Time Travel: The Noble Family
Chapter 314 - Chapter 314 Chapter 116 Duty

Chapter 314: Chapter 116: Duty Chapter 314: Chapter 116: Duty The uncle and nephew had lost track of time talking, and it was only when their attendants reminded them that it was time for a meal that they left the study.

During the meal, Ma Chengteng had the maids serve Yueyao’s favorite dishes. Although Ma Chengteng regretted that Yueyao was not born a boy, he was still excited for her at the moment.

Yueyao, looking at her uncle who loved her so much, thought for a moment and decided to entrust something to him, and so she told Ma Chengteng her intentions.

Ma Chengteng naturally had no objections, “Good. I’ll keep it here. I’ll put it in a proper place.” If at first he was seventy percent convinced by what Yueyao had said, after Ma Peng had passed the exams, his belief turned into absolute certainty. Lady Ma truly plotted for Yueyao’s wealth; for the sake of money, that woman could do anything, so he would have to be more careful in the future.

Yueyao also asked Ma Chengteng for another favor, “Uncle, in a few days I plan to visit Zhaohua Temple, the mansion will definitely need to keep people around. Uncle, Nanny Deng has followed my mother loyally, and I wish to ask for your help in dissolving her servitude contract.” Yueyao preferred Ma Chengteng handle it because it would be inconvenient for her to do it herself.

Ma Chengteng asked in surprise, “What for? Why would you want to dissolve her contract all of a sudden?” After all, Nanny Deng had no children; she would definitely rely on Yueyao in her old age and wouldn’t betray her.

Yueyao explained, “If her contract is dissolved, Nanny Deng will be a Good Citizen, and others wouldn’t dare to harm or kill her at will.” If Lady Ma wanted to deal with a servant, even without a contract, she could find a reason to do so, but dealing with a Good Citizen would be much more troublesome.

Ma Chengteng spoke with a tone of distress, “Wait until next year, and your uncle will bring you to live here.” He was genuinely distressed seeing his niece so thoughtful and hoped that, after some time, he could have Yueyao stay at the Ma’s Mansion for a few days to give her some peace of mind.

Yueyao replied with a cheerful smile, “That would be wonderful. To stay at Ma’s Mansion would be great, and later on, I can seek advice from my cousin-in-law about matters concerning the manor and shop, and even learn how to manage the household from her.”

After having lunch with Ma Chengteng, he returned to the Ministry of Rites to resume his duties. The Ministry of Rites was like the Qingshui Government Office, usually not too busy. It was typically at the end of the year when a rush of marriage arrangements for princes, imperial grandchildren, imperial relatives, and nobles made things hectic, but now it was quite leisurely, which is why Ma Chengteng could come back in the middle of the day.

After talking with Yueyao, Ma Chengteng left. Yueyao then spent quite some time conversing with Ruo Lan. Seeing that it was about time to leave, Yueyao stood up and said, “I have learned so much from chatting with you, cousin-in-law, things that can’t be found in books. Thank you.”

Zhuang Ruolan nodded with a smile, “As long as you don’t mind my chatter.” During their conversation, Zhuang Ruolan subtly brought up some matters that contained many principles about how to conduct oneself in society. She was indirectly pointing out that Yueyao had not dealt with her two recent issues smoothly enough; she had given too much but gained too little in return. Being too rigid could lead to breaking easily; sometimes it was necessary to take a roundabout approach or show weakness, as displaying vulnerability could lead to unexpected benefits.

Yueyao, knowing that Zhuang Ruolan had her best interests at heart, said gratefully, “Not at all, I will need plenty more advice from you in the future, cousin-in-law, I just hope you won’t find me bothersome by then.”

Ruo Lan was pleased with Yueyao’s attitude; she didn’t need any reciprocal favors from Yueyao. It was comforting to know that after merely giving Yueyao some hints, Yueyao remained grateful.

After Yueyao left, Ruo Lan sighed softly, “An orphan has to be more sensible than others.” She had a father but no mother, and even though her life was tough, it was still better than Yueyao’s. Without either parent and burdened by such an aunt and uncle, Yueyao’s life was truly difficult.

When Yueyao returned to Lian Mansion, she went straight to the main hall and said to Lady Ma, “Auntie, my cousin-in-law has agreed to inquire at Duke Mansion; there should be news by tomorrow.”

Lady Ma glanced at Yueyao, “Are you sure the people from Duke Mansion will agree?” Facing such a Yueyao, she couldn’t even feign affection; it was not worth the trouble.

Yueyao nodded, “My cousin-in-law said there’s a very good chance.”

After thinking it over, Lady Ma said, “If you are going, let your second sister accompany you.” She said this knowing that Yueyao had refused Yueying; she wasn’t willing to let her daughter suffer.

Yueyao was somewhat surprised; was history repeating itself? Was Lady Ma still intent on having her get along with Yuebing? After their last confrontation, Yueyao was convinced that Yuebing had been pretending to be foolish all along. It would be unwise to keep such a person close by, “The temple is a place of hardship; I’m not sure if my second sister can endure that kind of suffering.” There was no need to make a definitive statement; Yuebing wouldn’t go anyway. Lady Ma would not let Yuebing suffer.