Flowery Hair: A Maidservant

Chapter 42 Disposal

It's actually not that hard to predict.

From Yu Zhuangtou, it was learned that Jushang had never taken care of Chunya; on the contrary, she harbored some resentment towards Chunya. If it weren't for Meng Shu frequently sending things over, Yu Zhuangtou wouldn't have dared to mistreat her, and he secretly took care of her without refusing to let the doctor make house calls; otherwise, Chunya's illness would have become even more serious.

Meng Shu asked Mu Feng to investigate the whereabouts of Ju Chang's gambling son. Mu Feng did not alert the gambler, because coincidentally, when he saw Ju Chang's son in the shadows, the hem of the silk outer garment he was wearing was missing a small piece.

Immediately afterwards, without even asking the gatekeeper, Yu Zhuangtou mentioned that Ju Chang's son and daughter-in-law had been frequently coming to her asking for money lately.

Finally, the maid Xiao Yu caught confessed after being questioned several times that the night before last, Ju Chang's son went to the back room after getting drunk and also heard Chun Ya's screams.

The case has now been solved, and Meng Shu gave Yu Zhuangtou a deep look.

Without much hesitation, Yu Zhuangtou sent Xiao Yu to keep an eye on Ju Chang's family, and then accompanied Meng Shu back to the Tang residence to see her master.

A murder occurred in the manor, and Meng Shu could be considered a victim. Upon closer examination, the manor manager also bore responsibility for mismanagement. Therefore, whether it was to bring down the deputy manager Ju Chang or for other reasons, he would not and dared not sit idly by.

Fu An Ju.

The old lady sat upright at the head of the table, staring at the piece of fabric in her hand. Her heart was filled with complex emotions. She sighed and said, "This fabric is only qualified for the second-class manager of the manor. I gave it to Jushang when I sent her to the estate a few days ago."

Suwen noticed Meng Shu's unusual expression and slowly recounted the story of how Jushang's husband saved the master, which made Meng Shu understand.

"I never imagined that my kindness to her would indirectly lead to the tragic death of another beautiful young woman."

These words were clearly meant to tell Meng Shu that the old lady also knew about Zhao Di's death, but because of old friendships, she still treated Ju Chang well even though someone had died, sending her to the estate and giving her the position of deputy steward.

Meng Shu's eyes twitched, and she hurriedly knelt down and said, "Grandma, don't be sad. What's wrong with your kind heart? Since ancient times, dealing with servants who have made mistakes has been extremely difficult. If they make mistakes, the punishment is too severe, and too lenient... In the end, it's just Ju Chang's own problem."

Tell me, she has committed three mistakes.

"First mistake: failing to raise children properly, spoiling them is tantamount to killing them. Second mistake: forcing a woman into prostitution to satisfy selfish desires, which is disloyal to the Tang family and disregards their reputation. Third mistake: using their kindness to repay favors. Knowing that the old lady has been so forgiving and kind, one should be even more vigilant and not allow oneself to cause trouble for one's master."

After saying this, the old lady looked gently at Meng Shu below, "You are clear-headed. You are right. Since ancient times, dealing with servants who have made mistakes has been extremely difficult. But I have already given her a chance. So let's do it according to the law."

This means that the authorities are being informed to arrest and prosecute the case. Ju Chang is a servant, and beating, killing, and selling her are all within the bounds of the law. However, her son had already begged for mercy and been freed from slavery several years ago, so the authorities need to intervene in the matter.

However, from the perspective of those in power, Chun Ya is ultimately a servant who has signed a death contract, and her life and death are in the hands of her master. If they make a big fuss about this, it will greatly damage the reputation of those in power.

Therefore, Meng Shu touched her head to the ground and said with great unease but firm tone, "This servant is terrified. This servant is willing to speak out for Chun Ya, but if we go to the government, it will indirectly damage the reputation of our Tang family. However, this servant really pities Chun Ya's plight, and this servant begs to accept the punishment."

The old lady remained silent for a moment, then raised her hand. Guangbai immediately stepped forward to help Meng Shu up, saying, "What's wrong with you seeking justice for your former sister? Our old lady has always liked reasonable people, so please rest assured."

The old lady then calmly said, "There are countless ways to bring the thief to justice without damaging our family's reputation. It's kind of you to think so much for us. You must be tired after a long day, so go back to Yunyi Courtyard."

Meng Shu breathed a sigh of relief. Although she was just saying it casually, she was still afraid that the old lady would be angry with her.

"As for Jushang, she no longer needs to stay in our Tang residence. I will handle her myself."

This was considered an explanation to Meng Shu. Meng Shu hurriedly bowed, and then Guang Bai led her out of the flower hall.

"Don't worry, Sister Guangbai, I won't reveal a single thing about what happened today."

Guangbai smiled and said, "You are indeed a wise person. I won't say anything more. Our old lady is kind-hearted, but there will come a day when her patience runs out and her affection is exhausted. Jushang has reached the end of her life."

Meng Shu narrowed her eyes, her heart skipped a beat. Was this to say that Ju Chang had indirectly caused the deaths of two people, and the old lady would not allow her to live?

Regardless of how Meng Shu imagined it, at this point, the thorn that was Ju Chang had finally been pulled out of her heart. While feeling relieved, Meng Shu also felt a little sad. Even if Ju Chang died, Zhao Di and Chun Ya could never come back to life.

Once you're a slave, you can't control your own life or death.

It was nearing dusk, the sun was setting, and the evening glow stretched for miles. A flock of birds soared through the clouds against the backdrop of fiery red.

After leaving Fu'an Residence, Meng Shu paused for a moment before heading straight to Yunqi Courtyard. She had intended to take a few pieces of silver to thank Brother Mu Feng, but he refused to accept them. So, Meng Shu simply put the silver away, saying she owed him a favor and that he could contact her if he ever needed anything in the future.

Mu Feng smiled and agreed, staring blankly at Meng Shu's departing figure. The image that lingered in his mind was that of her leaping into the grave pit—small, yet so resolute. He had never seen such a brave and intelligent woman.

As Meng Shu walked along the path inside the inner courtyard, looking at the embroidered pavilion standing behind the high walls, she realized that Yunyi Courtyard was just ahead. She hadn't expected to feel so at ease.

From Mengjiazhuang to Jinnan County and then to Lin'an, Chunfeng Tower and Langya Courtyard, only Yunyi Courtyard could give her peace of mind.

The old woman guarding the gate would greet her warmly as she opened the door, and Green Willow would rush over to find her upon hearing the sound. Ruizhu would leave food for her, and Mengzhu often wore a stern face, but Mengshu knew that she would secretly turn around and smile.

The second young lady would hold the chess pieces while waving her hand, telling her to go and rest.

At this moment, Meng Shu's heart was full.

She used to feel unworthy of receiving so much kindness. Ever since her mother passed away, and after she learned to harm people and carry it out on her own from the pharmacopoeia, she often felt that she was evil and hypocritical inside.

Night fell like a piece of silk slowly spreading out. Meng Shu was eating in her room when a tear unexpectedly fell into her bowl.

The next day, Ruizhu came to Meng Shu's room early in the morning to complain about the second young lady of the Marquis's mansion. Meng Shu listened quietly while washing up and asked a question that she couldn't understand.

"Ruizhu, this is a Marquis's residence in the capital, why is our young lady acting like this..."

Ruizhu sat on the embroidered stool, her face showing an expression that said, "You've finally hit the nail on the head."

“Last year I also went to the capital with Miss. Now the Marquis’s mansion is just an empty house. There are more than thirty masters and servants. Apart from the Marquis who receives a salary, the other masters’ official positions are not high and they are not good at managing their properties. I heard that the young masters of the Marquis’s mansion only receive five taels a month, while our Miss receives one hundred taels a month. How can you compare them?”

"One hundred taels?" Meng Shu was also surprised.

"Not only that, this is just the monthly allowance from the public. The old lady and the madam also often send money to the second young lady. The eldest young master sends many books and rare trinkets from the capital every month. The master (servants call the head of the household) also secretly slips money to him."

"By the way, since you weren't here yesterday, Madam said she wanted to give the young ladies two shops to practice on and learn how to manage them. The two matrons from the Marquis's mansion will start teaching the young ladies etiquette and manners from today."