Chapter 43 The second wife wants to separate the family property
"I would like to ask my elder brother and sister-in-law to arrange my wedding." Min Hui bowed respectfully to Min Rong and Madam Wu.
Min Rong was not stingy and readily nodded in agreement, saying, "Third brother, there's no need to be so polite. This is my duty."
After the matter was settled, Min Hui originally wanted to make some specific requests in front of Min Qiao Shi.
Before she could even open her mouth, Madam Min started yawning, looking exhausted and listless.
The considerate Wei Jia took the opportunity to shoo them away, "Lord Marquis, Lady Marquis, Third Master, the old lady has been working hard all day and didn't take a nap at noon. I'm afraid she can't hold on any longer."
Min Rong didn't want to make any promises to Min Hui in front of Min Qiao Shi, so he immediately took his leave with Wu Shi.
Min Hui had no choice but to leave Songhetang as well.
After seeing the three off, Madam Min Qiao couldn't help but curl her lip and snort coldly, "You've delayed my rest! Give the order that from now on, if the King of Hell comes after 7 p.m., he should wait until the next day."
"Yes," Wei Jia replied with a smile. "Then, Madam, will you still listen to today's Compendium of Materia Medica?"
"Listen! Why wouldn't I listen?" Min Qiao thought angrily. She not only wanted to listen to the "Compendium of Materia Medica," but also wanted to listen to all the medical books and pharmacopoeias such as the "Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica" and the "Records of Famous Physicians."
Whether it's useful or not, it's still a psychological comfort.
***
Once outside, Min Rong took Wu Shi and left without saying a word to Min Hui.
Min Hui had originally wanted to talk to Min Rong about his marriage, but seeing Min Rong's attitude, he was immediately furious.
He glared resentfully at the two figures until they were out of sight, then turned to look at the tightly closed gates of Songhe Hall. In his heart, he cursed Min Qiaoshi mercilessly.
What a useless old woman! She stole his mother's position, helped her son seize his title, and now she can't even decide his marriage! What can he possibly expect from her?
Bah! Useless!
***
Meanwhile, in the second courtyard, the second wife, Madam Yang, was throwing things around.
"The eldest son is our own flesh and blood, the third son is our heart and soul, and we, the second wife, are just superfluous!"
The maids in the room didn't dare to breathe, and they all looked dejected.
"What's gotten into you again?" Min Yao entered, shooed away the maid, and rubbed his temples, looking exasperated. "Who upset you this time?"
"Who else could it be? It's all because the old lady is biased! She only calls on the eldest and third wives when there's something to do, and treats us second wives like we don't exist!"
Madam Yang's eyes reddened with anger. "That little girl just saw the eldest son and his wife, along with the third son, come out of the old lady's house. We didn't hear a thing. I wonder what they're plotting!"
Min Yao sighed, "Why do you care what others say? Let's just live our own lives."
Madam Yang slammed her teacup on the table. "Easy for you to say! Without the old lady's favor, could we even live a good life?"
"Let's not talk about anything else, just take this month's allowance. What day is it today? It still hasn't been paid. Qingye has gone there three times already, but the manager keeps making excuses, saying that the eldest sister-in-law said to wait."
"The monthly wages for maids and servants should be delayed, and the monthly wages for masters should also be delayed! What exactly does this delay mean?"
“I heard before that my sister-in-law wanted to cut our family’s monthly allowance! The New Year isn’t even over yet, and she’s already targeting our family!”
"And these are all things that are out in the open! Do you know how difficult our situation is in the Marquis's mansion? Even the maids are treated as inferior when they go out! Not to mention me and the children! Who in the mansion treats us as their proper masters?"
"You always complain that I'm a troublemaker, but can I really be a troublemaker when I'm perfectly fine? Aren't I still suffering inside? Waaah..."
As she spoke, Yang couldn't help but burst into tears.
Min Yao also felt a pang of sadness and helplessness.
He knew from a very young age that the title of Marquis was not something he could ever dream of.
The aunt had no desire to compete.
Although in her early years, when her grandmother was still alive, her aunt was forced to do many things that offended Wang and Qiao, she always carefully considered the limits and always thought about leaving herself a way out, so she did not form any irreconcilable hatred with those two.
After her grandmother passed away, her aunt finally settled down and lived a peaceful life with him.
He had hoped that after his father passed away, he could move out and live separately with his aunt.
Unexpectedly, the Grand Madam kept them in the mansion.
So many years have passed in the blink of an eye.
He had his own affairs to attend to and was usually not at home. A few years ago, the Marquis's residence was given an important post by the Emperor, which kept him extremely busy. He spent even less time at home.
He also knew that Madam Yang and her concubine must have suffered grievances in the mansion over the years. The Dowager Madam was a magnanimous woman and wouldn't openly make things difficult for them. But there was no guarantee that some of the servants wouldn't try to guess their mistress's thoughts and use the excuse of avenging their mistress to deliberately make things difficult for their second branch of the family.
The concubine was originally a maid, so forbearance was a basic quality for her. Although Madam Yang was not from a high-ranking family, she was still a young lady from a respectable family. Over time, even the best temper would wear down.
Judging from how Yang is making a big fuss every three days and a small one every two days, she's probably reached her limit.
Just as Min Yao was pondering how to comfort Madam Yang, Aunt Lin, who had heard the news, also rushed over.
"What's all this crying and wailing about?"
Yang wiped away her tears, and was furious when she heard this. She was about to argue when Min Yao spoke first.
"Why did you come over, Aunt? It's so late, aren't you resting yet?"
Lin glanced at her son, then at Yang, and said coldly, "With all this commotion every day, how can I get any rest?"
Although they didn't live together, Mrs. Lin kept a close eye on her son's movements.
"It's all my fault. I made Yang cry, which is why she's arguing with her." Min Yao carefully covered for Yang.
"Alright, do you think I don't know what's going on?"
Lin gave Min Yao a cold glance, then looked at Yang.
Yang immediately stopped crying and became as obedient as a quail, shrinking her neck.
For some reason, she was afraid of this concubine who wasn't even considered a mother-in-law.
Every time she glances at you, she chills you to the bone.
However, this time Lin did not make things difficult for Yang. She hesitated for a moment before saying, as if she had made up her mind, "Let's talk to the Grand Madam about dividing the family property."
Upon hearing this, Madam Yang's eyes widened in disbelief. "What did you say?"
Min Yao also looked astonished. "Auntie, are you serious?"
Seeing the look of surprise and joy in their eyes, Madam Lin sighed deeply, "I originally thought we wouldn't separate the family. The second son would still be the second master of the Marquis of Xuanping's mansion, so if anything happened, he could benefit from the mansion's influence."
"Just like before, when His Majesty reinstated the Marquis's Mansion, the second son also got a position of the eighth rank. Although it's just a very minor official post, it's still a way out, isn't it?"
Looking back now, I realize I was wrong.
Not vying for the title of Marquis does not mean that one does not want to rely on the legacy of the Marquis's family to secure a future for one's son.
"Auntie, you did nothing wrong! You did it all for me! I know that everything you've done since I was little has been for my own good!"
Min Yao was filled with remorse.
Madam Yang felt somewhat guilty, but she was still unwilling to accept it. Her aunt had finally agreed to divide the family property; would Min Yao ruin it again?
Yang's worries were so obvious that Lin couldn't pretend not to see them.
"Alright, my mind is made up. You haven't had enough of this chaotic life, and neither have I."
Lin glanced meaningfully at Yang.
Madam Yang felt ashamed, and her face showed a hint of embarrassment. She knew that Aunt Lin was talking about her. But all she wanted was to move out and be in charge of her own household. What had she done wrong?
Has she really had enough of living like this, dependent on others and having to be mindful of their feelings?
"That's settled then. I'll find an opportunity to speak with the Grand Madam."
As she spoke, Lin stood up and left without looking back.
Before they had gone far, they heard Madam Yang ask Min Yao, "Master, did Concubine say those words just now? Was I dreaming?"
“No, what just happened is true! My aunt said she wants to talk to the Grand Madam about dividing the family property!” This was Min Hui’s reply to Madam Yang.
The couple spoke with a tone full of joy.
Lin sighed, but her feet didn't stop for a second.
She only hoped that the couple wouldn't regret separating, especially Yang.
...
P.S.: The eldest is Min Rong, the second is Min Yao, and the third is Min Hui. Sometimes I get the names mixed up while writing. If you notice, please remind Dongyue! Thank you!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com