Transmigration: A Farm Girl’s Brocade
Chapter 706 - 344: Competing for Favor_1

Chapter 706: Chapter 344: Competing for Favor_1

Gathering up the little pearls, there were as many as half a pouch full.

Looking at so many nourishing and health-preserving products, Qian Yixiu felt both elated and guilty, hugging Pearl Kid and kissing her twice. Pearl Kid giggled and kissed Qian Yixiu back twice, smearing her face with pastry crumbs.

Seeing Sister Squirrel looking at her with eyes as big as soybeans, Qian Yixiu hugged and kissed her too.

After playing with the three for a while, Qian Yixiu checked her pocket watch and saw it was past four o’clock in the afternoon, so she coaxed them into the Clam Shell House, not daring to put red covers on them, and instructed them not to speak.

She changed into a rose-red butterfly-patterned brocade jacket and a carmine pleated skirt with scattered flowers, and wore a gilded filigree with pearl inlaid jade fortune and double happiness step shake. Once ready, she took Cai Yun with her to Wanshou Hall.

On the way, she encountered Third Grandma Lin. Lin was married to Third Master Liang Jinchen last autumn and was now pregnant.

"Elder Sister-in-law," Lin greeted with a smile.

Lin’s father was the Vice Minister of Justice of the fourth rank, and she was his legitimate daughter. Sir Lin was a graduate and had considerable knowledge, which was of great help to Liang Jinchen, who was pursuing the imperial examinations. Liang Jinchen had become a graduate last year, thanks largely to his father-in-law’s guidance.

Fourth Master Liang Jinhua, who was only a few months younger than Third Master, had not passed the graduate exam and, along with Fifth Master Liang Jintian, continued their studies at the Imperial College. This made Second Madam Zhang quite dissatisfied, but there was nothing she could do.

Judging by this marriage, Lady Cui seemed to care for her illegitimate children, having found a decent match and didn’t suppress them.

Qian Yixiu also smiled at Lin, and the two walked together toward Wanshou Hall.

Upon arriving at Wanshou Hall, many people were already there.

The elder family matriarch called out to Qian Yixiu with a smile, "My great-granddaughter-in-law has been busy these days. I didn’t have the heart to ask you for cakes. Tomorrow, when you have some free time, make some for this old lady. For some reason, the kitchen staff just can’t make them as delicious as you do."

Qian Yixiu replied with a smile, "Yes, I was just thinking of making more tomorrow to honor you, Elder Ancestor, and also to offer some to the Grand Empress Dowager in the palace."

Hearing Qian Yixiu mention such a high-ranking figure, even the womenfolk of the Liang Family filled with envy.

Lady Xia immediately said with a laugh, "It’s all thanks to the Elder Ancestor’s insightful eye for having chosen such a clever and skilled daughter-in-law early on. If we hadn’t been quick, another family might have snatched her away, and the Liang Family would have suffered a great loss."

These words made the old lady’s eyes crinkle with laughter.

Zhang then added with a laugh, "Sister-in-law also forgot to mention Jinzhao. He’s so infatuated, having waited so long for his wife, and even had the Emperor bestow the marriage."

The crowd burst into laughter again. Lady Cui’s gaze darkened slightly.

Qian Yixiu felt quite helpless; these two sisters-in-law showered praises on the Elder Ancestor, herself, and Uncle Liang, but their implications were a blow to Lady Cui, who had strongly opposed Qian Yixiu’s marriage into the Liang Family in the beginning.

In the past few days, Qian Yixiu had observed that the Liang Family was generally harmonious. The elder family matriarch and Old Duke Liang were strict, definitely not allowing any turmoil within the family. They were discerning in choosing daughters-in-law, not forming marriage alliances with families of ill-repute except for the Cui family. Therefore, there were no major motions within the family.

But beneath the calm surface, there were some undercurrents, mainly some minor frictions between the head lady of the house, Lady Cui, and Second Madam Zhang and Third Madam Xia — nothing more than jealousy and competition for favor.

Originally, Lady Cui was the strongest among the three sister-in-laws. She was beautiful, talented, her men and sons capable, and her family was an aristocratic one. But ever since the incident of Lady Cui speaking ill of her home to her own family surfaced, she had fallen out of favor. Afterward, with the extermination of the Cui family, she became the daughter of a condemned official and could no longer hold her head high.

After the incident with Lady Cui’s maternal family, both Lady Zhang and Lady Xia thought she would be completely stripped of her authority as the butler, at least until the family was divided. However, to their surprise, the head of the household showed no reaction and continued to let Lady Cui manage the household affairs.

There was also the competition for the ancestral favor, which was not only a matter of having authority but also of having money. At over seventy years of age and after being married into the Liang Family for sixty years, a time during which the family had always been wealthy, she had amassed countless private savings. With just a loose gesture from her, the younger generations would have enough resources for a while.

Currently, even though Lady Cui continued in her role managing the household, it was clear to everyone that she had lost the favor of the head of the household.

Even though younger members like Liang Jinzhao and Liang Jinyu noticed that their two aunts spoke somewhat against their mother, it was not appropriate for them to openly take sides.

That was the situation now. Seeing Lady Cui embarrassed, Liang Jinyu and Lady Lin had to bow their heads, as it wasn’t right to talk back to their elders.

Qian Yixiu was also in no position to speak up. As one of the younger generation, and having just entered the family, she could only smile and pretend she hadn’t noticed.

After a bout of conversation and laughter, the twelve-year-old Sixth Master Liang Jinzhen returned first, as he had been studying with his tutor in the front courtyard. The young master had been spoiled, and though extremely brilliant, he did not enjoy studying and had frustrated several tutors.

Upon his return, he went straight to sit beside the ancestral grandmother, who hugged him, affectionately calling him her "treasure" and "sweetheart." The old lady’s fondness for her youngest great-grandson was not only out of love but also out of pity for the difficulty of Second Old Lady Li’s widowhood, giving her due respect.

After that, Third Master Liang Jinchen arrived, having been working hard day and night in the front courtyard study, as the imperial examinations were drawing near.

Then, Second Old Master Liang Yihe, Third Old Master Liang Yichang, Second Master Liang Jintong, and Big Master Liang Jinzhao successively finished their work, and everyone proceeded to the west wing for dinner together.

At Liang Family meals, the background of the wives was apparent. The ancestral grandmother, Second Madam Zhang, Third Madam Xia, and Big Grandma Qian who liked to chat and joke while eating, were daughters of military officers. While the silent Eldest Old Lady Song, Second Old Lady Li, the chief lady Lady Cui, Second Mistress Yang, and Third Grandma Lin, were daughters of civil officials.

As for the men’s table, regardless of military or civil status, there was a pleasant murmur of laughter.

After dinner, as darkness fell, everyone returned to their respective courtyards. Before reaching Lianxiang Courtyard, they heard the urgent voice of Pearl Kid, "Mom, ouch, mom, I need to poop. Quick, quick, I can’t hold it anymore."

His voice was very soft, only heard by Qian Yixiu and Liang Jinzhao walking side by side, who both chuckled and hurried towards the courtyard.

Once back in the bedroom, the servants all tactfully stayed out of sight, except for Zi Zhu who was on night duty in the east side room. Qian Yixiu went to the lavatory and let Pearl Kid and Squirrel Sister do their business, then washed them up and tucked them into bed.

Liang Jinzhao also doted on them, and they tousled in bed for a while. When it was time to rest, Liang Jinzhao negotiated with them, "Son, daughter, go back to your room and rest for a bit; daddy and mommy have something to do. After we’re done, we’ll let you out to sleep on the bed."

Pearl Kid was reluctant to go, fearing they would be locked away for days again. Pouting, he said, "Just do whatever you need to do, why do you have to chase us out? We can quietly lie on one side and won’t be in the way."

Squirrel Sister understood and was eagerly nodding her little head at the side.

Liang Jinzhao choked, and Qian Yixiu burst out laughing. It would be better if they didn’t go in, to save that person from being annoyed.

Liang Jinzhao gave Qian Yixiu a meaningful glance. Pearl Kid listened to her the most and he wanted her to persuade them, but Qian Yixiu pretended not to see.

Having no other option, Liang Jinzhao continued to coax the little ones. Despite his efforts, Pearl Kid and Squirrel Sister were very persistent, and his extensive persuasion was to no avail.

In the end, his eyes twinkled, and he laughed, "My son, daughter, do you want to play hide and seek?"

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