Chapter 10: A Show of Force

Chapter 10: A Show of Authority

Yunxiu looked at Hua Ling in astonishment and said excitedly, "How can I accept this? These are all of Madam's jewelry; Yunxiu cannot take them."

Hua Ling looked at Yunxiu, sighed, and said, "Silly girl, what is more important, things or a human life? Take them quickly. It won't be too late to thank me once your mother's illness has recovered." Hua Ling shoved the items into Yunxiu's arms without allowing for any argument.

She then helped her up and said, "We are all just poor souls; I will help where I can. Go quickly, or I shall be angry." Hua Ling feigned annoyance.

Tears of gratitude streamed down Yunxiu's face. She bowed and said, "This servant will never forget Madam's great kindness. In this life, I will work like a beast of burden to repay you."

"Stop chattering and go. Your mother must be terribly lonely all by herself right now. From now on, you stay by your mother's side. Don't come back until she is well. I am granting you leave; go home and take care of your mother with peace of mind!" Hua Ling decided to see her good deed through to the end. The thought of an old woman suffering alone at home made her heart ache.

"Thank you, Madam." Yunxiu didn't know what else to say. She bid farewell to Hua Ling and turned to leave.

Hua Ling sighed. Every household had its own troubles. Looking at the table full of food, she suddenly lost her appetite. With Yunxiu on leave, there was naturally no one left to serve her, and Hua Ling was too lazy to move, leaving the meal sitting there.

Just then, Hua Ling suddenly heard footsteps—it seemed there was more than one person. A slight smile touched the corner of her mouth. *Finally here, are they?* The door was pushed open violently, and Mu Yelei appeared in the doorway, wearing his usual "coffin face," followed by several maidservants.

Hua Ling was stunned. Why wasn't that cousin of his there? Logically, this was the moment she should have made an appearance. She couldn't help but crane her neck to look outside, checking if she was standing there.

"What are you looking at?" Mu Yelei could never understand what was going on in her mind. He frowned and asked coldly.

"I'm looking for your cousin. Why didn't she come with you to hold me accountable?" Hua Ling said nonchalantly. She leaned out, but seeing no sign of her, she felt a bit disappointed.

"Suwan acted recklessly today. Do not lower yourself to her level; I have already sent her back to reflect on her actions in confinement." Mu Yelei remained expressionless, his tone still icy.

Even so, Hua Ling was taken aback. She looked up at Mu Yelei. Didn't this man hate her? This was a perfect excuse to discipline her; why didn't he do it? Instead, he had locked that woman away. She couldn't figure it out!

"To be honest, I am surprised by how you handled this. I thought you would come to hold me accountable," Hua Ling said. She was truly surprised, and she wanted to know why.

"She did something wrong, so naturally, she should be punished. Let's not talk about this anymore." Mu Yelei frowned deeply. He glanced at Hua Ling and continued, "These are the maidservants added for you." As he spoke, he handed Hua Ling a beautiful cloth bag embroidered with simple narcissus flowers.

Hua Ling took it suspiciously. *Oh, it's quite heavy.* "What is this?" she asked instinctively.

"Silver. Pocket money for you," Mu Yelei said indifferently.

"Ah?" Hua Ling was shocked; she hadn't expected Mu Yelei to give her money. By all logic, he wouldn't do such a thing, would he? What had gotten into him? "Has your brain gone bad? You're actually giving me money to spend?"

Hearing this, Mu Yelei's face darkened. He knew she wouldn't say anything pleasant if he came here. If it weren't for Jin Junchi issuing an imperial decree ordering him to personally provide her with more staff and daily necessities, he never would have come. He snorted coldly and turned to leave.

*That's right, that's the real him!* Hua Ling thought disdainfully. He had neglected his wife for over a year, never caring or asking after her, so this sudden show of courtesy couldn't be anything good. It was best that he left. She glanced at the maidservants standing by the door and said, "Since you have arrived here, use your own judgment on what to do. You have been working for many years; you should know what is expected of you."

A grand show of authority—this was the only way to keep them in check. Hua Ling was no pushover; she knew exactly what needed to be done and how to do it.