Chapter 48 He's Dirty

Grandpa Wan laughed so hard he made people's faces ache, but what he said terrified Guan Yi'an even more.

Guan Yi'an never expected that this eunuch would be so audacious as to try to take advantage of his woman.

He was, after all, an official of the imperial court. Meng Huanyan didn't hold much importance in his heart, but to send his woman to a eunuch to be played with...

Guan Yi'an's face turned red and white. She wanted to refuse, but she couldn't bear to give up this rare opportunity.

He didn't even dare to say that he hadn't given up on Meng Lingge because of Meng Huanyan. He had to admit that he was even a little afraid that Eunuch Wan would think that Meng Huanyan was nothing special, and that he would lose a valuable bargaining chip.

Seeing his hesitation, Eunuch Wan remained calm and unhurried, instead sitting down leisurely and humming a little tune.

Guan Yi'an felt as if he had been seen through, and was extremely embarrassed and angry. He hardened his heart, said goodbye heavily, and prepared to leave.

Behind him, Eunuch Wan chuckled and reminded him, "Those who aspire to great things do not concern themselves with trifles. After you, the top scholar, are promoted, what kind of beauty wouldn't you have? Why let go of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a woman you've already won over? To be honest, you're not the only one who's been trying to curry favor with us for the position of Vice Minister of Rites. I only gave you a few pointers because I saw you as a promising talent. Since the top scholar doesn't know what's good for him, then this position will have to go to someone else."

Guan Yi'an stepped out of the room, but then hurriedly retreated.

"Is Chief Steward Wan serious? If I agree to your request, the position of Vice Minister of Rites will be mine?"

Eunuch Wan's eyes gleamed with arrogance, and his tone was haughty: "If the top scholar doesn't believe in our abilities, then he should seek someone more capable."

Guan Yi'an spoke with exceptional respect, "It was my fault, please forgive me, Steward Wan. However, the Meng family's illegitimate daughter is now completely devoted to me, and it will take some effort to make this happen."

Grandpa Wan is right: those who aspire to great things do not concern themselves with trifles.

Meng Huanyan was of little use to him to begin with, so for her to be noticed by Eunuch Wan was a good opportunity for him. It was as if even Heaven couldn't bear to see his talents go unrecognized, and had given him this chance.

Eunuch Wan gave a forced smile. "Scholar, hurry up! If the flowers have already faded, or if someone else snatches this good spot first, don't blame us."

"I understand, thank you for your guidance, Eunuch Wan." Guan Yi'an said excitedly, as if the position he had longed for was already his.

"Of course, of course." Eunuch Wan smiled and squinted his eyes. He patted Guan Yi'an's shoulder, but didn't let go when he finally patted it. He used a little more force to draw circles on Guan Yi'an's shoulder.

Guan Yi'an froze, and the next second, Eunuch Wan's mouth was close to his ear, saying in a very intimate tone, "If you really can't bear to part with that little beauty, I'll think of another idea for you. Actually, I'm also satisfied with the top scholar's looks. If you're willing, hehehehehe..."

After a lewd laugh, he blew a disgusting breath into Guan Yi'an's ear. Guan Yi'an felt his ear was filthy and instinctively took a big step back, not daring to look at Eunuch Wan again.

"Steward Wan really likes to joke. I will take care of the Meng family's illegitimate daughter's matter today and send her over to you tomorrow."

After saying that, his face flushed red, and he fled as if he were escaping.

He had initially hesitated about giving Meng Huanyan to that lecherous old man, but now he was absolutely certain.

That old lecher actually took a liking to him, so there's nothing we can do. We have no choice but to send Meng Huanyan over there.

After that lecherous old man has ruined Meng Huanyan, he probably won't ruin him anymore.

Seeing Guan Yi'an flee in a sorry state, nearly hitting the threshold, Eunuch Wan smirked and licked his lips with lingering satisfaction.

He'd lost interest in the palace maids and eunuchs after all that fuss, but these noble ladies and handsome young men were a different story altogether, something he was really looking forward to.

Guan Yi'an ran all the way back to the Guan family home.

Guan's mother had been waiting for him for half a day, and when she saw him return, she pulled him aside and complained.

“An’er, that little vixen you brought into the house should be sent away as soon as possible, or sold to a slave trader for some money. She can’t do anything at home now, and she still wants to eat and drink. I get annoyed just looking at her! Asking her to do anything makes me furious! I locked her up all day today, and she still didn’t know she was wrong. She scolded me for hours…”

"Mom, can't you just shut up for a second?"

Guan Yi'an interrupted her impatiently: "Is there too much work to do at home, or is she just hungry and thirsty? Meng Huanyan is very useful to me. You should treat her better and stop making her do chores. Have the maid bring her food according to her preferences every day. If I find out that you are bullying her again, I will have to send you back to your hometown in the countryside."

Whether he can get promoted and make a fortune this time depends on Meng Huanyan. At this critical juncture, no one can ruin his plans.

Neither my father nor my mother will do.

After saying this, he ordered his servant to bring a towel and water, and carefully wiped the ears that Wan Gonggong had blown on, again and again, until the base of the ears was red and swollen.

Guan's mother was about to retort, but seeing his actions, she quickly asked with concern.

"An'er, what happened to your ears?"

Guan Yi'an didn't even look up: "It's dirty! Change the hot water, and get a new towel..."

Seeing her son's domineering attitude and puzzling actions, Guan's mother suspected that Guan Yi'an had suffered some kind of shock.

It seems my son has been having a lot of bad luck lately. He got a good wife but a useless vixen, his job isn't progressing, and when he gets home he has to deal with her arguments with Meng Huanyan.

Guan's mother had originally planned to make a scene today and drive Meng Huanyan out, but now she suddenly lost her will to fight. Although she was confused, she knew that this family depended on her son. If she continued to cause trouble and ruined her son, her good days would be over.

When Guan's father heard the commotion, he ran over to support Guan's mother, but Guan's mother dragged him away.

Guan Yi'an knew that the reason why his mother dared to bully Meng Huanyan was mainly due to his attitude. When he was not firm in his stance and was perfunctory and indifferent, his mother became arrogant and domineering. Now that he was a little more assertive and firm, his mother quieted down.

Having solved the problem of Guan's mother, Guan Yi'an applied some medicine to Meng Huanyan's red and swollen ears and gently pushed open Meng Huanyan's door.

Meng Huanyan lay on the inside of the bed, ignoring the noise, and instead covered her head with the blanket.

"Little devil, are you still angry? I know everything that happened today. It was my fault. I already told her off. She won't bully you anymore. I've asked the kitchen to make you some ginseng soup. If you don't want to get up, just lie down and I'll feed you."

Guan Yi'an sat on the edge of the bed, pulled back the blanket, and gently stroked Meng Huanyan's face with his hand.

These past few days, Guan Yi'an has had the servants prepare food for her when she comes back, but they just put it on the table and act as if she doesn't care whether she eats it or not.

I've never used such a gentle tone before, especially with the addition of a nickname they only use during their most intimate moments.

Meng Huanyan had been holding back her tears, but upon hearing the words "little devil," she couldn't hold back any longer.