The person was called yesterday and had been waiting in the outer courtyard of the Marquis' Mansion. Now that he received the order, he came in immediately.
Several craftsmen knelt on the ground and trembled.
The craftsman who built the rockery said, "I told you at the beginning that these things are made of cheap materials and are not very strong. You need to be careful with them on a daily basis. It's okay to put them there for viewing, but you can't get close to them."
The craftsman in charge of the pavilion said, "It is true that inferior materials were used in its construction, but the government only gave me so little money and the requirements were so high. I really can't come up with any good materials. Now that someone has been injured, I am willing to compensate you."
At this moment, he deeply regretted accepting this job at Pingyang Marquis Mansion. He did not make any money, but instead lost a lot.
But what can they do? They are just craftsmen who make a living with their skills.
Bai Wanyi's eyebrows arched: "He must have colluded with you and our concubine to embezzle money and use such low-quality materials!"
The craftsman was completely speechless. "Madam, you dare not say that. You can go out and ask about the price. I really can't do it. I have the original account book here. You can take it out and ask. From the beginning to the end, I only earned twenty taels from you as a reward for my hard work."
In the past, he could earn at least a hundred taels of silver by building a pavilion, but after working at the Pingyang Marquis' Mansion for so long, he only earned twenty taels, which was not even enough for his travel expenses.
Bai Wanyi took the account book and saw that he was well prepared. Knowing that he couldn't get anything out of him, he brought up the greenhouse again and asked, "What's going on with the greenhouse?"
The person in charge of the greenhouse had reviewed the situation yesterday and now spoke methodically, "The mansion requested it be built according to Yangshi Lei's pattern, but they didn't specify the dimensions. Furthermore, they wanted it to be larger. I told you at the time that it doesn't seem to be a big problem now, but it will need reinforcement in the winter. The Marquis is aware of this."
Lu Yan nodded: "Indeed, there are a few places left in the greenhouse for future reinforcement."
Bai Wanyi's eyes flashed, and he said to Qi Jing, "Since it can be reinforced later, it won't collapse so easily now. You must be jealous of me, so you made some moves."
The greenhouse craftsman couldn't help but speak up for Qi Jing: "The greenhouse was not solid to begin with, and Madam changed the layout without permission, adding weight to the beams..."
"You have no right to speak here!" Bai Wanyi snorted at the craftsman, then looked at Qi Jing: "Aunt Qi, tell me, did someone instruct you to do this?"
Qi Jing shook her head, her complexion turning pale. "Madam, you are determined to convict me no matter what. I have nothing to say. But please don't blame others. I..."
Before she could finish her words, her body went limp and she fainted.
Her maidservant shouted, "Call the doctor, call the doctor!"
After a moment of chaos, the doctor took the patient's pulse and said, "Congratulations, my Lord, congratulations, my Lady, your concubine is pregnant and is about three months pregnant. However, she is very emotional and weak, so she fainted. She needs to stay in bed and take care of the baby."
Bai Wanyi was stunned on the spot, unable to believe his ears: "How many months?"
"Three months."
Bai Wanyi turned stiffly to look at Lu Yan. How long had she been married? And this bastard had already gone off to sleep with another woman during their wedding?
Bai Wan was so angry that he wanted to curse.
Old Lady Lu Que couldn't help but feel happy. She was not there to see Ping'er born, but now she had a great-grandson in front of her and in her belly. As an old lady, she was very happy.
Old Lady Lu quickly sent someone to give the doctor some money, and then she became concerned about Qi Jing's legs: "What's wrong with your aunt's legs?"
"My aunt is weak, and she knelt for a long time yesterday, so now..." The little maid looked at Bai Wanyi tremblingly, afraid that she would blame her.
Old Lady Lu glanced at Bai Wanyi and saw that she looked unhappy. Fearing that she might be doing something behind her back, she said, "From today on, Concubine Qi will move to my courtyard to nurse her pregnancy until she gives birth. After the confinement period, she can leave. I will take care of her personally."
Bai Wan stamped his feet in anger: "Lu Yan!"
"Who allowed you to call people by their full names!" Old Lady Lu's happy face immediately turned cold, and she hit Bai Wanyi with her dragon-headed cane.
Bai Wanyi quickly dodged behind Lu Yan.
Lu Yan grabbed his cane and advised, "Grandma, on such a happy day, don't make a big fuss. Be careful not to scare the child."
Upon hearing this, Old Lady Lu put down her cane. However, Bai Wanyi refused to accept this and grabbed Lu Yan's arm, ready to question him. The housekeeper stood at the door and said, "Old Lady, Marquis, Madam. The Marquis of Chang'an and his wife are here to see you."
The room suddenly became quiet.
Nowadays, one has to bring a visiting card when visiting someone's house. They just came directly, so early in the morning, which is extremely rude.
It must be a huge incident that could make the Marquis and his mistress be so rude.
Lu Yan's first thought was whether his apology wasn't adequate: "Didn't the apology be delivered to the Marquis of Chang'an's Mansion yesterday?"
Bai Wanyi also didn't understand: "I went to see him off in person, and I didn't say anything at the time."
No matter how poor the Chang'an Marquisate was, it was still a marquisate, so Bai Wanyi naturally wouldn't give himself up to criticism in that regard. "Because it's a marquisate, I even prepared a few extra gifts and personally delivered them as soon as possible."
Bai Wanyi felt a pain in his heart whenever he thought of those things. Now he was short of money, so he had to send the apology gift.
The Chang'an Marquisate was a Marquisate, so the gifts they sent were more expensive than others. They were four full cosmetic gift boxes. It wasn't just a lipstick and some snacks that could be fooled around like other places.
Seeing they were at a loss for words, Old Lady Lu said, "You're here so early in the morning. It must be something important. Go and invite them in first."
She also instructed Huancui, "Whether they have had breakfast or not, they must leave some food for them at this time. Have the kitchen prepare it properly."
"Yes." Huancui responded.
Bai Wanyi went back to the main courtyard's flower hall to receive Wei. Fortunately, she only went to the main courtyard's flower hall. She didn't dare to enter other places.
Old Madam Lu was worried and followed Bai Wanyi.
Men were not allowed to enter the inner house, so Lu Yan went to the front to see the Marquis of Chang'an.
He walked hurriedly, and the corners of his clothes picked up the fallen leaves on the ground. The fallen leaves danced in the wind, turned in the air, and floated away.
Lu Yan entered the room and bowed to the Marquis of Chang'an: "I didn't know the Marquis of Chang'an was coming to visit. Please don't blame me for not welcoming you."
"Your courtesy at the Marquis' Mansion is truly thoughtful. I've been here for so long and haven't even had a cup of hot tea."
Marquis Chang'an snorted coldly, then sat down and accepted Lu Yan's salute.
Lu Yan was unhappy but didn't show it. He asked his servant to pour tea and then asked directly, "You came so early in the morning. The Marquis of Chang'an must have something important to tell you. Please speak frankly."
Lord Qian said with a cold face, "I have come to ask you for an explanation for the evil you have done to the Pingyang Marquisate!"
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