Ch27 - Driven Away

After leaving the Old Madam’s courtyard, Gong Zhuoliang walked back to his own courtyard again and saw Ruo Zi packing up her things while Wen Shu and Yu Hua were watching her. She mustn’t take anything else with her other than personal belongings and the rewards given to her by her master. Yes, Yu Hua didn’t even give Ruo Zi the least bit of pity and chance for her to take with her a lot of things in private. Because of this, Ruo Zi was gritting her teeth with hatred, at this point, she was helpless and could only leave with her tail tucked in between her legs.

When Gong Zhuoliang entered the house, Wen Shu and Yu Hua immediately left knowingly, and Ruo Lan also stepped back to the side to wait.

“Young Lady, please help me…”

After the two maid servants left, Ruo Zi knelt down, bit her bottom lips as she began to wail and hugged Gong Zhuoliang’s leg. He’s the only person who could help her at this point, so seemingly as though she had forgotten her disrespectful and unkind manners towards him in the past, she pretended to be weak and desperately held onto his legs. Ruo Zi knew that if she did this, he would most likely be moved and would not leave her alone. 

Although Ruo Zi is still clueless why her father― whom she hadn’t seen for several years― would suddenly want her back again, but Ruo Zi is not that naive, she knew that it wasn’t out of fatherly love, and she also knew that after leaving the Qiao Family’s mansion, no one’s left to save her!

“….. Ruo Zi, you really could no longer stay in the Qiao Family. I’ll send someone to escort you back to the Gong Family. Perhaps mother could still protect you”

With his eyes lowered down, Gong Zhuoliang looked down at Ruo Zi who was hugging his legs, bawling at him. Although he talked to her soothingly, his expression did not carry the least warmth or coldness.

Gong Zhuoliang had lived leisurely and unrestrained back in his previous life, so facing these inner chambers chaos, he’d rather not participate in it. But not only wanted to survive in this era, but he also wanted to protect Qiao Yingze from this family, so he had no choice but to involve himself. Towards this Ruo Zi who had lived her whole life always bearing evil thoughts in her heart, Gong Zhuoliang thought his punishment was already way too sympathetic. After this, Gong Zhuoliang won’t care any longer about Ruo Zi’s next move.

“Thank you, Young Lady”

After making sure that Gong Zhuoliang was really going to take her back to the Gong Family, Ruo Zi immediately let go of him and stood up, then she began to think a lot of things. Back when Gong Zhuoliang came to take Ruo Lan’s indentures from the Madam, she was really glad that he did not bother taking hers. But now that the situation has come to this, she’s now hoping that he would have taken hers as well so she could steal it away from him and destroy it.

Since her indenture was still in the hands of the Madam, she definitely couldn’t use the secrets she knew as a threat. When she goes back, she’s still a maidservant…

“Ruo Lan, come accompany me to take a walk, ba” 

Gong Zhuoliang is completely ignorant about Ruo Zi’s wild thoughts and is only in a good mood, now that the time bomb that’s been dragging him back was finally disarmed. He then planned to go back to the inner room so he could finally play with his little xiang’gong.

As for Ruo Lan, Gong Zhuoliang had ordered her to go back to the Gong Family again and execute another task again, which is to let Madam Gong know about the matter of Concubine Wu’s request of having him teach how to change his voice, and then to immediately take Ye’er with them; preventing Madam Gong from having any chance to order her people to follow them back.

……….

Because these people will be escorted back to the Gong Family, Shi Kang started considering the fact that there will be two unmarried girls coming along with them so he ordered for two small palanquin, then rode the horse Gong Zhuoliang had given him, before taking them to the side door. From the corner of his eyes, he then saw Ruo Zi’s father and little brother waiting figure. The father had dark skin and looked frail and thin, while the little boy was fair and looked clean. The other was shy and timid, while the other one was showing impatience and an arrogant look. 

Shi Kan looked away from them and his mind started slightly wandering.

These two did say that they specially came here to redeem their daughter, but seeing their expressions and the way they were talking, they didn’t even seem the least sincere nor had a look of yearning. Instead, it seems like there’s something else in their mind.

We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.

“Miss Ruo Lan”

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The old man loudly called for Ruo Zi’s real name, while the little boy was all smiles as he stared at his Jiejie’s attire and fully-loaded bag. Seeing this, Ruo Zi immediately hugged her bag tightly and her face showed a frosty cold expression. She then ignored the two and entered the palanquin.

“…”

Although Shi Kang had a slight frown on his face when looked at this family, he was still completely indifferent towards the scene in front of him. Without saying anything, he got on the horse and told the bearer to pick up the palanquin. Ruo Lan, who knew about the whole situation, sighed as she lowered down the curtain of the palanquin.

In concern of Ruo Zi, although handling her had been quite a difficult job for Ruo Lan, she still pities her. Her father only doted on her younger brother; saving food, working and earning money, just to give them all to the son. But what he didn’t know in actuality, is that he’s slowly raising a beast. 

After the person who was instructed by the Master-in-law came back to tell the news, the Young Master told him to go to that place and pretend that he only visited to tend to some affairs. After the family of scholars arrived, they ‘bumped into’ the young boy and casually mentioned a certain maid servant who looked exactly like him, and she’s currently working under their Young Madam as a dowry maid.

The young boy instantly pried more into it, and the moment he finally determined that the maidservant mentioned was indeed his Jiejie who was sold to cover their debts, his mind started running like Ruo Zi’s. Once they redeemed his sister, they would receive a lot of properties and then as soon as they brought her back again, they could still sell her again or just marry her to anyone else. Thinking about this, he immediately came to his father and urged him to redeem his sister back. Although the father pities his daughter a bit, for his son, he was forced to agree….

When Ruo Lan thought of this, she couldn’t help but feel glad for herself. Although her parents were poverty-stricken, they still loved her, so when they left her later on and her relatives ended up selling her, she never bore any resentment towards any of them. In any case, she was fed a lot and was dressed well at the Gong Family. Right now, being with the Young Master, receiving so much trust from him and being relied on like a big sister, and finally retrieving her freedom back; if this did not give her enough contentment, then that’d make her problematic.

When Ruo Lan and Ruo Zi finally arrived at the Gong Family, they reported about the current situation in detail. How the Young Madam had tried to defend her, along with Ruo Zi’s complaints towards everyone in the Qiao Family. Ruo Zi’s plan was to express how she’s very unwilling to return to her father. Madam Gong then began to ponder over it a bit, and also thought that Ruo Zi shouldn’t leave without her(MadamG) knowing the whole situation yet. 

It’s already so obvious how these three groups of families were sent to them and that they can’t just come here without any reason. But if Ruo Zi, a maidservant who was originally sent there, was driven out by the Old Madam of that magistrate family, then how could she also continue to let her stay here and make her into their maidservant once again?

“Ruo Zi. I’m sure you already know why I could no longer keep you here. If you really still wanted to stay here, then you only had one way. Yu'er had been asking me about you for a long time. Also, we just found a perfect male servant for you to be matched. Right, would you rather just allow us to matchmake you with someone else?”

Carefully looking at Ruo Zi’s figure, Madam Gong thought how she had raised her very well, and instantly had an idea. But right now, she doesn’t show any enthusiasm. If Ruo Zi really wanted to stay, then she had to beg first.

Madam Gong knew in her heart that she would never be able to make her own son turn into the Head of the Gong Family so she allowed him to do as he pleases and turned a blind eye every time he married another concubine or took in another mistress. She’ll manage everything, so long as Gong Zhuoyu would give her grandchildren. 

If the concubine who managed to birth a child has a strong backing, she’ll be married to their family. As for the rest who couldn’t give birth, they’ll be sold to the other families later on.

Ruo Zi’s whole body trembled as she internally struggled. She’ll never allow herself to marry another servant! Suddenly recalling those so-called father and younger brother who had looked for her, Ruo Zi gritted her teeth and instantly responded.

“Madam…. Being able to accompany the Eldest Young Master is already a good fortune for this slave!”

Although Gong Zhuoyu is never a good match, still, he was the first son of the Gong Family. Even if she became his concubine, at least she’d still be fed well and dressed with beautiful clothes. With her blank backings and skills, she may not be able to held her high up, at least that kind of life is much better than living with that pair of father and son. Who knows what will happen to her in the future if she ends up following them?! 

“…”

There was a surprise in Ruo Lan’s eyes for a while, but then she immediately hid it and insincerely congratulated Ruo Zi; silently watching the scene as they spent money to get rid of the disappointed father and son. She then thought in her mind― Is living a flashy and luxurious life really that great, ma?

Ruo Zi clearly knew that Gong Zhuoyu is a good-for-nothing man who’s whole being already been corrupted by wine and sex, and simply wanted to marry her to expand his group of flowers, why not just go with the more honest and dutiful servant? At least if she married that male servant, she’d become the Madam of their own household and they’ll be able to live in harmony, ne…

When Ruo Lan and Madam Gong were the only ones left in the room, Ruo Lan immediately brought up the matter of voice changing, suggested by Concubine Wu, and Madam Gong replied that Ye’er will indeed, train Gong Zhuoliang’s voice well. But because of Ruo Zi’s matter, although adding another maidservant from the maiden’s family will be reasonably excused as to make up for the other’s disappearance, they couldn’t add another one. 

If what Ruo Lan said was based on the rules, Madam Gong could only agree in embarrassment. She’s aware that Ye’er was indeed a good ventriloquist. Suddenly recalling Concubine Wu who was still in her hold, she finally allowed Ruo Lan to take Ye’er away. Taking Ye’er with them, they no longer mentioned the matter of adding another maidservant.

………….

“…. So is everyone satisfied now?”

After telling Ruo Lan to assist Ye’er to her place, Gong Zhuoliang leaned on Qiao Yingze’s lap, looked for a comfortable position then laid down again; laughing as he asked with a hint of sarcasm. 

Ruo Zi had totally popped all the blisters off her feet by herself. If only she had taken all of her belongings, married a loyal young servant, then she wouldn’t have to worry about starvation, or suffer from her concubine status and feel jealous over other people’s wealth.

“You have truly worked hard so well”

Qiao Yingze looked down at Gong Zhuoliang’s handsome countenance, and couldn’t help but fondle his brows, eyes, then slowly slid down his fingers to his smooth cheeks, chin, until he caressed Gong Zhuoliang’s lips; with a blush, he leaned down and cover that lips.

The more he spent his time with Gong Zhuoliang, the more Qiao Yingze disliked seeing him with make-up. However, the freedom he could provide to Gong Zhuoliang is very limited. Now, he’s required to practice changing his voice; Qiao Yingze felt pity for him. 

“Then xiang’gong must compensate my hardwork in the future”

Gong Zhuoliang couldn’t help laughing out loud when he heard Qiao Yingze say that. He then hooked his arms over Qiao Yingze’s neck and deepened their kiss.

Gong Zhuoliang reminded himself to write a mental note for this account, and seriously demand Qiao Yingze in the future. But since he had to wait for this future, Gong Zhuoliang will slowly add a little more investment to Qiao Yingze.

After successfully completing his work during the first day of the lunar month, Gong Zhuoliang could finally let out a long sigh. When another three days have passed, he and Qiao Yingze will be going back to the hot spring village once again. As for the socializing and tending with the other relatives, at least there’s the lively brother-in-law, Qiao Yingxuan to take charge so there’s no need for his family’s frail and beloved little xiang’gong to come. 

“Zhuo Zhuo, I’ve already requested Qiao Ming to prepare the pen and paper you want. When we leave, I’ll make sure to bring it with us”

Qiao Yingze peeled a tangerine and fed Gong Zhuoliang piece by piece who was currently leaning against him like a boneless man. As for the matter about Gong Zhuoliang mentioning he’d write a book, because of his suspicious attitude, Qiao Yingze became even more curious.

Although Qiao Yingze was never interested towards these fantasy stories since he always thought that this sort of books were simply unimportant and unreliable, but when he learned that it was his little wife who wanted to try writing one, there’s no way Qiao Yingze wouldn’t want to support him. Even if he had no hopes for Gong Zhuoliang becoming successful in this area, he only thought it’s really good for him to have hobbies he can enjoy.

“Mnn…” 

As Gong Zhuoliang ate the pieces of tangerine fed to him by Qiao Yingze, he hummed in satisfaction. Suddenly, Ruo Lan walked inside to report them about the Old Madam, wanting to see them two to eat and drink tea. When Ruo Lan saw them both huddled together, she was no longer surprised anymore and only covered her mouth with a handkerchief to hide her smile.

“It seems like Zhuo Zhuo will have to take care of me this time…”

As Gong Zhuoliang got up, Qiao Yingze smiled wryly at him and mentally prepared himself for wine that would soon be offered to him.

Every year, Qiao Yingze rarely ever drank. But once the old lady brought wine during the New Years, it instantly meant for the whole family member to assemble together. In previous years, Han Shu was the one who tended to take care of Qiao Yingze, but this year, he had to trouble his little wife. 

Gong Zhuoliang, who’s drinking capacity gradually improved as time went by, naturally agreed. After that, the two arrived inside the old lady’s room.

Inside the room was the second Young Master Qiao Yingxuan, the third Young Master Qiao Yingzi, and the eldest Young Lady Qiao Yuanyin. Together, along with the two, a group of younger generations sat around the old lady. The scene looked really lively.

After a long while, Patriarch Qiao and Madam Qiao soon followed, and the banquet finally began with the maidservants filling their cups with wine.

Because today is New Year, Old Madam Qiao exempted the two daughter-in-laws― Madam Qiao and Gong Zhuoliang from their duties, as they sat down on their positions separately. Patriarch Qiao, Madam Qiao and Qiao Yuanyin on the left, and Qiao Yingze, Gong Zhuoliang and Qiao Yingxuan on the right. 

During this special day, naturally, there should be a drinking game.

The maidservants had already prepared a tube-like holder with lots of lottery sticks in it earlier on. On the sticks, there were illustrations drawn, such as flowers, birds, water fleas, and even tables, chairs, benches, and other things. Any kinds of sticks they ended up picking, they must compose a poem out of the illustrations.

Originally, Gong Zhuoliang should be really good in this sort of game, but he’s somehow unlucky today as he ended up picking illustrations that are either odd or random that he ended up struggling. As for Qiao Yingze, he looked like an expert in this game, since he always got away from being punished and didn’t get to drink any wine, but on the contrary though, he only drank a lot for Gong Zhuoliang’s sake. In addition, since Qiao Yingxuan is a funny person, he made everyone laugh.

The old lady is the daughter of a general, so after playing for a while, she got tired of this civilized drinking game and instead, told everyone to take turns telling funny stories. If one of them started laughing at the jokes, they will be punished by drinking alcohol again. This, was where Gong Zhuoliang is good at, while on the other hand, Qiao Yingze was not. He find these jokes very funny that after drinking a few more cups, he had to beg the old lady that he wanted to find a room to take a rest for a while and will return to Gong Zhuoliang again once they finally finished playing games. 

“Let me come with you, ba”

Seeing Qiao Yingze’s silly, drunken state, Gong Zhuoliang was very worried so he grabbed his arm and wanted to follow him.

Under the influence of the wine, Qiao Yingze’s expression became languid and tender. Seeing this, Gong Zhuoliang’s heart became very itchy, and he couldn’t help wanting to hug and bite at him.

“You stay here and play with grandma. I’ll just lie down a bit at the back” 

Seeing how Gong Zhuoliang is making everyone happy with his jokes, Qiao Yingze naturally wouldn’t want to spoil their fun so after he barely reassured Gong Zhuoliang that he can definitely walk back steadily, he removed the hands grabbing him and walked towards the door.

“That’s right, my darling Yan! Don’t leave us yet. Tell grandma more of your jokes!”

Old Madam Qiao was really having a good time, so how could she allow Gong Zhuoliang to leave. When she was just about to order a maidservant to help Qiao Yingze find a room, she suddenly saw Zhi Qi curtsying and took the initiative to assist him. The old lady didn’t think much of it and simply waved her hand to let her go.

“……..” 

As Zhi Qi walked past Gong Zhuoliang with her head lowered down, she had a small smirk on her face as she held Qiao Yingze and led him out.

Behind the two, Gong Zhuoliang only had a short time to watch Qiao Yingze anxiously as he swayed left and right before he was grabbed by the old lady to sit on the couch with a smile.