Chapter 65: Chapter 64: Using Power to Bully Others!
"It’s not unusual to find parents like this in the world; those born in poor families always favor boys over girls. Even when there’s no rice at home, and they can’t make ends meet, they insist on having a boy. This kind of thing is commonplace in rural areas. Ordinary families who can afford to move to Shangjing will naturally not see these shadows."
Mu Hongxuan spoke softly. He was also born into a poor family and understood these matters much better than Dongfang Chenyuan, the wealthy family son born with a silver spoon.
"Alright," Dongfang Chenyuan said, touching his nose, "My sisters at home always caught and beat me. I never enjoyed any special treatment."
Ye Qing felt the kindness emanating from them, and her heart felt a little less tense and uneasy.
She had always heard others talk about the Prince Su Mansion, referring to it as a den of wolves and tigers, and she had been inexplicably apprehensive. Now, she felt it was much warmer than the palace.
Yu Nianzhao sensed Ye Qing’s unease, put down the bowl in her hand, and frankly asked, "Are your parents and that foolish brother now in Shangjing?"
Ye Qing’s heart was pounding, and she opened her mouth, speaking with difficulty, "Does the Princess know about this too? Rest assured, the servant would never let them disturb the mansion."
"Eh? What do you mean by that? Are your shameless parents still entangled with you? They’ve already sold you; you should have no relation with them anymore," Dongfang Chenyuan said, completely baffled.
Yiu Renjian murmured, "Mr. Dongfang, people from the countryside who want to establish themselves in Shangjing definitely need money. They’re surely eyeing her silver; the money from selling her doesn’t compare to the monthly wages she gets as a palace maid."
Yu Nianzhao helped Ye Qing to stand, "Yu is talking about your current situation, right?"
Ye Qing’s eyes turned red as she trembled and said, "Yes, after selling me, the first two years were fairly stable. Later, they came to Shangjing to make a living for the sake of my brother’s future. They found work at a restaurant and wanted to send my brother to an academy. They rented a place to live, and what they earned wasn’t enough, so they had their sights set on my monthly wage. Initially, I was unwilling to give it, but my mother was kind to me when I was little. She’s used to being exploited, being a rural woman who can only earn money desperately, so I couldn’t bear it, and thus..."
"Thus, they nurtured your father’s habit of being a parasite, taking your monthly wage away, hence your poor financial fortunes," Yu Nianzhao sighed softly. "If you continue like this, your life will be completely ruined."
Ye Qing lowered her head in dejection, "I’m sorry, Princess, I’m really unworthy to serve you."
Ms. Jiang furrowed her brows tightly and replied glumly, "Zhaozhao, should we report to the Queen Dowager to bring in someone else?"
"No need, just keep her," Yu Nianzhao was too lazy to bother with more changes. "There aren’t many women who can withstand the evil atmosphere of Prince Su Mansion, so why keep switching? Aren’t they just scoundrel parents? Since I’ve taken your contract, I’ll deal with it for you."
Yu Nianzhao smirked ominously and said, "I’ll see if they’re worse than me!"
"Princess..." Tears filled Ye Qing’s eyes as she looked at her with emotion.
"Don’t worry. Since you are now in Prince Su Mansion, you are one of my people. Let me teach you how to use power to suppress people!" Yu Nianzhao patted her shoulder, her radiant smile filled Ye Qing’s heart with warmth.
Dongfang Chenyuan covered his mouth with his sleeve, leaned over, and said, "Prince, the Princess said to use power to suppress people."
"Hmm, using my power, that’s good," Xie Jiuxiao calmly picked up a handkerchief to wipe the corner of his mouth, raised his eyebrows, and gave him a knowing look. "You and Mu Hongxuan, remember to support the Princess. When the Prince Su Mansion uses power to suppress, no one shall fail to back the Princess."
"Oh, the sour smell of love!" Dongfang Chenyuan sighed deeply with envy.
—
Outside the red walls, Ye Qing arrived at the old place, the place she always came when her mother asked for silver.
She glanced at the time; it was almost that time. Sure enough, she saw the hunched figure slowly approaching her.
But this time, her useless brother followed behind, and his eyes were filled with impatience. As he walked, he cursed, "Why are you so slow? Hurry up! My classmates are waiting for me at Pinxiang Building."
Ye Mother sped up immediately, her weathered face showing a humble expression, as she carefully said, "Miao’er, that silver is all your sister’s hard-earned monthly salary. Don’t take it all away; leave some for her. Later, she needs to marry out of the palace; without some silver, she’d be looked down upon by her in-laws."
Ye Miao sneered coldly, "She’s eating well and happy in the palace; what does she need money for? As for marrying, she can just find a rich old man to marry as a concubine, and live well. Unlike me, I have no good background and can’t compare with my classmates. If you truly want me to have a good future, stop talking nonsense and just bring her money."
Ye Mother instantly fell silent, helplessly walked in front of Ye Qing, and said with a forced smile, "Qingqing, are you doing well lately?"
Ye Qing glared at them coldly, pursed her lips, and said, "I no longer work in the palace. This is the last time I’m giving you silver; don’t come looking for me in the future."
"What? How can that be? You changed places? Then tell us where you are now, and we’ll find you there to get money,"
Ye Miao wasn’t planning to speak, but upon hearing such news, he couldn’t hold back, his eyes glaring like a wolf pup, just shy of baring his fangs.
Ye Qing mocked, "I reluctantly consider giving money to Mother as filial piety, but everyone knows that money is spent by you. So what? I’ve been sold, and yet I have to pay to support you? What kind of daydream is that? My current master isn’t easygoing, if she finds out, you’ll face the consequences."
She tossed the purse to Ye Mother, "Take it if you want, but don’t come looking for me in the future. Ever since you sold me, I’ve had no connection with your family."
Ye Mother’s heart ached, tears filled her eyes, and she cried, "Qingqing, forgive your mother; I never meant to sell you."
Ye Qing indifferently turned her head, "No need for these words. I’m leaving."
"Hold on, Ye Qing! Such wishful thinking! Your parents gave birth to you; you owe it to them to give money, regardless of being sold. If you don’t bring it every month, I’ll find where you work now, and see who’s face gets lost."
Ye Miao snatched the purse from Ye Mother’s hands and threatened Ye Qing.
Ye Qing paused her steps, and her eyes brimmed with sorrow.
"What? Are you trying to disgrace our Prince Su Mansion?" Yu Nianzhao arrived with a group of people in a grand manner, giving an intimidating glance, frightening both Ye Mother and Ye Miao.