Chapter 49

Chapter 49

Meng Huaiqing left with his medical chest on his back, his head down, looking rather unhappy.

…

At noon, Steward Li came to see me.

In the Flower Hall.

I sat in the seat of honor, lifting my tea to catch its scent without drinking, and looked up at him.

Steward Li stood before me with his head bowed. He was of average height, his beard neatly trimmed, and his eyes glinted with a bit of shrewdness that was softened by his overly ordinary appearance.

According to Cuinong,

Three years ago, he wasn’t the head steward of the Marquis Manor.

At that time, Madam Song had lost her life on a painted pleasure boat. When the authorities came to investigate, they “discovered” that a servant had mistaken a barrel of kerosene for wine and delivered it to the cabin. The previous head steward, Steward Wu, had failed to inspect it, leading to the deaths of many and leaving the Marquis seriously injured.

After Steward Wu was executed, Old Li took over the position.

I glanced at Cuinong.

Cuinong, who had been standing to the side, gave a light cough and faced Steward Li. “Don’t you have something to report to the Madam? Speak.”

Steward Li bowed deeply to me. “Madam, I have found a house for Han Sicheng in Shunping District and have already paid the deposit. I will send a few capable boys over to help, and we should finish the move within ten days.”

I was startled. “That’s so fast.”

Steward Li glanced at Cuinong and smiled. “When it comes to your affairs, I must naturally be extra diligent. Once the move is complete, I will find craftsmen to refurbish the place. I believe it won’t be long before the Old Madam can move in.”

I smiled. “You’ve handled this so efficiently; I really must thank you.”

Steward Li hurriedly said, “I wouldn’t dare. Madam has given Cuinong to me; I am already beyond grateful.”

I had Cuinong serve a cup of tea to Steward Li and said with a smile, “Cuinong and I share a special bond; she is no different from my own younger sister. Originally, I intended to prepare a lavish dowry for her wedding. It’s just that right now, my words don’t carry much weight in the Marquis Manor.”

Saying this, I sighed. “For instance, regarding my mother’s death anniversary, the Marquis showed great mercy by telling me to go to you, Steward Li, if I needed to withdraw silver. I took it upon myself to buy a house, and I fear the Marquis might be unhappy when he finds out later. If there comes a day when I can speak with a straight back, I will certainly hold a grand and respectable wedding for you and Cuinong.”

Steward Li lowered his head, his eyes darting back and forth. He was clearly savoring my words, and perhaps weighing them.

The man smiled. “I thank the Madam for her high regard. You are the mistress of the Marquis Manor, and your status will be even more exalted once you give birth to the Little Heir. As for that house for the Han Family, I will report the details to the Marquis in a moment. Spending this little bit of silver is nothing to the Marquis-just a small matter involving a small sum. Madam need not worry too much.”

I smiled and nodded.

He truly lived up to his reputation as the head steward of the Marquis Manor; his words and actions were seamless. Even with Cuinong there, he didn’t immediately swear his loyalty to me, but he was willing to do these small things within his power.

Steward Li smiled again. “By the way, the reason the purchase went so smoothly this time was thanks to Lord Cheng. Ordinarily, I should report the full details of the matter to the Marquis. However, I have never seen Lord Cheng intervene in such matters before, and although Lord Cheng and the Marquis are close, there is still the matter of propriety between men and women. Therefore, I will not mention Lord Cheng.”

I took a sip of tea. “There’s no need. Say what needs to be said. It’s not as if we’re doing anything shameful.”

Steward Li nodded. “Understood.”

I thought for a moment. “Lord Cheng helped me this time, so I shall send him a thank-you gift. I’ll trouble you to deliver it to him, Steward Li.”

I gave a subtle smile. “There’s no need to mention this part.”