Throughout the entire day, Lord Han remained somewhat dazed, as if he had no idea what had happened.
Instead, Mu Changxi, who hadn't slept, took charge of the disaster relief efforts in Yuezhou City with renewed vigor.
The people of Yuezhou City had heard about Mu Changxi's actions in Haizhou City.
The citizens of Yuezhou City, unaware of what had transpired between Mu Changxi and Lord Han, rallied around and respected Mu Changxi.
In reality, Song Chaoyu knew that after staying up all night and handling so many matters during the day, it was impossible for Mu Changxi not to be exhausted.
All Song Chaoyu could do was to handle everything that followed for him.
For instance, Madam Han.
While Mu Changxi was busy with his own affairs, Song Chaoyu had returned to their residence beforehand.
They were currently staying in the back courtyard of the prefectural office, a place that was quite spacious, and the rooms had already been tidied up.
In fact, Song Chaoyu was quite satisfied with the room. The room was arranged comfortably but not overly luxurious. The furnishings were simple, but the bedding and charcoal fires were of the finest quality.
Song Chaoyu felt that after a tiring day outside, the most important thing for Mu Changxi was to be able to return here, take a comfortable bath, eat something good, and then sleep.
However...
Upon entering the room, Song Chaoyu saw two maids making the bed and a woman busy bustling about.
Seeing Song Chaoyu approach, the elegantly dressed woman naturally stepped forward and bowed to her, "This humble woman, Madam Han, greets Princess Chang. May the Princess be blessed with peace and good health!"
Her etiquette was indeed good. Though she appeared to be of some age and slightly plump, she was well-maintained. The smile on her face was as amiable as that of a Maitreya Buddha, making it difficult to harbor any suspicion.
Song Chaoyu waved her hand, signaling her to rise, "So you are the wife of Lord Han? Madam, you are too kind. This place was arranged by you, wasn't it? It looks very cozy. Thank you, Madam."
Even though Madam Han knew about Song Chaoyu and Mu Changxi's reputation outside, she still greeted Song Chaoyu with a face full of smiles, "Your Highness, what are you saying? Since you have come here, of course, I must do my utmost to arrange everything. I only hope that His Highness and Your Highness will find it comfortable to stay. Our Yuezhou City is a very humble and poor place, and we hope His Highness and Your Highness will not find it wanting!"
As she spoke, she gestured to the two maids to come forward, "Your Highness, these two maids are the most clever from our Han household. One is named Hua Hong, and the other is Liu Lu. Our Lord thought that since His Highness arrived in Yuezhou City yesterday and worked tirelessly through the night, he must be exhausted. If we don't arrange two capable individuals to serve His Highness and Your Highness, it would mean we are not diligent enough."
The two maids stepped forward and gracefully bowed to Song Chaoyu.
Song Chaoyu also observed them carefully. Hua Hong on the left was older but possessed a charming appearance. Her gait and demeanor exuded a natural allure and gentleness, making her a true beauty in Yuezhou City.
Liu Lu on the right was younger and also beautiful. However, her beauty was entirely different from Hua Hong's. Liu Lu had an innocent and naive demeanor. Not only men, but even Song Chaoyu, a woman, couldn't help but feel a sense of protectiveness towards such a petite and naive girl.
The intention of Lord Han and Madam Han in arranging these two maids was as clear as day.
Before Song Chaoyu could say anything, Hua Hong stepped forward and said to Madam Han, tilting her head, "Your Highness has me and Qiu Qing by her side, and now also Zhu Zhu. Three maids serving His Highness and Your Highness are more than enough. However, His Highness only has Xiao Rui Zi and Ping Jiang by his side. If you truly have good intentions, why not find two more young servants instead!"
Madam Han had to be polite to Song Chaoyu, but Hua Hong was ultimately just a maid.
Seeing a maid acting so imperiously in front of her, Madam Han naturally felt displeased.
She let out a cold laugh at Hua Hong, "Young lady, you don't understand. Female servants are always more meticulous and considerate than male servants. Otherwise, your Princess wouldn't have brought only you few maids with her, would she? Besides, if His Highness needs them, there are plenty of young servants outside!"
She then looked at Song Chaoyu, "People outside say that Your Highness is a magnanimous and wise person. Surely you wouldn't be unable to accommodate two maids, would you?"
Hua Hong glared fiercely at Madam Han, not expecting her to be so eloquent.
Song Chaoyu smiled unhurriedly, "Looking at these two girls, they are both cherished by Madam Han, aren't they? Are they not being inconvenienced by serving us now?"
"Not inconvenienced! It is their good fortune!"
Madam Han's face immediately broke into a smile again, "To serve a Prince and Princess from the capital, how could these two girls feel any inconvenience? They should also learn from the people by Your Highness's side, so they will know how to serve us better in the future, won't they? Your Highness, please accept them and give them this opportunity!"
With Madam Han having said so much, if Song Chaoyu still refused to keep these two maids, it would truly mean she was unaccommodating.
"Alright."
Song Chaoyu agreed readily, "Since Madam is willing to part with them, we have no reason to refuse. Thank you, Madam!"
"Oh, it's a small matter. Your Highness is too polite!"
Only then did Madam Han relax, her smile carrying genuine joy.
She turned around and instructed the two maids, "Hua Hong, Liu Lu, you are now serving His Highness and Your Highness! Remember your duties and do what you are supposed to do. If you displease His Highness and Your Highness, I will skin you alive!"
After speaking, she also said to Song Chaoyu, "Then these two girls will stay here. I will take my leave now and not disturb Your Highness. If Your Highness needs anything in the future, please feel free to send someone to inform me."
Song Chaoyu nodded, and Madam Han left with a cheerful smile.
Hua Hong looked at the two maids, naturally knowing their purpose. She unhappily stepped forward and said to them, "I am the head maid by Your Highness's side. From now on, you must listen to me regarding what you can and cannot do. You don't need to tidy up here. Go out and wait. If Your Highness needs anything, she will call you!"
The two maids exchanged glances. They dared not provoke the formidable Hua Hong, so they responded and retreated out the door.
Qiu Qing also closed the door. Hua Hong then stomped her foot towards Song Chaoyu, "Your Highness, looking at their seductive appearances, you know what they are here for, don't you? And you still keep them by your side?"