"Oh..." The listener exclaimed in sudden realization, "That makes sense. If that's the case, then if Second Master Hu dies, the Hu family will have no descendants."
"Sigh..." The questions kept coming one after another. "Shouldn't Second Master Hu be the eldest master? Why is he the second master?"
The person who spoke was so disdainful, "You're new here, aren't you? Everyone here knows that."
The man chuckled, "I'm from Dog Head County, and this is my first time here. What's going on? Tell me quickly!" Once the gossip switch is turned on, it can't be turned off. Ugh, I really want to know.
The speaker wanted to continue, and couldn't stop talking. He didn't mind and kept his head down as he continued, "Before Master Hu's father passed away, he was the eldest son in the family, and everyone called him 'Master Hu.' Although decades have passed, Master Hu has died, and Master Hu has become Master Hu, this young Master Hu didn't want to offend his father's title, so he changed his name to 'Second Master Hu.'"
At this point, both men looked up at the same time. The one who had been listening to the gossip sighed with emotion, "That old man Hu is quite thoughtful, willing to find a wife for his wife's grandson." Those who marry into the family usually don't have it easy; they'd rather their wives die so they can seize the family fortune.
"You wouldn't know this!" The speaker lowered his head, and the listener quickly followed suit. "Miss Hu's death was suspicious, and many people in the Hu family were watching closely. If the Hu family were to die out and the Huang family were to take over, they would be drowned in gossip. They are respectable people; how could they allow such a thing to happen?" Rather than saying they were leaving an heir for the Hu family, it was more accurate to say they wanted the sickly Second Master Hu to silence the gossip of the world.
"How did Old Master Hu take a concubine?" When a woman marries into another family, it's like she's moving to the man's house. The woman is in charge, and the man has no rights. How could he take a concubine?
"I don't know about that..."
As the sun rose higher and higher, the common people in the city gradually went home or went into inns to cool off. The West Street became quieter and less crowded.
The main street was quiet, but the Hu family in the second alley of West Street, which people were talking about, was bustling with activity.
West Street Second Alley is by no means small; it's lined with mansions, covering a vast area. The Hu Family Mansion is the largest in West Street Second Alley, with its high, white-walled courtyards and green-tiled roofs. The various courtyards stretch out in undulating waves, and the two vermilion gates are tightly closed, with two servants standing guard on each side. In front of the gates, forty-nine jade steps accentuate the Hu family's opulent yet ethereal wealth. Below the steps, two majestic stone lions stand, and in front of the lions is a white stone-paved path.
"When you enter the Second Master's courtyard, remember to be very quiet. The Second Master is ill, so don't disturb him." In a secluded courtyard of the Hu family mansion, a woman who looked like a matron was instructing the maids. There were about ten maids, all dressed in the same clothes, each carrying a round tray with a portrait on it. These maids were all exceptionally beautiful, of the same height and build; there wasn't a single ugly one, nor a short or tall one, nor a fat or thin one.
"Put your best, everyone. If the Second Master's marriage goes through, the Grand Master will reward you handsomely!" The old woman raised her voice again. Seeing that the maids all had serious and focused expressions, she was finally satisfied. She waved her hand and said, "Go."
Ten maids filed out, went out the door, crossed a courtyard, walked along a long corridor, turned through a moon gate, and passed a lotus pond. After walking for about fifteen minutes, they arrived at the gate of a courtyard. The maid in front said softly, "We are here to deliver a portrait to the Second Master. Please open the door."
One of the guards standing outside the door came up and checked the contents of the plates one by one. Then, a matron came over and searched each of the maids before smiling and explaining, "The Second Master's illness is strange. This is a routine check. Please don't be offended." After apologizing like this, they were allowed to pass.
The head maid gave a slight curtsy and replied, "Thank you for your trouble, Granny."
Then, he led the remaining maids out in single file. They walked for a quarter of an hour, and the maids' clothes did not sway, their foreheads were not sweaty, their hair was not messy, and no voices were heard.
Inside the courtyard is one world, and outside the courtyard is another. Outside the gate, there are already carved railings and jade steps, but inside it is no less magnificent, like a fairy palace.
"Wow..." A gasp suddenly came from the back of the group. All the maids turned around and stared coldly at the person. The maid was so frightened that she quickly lowered her head.
The lead maid kept turning back, and the maid who had spoken lowered her head even further. After glancing at the other maid, the lead maid said indifferently, "Put away your uncultured attitude. Don't embarrass our master."
Second Master's place is the most luxurious and heavily guarded courtyard in the entire Hu family, but so what? The entire Hu family is still firmly in the hands of the Old Master and the Master. It is clear that prosperity is useless; it all depends on who holds power.
"Yes!" the maid replied tremblingly. Then the head maid turned around and walked back to the front of the group, leading the remaining nine people through the corridor and waiting in front of the main hall.
"Second Master, how are you?" The entire Hu family thought that Hu Mingmei, the Second Master, was about to die. The whole family was preparing for a wedding to bring him good luck. But at this moment, the Second Master was lying on the bed, his chest bare, his pectoral muscles well-defined and firm. If it weren't for his overly pale complexion and the thick veins protruding beneath his muscles, no one would think that the Second Master was a patient who needed a wedding to bring him good luck and was about to die.
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