CHAPTER 383: CHAPTER 195: BRIBERY

"Slave Xingzhi greets Madam, and presents my respects to you!" In the warm pavilion of the main courtyard, Xingzhi knelt down respectfully and kowtowed to Mrs. Wang.

"Get on up!" Mrs. Wang said with a smile, gesturing with her hand, "Who would have thought, so many years have passed in a flash! The little maid from back then has grown into such a pretty young lady!"

With her face slightly blushing, Xingzhi smiled and stood up, looking down demurely as she stood aside, and said softly with a chuckle, "It is all thanks to Madam’s nurturing that I have come this far."

"Hehe, it is also your own merit for being so smart!" Mrs. Wang assessed her with a beaming smile, and expressed her kind concern with a multitude of questions. Xingzhi felt increasingly uneasy inside and answered each one in a proper manner.

Finally, Mrs. Wang slowly broached the real topic at hand and laughed, "You have served the young master well, and now that the wife has arrived, you serve her too. You have always been loyal and reliable in your duties, no wonder she appreciates you so much after only arriving recently! She even personally decided on your marriage matters."

Xingzhi felt a bit uneasy, and replied with an ingratiating smile, "I merely did my best within my responsibilities, which is all due to Master’s grace. I will forever be grateful!"

"I knew you were loyal!" Mrs. Wang said with a satisfied smile, then her expression sobered as she said, "I have a few questions to ask you, and you must answer me truthfully!"

Xingzhi’s body stiffened a bit, and she hurriedly replied with a forced smile, "Madam, just ask away. I dare not deceive you!"

Mrs. Wang nodded and asked abruptly, "Tell me, how do the young master and his wife generally get along on a daily basis?"

Even though Xingzhi was somewhat prepared, she still froze upon hearing this question, instinctively looking up at Mrs. Wang, looking a bit stunned. After a moment, she carefully said, "The young master and his wife... they treat each other with mutual respect."

Mrs. Wang was clearly unsatisfied with the answer and frowned slightly, "That’s not what I’m asking! Listen, Xingzhi, it’s just the two of us here, and I am asking you because I trust you, so don’t feel any pressure. Just speak frankly and directly, that’s what I like! Understand?"

"Yes, Madam..."

Mrs. Wang continued, "Then I’ll ask you: Does the wife ever boss the young master around, asking him to pour tea or fetch water, does she frequently throw tantrums and demand that the young master appease her, or does she do even more inappropriate things that a wife shouldn’t do? A woman should mainly be gentle and virtuous, serving her husband is her duty—do you think the wife fulfills this duty?"

Xingzhi was unaware of the incident from the previous night, and upon hearing Mrs. Wang’s inquiries, she felt utterly bewildered, completely at a loss, unsure of how to answer for quite some time.

Mrs. Wang did not hurry her but simply waited quietly on the side.

"The wife is virtuous and gentle, always considerate and caring towards the young master. I have never seen her lose her temper in front of him! Always, it’s always the wife who serves the young master," Xingzhi replied after careful consideration.

"Is this truly the case?" Mrs. Wang pondered for a moment and then added, "The wife has never shown the slightest disrespect to the young master?"

"I dare not lie!" Xingzhi knelt down, her heart crying out in distress.

"Get up quickly!" Mrs. Wang chuckled and said, "You girl, always kneeling at the drop of a hat! I trust your character. If you say there’s nothing, then there certainly is nothing!"

Sighing softly, she continued, "Do you find it strange that I’m saying all this to you for no apparent reason? Alas, as a mother, isn’t it just my concern for my own son? I see that our young master seems to treat the wife too well, and I fear lest the wife, spoiled by favor, becomes arrogant and does something unbecoming behind the scenes. If such behavior were to get out, it would be the face of the Shi family at stake. If she behaves in such manner, I must correct her!"

Xingzhi dared not respond, and only after a while managed to softly say an "Understood."

"Xingzhi, listen!" Mrs. Wang spoke earnestly, "You have been serving the young master since you were a child, wholeheartedly and with great effort. Even though I don’t always say it, I see and remember all in my heart. Xingzhi, I know you are good. If you do one more thing for me, I will certainly not let you down! When the time comes for you to marry, you will not lack for rewards!"

"I am deeply grateful for Madam’s kindness. Whatever orders Madam gives, I shall follow without hesitation! Please command me!" Without the least hesitation or doubt, Xingzhi quickly knelt down and agreed.

"Get up quickly!" Mrs. Wang personally helped her up and said, "I want you to be my eyes, and closely watch everything in Ningyuan, and the wife. If she does anything improper or disrespectful, unkind or unworthy towards the young master, you must tell me everything! Are you willing?"