Chapter 382: Chapter 391: Don’t Try to Get Chummy with Me
The utterance provoked a furious response from the whiskered man.
He was a convoy guard who frequently traveled back and forth to Shengjing. Known for his ferocity, shopkeepers dared not provoke him, invariably suffering in silence.
He often stayed at this inn, paying merely five cents. He would also always tease the woman who handled the money, content even with just verbal flirtation if he couldn’t take advantage of her otherwise.
This was nothing unusual.
After all, girls were there for men to play with.
His strong build made him seem intimidating, leading the woman to adhere to the principle that less trouble is better than more, and therefore she dared not ask for silver.
The inn was run by a young widow, who had been left with her child when her husband died earlier in the year. The entire inn management consisted of just two people: the kitchen maid, who was the widow’s mother-in-law.
Without a man, they were left with just women and children - easy targets for bullying.
To his astonishment, he found himself being scolded.
"You—"
Shen Hua remained seated.
"Is there an issue?"
She said, "You think you can stay in a nice room for a handful of coins? Who gave you such gall? Looking at your face, it’s clear you’ve done this more than once or twice. What, you think you’re running an extortion racket?"
"Ugly freak."
The convoy guard glared and was ready to strike. But before he could get anywhere close to Shen Hua, an unexpected figure appeared and kicked him squarely in the gut.
He soared like a kite with its string cut.
Flying outwards.
Spitting out a mouthful of blood mid-air.
Landing right at the feet of someone about to enter the inn. The newcomer was so startled he didn’t know whether to enter or leave.
This couldn’t be one of those murderous inns, could it?
The girl looked over indolently.
"Our inn offers free performances of small tricks."
"Yingwu, please show the guest inside."
The plump runaway scion nervously said, "No... That’s okay."
Shen Hua, emotionless: "I think you should come in."
The rich young master awkwardly entered under Yingwu’s deadly gaze.
"May I... have a superior room to stay in?"
"Ten taels."
The rich young master: "I’ve been here before with my Daddy, and back then it was just five taels."
"This inn’s prices are high to begin with. My Daddy said it’s not easy to run a business, and it’s no easier for a widow and orphan. This is the only inn around these parts, and all the produce is bought from afar, so we accepted the five taels. Why has it increased?"
Shen Hua nodded in agreement.
"You remembered correctly. It is five taels."
"I just wanted to rip you off."
Holding back tears, the rich young master takes out ten taels and scurries briskly upstairs. Reaching the second floor corridor, he cautiously stretches his neck to peek below.
The girl continued sitting there with a butcher’s demeanor, unflinching.
Just then, the sound of a commotion emanated from outside as a group approached.
"We set out this time hoping to bring the senior back with us. The entire village scraped together the silver by all means possible. We used it all to grease palms, yet we didn’t even get into the Ministry of Justice Prison. It’s obvious those people have no intention of releasing him. They took the silver and passed the buck amongst themselves. We didn’t even catch a glimpse of the senior’s face. It’s hard to just return without achieving anything."
"That’s alright, sometimes there’s nothing that can be done. We’ll think of another way later. Everyone can cram in for one night; we don’t have enough travel funds left anyway."
The group was discussing this as they approached the counter.
Here we go!
She’s going to fleece someone again!
The rich young master clutched the railing tightly.
When he gets back, he’ll bring a group of servants and make sure this crooked inn is torn down!
Shen Hua looked up.
"From Hengzhou."
The group averted their gaze: "Yes."
"Innkeeper, it may not be according to the rules, but please make an exception. The night air carries a damp chill, and one of our brothers is even sick. We are numerous, but we only seek one common room."
"The common room only has one bed, how will you sleep?" the girl nonchalantly questioned.
Before anyone could express their awkwardness, Shen Hua glanced at the crowd.
About ten people.
"One common room per person, on the second floor. Fetch your hot water from the kitchen, dinner will be sent up to you."
"That’s—"
"We can’t afford—"
Seeing their travel-worn appearance, the girl spoke softly: "Only the silver for one common room will be charged."
Naturally, this won her a throng of teary-eyed gratitude.
After Shen Hua watched them leave, she took out one hundred taels from her purse and nonchalantly tossed it into the cashier’s drawer. Having done that, the girl devoted herself to eating the peanuts that Yicui had brought from the kitchen.
The rich young man’s eyes widened in disbelief as he returned to the upper rooms.
The girl’s generosity clearly indicated that she was a kind person.
What’s wrong with overcharging him five silver taels!
Isn’t it fine to rob the rich to help the poor?
Downstairs, Shen Hua swung her legs leisurely.
"Madam, dinner is ready. Would you like to head back to your room to eat?"
Yicui approached and asked softly.
Shen Hua responded listlessly, when suddenly noise came from outside.
She didn’t feel like paying attention but casually glanced over.
The newcomer seemed to be bathed in moonlight, his features handsome and his demeanor aloof.
When their eyes met, he smiled faintly.
"Shopkeeper, are there any upper rooms available?"
The dispirited Yangyang suddenly perked up, strutting proudly.
She felt a surge of energy all over her body.
The kitchen maid coyly adjusted the golden hairpin in her hair.
"None left."
Yingwu: "There’s none? But isn’t there—"
Under Shen Hua’s warning glare, Yingwu’s voice dissolved on her lips.
Cui Yun stood in the doorway, the breeze lifting the hem of his robe, which fluttered gracefully. He was still dressed in the same clothes as yesterday, evidently having come straight here from the Ministry of Justice Prison.
"A shared room is fine too."
Shen Hua looked at him: "None of those either."
Cui Yun went along with her: "Then I’d have to trouble the shopkeeper to make some accommodations."
The girl didn’t bother to hide her feelings.
"Don’t try to get cozy with me."
She was still annoyed!
Quick! Here’s another chance for you! You may beg for forgiveness bearing a humble gift.
She might! Perhaps! Quite possibly would forgive!
She stood there proudly, not showing her feelings.
"Unfortunately, the inn is fully booked. The stables are empty, though. Perhaps the Marquis can make do for the night there."
Cui Yun stepped inside and sat down near the table and chairs: "Then let’s start with some noodles."
The Shopkeeper, wiping the sweat from his forehead, just came out to get busy when he heard the order and busily added, "Thir—"
The word "copper" was never spoken.
For the girl impatiently said: "Three hundred taels."
The Shopkeeper: ...That’s outrageously expensive. What a rip-off!
The rich young man who had just gone downstairs to get a bowl of noodles shrank his steps back again.
But after seeing Cui Yun’s attire, a look of understanding flashed in his eyes.
Rob the rich to aid the poor!!
The rich young man Wang Xu strode forward, his chubby face full of cheer, his hand resting behind him.
"That price is particularly steep, sister; around thirty taels would suffice."
"Who pays three hundred taels for a bowl of noodles?"
Shen Hua smiled faintly: "Is it expensive?"
Wang Xu was about to nod.
"Not at all."
The distinguished and aloof man said softly.
"A smile from Lady Bo is well worth it."
Wang Xu understood.
This young man was spending lavishly to flirt with the girl.
And that girl, with her face stern, was completely unmoved and unapologetic.
"Yicui, collect the money!"
Yicui reluctantly took the silver note, which Ji Qing handed over with a smile.
Shen Hua, in front of everyone, tucked it into her own pocket.
Having done that, she strutted off like a victorious peacock, no longer paying any attention to Cui Yun as she elegantly ascended the stairs.