Becoming the Villain's Discarded Wife
Chapter 425 Little Girl’s Thoughts_1

Chapter 425: Chapter 425 Little Girl’s Thoughts_1

"How often does the residence receive a delivery of vegetables?"

Ma Po continued her inquisition, and Ms. Zhao quickly responded.

"When it was warmer, they were delivered once a day, but now that the weather has cooled, it’s once every three days."

"Who delivered the vegetables last time?"

"It... it was that girl, she delivered the vegetables the day before yesterday, meaning she will be coming again tomorrow during the mao period."

Ms. Zhao understood their intentions and quickly chuckled in a pleasing way.

She was only hoping to avoid punishment internally.

Although she had not signed a bondage contract, the city lord’s residence had abundant resources, and she could earn a few taels of silver just from the monthly procurement.

If she were to lose this job due to her careless words, she would undoubtedly be full of regret.

Nanzhi felt somewhat sick at the sight of Ms. Zhao’s yellow teeth.

Ma Po considerately stepped in front of Ms. Zhao, shielding Nanzhi from her view.

Nanzhi then solemnly said: "If the girl comes tomorrow, detain her. If you succeed, your punishment will be lightened. However, if you fail, you should know the consequences."

"Yes, yes..."

Ms. Zhao hurriedly agreed, eager to bow her head, mindful not to bother Nanzhi’s sight, merely hung her head awaiting the verdict.

Haven discussed everything, Nanzhi no longer wished to linger in the kitchen. She brought a handkerchief to her nose and left the kitchen first.

Even though there was no toothpaste here, ordinary people would use salt or willow branches for mouthwash or wood ash for brushing their teeth.

Albeit the weather has cooled, and common people don’t much like bathing or washing their hair, they still clean themselves. Ms. Zhao’s oily hair, in addition to the fragrance oil, carried a foul odor, which was somewhat suffocating.

Moreover, with her body size, she would sweat with just a little movement. A mix of all these odors was something Nanzhi found quite intolerable.

Originally, she felt like eating some sour food, but now her appetite was completely gone.

Ma Po understandably worried and let the kitchen only prepare two light dishes for the evening, but Nanzhi rejected them as well.

Disturbed by the main family at noon and scolded, Ms. Zhao inevitably put all her effort to make two good dishes to please Nanzhi in the evening. However, after waiting for an hour, the servant returned the untouched food.

"What’s the matter?" Ms. Zhao widened her swollen eyes, looking incredulous at the untouched food in the box.

Although she can be a bit of a chatterbox, her cooking skills are unquestionably good, which is why she was allowed into the City Lord’s residence in the first place.

These two dishes were made after considerable thought; how come the lady did not touch them at all?

Could it be, is she due for punishment?

Ms. Zhao’s face turned increasingly ugly, while Cheng Yue on her side was somewhat excited.

The food leftovers from the master usually went to them, the lower servants. Although it was somewhat humiliating, they got to enjoy the good stuff.

Even though the food appeared plain, it was made from the best ingredients.

The soup dressing on the vegetables was made by Aunt Zhao after simmering for three hours.

Qing Lian didn’t say a word, simply standing quietly on one side. As she saw Ms. Zhao’s face darken even more, she cautiously tugged at Cheng Yue’s sleeve.

"Cheng Yue, stop talking..."

Cheng Yue wasn’t as thoughtful, she was just curious at the moment.

"Qing Lian, why are you pulling me?"

Before she could finish, Ms. Zhao raised her hand and slapped her.

The crisp sound of the slap reverberated clearly in the kitchen, leaving Qing Lian terrified.

Ms. Zhao was quite strong, and Cheng Yue was thin, so with just this slap, she fell to the floor.

"You wretched girl! Are you rooting for my downfall?"

Cheng Yue was stunned by the slap. She could only look at Ms. Zhao, teary-eyed, defending herself.

She was only... only looking forward to having a better meal that night.

"I didn’t, Aunt Zhao, I didn’t..."

The young girl was crying so much that she was sobbing, but Ms. Zhao sneered coldly.

"Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to! I’ve eaten more salt than you’ve eaten rice. You think you can play your little games with me? I’m not one to be fooled!"

Ms. Zhao was looking at Qing Lian as she spoke.

Both of these maids worked beside her, and she knew all too well what they were like.

If Cheng Yue was simply a naive fool, then Qing Lian was sly and scheming.

Cheng Yue’s family wasn’t particularly wealthy, they had only been hoping to get a better life for her, so they spent silver to place their daughter here.

Initially, the girl was humble and did her chores diligently, even sending her monthly allowances back home.

But she started harboring unwanted thoughts after she became closer with Qing Lian.

Thinking of this, Ms. Zhao’s gaze turned colder, she gave Qing Lian a quick, icy glance before throwing off her apron and leaving.

The kitchen was left with the sobbing Cheng Yue, the errand boy who had just delivered food, and Qing Lian.

The errand boy, being an indentured servant, merely pretended not to see, leaving the kitchen after setting down the food box.

Qing Lian was intimidated by Ms. Zhao’s words earlier.

"Qing Lian, it hurts so much..." Cheng Yue was pitiful, her face was red and swollen. Even her mouth was wounded, and the taste of copper in her mouth was unbearable.

When she didn’t get a response from Qing Lian after a long while, Cheng Yue raised her eyes in grievance and noticed Qing Lian glaring at her resentfully.

The young girl was stunned, then heard Qing Lian speaking hurriedly the next second.

"Cheng Yue, hurry and get up, I’ll apply some medicine for you when we get back. Make sure you don’t leave any bruises."

As gentle and caring as ever, the young girl was a bit dazed, wondering if she had just imagined the resentment in Qing Lian’s eyes.

"Okay..."

Nanzhi got out of bed early the next morning.

Unlike summer, the foggy early mornings of late autumn allowed the cold to sneak in even when the window was only slightly opened.

Nanzhi’s hands and feet were very cold. Despite having several tonics, the cold was still unbearable. Ma Po was worried about her catching a chill, so she made sure to warm her clothes and shoes before letting her put them on.

She had to wear a cloak before stepping outside as well.

At this time, when there was only a streak of white in the sky, Nanzhi was already awake. Knowing that she had to rise early today, Ma Po had towels and warm water ready. While Nanzhi was washing up, she ironed the clothes Nanzhi was to wear with a box filled with hot coals.

"Madam, your clothes have been warmed."

Ma Po held up the clothes.

Despite having lived like this for three months, Nanzhi was still not very fond of this lifestyle.

It was just getting dressed, why was it so troublesome?

Yet, Ma Po was stubborn. If it were not Nanzhi’s insistence, she would probably want to perform even the simple act of brushing teeth for her.

"Madam, remember not to lose your temper today."

While helping Nanzhi dress, Ma Po reminded her.

Women must be cautious during pregnancy, but they must also have a certain amount of activity. Being overly cautious might unsettle the baby.

But if you lose your temper, it might be harmful to the woman herself.

"I know."

Nanzhi was somewhat helpless, but she felt content inside.

At least Ma Po was not as overprotective as the other pregnant women’s caretakers. She could still do a few things she wanted to do. Plus, Ma Po was careful in her work and took good care of her, despite her constant naggings.