TPGA - 64

Chapter 64: The One Who Gives the Order

A flicker of anger passed through Ji Rong’s eyes. She had warned Chunxiu countless times not to overstep, but she refused to listen. Now, she had angered Nanny Yang, and Ji Rong had no idea how this would end.

“I didn’t do anything!” Chunxiu exclaimed passionately upon hearing Nanny Yang’s words. “It’s Wu Meixue and Jiang Caiping who’ve been causing trouble! They’re the ones who should be expelled!”

Nanny Yang responded icily, “My eyesight hasn’t failed me yet. I know exactly who’s been causing trouble. I stayed silent before because I wanted to give you a chance. But instead of reflecting on your actions, you’ve only grown worse. Do you really think this music hall is under your control?”

Her final words carried extra weight, making Chunxiu tremble. Her expression faltered as she stammered, “I… I didn’t!”

“Whether or not you did, I know the truth.” With that, Nanny Yang impatiently urged, “Enough. Leave now. Don’t interfere with the others’ practice.”

Chunxiu refused to comply. Just as she was about to argue further, Ji Rong pulled her back and said, “Nanny, while Chunxiu may have made mistakes, expelling her from the mansion is no small matter. Shouldn’t we… consult with Chief Lin before making a decision?”

Chunxiu caught on quickly and added, “Exactly! You may manage this music hall, but you have no authority to expel me from the governor’s mansion.”

Nanny Yang stared at her expressionlessly for a long moment. Finally, a faint smile appeared on her aging face as she said, “You’re right—I indeed have no authority to expel you from the governor’s mansion. Therefore, the person who issued this order isn’t me—it’s… the Second Madam!”

Upon hearing this, not only Chunxiu but even Ji Rong turned pale. The Second Madam wasn’t just one of the masters of the mansion; she also oversaw all matters within it. If the order truly came from her, it meant there was almost no chance of reversal unless they could persuade the governor himself—but was that even possible?

“It’s impossible! The Second Madam wouldn’t do this. I don’t believe it—you’re lying!” Chunxiu muttered. She had worked so hard to enter the governor’s mansion and become the lead dancer. Now, with just one sentence from Nanny Yang, she was being expelled. How could she possibly accept this?

Seeing that Chunxiu remained rooted to the spot, Nanny Yang said irritably, “Why haven’t you left yet? Do I need to call someone to drag you out?”

Ji Rong quickly interjected, “Please don’t be angry, Nanny. I’ll take Chunxiu to pack her things now, and we’ll return later to practice.”

After Nanny Yang nodded in approval, Ji Rong hastily pulled Chunxiu away. Watching their retreating figures, Jiang Caiping said with satisfaction, “That’s it! Now we won’t have to endure her bullying anymore.” Turning to Yunyi with admiration and joy, she added, “Sister, you’re truly amazing. You spoke about this yesterday, and it came true today—it’s almost…” After a moment of thought, she grinned and said, “like you’re some kind of all-knowing deity!”

Someone nearby overheard her words and asked curiously, “Deity? What deity?”

Yunyi smiled faintly and replied, “It’s nothing—don’t listen to her nonsense.” Once the person looked away, she made a gesture for silence and whispered to Jiang Caiping, “Don’t tell anyone, or next time something happens, I won’t let you know!”

Jiang Caiping immediately covered her cherry-red lips with her hand, keeping them pressed tightly for a while before finally lowering them. In a voice so soft only they could hear, she responded, “Understood—the secrets of heaven must not be revealed!”

Meanwhile, back in Chunxiu’s quarters, after being forcibly dragged back by Ji Rong, Chunxiu wrenched herself free and snapped angrily, “Why did you pull me back here? I wasn’t finished speaking!”

Ji Rong glared at her coldly and said, “What more can you say? Didn’t you hear Nanny Yang? This order comes directly from the Second Madam. Even if we went to Chief Lin, it wouldn’t help. Or do you plan to go straight to the governor himself?”

“I…” Chunxiu was left speechless. Given their status, they couldn’t even enter Songtao Residence, let alone ask the governor for intervention. The next moment, she clutched Ji Rong’s sleeve anxiously and pleaded, “Sister, you must help me this time—I don’t want to leave, I really don’t!”

Ji Rong sighed exasperatedly. “How many times have I warned you not to constantly target Wu Meixue and Jiang Caiping, especially with Nanny Yang watching over us? But you never listened. You even claimed Nanny Yang wouldn’t dare do anything to you. Well, look where that got you—now you can’t even stay in the music hall, let alone the mansion. And what about Zhang Chenyue? Didn’t I warn you about her? She’s cunning, and you should’ve been careful when speaking with her. You may have agreed outwardly, but clearly, you didn’t take my advice seriously.”

Chunxiu quickly defended herself. “No, I did listen to you! I didn’t breathe a word about your work preparing medicine for the Crown Prince to her.”

“What about everything else?” Ji Rong countered sharply. “Every time Zhang Chenyue whispered a few words in your ear, you couldn’t resist causing trouble for the Wu family. And now that you’re in trouble, has Zhang Chenyue said a single word to defend you? On the surface, she shows you respect, but in reality, she’s been using you. Clever people use their words; fools use their fists—it’s as simple as that.” With a sigh, she added, “I blame myself too. I’ve been so busy with the medicine preparation that I haven’t had time to talk to you much, giving her an opening to manipulate you.”

Chunxiu recalled how Zhang Chenyue had stood silently by while she was expelled by Nanny Yang, and her heart burned with resentment. Clenching her teeth, she muttered, “That wretch! If I ever get the chance, I’ll make her pay dearly.” Then, switching to a pleading tone, she begged again, “I know I was wrong. From now on, I’ll do whatever you say—just please help me this once.”

Ji Rong shook her head in frustration. “This matter has already reached the Second Madam. How am I supposed to help you?”

Chunxiu realized the gravity of the situation. She hadn’t anticipated that Nanny Yang would be so underhanded—appearing silent on the surface but secretly reporting her to the Second Madam behind her back. She had underestimated the situation entirely.

“But if I leave the governor’s mansion now, I’ll lose everything,” Chunxiu lamented bitterly. “I can’t accept it—I truly can’t.” Switching to a desperate plea, she continued, “Sister, you’re always resourceful. There must be a way. I’m willing to leave the music hall—I just want to stay in the mansion.” Beyond the monthly allowance, she longed to catch the eye of one of the young masters, hoping to elevate her status and become someone of importance.

Ji Rong sat down in the chair, looking helpless. “I wish there were a solution, but Nanny Yang is determined to expel you, even going so far as involving the Second Madam. As for me, I’m just a lowly dancer—what can I possibly do? Right now, leaving the mansion is your only option.”

“No! I refuse to take that path!” Chunxiu immediately rejected Ji Rong’s words, pacing anxiously around the room as she racked her brain for a solution. Suddenly, an idea struck her, and she exclaimed urgently, “Sister, aren’t you helping the Eldest Master prepare his medicine? Why don’t you go to him and beg for his help? If he intervenes, the Second Madam will surely grant him this favor.”