Big Boss – Chapter 38

She is afraid

Toothache? Ye Youqing breathed a sigh of relief and pulled out a chair, gesturing for her to sit down. 

The woman obediently took her seat, frowning and clenching her hands on the table.

“Open your mouth,” Ye Youqing said, lifting Ci Ke’s chin and motioning for her to raise her head, while saying, “Miss Pei, please hand me a lamp.”

Pei Ning on the side was completely neglected. She propped up her long legs, crossed her arms, and watched the two with a complicated expression.

Finally, as if resigned, she reluctantly shrugged her shoulders and got up, picked up a candle holder by the window, and handed it to Ye Youqing.

“The young official is quite blessed.” Pei Ning smiled and snorted.

Ye Youqing glanced back at her, sighed through her nose, moved the candle to the side of Ci Ke, illuminating her eyebrows and eyes. The distance was a bit close, and the fragrance of the powder on Ci Ke’s body constantly wafted into her nostrils.

The woman had cherry lips, square white teeth arranged neatly in a row, complementing her rosy lips very nicely. There were some sugar crumbs left on her lips.

Ye Youqing suddenly felt a strange sensation welling up inside her, causing her to involuntarily want to move closer.

She hurriedly closed her eyes, then opened them, suppressing that feeling.

Ye Youqing reached out and took the copper spoon from the table, inserted it into Ci Ke’s mouth, and gently pushed the tooth with a small dent. The woman immediately tilted her head back and made a low, nasal sound.

The sound was pleasant to the ears.

“Indeed, you have a cavity. I shouldn’t have given you so much sugar to eat,” Ye Youqing shook her head, straightened her back, and the distance between them suddenly increased.

“I like to eat,” Ci Ke licked the tooth, her voice soft.

Ye Youqing scolded her with a look, pushed the plate of candies further away, then turned back to her seat.

The little interlude ended, and she didn’t want to pretend anymore. She looked at Pei Ning, who was watching the scene with her arms crossed, and said, “Miss Pei, you should know my purpose.”

She pointed to a chair beside her.

Pei Ning raised her eyebrows, seemingly surprised by her directness, then took a seat, chin resting on her hand, leaning in to look at Ye Youqing.

“The eldest daughter of the Duke, with such a noble status, why would you deign to come to this place of worldly women instead of enjoying yourself in the inner chambers, just for that dilapidated shop that can’t make ends meet?” She lifted a delicate finger, pinched a piece of tea cake, and placed it on her tongue.

“Yes and no,” Ye Youqing replied calmly. She turned to survey the furnishings in the room, which indeed had a commoner’s atmosphere – neither clean nor elegant, with a mix of all sorts of people.

Pei Ning, with her personality, might thrive in a place like this, but she would also not be without her share of bullying.

Seemingly sensing Ye Youqing’s intentions, Pei Ning’s smile turned cold.

“You were born high-class while I was born in the dust. I opened my eyes to the Cuihong Building (brothel), and have spent twenty years here. I don’t know what you want from me, but no matter what it is, you’re mistaken,” Pei Ning said.

“In the years to come, do you still want to stay here?” Ye Youqing asked calmly.

She could clearly see a crack forming in Pei Ning’s smile.

“Since Miss Pei is determined to open her own shop, it shows that you do not wish to dwell in the dust for long. Please don’t misunderstand, I have no ill intentions. I just need people to collaborate and I don’t want to see talent go to waste.”

“Talent?” Pei Ning suddenly scoffed, “I am just a woman who plays music, sells smiles, and brings joy to others. What kind of talent is that?”

Ye Youqing sighed. She knew it would be difficult to persuade Pei Ning, but if she could achieve what she aspired to in the future, it would show her ambition.

Women in troubled times are like floating duckweed, but now this ambition is being dragged by fate and the era.

“Perhaps you don’t trust me, but you won’t doubt money,” Ye Youqing said, handing Pei Ning an envelope. Pei Ning hesitantly took it, looked inside, and her eyes widened instantly.

“Is this the money for buying my shop?” she paused and asked.

“No, it’s money to support you in achieving your goals. You can use it as you wish. Leave the capital, recruit staff, purchase a shop, and all the details are written in the letter. Once you have everything prepared, send me a message, and I will send people to inspect and deliver the recipes.”

“Here.” Ye Youqing pulled out two densely written papers, “Sign and seal them. We will consider our relationship as an employer and the reward will be a share of the profits from the branch store.”

Pei Ning seemed to find it difficult to accept this news at once. It took her nearly an hour to read through the contents of the envelope before she spoke slowly.

“Eldest Miss, why do you trust me?”

“Perhaps I feel that Miss Pei is a good match, and I believe you are a businesswoman. Business people know how to maximize profits and ensure gains.” Ye Youqing said warmly.

For a merchant, even the most sincere assurances are not as effective as offering generous rewards to win hearts.

“Think it over, Miss.” Ye Youqing did not pressure her for an answer. Instead, she stood up and walked towards the door, with Ci Ke following behind her.

“Oh, and if you decide to accept, go to Jinlingzhai to find the manager there. Pack up and prepare to leave once you’re ready.” Ye Youqing finished speaking and opened the door to leave.

Pei Ning remained sitting at the table, looking down at the letter.

The door closed shut, and immediately there was a noisy commotion all around. The man with white powdered face was still downstairs attracting customers, his voice booming.

“Why do you trust this person? Aren’t you afraid she’ll run off with the money? Or perhaps Eldest Miss is too noble and doesn’t understand how significant that money is for ordinary folks, enough to feed them for half a lifetime?” Ci Ke asked behind her.

“This person is clever. She knows the difference between taking the money and running or taking it seriously and working hard. The rewards are worlds apart. Just think of this as a gamble. Even if I lose, it will only be a small loss of money,” Ye Youqing said, descending the stairs.

“Then why do you trust me? Why entrust me with such important plans?” Ci Ke followed her downstairs, her voice sounding muffled.

Ye Youqing stopped and turned back, they nearly collided. Ci Ke quickly grabbed hold of the red lacquered wooden railing to steady herself, preventing her from leaning unsteadily on Ye Youqing’s shoulder.

Ye Youqing looked up and down at Ci Ke. When the cold woman smiled, the surrounding winds seemed to soften slightly.

“Would you betray me?” Ye Youqing asked with a smile.

Ci Ke shook her head without hesitation.

“Would you deceive me?” Ye Youqing asked again.

The speed of Ci Ke’s head-shaking suddenly slowed down until it stopped. She gripped the railing tighter, feeling as if her heart had plunged into a deep abyss.

Is oneself considered deceitful now? A sense of panic gradually surged through her limbs and bones.

“Don’t worry, why are you concerned? You said you trust me, so I will trust you as well,” Ye Youqing replied warmly, raising her hand to pat Ci Ke’s head.

“Ye Youqing,” Ci Ke suddenly spoke, her voice regaining its smooth and seductive tone, “My aunt sent word this morning, saying tomorrow’s plan will succeed.”

“In the past, Qin Wang has been trying to win over Duke Liang. Remember to remind Duke Liang not to speak too much at court tomorrow,” Ci Ke added.

Ye Youqing understood, nodded at her, feeling a bit more nervous anticipation for the extra tension of the next day.

It’s time for Qin Wang to pay the price for his actions.

As night fell, Ye Youqing went alone to Duke Liang’s study without bringing anyone along, carrying a cup of tea and some snacks in hand. The servant at the door quickly bowed when he saw her, but she hushed him away with a gesture.

After the servants had left to stand guard outside the courtyard, Ye Youqing raised her hand and knocked on the door.

“Come in,” came Duke Liang’s weary yet stern voice, prompting Ye Youqing to quietly enter the room.

She was met with Duke Liang’s reprimand right away, “Chengfu, I told you to organize the tax reports from various locations this year. Why are you here!”

Ye Youqing was caught off guard by his shouting, hesitated momentarily, and Duke Liang did not do anything for a while before impatiently raising his head. When he saw it was Ye Youqing, his expression softened slightly.

“Youqing?” Duke Liang exclaimed in surprise, and then noticed the fragrant tea in her hand, further taken aback.

It occurred to Ye Youqing that the previous original owner must have feared Duke Liang and never dared to bring him tea.

“Put it down,” Duke Liang sighed and gestured for Ye Youqing to come forward.

The flickering candlelight cast hollow shadows on Duke Liang’s face, revealing black circles under his eyes even from a distance. It seemed that Duke Liang was not someone who relies on his title and and sought pleasure, Ye Youqing thought.

“Why are you taking on such a laborious task yourself instead of delegating it to your subordinates, Father?” Ye Youqing inquired softly, glancing at the thick stack of papers in his hands.

“I have submitted a request to the Emperor to reduce taxes in areas frequently affected by locust plagues. The distribution process has been dragging on, so I decided to handle it myself,” Duke Liang grunted, making a note on the paper in front of him.

Ye Youqing nodded and then knelt in front of him.

“Is there something else?” Duke Liang lifted his somewhat clouded eyes, assessing her.

“A few days ago, during the Dragon Boat Festival, when this daughter visited the palace, I overheard some gossip. Initially, this daughter hesitated to speak as it is inappropriate to meddle in political affairs. However, after much consideration, this daughter feel the need to inform Father,” Ye Youqing lied.

Duke Liang did not speak, but gestured for her to continue.

“It is said that there were hidden truths in the case of the rebels from years ago, and these truths are related to General Qin,” Ye Youqing whispered.

Duke Liang’s brows furrowed instantly, rebuking, “The rebellion case is a serious matter in Bianjing, and no one dares to mention it. Who dares to speak so recklessly about this? How come I have never heard of it?”

“This daughter do not know who the source is, but it may be someone who is aware of Father’s frequent dealings with the Qin family, which is why rumors have not reached Father’s ears,” Ye Youqing said, partially true and partially implied.

“This daughter understand the stakes involved, but I am truly worried for Father, fearing you may be implicated. That is why I must speak up boldly. If there was any impropriety, please punish me,” Ye Youqing said, lowering her eyes.

This move was taught to her by Ci Ke.

Indeed, Duke Liang’s stern expression just now softened slightly as he nodded slightly.

“Alright, I see your filial devotion, so I won’t blame you. But remember, such talk must not be spoken of outside, do you hear me?” Duke Liang said, before continuing to focus on his tasks.

As Ye Youqing breathed a sigh of relief, she glanced at his hands and suddenly smiled, “It is getting late, why not let Youqing help share the burden with you?”

After two hours had passed, the moon was completely obscured by clouds and mist. Ye Youqing rubbed her eyes, shook her hands, and then returned to her own room.

The light in the room is on, casting a warm orange-yellow glow through the window.

Ye Youqing entered the room and saw a woman sitting at the table, propping her forehead with her hand. She only opened her eyes upon hearing movement and then stood up.

“If you are tired, you can rest, no need to wait,” Ye Youqing took off her coat.

“I’m not tired,” Ci Ke said, pushing the still warm egg custard on the table towards Ye Youqing and pursing her lips, “Eldest Miss, you must be tired. Eat something before resting.”

Ye Youqing was indeed hungry. Seeing this, her eyes brightened, and she sat down at the table with a smile.

As a smooth egg custard slid down her throat, every pore on her body seemed to open up in satisfaction. She lifted her eyes and saw Ci Ke looking hesitant as if wanting to speak but holding back.

“What is it?” Ye Youqing asked.

Ci Ke bit her lip, sat beside Ye Youqing, and hesitantly placed her hands on the edge of the table.

“My aunt said that tomorrow I will be sent to sentence Qin Wang in front of the court officials. I am afraid…” Ci Ke said hesitantly.

“Ye Youqing, can I stay in your room tonight?”