Chapter 9: Money is coming, I'll buy you everything!

Qin Liuxi slept for two full days. When she finally stepped out of her room, the horizon was blanketed in crimson clouds, a sight of breathtaking beauty.

However, she could not enjoy the scenery for long before it was ruined by some discordant, noisy commotion.

Qin Liuxi's pleasant mood instantly dissipated a fraction. She pursed her lips and headed toward the source of the noise.

The Qin family's ancestral residence was a three-entry courtyard estate. Previously, Qin Liuxi was the only master living there; in such a vast mansion, she had only occupied a side courtyard near the back street for ease of access.

The noise was coming from the flower hall.

When Qin Liuxi arrived, Auntie Li and Xiaoxue were standing at the entrance, looking somewhat aggrieved. Their eyes lit up when they saw her.

"Eldest Miss," the two said, bowing in unison.

Qin Liuxi waved them off and stepped inside. "What happened?"

She glanced around. The large flower hall was swarming with people, young and old alike, all looking toward her. Some wore displeased expressions.

Two large round tables stood in the hall, set with several dishes that could hardly be called exquisite: a steamed fish, a plate of stir-fried pork offal with pickled vegetables, two plates of vegetarian dishes, and a large basin of steamed buns.

Qin Liuxi raised an eyebrow. It was already time for dinner, but clearly, these dishes were not enough to satisfy this crowd of masters and mistresses.

"What happened?" Lady Xie said, pointing at the food on the table with a dark face. "Xi girl, look at this rubbish. Is this even fit for human consumption? Even the servants in our house wouldn't eat this. This is dinner? It was the same yesterday, and I didn't say anything, but it's the same again today. If the kitchen staff doesn't know how to cook, then replace them with someone capable."

As she spoke, she cast sharp, accusing glares at Auntie Li and her daughter.

Auntie Li was a quick-tempered woman and hurriedly replied, "Eldest Miss, there were fewer people in the house before, and you have never cared for heavy meats and fish, so our procurement focused on light fare. With so many people suddenly added to the household these past two days, the purchasing habits haven't adjusted yet. We've only been buying in bulk, and as for the money..."

Auntie Li paused, finding it difficult to continue.

The daily budget for a household's procurement is strictly accounted for. Previously, with only Qin Liuxi as the master and a few servants, aside from Qin Liuxi's more refined food, the servants ate like ordinary families, which was more than enough.

But in the last two days, over ten mouths had suddenly been added. With limited funds, how were they supposed to shop? They could only buy enough hearty dishes to ensure everyone was full; whether the food was exquisite or not was not even a consideration.

Now that these masters were making trouble, they felt wronged and found it difficult. Even a three-year-old knows the proverb: "Even a skilled cook cannot make a meal without rice."

"Nonsense! I clearly saw you privately stewing a bowl of red date and lean meat soup to save for her," a girl of about thirteen or fourteen said, frowning as she pointed at Qin Liuxi.

Qin Liuxi glanced at her. This was her second uncle's daughter, Qin Mingyue.

Auntie Li froze for a moment before explaining, "The Eldest Miss hasn't eaten for two days. Is there any harm in saving a bowl of soup for her?"

"Are you implying that the Eldest Miss is more precious than the Old Madam?" Lady Xie immediately interjected.

Auntie Li was speechless. "No, I mean..."

In her heart, the Eldest Miss was more precious than anyone, but in this place, how could she dare say so? If she did, wouldn't she be branded as unfilial toward the Eldest Miss?

Auntie Li looked toward Qin Liuxi for help.

Qin Liuxi looked at Lady Xie, her gaze carrying a hint of coldness.

Lady Xie had thin facial muscles and sharp cheekbones—a physiognomy that suggested a domineering, overbearing, and cold-hearted personality, one driven solely by self-interest. This was exactly the kind of person Qin Liuxi loathed and had no desire to associate with.

Qin Liuxi's tone turned icy. "So, are you all just looking for trouble because you have nothing better to do? If you want an exquisite dinner with a balance of meat and vegetables, should I also add supplements like bird's nest and ginseng? That isn't impossible. Second Aunt, where is the money?"

She extended her hand toward Lady Xie. "Bring the money, and I'll buy whatever you want!"

(End of Chapter)