Chapter 156

Grandma Wang angrily threw down the needlework basket and looked at Madam Zhang with eyes as sharp as knives.

Madam Zhang was holding a piece of dark red begonia silk, flipping it in her hands. Hearing Grandma Wang’s words, she felt somewhat awkward and reluctantly put down the silk, saying, “Mother, it’s not as bad as you say. Didn’t the Tang family also say all the good things and lower their stance?”

Grandma Wang’s anger was uncontrollable, and just as she was about to explode, Wang Yuan’er quickly asked, “Grandma, what exactly does the Tang family mean?”

What does it mean?

The meaning from the Tang family is that Tang Xiuping has already been betrothed to the Rong family. The two families have exchanged marriage contracts, and the wedding is already on the agenda. They absolutely won’t withdraw from this engagement. Therefore, as for Wang Min’er and the child in her womb, the Tang family would accept them. However, becoming the main wife was out of the question, but giving her the title of concubine was possible. But even this concubine title wouldn’t come easily. The Tang family proposed to first take Wang Min’er in. They had a hot spring estate in Dongshan, where Wang Min’er would stay to nurture her pregnancy. After the child was born, they would then officially grant her the title of concubine.

This was one option. If the Wang family didn’t agree to Wang Min’er becoming a concubine of the Tang family, then she could give birth to the child. The Tang family would offer a sum of silver as compensation, take custody of the child, and allow Wang Min’er to marry freely without any interference from them.

If neither option was agreeable, the third proposal was for the Tang family to provide a sum of silver, but they wouldn’t take the child or have any further involvement, leaving Wang Min’er free to remarry.

None of these options were favorable for the Wang family.

Take the first option, for instance—sending Wang Min’er to the Tang family and granting the title of concubine only after the child was born. This provided no guarantee at all. What if the child wasn’t born? Wang Min’er would end up with nothing. Moreover, being in a far-off, isolated estate could lead to situations where help was out of reach.

The second option meant keeping the child but abandoning the mother, and the third discarded both mother and child, settling the matter with monetary compensation.

The silver was paid, but for someone like Wang Min’er, who has been pregnant and lost a child, what kind of family could she marry in the future?

In Wang Yuan’er’s opinion, the third option was the best path for Wang Min’er—terminate the pregnancy, take the silver, and marry far away. At least there would still be a way to survive.

However, Madam Zhang clearly didn’t think this way. She hoped Wang Min’er would enter the Tang family, live a luxurious life, and enjoy endless riches.

“As long as the child is born, Min’er will have a legitimate status. With a child by her side in the future, what kind of good life couldn’t she enjoy?” Madam Zhang said.

Wang Yuan’er shook her head and sighed, “Second Aunt, wealth and honor can only be enjoyed if one has the life to endure them!”

Madam Zhang was stunned.

“You’re right about having a child by her side, sure, but what if the child isn’t born?” Wang Yuan’er questioned.

“Why are your words so poisonous? You just can’t stand seeing Min’er happy—you’re jealous of her!” Madam Zhang jumped up angrily.

“Second Aunt, don’t blame me for speaking harshly. Conceiving before marriage is already not a respectable matter. Do you think Madam Tang will truly accept Min’er and her illegitimate child from the bottom of her heart?” Wang Yuan’er remained unmoved by Madam Zhang’s scolding and continued, “We’re talking about wealthy families, not the humble households we belong to. They place much greater importance on the legitimacy of bloodlines and reputation.”

Madam Zhang was rendered speechless on the spot. After a long moment, she finally forced out a response, “But it’s still the Tang family’s bloodline.”

“That’s exactly why they’re allowing Min’er to give birth to this child,” Wang Yuan’er replied. “And, Second Aunt, have you forgotten about Miss Rong? There’s no such thing as a secret that doesn’t come to light. Do you really think the Rong family won’t discover the truth? If it were you, would you want to see your husband’s illegitimate child parading in front of you before the marriage is even official?”

“Of course not…” Madam Zhang reflexively retorted, then fell silent.

“Miss Rong is the type of person who would kill a maid over a cat. How could someone like Min’er possibly stand against her?” Wang Yuan’er added fuel to the fire. “Wealth and luxury can only be enjoyed if one survives to do so. Are you willing to lose your daughter?”

Madam Zhang stared at Wang Yuan’er, unable to utter a single word.

Grandma and Grandpa Wang exchanged a glance, both letting out a deep sigh. Calm and thorough in their analysis, yet it was a mere girl speaking so logically.

“Yuan girl is right. The Tang family is being rather unkind,” Grandpa Wang finally said.

Madam Zhang grew anxious. “Then, what should we do? This—”

It was precisely because they didn’t know how to choose that Grandma and Grandpa Wang were at a loss.

Upon hearing that someone from the Tang family had come, Wang Er also rushed back from the river office. He directly asked for the outcome and, upon learning of the three options, was stunned and fell silent.

“How about terminating the pregnancy?” After a long while, Wang Er finally squeezed out this sentence.

Wang Yuan’er looked over, somewhat surprised. In her previous life, Wang Yuan’er had always believed that her Second Uncle and Second Aunt were selfish and greedy for wealth and status—willing to push her into the fire pit for the sake of riches. So this time, with Wang Min’er stirring up such trouble, she thought that no matter what, they would send Wang Min’er to the Tang family. But her Second Uncle chose the option of terminating the pregnancy. It wasn’t as bad as she had imagined. Was it because Min’er was his own daughter?

“Have you lost your mind?!” Madam Zhang cried out.

“We only have this one daughter. If, by any chance, things go as Yuan’er said…” Wang Er let out a long sigh. “Then let’s terminate the pregnancy, find an honest man—it’s fine if he’s older—we’ll compensate with more dowry. At least we’ll still have a daughter.”

Just as Madam Zhang was about to argue, Wang Min’er rushed in from outside, holding her stomach protectively: “No! No matter what, I must marry Brother Tang. If not, I’d rather die.”

Wang Yuan’er’s mouth curved into a sly smile as if she had seen this coming all along.

“And you, you’re just exaggerating and making things sound worse than they are.” Wang Min’er confronted Wang Yuan’er. “Not everyone thinks as maliciously as you. Who doesn’t have a temper? I refuse to believe I’m inferior to Miss Rong, especially since I already carry Brother Tang’s child.” She thrust her stomach forward defiantly.

Wang Yuan’er let out a cold laugh—a case of biting the hand that feeds. She stood up and said, “Since this is what you think, I have nothing more to say. Just remember the choice you made today. I hope you won’t regret it!”

Her gaze was filled with pity, making Wang Min’er feel deeply uncomfortable. Yet, she forced herself to remain composed and said, “Don’t worry, I definitely won’t regret it. Just wait and see!”

Wang Yuan’er smiled silently. At this point, there was nothing more she could say. She bowed to Grandpa and Grandma Wang and left.

The path was chosen by oneself, and ultimately, it had to be walked by oneself. As the elder cousin, she had given advice and analyzed the situation thoroughly. But if someone insisted on rushing headlong into disaster, it wasn’t something she could prevent.

Walking out of the main house, she looked up at the square sky above. Some people were willing to risk everything, ignoring the consequences, just to escape this square sky. Should she admire their courage?

Everyone has their own fate to follow. Let them walk their path. She could only hope that Wang Min’er was stronger and more capable than she imagined—perhaps she could truly carve out a way forward.

At this moment, she found herself hoping that the child in Wang Min’er’s womb was a girl. That would be better. If it were a boy…

Wang Yuan’er stopped herself from overthinking, took some chicken feed, and went to feed the few chickens in the pen.

Meanwhile, at the Tang family’s Songhe Hall, they were discussing the recent visit to the Wang family.

“The eldest granddaughter of the Wang family—the one who collaborates with Jinji in business—is quite sharp and articulate. She’s quick-witted and knows exactly what’s going on,” Nanny Tang whispered into Old Madam Tang’s ear, recounting what she had observed at the Wang family today.

“If she didn’t have some ability, how could she be running a business with Jinji? It’s a pity she’s just a girl and from such a background. Otherwise, who knows what great opportunities might have come her way,” Old Madam Tang said slowly, fingering the Buddhist beads.

“Indeed, such a pity,” Nanny Tang agreed with a smile before moving on to talk about Wang Min’er. “That Min’er girl—she does have some good looks, but her manners are lacking. She’ll need some proper guidance in the future.”

“If she were truly well-mannered, how could she have done something so disgraceful? A young lady, and so easily…” Old Madam Tang’s hand on the Buddhist beads paused, leaving the sentence unfinished. Her tone turned cold as she added, “If it were a family like ours, she would’ve likely been drowned in the pond to settle the matter.”

Nanny Tang laughed and flattered, “It’s only in a family like ours, with such strict rules, that the daughters raised by you are all exemplary young ladies from proper households.”

Everyone enjoys a compliment, and Old Madam Tang’s expression eased as she listened. She thought of something and asked, “In your view, what will the Wang family decide?”

“For families like ours, everyone strives to rise higher. Being a concubine or even becoming a servant in the Tang household is considered a blessing accumulated over eight lifetimes. I reckon the Wang family will definitely agree. But Old Madam, should we prepare some servants to attend to Miss Wang?”

“If she’s heading to the estate, there’s no need to specially pick attendants. Once the matter is settled, we can choose one or two capable people from the estate to serve her,” Old Madam Tang replied indifferently, eyes closed.

“But, this is the third young master’s first child, and you’ve always doted on him. This…”

Old Madam Tang scoffed, “Whether Miss Wang’s child is male or female is still uncertain—how can anything be seen now? Her mother claims it’s a boy, and you believe her? Besides, when Miss Rong enters the household, won’t there be plenty of grandchildren? Those will be the legitimate ones, unlike Miss Wang’s illegitimate child.”

Nanny Tang quickly said, “You’re truly wise. In the future, once the third young madam enters the household, she’ll surely give you several plump great-grandchildren.”

Old Madam Tang responded with a faint nod, and her face relaxed into a smile. She then asked, “How did the trip to Xiangshan turn out? Although it’s just about accepting a concubine, if the Rong family becomes aware, it’s good to have an explanation. Ping’er’s marriage cannot be jeopardized.”

“Everything has been arranged. If the Rong family reacts unfavorably, we will proceed as you suggested. Third Young Master’s marriage is such a fortunate match, and we’re worried it might be overwhelming. That’s why we’re first accepting a concubine and having her stay far away, to temper the fortune and ensure harmony in their marriage. We’ve also made considerable offerings to Master Dingyun.”

Old Madam Tang finally felt relieved and sighed, “I truly hope everything goes smoothly. The Tang family cannot withstand any major upheavals now!”