Logically speaking, Cui Gudao being promoted by a rank today should be a joyous occasion for any family, but not a trace of happiness could be seen on Madam Cui's face.
On the contrary, she looked rather pale.
A Mei exchanged pleasantries with Madam Cui without giving anything away.
Madam Cui appeared to be a capable middle-aged woman. Since she was the one visiting, she did not put on airs and maintained a very humble attitude. Madam An, you have a rosy complexion and are elegant and beautiful. One can tell at a glance that you are easy to get along with. In fact, I have known of you for a long time and should have come to visit sooner. Lao Cui mentioned to me that after working with your husband, he discovered that Lord An is not as cold and ruthless as the rumors say. Instead, he has a cold exterior but a warm heart, and is extremely caring and attentive to you.
A Mei smiled shyly and replied, Others may not know, but in private, my husband has always been gentle to his own people.
A Mei said this lightly. If her godfather An Gui were here, he would surely scoff calmly, Heh, what own people? I say he is only gentle to the person in his own bedchamber.
Of course, neither Madam Cui nor A Mei knew this. Madam Cui's face suddenly stiffened. She gave a hollow laugh, a flash of anxiety passing through her eyes.
A Mei took in Madam Cui's expression, then lowered her eyes and leisurely sipped her tea.
Sure enough, Madam Cui could not sit still any longer.
She steadied her nerves and gathered the courage to say, To be honest with you, Madam An, I have come to visit today because I have a favor to ask.
A Mei raised her eyebrows, thinking that Madam Cui was quite direct. She blinked, showing a hint of curiosity, What is it?
Nanny Su, Madam Cui called out to the middle-aged servant woman standing behind her. The nanny quickly handed over a bundle.
Madam Cui took the bundle and slowly opened it, revealing several wooden boxes inside. She opened one of the boxes to reveal an Eastern Pearl the size of a seven or eight year old child's fist. Staring at A Mei with a look of anticipation, Madam Cui said, This is a South Sea Eastern Pearl that the late Emperor bestowed upon my uncle in his early years. It is of top-tier quality; there are no more than three pearls of such quality in the entire world. Does Madam An like it?
As expected, Madam An's eyes lit up as she stared at the Eastern Pearl, revealing her admiration.
Overjoyed, Madam Cui opened the other boxes. These items have been treasured in my uncle's estate for many years. Though there are only a few, they are all priceless treasures. I am gifting them all to you, Madam An. Please accept them.
A Mei had seen many treasures lately, so she naturally had a better eye for them. At first glance, she could tell they were indeed precious items.
She withdrew her gaze from the bundle and simply imitated her husband's demeanor. The corners of her mouth curled up slightly, her eyes narrowed, and she lifted her chin just a fraction. She looked at Madam Cui calmly, making it impossible to read her emotions, and spoke slowly, These are indeed fine things, but one should not accept a reward without merit. I cannot accept such valuable items.
A Mei continued, I have heard you mention your uncle several times, Madam Cui, but I am afraid I am a bit confused.
Madam Cui sighed, Madam An, my uncle is Lord Zhuang, the former Minister of Justice, whom His Majesty permitted to retire and return to his hometown today.
Madam Cui then took a letter from her breast and placed it on top of the jewelry. Suddenly, her eyes turned red. My husband, Cui Gudao, has always been upright, unyielding, and honest in his duties. In private, he is even more inflexible and stubborn. I am not afraid of being laughed at when I say this, but if it were not for the meager profits from the shops in my dowry keeping us afloat all these years, our Cui estate would have starved on his meager salary alone. How could we possibly produce such precious jewels? These were given to me by my aunt to pass on to you, Madam An.
I beg Lord An to be merciful and leave a way out for my uncle and the entire Zhuang family.
A Mei: ...
