Qin Xixi slept for two days straight. When she emerged from her chamber, the sky was adorned with hues of crimson, a sight of exquisite beauty.
However, this splendid view was short-lived, marred by some discordant noise.
Qin Xixi's joyful mood dissipated slightly upon hearing the commotion. She pursed her lips and headed towards the source of the sound.
The Qin family's old mansion was a three-section residence. Previously, only Qin Xixi, the master, resided there. Despite the mansion's vastness, she occupied only a secluded courtyard at the rear for easy access.
The clamor emanated from the flower hall.
Upon arriving, Qin Xixi found Li Sheng and Xiaoxue standing at the entrance, wearing somewhat aggrieved expressions. Their eyes lit up upon seeing her.
"Miss." Both of them bowed to her simultaneously.
Qin Xixi waved her hand and stepped inside, inquiring, "What's the matter?"
Glancing around the spacious flower hall, Qin Xixi observed a multitude of people, both young and old, all directing their gaze towards her. Some wore expressions of dissatisfaction.
The hall was furnished with two large round tables, upon which lay several dishes that could hardly be described as exquisite—a steamed fish, a dish of pickled pork intestines, two plates of vegetarian dishes, and a large bowl of steamed buns.
Qin Xixi raised an eyebrow. It was evidently dinnertime, yet these dishes seemed inadequate for the assembled guests.
"What's going on?" Mrs. Xie pointed at the dishes on the table, her expression stern. "Xixi, look at these things. Can anyone eat this? Even our servants refuse. Is this our dinner? It was the same yesterday. If the kitchen staff can't manage, we need someone competent to take charge."
As she spoke, Mrs. Xie shot accusing glances at Li Sheng and her daughter.
Li Sheng was impatient by nature and hurriedly explained, "Miss, the household used to be small, and you've always preferred light fare. So, I've been buying modest provisions. But with the sudden influx of guests these past days, it's hard to adjust our buying habits. Besides, the budget..."
Li Sheng hesitated, finding it difficult to continue.
In a mansion, the daily expenditure was carefully monitored. Previously, with only Qin Xixi as the master, and the rest being servants, apart from Qin Xixi's fine dining, the servants' meals were just like those of ordinary households—sufficient.
But now, with the sudden addition of over ten guests, the budget was insufficient. How could they manage their purchases? They could only buy dishes that were budget-friendly and filling, regardless of their refinement.
The current predicament left them feeling aggrieved and helpless. Even a three-year-old understood the idiom "You can't make bricks without straw."
"Nonsense! I clearly saw you privately stewing a bowl of lean pork soup with red dates for her." A girl of thirteen or fourteen frowned, pointing at Qin Xixi.
Qin Xixi glanced at her. She was Qin Xixi's cousin from Uncle Qin's family, named Qin Mingyue.
Li Sheng was momentarily stunned and explained, "Miss hasn't eaten for two days. What's wrong with keeping a bowl of soup for her?"
"Are you implying that Miss is more precious than Grandmother?" Mrs. Xie immediately interjected.
Li Sheng was at a loss for words. "No, it's just..."
In her heart, Miss was indeed more precious than anyone else. But here, how could she dare say it aloud? Doing so would tarnish Miss's filial reputation.
Li Sheng looked to Qin Xixi for help.
Qin Xixi glanced at Mrs. Xie, her gaze tinged with coldness.
Mrs. Xie's sharp cheekbones and thin temples indicated a domineering and calculating nature. Such people were disliked and avoided by Qin Xixi.
Qin Xixi's tone turned slightly cold, "So, you've eaten your fill and now you're causing trouble for no reason? Do you want a dinner with exquisite meat and vegetable dishes, perhaps supplemented with delicacies like bird's nest and ginseng? That's not impossible. Mrs. Xie, where's the money?"
She extended her hand towards Mrs. Xie, "Here, take the money, buy whatever you want!"