Seeing that her goal had been achieved, Liu was overjoyed. She served Father Cheng even more diligently. Hearing that there was no more sound, Cheng Xiran turned around and left. If someone caught her eavesdropping, Liu would be even more insufferable and would surely never let her off.
Moreover, the original owner's father was completely obedient to Liu. Just thinking about it gave her a headache. There was nothing she could do about having such a father.
As soon as Cheng Xiran entered the courtyard, she saw Zhuque looking extremely anxious. "Miss, you've scared me to death! I just went to get you some pastries. When I came back, you were gone. I was so worried that something had happened to you. I looked everywhere but couldn't find you."
Cheng Xiran helplessly rubbed her forehead. Having such a fussy maid was also a burden. She patted Zhuque reassuringly. "Where could I go at night? I just ate too much and went out for a stroll. Don't make a fuss."
Zhuque pouted and mumbled, "I'm just worried about you, Miss."
"Alright, let's go back quickly."
There was a slight chill in the night. When the mistress and the maid entered the room, Cheng Xiran saw the delicate pastries on the table. To be honest, after all the commotion outside, she was really a bit hungry. She picked up a pastry and chewed it slowly.
She had to admit that the pastries made by the ancients were really good. There were no additives, and they were delicious, fragrant, and good - looking.
Father Cheng had a night of pleasure. Early the next morning, he sat in the main seat looking radiant, waiting for Cheng Xiran. Although Cheng Xiran knew their intentions, she didn't show it. She bowed respectfully and greeted the old lady. "Grandmother, good morning."
The old lady smiled and waved at Cheng Xiran. "Come and have breakfast, girl. Did you sleep well last night?"
Thinking of last night, Cheng Xiran couldn't help but glance at Liu. She took the old lady's arm affectionately and said, "Thank you, Grandmother. I had a good night's sleep."
Liu felt a sharp pain in her eyes seeing the old lady and Cheng Xiran being so affectionate.
She nudged Father Cheng with her elbow, signaling him to say something. She felt like an outsider, and it annoyed her to see them getting along so well.
Liu's little actions naturally didn't escape Cheng Xiran's eyes. She pretended not to notice and slowly ate a bowl of shredded - meat congee.
Father Cheng coughed and said flatly, "Cheng Xiran, stop publishing The Capital Anecdotes from today on."
Sure enough, he was so easily influenced. After being whispered to in his ear, the original owner's father really came after her. She coldly raised her eyes and said calmly, "It's not up to me now. It's up to the young master of Feiyu Villa. Father, it's no use talking to me."
With a "bang", Father Cheng threw his bowl on the table and glared at Cheng Xiran angrily. "I've already been humiliated because of you, and you still won't stop. If you offend the Regent, the whole Prime Minister's Mansion will be buried with you."
Cheng Xiran looked at Father Cheng expressionlessly. "The Regent has personally approved of me publishing The Capital Anecdotes. This reason of yours doesn't work on me. Besides, I haven't done anything shameful. Why should I stop?"
"You," Father Cheng said angrily, his hands trembling as he pointed at Cheng Xiran. "Are you using the Regent to intimidate me now?"
"Since Father thinks so, I can't help it. As for stopping The Capital Anecdotes, it really isn't up to me," Cheng Xiran said lightly.
Cheng Zhiyue glared at Cheng Xiran angrily. "Sister, going against Father's words is unfilial. If sister just stops writing, the publication will naturally stop. Saying it's not up to you is clearly because sister thinks she hasn't had enough of the limelight. Our Prime Minister's Mansion isn't already a laughingstock enough for people to talk about after dinner."
A faint smile curved Cheng Xiran's lips. This green - tea bitch was trying to sow discord again. Since she wanted to get involved, she would surely accompany her to the end.