Chapter 73 - 37: How Is It Not Gratifying?
Second Madam Shi did not make things difficult for her, and after the necessary pleasantries, she quickly got to the point. Sang Wan did not withhold any secrets and instructed Liu Ya to seriously teach Rou’er. Intentionally and at the same time, she jokingly said to Second Madam Shi with a smile, "This girl has a good memory; coincidentally, her previous household also raised such a white parrot. While serving at their side, she managed to pick up a thing or two! Who would have known that it would come in handy today?"
Liu Ya came to the Sang family when she was ten years old, and indeed she had previously served other households. She was also from out of town, so Sang Wan made up stories with a mixture of truths and lies, guessing that Second Madam Shi wouldn’t mind.
What Sang Wan meant was only one thing: Liu Ya is only good at this; she knows nothing else! Don’t treat her as an all-rounder! Even this skill is just built on a bit of memory; if she messes up, don’t blame her!
By rights, this should’ve been the end of it. Sang Wan could breathe easy, and Liu Ya could also avoid repeating the tragic fate of her past life. The mistress and servant had an escape from danger without incident.
However, Rou’er turned out to be exceedingly nimble and clever, with a touch of talent as well. After instruction from Liu Ya, she actually managed to tame the proud and troublesome little white!
Second Master Shi was extremely delighted and showed even more affection towards Rou’er.
Logically, this should have no impact on Liu Ya, but there’s a saying: the friend of my enemy is my enemy, and by the same logic, the friend of my enemy is also my enemy.
Once Rou’er gained favor, she overshadowed the maid and concubine Qiu Ju, who had been equally matched and fiercely competing with her. Qiu Ju was originally a personal maid of Aunt Fang, and together they managed to wrap Second Master Shi tightly around their fingers. Naturally, as her master received favor, the slave felt a rise in spirit.
Aunt Fang’s status was much higher than Rou’er’s, and she did not pay much attention to Rou’er’s rising popularity. However, Qiu Ju found it intolerable and, out of jealousy, intentionally sought trouble with Rou’er. But Rou’er, at the height of her popularity, would not let her do so. After a series of complaints, it was instead Qiu Ju who ended up suffering!
Envious and resentful, in a hurry and in anger, Qiu Ju did not dare to provoke Second Master Shi’s bottom line and incite Rou’er for fear of courting death. She could only vent by creating voodoo dolls in her bed at night and redirected her full rage towards Liu Ya, finding an excuse to severely chastise and scold her one day, and even slapped her twice.