A Misty Night, With A Crystal-Clear Moon - Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Schemes and Scorn

Yu Linglong constantly tried to understand exactly what kind of deeds her father had committed that would lead him to commit suicide by setting his residence on fire. Listening to Lang Qiyou’s words, she had guessed about eighty to ninety percent of the truth. She was aware that Yu Tianqi used some unsavory business practices, but in her view, that was simply the jealousy of foolish competitors. As a businessman, who wouldn’t want to defeat rivals and make a fortune? And to run a good business, how could one avoid bribing government officials? She thought of the Suzhou Governor, who must have taken countless benefits from her father, yet showed such coldness at the crucial moment. As for offending Commander Cao, it was probably just because the bribe wasn’t large enough. These beasts who eat the meat and don’t spit out the bones!

However, there was one thing she still didn’t understand: Who was the Young Master Mu (Mu Shao) Lang Qiyou mentioned? She vaguely remembered rejecting a playboy on the street, and that man seemed to be surnamed Mu and was also from Shanghai. Could it be him? But he was just a young man a few years older than her. Anyone who could make Lang Qiyou fearful must not be a simple character. The more she thought about it, the more confused she became. She shook her head, closed her eyes, and pulled the covers over herself, forcing herself not to think.

She finally endured the night. Yu Linglong slowly opened her eyes and saw the bright sun already hanging in the sky. She called for Cui Xin, who came in smiling and said, “Miss must have been exhausted. You slept until noon!”

She hadn’t expected to sleep for so long. Her head felt foggy, her consciousness half-present and half-absent, truly confusing her. She sat up and heard Cui Xin complaining outside. “They are a bunch of snobs! Just wait until my Miss marries a rich master; you’ll all be sorry!”

“Cui Xin, who are you talking to?” Yu Linglong asked, puzzled.

“Hmph, who else?” she said, bringing in a plate of mung bean cakes. “They’re all people of low standing who think they are important just because they are in the Police Commissioner’s residence, acting as if they are government officials themselves.”

“What’s wrong?” Yu Linglong asked, though she guessed the situation when she saw Cui Xin was visibly angry and had only brought a few mung bean cakes. She sighed, “I wasn’t very hungry anyway. I ate too much last night. You can throw these to the dogs outside.”

Cui Xin chuckled when she heard this, saying brightly, “Miss is truly Miss.”

With that, she picked up the plate of mung bean cakes and tossed them out. The servants of the Lang residence, who were waiting to see how the mistress and servant who came begging for shelter would humble themselves, were astonished by this scene. They looked at each other with wide eyes, having never expected the seemingly weak young lady to have such a temper.

Cui Xin was overjoyed. Since arriving, she had disliked everyone in the house, all of whom were calculating and scheming, just like the Second Madam, Lü Qiao.

“Hee hee, that was satisfying. But Miss, I threw away the mung bean cakes. What will you eat?” Cui Xin suddenly remembered the important part.

Yu Linglong adjusted her hair. “I truly am not hungry. Besides, lunch will be ready soon. It won’t matter if I eat then. Is Auntie in?”

“Yes, in her room. Should Miss go over?”

Yu Linglong thought for a moment. “Naturally, I must go. I already slept late and forfeited my manners. I’m afraid that Lü Qiao will talk endlessly about it now.” Thinking of Lü Qiao, her teeth were itching with frustration.

“This is their family business and shouldn’t concern me, but since I am here, reliant on others, I have already caused Auntie trouble. I cannot do anything good, but I certainly shouldn’t do anything that causes gossip.”

Cui Xin said, “Yes, Cui Xin understands.”

As Linglong expected, the moment she reached Yu Tianmei’s doorway, Lü Qiao, who was basking in the sun in the courtyard, started mocking her fiercely. “Truly from a well-educated family! Sleeping until noon! She really thinks she isn’t an outsider. What a deep sleep.”

Yu Linglong looked at her, initially intending to ignore her. But changing her mind, she forced herself to muster a look of shame. “Heh heh, Second Madam is right. Linglong was indeed ill-mannered. I apologize to the Second Madam.”

“Hmph, I wouldn’t dare accept your apology,” Lü Qiao eyed Linglong, pulled her daughter, Xiao Bei, closer, and said, “Come here, my darling. Don’t ever learn from her, lest your in-laws despise you in the future.”

Cui Xin couldn’t bear to listen anymore and angrily retorted, “My Miss has suffered an unexpected family catastrophe and is overly grieved. She then traveled on a boat for a whole day, her body utterly exhausted. Sleeping late is only human nature! How does that bother the Second Madam? Furthermore, even if my Miss owes an apology, it should be to the Madam or the Master, it certainly wouldn’t be your turn.”

Lü Qiao became enraged. “What? When did it become your turn, you little wench, to lecture me? What kind of world is this? Are things truly upside down?”

“The world is not good, but isn’t that because of troublemakers like you?”

“You! You! You!” Lü Qiao was so angry she didn’t know how to respond and just stamped her foot.

“Cui Xin,” Yu Linglong was secretly delighted, but due to her position, she reluctantly shot Cui Xin a glare. “How can you speak to the Second Madam like that?”

“What is all this commotion?” Yu Tianmei had been resting. Hearing the loud argument outside her door spoiled her mood, and she walked out irritably.

“Hmph, what else could it be? It’s your capable niece!” Lü Qiao spat angrily.

Yu Tianmei looked at Linglong and instantly understood the situation.

“Ay, Lü Qiao, she is still a child. As an elder, you must be more forgiving. Moreover, Long’er just arrived. It is understandable that she doesn’t know all the rules yet. Please don’t take it so personally. Someone delivered some foreign fruits today. I’ve already had them sent to your quarters. Go see if they suit your taste.”

Lü Qiao had intended to escalate the matter, but seeing Yu Tianmei speak this way and also offer her a benefit, she had to quickly take the hint and retreat. She flicked her sleeves, stamped her foot again, and said, “Xiao Bei, let’s go.”