The Legend of Concubine's Daughter Minglan

Chapter 130

It was dark at night when Minglan arrived at the Ancient Stone Estate the day before yesterday so she didn't see the situation in this Estate clearly. However, in the morning when all the servants came to give obeisance to her, she felt something wrong immediately. As Wu Guang, the chief steward, made a gesture, all the stewards behind him all knelt down and kowtowed to Minglan. No one dared to chime in when the room was quiet and when they replied to Minglan's questions, their words were very organized and clearly stated.

There were only two explanations for this situation. Perhaps all these people in the Ancient Stone Estate had prepared for this like Yao Yiyi had done when there were some significant leaders arriving at her workplace or she faced a sanitary inspection. Or...

When Minglan proposed to measure the land, Wu Guang also agreed with a calm look. He even had two registers, one for the land and the other for the tenants. The landlords also started to get busy in order to help him.

Minglan lowered her head.

Nothing could be kept secret forever in this world. Any manservant or tenant could speak out what she had done in the Black Mountain Estate. So she couldn't repeat her action here this time. She could launch a surprise attack in the Black Mountain Estate, but not the Ancient Stone Estate. What was more, she didn't intend to keep all those things she had done in the Black Mountain Estate from others either.

Unlike the Black Mountain Estate, the Ancient Stone Estate had been confiscated long time ago and already categorized as the imperial property for ten years. Now there was an imperial eunuch taking charge of this Estate now. Since this Estate belonged to the imperial family, no one dared to look into this place no matter what happened here.

Nonetheless, Minglan would like to know how many secrets there were in this Estate. She also wanted to see how long those people were able to present a false appearance of peace and prosperity. The Cui Brothers went to measure the land like before and Gongsun Meng was ordered to visit the tenants. In the meantime, MInglan chatted with the Chief Steward.

"... Steward Wu, I never realize you are a relative of Eunuch Wu who's in charge of Estate Department in the Palace. Pardon my rudeness before." Minglan said that with a warm smile.

"I don't deserve this, Madam. I'm just a remote relative to Eunuch Wu. But that title did get me a job." Wu Guang bowed to Minglan and said reverently, "After His Majesty rewarded this Estate to General Gu, Eunuch Wu has asked me to work in the Estate Department. However, I have worked in this Estate for so many years and already become close to the people here. If you and General Gu could accept me, I am willing to stay here and work for you two."

"It's so nice of you to propose that. Sir Wu, but you are a relative of Eunuch Wu. I'm afraid that others might accuse us of violating the rules if I keep you here. I don't want that to happen." Minglan said that with a hesitant look.

Wu Guang tried to avoid eye contact and said tactfully, "I'm flattered, Madam, you don't need to address me so politely. However... My uncle is on good terms with lots of the eunuchs in the royal palace. They all said that General Gu is a heroic person who never sticks to trifles. Everyone is willing to make friends with him. So I don't think people would gossip about your family issues."

That was a very sophisticated speech. Minglan smiled and held the tea cup up, saying, "Your words make sense. I am just a woman, I need to talk about this with Master."

After three days, the Cui Brothers and Gongsun Meng came to report. The spies which had been sent by the Tu Brothers also brought back some news. As Minglan heard them reporting, she couldn't help but wrinkle her eyebrows. Then she ordered someone to call Wu Guang over.