Translator: Dj22031
Editor: Dj22031
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“No, Madam! That County Magistrate Wu is over thirty years old and has a son and a daughter. Qiuping can only be a second wife if she marries him. Please, Madam, have mercy!” Concubine Ma pleaded repeatedly, weeping.
Huo Shi’s eyes held a mocking glint as she pursed her lips. “Then what do you intend to do? A concubine’s daughter, to marry a county magistrate as his legal wife, is already an excellent match. Besides, her reputation is ruined now; it’s questionable whether Magistrate Wu will even want her.”
“Concubine Ma, who are you looking down on? Although he’s just a lowly county magistrate, he’s from the collateral branch of the Wu family in the capital. With your daughter’s current reputation, it’s a high-status marriage.”
“No, it’s unacceptable. Master, Madam, Ping’er is only seventeen; how can she marry into such a family and become a stepmother?”
“What’s wrong with that?” Huo Shi sneered. “She’ll have a son and a daughter after she marries in; that’s her blessing. Just like when I was still in your Yu family, you secretly gave birth to Ping’er, and did I say anything?”
Governor Yu’s face flushed slightly at her words. “Madam, why are you saying these things now?”
Huo Shi glanced at her husband and continued:
“Many children and grandchildren are a blessing for wealthy families. Ping’er will become a mother after marriage; we should be overjoyed.”
If it weren’t for the old lady’s strong opposition, Yu Qiuping’s marriage would have been arranged long ago.
Originally, they did intend to have her look at several more marriage prospects to choose the most advantageous match for the Yu family.
Now… since this had happened, there was no need to delay any longer.
Governor Yu said with a grim face, “Since Mother has said so, Madam, send someone to the Wu family tomorrow. Keep the process simple and expedite everything.”
Concubine Ma’s expression changed drastically, and she almost collapsed to the ground.
Madam Huo pursed her lips, a secret pleasure flashing in her eyes.
The eldest daughter, the person involved, was still kneeling at the courtyard gate, completely unaware that her life’s most important matter had been easily settled with just a few words.
This was the way “wealthy families” conducted themselves!
The old lady had called everyone to the courtyard mainly to reprimand them.
As an outsider, Yu Linlang only needed to observe the show coldly.
Yu Pianpian quietly raised her eyes and glanced at Yu Linlang. Seeing her indifferent expression, she felt a pang of unease.
She seemed… quite difficult to deal with.
Someone so ruthless, devoid of desire, and heartless— who knew where her weakness lay?
Governor Yu took a sip of tea to calm himself. “Don’t spread the word about the loan sharking at Chang Le Casino within the family. After all, it’s not something to be proud of.”
“Actually, there were signs of Ping’er’s situation earlier. Those with connections went to the casino’s second manager to get their money back half a month ago.”
“According to the clerks, some did indeed get their principal back early through connections. But because of this, the second manager has even less cash on hand.”
“Seeing that this month’s interest payments were due, that kid decided to go all in, taking the remaining money and running. He’s probably infiltrated the ranks of the refugees now. Searching for one person in a sea of people isn’t something that can be done in a day or two.”
“This so-called loan sharking is essentially robbing Peter to pay Paul. The landlord takes the spare money of you women and young ladies and lends it out to others. If they can repay, they make a fortune; if they can’t, they borrow from others’ principal to cover the interest.”
“If we can’t make up for it in the end, we’ll end up like Ping-jie. We won’t even get our principal back, let alone that illusory interest,” Governor Yu said earnestly.
“Fortunately, this only happened on a small scale, and I will send someone to handle it. But everyone in the household must be vigilant and never make the same mistake again,” the old lady said solemnly. “In addition, I’ve discussed it with the eldest son, and we’ve decided to postpone the birthday banquet. Recently, the eldest son has too many responsibilities. He has to arrange for the starving people outside the city and also handle several serial murder cases. He really can’t spare the time.”
“Mother is so understanding.” Governor Yu bowed gratefully and turned to the crowd, saying, “Recently, there have been many complicated matters, and many people have gathered in and around the city. Women should not go out for leisurely strolls if they have nothing to do, lest they cause trouble like the eldest sister did.”
After hearing the admonition, everyone filed out, but Yu Linlang was kept behind by the old lady for a few more talks.
After she left, the old lady smiled and asked the old nanny beside her, “What do you think of this child?”
“She doesn’t show off much, but she’s quite capable,” the old nanny sincerely praised. “You asked so many questions, but you couldn’t get any useful information out of the young lady.”
The old lady smiled. “She’s been raised outside since she was little, so it’s not a problem that she’s a bit shrewd.”
“I heard that Madam is quite disgusted by her bone-reading examination skills.”
A hint of sarcasm flashed in the old lady’s eyes. “How could someone as proud and arrogant as her, considering herself from a prestigious family, not look down on such a lowly job as a coroner?”
“I think Master praises the Third Miss quite a bit.”
“Huo Shi is just muddle-headed; look at how she manages this household.” The old lady smiled mockingly and shook her head. “The eldest daughter still has the nerve to yell at Madam Ma. What does Madam Ma, a mere concubine, know? The eldest daughter made a mistake, and Huo Shi is also partly to blame.”
“There’s nothing more to say now. The eldest daughter is a girl with a tragic fate; it’s all her fault.”
….
“Yu Qiuping, what’s wrong with you? You’ve torn my clothes.” Yu Pianpian pried her hand away, her eyes full of disgust. “This dress is a custom-made piece from Su Ji Embroidery. The fabric is expensive and of the highest quality. Can you afford to pay for it if you tear it?”
“Yu Pianpian, are you saying you’re not going to care about me anymore?”
“How can I care? Your marriage was arranged by the old lady herself. What can I do? What’s the use of you making a scene with me?”
“You said you would ask the First Madam to help me find a good marriage again.” Yu Qiuping grabbed her wrist tightly. “I’ve already helped you stop Yu Linlang from coming back. I’ve done so much for you, and now you’re going back on your word?”
“What have you done for me?” Yu Pianpian flung her hand away. “Did you succeed in stopping her? She still came back safely. You’ve inherited your aunt’s stupidity perfectly. You didn’t even do a good job, and you still dare to boast in front of me?”
“Yu Pianpian.” Yu Qiuping tried to grab her again, but the maid Qing Ju grabbed her arm and pushed her back hard.
Yu Qiuping collapsed to the ground, utterly dejected.
“Young Miss, don’t talk nonsense. My lady didn’t beg you to do those things. It was all your own choice.” Qing Ju glanced down at her, then turned and left, supporting Yu Pianpian’s fair hand.
“You should know your own fate,” Yu Pianpian said with a mocking smile. “Actually, the Wu family’s social standing isn’t low enough for you. Why force those unattainable marriages? Living your life well is the most important thing.”
Yu Qiuping stared at Yu Pianpian’s departing figure, her teeth clenched so tightly she almost ground them to powder.
All she wanted was a peaceful life, was that so difficult?
The afternoon shadows dappled.
Yu Linlang emerged from the pond and exchanged a silent glance with the young lady.
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