Chapter 82: Discovery

As Xu Jun Ying stepped out, Meinang got up, washed, and then slipped out of the west courtyard to the Hou residence. She asked Cui Jian to inform Ning Rulan that her “dizziness” was acting up again. This excuse, she had learned from the second madam, who always claimed dizziness to avoid accompanying the elderly lady in Jinhua Tang.

Old Lady Lin, Old Lady Yu, and others were indeed entrusted with managing things, with each overseeing important matters. Besides the west courtyard, Meinang could also exit from the back gate, just needing to inform Lin A Mao to wait for her at a designated entrance. Lin A Mao was the son of Lin Old Man, who, having been sold into Xu’s family as a child servant, was now a trusted coachman. He was reliable and discreet, focusing solely on his work. Cui Xi had made sure to pay him well, and Lin A Mao, in return, worked hard, as it meant good pay for him.

After helping the three young ladies into the carriage, Lin A Mao called out, “Let’s go!” and cracked the whip, making the carriage steadily move forward. Mei Niang sat behind the curtain, asking, “A Mao, did you enjoy the New Year’s celebrations? Is everything well at home?”

Lin A Mao responded loudly, “Thanks to the young lady, this year’s celebration was the best ever. The money you gave me for New Year’s, we couldn’t even spend it all. My wife said we should save it for when we have a son and buy better food.”

“Your wife is expecting a son?” Mei Niang asked.

“Yes, after our first child was a girl, now she’s two, and she’s pregnant again. The baby will be born in three months.”

“That’s still some time away, no need to worry. You’ll have two more months of salary to save up. You’ll have enough for the son. When your wife gives birth, I’ll send a congratulatory gift.”

Lin A Mao suddenly seemed anxious. “Does this mean I’ll only work for two more months? Will you not need me afterward?”

Cui Xi and Cui Si giggled, and Meinang reassured him, “I didn’t say that. As long as you work well and remember what Cui Xi taught you, you’ll keep working here. There will be steady pay, enough for you to support your family.”

Lin A Mao happily agreed, cracking the whip again, saying, “Don’t worry, I’ll work hard. I’m always at your service, young lady.”

After a while, they reached the back gate of Xian Keli. Old Man Zou, recognizing Lin A Mao, quickly opened the gate. The carriage entered, and the young stable boy, recognizing the carriage, ran to report to Shopkeeper Lu, who, along with the stewards, came out to greet them. Meinang and the others got down from the carriage, exchanged pleasantries, and headed straight to the front hall, bypassing the third floor where they normally went.

Shopkeeper Lu informed Meinang of the recent developments at the shop. Rooms were filling up, and there were requests from people wanting to pay more for rooms already booked by others. Meinang firmly instructed, “No such thing is allowed. Once a room is booked, it belongs to the person who reserved it. If they don’t come, we can discuss it then. Money doesn’t trump fairness. Xian Keli doesn’t do things like that.”

Shopkeeper Lu nodded. “Yes, Xian Keli has always treated people fairly. Mr. Cen and the old shopkeeper did the same. I just worry that when someone comes directly to you, you might be too polite to refuse.”

Meinang looked at him and said, “You run things as per the old rules. I trust you a hundred percent. You’re the shopkeeper and know better than I do. If I have anything to say, I’ll be fully informed before I speak.”

Shopkeeper Lu smiled and looked back at the people behind him, who lowered their heads. Meinang understood that someone had probably been whispering to him, trying to make a quick profit.

She said seriously, “Trust those you hire. Once I’ve entrusted Xian Keli to you, I trust you one hundred percent. Xian Keli is an old brand, remember Mr. Cen’s teachings, do honest and long-term business. Don’t go for quick gains. Anyone who breaks the rules, no matter their contributions, will be a waste of effort.”

The stewards bowed, “We follow the young master’s instructions.”

The slightly older steward, Huang Ping, said, “Miss, you and Mr. Cen are indeed alike. With you managing Xian Keli, we are all at ease.”

Shopkeeper Lu gestured for Meinang to follow him. “Please, this way. We opened the doors early today, and there’s a banquet starting at noon. It’s a distinguished guest who’s hosting a New Year’s feast…”

Meinang raised an eyebrow. “A New Year’s feast? Isn’t the Lantern Festival over? Aren’t people getting busy now?”

Shopkeeper Lu replied, “This guest is only hosting today. We just do as instructed, who dares to question the reason?”

As they entered the second floor, several tables were already occupied by guests enjoying tea and breakfast. Meinang headed for the usual private room. Just then, she heard someone call out, “Miss Cen.”

She turned to see Zhang Jing Yun and Ling Xu Zi smiling and standing up from a nearby table by the window.

Meinang quickly told Shopkeeper Lu, “They are old friends. Please bring some fresh pastries and fruit to the private room.”

Shopkeeper Lu gave them a bow and quickly left. Meinang then turned to Cui Xi and Cui Si, instructing, “Today, the door opened early, so there may be people we know. You two should go check the back hall, kitchen, and guest rooms. Afterward, go back to the third-floor rest area for breakfast. No need to come to the front.”

Once the maids were dispatched, she sat down with Zhang Jing Yun and Ling Xu Zi in the private room. Two servants quickly brought tea and snacks, closed the door quietly, and withdrew.

Meinang stood and gave each of them a formal greeting. Zhang Jing Yun and Ling Xu Zi quickly waved it off.

“Why the formality, Miss Cen? We’re just having tea, you’ve done enough,” Zhang Jing Yun said with a smile.

Meinang laughed, “It’s the least I can do. You’ve both done so much for me, I can only repay you with formalities.”

Zhang Jing Yun laughed. “Miss Cen, you have such talent. Xian Keli is thriving under your management, truly a wise leader.”

Ling Xu Zi added, “Jing Yun told me about it, but I didn’t believe it. But now I see, Miss Cen really is capable.”

Meinang smiled behind her sleeve, “You’re both teasing me. Actually, I was just in the right place at the right time… Ah, without Mr. Zhang, I wouldn’t have been able to do it.”

Zhang Jing Yun shook his head. “It’s your luck, Miss Cen.”

Meinang poured them each a cup of tea and gestured for them to continue. “Can we not use formal titles? Here, just call me Cen Mei. Remember, my surname is Cen.”

Zhang Jing Yun blinked. “Don’t make it sound like it’s real.”

Ling Xu Zi, however, said, “I think the name Cen Mei really suits you.”

Meinang spat out her tea in surprise. “Cough, cough… Ling Xu Zi, you’re too funny! How can a name resemble a person?”

Ling Xu Zi said seriously, “The first time I saw you, I thought you were different. When I took your pulse, I sensed a power inside you, one that hasn’t been fully realized. Qin Meinang, Cen Mei of the two, Cen Mei suits you more.”

Meinang stopped laughing and looked seriously at both of them. “Thank you, Ling Xu Zi, thank you, Mr. Zhang. You are both gentlemen. I’ve always been slow to recognize people, but meeting you, I can confidently say I wasn’t wrong. Your help has been immeasurable. You could say it’s as if you saved my life. I hope, in the future, you’ll continue to consider me a friend, and not turn away from me. Is that okay?”

Ling Xu Zi and Zhang Jing Yun exchanged a smile. Zhang Jing Yun said, “You’re exaggerating. We haven’t done much for you. As long as you don’t turn us away, we’re fine. You’re the Madam of the Hou family, while we’re just idle scholars.”

Meinang gave him a glance. “Don’t make it sound so boring. Madam of the Hou family? If I could live like an idle scholar, who would want to be Madam?”

She glanced towards the door and whispered, “Even the Empress doesn’t care for that title.”

If it had been someone else, they might have been stunned by her words. But Zhang Jing Yun and Ling Xu Zi, having seen all sorts of eccentric people and strange occurrences, weren’t bothered by it and simply laughed it off, not finding anything odd about it.

Meinang instructed them to continue drinking tea and eating snacks. Shopkeeper Lu, being attentive, sent more tea and hot snacks at regular intervals, making sure nothing was cold.

Zhang Jing Yun mentioned that they had visited Qin Fu to check on Qin Bo Qing’s health and that all three members of the Qin family were in good health.

Meinang gave him an appreciative look.