Chapter 161

Leaving through the Tang family’s gate, Madam Zhang’s face was brimming with delight. She glanced at Grandma Wang and felt a rush of satisfaction.

“Mother, this is perfect! Everything’s sorted now!” Madam Zhang couldn’t contain her excitement.

Grandma Wang, while pleased herself, knew better than to show her emotions in such a place. She glared at Madam Zhang and said, “Control your smile! Don’t forget where we are. If anyone sees us, it’ll become something for people to talk about.”

Madam Zhang sighed but couldn’t fully suppress her joy.

Who would’ve thought Yuan’er’s idea would truly work? The two of them had played their roles—one the bad cop, the other the good cop—mixing sternness with kindness and managed to smooth things over.

Now, the Tang family was metaphorically over the fire. With Min’er holding the title of lifesaver, the Tang family couldn’t mistreat her. Even if she became a concubine, having a child would secure her future. It was still better than marrying into a struggling small household. And if Miss Rong turned out to be unfortunate and couldn’t have children…

It had to be said that Madam Zhang was thinking too much and perhaps a little too optimistically.

Grandma Wang was equally content. With this title, Min’er’s entry into the Tang family would seem justifiable, and the Wang family wouldn’t lose face. Yuan’er—so clever and resourceful. It was just unfortunate she was born a girl!

“Well, well, where are you two coming from?” A curious, gossipy voice sounded.

When the two women looked up, wasn’t it the wife of the coffin shop owner, Madam Lu?

Madam Lu saw which door the two of them had just exited—it was clearly the side door of the Tang family’s house. Thinking of the rumors spreading around town, her face immediately lit up with a gossiping curiosity. “I heard your granddaughter saved Old Madam Tang—is that true?”

Madam Zhang grinned broadly, her teeth on full display, and said, “Nonsense, nonsense! It’s nothing like that. Our Min’er just often visited her aunt, and the Old Madam happened to see her and took a liking to her, that’s all. Don’t spread wild tales, or people will say we’re using gratitude to demand favors!”

Madam Lu curled her lips. What was this fake modesty about? Did Madam Zhang think someone wanted to steal their glory? Wasn’t denying it like trying to cover something up?

After parting ways with Grandma Wang and Madam Zhang, Madam Lu turned around and eagerly shared what she had seen with others, further solidifying the belief that the rumors were true.

Within just a couple of days, someone from the Tang family arrived to fetch Wang Min’er. The excuse? The Old Madam missed the girl and wanted her to come over for a chat and to stay for a while.

With such a grand gesture, people began to say that Wang Min’er was about to “fly onto a higher branch,” climbing her way up to great fortune.

Wang Min’er returned after a couple of days at the Tang family and remained behind closed doors. By the last day of August, news spread that Old Madam Tang had taken a liking to Wang Min’er and wanted to keep her by her side for a long time, to be a close companion to her third grandson. They even sent betrothal gifts to the Wang family.

Some speculated excitedly, thinking Wang Min’er was marrying in as a principal wife. But the Tang family themselves clarified that their third young master was already engaged and that Wang Min’er was entering as a concubine.

Yet, no one thought there was anything wrong with that. The Tang family was an extremely wealthy household—essentially a nest of gold and riches. Becoming a concubine in the Tang family still meant being a proper madam, living a life of endless luxury and wealth. Wasn’t that far better than scraping by as a farmer’s wife?

No one bothered to consider the truth of the situation. Everyone merely believed that the Wang family’s ancestors must have blessed them with great fortune!

On September 1st, the Tang family delivered numerous gifts as Wang Min’er’s betrothal presents. Among those delivering the gifts was Tang Xiuping, the third young master of the Tang family himself.

Wang Er and his household were all smiles, beaming with delight. As for Wang Min’er, she was positively radiant, smiling so broadly that her eyes nearly disappeared.

Tang Xiuping was the very man Wang Yuan’er once saw jumping down from the Tang family’s courtyard wall—a slick and roguish character. Wang Yuan’er couldn’t understand what Wang Min’er saw in him. Was it his sweet-talking charm?

Wang Yuan’er found it incomprehensible that Wang Min’er, knowing full well the situation was a pit of fire, would still willingly jump in for this man and this status.

Along with the Tang family’s betrothal gifts came the date for Wang Min’er to formally enter the Tang household—September 8th. After staying two days in the Tang family residence, she would be moved to the estate at Dongshan to live.

In other words, there were only a few days left before Wang Min’er’s wedding.

Wang Yuan’er couldn’t quite put into words how she felt about it. She couldn’t shake the feeling that, once Wang Min’er left, it would be nearly impossible for her to escape from that whirlpool. Still, she wouldn’t dare voice such thoughts. If she did, her second aunt would be the first to jump up and tear her down.

So be it—everyone has their own fate. Perhaps Wang Min’er might still manage to carve out a path for herself.

After several days of applying the medicine, Wang Yuan’er’s foot had finally healed enough for her to walk. However, she still needed to continue applying the herbal treatment and avoid heavy movement.

She had originally planned to send the Records of Le Mountains to Cui Yuan, but news reached her that Cui Yuan had traveled to Yuhang, with no set date for his return. Wang Yuan’er had no choice but to drop the idea.

As expected, the large tofu ferment workshop was completed in early September. The opening day was set as planned for September 9th, the Double Ninth Festival.

While Wang Yuan’er’s foot had significantly recovered, a muscle or bone injury took a hundred days to fully heal, so she had to carefully pace her recovery. During these days, she discussed the details of the workshop’s opening with Manager Guan.

The personnel and arrangements from Jinji were already prepared, and the materials were en route for delivery. Once they arrived, production could start immediately, ensuring a successful launch on the opening day.

Speaking of fermented tofu, the key to success lies in distributing it to other regions or even abroad. Only then can it generate substantial profits. Staying confined to Changle Town would not suffice. Wang Yuan’er anticipated an intense battle ahead as she worked on expanding the market.

While Wang Yuan’er was busy with the new workshop, the Wang family was occupied with Wang Min’er’s wedding arrangements. Although her formal title had not yet been decided, this was the Wang family’s first marriage and Wang Er and Madam Zhang’s only daughter—they naturally wanted to send her off in a dignified manner.

The Tang family preferred to keep things low-key, avoiding unwanted attention. Their plan was to make it a quiet affair and, once a child was born, host a grand celebration like a full-month banquet to make up for it.

Which woman doesn’t want a grand, beautiful wedding? Wang Min’er felt disappointed with the situation, but under Tang Xiuping’s coaxing, she reluctantly agreed.

Thus, the families reached an agreement. On September 8th, the Tang family would send a sedan chair and set off some firecrackers—that would suffice for the wedding. There would be no banquet to entertain neighbors, and only close family members gathered to see her off.

As a concubine, Wang Min’er was not allowed to wear a bright red bridal gown. Among the fabrics sent by the Tang family as part of the betrothal gifts, not a single bolt was true red. Instead, they picked a piece of pale pink silk to have a new outfit tailored for her as her wedding attire.

Wang Min’er was not yet two months into her pregnancy, so it was not obvious to outsiders. However, a small issue arose while she took her measurements at the tailor’s shop.

Having achieved her desired outcome, she has been sleeping and eating well recently. With her pregnancy, her appetite improved, and Madam Zhang had been using the supplements sent by the Tang family to prepare nourishing dishes for her. Within just a few days, her figure had noticeably filled out.

“Min’er’s figure has developed—she’s really grown into a proper young lady,” Tailor Liu said with a smile as she took Wang Min’er’s measurements. Comparing them with Min’er’s previous sizes, she added, “It’s true that joy brings vitality. Look at her glowing and more rounded now! Her waistline is a few inches wider than last year.”

These words made both Madam Zhang’s and Wang Min’er’s hearts skip a beat. Madam Zhang forced a smile and explained, “She stayed at the Tang family’s place for two days recently, where everything she ate and used was the best. She’s been pampered into this state—you could say it’s a good place to be!”

“Exactly! I’ll have to ask for a drink at the wedding banquet someday!” Tailor Liu said cheerfully. “Don’t be stingy with those two cups of wine!”

“I would love to, but you know how it is. With children from families like ours, their fortune is already good. The Tang family is such a wealthy household—I’m afraid the child won’t live up to it. So, we decided not to make it a grand affair. Just the two families gathering for a meal will suffice,” Madam Zhang said awkwardly, feeling deeply frustrated.

Nearby, Wang Min’er pouted, suddenly feeling a bit aggrieved.

In the neighborhood, everyone was familiar with each other and often crossed paths. When families held weddings, didn’t they usually make a grand announcement and invite everyone to enjoy the festivities? Just last year, when Gui Ying got married, didn’t they set up more than ten banquet tables for a feast? Yet, when it came to her, everything had to be kept low-key and hidden away as if it were something shameful!

Wang Min’er felt upset at that moment, but she failed to realize that this situation—quietly accepting and compromising—was something she had chosen herself, and she had no one else to blame.

As the mother and daughter left, Tailor Liu started gossiping with Manager Mo, the owner of the powder shop next door.

“Even if she’s going to be a concubine, there’s no reason to keep everything so hidden, right? From what I gather from Wang Er’s wife, they’re not even planning to hold a banquet. It’s so odd!” Tailor Liu said, watching the backs of Madam Zhang and Wang Min’er. She couldn’t quite pinpoint why, but something about it felt peculiar.

Manager Mo, a widow who had always despised people who shamelessly sought positions as concubines, snorted and said harshly, “After all, being a concubine is nothing to brag about. If you ask me, keeping it quiet like this is just fine—it saves them from losing face.”

Manager Mo made a “huh” sound, pulled out a bag of sunflower seeds, handed a handful to Tailor Liu, and started cracking them as she said, “What’s so great about these wealthy households? Aren’t there enough sordid stories in them already? Remember that incident with the Tang family last year? Tang Second Master’s mistress stormed in—pregnant and all—and yes, she made it through the door, but then what? No one knows where she’s scraping by these days!”

Tailor Liu remained silent after hearing that.

“Being a concubine means you’ll never straighten your back. That Wang family’s second daughter has a headstrong personality, and I say, she’s in for it! Ah, what’s so great about being a concubine? When you’re the proper wife, your back is always straight. As a concubine, even with the title, you can’t hold your head high. Look at her—not even allowed to wear a red bridal gown or have a grand wedding. Tell me, what’s so good about that?”

Tailor Liu thought about it and realized it made sense. She remarked, “You’re right. I’ve heard that concubines in those wealthy families are no better than the maids—they even have to pay their respects to the main wife every morning and evening!”

“Exactly! Now let me tell you…”

Wang Yuan’er returned home and heard the sound of sobbing and consoling coming from the west room. She couldn’t help but wonder—what had happened? Wasn’t everything already on track? Why was Wang Min’er crying now?

“Elder sister, it’s Wang Min’er causing a fuss, insisting on having a grand banquet. She says it’s her first time getting married, and it has to be done in style!” Wang Qing’er gossiped while nibbling on a candy.

Wang Yuan’er rolled her eyes. So that’s what it was. Why didn’t she think of this earlier? After all, wasn’t this situation the result of her own choices—something she sought herself?

Wang Min’er’s fuss gave Madam Zhang a splitting headache. Madam Zhang herself wished the whole world could know her daughter was marrying into a good family, so she shamelessly went to beg Grandma Wang.

“If a big banquet isn’t possible, at least let the neighbors come to enjoy a glass of celebratory wine!” she pleaded.

Grandma Wang was furious. After painstakingly settling the matter, another problem arose—was she trying to drive her to her grave?

“Being a concubine, do you think that’s something prestigious? Even if you’re not ashamed, I, as an old woman, feel humiliated! Inviting everyone to drink wine—do you want everyone to know your daughter is pregnant out of wedlock?” Grandma Wang scolded Madam Zhang harshly. Finally, she added, “Holding a banquet is out of the question. If she wants to marry, she should quietly wait for the Tang family to come for her. If not, we’ll prepare a bowl of medicine tomorrow and put an end to it once and for all!”

Terrified, Madam Zhang didn’t dare insist further and quickly went to persuade Wang Min’er.

Wang Min’er was genuinely afraid her grandmother would follow through. Ever since this incident, the grandmother who had always doted on her now looked at her with nothing but disdain.

“She’s totally biased, putting all her heart into Wang Yuan’er, that girl. Hmph!” Wang Min’er muttered, forgetting that if not for Wang Yuan’er, she wouldn’t have gained such a title or smoothly entered the Tang family.

“My dear daughter, just bear with it for now. You haven’t even married into the family yet—if anything goes wrong, wouldn’t it all be for nothing?” Madam Zhang urged with heartfelt advice, adding, “Once you successfully marry into the Tang family as a concubine, you’ll have the chance to give birth to a big, healthy son. Isn’t that the time when you’ll get to bask in glory? Now isn’t the moment to stir up trouble!”

Wang Min’er pouted but ultimately accepted the situation with a reluctant compromise.

As the Wang and Tang families rushed to arrange this so-called “marriage,” far away in Dingzhou, the Rong family was utterly shocked by the news.

“A concubine?” Rong Li shot to her feet, her sharp and dignified face now filled with fury. Her wide, glaring eyes fixed on her Nanny Huang. “Are you saying Tang Xiuping hasn’t even married but is already taking a concubine?”

“Miss, I heard it clearly. They say she’s just a coarse village girl,” Nanny Huang replied with a frown.

“What? A village girl?” Rong Li laughed angrily, then smashed the cup in front of her. “What kind of nonsense is this? What are the Tang family trying to do to me, to the Rong family? No, I need to talk to Mother about this!”

Rong Li stood up, grabbed her skirt, and ran toward the main courtyard, with Nanny Huang following closely behind.

Madam Rong was discussing Rong Li’s dowry with her attendants at that moment. The wedding date for the two families had already been set—it was scheduled for the coming January, only three to four months away.

“Mother,” Rong Li called out, her voice choking even before she arrived.

“You’re just in time! Take a look at this dowry list… Wait, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?” Madam Rong asked, glancing at Nanny Huang behind her.

“Mother, the Tang family is being so unreasonable!” Without waiting for Nanny Huang to explain, Rong Li raised her head and described the matter of Tang Xiuping taking a concubine.

So it was this matter. Madam Rong dismissed everyone from the room, then pulled Rong Li close and said, “I’ve known about this for a while now.”

“You’ve known all along?” Rong Li exclaimed, shocked.

Madam Rong nodded. “The Tang family informed us early on. But this isn’t exactly a case of taking a concubine—it’s just a companion. They mentioned that fortune-tellers said you’re blessed with great fortune, and the Tang family fears that the Third Young Master might not be able to handle it. So they decided to bring in a companion first. They also said this companion would be sent to live on the estate once she enters the house. Don’t worry; it won’t affect anything.”

Rong Li frowned and said, “But the rumors are detailed and widespread. I’ve heard that everyone in Changle Town knows the Tang family is taking in a concubine.”

“Well, it’s likely that the idle people in such small towns have nothing better to do, so they spread baseless gossip. There’s no reason for the Tang family to air their private matters like that,” Madam Rong said dismissively, continuing to review the dowry list.

Rong Li, however, felt uneasy. Deep down, she had a hunch that something was off, but being so far away, she had no way to confirm it.

Seeing her daughter’s deeply furrowed brows, Madam Rong tried to reassure her. “Oh, my dear, stop overthinking it. Besides, so what if it’s a concubine? In families like ours, who doesn’t have a few concubines? You are the proper wife, the legitimate one. A mere concubine could never outrank you. When you marry into the Tang family, if you like her, keep her around to serve you. If not, find a reason to dismiss her—simple as that. I can’t believe you’re shedding tears over something like this.”

Rong Li flushed with embarrassment and said coyly, “Mother, I was just upset when I heard about it. I haven’t even married him yet, and he’s already bringing in a concubine? What is this? Nanny Huang told me she’s a village girl from the countryside—what a nobody!”

“Then she’s even less of a threat! Such an insignificant person can be shaped however you like, can’t she?” Madam Rong said with a light laugh. “A concubine is just a plaything. If you stoop to her level, it diminishes your dignity. Remember, the most important thing is that, until you give birth to a legitimate son, none of the concubines are allowed to have children. Make sure you keep that in mind.”

Rong Li blushed deeply and nodded.

Madam Rong then carefully explained the dynamics of managing relationships between herself, the concubines, and her husband. Rong Li listened attentively and made mental notes.

After leaving her mother’s room, Rong Li met up with Nanny Huang. “It’s nothing serious—Mother already knows about it. What the Tang family did isn’t a big deal, but it’s not a trivial matter either. Once I’m married, watch how I deal with that little wench!” she said calmly.

Her tone was light and unbothered, but Nanny Huang, who served her closely, couldn’t help but shiver.

Meanwhile, Wang Min’er was completely unaware of Rong Li’s thoughts. As the day for the Tang family to fetch her drew closer, she felt increasingly anxious, with a mix of uncertainty and fear. She sifted through the betrothal gifts sent by the Tang family and picked out a delicate, lifelike silk flower. Then, she headed to Wang Yuan’er’s room.

By now, Wang Yuan’er’s foot no longer required medicine, but she still prioritized rest and avoided strenuous activity. Apart from managing matters at the workshop, she refrained from heavy tasks. At this moment, she was in her room playing with Wang Baolai, keeping him entertained.

When Wang Min’er entered the room, Wang Yuan’er was taken aback. “What brings her here?” she wondered. After all, Wang Min’er rarely set foot in the eastern room. Although they were cousins, their relationship was never particularly close. Her sudden appearance was certainly unexpected. What could she want?