It was only a few days later that Yan Xiao learned from Zhao Qian that someone had placed bets on her at the gambling den.
Zhao Qian's original words were, "I asked Yan Xiao how she wanted to deal with those who disrespected her."
Yan Xiao wasn't angry at all, nor did she intend to deal with those people. Instead, she felt that she had seen a business opportunity.
She directly instructed Zhao Qian to place a bet on her behalf, naturally betting on her own beauty.
Perhaps because the toxins have been cleared away, her skin tone is now visibly starting to lighten, and in just a few days, she has become even lighter than before.
With her near-perfect features, she looked increasingly tempting and irresistible. Every morning after waking up, she couldn't help but spend a little more time looking at herself in the mirror.
Therefore, she was guaranteed to make a profit by betting on the beauty herself; why not take advantage of such free money?
As for how her appearance got out, Zhao Qian also found out. Although the woman did not show her face at the time, he was able to find out about Qiao Jiaojiao based on her figure and some clues.
The General's Mansion has issued a strict order that no one is allowed to discuss the lady's private affairs outside. Qiao Jiaojiao's actions clearly show that she doesn't respect Yan Xiao, or that she doesn't consider herself a member of the General's Mansion.
Since that's the case, then don't even think about shamelessly enjoying the benefits of the General's Mansion anymore.
Yan Xiao is usually very generous to those who give her money, but this doesn't include someone like Qiao Jiaojiao who is deliberately trying to harm her.
After listening to Zhao Qian's report, she thought for a moment, then directly summoned the butler, Zhang Qi, and asked:
"What arrangements does the general have for Granny Li and her daughter now?"
Zhang Qi didn't know why Yan Xiao suddenly asked about the mother and daughter. He secretly looked up at Zhao Qian, who was standing to the side, hoping to get a hint from her.
Before Zhao Qian could even respond to his gaze, the madam gave a cold snort and asked:
"Steward Zhang, I'm asking you a question. Why are you looking at Zhao Qian? Zhao Qian is just a guard captain. Do you think he understands your work as a steward? If that's the case, then we can keep him alone. What do I need you for?"
"Please calm down, Madam."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Qi immediately lowered his head and admitted his mistake, not daring to conceal anything, and hurriedly replied with trepidation:
"Reporting to Madam, the General has arranged for Granny Li and her daughter to stay in a two-room farmhouse with a small courtyard in the east of the city."
They gave them two acres of fertile land and some grain, and for the first year, they gave them half a string of cash each month to help them settle down.
As Zhang Qi spoke, he cautiously glanced at Yan Xiao's expression. Seeing that she seemed indifferent and unconcerned, he assumed she wasn't angry and continued:
"And a while ago, Granny Li said she was too old to do any work, so the manor arranged for two servants to help her and her daughter with some plowing work. That's all."
"That's really generous."
Yan Xiao smiled warmly upon hearing this, but her eyes were cold and devoid of any warmth.
She looked at Zhang Qi, who was wiping the cold sweat from his forehead with his head down, and said with a smile:
"It's fine if it's given away. I'm not a stingy person. After all, we still have to give some face to the deceased, don't we?"
However, the monthly allowance of half a string of cash will no longer be given; it will be stopped immediately. Except for the land and their current accommodations, all other benefits and care will be discontinued.
If Granny Li comes to the General's Mansion again saying she can't work anymore, then tell her, as I said, that land is for her and her daughter to cultivate if they can, and if they can't, then take it back and give it to those who need it. Don't let her hoard the land and waste good resources.
Half a string of cash is half a tael of silver, which is six taels of silver a year. That's enough for an average family to live on for three years.
Shen Muzhi's military funds were quite tight at this time, but he was really generous to that mother and daughter. It's infuriating.
No wonder Qiao Jiaojiao is so free, always having time to wander around the General's Mansion. She spends the General's Mansion's money to make things difficult for her. Does she think she, the nominal wife, is made of clay?
Upon hearing Yan Xiao's instructions, Zhang Qi looked distressed, tears welling up in his eyes.
"My lady, but... but this was arranged before the general went to war. If we don't give it to him, what will happen when he returns..."
"This is not your concern."
Yan Xiao interrupted Zhang Qi directly, without intending to make things difficult for him, and said:
"Your general's words are golden. He personally told me that I am in charge of the general's mansion, and that he will never let me suffer any grievances in the future."
But now some people are bullying me because of the power of the General's Mansion. Don't you think that's ridiculous?
That's settled then, and it's just a minor punishment. If that mother and daughter continue to be ungrateful and unrepentant, I won't be so lenient anymore.
Zhang Qi also felt that Qiao Jiaojiao was being ungrateful, having to offend this person of all people, but he was still somewhat worried:
"What about the general?"
He waved his hand dismissively with a smile:
"After the general returns, you don't need to worry about the explanation. Just say that I ordered you to do it. You're just a steward who follows orders, what's there to be afraid of?"
"Yes, I understand."
Hearing Yan Xiao's words, Zhang Qi felt much more at ease, responded, and withdrew.
Zhao Qian stood to the side, looking indifferent and seemingly uninvolved.
After Zhang Qi left, Yan Xiao looked at Zhao Qian again and asked:
"When can I expect to receive the mold I asked you to order?"
The mold sample I ordered from Mo Antong a few days ago has already been used by Yanxiao, so the soap is naturally already made successfully. It just needs to be dried for a few more days before it can be considered a real finished product.
Judging by the time, it should be about two more days.
As for the mold, wood was ultimately chosen because it has a similar effect to iron, but is much cheaper, and allows for the carving of more patterns.
A few days ago, Zhao Qian had already found out that the person had only one apprentice and one daughter.
However, the daughter has intellectual disabilities and rarely goes out, so the man specially bought two little maids to take care of her.
This confirmed Mo Antong's identity for Yan Xiao, meaning that Mo Antong would have no choice but to settle in Jiangbei from now on.
This person chose to live in anonymity so as not to repeat the same mistake. If I were to go directly to him and ask him to do things for me, it probably wouldn't work.
She couldn't possibly follow Qi Chengfeng's example and imprison someone's mentally challenged daughter to threaten her. She was just greedy, not a pervert. Besides, they were on Shen Muzhi's turf now, and even if she wanted to, Shen Muzhi wouldn't agree.
Therefore, this matter needs to be considered carefully. Cooperating with Mo Antong to gradually get to know him is only the first step. She felt that the next step should be to start with his daughter.
Her daughter was traumatized, not born mentally challenged, and should theoretically be treatable. However, before meeting her daughter, she wasn't sure about this, and she couldn't let her bring it up herself; she had to find an opportunity.
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