Transmigration: A Farm Girl’s Brocade
Chapter 587 - 297 Enjoyment_3

Chapter 587: Chapter 297 Enjoyment_3

Qian Manxia said, "I’ve told you, both father-in-law and husband have explained it, but they don’t believe it, and they say that husband only takes his wife’s side and not his mother’s."

Lady Wu also shed tears and said bitterly, "What should we do? No matter what, she is still your mother-in-law. We can’t just let you and your husband separate, can we? If they really bring a concubine back, Madam Xia’s life will become miserable."

Qian Yixiu said, "Although our family cannot compare to the noble aristocratic families, our backbone is definitely much firmer than the Wan family’s. How could we allow her to bring a concubine back? My brother-in-law would not agree either." She then asked Qian Manxia, "How do they treat Fangfang and Fufu? Have they asked for your dowry?"

Qian Manxia wiped away her tears and said, "Mother-in-law treats Fangfang and Fufu well, especially Fufu, she dotes on her incredibly. They haven’t asked for my dowry. However, I’ve overheard Second Auntie Yang, when she was visiting, telling my mother-in-law and my sister-in-law that our Old Qian Family is rich like a crude businessman, with plenty of silver. She also said that I lack sophistication, and suggested to my mother-in-law to take over my dowry to manage it, which could help my sister-in-law get some dowry too. But my mother-in-law disagreed, saying she would save money for my sister-in-law’s dowry herself, and that she couldn’t bring herself to do such a thing as to covet her daughter-in-law’s dowry."

Upon hearing this, Qian Yixiu nodded and said, "There are still redeeming aspects to the situation, so let’s not turn against them just yet, Auntie. It would be good if you could get along with her in the future. If we can resolve this peacefully, that would be best. If it really doesn’t work out, then we can talk about turning against them. In a while, mother should go and give brother-in-law a reminder, to make sure he doesn’t let his mother bring back a concubine; otherwise, our family will lose face. When you go back home tonight, Auntie, take some jewelry and fabrics to give to your mother-in-law and sister-in-law, saying they were bestowed by the Empress Dowager. In the future, you should visit your eldest sister-in-law more and let her know, if they need anything for their business, Jinxiu Embroidery Workshop can offer help..."

After discussing, Lady Wu wiped away her tears and went out to give Wan Dazhong a good talking to. Wan Dazhong, his face red, repeatedly assured that he would treat Madam Xia well and would not allow his mother to bring in any concubine.

Old man Qian chided Lady Wu with disapproval, saying, "You’re not virtuous yourself, and now you’re teaching Madam Xia to be the same. That Chaier official, already in his fifties, just recently took on his ninth concubine. He says his wife is exceptionally virtuous, that because she cannot serve him well, she brought in a concubine to serve him. Everyone we drink tea and listen to stories with agrees that his wife is the epitome of virtue and understanding among women. Your son-in-law is only in his twenties. What’s wrong with bringing in a concubine to help Madam Xia and share responsibilities—like the sisters E Huang and Nv Ying?"

Wan Dazhong’s face turned pale with fright and he kept insisting, "Mother-in-law is right in her reprimand, I will not take a concubine."

Lady Wu was so angry she nearly cracked a tooth from clenching her jaw, but she managed to hold back and not talk back to him.

Qian Yixiu rolled her eyes at the old man, who was dressed in a silk robe and adorned with a jade hairpin, his hair and beard combed to a glossy smoothness, appearing not much older than Master Sangui. This old gentleman belonged to that category of people who kept up with the "trends." Not only did he enjoy shopping, drinking tea, and listening to storytellers, but just the other day, he had also purchased a birdcage and two parrots, planning to take up bird-walking. If he was a few years younger, it wouldn’t be surprising if he followed the trend and took a concubine himself.

Pan Yue pouted and said, "If Brother Jiang dares to bring home a concubine, Yueyue will take the three kids, father-in-law, and mother-in-law back to Guiyuan and never see him again."

In her subconscious, Guiyuan was her parental home, where Qian Sangui, Lady Wu, and the three children were not only her in-laws but also her own family.

Old man Qian blurted out, "You..." but he choked back the next two words, his face turning red as he fiercely took a couple of puffs of his pipe.

Qian Sangui chuckled and said, "My daughter-in-law is right. If Manjiang really brings another woman home, we’ll all go back to the countryside."

While they were talking, the family of four from Qian Mandua’s Family arrived.

Having not seen relatives for quite a while, everyone was both happy and emotional.

Now Li Ahcai was even more eloquent. He rattled off a series of auspicious New Year’s greetings and specifically expressed his gratitude for Yixiu’s care. His current work was close to home, and he earned more money.

Li Ahcao had grown prettier than when she was a child and her courage had increased although when speaking, she still blushed and her voice remained soft.

Li Ahcai and Li Ahcao paid their New Year’s respects to seven elders, receiving seven large red envelopes each.

Yixiu, with Mingming and Jingjing, also paid their New Year’s respects to Li Shuanzi and Qian Mandua, who gave the three siblings red envelopes each containing two small silver ingots. Clutching the red envelope, Yixiu thought to herself that the couple who always looked for an advantage had finally grown respectable and even gave silver ingots.

However, Qian Mandua’s favoritism towards males was especially severe. Li Ahcai was dressed in silk, his hair adorned with a jade hairpin. But Li Ahcao wore plain cotton, her hair merely tied with two red cords.

When speaking, she spoke softly and tenderly to Li Ahcai, her eyes filled with affection. Yet with Li Ahcao, her tone was harsh and her eyes lacked warmth.

There was no helping it; many modern parents still favored sons over daughters, to say nothing of ancient times.

Even though Qian Mandua showed little regard for Li Ahcao, fortunately, Li Shuanzi and father and son, Li Ahcai, treated her fairly well, often commenting on how capable Ahcao was at home. During meals, they also looked after her, noticing she only picked food from in front of her because she was too shy, so they would help her get dishes that were farther away.

Qian Mandua’s family settled down in a small courtyard within the Qian Mansion. When the couple had nothing to do, they’d go to the main courtyard to chat with Old woman Qian and Qian Sangui’s couple. Considering young people enjoyed lively scenes, Master Sangui had a servant take Li Ahcai out to the streets for a stroll.

Li Ahcao, on the other hand, was invited by Yixiu to play in the Xiangxue Courtyard and was given several gold and silver ornaments suitable for a young girl. Initially wanting to gift her fabric for making clothes but fearing Qian Mandua would misappropriate it, Yixiu had someone measure Ahcao and cut out two sets of clothes for both winter and summer, allowing her to take them home and sew at her leisure.

Seeing Old man Qian leave right after breakfast without even returning for lunch, Qian Mandua couldn’t help but ask, "We don’t have to work in the fields here, where does my grandpa go so early in the morning?"

Old woman Qian responded with a twist of her mouth, "He’s off to drink tea, listen to operas, walk his bird, enjoying his life." She couldn’t help but curse, "That old coot, still speaking to me last night about taking concubines, feeling that it’s a loss Da Zhong didn’t take any. Sangui, if that old coot really harbors those shameless thoughts, just chase him back to the countryside."

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