Chapter 29 – My Host Can’t Be That Cruel (Part 3)
It turns out some of Jiang Pengji’s words are just like toilet paper—used once and tossed aside, spoken once and consider it a fart.
The insults on the screen were getting worse, and some little angels, unable to take it anymore, jumped into the fray, making the situation even more chaotic.
Jiang Pengji had a keen eye. She skillfully spotted comments from certain little angels wishing to see an ancient room layout up close among the torrent of insults and quarrels. While others were embroiled in the chaos, she remained completely unfazed.
Liu Lanting, as the only remaining “legitimate child,” had most of the family’s resources tilted in her favor. Liu Father was often away on business, leaving the study at home pretty much exclusive to Liu Lanting. Even the only bastard younger brother had to seek her permission to borrow books.
In this era, the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children was stark. In some noble families, a bastard’s status was lower than that of even the household servants.
I heard that the bastard younger brother bumped his head while playing yesterday. I wonder how he’s doing now?
She didn’t need to act overly concerned, nor did she need sibling camaraderie; a slight inquiry would do.
If she asked too much, others would find it strange.
To the east in the outer courtyard was a fairly spacious study, filled with various bamboo slips and books bound with precious bamboo paper. The calligraphy there was strikingly beautiful, and even Jiang Pengji, who knew little about calligraphy, had to admit that the handwriting was indeed pleasing to the eye.
In this era, books were a significant indicator of a family’s depth, and these rare bamboo paper volumes were especially prized.
At that moment, a comment caught her attention.
【ForeverSky】: What a huge bug! What dynasty is this streamer setting up? They already have paper?
Paper?
Jiang Pengji snapped back to reality, pinching a sheet between her thumb and index finger. The texture was far smoother than she had imagined. To her, this paper seemed incredibly rough, yet in the ancient era during the early days of paper’s invention, it was worth more than gold.
In Liu Lanting’s memory, the paper commonly used by outside nobles was even rougher than this?
It seemed this Liu Residence was indeed impressive; Jiang Pengji felt a spark of interest, the corner of her mouth lifting slightly.
Perhaps the insults had been too fierce; many jumped to this channel to watch the uproar. Jiang Pengji glanced at the viewer count rapidly approaching a thousand; the System was likely overjoyed, perhaps even grinning from ear to ear.
Just then, a maid outside the study whispered, “Second Young Master, Lady Die is asking for you.”
Lady Die?
Jiang Pengji frowned slightly, wondering what she wanted from her. The dormant System immediately seemed as hyped as if it had been given a shot of adrenaline, exclaiming, “Ahhh! This must be an exciting and dramatic household battle! I’m all set to record!”
“Don’t get your hopes up. It’s probably about the servants. Perfect timing; I was actually thinking about going over.”
Jiang Pengji returned the book to the shelf, walked to the door, and said to the maid, “Lead the way. Don’t keep Aunt Die waiting.”
Meanwhile, several fresh comments floated by that strayed from the quarrels.
【Who Doesn’t Bathe】: Pfft, did I mishear? Second Young Master… What dynasty is this? I almost thought you meant Erlang Shen.
【Who Can’t Stand Not Washing Feet】: Hahaha, I almost misheard too, and my mind went straight to the Big Cousin with his instant noodle hairstyle! 23333
Jiang Pengji was puzzled. She knew about Erlang Shen, the mythological figure from ancient times, but what’s with Big Cousin and instant noodle hairstyles?
【Murmuring Flowers Blooming】: Host, where did you find such a classically graceful beauty? So elegant! She’s way better than those museum wax figures! Can you adjust the camera angle? I want a close-up! Make it bigger, and bigger! Begging!
Jiang Pengji frowned just as the maid stepped wrong and leaned forward, about to fall.
“Be careful.”
Without thinking, she quickly stepped forward, her long arm wrapping around the maid’s slim waist while her other hand steadied her shoulder. With a graceful spin, she released the forward momentum, allowing both of them to regain their balance.
“Next time, be more careful. If you miss a step and fall, not only might you hurt yourself, but you could also twist an ankle.”
Jiang Pengji let go of the maid without hesitation, but her expression remained gently concerned, showing no sign of reproach.
“Th-thank you, Second Young Master…”
The maid, still in shock, bowed hurriedly, fearing Jiang Pengji might scold her, but to her surprise, Jiang Pengji not only had helped her but also spoke to her with genuine concern.
A wave of heartwarming comments washed over the previous insults.
【Murmuring Flowers Blooming】: I was just happily screenshotting several beautiful classic lady pictures, so my computer and phone wallpapers wouldn’t need changing! However… I was not prepared for such an adorable moment! QAQ Host, how can you flirt with such a lovely beauty?
【ForeverSky】: Totally unprepared for this adorable moment! The host is so lucky!
【Stowaway Non-Money】: 23333, when it comes to flirting techniques, I have to hand it to the host.
【Don’t Steal My Second Floor】: My inner girl was about to explode! Let the host go! I want in!
“No need to thank me. Hurry along to Aunt Die; I wonder what she wants with me…”
That maid usually showed no warmth to Liu Lanting.
But today, for some reason, she had an impulse not typical of her, slightly tilting her head to say quietly, “In response to Second Young Master, it seems there’s been an issue with the housekeepers that have escalated to Lady Die. The whole family is making a fuss, claiming Second Young Master has treated them harshly.”
【Stowaway Non-Money】: 23333333333, I dare guarantee that this maid is now under the spell of male hormones from the streaming!
Jiang Pengji glanced at the comment, secretly smiling at her own helplessness.
【Host V】: Beautiful and adorable little sisters deserve meticulous care! I just can’t bear for her to frown over a sprained ankle.
In no time, the comments exploded again, a flurry of 66666666 overwhelmed the previous quarrelsome comments.
Jiang Pengji was in high spirits. Not only because the chat was now alive with positivity, but also thanks to the information revealed by the maid.
Some people are just so considerate, aware that she’s missing a ‘chicken’ in her current scheme to intimidate others, and here they were, delivering themselves right to her doorstep.
【Stowaway Non-Money】: I have a strange premonition; why do I feel like the host is about to unleash a big move?
Meanwhile, Lady Die, just regaining her composure, was inwardly cursing Jiang Pengji. She genuinely didn’t understand what she had done to deserve this troublesome little brat. One issue after another kept landing in her lap; the older ones were off on official duties, and the younger ones were unsettled and restless.
Taking a sip of tea, Lady Die leaned back, her pale face showing signs of illness.
The housekeeper couple and their son were kneeling on the floor, their faces streaked with tears, lamenting their loyalty to the Liu Residence, emphasizing that they had never been negligent. If loyalty had rankings, they’d surely be in the top three.
Years ago, Liu Father had insisted on moving out from the clan’s estate against the opposition of his legitimate brother. This couple had abandoned better prospects, sticking together through thick and thin. Now that the master was returning soon, they had not anticipated that the reckless Second Young Master would use some unfounded accusation to try and kick them out.
