noffsinger Chapter 9 Liu Xiaoyu's Visit (2)
Chapter 9 Liu Xiaoyu's Visit (2)
Liu Xiaoyu stared wide-eyed at Qin Yaoyao's seemingly nonchalant face, her heart pounding with anxiety. She knew perfectly well that her personal visit today was not simply out of concern for her friend! In fact, she carried a heavy responsibility and urgently needed Qin Yaoyao's help with something crucial.
The reason was simple: recently, a multitude of rumors targeting her and the Third Prince had been circulating widely, spreading rapidly like wildfire. If these malicious rumors were allowed to continue, they would not only bring them endless trouble but could also trigger unexpected crises. Considering Qin Yaoyao's high position in the palace and her extensive network of connections, she should be able to easily quell this storm! Therefore, Liu Xiaoyu was now earnestly hoping that Qin Yaoyao would step forward and lend her a helping hand.
Liu Xiaoyu said to Qin Yaoyao with a worried look on her face, "Yaoyao, we can't just let those rumors spread everywhere!"
Qin Yaoyao calmly replied, "Xiaoyu, you should know the saying 'rumors stop with the wise,' so why should we bother arguing with them?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Xiaoyu immediately became anxious and retorted, "How can that be?" Qin Yaoyao looked at Liu Xiaoyu with some surprise, clearly not expecting her to be so agitated. Liu Xiaoyu then realized that her attitude was somewhat inappropriate, so she quickly apologized, saying, "I'm sorry, Yaoyao, my attitude was bad just now. I was just too anxious."
Qin Yaoyao smiled and said she didn't care, comforting her, "It's okay, I didn't take it to heart." In fact, Qin Yaoyao knew very well that Liu Xiaoyu wanted her to stand up and clarify these rumors, but she pretended not to know, just to spite Liu Xiaoyu.
After hearing Qin Yaoyao's words, Liu Xiaoyu thought to herself, "This woman is such an idiot! I've made myself so clear, yet she still doesn't understand what I mean." Helpless, Liu Xiaoyu decided to stop beating around the bush and said directly to Qin Yaoyao, "Yaoyao, actually, I'm hoping to get your help."
Hearing this, Qin Yaoyao's face revealed a barely perceptible smile, thinking to herself, "Hehe, finally couldn't hold back, huh?" But on the surface, she pretended to be surprised and replied, "Xiaoyu, why are you being so polite with me? We're good friends, helping each other is only natural!" Then, she deliberately raised her voice and asked loudly, "Okay, tell me quickly, what do you need me to help you with?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Xiaoyu's face lit up with joy. She thought, "Haha, this fool is so easily fooled! But that suits me perfectly. Only this way can I make her completely obedient and manipulate her." So, Liu Xiaoyu put on a pitiful expression and pleaded, "Yaoyao, recently some people have been spreading rumors and slandering me, causing me a lot of trouble. You've always been very popular; if you could stand up and clarify these rumors for me, I would be extremely grateful. You'll definitely help me, right?"
"This…" Qin Yaoyao said with a troubled expression, "My mother has been keeping a close eye on me these past few days, not allowing me to step out of my room at all. So I'm afraid I really can't help you clarify the facts this time. I'm so sorry, Xiaoyu!" Liu Xiaoyu became anxious upon hearing this. If she couldn't find someone to help clear up this misunderstanding, her reputation would be severely damaged. Once she was labeled "malicious" and "deliberately plotting to harm others," especially by her good friend, how could she face anyone in the future? Who would dare to marry her? If things continued like this, she feared she wouldn't even have a way to survive.
"What should I do? Yao Yao, you have to help me no matter what, otherwise my life will be completely ruined!" Liu Xiaoyu gripped Qin Yao Yao's hand tightly, her face full of pleading. However, Qin Yao Yao also looked helpless, indicating that although she wanted to help Liu Xiaoyu, she was powerless to do so. Just as she was about to continue explaining, Liu Xiaoyu abruptly interrupted her: "Yao Yao, actually, clarifying things doesn't necessarily require you to come forward in person. As long as you can spread the truth, that's enough."
"Oh, right! How come I didn't think of that before?" Qin Yaoyao suddenly realized after Liu Xiaoyu's reminder. However, she then frowned and said, "But Xiaoyu, I really have no way of knowing whether it was the Third Prince who saved me. After all, I was unconscious at the time and completely lost consciousness. I was truly powerless to help!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Xiaoyu thought to herself: If she were to defend herself, she feared it would displease the Third Prince and might even incur his wrath. But given the circumstances, there seemed to be no other way; if she didn't clarify the facts, the consequences would be unimaginable! So she said, "Alright, I suppose the Third Prince won't blame you."
Qin Yaoyao observed Liu Xiaoyu's expression and continued, "Xiaoyu, you know how furious my brothers and sisters are when they found out you led me to the pond, causing me to fall into the water. They claim that since you took me there, you should have ensured my safety. They even said they're going to the Grand Tutor today to demand justice." At this point, Qin Yaoyao couldn't help but sigh softly.
Then, she put on a pitiful look and continued to Liu Xiaoyu, "Xiaoyu, look how much I've suffered because of you. To appease my father, brothers, and sisters' anger, I'll definitely have to pay a price. Besides, I also need to help you dispel those false rumors, which also requires asking someone for favors. You can't expect me to pay for everything myself, can you?" Having said that, Qin Yaoyao looked at Liu Xiaoyu with a resentful gaze, awaiting her response. Upon hearing that she was asked to contribute something, Liu Xiaoyu felt a surge of displeasure. However, she also understood the situation; there's no reason to ask someone for money when you need help. So, she suppressed her displeasure and pretended to be calm, saying, "Of course, just tell me what you need." But inwardly, she muttered, "Trying to get something for such a small thing, how stingy!"
Qin Yaoyao knew that Grand Tutor Liu valued his reputation highly, so she deliberately brought up his grandfather's name. Sure enough, Liu Xiaoyu would agree. Besides, the Liu family was quite wealthy, with Liu's mother managing the household affairs. Therefore, Qin Yaoyao had been waiting for Liu Xiaoyu to say those words.
When the time was right, Qin Yaoyao responded without hesitation, "I want the rouge shop on East Street as an apology. As for the others, you can decide for yourself. After all, the gifts are for people in the palace and those with high official positions, so the gifts can't be too shabby, Xiaoyu, what do you think?" After saying that, Qin Yaoyao winked mischievously, as if to show Liu Xiaoyu her innocence and naivety.
Upon hearing Qin Yaoyao's greedy demand for money, Liu Xiaoyu felt a surge of anger. She was about to reprimand her, but before she could utter a word, Qin Yaoyao cut her off. Left with no other option, Liu Xiaoyu said, "Yaoyao, I can't make this decision myself. I need to go home and discuss it with my family." Qin Yaoyao looked at Liu Xiaoyu, a slight smile playing on her lips, and said softly, "I understand. This is a big matter, and it certainly requires discussion with family. However, I believe you will give me an answer as soon as possible, right? After all, the longer it drags on, the more the rumors will spread. What do you think, Xiaoyu?"
Listening to Qin Yaoyao's words, Liu Xiaoyu understood that this matter couldn't be delayed for too long. She thought to herself, "When did Qin Yaoyao become so clever and cunning?" She had originally planned to have Qin Yaoyao pay the money first, then deliberately delay for a while, perhaps ending up not having to repay it. Now it seemed that plan wouldn't work, and she could only obediently go back to her mother to discuss a solution.
Thinking of this, Liu Xiaoyu became increasingly anxious to rush home and report the matter to her mother. So, she quickly stood up and said to Qin Yaoyao, "Yaoyao, you make a good point. I'll go back and discuss it with my mother right away. You rest assured, I'll be going now." Qin Yaoyao smiled and nodded in agreement. Liu Xiaoyu didn't linger any longer, turned and left hurriedly, as if she didn't want to stay a moment longer.
Watching her departing figure, Qin Yaoyao revealed a sarcastic smile. Liu Xiaoyu, this is just the beginning. I will make you pay back tenfold for what you owed me in my past life.
Shortly after Liu Xiaoyu left, Yingchun and Banxia entered the room. Yingchun frowned, looking worried, and asked, "Miss, are you really going to clarify those rumors for that woman? In my opinion, they're not rumors at all; they're clearly the truth! Otherwise, how could they be spread so vividly and convincingly?" Banxia nodded in agreement, adding, "Yes, Miss, we've finally encountered such a perfect opportunity; why should we help her refute these rumors?"
Qin Yaoyao looked at the two maids' worried expressions, a slight smile playing on her lips as she comforted them, "You two are such silly girls. You know, rumors like this rarely last long unless someone deliberately manipulates them. Once a new hot topic emerges, the previous rumors will naturally disappear. So why should I bother to clear her name? However, she will definitely give me some benefits. After all, I suffered an undeserved disaster, so I can't leave without gaining anything, right? She has to pay some price so she doesn't think I'm easy to bully. Don't you think that makes sense?"
After hearing Qin Yaoyao's words, the two maids finally felt relieved. However, Banxia was still puzzled and asked, "Miss, if these rumors can be covered up so easily, why did she insist on seeking your help to clarify them? Wouldn't it be better to wait a few days?" Yingchun also stared at Qin Yaoyao with a face full of suspicion.
Qin Yaoyao smiled slightly and patiently explained, "Actually, the reason is quite simple. This rumor has been circulating for several days, and logically, they should have already taken measures to deal with it. Unfortunately, these efforts don't seem to have been effective. So where exactly is the problem?"
Yingchun pondered for a moment, then cautiously tried to answer: "Could it be that someone else is interfering and deliberately trying to prevent the rumors from subsiding?"
Qin Yaoyao gazed at Yingchun's ecstatic expression, a slight smile playing on her lips as she raised an eyebrow and replied, "Absolutely right! That's why she was so anxious, and as soon as she learned that I had woken up, she couldn't wait to come and ask me for help."
Yingchun spoke again, "Miss, why did you only ask for one rouge shop? In my opinion, you should ask for several! After all, our young lady almost met with misfortune." Qin Yaoyao replied happily, "Naturally, among the many shops in the Grand Tutor's mansion, this shop is the most profitable! I'm going to cut off her source of income!"
Banxia was equally pleased, but still asked with some doubt, "So, will Miss Liu really hand over that rouge shop to you, Miss?"
Qin Yaoyao replied confidently, "Definitely! Her grandfather, Grand Tutor Liu, is a man who cares a great deal about his reputation. As Grand Tutor Liu's most valued and highly anticipated granddaughter, how could he bear to watch his granddaughter, whom he has nurtured for so many years, have her future ruined? Therefore, he will definitely agree to this. Not only that, but besides this shop, he will probably also hand over his other properties. After all, no matter how important money is, it can't compare to the unparalleled glory that his granddaughter can bring him, which would make him feel satisfied!" After listening to Qin Yaoyao's words, the two maids nodded in agreement.
Qin Yaoyao continued speaking, but at the same time, she was filled with doubt: "But I am very curious about who spread such rumors?" Yingchun pondered for a moment, and then guessed: "Could it be those young masters?" Qin Yaoyao thought about it and felt that this possibility did exist.
Meanwhile, Liu Xiaoyu had returned home and told her mother everything Qin Yaoyao had said and demanded favors. Upon hearing this, Liu's mother was furious, saying, "Hmph! What an arrogant brat! Asking her for help was already a favor, but she's so ungrateful and demanding! It's outrageous!"
Seeing this, Liu Xiaoyu asked anxiously, "What should we do?" After calming down and thinking for a moment, Liu's mother replied, "Xiaoyu, don't panic. Let's go find your grandfather and hear his opinion on this matter before making a decision. Come on, let's go right now." After saying that, the two hurriedly headed towards Liu Xiaoyu's grandfather's residence.
Having finished speaking, the two hurried towards Grand Tutor Liu's courtyard. Upon arriving, they told Grand Tutor Liu in detail about Qin Yaoyao's willingness to help but her demand for numerous favors. Grand Tutor Liu, upon hearing this, fell into deep thought. Seeing this, Grand Tutor Liu's mother understood; the old man must be reluctant to part with those things. So she said, "Father, why don't we not trouble her with her help? Perhaps after some time, these rumors will dissipate."
Grand Tutor Liu glared at his mother and said angrily, "Foolish woman! In all these days, we have spread many other messages, but have you heard any other rumors?" His mother thought for a moment, shook her head slightly, and replied, "I have not heard anything."