Chapter 102 It's for Real

The fourth master shouted, "What does this mean, sister-in-law? What do you mean by telling us to handle it ourselves? We don't want to divide the family property!"

Granny Wang nodded: "This old servant heard it. This is the intention of the Fourth Master and Fourth Madam. What about the Second Master and Second Madam?"

The second master was eager to go inside and find Old Madam Ning, so he said impatiently:

“We’re a family living together just fine, how can we just split up like that? We naturally disagree, and also…”

Granny Wang raised her voice to interrupt, "The old lady has spoken. Since no one agrees to the division of the family, then it means you must abide by the rules of the manor. Please go back."

After saying that, he ordered the servants to close the courtyard gate tightly and then ignored it.

The group of people outside were left looking at each other in bewilderment.

The fourth master spoke up: "Second brother, is sister-in-law really serious this time?"

The second master replied irritably, "How should I know? We can't even see the person, so we can't ask her in person. Never mind, judging from this, my sister-in-law is just feeling guilty, which is why she's avoiding us."

Fourth Master: "Second Brother is right. I also think that Sister-in-law is afraid to see us. Humph! In short, she wants us to move out. No way!"

Second Master: "Since that's the case, there's no point in us standing here any longer. Let's all go back first."

The more the second master thought about it, the more confident he felt. However, he still solemnly said to Madam Wei and Madam Ma:

"You two also need to remember to be more careful about what you say and do in front of your sister-in-law in the future. Don't always offend people with your words. Wasn't this whole thing caused by you two? Keep an eye on your servants and don't let them cause any more trouble."

Wei and Ma kept their heads down and remained silent, but they were very resentful: What does this have to do with us?

"Alright, everyone go back now."

After the second master finished speaking, he left first, and the rest of the people followed him back.

However, everyone was still thinking about what was going to happen today.

Wei: Over the years, my elder brother and sister-in-law have mentioned the matter of dividing the family property several times, both openly and secretly, wanting the two branches of the family to move out and establish their own households. They have always managed to fool them with jokes. This time should be the same. As long as they don't agree, I don't believe that the two women of the eldest branch can force them out.

Madam Ma: Hmph! My sister-in-law thinks she can treat us like this just because she has her daughter-in-law backing her up. When it comes time for her to be adopted into the eldest branch of the family, won't she have to come begging to us? Whether it's a son or a grandson, once they're adopted into the eldest branch, who knows who will be in charge of the entire General's Mansion?

As the two sisters-in-law walked, they fantasized about the day when their own children and grandchildren would become the heirs of the General's Mansion, and they would be able to live the wonderful life of the old matriarch of the General's Mansion.

Once back in their own yard, everyone had relaxed and quickly washed up and went to bed, no one taking the day's events to heart.

The next morning, Lu Yunbo was stopped at the gate when he went out.

Before he could explode, the gatekeeper politely informed him: The old lady has spoken, and the household will begin observing mourning today. From now on, no one in any household needs to leave the house unless there is a compelling reason to do so.

Upon hearing this, Lu Yunbo's expression changed. He frowned, adopted the air of a master, and sternly rebuked:

"You dog lackeys, who gave you permission to make decisions for your master? Open the door right now!"

There were five servants on duty at the gate today. They stood in a row with a very respectful attitude, but they just stood there blocking the door and refused to open it or back up.

Lu Yunbo was so angry he was about to explode on the spot when he heard the butler's voice behind him:

"Is Second Master heading out?"

Lu Yunbo turned around and said angrily, "Otherwise what? You've come at the right time. Tell them to open the door right now. You've delayed my shift. Can you people take responsibility for that?"

After standing still, Steward Lu said unhurriedly, "No need. Yesterday, the old lady gave the order that from today onwards, the entire mansion should be closed to observe mourning for the General and the Young General. Apart from daily shopping and necessary social outings, you should not go out unless there is a major event."

"But Second Master, rest assured, my Madam has instructed me to send someone to the Dali Temple to request bereavement leave for you. You can stay at the manor to observe the mourning period without worry. In terms of kinship, Second Master is merely the General's cousin, and only needs to observe a year of mourning. More than half a year has already passed, so if you don't seize this time to fulfill your filial duty to the General, you may miss the opportunity in a few months."

Upon hearing this, Yun Bo was immediately enraged and pointed at Steward Lu, cursing:

"Who told you to report my father's death in mourning? My uncle isn't my biological father, why would a distant nephew like me need to report him in mourning? Open the door now, or I'll kick you out of the manor along with the steward!"

Steward Lu's face also darkened: "Second Master may not have the authority to kick me out of the manor, after all, I was brought back to the manor by the General."

Now that the General is not here, we naturally obey the Old Madam's orders. We will do whatever the Old Madam instructs. If the Second Master wants to expel us from the manor, he must first obtain the Old Madam's permission. Please forgive us, Second Master.

Yun Bo was so angry that his chest ached when he saw that Butler Lu was unyielding and spoke rudely. However, looking at the towering figure standing there, Yun Bo felt a little scared and dared not confront him directly.

Butler Lu stared coldly at the young nobleman before him, inwardly thinking with disdain:

Little brat, when I was fighting alongside the great general, I never flinched in the face of the enemy's butcher's knife. Would I be afraid of a coward like you who is all show and no substance?

Besides, the young mistress herself gave the order to stay home and observe mourning, and not to come or go freely. What is Grandpa afraid of?

Just as the stalemate was at hand, Lu Yunzhang arrived. Upon seeing his elder brother, Lu Yunbo's imposing aura immediately returned.

Before Lu Yunzhang could ask any questions, Lu Yunbo recounted the whole story.

Lu Yunzhang was also quite surprised to hear this, but he was always known for his good temper and gentle manner in public, so he asked Steward Lu in a soft voice:

"But my second brother and I both have official duties to perform. I also have to go out and handle some general affairs. With the New Year approaching, there are even more things to do, and we can't afford to delay. My second brother is on official business and can't just take leave without notice. I would appreciate it if Steward Lu could do me a favor."

Lu Yunzhang thought that since he had spoken so politely, the other party, a mere servant, would soften his attitude. However, to his surprise, Steward Lu maintained a strictly businesslike demeanor and said:

"These are the words of the old lady and the young mistress. If the master feels it is inappropriate, then he should go and argue with the old lady. Don't make things difficult for us servants."

Lu Yunzhang was also taken aback. Although he was not present when the incident happened yesterday, his mother told them all about it after she returned home. However, they did not take it seriously. They only thought that his aunt would still vent her anger as before and could not do anything to the two branches of the family. In the end, the eldest branch of the family closed their doors and observed the mourning period on their own.

I never imagined I wouldn't be able to leave the house today.

Seeing that the steward was completely unyielding, and with five servants standing guard at the door, it seemed they were serious.