Butler Chen handed over a gift list and said politely, "This is a gift from our Chen family. Please accept it."
A carriage, two beddings, ten rolls of white silk, ten rolls of silk cloth, one hundred kilograms of rice, and one hundred kilograms of flour. These were exactly the compensation for breaking off the engagement that Mu Wanqing had asked for, and nothing was missing.
The Chen family is quite particular. They didn’t say it was compensation, but Cheng Yi.
When relatives and friends go on a long journey, they will give some money as travel expenses, which is called Chengyi.
He also pulled open the curtain of the carriage, which was filled with supplies listed on the gift list, "Then this carriage will be left behind."
It's very sincere and there's nothing wrong with it.
Master Mu handed the gift list to his eldest son, "What do you think?"
"It's all up to my father." Mu Zicheng felt a little complicated. No matter what, he had once expected and longed for it.
He wants to live in harmony with his wife and have some lovely children.
But, don't drag the girl down.
A real man will never worry about not having a wife.
Master Mu sighed softly, "Madam, bring the marriage certificate."
Although Mrs. Mu felt a little regretful, she believed that under the circumstances, the best outcome was for each of them to get married.
Why should a daughter who had grown up in pampered love marry an exiled prisoner and go into exile with him?
When getting married, the most important thing is to match the two families' social status, otherwise it will not be a happy one.
Master Mu handed the marriage certificate to Butler Chen and said, "From now on, men and women marrying each other has nothing to do with each other. I wish Miss Chen to marry a good man and live a peaceful and happy life."
The Chen family's housekeeper was somewhat moved. Everyone said that Mr. Mu was a loser, but such a magnanimous mind was truly rare.
He bowed respectfully and said, "Thank you, Master Mu. Your son is a rare talent. He will surely marry a beautiful woman who is suitable for the family and live happily ever after."
The two families did not quarrel with each other and cancelled the marriage in a dignified manner.
Butler Chen stepped aside, looking like a bystander.
It was the Yu family's turn. The driver of another carriage jumped down, turned around and asked the people in the carriage to get out.
They were a master and servant. The girl was beautiful and gentle, slender and graceful, exuding a quiet temperament, but there was a hint of sadness between her eyebrows.
The other was a maid, her eyes full of worry and her brows furrowed, looking like she was about to be executed.
The driver took the initiative to introduce, "I am the butler of the Yu family, and this is my fourth young lady."
Fourth Miss Yu stepped forward gracefully and bowed, "Meet Uncle Mu and Aunt Mu."
Her manners were perfect and her behavior was chaste and dignified.
Madam Mu personally stepped forward to help the girl up, holding her arm and looking her up and down. What a pretty girl, with an oval face, willow-shaped eyebrows, and a cherry mouth. She looked delicate and fragile, and I felt pity for her.
But, he looked gloomy.
Her heart skipped a beat and her brows furrowed slightly.
Master Mu was a little confused, "What is this...?"
Housekeeper Yu cupped his hands, and said respectfully, "According to the order of the head of the family, I am sending the fourth young lady here to get married, in order to complete the marriage alliance that was originally made."
Master Mu was shocked. It was totally beyond his expectations.
Most families would simply cancel the engagement, like the Chen family, and neither party owed the other anything.
Or we can just delay it for a few years and see how the situation develops.
But this is the first time I have seen someone being sent here to get married.
Madam Mu was even more surprised. How could such a big matter as marriage be treated as a joke? The three books and six ceremonies were a formal matchmaker, and the bride was personally welcomed into the house in a red sedan chair. Every step could not be missed.
"What? Get married? Did I say that wrong?"
Miss Yu Si is a pure and innocent girl from a good family, but the Mu family is a family of exiles. Once she marries into the Mu family, she will become a criminal.
This is called marry a chicken, follow the chicken; marry a dog, follow the dog, but who can bear the gap between them? Have they really thought it through?
Housekeeper Yu looked serious, "Our Yu family has a clean and honest family tradition. We keep our promises and will never be treacherous."
Master Mu couldn't help but show admiration, "I didn't expect Yu Shi to be so noble. I admire him so much."
Mu Wanqing, who was watching the whole process, pricked up her ears, finding it quite interesting.
This Fourth Miss Yu is not a legitimate daughter, but she is better than a legitimate daughter.
Her mother was Yu Yushi's cousin, and they were childhood sweethearts. They had been engaged for a long time, but fate played tricks on them, and Yu Yushi was favored by the daughter of a high-ranking official...
The final result was that both sides made concessions. Yu Yushi married the daughter of a high-ranking official, and his cousin became a favorite concubine. The wife and concubine lived in harmony, creating a rare and beautiful story that was praised by the world.
When Mu Wanqing heard this, she sneered at the censor. He was talking about good things, but he was obviously a hypocrite.
Although the Censor was a seventh-rank official, he could directly impeach all officials.
It was Old Madam Mu who made the effort to facilitate this marriage for the second branch of the Mu family.
He didn't even think about it. With the suppression that Old Madam Mu was doing to the second branch, how could she possibly arrange a good marriage for them?
There must be some story behind this.
She made a brief analysis and the most likely possibility was that the wife of the censor had done something behind the scenes.
Harmony between wife and concubine is just a man's fantasy. They fight to the death for profit, children and favor.
Miss Yu is the fourth child in the family. Her older sister and two older brothers are all legitimate children. She had a son and a daughter born to a concubine, and the son is the youngest.
It looks quite regular, but when you taste it carefully, it tastes wrong.
Housekeeper Yu's eyes were filled with elation. "I will hand the Fourth Young Miss over to the Mu family right now. Please treat her well."
Mr. Mu and his wife looked at each other, somewhat bewildered, not knowing what to do.
The eldest daughter-in-law left, so the second daughter-in-law came first? This is also not in accordance with the rules.
Besides, how can you hold a wedding while in exile? You can't just have a casual ceremony and call it a day.
A wedding is a major event in life, how can it be taken lightly?
The situation froze for a moment. Mu Wanqing looked at the silent woman and broke the silence with a clear cough. "Miss Yu Si, are you willing to marry my second brother?"
Everyone looked over there, and Mu Ziang's eyes lit up slightly. This was his fiancée. She was beautiful and gentle, just the type he liked.
Miss Yu Si lowered her head and said nothing.
Mu Wanqing sighed softly, she didn’t want to!
The light in Mu Ziang's eyes gradually dimmed, and he said softly, "Dad, Mom, a forced melon is not sweet, so don't force it."
This cannot be blamed on the girl. The road to exile is full of dangers and one could lose his life at any time. How could a delicate girl endure such hardship?
"Butler Yu, take your fourth daughter back home. She will only suffer if she follows me."
Fourth Miss Yu raised her head suddenly, looking surprised.
Seeing their son's firm attitude, Mr. Mu and his wife discussed it for a while, "Butler Yu, we understand the Yu family's attitude. We are very grateful for the Yu family's kindness and generosity. Let's call off this marriage and take the girl back."
It would be fine if they didn't give them compensation. Their conditions are much better now and they don't have to rely on those things to survive.
Butler Yu firmly disagreed, "This is the master's order, I have no right to make my own decision."
"Miss Fourth, take care of yourself." He bowed, stuffed two packages into the maid's hands, jumped onto the carriage and waved to Butler Chen, who jumped on.
And just like that, the two of them drove away.
Miss Yu Si watched the carriage leave with red eyes, shivering in the autumn wind.
The maid stood beside her, her face pale and filled with despair of being abandoned.
Mu Wanqing's mouth twitched. Is this marrying off a daughter or throwing away a burden? Don't you even give her a dowry?
The people in the second house were so confused that they just abandoned the person and ran away? What kind of nonsense is this?
Mrs. Mu couldn't bear to see this, "Miss Yu, I'll ask someone to take you back."
Miss Yu's eyes were wet as she whispered softly, "There's no going back."
From the moment she left home, she was like water spilled out.
She forced herself to cheer up and forced out a gentle smile, "Aunt, I am a member of the Mu family in this life, and I will be a ghost of the Mu family after I die. I will be filial to you and uncle in the future."
This was the path her father arranged for her, she had no choice.
Madam Mu Er couldn't tell what she felt in her heart, she just patted her arm and said, "Don't be afraid, we are not mean people. If we have a drink, we will give you half of it."
Fourth Miss Yu smiled with tears in her eyes, "Thank you, auntie."
Madam Mu was very soft-hearted. She was just a young girl who had just come of age. She was away from her parents and family at such a young age and came to them alone. She must have been very scared.
Be nicer to her in the future.
The sun was already high in the sky and time was wasted, so Lord Zeng was anxiously urging them to set off.
If it’s any later, we’ll have to sleep outdoors in the mountains.
The Mu family's second branch was in a bit of a mess, and they didn't know how to arrange things for Fourth Miss Yu and her servants.
But the official was in a hurry, so Mu Wanqing thought for a moment and said, "We'll talk about it later. Mother, come over and share a carriage with me. Miss Yu Si and her servant will share a carriage, and Li Si will be the driver."
This is also to avoid suspicion.
"Big Brother and Second Brother, you two go to the Chen family's carriage and protect the supplies."
They had one extra carriage, which was more than enough.
"Dad, just go and drive the mule cart."
She arranged everything for everyone clearly, and everyone immediately took their positions and got used to it.
Only Miss Fourth Yu and her servant looked at the scene in astonishment, and they were unable to recover for a long time after getting on the carriage.
The nurse looked at the exquisitely decorated carriage and felt a little relieved. "Miss, how come the Mu family has so many carriages? Where did they come from?"
The conditions were actually quite good, which was completely different from the shabby situation she had imagined.
Miss Yu looked out the window. There were a few carriages in the procession, but not many. Most of them were prisoners who were walking with difficulty.
However, the second branch of the Mu family seemed to be different. The officials were also polite to them. Was it an illusion?
Inside the carriage, Mu Wanqing was writing and drawing with a pen and paper. The plan was already ready, and she just needed to press the button to start the actual operation.
Let the guards go ahead and check out the market situation first.
Where are the medicinal materials produced? Where are the cloths cheap and affordable? These things are in short supply at the border.
As for tea, you can consider buying it, but I don't know the composition of the border consumer market.
She made a market research form and all she had to do was fill in numbers.
She called Shen Yong over, "This is to survey the market. Go to more stores and ask more. I need the prices of supplies in several nearby towns. There are twelve of you in total. You can form groups of two and be divided into six groups. Is that okay?"
Her order was so natural that Shen Yong responded subconsciously, "No problem."
He walked a distance with the form in his hand before he realized that he had ordered them to do things without even discussing the matter.
These are not partners, they are clearly superiors and subordinates.
"Miss Mu San..."
Mu Wanqing smiled and said, "What don't you understand? If you don't understand, just ask. There must be a teacher among three people. Don't feel embarrassed."
Her smile was too bright. Shen Yong hesitated for a moment and said, "No, I know, it's just..."
Mu Wanqing smiled even sweeter. "Okay, I'll do the statistics after you bring them back and try to earn some money for the trip. Go quickly and come back soon. I'll cook for you myself tonight. What do you want to eat? You can order a dish."
Shen Yong had heard that her cooking skills were excellent and even tastier than the imperial cuisine. "It's all right."
"Okay, I'll make a big pot of rich food, it's guaranteed to be delicious."
Shen Yong happily turned around and shouted to his companions to work, but when he sat on the horse, he suddenly realized something was wrong.
Was he fooled again? The whole rhythm was under the control of Miss Mu San.
His companion shouted, "Brother Chen, what are you doing? Let's go."
Shen Yong shook his head and chuckled. Forget it. He was no match for Miss Mu San.
During lunch, Mu Wanqing got off the carriage to stretch her arms and legs.
The road condition is bad and the carriage is very bumpy. My back and waist will ache if I sit for a long time.
Mr. Zeng came over holding a wild flower, "Miss Third, there are a lot of these wild flowers, and they smell very fragrant, can they be used?"
They picked all kinds of wild flowers along the way, wild chrysanthemums were the most common, and they almost picked all of them.
Mu Wanqing took a look and said, "This is wild camellia. The flowers can be dried to stop bleeding, and the water can be used to nourish the skin. The roots can also be used as medicine to dissipate blood stasis and reduce swelling. It can also be sold to drugstores."
Lord Zeng's eyes lit up, this is a good thing.
He quickly shouted, asking everyone to pick wild camellia flowers, dry them and sell them for money.
This no-cost business is so exciting, the pace is unstoppable and making money is addictive.
Everyone was very happy because as long as they worked, they could have an extra meal in the evening.
The cook came running over with some red fruits, "Miss San, these wild fruits are very sweet. They have been cleaned. Please try them."
Mu Wanqing likes to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, but unfortunately, there is nothing to eat along the way, so she can only pick some wild fruits.
"Thank you." She took a bite, it was sour and sweet, "This is good, do you have any more? Pick some more, we can make jam."
Seeing that she liked it so much, the cook was very happy. The Third Miss taught him the skills for free. He had no money, no skills, and nothing to give to her, so he could only prepare more vegetables and fruits. "There are still a lot of them. I'll go after I finish cooking."
Mu Wanqing munched on wild fruits and looked at the people working hard. She was very satisfied. There were fewer people causing trouble recently.
A female voice suddenly sounded, "Sister Wanqing, how could you get so close to a man outside your family? Men and women should not be intimate with each other. Didn't Aunt Mu teach you that?"
It was Fourth Miss Yu. Her tone was very gentle, but her words were unpleasant to the ear.
Mu Wanqing: ???
"Who are you?" Neither her parents cared, let alone said such a thing.
"Uh, I am..." Miss Yu Si was suddenly stuck. Although she was the second daughter-in-law of the Mu family, her current status was unclear.
In what capacity does she discipline Mu Wanqing?
Mu Wanqing smiled slightly, turned around and left, with no intention of making things difficult for her.
Life is short and survival is hard, so why waste time on quarrels?
A figure blocked her way and said indignantly, "Miss Mu San, I am Miss Yu Si's nurse. Seeing you being so rude, I can't help but say that my lady is doing this for your own good. As a woman, you must have four virtues: women's virtues, women's words, women's appearance, and women's work. What are women's virtues? They are to be quiet and chaste, to be chaste and neat, to behave with shame, and to follow the rules for what to do..." Note 1
Is it appropriate for a wet nurse who talks a lot about women's virtues to use them to teach Mu Wanqing a lesson?
Mu Wanqing was amazed. There were all kinds of birds in the forest.
"You mean, I don't have the virtues of a woman?"
However, a wet nurse can recite all the virtues of women by heart, where did she learn them?
Mu Wanqing subconsciously glanced at Fourth Miss Yu. No way? The Yu family let their daughter learn these things?
Miss Yu Si's wet nurse hated to see her young lady being bullied, so she was always the first to rush forward.
She was very dissatisfied with Mu Wanqing's attitude.
"I'm sorry to say that you are a little..."
She thought that she was born into a family of censors, a family of scholars, with a noble family tradition, and was a hundred times better than the unknown second branch of the Mu family.
Mu Wanqing raised her eyebrows, half smiling, "Hmm?"
The wet nurse felt sorry for her young lady. With such a beautiful face, she should have had a bright future, but now it was all ruined.
The Mu family had already fallen into exile and were not a good match at all. To maintain his reputation, the master sent them away despite the second wife and the young lady's pleadings.
This must be Madam's doing! Madam just can't tolerate an outstanding concubine's daughter.
"It's against the rules. My young lady is the daughter of the Imperial Censorate. She has been well-educated since she was young, behaves in a proper manner, and has outstanding virtues and appearance. She can be regarded as a model of female virtue. She is willing to teach you a thing or two, and you should cherish her kindness."
Mu Wanqing burst out laughing. Where did this hot stuff come from?
"Since you are so outstanding, why did you get abandoned by your family and become a forlorn child?"
Miss Yu Si has a standard little white flower face, non-aggressive, pitiful, making people want to protect her.
She looked over in disbelief, her face turning frighteningly pale.
"My master just kept his promise..." The wet nurse blushed with anger.
Mu Wanqing rolled her eyes. "To gain a good reputation and career, sacrificing the happiness of a daughter, is this keeping a promise? Or is it just seeking fame?"
Fourth Miss Yu's face turned even paler, and the nurse was so angry that she shouted, "What do you know? You are making malicious speculations and disrespecting your sister-in-law and relatives."
Her voice was so loud that it attracted countless curious looks.
Mu Ziang, who was helping out, also heard it and ran over quickly, "Sister, what happened?"
The nurse acted like she saw a savior and complained hastily, "Second Young Master, you came just in time. Third Young Master was rude to my young lady. My poor young lady suffered so much all the way and traveled thousands of miles just to follow you, Second Young Master. Second Young Master, you are her only support. If you don't protect her, she won't be able to survive."
What she said was so heartfelt that she was moved. There was no reason why she couldn't move a young man.
But to her surprise, Mu Ziang frowned and said, "My sister is kind and generous, everyone praises her. You must have misunderstood her."
Nanny: ...
Miss Yu Si: ...
The nurse thought he was unreasonable. "She scolded our master for seeking fame and reputation!"
Mu Ziang let out a sigh, extremely surprised, "My sister said that?"
The nurse wiped her tears in grievance, as if she had suffered a great injustice. "Yes, how can you say that?"
She thought Mu Ziang would scold Mu Wanqing, but he spoke righteously, "That's just to gain fame. Alas, I didn't expect Uncle Yu just looks like a gentleman."
The wet nurse is not in good condition, is he okay?
"That's your father-in-law. That's a false accusation."
Mu Ziang believed in his sister unconditionally. His sister was so smart, how could she be wrong?
"Impossible. My sister is broad-minded, has a vision far beyond the world, and has a noble character. How could she frame a stranger?"
The nurse couldn't believe it, and looked doubtful about her life, "Second Master, do you really believe your sister's words?"
Mu Ziang nodded without hesitation, "Of course, my sister is very smart and has a very accurate vision. If she says that she is just seeking fame, then she will not accept any rebuttal."
The wet nurse almost vomited blood. Who is this person?
Fourth Miss Yu's lips moved slightly, "Second Master, Sister Wanqing, it was my wet nurse who was too reckless. I apologize to you two on her behalf. I also did something wrong and failed to discipline the servants. I hope you two will forgive me this time."
She was very humble and her face was as pale as paper. Mu Ziang was too embarrassed to argue with her, "Then don't do this again next time. You said I'm OK but my sister is not OK. You don't know how good and lovely she is. You will like her after spending more time with her."
Fourth Miss Yu looked dull and didn't want to talk at all. She felt very tired.
Mu Wanqing couldn't help laughing, "Second brother, what are you having for lunch?"
She took the initiative to change the subject, but Mu Ziang didn't notice it at all. "The twice-cooked pork with rice you taught me last time was delicious. I want to eat three big pots. Ah, I won't talk to you anymore. I'm going back to work."
He ran back quickly. Mu Wanqing smiled slightly, but her eyes turned cold. "Fourth Miss Yu, no matter what you think or what you plan to do, don't hurt my family. Otherwise, I will kill you in a matter of minutes."
Although she was smiling, the smile did not reach her eyes, "Understand?"
Her threat successfully made Miss Yu Si's face change several times, "I don't understand what you mean, I just want to get along well with you."
Mu Wanqing could understand that she didn't want to marry her second brother, but she couldn't tolerate her plotting against her own family.
"Really? Then why did you deliberately let your loyal dog bite me? You actually wanted to open a gap in me. I admire your courage. You have a weak and innocent little white flower face. You do have some means, but not enough."
By controlling her, he can hold the second wife in his hand and achieve his goal.
After saying this, Mu Wanqing walked away leisurely.
Fourth Miss Yu looked at her receding figure with a twinkling look in her eyes. Everyone in the Mu family acted strangely.
The nurse stood up for her, "Miss, why is she like this? Not only is she unruly, but she is also so rude."
Miss Yu sighed softly, "Maybe I am really wrong."
"Miss, how could you be wrong? You have suffered too much injustice, and it is others who have wronged you." The nurse's eyes were red, "Even the second wife sacrificed you for the young master."
Two tears rolled down Miss Yu Si's eyes, and her heart was filled with sadness.
She struggled, went on hunger strike, and protested, but her family still chose to give up on her. Who can she trust? Who can she rely on?
Only when she was isolated and helpless did she realize that the only person she could rely on was herself.
…
Madam Mu took a bite of the twice-cooked pork with rice, and her mouth was filled with the fragrance. It was no wonder that it was her daughter's idea, it was delicious.
"I think Fourth Miss Yu is very reluctant, so why not send her back?"
Mu Wanqing didn't like fatty meat, so she picked it out and put it into Mu Erye's bowl, and Mu Erye ate it happily.
"If I'm not mistaken, Yu Shi should have publicized it in a big way when we left the capital. How can we go back?"
This is equivalent to cutting off Miss Yu Si's way back home. Censor Yu is a ruthless character.
"But we can't just live together like this without knowing the reason, right? If one party is unwilling in a marriage, there will be no happiness in the end." Master Mu felt that it was not appropriate, "Qing'er, how do you think we should deal with this matter?"
This matter concerns the life of her second brother. As a younger sister, Mu Wanqing seems to have no say, but she has to be on guard against Fourth Miss Yu. "Second brother, what do you think?"
"I listen to my parents and have no opinions." Mu Ziang buried his head in his food, not even raising his head while eating.
Mu Wanqing suddenly had an idea and thought of a way to have the best of both worlds.
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Note 1: From Ban Zhao’s “Instructions for Women”.
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