Chapter 18
Taking action (Plan to act)
An Qing Ran lightly shook her head. She was now sitting next to her parents and wanted to relax for a while. She looked at her mother and started to giggle.
Lian Jin Yu caressed her long hair lovingly "Why is Ran er laughing?"
"I am happy" replied An Qing Ran simply. Lian Mu Han wanted to say something but servants arrived with the dishes.
There were fish and meat, every dishes steaming hot. Everything looked exquisite. However, looking at these dishes on the table. The face of the people sitting around it looked weird.
Lian Jin Yu and An Zhong Tao face in particular. They looked at each other but still did not talk to each other. Suddenly An Qing Ran asked
"Why is there only half a fish? Also, there are not that many meatballs in this dish?"
At her words, everybody turned their attention on the plates she mentioned. An Zhong Tao frowned and asked the servants who brought their meal.
"What is this? Why are we given the leftovers from noon? How can you serve this at the banquet !?"
An Zong Tao's voice was brimming with anger. The scared servants were scared and didn't how to reply to their lord. They looked down not daring to say a word.
Lian Jin Yu face didn't show any kind of expression, but she looked at the dishes shocked. However, she didn’t say a word and quietly picked up her chopsticks.
An Qing Ran followed her mother lead and picked up her chopsticks saying:
"Today's dishes are really great, usually one could not eat this!" picking up a few greens and eating them sweetly. Watching her happily eating these simple vegetables, anyone would think that the young girl suffered from hunger countless times.
An Zhon Tao could barely repressed his anger at her words. "I want an explanation about this! Bring the kitchen’s people right away!".
The crown Prince still here! How could they act so rudely! However, he didn't dare to blow in rage in front of the crown prince and smiled trying to explain.
"This official hope that your highness won't find faults. The rules in our estate are not very strict and a mistake was made…"
Turning to the servants on the side he instructed: "remove these dishes immediately! Instruct the kitchen to prepare a new one."
Looking at An Qing Ran with affection An Zhong Tao felt some pity for the child. Thinking that his daughter actions today were a bit strange.
Hong Momo arrived at that time and whispered next to her master ear "This was ordered by the second lady. She is the one in charge of the household and she imposed a lot of rules. These servants didn't think that her actions are right, but how could we disobey our master?".
The Momo’s frightened words and submissive actions revived An Zhong Tao's anger. Looking once again on the dishes still on the table.
"Jin Rong used to manage the household thrifty. Just let her go back and reflect on her wrongs. It must be the servants who did not understand her meaning and acted improperly. Letting the crown prince see a joke! Hurry and bring us a proper meal!"
An Qing Ran was shocked to hear her father's words. Lian Jin Rong sent leftovers to the guest, but she was not to blame?
Her small hands made fists hidden in her sleeves. She specifically asked Hong Momo to send this meal in order for her father to realise the way she treated the other members of the household. Enjoying every luxury while others were left with her scraps. But she never thought that her father would protect his concubine and stand for this! Didn't he care?
An Qing Ran turned to see An Zhong Tao's ashen face. Today he totally lost face. To add to the shame the crown prince was present.
Today not only did he witness his concubine plot against his wife. She also sent the main wife her leftover meals. He was at lost and didn't how to react.
Dong Fang Jin noticing the indecisive general suddenly said. "The second lady is really virtuous. Benwang will talk about this with empress mother when he goes back…"