Chapter 238: Chapter 220, Presumptuous_1

“This time entering the residence, I also noticed that Madam Li’s demeanor has completely changed,” Lin Wangshi frowned as she thought of Madam Li she had seen earlier in the main courtyard of the Yan Residence.

In the past, when the son-in-law’s heart was with his daughter, although Madam Li was the main wife, she had little confidence when facing her daughter, but this time I saw her, not to mention the luxurious aura about her, even a hint of self-confidence and authority in her eyes made me feel somewhat daunted and unable to look her in the eye.”

Lin Xushi also picked up the conversation, saying, “The rules at the Yan Family have also become stricter.”

In the past, not to mention us ladies, even our husbands could visit their sister without having to report, but now, if they want to enter, they must submit a visiting card first, and they can only enter after Madam Li has agreed to it.

Not only has it become more troublesome, but they also have to endure quite a bit of frustration.

Lin Auntie sighed, “As the master’s official rank grows higher, he naturally pays more attention to rules. And the madam…” Lin Auntie gave a bitter smile.

“Ever since the master was promoted to Prefectural Governor, the madam has been socializing at home and out with ladies from the families of high officials and nobles; even if she were steeped in the stench of copper, she would be perfumed by the association.”

“As for me, even if I have boundless talent, I can only be confined to this courtyard, unable to step out!”

Upon hearing these words, both Lin Wangshi and Lin Xushi fell silent.

They could not help with any of the issues Lin Auntie spoke about.

Lin Auntie continued, “Moreover, the eldest master and the fourth master are becoming more and more accomplished, and the eldest young mistress is an extremely formidable figure. Madam’s confidence surely has its foundation now.”

Lin Wangshi joined the conversation this time, “Wenbin and Yishuang are also good children, aren’t they? Your brother has said that Wenbin’s talent for studying is hardly inferior to that of the Yan Family’s eldest master.”

Lin Auntie smiled bitterly again, “What of it? Even if Wenbin is good at studying, the people he interacts with and the world he has seen can’t compare to the eldest master from the Wangyue Academy.”

“To have a promising future, being good at studying is far from enough.”

“Take the master, for example. When he was the County Magistrate, he was so beloved by the people, but because he had no one to support him in the official circles, he remained in the position for nine years.”

Lin Wangshi, with a stern face and dissatisfaction, said, “How could the Yan Family’s eldest young mistress be so heartless? Wenbin is her brother after all; she would rather help the cousin from the third branch than her own younger brother.”

Lin Auntie sneered, “The eldest young mistress’s heart is ruthless! I know it is deliberate; she is taking revenge for the time her brother schemed against her and got her slapped by the master.”

Lin Wangshi snorted and said, “A girl is better being gentle and quiet. With such a bad temper, the Yan Family’s eldest young mistress will certainly suffer for it in the future.”

Seeing that the conversation was not getting to the point of their visit, Lin Xushi had no choice but to stretch out her hand to tug at her mother-in-law’s sleeve as a reminder.

Lin Wangshi, tugged by her daughter-in-law and catching her meaningful glances, hesitated, her expression becoming one of reluctance and difficulty.

At the side, Lin Auntie noticed the two women’s actions and knitted her brows, “Mother, Sister-in-law, what are you doing?”

Lin Xushi stiffened slightly, “…Mother has something to tell you.”

Lin Auntie looked at Lin Wangshi, “Mother, if you have something to say, just say it.”

Lin Wangshi gave her daughter-in-law a stern look, paused for a moment, and then turned her gaze to her granddaughter who had been born only a few days earlier: “What are you planning to do with this child?”

Lin Auntie was taken aback and didn’t quite understand her mother’s meaning at first.

What to do?

Obviously, I would raise the child I gave birth to; what else is there to do?

Lin Wangshi struggled to meet her daughter’s eyes and steeled herself to say, “Your brother has discussed this with us at home. Given the current situation of the Yan Family, it would be best if you sent the child to be raised in the old lady’s quarters.”

Upon hearing this, Aunt Lin initially showed a face full of disbelief and immediately wanted to retort, but as her thoughts shifted, considering how the lord’s favor towards Madam had been growing and her own precarious status, she swallowed her words.

Seeing that their daughter did not vehemently oppose, both Lin Wangshi and Lin Xushi sighed in relief.

Lin Wangshi offered consolation, “Your brother is doing this for your own good. Think about it carefully: if you send the child to the old lady’s courtyard, even if for nothing else but the child’s sake, the old lady will treat you more kindly.”

“With her backing you up, even if Madam Li becomes increasingly proud, she wouldn’t dare to mistreat you!”

“Furthermore, by sending the child to the old lady’s courtyard to show filial piety, wouldn’t your son-in-law feel a sense of gratitude and guilt towards you? With this, are you still afraid of losing favor in the inner courtyard?”

“One last point, raising the child by the old lady’s side is also a matter of your prestige, and for the child, it’s the best arrangement. The old lady is the most distinguished person in the Yan Residence; the food, clothing, and everything she uses are surely the best. The child would be blessed to be with her.”

Aunt Lin remained silent, without a word.

Lin Wangshi sighed, stood up, and patted Aunt Lin’s hand, “Think about it yourself. We’ll come to see you again later.”

After the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law had left, Aunt Lin lay on her bed with unfocused eyes for a while. Then she turned her head to look at her daughter wrapped in swaddling clothes besides her, and called for Xiyun.

Xiyun: “Aunt Lin, do you have any instructions?”

Aunt Lin stared at the daughter in the swaddling clothes and finally closed her eyes, “Go to Chuihua Gate and wait for the lord; tell him to come tonight, telling him I need to speak with him.”

…

“What did you say?”

Daohua looked at Wang Manman with surprise, who had a face full of mystery, “Aunt Lin is planning to send her newly born daughter to the grandmother’s courtyard?”

Wang Manman, seeing that her own lady only had a playful look on her face, showing no sign of anxiety, couldn’t help but stomp her foot and exclaim, “Oh my lady, stop enjoying the spectacle! If the Fifth Miss really gets sent to the old lady’s courtyard, what are you going to do?”

“Pfft~”

Daohua couldn’t help but burst out laughing, and then she said with a touch of incredulity and amusement, “What am I going to do? Do you really think a nursing baby could replace my place in grandmother’s heart?”

Wang Manman’s expression faltered, as even she felt it to be unlikely: “But, it will surely distract some of the old lady’s affection, won’t it?”

Picking up her embroidery hoop to continue working on her panda, Daohua was calm and collected, almost sarcastically saying, “I thought that after coming to Xingzhou, Aunt Lin would have gained some self-awareness, but it seems she hasn’t progressed at all!”

With that, she let out a cold laugh.

“She thinks she can send the child to the grandmother’s courtyard and the grandmother is obliged to accept? Her face is as thick as ever!”

Wang Manman, watching her lady thread the needle unhurriedly, found her own anxious heart calming down as well.

Indeed, she had been too worried; it wasn’t even certain whether the old lady would be willing to take in the Fifth Miss.

The main courtyard.

Madam Li had also received the news, a sneer of contempt flashed across her face, and then she continued to check the New Year gifts from various families.

Ping Xiao was somewhat anxious and had to remind, “Madam, the lord has already gone to Songhe Courtyard. Aren’t you going to have a look?”

Madam Li smiled faintly, “The old lady is the most sensible. Aunt Lin is just indulging in wishful thinking, no need to mind her.”