Chapter 78 Adopting Yunzhang

Yu Qingci and Madam Ning exchanged a glance. When Madam Wei invited this person in, they guessed that it was related to adoption. However, they both thought that they had made things clear and that the second branch of the family would not mention adopting Lu Yunzhang again. That person was their little grandson, Wei Ge'er.

Yu Qingci had already prepared her words, but her second aunt still mentioned Lu Yunzhang. It seemed that the second branch of the family had not given up.

Madam Ning solemnly said, "I'm afraid that's not appropriate. I have my own son, and although he is no longer alive, I only recognize Yunqi as my son. I don't want to recognize other people's sons, and I won't."

Besides, when we proposed marriage to the Marquis of Nanping, we already agreed that after Qingci married into the family, she would adopt a child. We cannot go back on our word.”

Upon hearing Madam Ning's words, Second Aunt's previously radiant face immediately turned frosty, and she snorted in dissatisfaction:

"What are you saying? Are you, a mere woman, more important than the reputation of the General's Mansion? What, do you think my words, as an elder, carry so little weight? Or should I go back right now and call your second uncle over to talk to you?"

Seeing that the atmosphere was somewhat tense, Wei walked over to her second aunt and tried to smooth things over with a smile:

"My sister-in-law is not good at speaking, please forgive her, Auntie. After all these years, we all know what kind of person she is. She is the most understanding person."

"I know my second aunt is doing this for our own good. Since she's already spoken, my sister-in-law can't refuse. It's just that considering Yunqi is her son, which is only natural. Please allow me to think it over carefully. Once I've figured it out, everything will be fine, right, sister-in-law?"

Old Madam Ning glared at Madam Wei: "Didn't you understand that I said I wouldn't appoint an heir?"

Both Madam Wei and her second aunt were taken aback, never expecting that the usually easy-going Old Madam Ning would become so assertive.

"you……"

Second Aunt slammed her hand on the table, about to speak, when Yu Qingci spoke up to Old Madam Ning:

“Mother, you’re saying hurtful things again. A few days ago, you mentioned the elders in the clan to me and specifically told me that my second uncle and aunt were the oldest in the clan. They taught me to always put the elders first and never disobey them. Just make sure to explain the matter of choosing an heir to my second aunt.”

After saying that, she said to her second aunt, "These days, my mother often dreams of my deceased father-in-law and my husband, so she is feeling a bit depressed and speaks more bluntly. Please don't take offense, second aunt."

The General's Mansion did promise in public that after I married into the family, they would adopt a son for me. However, because my mother pitied my young age and the mourning period for the family was not yet over, they did not hold a grand ceremony for me. The first thing to do after the mourning period was over was to establish an heir.

My mother had also considered adopting my eldest cousin, but he was, after all, the eldest son of my second uncle and aunt. How could we take away someone else's eldest son?

Even if my second uncle and aunt were willing, it wouldn't sound good to others. People who didn't know better would think our eldest branch was being foolish, choosing someone else's eldest son to continue our family line.

Auntie's expression softened slightly upon hearing this, but she still glared at Old Madam Ning before speaking:

“What Yunqi’s wife said makes sense. However, it was only because the second son’s wife repeatedly assured me that their second branch of the family was absolutely willing to adopt the eldest son for the sake of the General’s Mansion’s future that I mentioned it. I think you are still as unpleasant to talk as before.”

Seeing that her second aunt's tone had softened, Wei became somewhat anxious and quickly took a step forward, coughing softly as she said:

"Second Aunt, that child Yunzhang..."

Auntie, reminded of her, sat up straight and said:

“I know you can’t let go of your son, but Yunqi is gone after all. It’s only a matter of time before an heir is established. Even if you don’t want to establish one now, you can decide on it first so that everyone can rest assured. After the mourning period is over, you can open the ancestral hall to inform the ancestors.”

I think adopting Yunzhang is the best idea. That way, your main branch will immediately have an adult male to support the family, and he can also inherit the title of Grand General. It's a win-win situation, and we can all be at ease.”

Yunzhang is the most filial and sensible child. He is also very respectful to us elders. A few days ago, he specially sent a lot of good things to visit me and your second uncle. With him in charge of the General's Mansion in the future, he will definitely be able to take better care of the clansmen.

And you too.

Second Aunt looked at Yu Qingci and began to admonish her again: "As the saying goes, there is always trouble at a widow's door. You are young, so I have to give you a few more words of advice. You should behave like a widow. Once Yunzhang is under your mother-in-law's name, he will support you outside. Your mother-in-law, your second uncle and aunt will make decisions for you in the inner quarters. From now on, you should stay at home, cultivate your character, burn incense and pray to Buddha. Don't hang around in front of others all day long."

As for managing the household affairs, once Yunzhang is adopted, it will naturally be Yunzhang's wife's responsibility to take charge. Even your mother-in-law can relax and not have to worry about anything; she'll be just as carefree.”

The old lady's words became increasingly outrageous, and Madam Ning's face grew darker and darker. Meanwhile, Madam Wei, standing to the side, listened with a smile and interjected:

"What my second aunt said is right, isn't that the truth? As long as my sister-in-law nods, I will immediately have Yunzhang adopted without any hesitation."

Once Yunzhang becomes the adopted son of his eldest sister-in-law, her wife will naturally become the eldest daughter-in-law of the main branch. It's only natural that she would help her mother-in-law manage the household. Then, the eldest sister-in-law can enjoy a peaceful retirement, and the nephew's wife can quietly retire and remain a widow for Yunqi. This is a win-win situation.

Auntie closed her eyes and nodded slightly; the two of them seemed to have settled the matter in a back-and-forth.

As she spoke, Wei became so excited that she asked someone to fetch the master.

"There's no time like the present, so let's have Yunzhang come over today to kowtow to his sister-in-law and formally acknowledge her as our mother. Once the mourning period is over, we can open the ancestral hall and compile the family genealogy."

Madam Ning blurted out, "No way!"

Second Aunt hadn't expected that even after she'd said so much, Old Madam Ning would still object, and her face darkened.

"Why not? Does this old woman like me have no say? Do I have to call your second uncle, that old man, to come here in person before you stop being so presumptuous?"

"Ning, don't forget, if it weren't for my old man's kindness in giving away his own grain to help the General and his brothers, they might have starved to death long ago. How could the General's mansion be so prosperous today?"

Madam Wei echoed, "That's right, that's right. My husband often tells us about the great kindness and virtue of our second uncle back then. We will never forget this immense kindness. Even disregarding all that, just considering that you two are the most senior elders in the clan, we can only be filial and obedient. How could we possibly go against your decisions?"

Second Aunt gave Wei a knowing look. The reason she was willing to condescend to make this trip today was because Second Master and Wei had been visiting frequently these past few days, showing their respect and asking them to speak up for Yunzhang's adoption.

And Yunzhang, that child, also specially sent her a lot of things.

Unfortunately, her husband was inflexible, saying that the affairs of the General's Mansion should be decided by them themselves, and he would never interfere. He was such an old-fashioned person.