Chapter 16

Hearing Zhou Mama's words, Madam Shen, who had been restless, finally found her heart settling back into her stomach. "Zhou Mama mentioned that Yunzhi treats you with great respect, and your mother-in-law, Lady Gu, is a kind-hearted person. Mother has always hoped you'd find a suitable husband, and now my wish has finally come true."

Though the Gu family was poor, they were fortunate to have a simple household without the complications of social obligations. Unlike the Cheng'an Marquis Estate, which appeared grand on the surface but was empty inside, just a facade of wealth.

Although Son-in-law Gu Changjin was rather strict in his conduct, as long as he cared for Zhaozhao, a lack of romantic affection would not be a significant issue. In Madam Shen's eyes, men who only spoke sweet nothings were less dependable.

The two women sipped tea slowly in the Qingheng Courtyard, sharing intimate conversation.

Rong Shu poured a cup of Little Phoenix Tea for Madam Shen and, after considering her words carefully, was about to inquire about Wen Xi when she noticed the exhaustion on Madam Shen's face and the dullness in her eyes. Her brow furrowed involuntarily.

Madam Shen was an extremely strong-willed woman. Even if she didn't leave the Qingheng Courtyard, she would always present herself well, never wanting anyone to see her vulnerability. In the Ho'an Hall earlier, she must have been holding herself together, so no one noticed her discomfort. Now back in the Qingheng Courtyard, her exhaustion could no longer be concealed.

Rong Shu swallowed her question and said, "Has Mother not been sleeping well these past few days? I've prepared a soothing incense for you. Let Zhou Mama light it later, and then you can rest on the couch for a while. There's still an hour or two before lunch is served."

"How could that be? I still need to check on the main kitchen; those women there love to slack off." Madam Shen glanced at her and said with a smile, "You must host a lively and dignified homecoming banquet this time, or others might laugh at you."

"I don't care about their laughter," Rong Shu helped Madam Shen up and led her to a chaise longue by the window, insisting, "Mother, you need to rest for at least half an hour."

Rong Shu's stubbornness was inherited from Madam Shen, who had no choice but to close her eyes and lie down.

Rong Shu personally lit some soothing incense until Madam Shen's slightly furrowed brow relaxed before she quietly left the room.

Aunt Zhou was listening to a kitchen maid report under the veranda. Seeing Rong Shu come out, she dismissed the maid and approached with a smile. "This old servant told Lady this morning not to worry about the banquet preparations, but she wouldn't listen. Only you, Miss, can convince her to take care of herself and rest for a while."

Rong Shu smiled faintly and asked, "Has Grandmother and Mother had another disagreement recently?"

Looking at Rong Shu, Aunt Zhou's face showed difficulty, unsure how to express herself.

Rong Shu said, "Why? Can't you even tell me, Aunt?"

"I dare not," Aunt Zhou sighed, glancing outside before saying, "Miss, please follow this old servant."

Aunt Zhou took Rong Shu to a side chamber, poured her a cup of tea, and then began slowly,

"Last night, the Matriarch paid a visit to Qingheng Courtyard and requested that the manor in the eastern outskirts be included in Second Miss's dowry. But that manor was purchased for you, Madam, with the intention of transferring it to your name once the pavilion by the water is completed. That way, you and Sir could enjoy its plum blossoms and pine waves during your leisure time. The Matriarch's words last night clearly indicate her intention to seize the manor before it can be officially transferred to you."

At this point, Aunty Zhou couldn't contain her anger, and her frustration burned within her.

"The expenses for daily necessities in both Ho'an Hall and Qiuyun Hall are mostly covered by Madam. For your dowry, Lady, apart from a pair of hair ornaments contributed by Eldest and Second Sister, everything else was provided by Madam from her own dowry. As your grandmother, the Matriarch hasn't even given you a pair of earrings, yet she dares to snatch something that belongs to you. Her behavior is truly disgraceful!"

Rong Shu lowered her gaze. Rong Wu was set to marry next spring, and as her birth mother, it was customary and rightful for Mother to provide a portion of the dowry.

However, since Rong Wu wasn't raised under Mother's care, the dowry didn't need to be overly extravagant; just enough to maintain appearances would suffice.

The estate in the eastern suburbs is invaluable, a piece of land as precious as gold. Mother wouldn't be foolish enough to part with it, let alone gift it to Qiuyun Hall.

In her previous life, due to the upheaval on Changan Avenue, she did not return home on this very day, remaining entirely oblivious to the matter. All she recalls is that upon her eventual return to the Marquisate, her mother had already suffered a severe illness.

Inquiring about the illness that had befallen Mother, both she and Nurse Zhou were tight-lipped, simply stating that it was an old ailment.

Madam Shen's constitution was indeed robust. If there was any pre-existing ailment to speak of, it would be a tendency towards headaches when her heart fire flared up.

Could it be because of this matter that Mother's headache worsened, leading to her falling ill?

"Was it Lady Pei who requested that manor in the eastern outskirts, along with Grandmother Zhang?"

Rong Shu referred to "Madam Pei" as the noble concubine taken in by Duke Cheng'an, and she was also the mother of Fourth Brother and Rong Wan, Pei Yun. Madam Shen had no desire to snatch away other people's children, so Rong Wan and Fourth Brother were raised under Pei Yun's care from a young age. The three of them resided together in Qiuyun Hall.

Aunt Zhou hesitated before saying, "This old servant is unsure. But in my opinion, the lady of Qiuyun Hall seems to be of a very dignified nature. She probably wouldn't lower herself to do such a thing."

Rong Shu thought to herself that it was indeed so. Madam Pei took great pride in her status and would never engage in such shameless behavior.

Madame Zhou, witnessing Rong Shu tightly furrowing her delicate willow-leaf brows, suddenly felt a pang of regret in her heart. She sighed, "It's all this old servant's fault for prattling on. These matters were not meant for your knowledge, madam. You've returned to the Marquisate so rarely, yet here I am, spoiling your good mood."

"What are you talking about, Nurse? I know you all don't wish to burden me, but Nurse—" Rong Shu knitted her brows and spoke earnestly, "I'm no longer the young girl who needs your constant care and attention. Please, don't keep Mother's matters from me."

Rong Shu paused here, carefully considering her words before she spoke: "If Grandmother should inquire about that estate again in the future, simply tell her that I have taken possession of it. I am most curious to see if she dares to meddle with my dowry. After all, defying her on one more matter makes little difference, given our strained relations. Should she dare to interfere, I shall make certain that all of Capital City bears witness to the farce unfolding within our Marquisate."

There are only half a year left until Rong Yue's wedding. To prevent Grandmother from constantly finding excuses to ask Mother to add to the dowry, it would be best to let Mother go to the manor to convalesce for these six months. Out of sight, out of mind. I'll be the one to break this to Mother.