Farm Tough Girl
Chapter 538 - 538 539 Asking You for a Favor_1

Chapter 538: Chapter 539 Asking You for a Favor_1 Chapter 538: Chapter 539 Asking You for a Favor_1 “Madame He is too kind,” Muniang said with a humble smile, tinged with a hint of aloofness.

Madame He, seemingly oblivious to Muniang’s detachment, laughed and said, “For one as young as you to have achieved so much is indeed impressive. It’s a pity that you married so early; otherwise, men who would want to take you as their wife would probably line up all the way to the outskirts of Qinghua City.”

Muniang knew that Madame He pitied her for marrying a “good-for-nothing” man. As for those men who would line up outside Qinghua City, they were probably eyeing the business she held in her hands.

Muniang forced a laugh, not bothering to reply and feeling the conversation was grinding to a halt.

Madame He noticed Muniang’s displeasure and quickly changed the subject. “If you’re ever free, please come and visit our residence. My daughter has always admired your reputation and has wanted to befriend you.”

Muniang gave a perfunctory agreement.

Madame He’s daughter? She hasn’t even shown up, so what’s this about admiration? It’s obviously Madame He trying to cozy up to her.

As for why Madame He, a stranger, was suddenly trying to get close to her, Muniang was still puzzled. She had looked into the He Family; their youngest son had secured an official title a few years ago, but instead of staying in the Capital, he was assigned to serve as a county magistrate in Changzhou. It was only this year that he was promoted and took up a position in the Capital. Although still a minor official, at least now he had prospects for advancement.

Serving in local posts makes it quite difficult to move up the ranks, which is why positions in the Capital are so coveted.

The He and Rong families have always been at odds, much like the relationship between He Fangfei and Rong Suqing—pretending to be cordial while actually competing with each other behind closed doors. Currently, the Rong Family has the upper hand over the He Family, and by the looks of it, Madame He is probably not content with the situation.

Muniang thought this superficial interaction would end there, yet Madame He, putting on the facade of a friendly visitor, started showing up at Muniang’s place every now and then, coming over for tea and chat. Muniang wanted to send her away but had no idea how to do so gracefully.

Muniang finally lost her patience and directly asked, “Madame He, you’re constantly coming to my place, claiming friendship between our families. But even without my openly showing it, you must have sensed my distance. Does it really interest you to keep pressing forward so zealously? Or do you think I’m naive, so that after a few of these zealous visits, I would become a close friend and confidante of yours?”

Madame He’s face immediately turned somewhat embarrassed; clearly, she hadn’t expected Muniang to be so forthright.

“Whatever calculations you have in your mind, Madame He, whatever intentions you harbor, it would be easier to just come out with them. Beating around the bush serves no purpose.”

Muniang’s direct insight into Madame He’s motives was unexpected. Madame He had initially planned to get closer to Muniang before discussing these things, but now she had no option but to accelerate her plans.

“Actually, there is indeed something I wish to ask of you.”

Muniang looked at her coolly, “I am but a mere merchant. No matter how illustrious I may be in Qinghua City, how can I compare with the status of an official household like the He Family? What matter could Madame He possibly have that would necessitate asking a favor from me?”

“Although it appears that our He Family is friendly with the Rong Family, in reality, that’s not the case. The Rong Family has always been an enemy to us. Just recently, when my youngest son earned his academic honors, he was originally supposed to stay and serve in the Capital City. However, it was the Rong Family’s Second Son who interfered and saw to it that he took up a post as a magistrate in a place where it’s difficult to make a name for oneself. It took us immense effort and calling in countless favors to finally have him reassigned here. This grudge, I remember it well!”

“The Rong Family just can’t bear to see ours prosper. Had my youngest son remained in the Capital from the start, he might well be a fifth-rank official by now, and his sister would likely have a spot to enter the palace. The Rong Family wouldn’t be enjoying their current glory!”

As Madame He spoke, she became indignant.

Muniang cast a glance at her: “What does that have to do with me?”

Madame He took Muniang’s hand and said, “The Rong Family is our common enemy, can’t you see that? I’ve long heard about how Mr. Rong Liming has been troubling you. That wastrel’s days are not spent on any serious endeavors, all he knows are tricks like these, maintaining only a facade of civility. Now you’ve been embarrassed but are hindered by the Rong Family’s power and status, unable to resist; you even have to help their daughter prepare her wedding dress. Don’t you feel suffocated?”

Muniang couldn’t help but laugh at this. Madame He really thought this way? As if she had no way to deal with Rong Liming. And to be concerned about the power and status of the Rong Family, that seemed like a joke to her.

But Madame He was unaware of the true station of affairs, thinking Muniang was too intimidated to speak up. In fact, it was Rong Liming who was too bullied to make a sound.

“Why must Madame He involve me in your grudge with the Rong Family? I’m just a merchant, and I prefer not to concern myself with such matters. If you feel aggrieved and wish to take revenge on the Rong Family, that’s your affair, Madame He. There’s no need to consult me. I have neither the desire nor the ability,” Muniang replied, holding back her harsher words, but her response was nonetheless quite firm.

Madame He’s face went pale, and then she said, “You’re not powerless. If you’re willing to join forces with me and lend my daughter Fang Fei a helping hand, once she achieves greatness, both the He Family and you will share in the wealth and glory. What would the Rong Family count for then? If you hold a grudge against them, just take your revenge!”

Muniang raised an eyebrow: “Madame He, I don’t quite understand what you’re saying. What do you mean by lending your daughter a helping hand? Please don’t tell me you’re entertaining some improper fantasies.”

Madame He, through gritted teeth, was ready to lay all her cards on the table and said directly, “I won’t hide it from you. Next spring, the Emperor himself will visit Qinghua City, and that will be an excellent opportunity. If Lady Yu could help my daughter gain the Emperor’s favor, feel free to state any demands!”

A flash crossed Muniang’s eyes. Even the He Family knew about this? While it was known that the Emperor would soon be traveling, the specific destination was supposed to be confidential—since an imperial journey, if targeted by evildoers, could be dangerous, the destination was not to be disclosed. Even when arriving in Qinghua City, not many should know of the Emperor’s presence.

Yu Ze also knew of it because he had deep informants in the palace. But how had the He Family come by this information?

Intimidated by Muniang’s piercing gaze, Madame He finally said, “No one outside is aware of this matter. It was purely by chance that our He Family found out.”

Muniang’s lips curled slightly. Purely by chance? It must have taken quite a bit of maneuvering.

“The Emperor is the Son of Heaven, and I am but a mere merchant; how could I possibly help your esteemed daughter gain the Emperor’s favor? Madame He, you’d be better off seeking help elsewhere,” Muniang flatly refused.

Madame He’s intentions weren’t lost on her. What ‘hatred for the Rong Family’, what ‘common enmity’, it was just the He Family feeling envious now that the Rong Family has risen to prominence through a favored daughter, wasn’t it?