Chapter 155

On August 22nd, just as Grandma Wang recovered from her illness and the patience of Madam Zhang and her daughter was nearly exhausted, members of the Tang family finally arrived. Among them were the eldest and third madams of the Tang family, carrying large bundles and accompanied by maids and servants, including Nanny Tang—Old Madam Tang’s close wet nurse—who was sent to assess the Wang family’s situation on her behalf.

“Oh my, Eldest Madam Tang, Third Madam Tang, please come in and have some tea!” Madam Zhang, dressed in a new outfit and beaming, warmly ushered them inside.

Wang Yuan’er observed her aunt’s enthusiasm from the east room, shook her head, and eventually decided to follow.

In the main hall, Grandma Wang sat in the main seat, her complexion still pale and haggard. However, she held her frail frame upright, her lips pressed tightly together.

Third Madam Tang glanced around the hall—a few worn-out chairs and an old table, everything appeared shabby. Was that spiderweb up there on the beam?

She swallowed lightly, took out her handkerchief to wipe down the chair before sitting, and cleared her throat.

Eldest Madam Tang laughed and said, “Our Old Madam had long wanted to chat with Grandma Wang, but she caught a cold these past few days. We dared not let her exert herself, so we’re here instead to visit Grandma Wang on her behalf.”

“Quite a coincidence; our Old Madam has also been ill for several days and is just feeling better today,” Madam Zhang responded quickly, glancing at Grandma Wang.

“No wonder I noticed Grandma Wang’s complexion isn’t quite right. Has her health improved?” Eldest Madam Tang asked with concern.

Grandma Wang forced a smile, her tone stiff. “What great recovery is there to speak of? It’s just the fate of worrying about one’s descendants.”

Eldest Madam Tang heard this and found herself at a loss for words. She glanced at Third Madam Tang and gave her a look.

Third Madam Tang, reluctant and hesitant, managed to pull together a strained smile. She looked around the room, her eyes landing on Wang Yuan’er, scrutinizing her with a gaze that felt condescending and judgmental. “And who might this be?” she asked.

Wang Yuan’er didn’t appreciate Third Madam Tang’s demeanor, which exuded a sense of superiority and arrogance.

“This is my eldest granddaughter, Yuan’er,” Grandma Wang introduced.

“Oh, the young lady who does business with Jinji, is it?” Third Madam Tang responded with a tone of mock surprise. “Your family’s granddaughters are indeed exceptional. At such a young age, and still just a girl, she dares to venture into big business!”

Though her words appeared to be a compliment, they were veiled criticisms, implying that Wang Yuan’er was stepping out of traditional boundaries. Not to mention, her earlier comment about the Wang family’s granddaughters being “exceptional” carried a clear undertone of sarcasm.

When Madam Zhang heard this, she felt delighted and was about to respond, but Wang Yuan’er cut in first. “What talent or capability? We children of rural families aren’t like those of you from prestigious households, with a life of luxury and indulgence. We may not be digging for food in the fields, but we still have to earn our meals and clothes ourselves.” She paused for effect. “We rural folks may be simple and lack knowledge—easily deceived by a few words. Doing business, at least, broadens one’s perspective. It helps us sharpen our ability to judge people and situations better, don’t you think, Third Madam?”

Third Madam Tang’s expression stiffened at this retort. Her face alternated between red and white, her lips pressed tightly together.

Eldest Madam Tang, however, caught a glint of admiration in her eyes. She thought to herself: this young lady has some wit.

Recalling the purpose of this visit, Eldest Madam Tang discreetly tugged on Third Madam Tang’s sleeve. Reluctantly, Third Madam Tang gave a slight cough and looked at Madam Zhang with a forced smile. “I’ve heard your daughter is wonderful. Why haven’t we seen her yet?”

Madam Zhang chuckled and was about to reply when loud, excitable voices came from outside. Her expression turned awkward.

“Is Brother Tang here?” Wang Min’er burst in, half running and half stumbling. She scanned the room and, not finding the one she longed to see, looked visibly disappointed.

Third Madam Tang glanced over, her lips tightening further. Observing Wang Min’er’s lack of decorum and manners, she thought to herself that this girl was even less refined than Yuan’er. Such a person wasn’t even fit to be a concubine in the Tang family, let alone a foot-washing maid. Tang Ping must have been blinded by some ghost to take a liking to this girl.

“Oh, so this is your daughter? She truly has a lovely appearance—such a charming face,” Eldest Madam Tang said, pulling Wang Min’er closer and offering praise.

Wang Min’er had dressed meticulously for the occasion, wearing an autumn-green dress. Her hair was jet-black and shiny, and her figure, slightly rounded due to her pregnancy, still showcased her graceful curves. Her complexion, pale from recent stress and fear, only added to her delicate and pitiable charm.

What a classic seductress, Madam Third Tang thought disdainfully.

“Min’er, quickly greet Third Madam and Eldest Madam,” Madam Zhang urged, pointing.

Wang Min’er shyly glanced at Third Madam Tang, stepped forward, and curtsied. “Min’er greets Third Madam.”

Third Madam Tang, remembering the purpose of her visit, forced a smile, took Wang Min’er’s hand, and said, “Poor child, you’ve truly suffered.” As she held Wang Min’er’s hand, she smoothly slipped her own gold-and-gem-encrusted bracelet onto Min’er’s wrist.

Wang Min’er looked at the bracelet on her wrist, feeling both surprised and delighted. She lowered her head and said softly, “Min’er… Min’er is not suffering.”

Madam Zhang also noticed the weighty bracelet and immediately beamed with joy.

“Good child, go play now. We need to discuss some matters with your mother,” Third Madam Tang quickly released Wang Min’er’s hand and smiled.

Blushing, Wang Min’er bit her lower lip and nodded before leaving.

Wang Yuan’er, knowing they were about to discuss Wang Min’er and Tang Xiuping’s situation, decided it was inappropriate for her, an unmarried young woman, to stay. She stood up and left as well.

However, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Third Madam Tang discreetly pulling out a handkerchief to wipe the hand that had just held Wang Min’er’s. Her expression suggested she was wiping off something unpleasant.

Wang Yuan’er pressed her lips together and left without a word.

Standing in the corridor, she overheard Eldest Madam Tang discussing Old Madam Tang’s intentions. The voices rose and fell, making it hard for her to catch the details. Meanwhile, at the west room’s entrance, Wang Min’er held up the bracelet to the sunlight, her eyes sparkling with joy. Wang Yuan’er couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

This was only the first meeting, yet Third Madam Tang already showed clear disdain and dissatisfaction toward Wang Min’er. How could she expect to fare well in the future?

Wang Yuan’er didn’t hold much hope for Wang Min’er’s prospects of marrying into the Tang family.

Back in the east room, Wang Chun’er and Wang Qing’er were there. As soon as Wang Yuan’er entered, they both looked over. Wang Qing’er even pulled her hand and whispered, “So, elder sister, is Wang Min’er really going to marry into the Tang family?” Her eyes sparkled with a mix of envy and curiosity, clearly admiring the idea of Wang Min’er marrying into a wealthy family and living a good life.

Wang Yuan’er composed herself and said, “Don’t think life in a wealthy family is all that great. Even if she marries in, her days won’t be easy. That Third Madam Tang is a sharp and formidable person—Min’er is no match for her.”

“But doesn’t she have Young Master Tang to protect her?” Wang Qing’er asked.

Wang Yuan’er tapped her on the forehead and said seriously, “If the elders don’t like her, how long can a man protect her? Besides, you know what kind of person he is. I don’t usually talk about these things, but you’ve seen how things turned out for Min’er—how awkward and bitter her situation is. A young lady must follow the rules and never trust others too easily. Don’t let a few sweet words lead you to give away your body so carelessly. The punishment of being drowned in a pig cage isn’t just an empty threat.” Her solemn tone left Wang Chun’er and Wang Qing’er pale and nodding in agreement.

“Remember, an improper relationship without a matchmaker’s blessing never ends well. It’s always the girl who suffers. Do you understand?” Wang Yuan’er added.

“Don’t worry, elder sister. We’re not foolish,” Wang Qing’er replied.

“You’re the one I worry about the most. Your lively nature makes me afraid you’ll cause trouble. You’re growing up now, so you can’t run around recklessly anymore,” Wang Yuan’er said, giving her another light tap on the head.

“I understand,” Wang Qing’er said, sticking out her tongue. She glanced outside and added, “Shh, elder sister, they’re leaving.”

Wang Yuan’er looked out the window. Sure enough, Third Madam Tang was walking briskly ahead as if being chased by a ghost, while Madam Zhang followed behind, speaking obsequiously. Her fawning demeanor was truly unpleasant to watch.

Wang Chun’er glanced over and remarked, “So that’s Third Madam Tang? She doesn’t seem to think much of our Wang family!”

How could she? Even if the Tang family had fallen on hard times, their pride was still sky-high. To them, the Wang family was nothing. Even as a respectable family, the Wang daughters weren’t even qualified to be concubines in their eyes.

“You two stay here. I’m going to see what Grandma and Grandpa think about all this,” Wang Yuan’er said, standing up. She pointed at Wang Qing’er, who was about to follow. “You’re not coming.”

“Help me with this thread, then!” Wang Chun’er laughed, pulling her back. “Baolai is about to wake up, and I can’t keep an eye on him while finishing these shoe soles. You can watch him for me.”

Wang Qing’er pouted but sat back down, watching her eldest sister head to the main room with longing eyes.

In the main room, Grandpa Wang and Grandma Wang sat facing each other in silence. Between them, the Eight Immortals table was piled high with various gifts, including a box of ginseng.

“Grandma, Grandpa,” Wang Yuan’er greeted as she entered. She glanced at the gifts and thought to herself: they certainly didn’t hold back.

Madam Zhang returned with a jubilant expression, exclaiming as she entered, “Finally, the clouds have parted, and the moonlight is shining through. Look at these gifts—wealthy families are truly different from us common folk!” She picked up the box of ginseng, then the roll of silk, her eyes nearly disappearing into her wide smile. She imagined that once Min’er joined the Tang family, such luxuries would flow endlessly, more than they could ever use or consume.

The thought made her grin even wider. So what if she’s a concubine? Even as a concubine, it’s a hundred times better than toiling in the fields with one’s face to the dirt and back to the sky.

“What kind of ‘clouds parting’ is this?” Grandma Wang snapped, her face dark. “The Tang family is nothing but bullies. And you think they hold our Wang family in high regard? A few gifts, and you act like they’ve given us mountains of gold. This is charity—mockery, even. Are you truly this stupid or just pretending to be?” she scolded Madam Zhang harshly.