Farm Tough Girl
Chapter 532 - 532 533 Regretting Not Living Up to

Chapter 532: Chapter 533 Regretting Not Living Up to Expectations_1 Chapter 532: Chapter 533 Regretting Not Living Up to Expectations_1 Muniang had nearly finished her discussions with Lady Rong and was preparing to rise and take her leave.

The Madame had specifically instructed her personal maid, Huaxia, to escort Muniang out. As Huaxia was leading Muniang towards the exit, just as they left Qin Fang Pavilion, they were met by a young maid.

“Sister Huaxia,” the young maid said with a respectful tone, “the Old Madame has just received some peony hair oil, and thought to gift it to the ladies of each household. She asks that you personally come to collect it.”

A frown fleetingly crossed Huaxia’s face. This was something all the ladies had, and why would the Madame be interested? Even when the Old Madame had sent such things in the past, they were never used. Wouldn’t using the same item as the concubines cheapen her own status?

However, since the Old Madame had sent a messenger, Huaxia knew she had to comply, for offending the Old Madame was something she could not afford. Although the item was unnecessary, she couldn’t slight the Old Madame’s good graces.

But there was still a guest to escort. Huaxia felt at a loss for the moment, until Muniang, observing the young maid who had brought the news, revealed a deep, meaningful smile and said, “If you have matters to attend to, Huaxia, please go ahead. There are others who can escort me, so there’s no need to worry.”

Huaxia gratefully bowed, “Thank you, Lady Yu, for your understanding.”

And with that, she left reassured.

Following the young maid, Muniang wasn’t surprised to find Rong Liming hidden in a grove of artificial mountains. She let out a sneer, noting that such petty tricks were all he was capable of.

Rong Liming gave the young maid a meaningful look, and taking the hint, she walked away. Qingya was fuming and wanted to curse, but seeing Muniang remained undisturbed, she knew it wasn’t her place to speak without her master’s cue, so she held back.

“Well, if it isn’t Lady Yu?” Rong Liming said with gritted teeth, bitter about the way Muniang had made a fool of him before, a slight that he still held against her.

“Oh, what a coincidence,” Muniang replied in a flat tone.

Rong Liming was enraged, grinding his teeth as he said, “You sure have some nerve, stepping foot in Rong Mansion. Do you believe me if I say I could take care of you right here and see if anyone dares to say a word?”

Qingya tensed up. They hadn’t brought any male servants with them, and now they were surrounded by the Rong family’s own. If Rong Liming really wanted to do something, the situation could become quite difficult.

Muniang scoffed contemptuously, “If Mr. Rong feels so confident, why did you need to send Huaxia away? If your authority is really that strong, would you dare to defy the Madame, or Old Mr. Rong?”

Rong Liming was left speechless by her retort. Although he was a legitimate son, he was not the son of the current Madame but of the deceased first wife, and the Madame would never allow him to act recklessly. If it weren’t for her, he wouldn’t care about Huaxia’s opinion either.

Yet, he hadn’t anticipated that such a minor action would be so clearly seen through by Qiao Muniang. This woman was indeed not simple!

Muniang chuckled lightly, “Mr. Rong Liming’s pitiful state does upset me. I thought you were someone of great importance, only to find it’s all an illusion. I was worried for a moment that by offending Mr. Rong Liming, I would trouble the entire Rong family. Yet, surprisingly, they treated me as an honored guest. To the uninformed, it would seem the Rong family is quite pleased that this annoying young master finally got taught a lesson.”

Her voice dripped with scorn, agitating Rong Liming to the point where his veins throbbed, and he lunged towards Muniang, clearly provoked.

He had barely seized the opportunity to catch Qiao Muniang alone, intending to embarrass her, only to be utterly humiliated. She had exposed his most vulnerable secrets; how could he not feel goaded?

Now, he wished nothing more than to strangle this woman to death!

Muniang dodged to the side, her tone chilling by seven degrees, “Mr. Rong Liming holds an awkward position and should use his brain more. As of now, I hold in my hands the birthday gift intended for Noble Lady Rong in the future. What do you think is more important in your father’s eyes, you—the motherless legitimate son—or the lady in the palace?”

At these words, Rong Liming’s movements stalled, and his face turned pale, “You could actually procure a gift that would satisfy them?”

Muniang raised an eyebrow, “Why couldn’t I? Mr. Rong Liming, you ought to be more cautious in the future. Since your position cannot compete with the lady in the palace, at the very least you should know your place. If you harm even a hair on my head today and I refuse to work on the gift out of anger, I’d be curious to see how important you, Mr. Rong Liming, compare to a lifeless gift?”

Clearly, her words were laden with sarcasm. The Rong family valued the inherent worth of their children, and Rong Liming—let alone being compared with his sister in the palace—would be considered lighter than a feather compared to her birthday gift in Old Mr. Rong’s heart!

“You!” Rong Liming, pointing at Muniang, had eyes filled with a desire to flay her alive.

Muniang brushed away his hand lightly, “Me? What about me? You should hate yourself for not being competitive enough.”

Watching Rong Liming’s complexion grow worse, Muniang chuckled lightly, “Does Mr. Rong have any other business? If not, you’d best stay far away. Should I by chance bump into something and feel aggrieved, I would put all the blame on you, Mr. Rong. After all, with such a deep-seated grudge between us, once word reaches Old Mr. Rong and Lady Rong’s ears, they are naturally going to believe it.”

A naked threat!

Rong Liming’s hands hidden in his sleeves were clenched so tightly they made a cracking sound. He used to admire Muniang so much, but now every smile from her only evoked intense disgust. If possible, he truly wished he could just destroy her.

But it wasn’t possible.

The servant by Rong Liming’s side hastily tugged at his sleeve, saying quickly, “Young master, let’s just let it go. The gift for Noble Lady Rong is crucial. There’s no need for us to bump heads with the old master at this time.”

Rong Liming gritted his teeth, looking at Muniang’s smug smile, feeling incredibly frustrated, and finally suppressed his anger, muttering, “You’re ruthless!”

Only then did he turn to leave.

But he was stopped by Muniang’s call, “Mr. Rong Liming seems to be forgetful. You might think I’d let the matter with Miss Yao go so easily, but I never like to be taken advantage of, nor do I like to do favors without expecting something in return. You’ve utilized me like this, Mr. Rong Liming, and I haven’t forgotten.”

Rong Liming retorted stiffly, “She sought trouble with you on her own volition—what’s that got to do with me?!”

Muniang huffed lightly, “Whether it concerns you or not, you know very well. Don’t take me for a fool—this matter is far from over!”

Rong Liming’s face turned pale, fear creeping into his heart, but he still flung his sleeve and strode away.

Lady Rong sought the opinion of Old Mr. Rong, who found the method to be quite clever and hastily summoned Muniang to commence with the painting.