Chapter 10: She Doesn’t Care Even If He Has Three Hundred Concubines

Chapter 10: She Doesn’t Care Even If He Has Three Hundred Concubines

In the east wing’s second-floor sitting room, the old lady puffed on her water pipe, frowning slightly, clearly impatient.

Everyone sat scattered around, no one speaking.

Third Madam, sitting by the round table, couldn’t help but break the silence: "Zhao Zhiao had never met Lin Yufan before, right? It was only that day."

How did they end up together?

"What’s the point? He didn’t want Huan Jieer, such a fine young maiden, but instead took a fancy to a widow. It’s downright ridiculous."

She laughed it off, but inside she was seething.

Third Madam glanced at Second Aunt, seeing her plump face turn pale and then green, knowing she was upset, she couldn’t help but laugh softly: "Second Sister, you always speak up for Lin Yufan, but look at her, she doesn’t treat us as family at all. She dares to take her niece’s husband, truly shameless."

Second Aunt’s head was spinning. She was sweet but not naive. Third Madam only spoke flattering words in front of Lin Yufan, but now she was here stirring up trouble, just jealous and wanting to push her to confront Lin Yufan.

She lived with her family at her parents’ home, already looked down upon, and her husband’s family was no better. What could she do to confront Lin Yufan?

But she couldn’t directly refute Third Madam either, as she couldn’t afford to offend anyone, so she simply remained silent.

The old lady coughed and sat up, "Don’t ever mention stealing a niece’s husband again. It will only make us a laughingstock. In the end, it’s not others you offend, but Zhao Zhiao."

Third Madam explained, "Mother, I feel sorry for Huan Jieer."

"Enough, stop talking. Whether Lijie can be released still depends on Zhao Zhiao. Be careful in how you serve him. What happened in the kitchen today is truly shameful."

If it was so shameful, why didn’t she stop it at the time?

Third Madam fumed silently, but on the surface, she still smiled, "Big Brother has no news, and Big Sister is anxious, not resting well, so she’s naturally irritable."

Big Madam claimed she had a headache and didn’t follow.

The old lady wasn’t in the mood for conversation and waved her hand, signaling everyone to return to their rooms.

*

Big Madam massaged her forehead vigorously, as if rubbing a piece of hard wood, her head heavy, and no amount of pressing could ease the pain.

In fact, her face hurt more. That wretched girl Gui Xiang had slapped her so hard that her eardrum almost ruptured.

But she still had her dignity, so she could only ignore the fact of being slapped and complain about the headache.

Nan Geer sat beside her and comforted her, "Mom, you don’t need to be angry with Fourth Aunt. She’s not a difficult person to talk to. Her refusal to lend money is because Dad broke his promise before. It’s not worth ruining your relationship with her over this."

"How could I know Zhao Zhiao would take a fancy to her?" Big Madam wasn’t angry about why she didn’t get along with Lin Yufan, but angry that why she could remarry someone better?

An ominous widow!

Both Zhao Zhiao and Zhao Lixiang are blind.

Nan Geer: "Dad is still locked up. If we want to smooth things over, we still have to rely on Uncle Ao. Mom, just bear with it and lower your head to Fourth Aunt."

"She hasn’t married Zhao Zhiao yet..."

"Anyone would choose Zhao Zhiao, it’s obvious. Fourth Aunt is not stupid, the choice is in her hands now."

Big Madam knew the score; she was just being hardheaded.

Caijuan quietly came in and whispered, "A serving of braised lion’s head, a plate of stir-fried eggs with mushrooms and cloud ear fungus, and stir-fried celery with cured meat, plus a bowl of soup, were just sent over. Fourth Madam claimed she wasn’t hungry, so that brat Gui Xiang ended up eating it all."

The eldest lady seethed with anger but felt completely powerless.

Nan Geer still expected her to make the first move to patch things up with Lin Yufan, but she just couldn’t bring herself to do it.

The more she dwelled on it, the more her face burned with humiliation.

She was powerless against Lin Yufan, and now she couldn’t even manage a maid—something that would’ve been unimaginable before.

*

As for the news brought by the thirteenth uncle, the happiest person in the Second Branch was undoubtedly Gui Xiang.

Getting rid of these good-for-nothings and securing a better future for her mistress was even more thrilling than feasting on eel noodles during the New Year.

Lin Yufan was counting money in her room. Her savings were meager, mostly just the rent from a small shop she’d received as part of her dowry.

Aside from a few small gold bars and a couple hundred dollars, all she had left were some silver coins.

Foreign currency and gold bars were usable in Hong Kong, but silver coins were trickier. She’d have to figure out how to exchange them for gold at the bank.

Gui Xiang leaned in close and whispered, "Miss, who will you choose?"

Lin Yufan was wrapping every ten silver coins into a tube with straw paper. As for choosing a husband, she hadn’t quite decided yet.

"First off, Zhao Lixiang is out of the question."

"Why?"

Lin Yufan suspected Zhao Lixiang was just a decoy planted by Zhao Zhiao. Having his brother register first was downright shady.

Before Lin Yufan could respond, Gui Xiang chimed in, "Miss, you’re absolutely right! Of course, you should pick Young Master Zhi Ao! He’s rich and powerful—who wouldn’t kowtow to him?"

"Zhao Zhiao is even less of an option."

Lin Yufan couldn’t decipher his true motives for causing chaos.

It probably had to do with her catching him at the pawnshop earlier that day.

Was he worried she’d expose him? Or was there something even more convoluted going on?

The kicker was that both Zhao Zhiao and Zhao Lixiang would die unexpectedly in early 1950.

No matter which brother she married, she’d be a widow all over again!

Gui Xiang was taken aback that her mistress would reject even Zhao Zhiao. She frowned, "Then that only leaves Zhao Ding. Let’s just sneak off to Hong Kong. Auntie promised to introduce you to someone better."

"We’ll just take it one step at a time."

Lin Yufan finished rolling the money—twenty-two tubes in total—with seventeen silver coins left. She kept some for pocket money and handed five to Gui Xiang.

"Let me know what you want, and we’ll make time to get it. Hong Kong doesn’t have as much variety as here."

Gui Xiang beamed, "Thank you, miss."

*

Lin Yufan barely slept that night. If Zhao Zhiao could help her take Xi Gu to Hong Kong, marrying him might not be the worst option.

The next morning, an important guest arrived—Zhao Zhiao’s stepmother, Wang Junyao.

Lin Yufan was invited to the old lady’s room for a chat. She’d met Wang Junyao twice before but hadn’t exchanged many words.

With Wang Junyao’s rare visit, the Second Branch naturally asked her to pass a message to Zhao Zhiao, hoping he could find a way to save Zhao Lijie. "What a coincidence, Zhi Ao has been swamped these past two days, but don’t worry—Lijie is family. No matter how busy he is, he’ll make time to take care of it."

With Wang Junyao's words, the matriarch felt a bit more assured.

Although Wang Junyao did not explicitly say it, it was clear that she had come specifically to see Lin Yufan.

After leaving the old lady's room, Wang Junyao suggested going to Lin Yufan's room to sit and chat, and the others sensibly stayed behind.

Upon entering the room, Wang Junyao looked around; it was simple and elegant, reflecting Lin Yufan's own style.

She had been observing Lin Yufan all day, believing that her own unruly son liked Lin Yufan not just because she was beautiful, but also because of her elegant manner. Although she was not overly friendly, there was a mysterious charm about her.

She couldn't quite pinpoint it, but she had always known Lin Yufan was a beauty, never imagining their families would cross paths.

After sitting down, Gui Xiang served fragrant tea. The room door was open, but speaking softly ensured no one outside could hear.

"Thirteenth Uncle told me you need a few days to consider. Lifetime decisions indeed need careful consideration. It's just that our Zhi Ao returned hastily this time; he has to go back to Hong Kong on the tenth to attend to urgent matters, so he is indeed a bit anxious. Please don't take it to heart."

Wang Junyao spoke ambiguously. Who was anxious?

Was it her, as the mother-in-law, or was it Zhao Zhiao?

But today is the first of the month, and if Zhao Zhiao has to leave by the tenth, that is indeed urgent.

Lin Yufan was at a loss for words, so she just smiled, "Auntie, please enjoy your tea."

Wang Junyao gently held Lin Yufan's hand: "Our Zhi Ao, whether in age or appearance, is the best match for you. If he could resolve his lifelong commitment on this trip back, I would feel I've fulfilled my duty to his birth mother."

It was clear that Wang Junyao was eagerly trying to pair her with Zhao Zhiao.

So, Zhao Lixiang really was merely a decoy.

"Zhi Ao couldn't come today, he asked me to give you this." Wang Junyao handed over a letter.

Lin Yufan felt a bit awkward; would this man, to persuade her not to reveal his secret, write a love letter to deceive her?

She took the letter, holding it without opening it right away.

Wang Junyao urged, "Quick, take a look."

Out of politeness, Lin Yufan had to open the letter, seeing five short lines of text.

"Sincerely offer: 3 row shops on Central Road, Hong Kong, a 3-story apartment with 5 units, a villa in Repulse Bay, and a sedan car, as dowry."

!!!

These words, more enticing than a love letter, made Lin Yufan's heart race.

Her previous disdain instantly vanished.

Shops, apartments, a villa, and a car...

And all properties in Hong Kong.

Add a mahjong table, keep a big dog, leisurely enjoy afternoon tea, listen to opera, watch plays.

Isn't this the pampered life she has always dreamed of?

Even if Zhao Zhiao were to die immediately after marriage, she would have nothing to fear.

What if she became a widow again?

As long as the money’s there, who cares what anyone thinks!

Amitabha Buddha.

If I don’t take the fall, who will?

Thinking again, why did Zhao Zhiao go to such lengths to keep her on his side? Was it just fear she’d spill the beans and ruin things for him and Liang Yue?

Though Lin Yufan’s heart was doing cartwheels, her face stayed perfectly calm, betraying nothing.

Wang Junyao said softly, "Zhao Zhiao’s properties are all in Hong Kong, so we can only give you real estate there. These wedding gifts are just for you. After marriage, you’ll move to Hong Kong with me. The houses there are big, and there are plenty of servants. You can handle things if you like, or let others take care of them. The only thing you’ll have to deal with is Zhao Zhiao’s three concubines... but don’t worry, they’re all well-mannered. You’re the main wife, and they certainly won’t dare to break the rules."

Even if there were three hundred concubines, Lin Yufan wouldn’t bat an eye.

It’s a second marriage—who’s going to fuss over love?

As long as the money’s right, everything’s fine.

She felt a pang of guilt for being so materialistic, but then again, had she really done anything wrong?

No.

She hadn’t used what she saw yesterday noon to threaten anyone.

If it’s handed to her, she’s not going to turn it down... that’d just be rude.

Seeing Lin Yufan’s silence, Wang Junyao worried she still had her sights set on her son, Zhao Lixiang. She really thought Lin Yufan was a better fit for Zhao Zhiao—her son was just too green.

Plus, if she didn’t get this done, she’d have a hard time explaining herself to Zhao Zhiao.

Wang Junyao tightened her grip on Lin Yufan’s hand, "Do you have any other requests? Just say the word. If it’s doable, we’ll make it happen."

Lin Yufan indeed had another request, "I want my cousin’s family to move to Hong Kong with me."

Wang Junyao figured Lin Yufan was afraid of being alone and vulnerable in Hong Kong. After understanding Sun Jingxi’s family situation, she immediately said, "This shouldn’t be a problem. I’ll talk it over with Zhao Zhiao when I get back."

Lin Yufan finally showed a faint smile at the corner of her mouth.

Wang Junyao didn’t stay long. She promised to get back to Lin Yufan as soon as possible, and she also hoped to finalize the marriage the next day—and to get the wedding done before Zhao Zhiao heads back to Hong Kong.