"Miss, oh Consort, you've finally come to see us! On your wedding day, we were also invited to the royal manor by His Highness the Cold King to celebrate, but we were standing too far from the ceremonial hall and couldn't get a clear look at your true face. Today, we finally get to see the Consort's unparalleled beauty."
"Later, when we learned you had been abducted, we were all very worried about you. But, thank heavens, the Consort has returned safely."
The women from the shop surrounded Leng Ruo'li, chattering incessantly, leaving Leng Ruo'li no room to interject.
It wasn't until Shi Zhenghe interrupted them.
"Alright, if you keep asking the Consort questions like this, how will she be able to answer you?"
Shi Zhenghe looked at the group of women speechlessly.
As soon as he spoke, the women immediately fell silent.
At this moment, Leng Ruo'li smiled and addressed everyone, "Thank you for your concern, everyone. I am fine. I've come today to introduce a new friend to you all. Her name is Mei Yue'e."
After speaking, Leng Ruo'li gently pushed Mei Yue'e, who was standing behind her, forward. Everyone's gaze quickly fell upon Mei Yue'e as they scrutinized her.
Mei Yue'e was also very attractive. She wore a light yellow fitted short jacket over a long skirt, her hair styled in a Lingxu bun, adorned with a jade hairpin shaped like a butterfly. Her features were exquisitely delicate, with a small, rounded face, bright, clear eyes, a petite nose, and tender red lips. Although she did not possess Leng Ruo'li's peerless, world-toppling beauty, she was still a woman of refined charm, instantly likable to those who saw her.
Everyone's first impression of Mei Yue'e was very good.
Especially Shi Zhenghe. When he saw Mei Yue'e, his eyes became fixated on her, causing Mei Yue'e's face to turn crimson, making her feel quite uncomfortable.
Niu Hua, standing beside Shi Zhenghe, saw Mei Yue'e's flushed cheeks and knew she was shy. She immediately patted Shi Zhenghe's shoulder and chuckled, "Zhenghe, if you keep staring at the young lady like that, you'll scare her away."
Only then did Shi Zhenghe awkwardly snap back to attention. A blush also rose on his face, and he nervously scratched his head, saying, "Miss, I... I didn't mean to stare at you like that just now."
"Hahahahaha..."
Upon hearing this, everyone burst into loud laughter.
"We all know you didn't mean to."
At this, Mei Yue'e and Shi Zhenghe blushed even more deeply.
"Alright, everyone, stop teasing them," Leng Ruo'li said quickly to ease the situation.
"Zhenghe, I'm entrusting this young lady, Mei Yue'e, to you. Make sure you don't scare her away."
"Don't worry, Consort. Leave the task of introducing newcomers to me," Shi Zhenghe declared confidently, patting his chest.
"I believe you!" Leng Ruo'li said with a faint smile.
Looking at the lively and affectionate atmosphere in the shop, Mei Yue'e felt more and more that she had made the right choice today.
Wasn't this much more comfortable than living in the Mei Mansion or the palace?
This was the kind of living atmosphere she had always desired, free from scheming, deception, suspicion, and rivalry. Everyone was treated equally, and the Consort, as the proprietress, was very amiable.
She raised her eyes and looked intently at the paintings on the walls of the shop, instantly captivated. These paintings were truly beautiful, appearing so real they created an immersive experience.
As she was lost in admiration, Leng Ruo'li's voice brought her back to reality.
"Everyone, our Jinxiu Pavilion is gradually growing. I'm planning to buy a large courtyard to serve as dormitories. When you're busy with work or have nowhere to stay, you can all move in. What do you think?" Leng Ruo'li asked with a smile.
Everyone responded excitedly, "Good!"
"Haha, the Consort is truly wonderful! We work for her, and she provides us with good food and lodging. I could work like this until I die," Niu Cui said with a smile.
"Yes! Sister Niu Cui, I will definitely work like this until I can no longer move," Nie Caidie said with excitement.
"Hahahaha..."
The two women laughed heartily as they spoke.
The entire shop was filled with vitality.
This made Mei Yue'e even more eager to join them.
It wasn't until Leng Ruo'li interrupted their conversation.
"Caidie, how is your husband's health?" Leng Ruo'li asked with concern.
"Consort, my husband's illness has completely recovered. He can eat, drink, and sleep now, and he's even found a job!"
"Excellent, excellent! You two must work hard together!" Leng Ruo'li said, giving her an encouraging gesture.
"Also, everyone, please help me take good care of our new companion," Leng Ruo'li added.
"Consort, please rest assured, we will definitely take good care of her," the employees in the shop replied in unison.
Then, Leng Ruo'li looked at Mei Yue'e and said, "Yue'e, get familiar with the environment with them today."
Mei Yue'e nodded with a smile.
Afterward, Leng Ruo'li asked Shi Zhenghe to accompany her out.
"Zhenghe, do you know if there are any larger houses for sale around here?" Leng Ruo'li asked.
As soon as she finished speaking, Shi Zhenghe scratched his head in thought for a moment, then his eyes suddenly lit up. He said excitedly, "Consort, I know where there are large houses for sale nearby. Please follow me."
A moment later, Shi Zhenghe led Leng Ruo'li and her two maids, along with Ye Yi and Ye Wu, into the alley behind Jinxiu Pavilion.