Chapter 218: A Conflict Arises

 Chapter 218: A Conflict Arises 

"Mother, this is the list of gifts I’ve prepared for Aunt for the New Year. Please have a look."

Daohua handed the gift list to Madam Li.

Madam Li took the list and reviewed it. It included food, clothing, and household items. "Has the Old Madam seen this?" 

Daohua nodded. "Yes, Grandmother and I decided on these items together. I wanted to see if you’d like to add or change anything."

Madam Li set the list down with a smile. "The items are comprehensive, but we could add some goods from the estate. Your aunt is not in great health—black rice and red dates are particularly nourishing, so we should include more of those."

Daohua readily agreed and grinned. "Mother, you seem to have a close relationship with Aunt. Every year, the gifts you prepare for her are especially generous."

Madam Li smiled faintly. "When I first married into the Yan family, your aunt helped me a great deal. Without her, it wouldn’t have been so easy for me to settle in. I owe her much." She paused momentarily.

She also understood the difficulties of "marrying up."

As a merchant’s daughter marrying into a scholarly family, and with her sister-in-law coming from a humble background to marry into a prominent household, they both experienced similar challenges. This shared struggle naturally fostered mutual empathy.

Daohua chuckled. "Mother, because of how well you treat Aunt, Grandmother often praises you in front of me."

Relationships thrive on reciprocity. Kindness shown to one person often begets goodwill in return.

What Daohua appreciated most about her family was the lack of conflict between her grandmother and mother.

Her grandmother was reasonable and never meddled in household affairs, while her mother was filial and considerate, always acting with prudence. Their harmony made the household peaceful.

Madam Li smiled. "Since I married into this family, the Old Madam has treated me well. Having a sensible mother-in-law who doesn’t meddle is a blessing."

Because of this, Madam Li was willing to bear more of the household responsibilities, even overlooking the shortcomings of the second branch to avoid putting the Old Madam in a difficult position.

Speaking of the second branch, Madam Li suddenly remembered something and turned to her daughter. "I heard you punished Yi Le?"

Daohua nodded. "Teacher Shen had us choose artistic pursuits. Because I chose one extra, Fourth Sister made snide remarks behind my back, even involving Teacher Shen in her complaints. So I punished her by having her copy one hundred characters. Did Second Aunt come to complain?"

Madam Li shook her head with a smile. "Not at all. Your Second Aunt is clever but sometimes overly calculating, which can make her unlikable."

"That said, she takes her children’s education very seriously."

"Our family used to lack discipline in many areas, but since moving to Xingzhou, seeing how others conduct themselves has prompted improvements. Your Second Aunt is smart enough to recognize what’s best for her children. After hearing the full story, she personally supervised Yi Le as she copied her punishment."

Daohua raised her eyebrows, slightly surprised.

Madam Li patted her daughter’s head and said patiently, "As the eldest sister, you have a responsibility to guide your younger siblings."

After having her daughter by her side for so long, Madam Li had come to understand her personality. Daohua didn’t care much for those she disliked. As long as they didn’t bother her, she was perfectly content to ignore them.

This attitude had its advantages—it allowed her to live comfortably. But it also had its downsides, sometimes making her seem indifferent.

"Last night, I told your father about this, and he said you handled it well."

"In this world, a single tree cannot grow into a forest. Your father has experienced the consequences of that firsthand."

"Blood relations are inescapable. If one suffers, all suffer; if one prospers, all benefit."

"Our family’s foundation is too thin. In the future, when you grow up, you’ll need to rely on and support your siblings. Their success will directly benefit you."

"So, if Yi Huan and the others make mistakes in the future, you must step in when necessary. Speak up and punish as needed. As long as you’re justified, no one will object."

Daohua frowned, clearly reluctant.

Managing people was so troublesome.

Seeing her mother’s earnest gaze, Daohua reluctantly nodded. "I’ll do my best."

Madam Li smiled, knowing her daughter was sensible and understood her responsibilities.

The mother and daughter resumed their discussion about the New Year gifts. However, their conversation was interrupted when Ping Xiao entered, pouting.

Seeing her, Daohua immediately smiled. "Sister Ping Xiao, who upset you? Tell me, and I’ll make it right for you."

Normally, Ping Xiao would laugh and chatter in response, but this time she shook her head and turned to Madam Li. "Madam, Concubine Lin may be going into labor."

Madam Li's expression turned serious. "Wasn't her due date supposed to be mid-month? Why has it come so early?"

Ping Xiao replied, "The maid from Concubine Lin’s quarters said that Concubine Liu pushed her, causing the early labor."

Hearing this, Daohua became curious and interjected, "Isn't Concubine Liu known for being very proper? Why would she push Concubine Lin?"

Was this the start of a household drama?

Ping Xiao scoffed, "Who pushed whom isn’t even clear yet. It’s probably just Concubine Lin being jealous that the master went to Concubine Liu’s room, and so—"

"Enough!"

Madam Li interrupted sharply, giving Ping Xiao a stern look. Was this kind of talk appropriate in front of her daughter? She turned to Daohua. "This has nothing to do with you. Go back to your studies."

Daohua wasn’t keen to leave, but seeing Madam Li’s serious expression, she had no choice but to take Wang Man’er and leave.

"Man’er, go find out what really happened," Daohua instructed as soon as they left the main courtyard.

She didn’t particularly care about her father’s two concubines, but it was still necessary to stay informed. After all, if they stirred up trouble, it might affect her mother.

Daohua hadn’t been back in her own courtyard for long when Wang Man’er returned.

"Miss, Concubine Lin is indeed about to give birth. Madam has already summoned the physician and midwife."

Daohua waved her off. "That’s not what I asked. I wanted to know what this has to do with Concubine Liu."

Wang Man’er explained, "Well, a while back, Concubine Lin was flaunting her pregnancy to the master. But after he left her room, he was intercepted by Concubine Liu. Since then, the two have been at odds."

Daohua nodded in understanding, then let out a faint laugh. "I thought my father wouldn’t go to Concubine Liu’s room again. Turns out... hmph."

Wang Man’er glanced at Daohua, hesitating before saying, "The master has visited Concubine Liu several times since. Who would’ve thought that someone as seemingly docile as her could be so cunning underneath?"

Daohua’s expression remained calm. "She’s my father’s concubine. Using a few tricks to maintain her position in the Yan household isn’t surprising. As long as she doesn’t overstep or covet what isn’t hers, letting her and Concubine Lin clash is fine by me." 

(End of chapter)