Chapter 52 Someone worthy of being your cousin
Having said that, Rong Shi naturally had no reason to refuse. However, she silently had some questions in her heart, but she did not intend to ask them in front of her mother-in-law.
The old lady was very pleased to see Rong Shi didn't refuse again. She had always liked this daughter-in-law. She would say that Ruolan was more suitable for the housekeeping position than Jiahui. However, as a mother-in-law, no matter how happy she was, she couldn't neglect one for the other. Jiahui was the eldest daughter-in-law and the mother of Heng Ge'er and Wanyi. She had to give her more respect so that Jiahui, the mistress of the household, could support the family.
Thinking of this, she couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Although she didn't know the full story of yesterday's events, she had heard some rumors. Zhaoxia asked if she should go and find out. She shook her head and stopped him. At her age, as long as she could look the part, it was often better to have less trouble than more. Although Cheng often lacked the demeanor of a mistress, fortunately, Heng Ge'er was always there to keep things in check for his mother.
Sure enough, Heng'er came to pay his respects early in the morning. She didn't care whether what her grandson said was the whole story or not; she believed it unconditionally, and tactfully didn't ask about anything else that was not mentioned.
But when her grandson asked her to take charge of the household chores, she paused.
Ever since Jiahui came into the family, she had taken over the household duties. Even though she had recovered from her illness three years earlier than her daughter-in-law, she had never again interfered with the household affairs. Back then, when Heng'er was still young, she had never been asked to take charge, and now, she certainly wouldn't be asked to take over.
After a little thought, she knew her grandson's true intention. He wanted to use her to ask his second aunt Rong Ruolan to take over the affairs of the mansion.
Fortunately, Rong agreed. The old lady breathed a sigh of relief and said, "I'm going back to my room to rest. Ruolan, you take over the affairs of the mansion first. If you have any questions, come and ask me. Heng'er, help grandmother see Second Aunt off."
Rong and Du Heng both nodded in agreement and watched as Mrs. Du was supported by Chaoxia and left.
At this time, there was no one else in the main hall. Rong's gentle eyes became more solemn. She said, "Heng'er, Second Aunt wants to talk to you."
Du Heng was not surprised by his second aunt's question. Yesterday, he specially sent Qingquan to escort her and Su Ying away first, and he was already prepared to face the questioning again.
So he said respectfully, "My nephew will tell you everything he knows. Second Aunt, I'm sorry to disturb Grandmother's peace. Why don't we go to the side hall and talk?"
Rong nodded and let Du Heng lead the way.
After a while, the two of them entered the side hall. Du Heng asked Rong to take a seat, while he stood aside and listened attentively.
Rong Shi looked at Du Heng and felt that he was calm, measured, respectful, and courteous. She couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion: this nephew, known as the "Wenquxing," was indeed much more stable and experienced.
The scene in the library yesterday had shown Du Heng the aura of a head of the family, his calm demeanor completely outshining his mother. It was then that she realized, with a start, that Heng was no longer the ambitious, rule-abiding young man she had remembered. He had become a dignified, reserved, and awe-inspiring young man.
But this matter concerned Ying'er's future, and no matter how kind her nephew was, she couldn't soften her tone. So, instead of inviting him to sit down, she made him stand and asked solemnly, "You still owe me an explanation for what happened yesterday."
"Yes," Du Heng replied with a bow, "I didn't mean to hide anything, but there are some things that I can't handle in front of you and my cousin. I hope Second Aunt will forgive me."
Rong nodded and said, "You have your own considerations. I don't blame you."
After the voice fell, Rong did not continue, but looked at Du Heng quietly, waiting for him to speak.
Du Heng understood and immediately explained to Rong Shi in a concise manner how Xue Yuan and the others had colluded to steal and sell his mother's jewelry, how they had bribed the servants in the various courtyards, and how they had placed spies there. He then said earnestly, "The servants in the Du Mansion are not being properly disciplined. I hope Second Aunt will take more care of them. Mother will need some time to recover from her illness, so Second Aunt can take charge of her."
"In addition to those sent to the government office, there are some others whose offenses were minor and who have been temporarily transferred to the front yard to do menial work. I will have Qingquan send you a list of these people later, and you will have full authority to arrange their disposal."
After hearing this, Rong was not surprised. In her opinion, Cheng was short-sighted and was unable to focus on one thing while neglecting another. Such a thing would happen sooner or later.
But he had never imagined that the always filial Heng Ge'er could so easily dispose of the people around his mother Cheng, and even make Cheng, who had always been power-hungry and strong-willed, hand over the power of the household without complaint. If he could really win the first prize in the imperial examination, in time, Du Heng would surely have a place in the court.
She had been vaguely convinced that Du Heng's actions were an attempt to curry favor, but she had been overthinking things. Since it was for the Du family's sake, she wouldn't refuse. So she nodded and said, "If that's the case, I'll do my best to take care of all the affairs of the mansion. When your mother recovers, I'll return the responsibility of the household affairs to her, and I won't let you down."
Du Heng said sternly, "Second Aunt, you are too kind. Your nephew will be deeply grateful."
However, after all the self-deprecation and promises, Rong Shi still didn't smile. None of that was her true intention in seeking out Du Heng. She wanted to know what Heng'er truly thought of Ying'er. Heng'er had asked them to leave yesterday, not just to save his mother's face, but Rong Shi had a vague feeling that Heng'er was protecting Su Ying, not wanting her to be involved in these matters, but to keep her at peace.
She wanted to know if Heng Ge'er was interested in Ying'er?
It is best if there is no intention, but if there is, then how deep and how long is this intention?
When smart people talk to each other, they never need to make their intentions too obvious.
Du Heng knew what his second aunt wanted to ask. She had been asking him the same question these days, but he didn't know how to answer.
After a moment's silence, Du Heng replied, "My nephew was not considerate enough about the matter of the library."
"My nephew simply felt that the library was too shabby, and I didn't want my uncle and aunt's hard work to be treated so harshly. Furthermore, my cousin Su Ying was busy organizing the books in the library, and I wanted to do my part. Because I didn't want to cause any trouble, I took those items in the name of a study. Who knew that I would end up causing unnecessary trouble for my cousin, and I feel deeply guilty about it."
Rong asked, "So, you're only here for the library, and nothing else?"
Du Heng did not answer.
It’s not that I don’t want to answer, but I don’t know how to answer.
Rong sighed and said, "Yesterday's incident started because of you, and ended because of you. Our merits and demerits offset each other, and neither of us is in the wrong. I will neither thank you nor blame you for this."
After hearing this, Du Heng felt even more guilty and said, "Second Aunt."
Rong, however, waved her hand to stop him and said straight to the point, "Ying'er is a beautiful girl with great talent and impeccable character. It's no surprise that someone would fall in love with such a wonderful girl at first sight."
She paused, her gaze fixed squarely on Du Heng's face, her tone slightly grave. "Everything about her is good. If I must find fault with her, it's her father and stepmother, who are such a burden. She can't bring anyone wealth, nor can she help them advance to higher positions. If someone is attracted to her simply because of her looks, they should stop immediately."
Rong looked at Du Heng, her eyes calm but full of meaning. "Regarding the renovation of the library, regardless of whether you have other reasons, I just want to tell you that Second Aunt only wishes Ying'er to marry into a noble family. Only such a family would not care about the external benefits she can bring to her husband's family, but would respect and protect her solely for her talent and character."
Then she changed the subject and said with a smile, "Heng'er, after the Spring Examination next year, you will surely meet many people of the same year. When the time comes, please help Second Aunt to keep an eye out for them. No matter their names, whether they are relatives or not, as long as they are someone who can be called your cousin as I just said, please let Second Aunt know, okay?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
