Chapter 220: Taking Things for Granted

 Chapter 220: Taking Things for Granted 

"This time, after entering the manor, I noticed something about Madam Li. Her entire demeanor has changed," Wang Shi said, furrowing her brow as she recalled meeting Madam Li in the main courtyard of the Yan residence. 

In the past, though she was the main wife, Madam Li lacked confidence when facing Concubine Lin, since her husband’s heart was clearly with his daughter. But this time, not only did she exude an air of nobility, but there was also an added confidence and authority in her eyes, making Wang Shi feel slightly intimidated, almost unable to meet her gaze.

Lin Xushi joined in, adding, "The rules at the Yan residence have become stricter."

Before, there was no need for women like them to inform anyone if they were visiting. Even their husbands could come and go without the need for a formal notice. But now, whenever they want to enter, they must first send a written notice, which has to be approved by Madam Li before they’re allowed to enter.

The process was becoming more troublesome, and they had to endure quite a bit of indignation in the middle.

Concubine Lin sighed deeply. "As Master’s official rank grows, it’s only natural that he pays more attention to propriety. And as for Madam…" Concubine Lin smiled bitterly. "Since Master became the Prefect Magistrate, Madam has been meeting with the wives of influential officials. No matter how much she’s tainted by the smell of copper, she’s bound to be refined by association." 

"And as for me," Concubine Lin continued, her voice tinged with bitterness, "no matter how talented I am, I’m locked away in this courtyard, not allowed to step out even a single step!"

At her words, both Wang Shi and Lin Xushi fell silent. There was nothing they could do to help.

Concubine Lin went on, "Furthermore, the eldest Young Master and Fourth Young Master are becoming more successful, and the eldest daughter is also quite formidable. Madam’s confidence is naturally growing." 

Wang Shi spoke up this time. "Wenbin and Yishuang are also good children. Your brother says Wenbin’s talent for reading is not inferior to that of the eldest son of the Yan family."

Concubine Lin smiled bitterly again. "So what? Even if Wenbin is exceptionally talented, the people he meets and the world he’s exposed to are nothing compared to the eldest Young Master of the Yan family, who has studied at Wangyue Academy."

"One’s future is determined by more than just being good at studying."

"Take Master, for example. When he was a county magistrate, the people loved him. But because he had no support in the official world, he was stuck in that position for nine years."

Wang Shi’s face darkened with displeasure. "Why is it that the Yan family’s eldest daughter has such a cruel heart? Wenbin is her brother, yet she would rather help the cousin from the third branch than her own brother."

Concubine Lin sneered coldly. "The eldest daughter’s heart is ruthless. I know, she’s doing it on purpose. She’s taking revenge for the time when my brother tricked her into getting slapped by Master."

Wang Shi snorted, "A girl should be gentle and demure. With such a vicious nature, the eldest daughter of the Yan family will surely face difficulties later on."

Lin Xushi, noticing that her mother-in-law was still not addressing the main point of their visit, discreetly tugged at her sleeve, signaling her to speak directly.

Wang Shi hesitated for a moment, noticing her daughter-in-law’s subtle signals. Her expression shifted, torn between indecision and discomfort.

At that moment, Concubine Lin had been quietly observing the exchange and raised an eyebrow. "Mother, Sister-in-law, what are you two doing?"

Lin Xushi stiffened. "Uh… Mother has something to say to you."

Concubine Lin looked at Wang Shi. "Mother, if you have something to say, just say it."

Wang Shi glared at her daughter-in-law for a moment, then, after a brief pause, turned her attention to her newborn granddaughter, who had only just been born a few days ago. "What are you going to do about this child?"

Concubine Lin was taken aback. For a moment, she didn’t quite understand her mother’s meaning.

What do you mean, "What are you going to do"? The child is mine. Of course, I’ll raise her. What else is there to discuss?

Wang Shi, unwilling to meet her daughter’s gaze, steeled herself and said, "Your brother has discussed it with us. Given the current situation in the Yan family, it’s probably best if you send the child to Old Madam Yan’s courtyard to be raised."

Concubine Lin was stunned, and at first, she couldn’t believe what she had just heard. She immediately wanted to refute it, but then, as her mind shifted to the fact that Master had been growing fonder of  Madam, her position was becoming increasingly precarious. She swallowed the words she was about to say.

Seeing that Concubine Lin didn’t immediately protest, Wang Shi and Lin Xushi both breathed a sigh of relief.

Wang Shi spoke more gently, "Your brother means well. Think about it—if you send the child to Old Madam Yan’s courtyard, not only will Old Madam Yan be kinder to you, but she will also speak up for you if Madam Li gets too arrogant."

"Also, if you show filial piety by sending the child to Old Madam Yan’s, perhaps your husband will feel grateful and guilty, which will help you maintain your position in the rear courtyard."

"Lastly, if the child is raised in Old Madam Yan's courtyard, it will be beneficial for your reputation as well. For the child, it is the best arrangement. The Old Lady is the most esteemed person in the Yan residence, and everything she has—food, clothes, and other needs—will be of the highest quality. The child will enjoy a life of luxury with her," Wang Shi added.

Concubine Lin remained silent, not responding.

Wang Shi sighed, then stood up and patted Concubine Lin’s hand. "Think it over carefully. We will come to visit you next time."

After the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law left, Concubine Lin lay on the bed, her gaze unfocused. After a long while, she finally turned to look at her newborn daughter, who was wrapped in swaddling clothes, and then called for Xiyun.

"Do you have any orders?" Xiyun asked, approaching.

Concubine Lin stared at her daughter in the swaddling clothes and then closed her eyes. "Go to the Hanging Flower Gate and wait for the master. Tell him to come tonight, that I have something to discuss with him."

"You said what?"

Daohua looked at Wang Man’er in surprise. "Concubine Lin wants to send her newly born daughter to grandmother's courtyard?" 

Wang Man’er saw the playful look on her young lady's face and noticed that she didn’t seem worried at all. With a stomp of her foot, she said, "Oh my young lady, stop just watching the fun! If Fifth Miss really is sent to Old Madam Yan's courtyard, what will you do?"

"Pfft~"

Daohua couldn’t hold back and laughed out loud, feeling a bit exasperated. "What would I do? Do you really think a little baby could replace me in my grandmother’s heart?"

Wang Man’er paused, and she too felt that it was unlikely. "But, it will definitely divide Old Madam Yan’s attention, won’t it?"

Daohua calmly resumed embroidering a panda on her hoop, with a slight smirk. "I thought Concubine Lin would show a bit more self-awareness after coming to Xingzhou, but it seems she hasn’t changed at all."

She sneered.

"She thinks that by sending the child to grandmother’s courtyard, grandmother will just have to accept it? Her face is as thick as ever!"

Wang Man’er, watching her young lady steadily thread the needle, felt her own anxiousness slowly fade away.

Indeed, she had been too quick to panic. Whether Old Madam Yan would even accept Fifth Miss was still uncertain.

Meanwhile, in the main courtyard.

Madam Li received the news, a disdainful smile briefly flashing across her face before she continued to sort through the annual gifts from various families.

"Madam, the master has already gone to the Songhe Courtyard. Aren't you going to check on him?" Ping Xiao asked, her tone anxious.

Madam Li smiled faintly. "Mother is the most sensible. Concubine Lin is simply being presumptuous. There’s no need to worry about it."

(End of Chapter)