Farm Tough Girl
Chapter 535 - 535 536 Turning the Tables_1

Chapter 535: Chapter 536 Turning the Tables_1 Chapter 535: Chapter 536 Turning the Tables_1 Nanny Li wanted to speak but hesitated, anxiously staring at the voucher in Muniang’s hand – that very thing could destroy her entire family. How could she not be nervous?

Yet Muniang had just tucked the voucher into her possession, “Nanny Li, rest assured, such a powerful item is best kept with me for safekeeping. As long as you do your job well, this item will remain nothing but an inanimate object.”

Nanny Li’s heart was caught in her throat. She knew that Qiao Muniang still didn’t trust her, which is why she was using that item to control her. It was like a ticking time bomb. If Qiao Muniang became even slightly dissatisfied with her, and if she presented that voucher to the Marquise, it would be the end of everything.

“If the Lady does not entrust this item to this old servant, my mind will not be at ease, and I fear I cannot serve the Lady well,” Nanny Li said boldly, her words clearly carrying a threat.

Muniang saw through Nanny Li’s concerns and her face grew cold, “I have been lenient with Nanny Li, but don’t think for a moment that means I’m soft-tempered. At this time, it’s not your place to bargain with me!”

Nanny Li was shocked, her back already slick with cold sweat.

Only then did Muniang’s tone soften, “Nanny Li, just focus on your tasks. I do not waste my chess pieces arbitrarily. If you are truly loyal to me as your master, I will ensure that this voucher never sees the light of day. Nanny Li should understand my concerns – after all, you have yet to make me truly believe that you are sincerely on my side.”

Nanny Li dared not speak but understood Muniang’s intention – she needed to show some form of allegiance, as Muniang wouldn’t trust mere words of loyalty.

Nanny Li couldn’t help but wipe her sweat, realizing that although Muniang might appear to be merely a country girl, her thoughts were incredibly meticulous.

Muniang stood up and walked over to Nanny Li, squatting down in front of her. Nanny Li, who was kneeling on the ground, was greatly alarmed, not understanding what Muniang was playing at.

Looking directly at Nanny Li, Muniang said softly with a smile, “I know Nanny Li is particularly fond of your youngest son, yet he himself is of no great use. The managerial position he holds in this estate was acquired through much effort on your part. Sadly, that estate is remote and unprofitable, offering little benefit to your son, who cannot even secure a decent wife. I’ve heard that you’ve had your eye on an antique shop under the Marquis Chen Mansion’s name. If your son could become the shopkeeper there, he would indeed strike it rich. Not to mention getting a wife, he could easily take another concubine.”

Nanny Li’s eyes immediately shone with eagerness, expressing her gratitude, “Many thanks, Lady!”

Muniang helped Nanny Li to stand, “Nanny Li, don’t speak like that. Now you are one of my close associates. I always treat the maids and nannies by my side generously.”

Alternating a slap with a sweet date, Nanny Li was ensnared tightly. Although she was aware that it was just Muniang’s ploy, she had no choice but to leap into it, and leap willingly at that.

Nanny Li had made her own calculations. The deed she had concealed so well back then had still been uncovered by Qiao Muniang. Qiao Muniang was reputable in Qinghua City, but as of now, she had no foundations in the Capital. Moreover, it was an internal affair of the Marquis Chen Mansion – how could she have investigated so thoroughly? It was evident someone powerful was backing her.

And the only likely powerful figure was the Prince Heir!

One had to admit, Nanny Li did admire Qiao Muniang. Though she did not win the favor of the Marquise, she managed to keep the heart of the Prince Heir so tightly in her grasp that even now, he was thinking about pleasing the Marquise on behalf of the Princess.

Previously, she thought the Prince Heir was only temporarily infatuated with that country girl; that Qiao Muniang was merely lucky.

However, having arrived here and witnessed the incidents involving Nanny Zhu and Caiyun, as well as Muniang’s measures with the Marquise, it became clear that Qiao Muniang’s current situation was by no means a stroke of luck. For a servant, what was most important wasn’t their own capabilities, but choosing the right master.

If Nanny Li hadn’t recognized Qiao Muniang’s abilities, she wouldn’t have agreed so easily today.

Nanny Li, to demonstrate her loyalty, sent a letter to the Capital the very next day, naturally acknowledging all of Muniang’s various deeds, including the matter of Nanny Zhu and Caiyun, indicating that it was their own doing.

Before sending the letter, Nanny Li specially brought the correspondence to Muniang for her to review: “Lady, what do you think?”

Muniang smiled with a curve of her lips: “Nanny Li understands my intentions so well, I consider my affection for you not misplaced. I will handle your son’s matter as soon as possible, but it is a bit too early now, to avoid arousing suspicion. Let’s wait a bit longer.”

Nanny Li was also a shrewd person; she understood this reasoning and naturally agreed immediately.

In the blink of an eye, a month had passed. On Noble Lady Rong’s birthday, the Emperor showed favor by holding a banquet at Yeyang Lake, the very site of their “love’s confirmation.” Upon learning this news, Muniang felt her chances of success increase. The Emperor’s sentiment like this showed he held deep feelings for that first encounter; even if Noble Lady Rong did not appreciate the embroidery, the Emperor surely would.

Indeed, within a few days, someone from Rong Mansion came to visit in person.

“Lady Yu in good health!” The visitor’s tone was full of joy, indicating great news.

Muniang looked up and, to her surprise, saw Huaxia. She was taken aback: “Why has Miss Huaxia come herself?”

Huaxia smiled and said, “We asked me to invite Lady Yu to our mansion for a catch-up. For the matter of my Lady’s birthday celebration, Lady Yu has contributed significantly!”

Muniang smiled: “Did my Lady like it?”

Huaxia replied joyfully, “More than just liked it! It was a great help to my Lady!”

As she spoke, Huaxia lowered her voice: “Lady Yu may not know, but upon seeing the embroidery, the Emperor was so moved that he instantly promoted my Lady, who is now of the rank of Lady.”

“That is very good.”

“Our Lady is waiting at the mansion right now. Not only does our Lady want to express her great thanks, but the palace has also sent numerous rewards, intended for Yuyang Embroidery House.”

Muniang’s eyes lit up; it seemed like this time, Yuyang Embroidery House would turn its fortunes around.

Upon arriving at Rong Mansion, Muniang saw the drawing room filled with items, bundle after bundle, and all of them exceedingly luxurious.

Lady Rong said with a smile, “The palace has just decreed rewards. Not only are there items gifted by Lady Rong, but also those bestowed by His Majesty himself.”

With that, she gestured to a young maid who then brought over a tray laden with twenty golden hairpins of various designs.

“These are presented to you by my Lady. Now that my Lady is riding high, you too have profited.”

All these golden hairpins were of excellent quality, truly precious, but Muniang was not one to be easily awed. The rewards she was now receiving were not even better than the ones she had gotten upon her marriage into Marquis Chen Mansion, so her expression remained quite calm.