Chapter 53 "Will Brother Tang side with me?"...
The Sun family suddenly sent Miss Sun to the Cui residence because they had designs on Sun Erlang and wanted to strengthen their kinship ties.
Although Sun Erlang failed the imperial examination, Qin Shi looked down on her niece. Disdainful of Miss Sun but also preoccupied with managing the household affairs, she hatched a wicked plan.
Cui Xintang pulled her into his arms and said with a smile, "When Yuanyuan was in charge of the household, Second Aunt didn't dare to have this idea. It was only after seeing Yuanyuan making a fuss with me that she had this thought."
"So Yuanyuan, you must know what is important. In the future, spend less time on trivial matters and more time on the household and your husband. Keep a close eye on your husband and don't let anyone take advantage of you."
"Also, stay away from Lu Erlang."
"..." Meng Yuanxiao didn't want to pay any attention to him and simply ignored him.
They thought that Madam Qin wouldn't dare to come again, but she did come the next afternoon.
Qin was very thick-skinned and showed no unease whatsoever upon arrival. She looked around first and then asked, "Hasn't Eldest Brother returned yet?"
“Hmm,” Meng Yuanxiao replied.
Qin sat down familiarly next to her and said, "Your cousin isn't used to living in the mansion, so I wrote to her parents and asked them to send someone to pick her up and take her back. But your aunt's family isn't in the capital, so it will take several days to get there and back."
Meng Yuanxiao ignored her words, but Qin Shi followed closely and looked at the account book in front of her, and then started rambling on and on.
Qin Shi always mentioned the Lin family in front of Meng Yuanxiao, and today was no exception.
Previously, she had been stirring up trouble, but today she unusually spoke up for Cui Xintang, saying that those previous words were all exaggerated and deliberately provoked, and that Meng Yuanxiao should not take them to heart.
It was quite unusual for someone to speak up for Cui Xintang in front of her. Meng Yuanxiao glanced at Qin Shi suspiciously, wondering what she was up to this time.
Qin Shi wasn't in a hurry to leave. When Cui Xintang returned, she hurriedly asked, "Is Dalang back?"
"Hmm," Cui Xintang sat down next to Meng Yuanxiao and poured her a cup of tea. "Aunt, what brings you here lately?"
Qin gave a vague reply, then asked impatiently, "Eldest brother, why did you dismiss Second brother's teacher?"
Cui Xintang glanced at Qin Shi, her expression unchanged, and said, "The master is getting old and his energy is failing, so he resigned from this job."
After saying that, he added, "It's not necessary to hire this teacher. Uncle can find another teacher for Erlang."
"How can any other tutor compare to this one?" Madam Qin immediately became anxious. "This tutor is so hard to find; you only managed to get him by using your father's connections. How does your second uncle have such ability?"
"Your aunt knows too?" Cui Xintang asked.
Qin's face flushed red and then turned pale. After choking for a while, she said, "That's not how it's said. Eldest son, don't you hope for second son's success even more than your aunt does?"
At this point, Madam Qin paused, glanced at Meng Yuanxiao beside her, and hesitated, as if she wanted to say something but couldn't.
Meng Yuanxiao was completely confused by what the two were saying and didn't bother to pay attention.
Cui Xintang took a sip of tea, put down the teacup, and said, "The Second Master has already met the Miss Wang I mentioned last time and is very satisfied. Aunt has also met her. What's your decision?"
"..." Qin's lips twitched.
Cui Xintang said, "Although the Wang family is not of high social standing, Lord Wang is a Doctor at the Imperial Academy, and his family has a clean and upright character. There is already news that Miss Wang's uncle will be promoted to a fifth-rank official position in six months. At that time, I'm afraid it will be difficult for him to marry Miss Wang."
As they were talking, a maidservant came by Wu's side and said that the eldest madam invited the eldest son and the young mistress to have a meal together in the main courtyard.
After the maid left, Cui Xintang had no more patience to talk to Qin Shi.
"Auntie, go back and discuss it with Uncle. If you don't want to listen to what I have to say, then you don't need to come to me about Erlang's affairs anymore."
After seeing Qin Shi off, Cui Xintang touched Meng Yuanxiao's hand and squeezed it, "Yuanyuan, would you like to go?"
It was clear he didn't want to go, but he deliberately asked her. Meng Yuanxiao hated this kind of thing and ignored him.
The reason why Madam Wu suddenly called the young couple over was naturally because Meng Yuanxiao had not returned for several days without giving any notice.
Upon arriving at the main courtyard, Madam Wu's expression remained indifferent. Her gaze lingered on the two of them for a moment, but she said nothing.
In the past, Meng Yuanxiao was always affectionate and warm towards his mother-in-law, chattering away and trying to make her happy.
The dinner was very quiet tonight; Meng Yuanxiao didn't speak, and neither did Wu Shi or Cui Xintang.
Recently, Ms. Wu has been practicing vegetarianism and chanting Buddhist prayers. She only ate a few vegetarian dishes for dinner and quickly put down her chopsticks.
After Meng Yuanxiao had almost finished drinking, Madam Wu picked up her teacup, took a sip, and said, "That cousin of Erlang's is just a relative who went to live with the Cui family. Yuanyuan's words that day were really harsh."
Meng Yuanxiao: "..."
Madam Wu glanced at her. "Now the news has spread throughout the manor. Yuanyuan, aren't you just making a fool of yourself in front of the servants? I heard your second uncle is also quite angry. If word gets out, people will only think that the masters of our Cui family can't even tolerate a relative. What will others think?"
Meng Yuanxiao lowered her head and silently admitted her mistake, "Daughter-in-law knows she was wrong."
She readily admitted her mistake, so Mrs. Wu didn't say anything more.
The dining hall quieted down again. After a while, a maid came in, carrying a bowl of medicine on a lacquered tray, and brought it to Madam Wu. "Madam, it's time to take your medicine."
After the maid left, Meng Yuanxiao asked in surprise, "Mother-in-law, are you ill?"
Her voice was filled with worry, but Cui Xintang only frowned and glanced at the medicine bowl in front of Wu, without saying a word.
The medicine had cooled down, but was now just warm enough to drink. Wu picked up the bowl and drank it without changing her expression.
Setting down the bowl, Madam Wu wiped her lips with a handkerchief, lowered her eyes, and said, "He won't die. By the time you two find out, he should be all better."
Meng Yuanxiao: "..."
She poked at the rice in her bowl, and suddenly didn't want to eat anymore.
Just as she was wondering why her brother Tang hadn't taken the rest of her food to eat, Madam Wu suddenly said, "The other day, the Lin family sent silver, saying that Yuanyuan asked the Lin family to return the shops and other things that the Cui family had given her earlier, in silver."
Meng Yuanxiao paused, then looked up at his mother-in-law.
Madam Wu raised her eyes and looked at her, saying, "I reprimanded him and told him not to talk nonsense. How could the eldest young mistress of the Cui family act like this? The Cui family is a respectable family in the capital. How can they ask for things back after giving them away?"
Meng Yuanxiao: "..."
She suddenly remembered what Steward Lin looked like in the front hall that day.
She mocked Steward Lin, and then, following his lead, demanded that the Lin family return everything that the Cui family had given them. Steward Lin showed no embarrassment whatsoever; on the contrary, he appeared confident and composed.
Therefore, Manager Lin clearly had anticipated this, and in fact, he deliberately said those words that day to provoke them.
Thinking of Manager Lin's face now, Meng Yuanxiao felt nauseous.
She couldn't hold back any longer and blurted out, "That day, Steward Lin himself said he would repay the money. Since he said so, why can't you agree, daughter-in-law?"
"Nonsense!" Madam Wu frowned and scolded, "If this gets out, and the Cui family goes back on their word, what will people say?"
Meng Yuanxiao felt a lump in her throat and subconsciously turned to look at Cui Xintang.
Cui Xintang glanced at her and squeezed her hand under the table. "Yuanyuan, didn't you not want to manage the household?"
His face was expressionless. After speaking, he looked at Madam Wu at the head of the table and said in a slightly cold voice, "Since Yuanyuan cannot make the decision, then tomorrow morning, return the keys to the storeroom and the account books to Mother. Mother is not afraid of hard work and can continue to manage them personally."
After these words were spoken, the dining hall immediately fell silent.
Madam Wu's face turned ugly, and she sneered, "You really are the good son I gave birth to. As your mother, I can't even speak up? You can't even bear such a small grievance? How many grievances have your mother suffered over the years? If I had just given up at the drop of a hat, how would you be where you are today!"
The mother and son both looked rather grim. Meng Yuanxiao, who had initially been the one wronged, suddenly found himself the one sowing discord between the mother and son.
She found it extremely boring and was about to speak when Cui Xintang suddenly asked her, "Have you finished eating?"
Meng Yuanxiao didn't speak. Cui Xintang glanced at the food in her bowl and said, "If you can't eat it, then don't eat it."
After saying that, he took her hand and stood up, saying to Madam Wu, "Your son and Yuanyuan will go back first. Mother, please rest early."
Once they came out of the main courtyard, Meng Yuanxiao shook off Cui Xintang's hand. Cui Xintang tried to take her hand, but she pulled away.
Cui Xintang frowned, glanced at her, and let her be.
Once they reached the courtyard where they lived, he forcefully took Meng Yuanxiao's hand and asked, "Are you still angry?"
Meng Yuanxiao tried to shake him off, but couldn't. She stopped and looked at him, asking, "Brother Tang, why do you never eat my leftovers in front of Mother-in-law?"
"..." Seemingly not expecting her to care about this, Cui Xintang's face showed surprise. After a slight pause, she said with a smile, "It's fine to use it on ordinary days, but why do you have to use it in front of Mother?"
"Why can't we do it in front of my mother-in-law?" Meng Yuanxiao asked stubbornly.
"...Why hasn't Yuanyuan called her 'Mother' lately?"
Meng Yuanxiao choked, forcefully shook off his hand, and turned to walk into the courtyard on her own.
Back in the room, Cui Xintang closed the door behind him, then picked him up and carried him to the desk.
He blocked her way, his voice tinged with helplessness, "When will Yuanyuan stop taking her anger out on Brother Tang because of others?"
Tears welled up in Meng Yuanxiao's eyes, and she looked at him without saying a word.
Cui Xintang: "Didn't I speak up for you just now?"
"How does that mean you're speaking up for me?" Meng Yuanxiao didn't think he was really helping her. "You're clearly just trying to smooth things over between me and my mother-in-law!"
"...So, what does Yuanyuan want Brother Tang to do?"
"Don't you know what to do?" Meng Yuanxiao was furious. "Second Aunt said Miss Sun is leaving. Miss Sun's departure is inextricably linked to you, Brother Tang, isn't it? Since you're so decisive with Miss Sun, why are you always so wishy-washy when it comes to matters related to the Lin family?"
"..." Cui Xintang frowned slightly, as if he had a headache, but he still patiently said, "Yuanyuan didn't really want the Lin family to return the money, did she?"
Meng Yuanxiao choked.
She did not expect the Lin family to repay the money. It was indeed Brother Tang who gave the Lin family a shop and a place to live, and it was also Brother Tang who instructed people to take care of the Lin family.
If we were to calculate everything clearly now and then demand it back, it would be seen as the Cui family and Brother Tang going back on their word, which would make them a laughingstock.
The Cui family doesn't lack this shop; she always has to consider Tang-gege's feelings.
That day, it was just a casual remark; she couldn't stand the Lin family's attitude, so she deliberately said those words.
If the Lin family really doesn't return the money, she won't hold it against them, as long as the Lin family behaves themselves and doesn't provoke her again.
But her magnanimity is different from others humiliating her like this. The Lin family deliberately made a scene in front of her mother-in-law; wasn't that humiliating her?
“This is different!” she said.
She looked so angry, she wouldn't give up until she got to the bottom of it.
Cui Xintang said helplessly, "That day, after Steward Lin left, I sent Qingzhu to warn the Lin family. I really didn't expect that the Lin family would dare to come to my mother's side."
"But my mother has already made her stance clear to the Lin family, and as her son, I can't possibly embarrass her."
"So you're saying I have to suffer in silence?" Meng Yuanxiao was amused by his words. She sniffed and said angrily, "You all care about your reputation, and I'm concerned about yours, but do you care about mine?"
"I am the young mistress of the Cui family. What will the servants in the mansion think of me? What will people outside think of me?"
"..."
Tears streamed down Meng Yuanxiao's face. "I've never been one to suffer a loss, Brother Tang, you know that. My parents raised me all these years, not so I could marry into your Cui family and be mistreated!"
“...Of course not.” Cui Xintang found it amusing.
He reached out and wiped away her tears. "I just think that Yuanyuan really doesn't need to care about her mother and the Lin family. After we leave the capital, we may not come back for many years. Why bother with them?"
"Yuanyuan just needs to keep an eye on Brother Tang. As for the rest, if Yuanyuan doesn't want to be close to her mother, she won't be. If she doesn't want to manage the household, she can just leave it alone..."
"Why shouldn't I care? I'm determined to care!" Meng Yuanxiao said stubbornly, pursing her lips. "I am the young mistress of the Cui family. Am I supposed to be subservient to others and live a life of humility in this household?"
"Is Yuanyuan being treated so unfairly at the Cui residence?" Cui Xintang teased her.
"Brother Tang, you'll side with me, won't you?" Meng Yuanxiao asked.
She stared intently at him with her almond-shaped eyes, tears still clinging to her long eyelashes. Cui Xintang paused for a moment, then gently stroked the tip of her nose. "Of course I'm on your side."
Is it really true?
"Um."
Meng Yuanxiao smiled through her tears, "That's good then."
Just as Cui Xintang breathed a sigh of relief, footsteps sounded outside. Soon, a maid knocked on the door and said, "Young Master, Qingzhu has come and said that the Master has sent a letter and requests your presence."
"Understood," Cui Xintang said.
After saying that, he looked at Meng Yuanxiao, but Meng Yuanxiao seemed to be fine. "Go, Brother Tang, and come back soon."
*
Spring came early this year; by the end of April, the weather was already quite warm.
On the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, the Cui family will host a banquet to entertain relatives from the collateral branches of the Cui family. Preparations will also be made for various social interactions during the festival, as well as gifts for the stewards and servants throughout the household.
Previously, these matters were all handled by Madam Wu, but perhaps she was angered by Meng Yuanxiao last time, so Madam Wu claimed to be ill and simply gave up on them.
Meng Yuanxiao was not one to be easily manipulated. Her mother-in-law wanted to set rules for her, to make her back down and give in, but she refused.
How could she not see that her mother-in-law didn't truly let her make decisions regarding the affairs of the household? She just wanted her to do her bidding and was using the housekeeping matter to control her.
She insists on making decisions even though we don't want her to, and whoever does it deserves to be infuriated.
So all these things suddenly fell on Meng Yuanxiao's shoulders.
She was determined and didn't want to be looked down upon, but it was her first time handling such matters, and even with Chen's help, she was still a bit flustered and afraid of making a mistake.
Fortunately, Chen was a reliable and capable woman who did her best to help her.
That day, Meng Yuanxiao had been busy with Chen Shi for half a day. After lunch, he finally had a moment of free time. He immediately kicked off his shoes, got on the couch, leaned back on the couch, picked up a storybook, and started reading.
A window beside the tatami mat was pushed open, and a gentle breeze occasionally blew in through it. The flower branches outside swayed and reached out to the window, their fragrance drifting into the air with the breeze, creating a rare moment of comfort and leisure.
Hongshao was tidying up the room; as the weather got warmer, the blankets needed to be replaced with thinner ones.
After making the bed, Hongshao picked up a duster and started sweeping on the couch, her mouth never stopping for a moment.
"Miss, have you given instructions regarding the things you discussed with Steward Chen today?"
The "Manager Chen" that Hong Shao mentioned was Chen.
"Hmm," Meng Yuanxiao replied lazily.
Hong Shao added, "I think Steward Chen is a kind-hearted person. By entrusting Niu Niu to him, you have found a good place for her. Last time I saw Niu Niu, she had gotten fatter and taller. She looks like a completely different person from that little girl from Huai Shu Village."
Isn't she like a completely different person? Even Meng Yuanxiao was surprised when he saw Niu Niu.
Niu Niu, who used to be a timid and cowardly little girl, is now much more cheerful. She chatters away in front of her, and no longer trembles with fear when she sees strangers in the mansion.
After sweeping one side, Hongshao came over and swept the other side of the bed. "Miss, do you think the young master agreed to let you bring Niu Niu back in the first place? Was it to win over Steward Chen for you? I think Steward Chen really loves Niu Niu."
Meng Yuanxiao paused, holding the storybook.
Hong Shao said to herself, "Otherwise, do you think the son-in-law is the kind of person who would pity others?"
Meng Yuanxiao suddenly remembered that after returning from Yunping County, Tang-gege had used Chen-shi's man to win over Chen-shi.
This is only what she knows; there must be other things she doesn't know.
Before going to Yunping County, although Chen worked with her, she actually favored her mother-in-law Wu more and was somewhat estranged from her.
After returning from Yunping County, Chen gradually became much more attentive to her.
Thinking of all this, Meng Yuanxiao paused for a moment, pursed his lips, and remained silent.
As the mistress and servant were talking, another maid knocked on the door and entered, handing over a card. "Reporting to the young mistress, this is a card from the Zhang family, for you."
Upon hearing that it was an invitation from the Zhang family, Meng Yuanxiao's eyes lit up. He quickly straightened up, took the invitation, and opened it.
As expected, it was an invitation from Zhang Mingyue, who said she had been bored at home for many days and wanted to go out with her the next day.
Meng Yuanxiao was overjoyed. She hadn't heard from Mingyue for the past few days and thought that Mingyue was angry with her and wouldn't talk to her anymore.
Just as they were enjoying themselves, Mrs. Chen came in.
With Chen's arrival, there was no longer any time to slack off. Meng Yuanxiao's little face fell, and after thinking for a moment, she asked, "Sister Chen, has Steward Lin not come these past few days?"
"I was just about to report to you," Madam Chen said, "Steward Lin just arrived at the manor to deliver Dragon Boat Festival gifts. He said he also had something to report and is waiting in the front hall."
Meng Yuanxiao was waiting for Manager Lin, so she said, "It's alright, but I'll go listen to the business matters."
Upon arriving at the front hall and seeing the gifts brought by Steward Lin, Meng Yuanxiao suddenly remembered that last year, when she had just married into the Cui family and her mother-in-law had asked her to manage the household, Steward Lin had also brought Mid-Autumn Festival gifts in the same way. At that time, she thought Steward Lin was very polite.
"Miss Lin, you're very kind," Meng Yuanxiao said.
"Of course," Manager Lin said with a smile, without mentioning the return of the money. "The Cui family has been very kind to our cloth shop, and Miss and my wife are very grateful."
"Yes, we should indeed be grateful," Meng Yuanxiao said without any hesitation.
Steward Lin choked for a moment, then handed over a list. "Young Madam, this is the list of summer clothing fabrics for the Ji family. Do you think it's appropriate?"
Meng Yuanxiao took the order and glanced at it. "When did I say I wanted to buy summer clothes from your fabric store?"
Steward Lin smiled and said, "Young Madam, I asked the First Madam about it the other day. She asked me to prepare it, so how could I dare to delay?"
"Is that so?" Meng Yuanxiao asked.
"Indeed. By the way, our young master got into some trouble at the academy a while ago, and it was thanks to his help that the matter was resolved. Before we came, our madam instructed us to express our sincere gratitude to him."
Meng Yuanxiao paused. If she remembered correctly, Tang-gege had clearly said that he would no longer care about Lin Yu.
She suppressed the strange feeling in her heart and said, "I understand. Manager Lin, you may return if there is nothing else."
After saying that, she looked at Madam Chen and asked, "Has Sister Chen made proper arrangements for the return gift to the Lin family?"
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