Chapter 28.1: The Shameless Lotus' Revenge

Jin Mulan looked at Shen Lang's departing figure for two seconds before turning her head back.

The maidservant next to her, Xiao Ting, spoke up. "Miss Jin, this… the master is too wanton. I fear that it will bring damage to the reputation of our Count's Palace."

She was tall and had a slim figure.

Soon as the words were spoken, Jin Mulan stopped her graceful movements. She looked at Xiao Ting and said nothing. Good to her people, her servants weren't afraid to speak out their minds and this Xiao Ting is quite the fierce and savage servant who was the one of the most vocal.

The servant's turned their heads away, their eyes a pleading cry of nervousness for their fellow sister.

As their lady said nothing, Xiao Ting grew bold and continued. "Yes, this is right. The Count's Palace loves its people like their own children. This the reputation of our Count's Palace. It isn't a good thing for Master to be so rash and impetuous. It'd only cause trouble and bring down the reputation of our Count's Palace."

Jin Mulan turned her head back, eyes as cold and icy as ever. "You, slap her mouth ten times."

Suddenly, one of the servants moved forwards and fanned the face of Xiao Ting fiercely.

Slap!

Xiao Ting dared not believe what she'd just borne witness to. Jin Mulan… ordered her sisters to slap her silly? Her face stung like a needle p.r.i.c.ked the deepest layers of her skin and she found herself unable to contain her tears. Ten hard slaps landed on her cheeks and her once beautiful face was now red and swollen. She'd even caught a case of nosebleed.

The other servants in waiting stood behind, their eyes bulged wide-open. This… this was a case of a servant attempting to advance by leaps and bounds, but unaware that as the mantis stalks the cicadas, it was negligent of the oriole behind. [I]

Yes… one must love the house and love the crow on it… [II]

Jin Mulan had never been like this. They'd poke fun of other members of the house and guests to in secret, but she never seemed to mind.

"It would do well for you to remember that my husband is your master even if he is foolish and a troublemaker. Speak of him again in this manner behind his back, the punishment incurred won't be as simple as a slap in the mouth ten times."

Xiao Ting stared absently.

Miss Jin…

"Get her out of my sight and send her to the embroidery room." Jin Mulan ordered.

Xiao Ting, she was a flying moth that threw itself into a fire. [III]

Xiao Ting panicked and hurriedly knelt down and kowtowed. "Miss Jin, I was in the wrong. I dare not to speak of Master anymore. Spare me… spare me…"

Ten hard slaps in the face, so long as there are no scars, there would no major obstacle, but it'd be tragic if sent to the embroidery room.

The servant's of the Count's Palace was divided into the ranks of upper status and lower status.

Serving Jin Mulan and the Jin Family personally was of the highest honor, but a servant in the embroidery room is no less than a dog with endless piles of work.

But no matter how much she begged for mercy, several of the female servants dragged her out.

"Master Shen, Master Jin wishes to offer you tea." Jin Zhong cupped his hands.

The Count seemed to be in a good. Shen Lang's performance last night was… out of the world and it made his usually grief-stricken and worried face s.h.i.+ne evermore.

Of course, w.a.n.g Lian and Mo Ye are a much better candidate than him. It's just that… Shen Lang's notorious legend was that of a complete waste. He'd given up hope. But yesterday's performance, the feelings incurred wasn't too bad. Maybe his son-in-law would turn out good.

After Shen Lang walked in, he bowed respectfully to his father-in-law and mother-in-law.

"Shen Lang, what are your plans today?" Said the Count.

"My parents worked hard to bring me up. It is unfilial for me to enter the Count's Palace like this. I want to go home and spend time with father and mother."

The Count nodded his head. "It is proper that all filial piety should be paid in kindness first. Go ahead and bring these two gifts for them."

"Yes." Shen Lang replied. "Thank you, father-in-law."

His mother-in-law was both graceful and generous. "My daughter, Mulan, should have gone with you, but she has military affairs every day which keeps her busy. I apologize in her stand."

Shen Lang smiled. "Mother-in-law speaks sound wisdom. This son-in-law will listen well to mother-in-law."

The three avoided the events of last night.

After Shen Lang bid his farewell, the Countess spoke up, a smile donned on her lips. "He isn't so bad, that handsome little boy."

Half an hour later, Shen Lang left the Count's Palace.

If he could have it his way, he'd ride a horse but he was too inexperienced so he sat in a carriage and ordered two knights to escort him.

This luxury carriage was no less than a luxury vehicle from the modern world.

Shen Lang looked up the blue sky.

It was time he visits his family.

[I] Definition: While coveting gains ahead, one should be aware of the danger behind. In this case, Xiao Ting was the mantis attempting to speak horridly of Shen Lang, the cicada, in front of Jin Mulan, the oriole.

[I] Definition: The crow may be ugly, but love it if your really love my house. An allusion to their point of view in regards to Shen Lang, the crow whom they think as trash, and the house they love which is the Count's Palace.

[III] Definition: To say one is a flying moth that throws itself into a fire is to say that he is looking for his own demise.