Chapter 407 The Groom's Wife
The topic of Xiao Qi's marriage became a source of worry for Chen Shi again, especially since Xiao Chenggui was currently in poor health, and Chen Shi had already made the worst-case scenario plan.
“Little girl, even though you’ve kept it from your mother, I’m not stupid. Your father’s illness needs to be treated in the capital. If anything happens to him…”
Before Chen could finish speaking, she sighed again. The Xiao family only had the father and son. If Xiao Chenggui couldn't make it through, their greatest hope was to see Xiao Qi settle down, get married, and have children.
As a stepmother, she had no say. She wanted to get involved in the matter but couldn't bring herself to say it. Her stepson rejected her twice, and Chen felt ashamed.
However, things are different now than before. Xiao Chenggui is seriously ill now, and no one can say for sure how much hope he has of getting to the capital.
"Mother, my father will definitely get better."
There must be skilled doctors in the capital. As long as the right prescription is used and the patient is properly cared for, the condition will gradually improve.
Madam Chen nodded. Since Xiao Chenggui hadn't mentioned it, she decided not to speak yet, and they could discuss it further if things really came to that point.
The mother and daughter stayed in Chenjia Village for a day, and left the village before dawn, heading straight to the town.
Upon learning that Lin Yuesha was in a hurry, Xiao Dazhuang stayed up all night, his eyes bloodshot. He and his father, Xiao the blacksmith, worked together to finish the tent on the roof of the carriage.
I climbed up to Longjing and experienced it. There were tents to shelter me from the wind and rain, so I could get a good night's sleep even when sleeping in the wilderness. There were also windows that let in fresh air, so I didn't have to worry about feeling stuffy.
The iron frame is easy to fold and unfold. The best part is Longjing, which is covered with a soft cotton quilt, making it comfortable to lie on.
When the Chen family learned that Chen was going to the capital, they prepared a lot of dried wild mushrooms, which were stored up during the winter. They would occasionally stew chicken and duck for Xiao Chenggui to make nourishing soup.
This long journey required taking quite a lot with him. Fortunately, Xiao Dazhuang had a lot of stock, including iron pots that could burn charcoal themselves, which he packed in the cargo wagon.
The renovation was originally scheduled to be completed in the evening, but because there were many people available, it was finished before noon.
After bidding farewell to the Chen family, Lin Yuesha returned home, where Jiang Baozhu had been waiting for her for a long time. Accompanying her were two nannies from the girls' school, Kang and Fang.
"Granny Kang, Granny Fang."
Lin Yuesha greeted the two men, immediately tensing up. She had been somewhat relaxed these past two days, but seeing them brought back vivid memories of her past pain. She quickly picked up her manners and etiquette, behaving with perfect decorum.
"Sister Baozhu, you..."
Lin Yuesha wanted to ask how the three of them ended up together. It was because Granny Fang and Granny Kang were her nightmares at the girls' school. Although they had many tricks up their sleeves, they actually taught her something.
The two old women came to her door, were they trying to send her to the girls' school again? She can't go.
"Sister Yue Sha, go to the capital and wait for me. I will come to the capital as soon as I have news of my father."
There was still no news of Jiang Huai, and his fate was unknown. Jiang Baozhu was worried about him. Otherwise, since she had no relatives in the north, she also planned to go with Lin Yuesha.
She brought Zhang Fang back. Zhang Fang had been beaten so badly that there were no good spots on his body. These past few days, Jiang Baozhu had been busy taking care of the baby. She only came to say goodbye to Lin Yuesha after learning that Lin Yuesha was going to the capital.
There's really nothing to say goodbye to; we're just apart for a while, and we'll see each other again soon.
"What about Granny Fang and Granny Kang..."
Lin Yuesha wanted to give Jiang Baozhu a wink, but seeing the two nannies staring at her, she couldn't bring herself to do it.
“Sister Yue Sha, you will need connections for your trip to the capital. Both Granny Kang and Granny Fang are retired from high-ranking families in the capital and have some connections. Besides, the young ladies of high-ranking families all have governesses. What kind of situation can you handle with only a few maids by your side?”
Jiang Baozhu always wanted to do something for Lin Yuesha, but all she had was money; she couldn't help her with anything else.
After much thought, she heard that the nannies at the girls' school were very knowledgeable and experienced, and that many officials couldn't hire even if they spent a lot of money. So, Jiang Baozhu decided to give it a try and spent a lot of money to hire someone.
She had originally planned that if the two men didn't agree, she would throw money at them. However, to her surprise, as soon as she mentioned a price, the two men nodded in agreement.
This was a truly unexpected and delightful surprise for Jiang Baozhu.
As her sister, she knew that Lin Yuesha disliked being controlled. However, when they went to the capital, Lin Yuesha was no longer a country girl, but the daughter of Lord Lin, the Prefect of the Capital, and her status was different.
If you don't have any knowledgeable and reliable people around you, you won't even know you've been harmed.
Both of the old women had worked in high-ranking families and were very knowledgeable. They knew how those people flattered the powerful and bullied the weak, and how they spoke to people in different ways. They would occasionally offer Lin Yuesha some advice, which was of great help to her.
"Miss, this old servant will do his utmost."
As they spoke, the two presented the indenture, much to Lin Yuesha's surprise.
Lin Yuesha had been used to being disciplined in the girls' school and had always been considered inferior. It hadn't been long before she had a chance to turn her life around and suddenly had two governesses. It all seemed a bit unreal.
"Granny Fang, Granny Kang, you two..."
Lin Yuesha first helped the two of them up, then looked at Jiang Baozhu. There was no need for many words between sisters. She understood Jiang Baozhu's thoughts and actions, and therefore felt even more at ease.
Lin Yuesha didn't ask Jiang Baozhu how much money she spent; even if she did, Jiang Baozhu wouldn't tell her.
While others gave gifts or silver notes, Jiang Baozhu simply gave them away directly.
Seeing that the two sisters had something to say, Granny Fang and Granny Kang wisely withdrew first.
“Sister Yue Sha, I’ve inquired with Granny Fang. The young ladies of high-ranking officials in the capital have four head maids, which are first-class maids, as well as several second-class, third-class, and errand-running maids.”
A head maid must be clever, quick-witted, and composed. Bai Cha and Long Jing, who serve Lin Yuesha, are both quite good. With two nannies training her, she will surely be even more outstanding.
The rest of the staff will go to the capital to purchase goods, specifically those familiar with local customs and traditions. They don't need to be too clever; loyalty is all that matters.
Jiang Baozhu considered everything for Lin Yuesha.
"And please keep this jade pendant safe."
Jiang Baozhu gave Lin Yuesha a jade pendant, which was from Wantong Money Shop. This jade pendant represented that she had 50,000 taels of silver deposited in Wantong Money Shop, which could be exchanged at all Wantong Money Shops.
Carrying silver notes on the road was inconvenient, so Jiang Baozhu gave this to Lin Yuesha.
"Don't make excuses. You know I have no relatives. You can't take this money with you when you die. If it weren't for their greed for money, why would Zhao San Niang and Xiao Xi conspire to harm me?"
Jiang Baozhu no longer cared about material possessions; after all, her father had left her too much money, and she was happy to spend it on Lin Yuesha.
"Sister Baozhu, then I'll accept it; consider it a loan."
Knowing that she would have a large sum of money to spend in the capital, Lin Yuesha didn't stand on ceremony with Jiang Baozhu. She did need the money, but she couldn't take it for free, nor could she take it for granted just because she and Jiang Baozhu were sisters. She would have to pay it back when she earned the money, and saying too many polite words now would only make them seem distant.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
