Chapter 109 Division of the Family
After finally bandaging his wound, Lu Yunbo sat alone in his study, growing angrier and angrier, wishing he could kidnap Yu Qingci and thoroughly ravage her to vent his anger.
He had planned to have both wives for a long time, intending to take things slowly and eventually win the woman's heart.
But to his surprise, the woman remained unmoved despite his repeated attempts to get close to her, and even tried to persuade his aunt to divide the family property. Seeing that his family was about to be driven out of the general's mansion, he had no choice but to take a risky gamble.
The plan had gone very well, and Yu Qingci had been successfully tricked into going to the warm pavilion in the back garden. She had even been drugged. But who would have thought that at the last moment, just when he was about to succeed, he would be injured by this woman.
How could he not be furious that his efforts had been in vain?
Fortunately, he had his personal servant listen outside to the commotion, and only after they had completely made love inside would he invite his mother, fourth aunt, and eldest aunt to come and witness, so as to confirm the matter.
The words he said in the warm pavilion were just to scare Yu Qingci, so that she would obey him and be at his mercy.
Now I secretly rejoice that I didn't call out, otherwise it would have given the eldest son's family another handle to use against me.
Now that I'm injured, I need to think of a way to avoid showing up in front of my parents for the next few days.
The day for the family division arrived quickly. Early in the morning, Madam Ning sent Steward Lu with people to carry three elders from the clan over in sedan chairs.
Today's meeting will be held in the main hall of the outer courtyard.
On the eldest branch's side, Old Madam Ning, Yu Qingci, and Lu Yunchu all arrived.
The people from the second branch of the family who attended included the second master and his wife, the two couples Lu Yunzhang and Lu Yunbo, and the legitimate sons of the two brothers. It can be said that the only member of the second branch of the family who was not present was Lu Yunli, a daughter who was about to be married.
The fourth branch of the family was almost entirely present, including the fourth master and his wife, their eldest son Lu Yunqing, their second son Lu Yunbing who was about to get married, and even their baby Yu Ge'er, who was only a few months old.
As for the second and fourth masters' illegitimate sons and concubines, they certainly weren't qualified to show up at this time.
To everyone's surprise, the third aunt also returned early in the morning with Yang Qi, who had just recovered from a serious illness, and his three grandsons, but the eldest son, Yang Yong, did not show up.
When the uncles saw their third aunt and her family, young and old, appear in the main hall, they all frowned.
Second Uncle said bluntly, "Third Aunt, today is the day to discuss the division of the General's Mansion. It's fine for an aunt who has been married for many years to come and listen in, but why did you bring your son and grandson? What kind of behavior is this? Tell them to go back right now!"
Another uncle spoke even more bluntly: "It's best for married daughters not to interfere in their parents' family affairs, especially since you've been married for many years. It's even more inappropriate for you to get involved in your parents' family matters. It's better for you to stay out of it with the children."
Upon hearing this, the third aunt's face immediately turned sour.
But she was used to being assertive, and still spoke with a stern face:
"No matter how many years I've been married, this is still my maternal home. It's a major matter of my brothers dividing the family property. We're all family members, so why can't I come and listen?"
And these grandsons of mine, I brought them here to show my sister-in-law. You all know what I'm talking about.
Although she didn't explain it clearly, everyone understood what she meant.
Second Uncle stroked his beard and advised, "I know that you are concerned about your eldest brother's heir, but since ancient times, the heir has always been chosen from the descendants of one's own brothers. Only when there are no suitable descendants in one's own clan will one consider relatives from outside."
But now, not only do the second and fourth sons have several grandsons, but there are also many suitable children among the cousins in the clan to adopt. It's not their turn to adopt a child from another family. Could it be that your Yang family can't support its own children and insists on sending them to our Lu family?"
A few words made the third aunt's face turn red and white. She could act tough in front of her brothers and their wives, but she never dared to throw a tantrum in front of the elders in the clan.
Seeing that her uncles were adamant and wouldn't listen to reason, the Third Aunt had no choice but to let Yang Qi leave with the three children, no matter how unwilling she was. She then sat down on a chair at the bottom, making it clear that she wasn't leaving today.
An awkward atmosphere ensued when a servant rushed in to report that the carriage from the Marquis of Nanping's residence had arrived at the gate.
"Daughter-in-law, your father has arrived. Let's hurry out to greet him."
As she spoke, Madam Ning took Yu Qingci's hand and led the way outside.
The others in the council hall couldn't sit still any longer. Several uncles hurriedly stood up and followed Old Madam Ning out. The people from the second and fourth branches of the family also obediently followed to greet them upon hearing the name of the Marquis of Nanping.
After all, this in-law was a close minister of the emperor, a high-ranking official. Apart from Madam Ning and Yu Qingci, who had the title of Lady of Imperial Decree, the rest of them, no matter how senior or old they were, were just commoners. Naturally, they dared not put on airs in front of the important ministers of the court.
Before they even reached the gate, several imposing noblemen in official robes walked towards them. The middle-aged man leading the group, dressed in court attire, was none other than Yu Jingsheng, the Earl of Nanping.
The two people accompanying him were also no ordinary people. One was General Wu, who was in charge of the capital's military command, and the other was Minister Li, the Vice Minister of War. Both of them were close friends of the General during his lifetime, so Madam Ning knew them.
"I never expected these two to come today," Old Madam Ning said politely as she stepped forward, surprised.
"I never expected that my in-laws and the two gentlemen would come to help with these trivial matters at home. It is truly an honor."
Yu Jingsheng first glanced at his daughter, then cupped his hands to Old Madam Ning and said:
"Madam, you are too kind. Our two families are now related by marriage. If your family has any problems, my Nanping Marquis family will do its best to help."
State your position in one sentence.
General Wu and Lord Li also cupped their hands and said, "Greetings, Madam Ning. If we hadn't heard the Earl mention it a couple of days ago, we wouldn't have known about the family division today. Although this is your own family matter, it's as if you're treating us like outsiders by not informing us beforehand."
Given our past relationship with General Ningyuan, it is only right that we come to help. Please, Madam, do not stand on ceremony.
Yu Qingci gently tugged at her mother-in-law's sleeve, reminding her to invite the guests in first.
Madam Ning hurriedly greeted them with a smile, "Look at my forgetfulness! You are all distinguished guests, please come in. I'm so sorry for the neglect."
The group returned to the main hall, chatting and laughing. They invited the three adults to sit at the head of the table. Madam Ning then introduced several of her uncles, who quickly stood up and bowed to the three men, exchanging polite greetings once again.
As for the people from the second and fourth branches of the family, Old Madam Ning only mentioned them briefly. The three gentlemen who came today must have known about the General's Mansion beforehand, so they didn't take these people seriously, and no one even gave them a glance.
Even so, the people from the second and fourth wives stood aside with respectful and ingratiating attitudes, their fawning expressions impossible to conceal.
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