Chapter 536: Chapter 536: A Show of Force
Wufu settled back at the table to drink her tea in silence, leaving Purple Jade and Jadeite very ill at ease.
"Regarding the task just now, I trust you know that I did it deliberately, and you followed through with it, calculating the outcome. I would not actually let you harm Ninth Master," Wufu spoke calmly.
Purple Jade and Jadeiteâs faces changed slightly, "Young Lady, we servants..."
"No excuses, itâs natural to have reservations," Wufu said, "I donât expect you to have faith in me right away after arriving here. I just want to make it clear that now you are my people, you must listen to me, no matter who your previous master was or how noble their status. If thatâs something you cannot accept, speak now. I would rather let you go than keep someone disloyal by my side."
They both knelt down hastily, eagerly proclaiming their loyalty: "Young Lady, we are slaves bought by you, in life we belong to you, and in death, we are your ghosts. We would never dare to betray or be disloyal to you."
The corner of Wufuâs mouth twitched; they made it sound as if they were her concubines.
"Young Lady, we used to be Hidden Guards, unseen by the world. Now, finally being out in the open, we beg you to take us in," Purple Jade crawled forward on her knees.
"You might laugh, but Iâm not some Noble Young Lady from a grand family, Iâm just a country girl from the countryside. Following me may not guarantee a better future than with Ninth Master," Wufu raised an eyebrow and said.
The prospects of a country girl compared to a noble prince were not even up for debate.
Purple Jade replied with a smile, "Young Lady, what you say is not quite right. Jadeite and I are merely Hidden Guards who have never stepped into the light. If not by your side, we might have never even seen what Ninth Master looks like. If we werenât with you, our fate would only lead us to sordid places or to be someoneâs concubine or servant. But with you, things are simple and clear."
"Thatâs right, Young Lady. Please donât send us away," Jadeite blinked her bright, smart eyes and said, "We have learned many things and are ready to assist and protect you at any moment."
"Anyone can say nice words," Wufu looked at them, about to object, then preempted, "However, since Iâve bought you, I will give you a chance. They say time reveals a personâs heart. Whatâs in your hearts will be shown in time. As for us, we need a period of adjustment. If we get along, we stay together; if not, we part ways. Just like that."
Purple Jade and Jadeite looked at each other, this was an unheard-of proposition, but knowing Wufu wouldnât send them away, they said, "Thank you, Young Lady, for taking us in."
"Stand up and speak; donât kneel at every instant. Itâs irritating to watch." After showing them whoâs the boss, Wufu let them rise and called over Hongyu, saying, "You are certainly capable, but as for trust, it doesnât come close to how much I trust Hongyu."
Hongyu, who had been anxious and worried that the Young Lady might not want her after acquiring two capable slaves, felt relieved at these words. She puffed up her chest with pride and gave the two women a smug look.
Purple Jade laughed and said, "We could not compare ourselves to Miss Hongyu, the Young Ladyâs first choice."
Hongyuâs face turned red, and she stammered, "I, I am not nearly as good as you two sisters."
"Enough, donât flatter each other anymore," Wufu cut them off, "Purple Jade, Jadeite, you are older, seventeen?"
"As you said, Young Lady."
"Older than both me and Hongyu. Hongyuâs young and, like me, from the countryside. In the future, teach her more," Wufu told them, then turned to Hongyu and said, "And you too, donât be so stubborn, learn from your sisters."
"We will carefully follow Young Ladyâs orders," they all said in unison.