TPGA - 63

Chapter 63: Expulsion from the Mansion

Yunyi bit her lips hard, as if making a decision. “Nanny, perhaps… I shouldn’t stay here anymore.”

Nanny Yang was startled. “You want to leave the music hall?”

“Yes, I’ve thought it over. I can find Chief Lin and ask him to assign me to work elsewhere. This way, I won’t have daily conflicts with Chunxiu.”

“But then you’ll have to work. Can you handle it? And your monthly allowance will be much less than now.” In response to Nanny Yang’s words, Yunyi smiled. “I’ve been working at home since I was little, so I’m used to it. Besides, when I first entered the governor’s mansion, I intended to work. I never expected to be chosen for the music hall. As for the allowance… ordinary servants in the governor’s mansion already receive quite a bit, and food and lodging are provided within the mansion, so we don’t need much money. Most importantly, this way, Nanny, you won’t have to be caught in the middle anymore. As for Caiping… her nature is straightforward, and she doesn’t know how to navigate tricky situations. She might offend people in the future, so please look after her more. Meixue thanks you in advance.” Saying this, she bowed again to Nanny Yang.

Her words touched Nanny Yang deeply. Holding Yunyi’s hand, she said tenderly, “You think of everything and everyone but yourself.”

“Not true,” Yunyi forced a smile, though her reddened eyes betrayed her. “I’ve thought about myself too. Rather than constantly bumping heads like this every day, it’s better to change places. Though it might be harder, at least…” Her voice choked, unable to continue, but Nanny Yang understood perfectly.

Meixue leaving the music hall could indeed avoid confrontation with Chunxiu and restore peace. However, Nanny Yang knew well that the real troublemaker was Chunxiu, who was narrow-minded. Even if Meixue left, there was no guarantee she wouldn’t clash with others in the future.

In comparison, Meixue had always been humble since entering the music hall and extremely respectful to her. Nanny Yang hadn’t forgotten that the pair of jade ruyi under her box was a gift from Meixue.

Moreover, Meixue had once saved the eldest master’s life and was close to the second master. If the two masters suddenly asked about this matter, she wouldn’t know how to respond.

Weighing both sides, Nanny Yang made her decision. With a shadowed gaze, she said, “You’re right. Someone does need to leave the music hall, but that person isn’t you!”

A barely visible curve appeared at the corner of Yunyi’s mouth, while her face showed alarm. “Nanny, do you mean…?” Before Nanny Yang could speak, she hastily waved her hands. “No, this won’t do. Chunxiu won’t agree. It’s better if I leave, Nanny. I…”

“It’s not up to her!” Nanny Yang interrupted coldly, then said, “Enough. Nanny has this matter in hand. You needn’t say more. Go back and rest. We still have dance practice early tomorrow morning.”

Seeing her speak this way, Yunyi could only follow her instructions and leave. Upon hearing the door close behind her, Yunyi paused in her steps, looked up at the winter sun peeking through the clouds, and a cold smile crept across her lips.

Ever since Feng Chunxiu had accidentally killed Meixue, Yunyi had harbored an unyielding determination to eliminate her. Not to mention, during this period, Feng Chunxiu had been stirring up trouble every day, completely eroding what little patience Yunyi had left.

If it weren’t for her awareness that Li Shimin’s suspicions about her hadn’t fully dissipated, and the constant feeling of being watched these days, she would have already taken action to kill Feng Chunxiu—there would be no need for such complications.

Given the current situation, the best course of action was to first expel Feng Chunxiu from the music hall and then find an opportunity to deal with her later. After all, the father-and-son duo, Li Yuan and Li Shimin, were her most important targets. It wasn’t worth exposing her identity over someone like Feng Chunxiu.

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The next day, the girls washed up as usual and went to practice their dancing. When they arrived, Nanny Yang hadn’t yet appeared, so they gathered in small groups to chat.

Zhang Shi smiled faintly and said, “Sister, do you think Jiang Caiping practiced spinning after we returned yesterday? Every time I picture her stumbling around yesterday, I can’t help but laugh.”

Another girl chimed in, “Right? She fell to the ground several times—it was truly hilarious.”

Chunxiu spoke coldly, “Whether or not she practices is her own business. Either way, it’s not us who’ll look foolish.” As soon as she finished speaking, Zhang Shi said, “Sister, look—they’re here.”

They glanced up to see Yunyi and Jiang Caiping walking in. The two of them gave Chunxiu a quick glance before heading off to one side on their own.

The girl who had spoken earlier remarked, “Look at them—they clearly don’t acknowledge Sister Chunxiu.”

Her words made Chunxiu’s eyes glint with cold fury. Just as she was about to walk over, her arm was firmly grabbed by Ji Rong, who whispered, “Don’t cause any more trouble.”

Chunxiu protested, “I was just going to ask them something—how is that causing trouble?”

Ji Rong shot her a glare and said, “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to. Haven’t you caused enough trouble these past few days? Enough is enough!”

Zhang Shi, however, sided with Chunxiu. “It’s always Wu Meixue and Jiang Caiping who are causing trouble. They’re deliberately opposing Sister Chunxiu—it’s unbearable even for me to watch.”

Ji Rong turned to her and said coldly, “If it’s so unbearable, why don’t you do something about it instead of just talking without taking action?”

Zhang Shi was left speechless and could only stand there awkwardly. At that moment, Nanny Yang arrived. Despite her reluctance, Chunxiu had no choice but to join the others in bowing to her.

“Ladies, please rise,” Nanny Yang said, her gaze sweeping over the group. “Before we begin today’s practice, I have an announcement to make.”

The girls exchanged puzzled glances. Zhang Shi asked curiously, “Nanny, what is it? Are you assigning us to perform somewhere?”

Nanny Yang ignored her and fixed her gaze on Chunxiu. “Starting today, Feng Chunxiu is no longer a dancer in our music hall. She is to leave the governor’s mansion immediately and is not allowed to linger!”

Her words stunned everyone, especially Chunxiu, whose face turned as pale as paper. Expelling her from the mansion? For no reason? This made no sense—it was impossible, absolutely impossible!

With that thought, Chunxiu forced a smile and said, “Nanny, you’re joking, right? I…”

“No one is joking with you!” Nanny Yang cut her off coldly. “Go pack your things now. If you haven’t left the governor’s mansion by nightfall, don’t blame me for being harsh!”

This statement drained the last bit of color from Chunxiu’s face, leaving her standing there in shock. Ji Rong was the first to regain her composure and asked, “Nanny, what did Chunxiu do wrong that you’re expelling her from the mansion?”

Nanny Yang replied indifferently, “Since becoming the lead dancer, Chunxiu has repeatedly provoked conflicts and disrupted the peace of the music hall. With such behavior, how can she possibly remain in the governor’s mansion?