Chapter 43: Frustration

In the afternoon, Meinang and Rulan were riding in a small carriage, touring the estate. At every stop, the housekeeper women were all nervous, running back and forth, diligently reporting the matters under their management. After Meinang and Rulan inspected, if they were satisfied, they would offer praise, if something was sloppy or not to their liking, they would scold and order immediate corrections, promising that it would not happen again.

Rulan told Meinang that half of the housekeepers were long-time family servants, while the other half were personal attendants to the old lady, the first wife, and the second wife. However, women like Rulan, who served as personal attendants to the grandmothers, did not have the authority to manage affairs. Only those like Jing Yu, who had actually managed the household, and Meinang, could command others. The housekeepers either listened or didn’t, and no one dared to do anything about it. As the saying goes, “When you strike a dog, you look at the owner.” Those who had served the old lady or the wives, the juniors dared not act recklessly.

Meinang chuckled. “I understand. Even if they break the rules, the matter has to go back to the old lady or the wives first, right? Whether or not they deal with it is up to them. Doesn’t that make it seem like the mistakes of the housekeepers are actually approved by the old lady and the wives before they can even happen?”

Rulan looked at her, sighing. “Now you’re daring to handle the situation with the garment workshop, but it’s not as simple as you think. The second wife’s personal attendant, Qiao Mama, is in charge of it, and Jing Yu has it under control. Jing Yu runs a successful embroidery workshop, so you think the first wife doesn’t know? The old lady favors the first branch on the surface, but in her heart, she also dotes on the second master. All these years, she hasn’t allowed the second branch to separate, trying to keep the family together. Actually, she doesn’t want the second branch to leave the first branch and lose that honor. According to Third Master, the second master was average in talent and had worked hard in his studies but made no progress. He barely passed the imperial examination with the help of the old lady, who had begged the eldest master to intervene. He didn’t dare to take the spring examination. Later, he became an official, but it was through the eldest master’s connections with the emperor. The second branch has three sons, of which only the second master entered officialdom, and he was recently promoted to a higher position. He’s now in charge of the Ministry of Revenue, a sixth-rank official, soon to become a fifth-rank. This is all thanks to the eldest master’s efforts. Third Master and Fifth Master, along with two unmarried daughters, also rely on the eldest master, holding the glory of the Hou family. The old lady can’t let the family be in disarray. If the first or second wives have any issues, she will suppress them. So, as long as you understand this, you don’t need to go and stir things up.”

Meinang smiled. “Are you doing this for my sake, or to help your mother in law and sisters in law?”

Rulan gave her a reproachful slap. “Of course, I’m doing this for your good. The first wife didn’t tell you these things, obviously hoping you’d try, so she can maintain her good name and watch the second wife become uncomfortable. What will you do then? Expose everything, and you’ll provoke the second wife and Jing Yu. The old lady might punish them, but she definitely won’t be pleased. And then, with the holidays approaching, what kind of punishment would you give? Even if you do, then what? You’re still family, and you’ll see each other every day. You’ll smile on the surface but harbor resentment in your heart. Is it worth it?”

Meinang looked at Rulan. “In this family, you’re the only one who genuinely cares about me. I understand. Thank you, good sister, good sister in law.”

Rulan chuckled. “You can’t call me that in front of others. I’m just a sister in law. I should show you respect and humility. It’s the same as exchanging hearts, your kindness to me, I accept and enjoy.”

The maid slowly drove the carriage, and the two sat inside, chatting softly. Rulan pointed out the famous sights around the estate, explaining the locations of the various rooms and courtyards. As they turned toward dusk, Meinang gradually built a mental map of the estate.

Just as she was thinking of heading straight to Jin Hua Hall to greet the old lady and wait for dinner, Cui Xi came to report that Cui Jian had come from Qing Hua Courtyard with a message that the six new sets of clothes had arrived, and the maids would bring them to the courtyard shortly.

Meinang smiled at Rulan. “You didn’t tell me how she used to treat me, but this time, even if she is sincerely trying to change, I’ll listen to you and not bother with her.”

Rulan nodded. “Family harmony brings prosperity. Even if you want to do something, now is not the time.”

Meinang stroked her thin cotton coat. “This coat is actually quite comfortable, but it’s a bit thin. It’s fine when I’m sitting inside, but it’s chilly if I go outside. I’ll go back and try on the new clothes. Will you come with me?”

Rulan laughed. “You’re like a child. Why don’t you try the new clothes tonight when they return? But this coat really is too thin. It looks like it’s going to snow. You should go change into something thicker. As for me…” She blushed slightly. “I think I’ll go back to my room. Third Master left in the morning, and he’s probably back by now. I should speak with him before going to the old lady.”

Meinang couldn’t help but laugh at Rulan’s bashful expression. “It’s not that hard to speak with him. Just send a maid. Or are you just thinking about Third Master?”

Rulan’s face turned bright red, and she playfully slapped Meinang. “You’re my sister in law. You can’t tease me like this!”

The two laughed and joked inside the carriage. When they arrived at Qing Hua Courtyard, Meinang and Rulan said their goodbyes. Cui Xi opened the carriage curtain, and Cui Si and Cui Jian helped Meinang down.

With the help of the three maids, Meinang tried on all six new sets of clothes. It felt like shopping in a previous life trying on everything she liked, not worrying about whether she would buy them. Honestly, the embroidery work from Xu’s family’s garment workshop was superb. The six robes, all in different colors chosen by Meinang, were beautifully embroidered and skillfully made. Each piece was perfectly tailored neither too tight nor too loose. Meinang spun in front of the mirror, pleased with her new clothes, as Wang Mama and Cui Xi watched, smiling in satisfaction.

Orange called from outside, “The master has returned!”

Meinang suddenly remembered something. She looked at Wang Mama and the others. “From now on, teach them to call him Hou Ye. I’ll do the same… You all can go.”

Xu Jun Ying entered, and Wang Mama and Cui Xi curtsied before leaving.

Meinang bowed to Xu Jun Ying and greeted him. Xu Jun Ying nodded and sat at the round table. Soon, Ping’er brought in tea and left.

Meinang walked over, sat opposite Xu Jun Ying, and the two of them looked at each other, neither in a hurry to speak.

Meinang pointed at the new clothes hanging on the rack and smiled. “Hou Ye, what do you think of the new clothes I made?”

Xu Jun Ying glanced over. “I heard that you only made four pieces. How come you made six? Did the garment workshop rush to finish the clothes for Qing Hua Courtyard and neglect other things? Is that the case?”

Meinang looked at him. “Hou Ye wouldn’t have come here just for this, right? The news travels fast. I made six pieces because I didn’t have enough clothes. You can ask around. Which mistress here doesn’t have ten or twenty cotton robes? I even added my own silver. As for any delays, you’d better ask Granny. I’m really curious about how things got delayed.”

Xu Jun Ying removed the lid from his tea bowl, lightly pushed aside the floating tea leaves, and said coldly, “You’re diligent, but you’re still not very sensible. The garment workshop rushed to make your new clothes and did what was necessary. Let’s leave it at that. Don’t ask about it again.”

Meinang feigned ignorance. “Why?”

“You understand in your heart. Do you think I have the time to come and speak to you about these things? Think more before you act. If Rulan is willing to help you, that’s good. She comes from a respected family, and there are some things you don’t understand, but she does. Are you ready? Let’s go to the old lady. She just sent someone to call for you. We’re having the same kind of meal tonight.”

What kind of meal? Hot pot.

Meinang was frustrated. She could accept hearing about the family situation from Rulan, but Xu Jun Ying’s military like approach was irritating. He expected her to comply without question, worrying

about disrupting the family’s unity and damaging Jing Yu’s reputation. She had to manage the household, and he had spoken so bluntly, if she were to show any greed, there would be consequences.