Chapter 66: The Transfer

Mrs. Qin looked at Meinang, who calmly asked, “Who is it?”

Tao’er replied, “Back to the young lady, it’s the same man from this morning.”

“Bring him here, have him wait outside the door,” Meinang instructed.

Tao’er nodded and left. Mrs. Qin sighed, looking at her daughter. “At least let him in. How can you make him wait outside? He’s from the Hou Mansion after all.”

Meinang continued eating, picking up a piece of food with her chopsticks and chewing thoughtfully. “Aren’t we eating? Let him wait at the door, it’s fine. Otherwise, I’ll finish eating first this is the Hou Mansion’s rule.”

Mrs. Qin helplessly looked at her daughter, shaking her head with a sigh. Mrs. Feng, sitting nearby, didn’t speak but kept serving more food into their bowls.

Meinang didn’t pay attention to Mrs. Feng. In her mind, she thought: Bai Zhan’s arrival today is quite timely. It’s time for her to return to the Hou Mansion, find a reason to secretly take the silver notes, and tomorrow she would complete the handover of the “Xian Ke Lai” tavern to her family ancestor, Cen Gui Quan.

She was not unfamiliar with modern hotel management models. In her past life, her company owned several five-star hotels, and she had worked in that field. Ancient inns and taverns were vastly different, from the operating principles and facilities to the management style they could not even be compared to modern standards. Meinang knew that the things she had learned might not be directly applicable, but at least she wouldn’t be completely lost. Her family had left behind everything, she could follow their model first, adapt, and slowly make changes as needed. She was confident that she could manage the old tavern well.

Bai Zhan entered the inner courtyard, following Tao’er, and answered Meinang’s questions respectfully. Meinang stayed silent for a moment, then said, “Wait outside. I will come back after I finish eating.”

Bai Zhan silently breathed a sigh of relief. He had experienced the wrath of the gentle and graceful lady earlier in the morning, and it was frightening. He was glad she wasn’t angry now and was willing to return to the Hou Mansion.

This morning, after being sent back to the Hou Mansion, Hou Ye had already left. Bai Zhan searched several places but couldn’t find him. Later, he met Bao Ju, who had a swollen bottom from training with a military staff and couldn’t ride a horse. After inquiring, Bai Zhan learned that Hou Ye had entered the palace for a royal summons and wouldn’t be returning until later.

Unable to find Hou Ye to report, Bai Zhan didn’t dare return to Qin’s residence, fearing Meinang’s scolding. So he and Bao Ju waited in the Eastern Garden until evening when Hou Ye finally returned.

Xu Jun Ying, upon hearing Bai Zhan’s report, merely said, “Immediately bring the young lady back to the mansion. If anyone asks, tell them it’s Hou Mansion’s rule that the mistress does not stay outside overnight.”

Unless she ceased to be his wife, he had to make arrangements for her. Xu Jun Ying was trying to suppress and cover up the scandal between Meinang and the Seventh Young Master, not for his own sake, but to protect the family’s reputation. He had warned Zheng Mei Yu not to spread any rumors. As for the old lady, she would never leak anything, as Heng Ge’er was her only hope and reliance.

Xu Jun Ying was now worried about Meinang. As long as she stayed low-key and didn’t draw attention, he would allow her to live in comfort, but if she wanted to behave like other noblewomen, freely visiting friends or staying at her parents’ house, that was not allowed.

Later, Bai Zhan returned to report that Mei Niang had returned to the mansion. Xu Jun Ying sighed in relief and instructed them to prepare for bed. The next day, he had to accompany the Emperor to the Lei Yin Temple to pray for peace for the pregnant Empress and the injured Qi Wang.

After Meinang returned to her room, Cui Si reported that everything was under control in the household, and Ning Rulan had handled matters well. Meinang, however, was concerned about Heng Ge’er. Cui Si mentioned that Xia Lian had sent a message saying Heng Ge’er had been upset in the morning and refused to eat properly, but after a nap, he was in a better mood and ate some porridge.

Meinang felt a pang of pain but sighed, knowing that even if she went to Qui Hua Courtyard, Zheng Fu Ren would not let her see Heng Ge’er.

After getting back to work, Ping’er came to report that the lights in the study at the Eastern Garden had gone out, and the lights in Hou Ye’s bedroom had briefly been on before going out again.

Meinang told Wang Mama to take the keychain and instructed Cui Xi to bring her cloak, as she was going out. She gave instructions for Cui Jian to visit the Third Madam’s courtyard and explain that Meinang had caught a cold and might not be able to attend the Zi Yun Hall meeting the next day.

Meinang left for nearly an hour, then returned to Qui Hua Courtyard. By then, all the lights in the Eastern Garden had been turned off, signaling that everyone was asleep. She smiled slightly, feeling the silver notes in her sleeve. Thirty-five thousand taels her personal promise to Cen Gui Quan for the tavern’s transfer, of which three thousand was for operations, and the rest was for personal matters and expenses.

Wang Mama and Cui Si had prepared hot water for her bath, and after changing clothes, Meinang put on her mask. She called Wang Mama, Cui Xi, Cui Jian, and Cui Si around her and put on the mask, transforming into a completely different person. They were shocked and speechless. Meinang explained that she would often use the mask and that each of them would need to learn how to disguise themselves in case they needed to change their appearance.

Wang Mama appeared worried, while the younger maids were excited and curious. After Meinang carefully stored the mask, they all began to prepare the bed. After a long day, Meinang finally lay down, exhausted.

In the early hours, the lights in the Eastern Garden flickered on, and Xu Jun Ying, along with Bai Zhan and Bao Ju, left through a small door in the martial arts field. Orange’er, hiding in the shadows, quickly reported this to Meinang. She had already risen, ready to change her appearance, and ordered Cui Xi to help with her hairstyle, preparing to leave the Hou Mansion in disguise.

Wang Mama hurried inside to inform Mei Niang that the carriage was ready and the driver, Lin Pozi’s nephew, was waiting in the alley. Mei Niang left with Cui Xi and Cui Si, heading out discreetly.

The plan to leave the Hou Mansion was in motion, and Meinang’s confidence in her next steps continued to grow.