Page 211

It was during her time at the Jiang family that she began to view her tall and handsome father in a different light.

When she reevaluated the complicated relationships between her father, her stepmother, and her mother, she had to admit that Rong Shu was right. She couldn't even be as magnanimous as her stepmother.

Her stepmother never interfered with her father's relationship with her mother, nor did she make life difficult for Qiuyun Hall. She also never tried to separate her and her younger brother from their mother.

Before her marriage, she always felt that her mother deserved better. But after experiencing a similar situation herself, she suddenly realized that not only did her mother deserve more, but her stepmother did too.

Recalling this, Rong Wu couldn't help but ask, "Why didn't I see Mother today?"

"Something happened in the Shen family, so Mother went back to handle it," Rong Shu said softly, holding her hand warmer while gazing at the withered lotus pond. "If you're unhappy in the Jiang family, then leave. I still believe what I said before. You don't have to sacrifice your entire life for the future of the Cheng'an Marquis Estate. A family's prosperity doesn't depend on the support of its married-off daughters. Such support may provide temporary assistance, but it can't last a lifetime."

Wasn't that precisely what had happened in her previous life?

When trouble struck the Cheng'an Marquis Estate, the Jiang family was the first to distance themselves. Rong Wu wasn't even allowed to visit her parents in the Dali Temple prison.

The snowfall grew heavier, and the cloak on Rong Shu's shoulders fluttered in the wind.

She tore her gaze away from the desolate lotus pond and looked earnestly at Rong Wu. "The Cheng'an Marquis Estate isn't worth dedicating your entire life to."

Rong Wu did not respond.

Unlike Rong Shu, she had always been favored by her grandmother and father since childhood, which made her attachment to the Cheng'an Marquis Estate much deeper than Rong Shu's. She had also been instilled with a sense of duty to dedicate herself to the family from an early age.

No matter what, she would never divorce Jiang Shenglin. Unlike Rong Shu, who married when she was in love and divorced when she was not, she couldn't bring herself to do the same.

Speaking of which, if Rong Shu had not divorced, she would be the current Crown Princess now.

"Since Gu Changjin is now His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, will you have any trouble?" Rong Wu asked. "Back when you two divorced, the whole capital was whispering that he had grown tired of you, which was why he sought the divorce."

Rong Shu never expected that Rong Wei would be concerned about Gu Changjin seeking trouble with her.

She smiled and said, "Rumors are often unreliable. Rest assured, Lord Gu won't cause me any trouble. At the latest, by next spring, I will be leaving the capital."

Pausing in her narrative, she added, "If there ever comes a day when the Cheng'an Marquis Estate falls, you need not attempt to save it. Just focus on living your own life well." Her tone was unusually solemn.

Rong Hua's heart was immediately filled with an ominous sensation, and she hurriedly inquired, "I haven't yet asked Elder Sister, but why did you specially send for me to return to the Marquis's residence? Has something happened within the household?"

Rong Shu pondered for a moment before nodding and saying, "Someone from the Cheng'an Marquis Estate has allied with the Qi family."

At the mention of "Qi Family," Rong Wan's expression abruptly shifted.

The Qi family was the object of universal avoidance those days, even for the consummate social butterfly, the Duke of England, an elderly nobleman who usually kept his doors open for banquets and gatherings. He chose to remain secluded, neither hosting nor attending feasts, for fear of being embroiled in the Qi family's affairs and drawing the Emperor's displeasure.

Were it not for Empress Qi suddenly acknowledging a crown prince, the Qi family might not even be able to preserve their ancestral lineage.

Now, Rong Shu was suggesting that someone from the Marquis Manor had pledged allegiance to the Qi family. If this were to become public knowledge, one could only imagine the dire consequences for the manor.

Rong Woh's throat constricted. He asked, "Who has pledged allegiance to the Qi family?"

Ho'an Hall.

Over at Rong Shu's residence, Madam Rong, upon hearing the old butler's account of what Rong Shu had just said, furrowed her brows so deeply that they seemed to form a twisted worm-like shape.

What scheme is she cooking up this time? She and her mother seclude themselves in Minglu Yard, rarely setting foot outside, and they even ignore the people sent from the Marquis's residence. It's as if they hold the entire Marquis's household in contempt, truly becoming more and more reckless and lawless by the day!

Madam Rong spoke, and a surge of irritation kindled within her heart.

Ever since Madam Shen departed from the Marquis Manor, she has entirely relinquished control over its household affairs.

In the past, the expenses of the Marquis household were supported by Lady Shen's dowry, ensuring they only consumed the finest items. Now that Lady Shen had returned the responsibility of managing the household to her, Elder Lady Rong realized how much silver it would take to maintain their previous comfortable lifestyle.

Though Elder Lady Rong originated from a peasant family and had endured hardships in her youth, she had grown accustomed to a life of luxury over the years. She found it impossible to return to the days when every silver coin had to be stretched.

Consequently, her resentment towards Lady Shen grew, and her dissatisfaction with Concubine Pei intensified.

Lady Shen, born into a merchant family, managed the household affairs admirably, while Concubine Pei, a high-born lady from an esteemed lineage, proved incompetent in all aspects. It was one thing to be inefficient, but her inability to economize was unacceptable.

Rong Xun always indulged Concubine Pei's requests, insisting on the best ink for his paintings and the finest paper. Elder Lady Rong, not having been in charge before, was unaware of the costs. Upon taking over, she discovered that a block of ink and a ream of paper could easily set them back at least one tael of gold. Even the most substantial fortune couldn't withstand such extravagance indefinitely.

Technically, Concubine Pei's artistic skills were exceptional. If she were to sell her paintings, they would fetch a considerable sum. Yet, she held herself in high esteem and refused to part with them, preferring to keep them for her own enjoyment.

Each time Rong Xun arranged for the purchase of fine ink and paper, it was like a knife twisting in Old Madam Rong's heart.

It was easy to get accustomed to luxury, but difficult to return to simplicity.

This was true for Ho'an Hall as well as Qiuyun Hall.

Old Madam Rong now understood the life she would lead without Madam Shen. However, after years of towering over Madam Shen, how could she possibly humble herself to beg her to return and manage the household affairs?

I had planned to use the upcoming New Year's celebrations next month as an excuse, asking Rong Xun to swallow his pride and apologize to Shen, thus reconciling with her.

Observing the dissatisfaction on her face, the governess by her side, fearful that she might soon turn a cold shoulder to the eldest young lady again, hurriedly interjected, "This trip of the eldest young lady's return presents an opportune moment for you to urge her to come back to the Marquis's residence sooner. The Marchioness dotes on the eldest young lady as if she were her own eyes; naturally, once the eldest young lady returns, the Marchioness will follow suit."

Madam Rong, being a wise woman, understood this logic as well. Knowing that Rong Shu had returned, Madam Shen, who doted on her daughter, would naturally follow suit.

Furthermore, her eldest granddaughter's former husband is now the Crown Prince. Madam Rong still has plans to ask her to seek reconciliation with His Highness, the Crown Prince.