Chapter 64 Giving Money
Calculating the time, it was indeed time for the Xi and Song families to deliver the gold. Qingwu tidied his clothes and followed Yuzhu through the hanging flower gate. When he looked up, he saw Mrs. Zheng's capable steward - Steward Chang standing in the corridor with a servant, half-bowed facing Xiao Ji.
Seeing her coming, Xiao Ji's expression softened. It wasn't until Qing Wu came to the corridor that he said softly, "The Xi family is here. I'll entertain them for you first."
Although it was a treat, how many people really dared to let Xiao Ji treat them? Butler Chang stood aside obediently, and only smiled when he saw Qing Wu coming.
He was Madam Zheng's confidant, so he naturally knew the inside story. His voice was deliberately attentive: "Madam, this is what Madam asked me to deliver. I hope you and your husband are safe and happy." He deliberately raised his voice, but glanced at Xiao Ji, obviously wanting the deposed prince to see his "thoughts".
At the same time, the gilded box was opened, and a box of gold bars instantly came into view of everyone present.
Seeing that even Xiaoji had a hint of surprise on his face, Manager Chang's eyes flashed with a smile. This was something that his wife had specifically instructed him to do, that the box must be opened in front of the deposed crown prince. This way, not only would the gold be delivered, but he would also gain some face and favor in front of the deposed crown prince.
The most important thing is to get away with it in front of the deposed prince. If the husband-swapping matter is exposed in the future, no one can escape responsibility.
Hearing the implication, Qing Wu lowered her eyes to gaze at the gold, suppressing the sarcasm at the corner of her lips with all her strength. These were originally the compensation she deserved for her husband exchange, but now they had become props for the Xi family to show their favor, and she couldn't expose it directly.
Why has it come to this?
Why would she feel uncomfortable even though she was given gold?
Even though she had long since realized that her mother did not love her, this incident was still like a needle piercing an unhealed wound, causing Qingwu to feel a pain in her heart.
As Madam Zheng expected, Xiao Ji, who was unaware of the situation, showed some warmth on his pale face. "It is hard for Madam to still think of Qingqing at this moment. Please convey my gratitude to Madam."
He raised his hand to signal the butler to sit down, "Zhao Tong, serve the tea."
In the past, Xiao Ji would naturally not personally entertain a servant, but this was the housekeeper of the lady's house, and he helped him when he fell into this situation, so he remembered this favor.
Zhao Tong also said "eh" and was about to serve tea. Manager Chang couldn't help but reveal a flattered look on his face. Could he be entertained by the former crown prince?
However, Qingwu's patience had run out. He abruptly interrupted the two and said calmly, "Thank you for making this trip, Manager Chang. I've received the things. Please thank the Madam on my behalf."
Her voice was as cold as water, and she stepped forward to turn off the box.
Xiao Ji and Zhao Tong were both stunned. Xiao Ji looked at Qing Wu's cold attitude and vaguely sensed that something was wrong, so he stopped talking.
"You can see we're currently renovating the house, so it's inconvenient for us to host guests. It's already past noon, so you should hurry back. If you're late, I'm afraid we'll have to return home in the dark. I won't stay any longer."
These words were too blunt and stiff, and the smile on Manager Chang's face froze slightly. He saw when he came that the craftsmen were obviously repairing the palace next door. Even if there was smoke and dust, it would not spread here. What's wrong with letting him drink this cup of tea?
Manager Chang's smile froze. He wanted to argue, but Qing Wu's cold gaze stopped him. In the end, he could only bow awkwardly and say, "My lady, you are very thoughtful. I will take my leave now."
After the footsteps faded away, Xiao Ji looked at Qing Wu's tense face, hesitant to speak: "Why do you treat me like this..."
This was the first time he saw Qingwu being so cold towards others.
Qing Wu knew her reaction was irrational, but she wasn't Xi Qingtong, so she couldn't be two-faced. She turned her back to the two of them, collected her expressions, and then blurted out something: "That steward Chang used to bully people at home and used to have conflicts with me. I don't like him."
It can be said to be nonsense, but it is not entirely nonsense. Manager Chang did help Xi Qingtong to embarrass her twice in the past.
This reason was beyond the expectations of Xiao Ji, Zhao Tong and others, but it was also straightforward and reasonable. Xiao Ji wanted to ask more about it, but Qing Wu changed the subject again, "I'll put the gold away first."
After saying that, he carried the box into the main hall. Qing Wu suppressed the turbulent emotions in his heart, but his steps were unsteady due to his chaotic mind, and he even stumbled twice.
Xiao Ji stared at her back, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the armrest of the wheelchair, always feeling that this matter seemed to be more than just the surface.
In the end, Xiao Ji kept the matter deep in his heart. Everyone has secrets. He and his wife were not very familiar with each other, so it was natural that his wife did not want to tell him.
*
When Manager Chang left the palace, his face was so gloomy that it looked like water could be squeezed out of it. He cursed Qingwu inwardly for daring to act so arrogantly with him even though he had fallen into such a state, and for not being afraid of offending him.
When he returned to the Xi family, he went straight to the courtyard where Madam Zheng was, and even ignored Nanny Xia who was not far away. Nanny Xia saw that the housekeeper Chang, who did not get along with her, was in a hurry, and she became curious and followed him.
When Manager Chang entered the main hall of Madam Zheng's courtyard, Madam Zheng was slowly peeling longans and said with a smile to Xi Qingtong and Song Yunhe, the couple sitting below her:
"This is a dried fruit from the south. When it's fresh, it's called longan, and when it's dried, it's called dried kuan. It tastes really good. You should try it too."
After chatting and laughing with the other party, Madam Zheng slowly looked at Butler Chang and asked casually, "Has the gold been delivered?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Song Yunhe put down his teacup and Xi Qingtong clenched her fingers. They were all waiting for the answer.
The two hundred gold coins that Song Yunhe had promised were also taken along by Manager Chang. If Qingwu suddenly changed his mind and didn't accept the gold, or if something else happened, they would all be worried.
"It has been delivered, and as you instructed, the box was opened in front of the deposed crown prince."
After hearing Manager Chang's response that he had done as instructed, Mrs. Zheng nodded and said nothing more, but she did not continue to pick up the longans on the plate.
Xi Qingtong, who was sitting below, couldn't hold back. She bit her lips, and the anxiety in her eyes was about to burst out.
She wanted to know how Qingwu was doing in the palace. Was it as miserable as she imagined? If it wasn't as she imagined... Just the slightest thought made Xi Qingtong feel uncomfortable.
If Xi Qingwu's life in the palace was not hard, then wouldn't her risky husband-changing be a joke?
After enduring for two breaths, Xi Qingtong couldn't help but lean forward and ask, "What does the palace look like now? How is my sister doing?"
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