Chapter 148: The Changed Xiang Ling
Chapter 148: The Changed Xiang Ling
[A/N: Special Thank You to - LotusLin, nalaDenniss_3871, and OneMore_Chapter22 for the generous gifts and Golden Tickets]
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Xiang Ling spent the entire day helping Hao Ran, Zuan Hu, and Xiao Yu to settle down in the Chen Manor. She introduced all the servants and the new rules and regulations she had established within the manor regarding the position of the servants. After a brief discussion, Xiang Ling promoted Zuan Yu’s maid and Xiao Yu’s nanny to Silver Class.
When Hao Ran enquired about the children whom he found studying and practicing diligently while they were taking a stroll through the manor, Xiang Ling informed him about her plans.
"You are teaching them cultivation? When did you learn anything about cultivating?" He had asked in surprise when she told him about the group of young kids whom Xiao Mei and Xiao Hao were training.
"Considering all the places I have been and all the people I have met these years, there’s little I don’t know about, First Brother. I learned a lot about cultivation from various people but I was never interested in it. When I found these children, I finally thought of using my knowledge in the right way." She had provided the best excuse she could think of and while neither her brother nor sister-in-law looked much convinced, they didn’t ask any more questions.
The surprises didn’t end there as they soon made their way out the back door of the manor and Xiang Ling showed them the greenhouse that was filled with all sorts of fresh vegetables. Even the fruit plants had grown quite a lot in merely two months.
The more Hao Ran and Zuan Hu found out about the changes within the manor, the more shocked they became. All this time, Zuan Hu wasn’t too convinced by her husband’s judgment of Xiang Ling’s changed character. Still, she had agreed to his plan of returning to the manor because she didn’t want him to worry about buying/renting a new manor for their family. It was not until she saw Xiang Ling at the main entrance, did she started realizing why her husband said that the Young Lady Chen no longer looked like her past self.
However, the real surprise was the changes within the manor. Both Hao Ran and Zuan Hu noticed that everyone in the manor respected and liked Xiang Ling, including her husbands. The way they all looked at her, actively talked to her and cared for her, it seemed like the dark past between them had never existed.
"When did you learn to cook such good dishes, Xiang’er?" Hao Ran was unable to hold himself back from asking when he tasted the meal that his sister prepared for them. It wouldn’t have been an understatement to say that these were the most delicious dishes he had ever eaten in his entire life. Everything tasted so good.
"Aunt Xiang, these baozis are so tasty." Xiao Yu chirped happily as she stuffed another bun into her little mouth.
"Eat slowly, Xiao Yu. No one is going to steal the buns from you." Zuan Yu told her daughter when the latter stuffed her mouth way too much with the bun. Everyone chuckled at that sight.
Turning her attention toward Xiang Ling, Zuan Hu spoke in a soft and warm tone. "Mei Mei, thank you for everything you have done for us, especially this wonderful meal. You have worked really hard."
Xiang Ling smiled softly at her sister-in-law as she replied, "As long as you are happy and satisfied, nothing is hard."
"Xiang’er has finally grown up." Hao Ran spoke from where he was sitting next to Xiao Yu. His eyes looked warmly at Xiang Ling and it almost seemed like he was looking at her with pride.
A sigh of relief escaped Xiang Ling when everyone resumed stuffing themselves with the delicious meal. She had been on the very edge since the early morning and it was only now did she dared to relax once she made sure that she had successfully changed her image in Hao Ran and Zuan Yu’s eyes. All her hard work was finally paying off.
She felt a hand suddenly covering hers under the table and she turned her head to look at Li Xian who was sitting next to her. He gave her a soft smile of encouragement and she returned it while turning her hand to entwine her fingers with his.
This short but sweet interaction was noticed by almost everyone present in the dining hall, especially Hao Ran and Zuan Hu. Yet, An Mei was the only person who saw them holding hands under the table as she was standing right behind them. It took a lot on her part to keep a straight face and not let the smile slip on her lips.
"Xiang’er, will you cook again for dinner?" Hao Ran asked as he couldn’t help but anticipate eating more such delicious meals.
Xiang Ling felt bad as she answered, "My apologies Brother Hao, but I will not be here in the manor tonight. If you want, I will prepare the dinner tomorrow."
"You are going somewhere?" Hao Ran asked in confusion as he and Zuan Hu shared a quick look.
Nodding her head, she answered, "I will be going somewhere tonight with Xin Cheng and Dao Ming. I can’t share too much information now, but you all will find out once I will return tomorrow."
Everyone remained silent for the next few seconds before Hao Ran finally nodded his head in understanding. "As long as you are not going alone. Have a safe trip."
The rest of the meal was filled with more talk and by the time they all finally finished, it was two past noon. Everyone returned to their own courtyards after the late lunch and Xiang Ling immediately went inside her Spatial Realm to use the remaining hours to cultivate. Since she was going to stay awake for a good portion of the night, she needed to feel refreshed.
As the evening arrived, she quickly changed into a black and white dress and got ready for the adventurous night.