Farm Tough Girl
Chapter 475 - 475 476 Give Up on Her_1

Chapter 475: Chapter 476 Give Up on Her_1 Chapter 475: Chapter 476 Give Up on Her_1 “Qingmei! You arrived just in time. Look at these two bolts of fabric. Mu just rewarded me for my diligent work in Mei Garden these past days. You like light colors, so how about I give you this light pink one?” Tianniu, happy to see Qingmei, eagerly approached her and pulled Qingmei over to look at her reward.

There was a flash of sadness in Qingmei’s eyes, as it was clear she had no chance of receiving such a reward.

Seeing Qingmei’s reaction, Tianniu thought she disliked it and quickly asked, “You don’t like this one?”

Qingmei replied softly, “No, I like that one.”

Qingmei pointed to another bolt of fabric, a much brighter goose yellow, which was actually Tianniu’s favorite.

Tianniu was taken aback, obviously not expecting Qingmei’s taste to change so rapidly. Qingmei had never liked even slightly bright colors before, but now, even though Qingmei had chosen her favorite bolt, Tianniu had to reluctantly part with it. After all, she had already offered a gift and naturally wouldn’t go back on her word. Besides, it was just a piece of fabric, and she wasn’t lacking in these.

Tianniu generously handed the fabric to Qingmei’s arms: “Here, take it. I don’t have any light pink clothes anyway. We can wear our new clothes together!”

Tianniu had also become familiar with Qingmei these days in Mei Garden, and besides, Muniang had specifically instructed her to grow closer to Qingmei, which was why she was so warm toward Qingmei, even though their personalities somewhat clashed.

When Tianniu was so generous, Qingmei actually found it dull and simply stuffed the fabric back into Tianniu’s hands: “You should keep it for yourself. I’m not lacking clothes here.”

Tianniu stood there stunned, not understanding why Qingmei had suddenly become angry.

Just then, Muniang came in, and seeing the two, she laughed: “What are you both doing here? The play outside has started, and it’s a critical moment in ‘The Condor Heroes’—Little Dragon Girl is about to disappear. You should hurry and watch, or you’ll miss it and later blame me for not reminding you.”

At these words, Tianniu became frantic and ran out, clattering: “Then I’ll go have a look right away.”

Muniang laughed and scolded, then turned to see Qingmei still standing still, so she said, “Why aren’t you going to watch? Don’t you find it interesting anymore?”

Qingmei gently shook her head: “Mu, when ‘The Condor Heroes’ ends, is Mei Garden going to move to Qinghua City?”

Muniang hadn’t expected Qingmei to suddenly ask this, yet she didn’t deceive her: “Indeed, the market in Chatu Town is too small. If we want to expand the business and attract more customers, we need to be in a bigger city. Eventually, the Mei Garden in Chatu Town will only serve as a performance stop during tours and will no longer operate regularly.”

A look of desolation filled Qingmei’s eyes: “Then I…”

Muniang clearly understood what Qingmei was worried about, but there was nothing she could do about it. If Qingmei had been Lu Ziquan’s legitimate wife, she could have made a fuss and demanded a divorce, but as a concubine, all the power was in the man’s hands. Although she had a good relationship with Lord Lu, she couldn’t make such an unreasonable request. If Qingmei wanted to leave the Lu family, it would be difficult.

Muniang could only offer reassurance: “You don’t need to worry. I will certainly give Lord Lu advance notice. No matter how much of a scoundrel Lu Ziquan is, he still fears his father. With Lord Lu protecting you, you won’t suffer any mistreatment. Besides, I’m not going away for good. Tupo Village is still my home, and I will return from time to time. I will come to see you, and Qinghua City is less than a two-hour carriage ride from Chatu Town. If you find the time, you can also come to Qinghua City.”

Qingmei’s expression didn’t improve at all; in fact, it darkened considerably. She merely kept her head lowered, preventing Muniang from seeing. But, when she lifted her head, she wore a beaming smile, “Yes, fine.”

Yet her heart was icy cold. Mu had finally decided to abandon her. She took Tianniu to Qinghua City, bestowing honor and wealth upon her, and even for someone as unrelated as Lu Qi’er. She had arranged a future husband like Zhao Ziming, while leaving her stranded in the hands of a scoundrel like Lu Ziquan, to be a concubine, tormented for a lifetime. It proved that, in the end, people were different. Mu might say she treated Qingmei well, but perhaps in her heart, she was biased after all.

Qingmei’s heart grew cold, and the hatred within her deepened; the hand in her sleeve clutching the medicine pouch tightened its grip.

Blinded by the hate erupting in her heart and Lu Ziquan’s seduction, Qingmei only thought about Muniang’s favoritism and overlooked that her descent into this miserable dead end was her own choice.

Muniang always found Qingmei quite naive. Now seeing her seemingly at ease, she figured Qingmei had come to terms with the situation and breathed a sigh of relief. She waved Qingya over and instructed her to bring two bolts of fabric, “This is cloud brocade, newly arrived at Yuyang Embroidery House. I took the liberty of getting two bolts for you and Tianniu each. Hers is a reward, and this one is for you, all selected in your favorite patterns.”

Qingmei pursed her lips and accepted them.

Gently patting her, Muniang said, “Go watch the play; it’s so boring here.”

Qingmei nodded, “I’ll go soon.”

Muniang was somewhat exhausted and didn’t linger, turning to leave. These past few days, her heart had been in turmoil over infertility. If it weren’t for the work at Mei Garden to keep her busy, she would have been utterly disheartened. Although Yu Ze had promised to summon the Imperial Physician, who knew whether it would be of any use?

As soon as Muniang left, Qingya took hold of Qingmei, speaking earnestly, “Miss Qingmei, the Lady has been feeling quite distressed these days. If Miss Qingmei could be understanding and take care of the Lady more, instead of being too sensitive and always forcing the Lady to cheer you up, it would be good. The Lady has it tough too, and her heart aches.”

Qingmei was startled, “What’s ailing her?”

Qingya could see that Qingmei was upset about Muniang going to Qinghua City but didn’t voice her feelings. Fearing Qingmei might overthink and trouble the Lady to concern herself further, she decided to reveal the truth.

“Miss Qingmei is family, so I won’t hide it from you. A few days ago, the Lady visited a doctor who said that she might never conceive in this lifetime. The Lady received quite a blow and is unspeakably distressed. Now, if Miss Qingmei also makes the Lady uncomfortable, it might just break her heart.”

Qingmei stiffened completely, as if understanding everything, and was utterly incredulous.

Seeing her speechless, Qingya wasn’t sure if she had been heard and asked, “Miss Qingmei, did you hear what I said?”

Qingmei then smiled, “You’re too concerned; how could I not know the kindness Mu has shown me?”

Qingya looked at her doubtfully, feeling that Qingmei’s smile seemed rather elusive.