“There’s nothing undeserving,” she laughed at his reaction. “I want to give you a stable job. Are you willing?”
“Madam means…” He looked over uncertainly. She nodded with a smile, and he became excited. “Thank you, Madam!”
“Uncle Zhang, when we reach the Tang Mansion, you don’t need to wait outside,” she said, reaching into the little rascal’s money pouch and pouring out all the silver. “Take these silver pieces. Sell this carriage and buy a larger one and a smaller one. Choose the best in decoration and quality. If the money isn’t enough, just owe it. I’ll pay when we return.”
“This…” Uncle Zhang held the silver, his hands slightly trembling. “Madam, rest assured.”
Once it’s done, I’ll come to the Tang Mansion to pick you up. I’ll have the small carriage sent back to the residence first.”
“I trust you to handle it!” She then dropped the curtain.
“Little darling, you really trust people,” the little rascal understood.
“That depends on the person.”
They soon arrived at the Tang Mansion in the eastern city. She was shocked by the scale of the residence, comparable to the Qiao Mansion. Could the Tang Mansion be the richest in the Crimson Flame Kingdom? The wealthy here were truly extraordinary.
“Miss Jiang!” Tang Yiyou greeted her happily as soon as she entered the front hall, pausing when he saw the several men behind her, “Who are these gentlemen?”
“Uh… they…” I was stunned, unsure how to explain, having completely forgotten to consider this issue.
“We have nothing to do with her!” The seven of them almost spoke in unison.
“…” While struggling to think, I was left bewildered by their sudden declaration.
“However…” Xie Ying teased with a mischievous smile, “I am the father of the child in her belly!”
“…” Shocked! Tang Yiyou stared at me and then my stomach in disbelief.
“She is carrying the bloodline of the Qiao family!” Qiao Ruofeng laughed lightly, his gentle gaze sweeping over me.
“I also have a share in the child in her belly!”
The little rascal’s words were outrageous, leaving me slightly dizzy.
“The child in her belly is the next leader of the Blue Flame Order!” Leng Ao Hun said seriously.
“When the child turns eighteen, they will return to the Crimson Flame Country to inherit the throne!” Huo Lingyun explained with a smile, “Yu Ran said that once I have a child, regardless of gender, they must take the position!”
“The child will enter the genealogy of the Xiao family!” Xiao Yao added, his tone firm.
“Hehe…” Nan Gong Mo smiled and then declared, “This child will bear the Nan Gong surname!”
“You… are amazing!” I had to admit I admired these seven men; even Nan Gong Mo and Xiao Yao were different from how they appeared.
“So, this…” Tang Yiyou was completely stunned, his gaze shifting. After a long while, he finally regained his composure, “Gentlemen… please sit!”
“Thank you!”
After sitting down, a profound silence fell. While sipping tea, I noticed all eyes were fixed on me. I asked in confusion, “Do you have something to say?”
“Xiao Ai, this is Tang Manor, where you wanted to come,” Nan Gong Mo quietly reminded me.
“Oh!
Slapping my forehead, I finally remembered my purpose. I looked at the seemingly contemplative Tang Yiyou and said, “I came today to thank you for your help last time…” Then I realized I hadn’t brought a gift, feeling embarrassed and awkwardly glaring at the others, wishing they could have suggested something.
“Miss Jiang…” Tang Yiyou started but changed his address, “Madam, there’s no need to be so formal. Your presence alone brings honor to this place.”
Feeling even more guilty at his generosity, I awkwardly scratched my head. What could a woman discuss with eight men? I casually suggested, “Master Tang, since this is my first time here, would you mind showing us around?”
“Of course!” Tang Yiyou immediately stood up.
Under his guidance, we began touring the manor. Tang Manor was large, beautifully maintained, with servants and maids appearing frequently, always ready to serve. I wondered about the necessity of so many servants, who, while appearing ordinary, seemed to harbor an unusual attitude toward Tang Yiyou—beneath their surface respect was an underlying sense of fear and submission.
One year ago, time wasn’t long, but Tang Yiyou’s business had started three years ago. He answered with a calm and smiling expression.
“Has Young Master Tang been to Ink Island?” Shadow’s sudden question made everyone pause.
“Heh… Young Master, what a strange question. I’m a businessman; of course I’ve been to Ink Island.” A flash of surprise crossed Tang Yiyou’s eyes but quickly disappeared.
“Alright!” I interjected to prevent further questioning, “He’s a merchant and a filial son. Aren’t you tired of asking so many questions?”
“I apologize,” Tang Yiyou said before leading us back to the front hall, but he suddenly encountered three people.
“Big brother!” A charming young woman called out to Tang Yiyou.
Was she his sister? The two individuals beside her were equally unexpected. Could we remain peaceful after meeting again?
“Let me introduce,” Tang Yiyou said, pointing to the woman. “This is my sister, Tang Yingying, and these two are…”
“No need for introductions,” I interrupted with a smile. “It’s been a while, Miss Butterfly! Miss Pearl!” They were the culprits who nearly had me burned to death and almost caused a rift between me and Qiao Ruofeng. However, I had let them off three years ago and wouldn’t bring up old grievances.
“L-Love… Miss…” Pearl stammered, her eyes darting to the people behind me, falling silent. Butterfly was completely dumbfounded, unable to accept seeing me again.
Tang Yiyou looked puzzled, his gaze shifting between the three of us women, then noticing the angry expressions of the others, became even more confused. “Do you all know each other?”
“We’re old acquaintances,” I said. “Is Yingying Liuli’s sister?”
“You know Liuli?” Tang Yingying scrutinized me. “Who are you?”
“Yingying! Don’t be rude!” Tang Yiyou’s stern voice made her lower her eyes in submission. He added, “Please forgive her. She’s been spoiled since childhood.”
“It’s nothing.” Observing Tang Yingying, I noted her proud charm, unlike Liuli’s delicate nature. The Tang family’s children were indeed exceptional, and I was curious about the youngest sister I had not yet met.
“Since you’ve all honored us with your presence, I’ll host a banquet. Please don’t decline.”
“No need…”
“Great!” I interrupted, eager to ask about the feast as we walked back to the front hall.
“Don’t worry, madam!” Thinking I was concerned about the food, Tang Yiyou assured me, “I’ll instruct them to prepare dishes suitable for pregnant women.”
“Oh…” Since he had already said so, I chose not to ask further.
The group returned to the front hall, sitting in awkward silence. I quietly sipped tea, stealing glances. My husbands were focused on me, while Tang Yingying stared coolly.
Pearl and Butterfly, recalling past incidents, kept their heads lowered. Tang Yiyou’s lips were pressed tightly, his gaze cold and distant.
A sudden ‘bang’ startled everyone – a maid had dropped a teacup.
“Please spare me, young master!” The terrified maid knelt, though she didn’t cry. For a moment, a dark storm brewed in Tang Yiyou’s eyes, but he quickly smiled apologetically, bright as the morning sun. “Clumsy maid, I hope the madam wasn’t frightened!”
“It’s nothing, Young Master needn’t worry!” I spoke casually, though something felt off about the entire scene.
“Big brother, sister!” Tang Liuli returned, surprised to see everyone. “Little Love Sister… why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”
“Wanted to surprise you!” I pulled her close. “I heard about your situation from your brother. Don’t worry, we’ll find a solution.”
