Chapter 54 – Selecting House Servants (Part 2)
House servant?
A flicker of surprise crossed the Tooth Matron’s eyes as she instinctively turned her gaze toward the Old Steward.
This detail caught Jiang Pengji’s attention; her brows furrowed slightly, her sandalwood fan already closed, tapping rhythmically against her palm as she coldly inquired, “Is there a problem? Hmm?”
In the blink of an eye, her icy gaze sharpened, bearing a weight that felt like a boulder pressing down on one’s heart, inducing an indescribable unease.
Though this Tooth Shop was officially licensed and operated as a legitimate business, it was, at its core, still profiting from the sordid trade of human trafficking.
In this industry, who could match their skill in shifting with the winds and conversing appropriately with different people?
The Tooth Matron before them was a true industry leader; otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to run her business to such an extent.
However, things took a peculiar turn now, as the Tooth Matron nearly gasped under Jiang Pengji’s formidable presence, struggling to lower her hefty figure, beads of sweat rolling down her forehead like slick oil, causing the silk flowers in her hair to tremble with her every movement.
【Farmer Spring Water Has Its Suspense】: Excuse me? Is the streamer really going to showcase servant selection today?
【Sleep with All Kinds of Male Gods】: Hahaha, sleep with civil and military officials seems promising; is the streamer planning to create a personal troupe?
【A Meter of Sunshine】: But it’s odd, why did the streamer say she wants to buy house servants and the Tooth Matron reacted like that?
This question lingered not just in the curious minds of the audience; Jiang Pengji was also momentarily befuddled. But seeing the Old Steward’s expression, she suddenly grasped the situation and smirked, adding, “By the way, the strong boys sold off from the Liu Residence don’t need to be presented before me.”
Previously, the house servants sold off due to mishaps at Liu Residence had mostly ended up in this Tooth Shop. As for why the Tooth Matron looked astonished?
One could easily understand that any reputable noble family would prefer their house servants to be born in the household, ensuring undivided loyalty. Servants who had escaped midway for purchases posed not only questions about their backgrounds but also about their fidelity.
While the Liu Clan wasn’t at its peak, it had thrived for hundreds of years. Jiang Pengji personally coming to select house servants naturally surprised the Tooth Matron.
At this moment, the Old Steward calmly intervened, dispelling the Tooth Matron’s concerns as he went to select and arrange suitable candidates.
As a model in the industry, the Tooth Matron’s efficiency was commendable; in no time, she had gathered a collection of individuals.
She flattering remarked, “In response to the Young Master, I have already brought them over; they are now waiting in the courtyard.”
Her voice was so syrupy it could induce diabetes, the trembling of her body betraying her attempt to appear unaffected.
This was indeed bizarre. Expecting a lucrative deal, she approached, but upon meeting the boy’s gaze, it felt as though all her garments had been stripped away, as if he could see the color of her very heart, leaving her chilled to the bone.
Jiang Pengji observed the Tooth Matron’s unnatural posture, her slightly pale lips curling into a faint smile.
Rising, she remarked, “Let’s go take a look; if they don’t meet my requirements, I’ll trouble you to bring another batch.”
“Of course, no one in Hejian County has better quality than what I offer,” the Tooth Matron assured, almost thumping her chest in guarantee.
All those waiting for selection were in the courtyard, and the Tooth Matron eagerly led the way, hinting, “Is there anything else the Young Master wishes to view?”
What was the Tooth Matron’s role?
When officials or wealthy households wanted to buy concubines, singing girls, dancers, cooks, seamstresses, or rough maids, they turned to the Tooth Matron. That was the real lucrative part; house servants and book boys, while pricier, had fewer sales.
The Old Steward was aging but had sharp ears, nearly bristling at the situation.
Jiang Pengji wasn’t one for decorum either, arching an eyebrow with a hint of mischief, “What could be so interesting here?”
Seeing the opportunity, the Tooth Matron immediately perked up, enthusiastically promoting, “Young Master, don’t judge my establishment by its small size; the quality is superb. Even the prime attractions in Langlang Lane originated here—first-class beauties!”
Langlang Lane, with its peculiar name, was just a euphemism for a red-light district, a place not to be spoken of openly.
“Oh? Is that so?” Ignoring the Old Steward’s awkward coughs, Jiang Pengji smiled brightly, feigning great interest, “I’ve heard of those beauties from Langlang Lane; they say not only are they stunningly beautiful, but they also possess remarkable talents. I was initially curious which family managed to train such exquisite individuals, not realizing they were within reach…”
The Old Steward: “…”
【A Meter of Sunshine】: Who would’ve thought you had such a peculiar taste, streamer? Even the Tooth Matron is being teased! #LaughingToTears
When Jiang Pengji complimented someone, she would always look them right in the eye, her gaze like a clear pond, reflecting sincerity that one couldn’t help but believe. Even the worldly-wise Tooth Matron felt a bit flustered.
The Old Steward, with a stiff upper lip, whispered, “Second Young Master, this…”
“Everyone has a love for beauty; if I can acquire beauties as lovely as flowers, wouldn’t it elevate everyone’s mood to gaze upon them daily?”
The Old Steward: “…”
There was a nagging premonition of doom… Would his Second Young Master really venture to Langlang Lane just to look at pretty girls one day?
As they spoke, the three had arrived at the courtyard, where several rows of individuals stood, lined up from tall to short.
Though dressed in coarse linen that occasionally bore patches, their energetic demeanor and relatively clean skin left a positive initial impression, regardless of their looks.
This Tooth Shop thrived, having operated in Hejian County for many years, which naturally spoke to its reasons for success.
“Do you have the background records for these individuals?” Jiang Pengji stepped before them, her gaze sweeping over each person, processing a flood of information in moments before narrowing her choices.
For businesses like these, “goods” information was always well prepared.
The records above were straightforward but lacked organization, unlike the Liu Residence’s ledgers that were clear and concise.
Not picky, she flipped through them so quickly one might think she was trying to fan herself.
The Tooth Matron felt slightly displeased, thinking that Jiang Pengji’s attitude would hardly lead to choosing good subordinates.
Gritting her teeth, she pointed at a sturdy, muscular man, the strongest among the bunch.
“Young Master, how about this one? Diligent and honest, with clean hands and feet. If it weren’t for his family being hit with a drought for two years and the passing of his parents, he wouldn’t have sold himself here…” Despite being somewhat unscrupulous, the Tooth Matron dared not deceive Jiang Pengji.
In typical circumstances, the bulky man would indeed be a good choice, but Jiang Pengji disliked him.
“Hmph, no need for this one; he’s out.” Jiang Pengji replied without raising her eyelids, “His laziness cost his parents their lives.”
Everyone: “……”
