Cheng Xiran didn't stay long at the newspaper office. After instructing the manager to keep a close eye on the newly - opened newspaper office on West Street, she returned to the Cheng Mansion. She had already finished tomorrow's manuscript, so it was time for her to go back to the mansion to rest and relax.
When she got back to the mansion, she happened to see a carriage of the Cheng Mansion leaving. Seeing the butler looking respectful, she casually asked, "Who has gone out?"
The butler bowed first and then slowly replied, "My lady, it's the second young lady. Just now a maid from the Xiao Mansion came to invite her, saying that Miss Xiao Qi had something to discuss with her."
What good could come out of two scheming people getting together? They must be plotting something bad again.
But Cheng Xiran wasn't afraid. She just nodded slightly and walked inside. When she saw a lot of big and small gift boxes in the courtyard, she turned back and continued to ask the butler, "Who sent these? Or are they gifts to be sent to someone?"
"General Cui will celebrate his birthday tomorrow. The prime minister ordered me to prepare some modest gifts to send early tomorrow morning. I'm counting them now to see what's missing and need to be added."
Had the days passed so quickly?
Cheng Xiran took a quick glance. Just by looking at those brocade boxes, she could tell that the prime minister had put his heart into it this time... Did he have some other motives?
Thinking of this, Cheng Xiran couldn't help muttering and asking, "Tomorrow is General Cui's birthday. Besides the prime minister, who else from our mansion will go?"
Seeing the butler hesitating, Cheng Xiran already knew the answer, but she still pretended to ask casually, "Just tell me. I'm not that petty."
The butler then slowly said, "My lady, General Cui is hosting a banquet and each family can send three people. Since the old lady said in advance that she won't go because of her poor health, it will be the prime minister, the second mistress and the second young lady."
"I see."
Cheng Xiran left after saying this. The butler watched her graceful figure gradually disappear behind the lush greenery.
As the old lady's health was getting worse day by day, Mrs. Liu seemed to be eager to take over the management of the mansion. Although there were no obvious signs, it was only a matter of time. So Cheng Xiran mustn't let the Cheng family fall under Mrs. Liu's control so easily.
Maybe because she had something on her mind today, Cheng Xiran's afternoon nap didn't last long. She only slept for less than an hour.
After stretching and freshening up, she planned to take a stroll outside to relieve her boredom. But just as she was about to go out, she found herself locked in the room.
"What the hell?" Cheng Xiran roared angrily. She was already in a bad mood because of the short nap, and now she was even more irritated.
There was no sound in the courtyard. All she could hear was the sound of the wind blowing the leaves off the trees. Angrily, she started kicking the door as if she was going to break it down.
Finally, in the distance, came Mrs. Liu's deliberately affected voice, "Xiran, I tell you it's no use struggling. Just wait patiently. I'll let you out later."
Cheng Xiran didn't stop kicking. Instead, she kicked even harder, "What on earth are you going to do?"
"Zhuque is your personal maid, but she failed to stop you from doing those immoral things in time. It's her fault. Since she has made a mistake, of course I have the right to punish her."
Mrs. Liu's words were well - reasoned and left no room for Cheng Xiran to argue.
But Cheng Xiran didn't intend to argue. Kicking the door violently, she shouted sternly, "Mrs. Liu, I'm warning you. If anything happens to Zhuque, I'll kill you!"