Chapter 18: If Only You Had Answered Like This Earlier

They found Haizi splitting firewood outside the kitchen in the backyard. But as soon as Haizi heard what Zhang Xiaolan and the others had to say, he waved his hands repeatedly, saying,
"It's better if you don't go. The road to that village is rough and far, and you'll have to carry vegetables on the way back. If you two come along, it'll take so much more time!"
The truth was, he simply didn't want to bring them along; going by himself was far more carefree. With these two tagging along, not only would things get delayed, but he'd have to keep an eye on them the whole time.
"Haizi, stop bluffing. I know you always take the carriage when you go to that village to buy things. Yet now, when our young lady wants to go, you come up with excuses. You're just reluctant to take us, aren't you? Obviously, you look down on us."
Xiaolian was sharp, instantly seeing through Haizi's evasions and exposing his lie on the spot. Haizi shot her an unceremonious glance, annoyed at her talkativeness.
"Haizi, what's the meaning of this? Now that Brother Li isn't around, you don't take me seriously anymore, is that it?"
Zhang Xiaolan spoke up as well, and her words left Haizi stunned. But what she said next was even more forceful.
"If you keep acting like this, so inconsistent and unreliable, I might just tell Brother Li to punish you properly, saying you neglected me and bullied me when he wasn't here, and never listen to anything I say."
Zhang Xiaolan saw the change in Haizi's expression and pressed harder, exaggerating as though she were being badly bullied, threatening to complain to Li Rui when he returned and have Haizi punished. That left Haizi scrambling to defend himself.
"Oh dear, my good lady, what are you saying? When have I ever done such a thing?"
"You're doing it right now! Over such a trivial matter, you make excuses and stall. Haven't you seen how Master treats Miss so well? He believes whatever Miss says. If I report you, it will be taken seriously."
Xiaolian chimed in again. Haizi's predicament was already amusing, and Xiaolian's interference was meant to stir things up—after all, Haizi loved to quarrel with her, so it was the perfect chance to get back at him.
"Xiaolian, why do you have to meddle in everything? Stop making trouble. Fine, I'll take you both!"
Faced with Zhang Xiaolan and Xiaolian's combined threats and intimidation, Haizi finally gave in, bowing and pleading with them. If they kept going, he'd be painted as a villain beyond redemption.
Xiaolian and Zhang Xiaolan exchanged a triumphant smile, delighted their plan had worked; looking at Haizi's state, they couldn't help but laugh. Zhang Xiaolan even glanced at him, feigning annoyance, and said,
"You should have said yes from the start."
That made Xiaolian chuckle, and Haizi could only grit his teeth and swallow his frustration. He hadn't expected Zhang Xiaolan to be so formidable; clearly, Xiaolian's influence had rubbed off on her.
"Miss, let's go! We need to get ready."
Xiaolian pulled Zhang Xiaolan away, both covering their mouths to stifle laughter. They still had to prepare—Zhang Xiaolan's current outfit wouldn't do for an outing; she'd need to change into local attire.
"Phew… these two little ladies are truly hard to please," Haizi muttered, wiping the sweat from his brow with his sleeve as he watched them leave.
It was best not to anger Zhang Xiaolan. Li Rui treated her with respect, and if she really complained when he returned, Haizi would surely get scolded. Better to take them out for a trip than face that.
Besides, driving the carriage wasn't much trouble. There wasn't anything interesting in that impoverished village anyway; even if he wanted to bring them again in the future, they probably wouldn't want to go.