1 Receiving Ten Noble Ladies (1)
~ Grand Qing Shan Rou Mansion, Main Hall
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"My lord, all the treasures had been placed in the storage building. There are also ten ladies sent to the mansion earlier today. These ladies are from the noble family here in the south," the head servant of the mansion reported.
Her voice was faint with a tone full of caution. After all the years that she had been serving this mansion, she could easily predict the master's temper.
Based on the atmosphere of the hall, she could tell that the young lord seemed to be in deep thought. Thus, she does not want to startle this master.
When Qing Shan Rou did not reply to her, she slowly tilted her head and looked up.
The man was looking intently outside the window, where the entire scenery of the horizon could be seen. He seemed to be in a daze as his golden eyes were not blinking. He was just staring in the space facing the ocean.
Out of a sudden, two ladies entered the hall and greeted the head servant. The ladies were carrying a pot of tea, hinting that they wanted to serve the master of the mansion.
But the head servant slowly shook her head.
"Concubines, there is no need to serve a tea. My report won't be long. Do not disturb the master."
The two ladies nodded and quietly left upon hearing the instruction of the head servant. They were all obedient and did not make any complaints.
Outside the window, the sky was gloomy and the dark clouds were threatening to produce heavy rain. It would look like there was a storm brewing from the distant sea. Just like the weather, there was also a hint of coldness on this young man's face.
He was wearing a sophisticated black robe that was adorned with a fine thread of gold. All the decorations of his mansion were similar to what he wore. Dark with the golden ornaments arranged by his concubines.
"My lord?" the head servant called him in a very respectful tone after a while of not getting a response. Her hand was still hanging in the air while waiting for the lord to get the manual report of the gifts they had received that day.
The man finally snapped out from his reverie. He cleared his throat and turned his attention to the head servant. He casually took the manual from her hand.
Silence followed along with the casual sound of waves outside the manor. The sound of the sea breeze on the shoreline made the entire place comforting.
The man flipped the book and he intently read the long lists of gifts written on it. Then, he carefully placed the book on his wooden table and looked at the head servant once more.
"My lord, all the ladies are not a spy. Their identity is confirmed by the guards," the head servant added after the man gave her a questioning look.
"Nanny Zhang, in your opinion, should we let these ten women stay in the mansion? Or should I build a different mansion for them?" his tone was full of curiosity as he peered down to the long list of women.
This man had a separate storage place for his gold and other valuable treasures. Now, he wondered if he had to build another building for his women.
Upon hearing the man's inquiry, the eyes of the head servant became widened. "My lord! Those ladies are from the noble families! They will be insulted if we don't let these women live inside your mansion!"
"Oh? I see, then you take care of these women and make arrangements properly. If you need assistance, you may ask the head guard so that he can find and hire one to help you," the man ordered.
"Yes, my lord. I will do as you say. But, you must greet the ladies first to give a face to their noble backgrounds. They are in the dining hall. The kitchen had prepared food for their arrival."
The man contemplated for a few breaths. He does not seem in a good mood to meet the ladies. He took a glance outside the window before he slowly stood from his seat.
The man's robe fluttered and he looked dignified. As he took a step forward, the cold wind brushed upon his skin causing him to rub his hand and his shoulder.
"Who could have caused this bad weather? Do you think some expert had reached immortality right now?" the man asked. He suspected that such might be the case for the weather that morning was totally bright. The abrupt change of weather does not seem natural.
"My lord, that gloomy area where the clouds gathered, that is where the vast island is located," the head servant reminded him.
"Ohh, is that so? Hah! That's actually the place of witch Hui Yin Shi? Hehe, maybe the heavens are punishing her for causing such rebellious act of gathering men on that island," the man instantly changed his thought after knowing the location.
"My lord, you can't say that. She is also a master of Yin cultivation. Rumors say that this master possessed a heaven-defying power and beauty!"
"HAHA, she must have refined her cultivation by making those men dry! That witch Hui Yin Shi deceived those men, she should be punished!" the man clicked his tongue in disdain. He had heard rumors of the lady but no one had ever seen her.
Nanny Zhang looked paled and her forehead began to sweat. She had read some book about witchcraft that those who practiced witchery could hear those people who were cursing them. She even imagined that the lady may be using the ocean water to practice.
"My lord, you are strong. But the power of Hui Yin Shi is unknown. You must remember that there is a danger to those who have kept their power secret. Do not curse her or she might curse us back," the head servant whispered.
"Hahaha, nanny Zhang, you are actually scared of that witch! She does not even dare to set foot here on the mainland. How can she be that powerful?"
"But... ahh, I just hope we will never cross our path with this lady master. It is said that wherever she goes, she had the power to make everyone submit to her orders. She used witchcraft and her Yin cultivation to hypnotize everyone!"
"Nanny Zhang, you have read too many stories in the pavilion of books. That witch Hui Yin Shi is not so terrifying. Now, let's tend to the ten females so I can have a rest. Lead the way," the man instructed and the head servant quickly bowed to him before she guided the man.
