CHAPTER 1916: 106, PROMISSORY NOTE_2

Lin Yuan wasn’t surprised by Zhong Yingming’s behavior. When she first entered the Zhong family, the Old Lady Zhong, Yun’s had scolded her as a little wretch.

Zhong Yingming didn’t know Lin Yuan’s identity at the time and said nothing, but now that he knows, isn’t he quite fearful?

Since he was willing to kneel, Lin Yuan accepted it, sitting steadily on a chair, sipping tea, and slowly said, "So Old Master Zhong, you actually knew my identity. That being the case, on that day at the Zhong Mansion, your old lady..."

"My mother is old and her eyesight is poor, she speaks without thinking. I hope the Commandery Princess can overlook it for the sake, for the sake of Lady Su!"

Before Lin Yuan could finish speaking, Zhong Yingming quickly continued to kowtow and plead for forgiveness.

Lin Yuan sneered inwardly, thinking Zhong Yingming wasn’t a fool for knowing to seek favor with Madam Ming.

However, considering future events, she didn’t intend to give him this face.

"Lady Su?"

Even with Madam Ming by her side, Lin Yuan did not conceal the disdain in her tone.

"Old Master Zhong, you really overestimate your Madam. In my eyes, she is just a dispensable shopkeeper, not someone unique. At that time, I forced you all because I didn’t want my Idle Tea House to suffer any loss. If this caused you any misunderstanding, let me clarify it here, sparing the Old Lady Zhong due to your Madam’s face, sorry, but your Madam doesn’t have that much face."

Her words were blunt, and Zhong Yingming’s face turned red and white, as colorful as an open dye house.

Lin Yuan glanced secretly at Madam Ming and saw her face slightly flushed, but her eyes were calm and unperturbed, with no trace of embarrassment or shame, which reassured Lin Yuan.

"Yes, yes, it was wishful thinking from this common person, seeking forgiveness from the Commandery Princess. My mother, she is old and weak, cannot withstand any punishment, please forgive my mother, this common person is willing to accept the punishment in her stead."

As he spoke, Zhong Yingming heavily kowtowed once more, the sound was loud enough that people outside the room could probably hear it.

Lin Yuan’s lips curled in a mocking smile, "Forget it, she’s just an ignorant old lady, after all, I haven’t really lost anything, so I won’t bother with her. But..."

Zhong Yingming just started to relax when he heard Lin Yuan say "but", and immediately tensed, continuing to kneel humbly and listen to her speak.

"But there’s something I, as the Commandery Princess, must forewarn you. Don’t think just because Madam Ming is working at my Idle Tea House, you can sleep peacefully. Old Master Zhong, I hope you understand, I can keep Madam Ming at Idle Tea House because I value her ability to manage the teahouse. If one day she accidentally makes a mistake or offends a guest, I’m sorry, but I won’t show favoritism. Of course, any loss caused by this will have to be borne by the Zhong family, do you understand?"

"Understood, understood, this common person understands."

Zhong Yingming nodded repeatedly, knowing that even in a regular shop, if the shopkeeper or steward made a mistake, the boss had the right to reprimand or dismiss them.

Zhong Yingming used to run his own shop, so he understood this well.

"In that case, you may leave!"

Seeing Lin Yuan’s dismissal, Zhong Yingming said a string of farewells and thanks. Just as he was leaving, perhaps intentionally for Lin Yuan to see, he took Madam Ming aside for a conspicuous instructional talk.

Since her miscarriage, Madam Ming had been extremely disappointed with this husband and didn’t want to speak much to him at the Zhong Mansion. Being scolded publicly at this moment left her completely unbothered to preserve any face for him, leaving Zhong Yingming with unspeakable bitterness, his fists hidden in his sleeves. If it weren’t for Lin Yuan’s presence, he might have resorted to hitting people.

Somewhat embarrassedly exiting Idle Tea House, Zhong Yingming quickly got into the carriage.

Butler Zhongshi personally drove the carriage. Seeing the master’s unpleasant expression, he guessed today’s endeavor was unsuccessful and dared not speak a word.

As he silently prepared to drive away, he heard several dull thuds from inside the carriage.

It must have been the master throwing things in frustration. Zhongshi shrank his neck and remained even more silent.

Zhong Yingming had never been as humiliated as today. After smashing things in the carriage, he sat there angrily, breathing heavily.