Chapter 182: Chapter 182: Bringing Li Jirou Back to the Xiao Family
The matters concerning the Yao Family ended up having no room for maneuver; not only that, but the third master of the Pei Family was also demoted because of it.
Upon returning home, the third master unleashed his fury on the third madam, angrily rebuking her for choosing such a terrible daughter-in-law.
The third madam had never anticipated the situation to escalate to such severity. Their third branch was implicated, she had always hoped for the third master to rise in official rank so she could boast, but instead of promotion, there was demotion?
This was unbearable, and immediately Yao Xing became the object of her resentment. Previously, she endured because of the Yao Family’s connections, but now that Father Yao was gone, the Yao Family completely collapsed, what can the third branch rely on?
The third madam began expressing disdain towards Yao Xing, scolding her harshly, "Jinx! Truly a jinx! It was blind of us to marry such a wife, thoroughly ruining the third branch! What kind of fate do I have!"
Once so high and mighty, Yao Xing now could only hide indoors, not daring to go out. Even though she trembled all over at the scolding, clenching her teeth in anger, there was nothing she could do.
Yao Xing was arrogant before, but she was no fool. She could be arrogant because she had backing; now that the backing was gone, she had to rely on the Pei Family for the rest of her life. How could she dare act recklessly like before?
Otherwise, if Pei Lian found any excuse to divorce her, she wouldn’t even have a place to cry.
At this point, she had to cling tightly to the Pei Family, utilize their influence to help the empress in the palace secure her position; once the empress ascends in rank, there’s hope for the Yao Family to recover.
Yao Xing attempted to find some connections, using her identity as the third young madam of the Pei Family, but no one was willing to see her.
Those who could hold high posts are all people with intelligence and foresight; the emperor only punished the third branch of the Pei Family, the other two branches weren’t affected at all, indicating the third branch was implicated. Why would anyone help unless they lost their minds?
Moreover, what does the identity of the third young madam of the Pei Family amount to? Those with authority in the Pei Family didn’t involve themselves in the Yao Family’s affairs, why should outsiders involve themselves?
Is it because they are too bored with nothing to do, or do they think their posts are too stable?
No one’s stupid.
After Yao Xing ran around, she realized her status as the third young madam was useless; feeling hatred, anger, helplessness, and grievance at the same time, she was agitated and distressed.
She hated the Pei Family even more in her heart, thinking they could help but chose not to. Sooner or later, she would make the Pei Family pay the price!
When that day comes, and the Pei Family asks her for help, she won’t even spare them a glance.
The more Yao Xing thought about it, the more excited she became. After the excitement subsided, reality hit her like a cruel lash, making her shiver.
Now, with the Yao Family in ruins and no one willing to help, she had no place to seek assistance; setting aside thoughts of revival, she even struggled with how to sustain her current life.
Talking about revival?
Yao Xing intended to strategize, but as soon as she started thinking, she found her mind empty and couldn’t come up with anything.
...
Meanwhile, Ji Nishang, after pondering thoroughly for some time, ensuring every aspect was carefully considered, finally spoke her thoughts to her aunt.
"You’re saying that you want to bring Li Jirou back to the Xiao Family?" Mrs. Xiao asked incredulously, immediately shaking her head without waiting for an answer, "No, I can’t let her enter the Xiao Mansion, absolutely not."
"Auntie, hear me out," Ji Nishang calmly replied, "Cousin is young, at an age full of chivalry and righteousness; with the incident happening to the Li Family, he would support them without delay. The more you oppose him, the more stubborn he becomes, causing estrangement between mother and son in the long run. Wouldn’t it be better to comply with him first? There might be a new turn of events."
Mrs. Xiao trusted this niece of hers greatly and listened as she eloquently reasoned, then asked, "What new turn of events? What if Li Jirou incites Shiqing to marry her once she’s inside the mansion?"
Ji Nishang chuckled, "Auntie worries too much. For one, Miss Li is currently too young; marriage shouldn’t be rushed. Moreover, if Miss Li really is the inciting type, you’re at a disadvantage keeping her outside, inciting cousin where you can’t see. But once she’s inside the mansion, it’s a different story."
How is it different?
Mrs. Xiao pondered briefly and gradually understood.
Indeed, with her under your nose, you would know everything she intends to do and can control her actions, whereas outside, it’s inconvenient.
If Li Jirou privately wooed Shiqing for social climbing, eventually, for reputation’s sake, the Xiao Family would have to take her in.
Therefore, it’s better to let her enter the mansion from the start, go along with the son’s wishes, letting him focus on his endeavors, as the matters of the household are originally women’s responsibilities; what she says goes at that time, isn’t it perfect?
"My dear, it’s considerate of you to think about everything for us as mother and son, you manage things so comprehensively, you’re naturally fit to be a matriarch. When you become one someday, you’ll definitely handle it with finesse. You’re so good-hearted, I’ll surely stand up for you in the future," Mrs. Xiao, after understanding, held her niece’s hand, feeling very touched and thankful.
Ji Nishang, shyly, lowered her head.
"This matter should be spoken about as soon as possible. When cousin returns tonight, if Auntie mentions it, he’ll surely be delighted," Ji Nishang suggested.
But Mrs. Xiao had other plans, "I was thinking of first speaking with Li Jirou; as people ascend, water descends, she would wish for it fervently, wouldn’t it be better to bring her back directly then?"
Ji Nishang thought it over and found no issue with that, since cousin was known to be busy, he might not return tonight; persuading Qu Fulan first would be similar.
On one side, someone is praised as a natural matriarch, while on the other, Cheng Ru has already begun assisting her aunt in managing the family affairs.
The second madam of the Pei Family had been feeling uneasy recently, needing someone to help manage affairs.
Previously, it was the Third Miss who helped a bit, but being young, many things weren’t handled comprehensively, now that Cheng Ru had come along, the sisters jointly managed affairs, easing the workload while ensuring everything was covered, which naturally satisfied the second madam.
Initially, there was no intention of involving Cheng Ru in the family management since she was a relative visiting, and it wouldn’t be right to have guests managing affairs. However, after the Third Miss struggled to cope, Cheng Ru assisted a few times, taking charge, the matters reached the ears of the second madam, who thought of having her manage a few days, helping to share her daughter’s burden until she recovered enough to offer proper thanks, given that they were all family, formalities weren’t necessary.
Consequently, Cheng Ru started participating in managing the affairs of the Pei Mansion.
That day, someone came to report, asking how the essentials for living and clothing at the family temple should be managed.
The servants seemingly knew Cheng Ru had been thoughtful towards Master Lu, visiting often for chats and such; now that she’s involved in managing the inner affairs of the Pei Mansion, expecting a slight improvement in the situation at the family temple was logical.
Therefore, Cheng Ru said the following, "The arrangements at the family temple were established by the Pei Family ancestors, I’m merely helping to manage affairs for a few days, how could I bypass ancestral rules? Don’t speak like this again."
These words reached the ears of the old madam, who felt this girl was sensible, not exploiting her position for personal gain, which was a commendable character trait.