Chapter 524: Competing for Favor

Hong Ye’s intention was very clear—Cui Ming was constantly thinking of ways to remind herself to be wary of Hong Mian, yet unexpectedly, in just one morning, Hong Mian was ready to take over Cui Ming’s task of styling hair.

Cui Ming said nothing.

Seeing them arrive, Hong Mian smiled and said, "Sister Cui Ming is here. The Madam can’t decide which hair ornament to use, and you know her preferences best. Come help us pick."

Hearing this, Hong Ye couldn’t help but purse her lips.

Hong Mian appeared not to notice, focusing instead on calling Cui Ming over.

Cui Ming walked over, observed for a moment, and said, "I didn’t expect Hong Mian to have such a skill at styling hair."

Hong Mian laughed and said, "The Madam is accustomed to having Sister Cui Ming style her hair. When you weren’t around, I was a substitute who got pushed into it. Luckily, the Madam is forgiving and didn’t mind that I was inexperienced."

Qin Yuan laughed and said, "You styled it well. It’s almost indistinguishable from Cui Ming’s work. In the future, if Cui Ming is busy with other matters, you can help with the styling."

This practically promised Hong Mian the position of a first-class maid; if she didn’t make any mistakes, she was assured this position sooner or later.

Overjoyed, Hong Mian held the jewelry box and bowed to Qin Yuan, saying, "Thank you, Madam, for the praise. I will certainly learn more styling skills from Sister Cui Ming in the future."

Cui Ming reached out and picked a golden hairpin inlaid with jade from the box, saying, "This one placed at the side of the hair will perfectly match the outfit."

Qin Yuan took it, looked at it, and said, "Since both of you think it’s good, then let’s go with this one."

Cui Ming glanced at Hong Mian.

Hong Mian pursed her lips and smiled, saying, "I didn’t expect my taste to be the same as Sister Cui Ming’s."

Cui Ming didn’t respond.

Qin Yuan asked Cui Ming, "How did your review with Wan Accountant go? How many people want to sell their shares?"

Cui Ming replied, "Three people have completely transferred out, saying they never want to deal with pepper again in their lifetime. Eleven people transferred some and kept some. The rest haven’t transferred, saying they listened to Wan Accountant’s advice and trust the Madam’s judgment. They want to hold on until the value rebounds, at least enough to break even."

Hong Mian immediately said, "That’s right. The Madam is wise, and everyone with a brain knows what to do. Those who transferred out might regret it immensely in the future. Madam, my mother blamed me for not sharing the news of this fortune-making opportunity with the family, and she wants to join in as well."

Hong Ye couldn’t help but purse her lips again.

Qin Yuan, uninterested in their rivalry, said, "If your mother wants to join, just list it under your name. You take the silver and find Cui Ming and Hong Ye to account for it and issue a receipt. However, remember that this business can result in both profit and loss. Don’t only think about earning without considering potential losses."

Hong Mian was overjoyed and said, "Thank you, Madam. I understand; I’m not someone who doesn’t get it. The Madam is considerate to let my mother join."

After serving Qin Yuan her morning meal, Hong Ye seized a moment to pull Cui Ming aside to a quiet place and whispered, "I didn’t feel this way before, but now I realize how clever Hong Mian is. Is she trying to pull you down?"

Cui Ming replied, "The young lady knows how to use her people; she won’t misjudge things."

Hong Ye nodded.

"Fortunately, the young lady values old relationships and is wise. Otherwise, we might all be pushed out by this little girl’s wiles."

Cui Ming laughed softly, "Now you know to fear her."

Hong Ye said, "You saw how she showcased her hair-styling skill in front of the young lady today; you can tell she’s been practicing for a long time."

Cui Ming sighed, "I’m not as physically strong as you are. Without someone reliable by the young lady’s side, I wouldn’t be managing so many things. It’s good that she can take on duties so we can all have less on our plates. It’s not good to have the position of a big maid remain vacant; it feels improper. Having her take the spot is better than someone muddleheaded, although her cleverness might rub people the wrong way."

Hong Ye paused for a while and then said, "That might be true, but it doesn’t sit well with me."

"Have you forgotten the story the young lady told us about suspecting a neighbor of stealing an axe? Now that you have a grudge against Hong Mian, everything she does seems off to you. Besides, she’s quick to take advantage, which is why she’s pushing you to finalize things with Sixteen soon."

Hong Ye nodded, "I understand, and the young lady will look for Sixteen to ask about a date soon, but..."

"But what?"

"It’s just that once I’m married, I’ll be leaving you behind."

Cui Ming laughed, "So you still care about me? Don’t worry about it; you’re so reluctant to leave me, but we can’t both marry Sixteen, can we? I’m telling you now, I won’t be a concubine."

Hong Ye, annoyed, pinched Cui Ming, "I’m talking about serious matters, and you’re being so unserious."

Cui Ming said, "Alright, my dear granny, take care of yourself. The young lady is about to head to the council room, and you’re still here talking about personal matters. Your thoughts have grown too big to keep in one place."

Only then did Hong Ye snort a couple of times and went off to handle her duties.

Cui Ming stayed behind briefly, calming herself, before returning to the main room.

Qin Yuan was just about to leave, and seeing her, instructed, "The sewing room was very busy recently, and now that the festival is coming, just oversee the sewing room and matters concerning Shen Changle. Don’t bother with other things and take more rest. Have you run out of the incense I prepared for you last time?"

Cui Ming smiled and said, "Thank you for your understanding, young lady. But with everyone so busy, I feel uncomfortable taking it easy. Mrs. Li and Mrs. Lu have been competing with each other, so everyone in the sewing room is putting more effort into their work, and there’s less complaining. It’s much easier on me."

Qin Yuan said sternly, "I told you to rest, so take a good rest."

Cui Ming nodded.

"There’s still half a box of incense left."

Qin Yuan said, "Don’t save it in your daily use. I made it myself, using materials from Ranxiang Inn; it doesn’t cost much. Your health is more important."

Cui Ming’s eyes turned red as she forced a smile, saying, "I’m not as fragile as paper, you know."

Qin Yuan smiled, "Tsk, tsk, just a few words and you’re like this. Anyone unaware would think I’ve wronged you. Since you like to keep busy, help me push Doctor Li to follow up on the matter I discussed with him. He’s been evasive. If he doesn’t reply for a day, just have someone deliver some small gifts, be it food, clothing, or supplies, to irk him."

Cui Ming chuckled, "Young lady, this tactic is a bit underhanded. Doctor Li might not be able to sit still then."

Qin Yuan said, "You don’t know, but he procrastinates whenever he can. He’s been attending to Old Lady Qi and Wan Accountant but hasn’t come to report back. If you don’t pressure him properly, he’ll just keep it to himself."

In her past life, Doctor Li only revealed on his deathbed that there were still members of the Chen family alive, but he didn’t mention where or who they were.

This had caused her to expend countless efforts searching without results.

In this life, she was determined to persuade the little old man to reveal it sooner and help her clear the Chen family’s name.

Cui Ming smiled, "I’ll handle it right away. Coincidentally, it’s about time to send festival gifts to Renhe Hall, and the sewing room has finished making their clothes."