All these years, the couple had worked hard for the Liu family for the sake of their son. They had begged the head servant to create a position for him so he could slowly climb the ranks.
They did not expect that the second Langjun would return and slander them. Furthermore, he had the insolence to suspect their loyalty! The head servant had not even stopped him but instead allowed him to continue. That was why the couple was complaining to Madam Hu. They hoped that she could do something for them.
They did not mention outright how badly Jiang Pengji was behaving in case their plan backfired.
Even though Madam Hu was a concubine, she still oversaw some matters in the Liu residence. With so much authority, why was she leaving all the decision-making to the second son?
But if they bullied the second Langjun, it would be disrespectful to her. The couple's dislike of the second Langjun was one thing, but they could not disrespect a Liu family member.
That was why the couple only hinted at Liu Lanting's wrongdoing.
The couple had followed Master Liu since they were young. When Master Liu left for work, he left them behind to continue serving the Liu family. They were like Master Liu's representatives in the household. But the second Langjun's actions made it seem as though he did not respect his father!
The people had always observed the importance of filial piety from the Daxia dynasty to the Five Dynasties. It was especially important for officials' families to demonstrate filial piety. A filial person might not become an official, but an unfilial one would definitely not be allowed into court.
Upon hearing the couples' complaint about Liu Lanting, Madam Hu's expression turned serious as she straightened her posture. Now that the couple's woes were being taken seriously, they began calming down.
"You sure know quite a bit…"
Madam Hu sipped her tea. She did not have any makeup on, and her face looked plain. She lacked her usual dazzling beauty and imposing aura. Now, she wore an air of laziness and boredom.
Sensing their opportunity, the couple tried to gain favor with the madam. "Master Liu and Madam Hu sympathizes with us servants. We've been working here for years, and the master has treated us kindly. But now it feels like we've been so badly wronged…"
Madam Hu's expression shifted, and she raised a well groomed brow.
"I am but a low concubine. I can't be compared to the late lady and the other lady in the east wing."
The couple continued. "Don't say that, madam. Back then, all the elders knew who the real childhood lovers were! The heavens created the perfect match… And if the late lady hadn't sunk her claws in…"
The husband bowed his head as he spoke. Madam Hu held an intricately embroidered silk fan before her face, and it shielded her from his depressed expression.
A maid knelt outside the door and quietly called, "Madam Hu, the second Langjun is here."
Madam Hu subconsciously gripped the table by her side and said, "Show him in."
Because Madam Hu was Master Liu's concubine, Jiang Pengji could not enter her room whenever she liked as she had done with her stepmother.
Thankfully, Madam Hu and Liu Lanting had never interacted much. Therefore, it was unlikely that Madam Hu would discover Jiang Pengji's real identity.
The maid opened the door, and Jiang Pengji headed straight for Madam Hu's right side. Then she sat down and said, "You were looking for me?"
Now she could clearly see Madam Hu's appearance.
Even for someone who had seen many beautiful girls, Jiang Pengji was rendered speechless for a moment by Madam Hu's beauty.
The madam did not have the look of a well-bred lady, which was highly sought-after in this era, but she was Jiang Pengji's type. She was enticing but not seductive, and she was very remarkable. She gave off a mature vibe that enchanted onlookers but also made her seem unapproachable.
Her brows were well-groomed, and they made her look healthy. She had a mole under her right eye, and her eyes were half-lidded. Her lashes were thick, long, and slightly curled.
To make a long description short, this lady was mature, beautiful, and had the air of royalty. Her beauty was something that young girls could not fake.
Regardless of whatever era it was, if Jiang Pengji had been rendered speechless by Madam Hu's beauty, then the audiences would be too.
Yongyuan de Tiankong: "Aaaaahhhh. What a pretty lady… lick, lick, lick. Mum's asking why my phone screen is so wet."
Murui Huakai: "She's so gorgeous. I have a new lock screen image."
Bieqiang Wo Erlou: "Streamer! When I saw your dad's concubine, I decided. You're now my friend!"
User3216: "Ahh. Pretty lady, I've already spoiled a phone and computer with my licking. #perv."
UserRey11: "Thank you to that poster for educating us on this channel. This channel has so many pretty girls! It healed my face blindness!"
The stream's screen was suddenly bursting with comments.
Jiang Pengji did not pay much attention to the comments, but with her memory, she would remember even the smallest details.
The System did not need to look at her to know that she was now much happier and more relaxed.
System: "I don't care if you flirt with girls. But this is a harem fight for a boy-girl romance. I do not support a side story between female lovers. I'll cry!"
Jiang Pengji mentally rolled her eyes. The System was cuter when it remained quiet.
"Everyone loves beauty, and this is just my hobby. What gave you the impression that I love girls?"
As Jiang Pengji chatted with the system, Madam Hu made a brief, hoarse sound.
"Where are you looking at?"
Actually, the languid Madam Hu had lost her focus for a moment too.
Of course the madam's momentary lapse was not because of Jiang Pengji's looks, but rather the way she walked. When Madam Hu first saw Jiang Pengji's silhouette through the translucent silk fan, she thought he was like an enemy stalking his way towards her.
She hid her lapse of focus before anyone could notice, and Jiang Pengji had not been looking at her when it happened.
Jiang Pengji gave her a warm smile and replied sweetly, "Of course I'm looking at you. It's been a while since we last saw each other."
Those who were listening were bewildered. She was the Liu household's son. What was she doing trying to seduce her father's concubine?
Jiang Pengji had dared to flirt with Madam Hu, but Madam Hu was aware of Liu Lanting's true gender.