CHAPTER 368: CHAPTER 187: ENTRUSTING MY COUSIN

Not long after lunch, Sang Wan instructed Liu Ya to carry some gifts and they went together to Sang Pingliang’s home.

Sang Pingliang was at home, fuming with anger. He was upset that Sang Wan and Shi Fengju had arrived and that Sang Hong had not invited him to entertain the guests. Even if he was no longer regarded as an uncle, couldn’t he at least be considered an elder in the village? How cold and heartless of them! But he was chastised and intimidated by Li Zheng and several of the village elders and therefore did not dare to visit Sang Hong’s house rashly again.

To make matters worse, Mrs. Li had injured herself and was bedridden, unable to move. If Mrs. Li could move, she could have gone over to check on things!

As soon as Sang Pingliang heard of their visit, a smile immediately bloomed on his face, and he hurriedly called for the door to be opened, thinking to himself that Miss Wan still has a conscience and remembers us elders!

Sang Pingliang pondered that this time he must not let Shi Fengju leave so easily without extracting a promise from him. The Shi family has such a vast estate and so much money; couldn’t they spare him one or two shops or have them help manage a shop – that would be reasonable, wouldn’t it?

To his surprise, when Sang Pingliang looked behind Sang Wan, he did not see Shi Fengju and asked, "Where is our nephew-in-law? Why is it only Miss Wan who has come?"

Liu Ya couldn’t help but curl her lips, thinking Master Sang Pingliang is as rude as ever! Not even Madam Master spoke to our mistress with that tone!

Sang Wan replied with a faint smile, "The young master is busy speaking with someone. I came over to visit my uncle and aunt."

"Oh, please have a seat, sit down!" Sang Pingliang was somewhat disinterested but then perked up again, thinking that Sang Wan might be more approachable than Shi Fengju. As long as Miss Wan agreed, what difference would it make from Shi Fengju’s agreement? Shi Fengju surely couldn’t deny what his wife has agreed to, right?

"Please enjoy the tea, Miss Wan. This is a fine tea that Master bought just before the New Year, specially reserved to entertain you all!" The concubine offered a smiling cup of tea. Dressed in an orange embroidered gown and hair styled with a talisman bun, her features were delicate, and her skin was fair and smooth. Her eyes sparkled with vitality, indeed a beautiful and intelligent sight. Compared to Mrs. Li, just like a wilted cabbage leaf to a fresh sprout, needless to ask towards whom Sang Pingliang favored more?

"Auntie!" Liu Ya spoke sternly with a frown, "Our mistress’s name is not for you to call! Which auntie dares to call her mistress by her name in front of her niece-in-law?"

The young concubine, who was sold off to an old man like Sang Pingliang by those only interested in money, bore a miserable fate at the tender age of a blooming flower. Feeling uncomfortable would be an understatement! Relying on her youth and beauty, she acted spoiled and foolish, running rampant in the Sang family, untamed and unbridled. Even Sang Pingliang had to coax her when she threw tantrums. When had she ever been humiliated like this? Immediately, her face turned red as she looked pitifully at Sang Pingliang.

Sang Pingliang himself was a little annoyed and gave Liu Ya an angry glare before scolding in a low voice, "You recognize her as auntie? You, a mere maid, dare to school someone in front of the Master?"

Liu Ya smiled slightly, "Master Sang has made a mistake. The auntie is not Liu Ya’s master. If Liu Ya sees someone disrespecting the master, how can it be wrong to defend her?"

"It’s not your place as a maid to speak when the Master hasn’t spoken!" the concubine sneered. Seeing Sang Wan staying silent and looking gentle and amiable, speaking softly upon entering, she assumed that Sang Wan was easy to talk to and promptly sneered back at Liu Ya.

"I will discipline my own maid as necessary, it’s not something for the auntie to worry about." Sang Wan glanced at her indifferently and stood up with a smile, "Uncle, I heard that my aunt has suffered a fall, I will go see her." She then looked at the concubine, shaking her head secretly. This new auntie was not easy to handle, how could her aunt—someone who only knew how to throw tantrums—stand a chance against this new auntie?

"My niece-in-law, don’t be angry. I was just so happy to see you that I couldn’t help but want to get close, and that’s why I misspoke! It’s my fault! Our Master often talks about my niece-in-law and nephew-in-law, full of nothing but praise. I’ve heard so much that I inadvertently called you by your name, please don’t be angry! Forgive me this once!" The concubine quickly apologized with a smile, as she saw Sang Wan’s expression change.

Her words were so awkward and inappropriate, not only was Sang Wan displeased, but Liu Ya also couldn’t help but scoff, "Auntie seems to be unaware of the proper etiquette! Who are you, and who is my mistress? Who asked for your affection or proximity? All this familiarity is just laughable!"