Aran was actually in a difficult spot. She could handle confronting someone, but she lacked the talent for mediation. She could only rack her brain, quickly recalling the domestic quarrels she had witnessed while spying on noble households in her previous life. Beside her, the steward grew increasingly anxious. Seeing that Prince Shumu was about to vent his anger on him, Aran made her move.
Aran stepped forward and kowtowed, imitating what she had seen in her memories. "I beg you, Prince, please calm your anger. It is not worth damaging your peace over a commoner like me. I am from the Chu State, and I came to Wuyang only to earn a living. Truly, Prince, you may send someone to the Jinfu Fur Firm in the city to inquire. I arrived in Dadu with a merchant caravan from the Chu State. The work was so exhausting that when I saw the notice in front of the Prince's mansion today, I decided to try my luck. I was fortunate enough to be kept on. You and your consort are my lucky stars; I will no longer have to worry about a warm meal or trekking with caravans through the bitter cold of winter. Please, Prince, do not be angry because of me. It is all my fault." As she spoke, Aran squeezed out a few tears.
"There, there, child, don't cry. Pay no mind to this brute. Seeing you cry breaks my heart. On such a cold day, for a young girl like you to be out searching for work—it truly must have been difficult for you." The woman behind the curtain stood up as she spoke and began to walk out.
Chapter 318