The main hall was now quiet and deserted, the old lady supporting Zhi's hands as they returned to the inner chamber. She personally carried three boxes over to the elderly gentleman who was reading a book.

  "Look at this."

  The old man put down his book and looked at her. His wife was never one to be mysterious, so why was she smiling like that? Had she gotten something good?

  "Double fragrance, bring me a cup of tea."

  Taking over the box handed by the old lady, Shuang Zhi smiled with a slight curve of her mouth and went to the side room to brew tea.

  "What's so mysterious and good?"

  "You'll know once you try it."

  Double lotus quickly brought tea over, two old men in front of each person a cup.

  The old man lifted the lid and took a look, the emerald green water was quite good-looking, "Can you drink it?"

  "Can I bring something inedible to you? Take a sniff and see if it smells good?"

  "It smells nice." The old man picked up the cup, blew it gently, took a sip, and savored the flavor in his mouth for a while before swallowing, leaving a lingering fragrance.

  "Where did it come from?"

  The old lady told Shuang Ji to wait outside and recounted what had just happened outside, laughing without knowing whether it was ridicule or irony. "Living under the same roof for so many years, who doesn't know each other's bottom line? They think they can fool me, but if any of them have the ability to take charge, I would support her. Unfortunately, none of them are capable, only knowing how to look at their own interests, and if the Qi Manor falls into their hands, it will go bankrupt within three months."

  He took another sip of tea, and the old man narrowed his eyes to savor the taste. His tone was flat and calm as he spoke, "You didn't think much of them before, it's not something that happened overnight, so why are you angry now?"

  The old lady's eyes reddened, "At my age, I should have enjoyed a peaceful life in another family, but I don't even have someone to share the burden with. Old master, it's really hard for me to bear this in my heart. This daughter-in-law was also chosen by us back then, and she seemed fine at first glance, her reputation in the boudoir was also passable, how come there isn't one who can be relied on? Yesterday, when I was checking the accounts, I kept asking Shuang Zhi to light more oil lamps, but later she secretly lit another lamp, yet even so, I still couldn't see the words clearly. Old master, I'm old! How many more years can I hold on? Who can I entrust the Qi Manor to when I'm gone?"

  Even the best tea would only taste bitter to Old Master Qi at this time. Among the men in the Qi Manor, only You'er was reliable, the others were either too young, or only knew how to show off their supposed cleverness, and were not capable of handling important tasks. Some were only good for causing trouble. You'er didn't even have anyone to help him, he had to bear everything alone. The women were even worse, there wasn't a single one who was useful.

  The three daughters-in-law are all narrow-minded and lack foresight. If the Qi Manor were to fall into any of their hands, it would quickly decline. Their small families may be able to live comfortably for a while without anyone blaming them, but if they can't even manage expenses, how can they run a household?

  "How is your daughter-in-law?"

  "She looks okay for the time being, but she's just too introverted. If you don't pull her to talk, she'll hide behind your back. When it's time, she'll return to her own courtyard and won't go visiting anywhere else. There are other benefits of having her in Yu'er's house, but the best part is that it's quiet."

  "You'er just wants someone who can quietly accompany him, he's already troubled enough outside."

  "Who says it isn't? This daughter-in-law of mine, I won't pick on her anymore. If I really say so, she's more pleasing to the eye than those three daughters-in-law. It's just that her temperament is too soft and not suitable for managing the household. The Huas are also a reputable family in the martial arts world, how could they raise such a softie? I thought at first that there would be a daughter-in-law who would shout and scream all day."

  "If you really want to jump over three wives and let her take charge, this house will be lively. As a junior, who can she control? If it were someone formidable, it would be fine, at least they could suppress people, but with her... You'd better give up on that idea, it's better than having you worry about it."

  The old man scolded his wife, not because he looked down on his daughter-in-law, but because he would rather have the third house's daughter-in-law go and fight for it, than to drag his son's wife into it and disturb the peace of that household.

  The old lady also knew this reason, and she glared at him with a scowl, "It was you who asked me about my daughter-in-law, I just replied to your words, where did that thought come from? This tea is what my daughter-in-law respectfully offered, if you like it, I'll go ask her for more in the future."

  "These three boxes will be enough for us to drink for a while, if Yu'er has any brains, he should think that this thing can be useful, let's see the situation first."

  "You're saying..."

  The old man cut off the conversation, "Alright, let's stop here. Double Orchid, pour me another cup of this tea. The flavor is quite strong, and it'll be just right with a bit of water."

  "Shuang Zhi responded in unison and entered, 'Yes, old master.'"

  Not mentioning the two old couples' scheming, Hua Ru returned to her own courtyard and went straight back into her house. She lay down on the bed and didn't move, but after just a few days, she couldn't take it anymore. Thinking about having to live like this every day in the future made her feel hopeless. Indeed, she had overestimated her patience and endurance.

  She had to think of a way to catch her breath, pretend to be ill? No, this was just the beginning and she couldn't afford to fall ill already. Later on, people would think she's a sickly person. At her young age, she should be full of energy, if she wasn't, wouldn't that be a bonus for her concubine? She couldn't do something so foolish, even if it was just a quarter of the way, she had to hold on, being a widow was not what she wanted.

  What to do? Is thinking of home a good reason? Because she misses her family, she's in a bad mood, so she skips the daily morning and evening greetings to her aunts - it seems reasonable too. Coming from so far away, who can blame her for missing her loved ones?

  "Autumn is solemn."

  "The maid is here."

  "Go take a look at Yun Shu and see if things are handled properly. If not, bring back a message for me. Just say that I'm feeling homesick and my mood isn't great, so they don't need to come serve me for the time being."

  "Yes, I'll go right away."

  That cloud book because it was first gone a small kitchen, Qiu Jin went to the three aunt just bowed.

  Although the three of them were only half-masters, they were very clear that this Yun Shu was a steward by the side of the young madam, and no one dared to accept her courtesy. They hastily stepped aside, avoiding her gesture, and then pretended to support her with a hand, saying "Miss Yun Shu is being polite."

  Qiu Jin hastily took a step forward and bowed, then turned to Yun Shu and said: "My mistress was just crying because she missed her hometown, so she didn't want to come out with puffy eyes to see you ladies. She instructed the maid to bring this message over. The mistress says that for the next few days, she's feeling a bit tired and not in good spirits, so she'll be excusing herself from the morning and evening visits. When her body feels better, she'll let you know. You three just need to do your duties as usual. If Master comes by, don't neglect him."

  "Yes, we know." The three of them exchanged a glance, suppressing the joy in their hearts as they left. If it weren't for the rules, who would be willing to spend half a day there every day? It's human nature to miss one's hometown, so please think of your hometown often, young mistress. The eldest son and his wife will take good care of you.

  "Did the young lady really say so?"

  Qiu nodded slightly, "That's roughly it, I polished it a bit."

  Yun Shu thought for a moment, then couldn't help but laugh. "This reason is indeed impeccable, Miss can relax now, and who knows, after the news spreads, Old Madam might even exempt Miss from paying her respects."

  Miss Ke will still go.

  "Isn't this giving the young lady extra points indirectly?"

  "Me too." The two exchanged a glance and burst out laughing.

  PS: The next chapter has not been coded yet, a friend had something happen and I need to go out for a while, don't know when I'll be back. If I get back early, there's still a chance to finish coding the next chapter and upload it. If I get back too late, I'll update early tomorrow instead, sorry about that.