Chapter 6, Miss Ding

Oh, Second Young Master, why did you kick me

Manager Liu swore by heaven and earth: "Indeed, only fifteen have entered, and it is all recorded in the accounts. Old Sun from the warehouse and I have counted carefully, and there is certainly not one less."

"Yes, yes, yes," those burly men quickly picked up their sticks and exited the hall. Miss Ding glanced at Ding Hao and suddenly let out a soft sigh: "You... having served the second young master since childhood, still do not understand his temperament? This person is as stubborn as a mule; if you try to lead him, he will resist, and he cannot tolerate anyone saying 'no' to him. Why must you be so obstinate? A person like him would never truly care for this family. Whether or not you stole that roe deer, since he claims you did, as long as you admit it and bow your head to sincerely apologize, you will definitely not be beaten. He has squandered mountains of gold and silver; would he care about a single roe deer?"

Ding Hao struggled to walk over to Yang Shi, helping her up from the ground. He gently wiped the blood from her forehead and sincerely called out, "Mother, does your head still hurt?"

He heard that the young lady and the second young master were both waiting for him. He did not understand where he had gone wrong. Without caring about the coldness of the ground, he hurriedly put on his clothes and boots and rushed over. At present, he was not wearing any undergarments, his socks were missing, his robe and books were awkwardly arranged, and his hair was disheveled. The expression on his chubby face was truly remarkable

Ding Chengye looked up and said in a sarcastic tone, "Sister, why do you always seem to be against me? I am managing the household servants and enforcing family rules; is that also wrong?"

Miss Ding Yuluo of the Ding family swayed her slender waist, her long legs gracefully positioned, as a pair of doe-skin boots struck the blue brick floor with a resonant sound. Under the lights, this young lady donned a fox fur coat, standing tall and elegant, with a white fox fur hat atop her head, complementing her picturesque features, exuding a charm that carried a hint of the unique vigor characteristic of women from the northern regions.

"Ahem, ahem." Yan Jiu lifted the lantern, glanced at the second young master, then at the young lady, and hurriedly stepped out of the main hall. Just as he exited, Ding Chengye, who followed closely behind, kicked him hard in the rear, causing Yan Jiu to stumble forward, the lantern rolling far away and igniting with a whoosh.

Xiao Qing, go and call the kitchen manager. Have him first ascertain how much venison has been purchased for the household, and then bring the account book over immediately

Yang was once a maid in the Ding family’s main residence. Although she had long been expelled from the inner courtyard, several of her close friends from back then have now become influential figures in the inner courtyard, each managing some affairs and having a say in front of the madam and Miss Tushu. Yang was aware of her lowly status and that she might not be able to restrain the notoriously willful second young master. Therefore, before hurrying over, she had already sent a message to the inner courtyard through a few of her friends, informing the young lady of the situation.

The main hall was enveloped in tranquility, with only the faint crackling sound of the burning pine resin torch. After a while, the plump kitchen steward Liu Ming hurried in, holding the account book, under the guidance of Miss Qing. This hefty fellow, having eaten and drunk his fill, had already taken off his clothes early on, and was laboriously toiling away on the kang, embracing his wife's plump, fair backside. When Miss Qing shouted from outside, he was startled and jumped off the kang, his large, steaming sausage-like appendage prominently displayed.

Thank you, miss, but no need

Uh... yes, yes, it is... Liu Guan Shi did not understand why the young lady only inquired about the roe deer meat, so he quickly opened the account book and said: "Replying to the young lady, the village has prepared the New Year goods and has received fifteen roe deer. I have just checked, and all fifteen roe deer are frozen solid, stored in the warehouse, not a single one is missing"

Yang looked at his usually timid and dull son with surprise. He completely ignored the two masters present and walked over as if no one else was there, helping her up and speaking to her. His heart was filled with astonishment, joy, and a hint of anxiety, and he hurriedly whispered, "Mother is fine. The eldest young lady and the second young master are present, do not be rude, quickly kneel down."

Yan Jiu eagerly asked, "Did you see clearly? Indeed, not a single one is missing, and only fifteen entered?"

Ding Chengye remained silent, lifted his robe, raised his boot, and directly stepped over Yan Jiu. Yan Jiu stared blankly at his back, smacked his lips, and only then did he come to his senses. He quickly got up, following behind him like a dog with its tail between its legs, looking sheepish and awkward.

Miss Ding cast a glance at Ding Chengye, who was sitting there with a blank expression. After a moment, he suddenly stretched lazily, yawned, and drowsily said: "I'm tired, Xiao Jiu'er. The lanterns are lit ahead; let's go back to sleep."

Ding Yuluo gracefully walked to the door, turned back once more at the sound, gazed deeply at him, and then smiled gently: "Having backbone is commendable, but if a person possesses no skills yet remains full of pride, that is to be unaware of the times, and even in death, no one will mourn them..."

"Thank you, Miss Xie, for your guidance," Ding Hao said in a stiff tone. A surge of blood was still boiling within him; today, Ding Chengye was clearly looking to cause him trouble. If he were to admit it, he would be in an even worse situation. However, there was no need for him to explain this to the young lady.

Ding Hao, feeling aggrieved, immediately retorted upon hearing this: "Miss, it is true that I am a servant, but a servant is still a human being. There are certain things that can be endured because they do not touch upon what one desperately wishes to protect in their heart. Everyone should have something in their heart that they are willing to sacrifice their life to defend; otherwise, what difference is there between them and a dog or a pig"

Ding Yuluo's bright eyes glanced at him and then quickly withdrew: "Since you are aware, do not be so stubborn in the future. You are his servant; I can protect you for a time, but not for a lifetime. When it is necessary to yield, you must yield. When you are faced with grievances, do not always feel that you are being wronged. Be a bit more perceptive; otherwise, how will you enjoy the fruits of your labor?"

Ding Hao pretended not to hear, supporting her as they stepped aside, standing still and coldly gazing at the pair of siblings seated at the head of the table. Both siblings wore stern expressions, avoiding each other's gaze, yet Ding Hao's composed demeanor puzzled Ding Yu Luo somewhat. It was as if she were seeing Ding Hao for the first time, and she couldn't help but turn her head to take a closer look at him.

Miss Ding looked at him in surprise, once again facing this half-brother whose identity and circumstances were completely different from her own: "Is this still the same timid and shy Ding Hao?"

Upon hearing this, Ding Yuluo became furious. The Ding family had thousands of tenant households, over a thousand long-term workers, and several hundred servants and maids in the Ding family courtyard. Such a vast estate could only be well-organized and orderly through strict rules and clear rewards and punishments. How could it be allowed for Ding Chengye to act recklessly? Therefore, he rushed over immediately

Miss Ding raised her eyes to glance at the surrounding estate workers and淡淡地 instructed, "You all may return and rest now"

Miss Ding cast a gentle glance at him with her bright eyes and softly asked, "Liu Ming, is there any roe deer meat among the New Year goods we have prepared at our residence? If so, how much was procured, and how much remains after your inventory? Report to me honestly, without any errors!"

She pressed her lips together, extended her delicate hands to tightly grasp the fox fur, and gracefully rose, saying: "Go back to sleep, Xiao Qing. Later, send them some wound medicine."

"Yes, Miss." The maid Qing'er glanced at the young lady, then at Young Master Ding Er, and swiftly left. Ding Yuluo shot a sideways glance at Ding Chengye, then walked over to a nearby chair and sat down with an air of nonchalance. Ding Chengye looked around, suddenly let out a cold laugh, and also sat down without hesitation

Whether it is right or wrong, one must verify it before knowing; one cannot unjustly accuse others without reason