Chapter 211: Chapter 85: Satin Chapter 211: Chapter 85: Satin Lady Mo, heeding the instructions from Old Madam, swiftly prepared a residence for Tingzheng. The courtyard was satisfactory, but Yueyao’s countenance fell when she heard that Tingzheng’s residence was to be adjacent to Tingchao’s.
Without further ado, Yueyao went directly to Lady Mo. The Old Madam’s health was increasingly failing; she no longer involved herself in the affairs of the mansion. Yueyao did not wish to trouble the Old Madam with these matters anymore.
Lady Mo had anticipated Yueyao’s dissatisfaction, initially thinking that Yueyao would go and lodge a complaint with the Old Madam, but instead, Yueyao had come directly to her. Yueyao, with a darkened expression, declared, “Auntie, even if the residence were a bit more remote, it would be preferable. I do not wish for Tingzheng to live alongside the Third Young Master.” Although there were only two days in a month, just the thought of Tingchao’s behavior made her feel utterly uncomfortable.
Lady Mo shook her head, “Third Young Lady, there is only this one remaining courtyard in the front estate. If he does not take this, there are no others available.”
Yueyao remained composed, “When Brother Zheng was added to the family register last year, Brother Chao insulted him, saying he was born of a prostitute, and who knows where he learned such dirty, lowly language. Auntie, with Brother Chao’s character, I am not at ease. If there truly are no other unoccupied residences, then we won’t move at all, and let Brother Zheng continue to stay in Lanxi Courtyard. He is my only younger brother, and in the future, our second branch will rely on him. If he gets led astray, our parents won’t rest peacefully in the afterlife.” Yueyao spoke without mincing her words. On one hand, she was accusing Lady Mo of failing to discipline Brother Chao properly; on the other, she was suggesting that Lady Mo harbored ulterior motives.
Previously, Yueyao had never directly confronted Lady Mo, but this time, Lady Mo’s actions truly disgusted her.
Lady Mo spoke softly, “As per Lian family tradition, a child must move to the front estate upon reaching five years old. It’s a rule, and since this is the only vacant courtyard left in the front estate, I have no choice. Rest assured, I will make sure that the Third Young Master is well-disciplined.”
Yueyao’s demeanor undisturbed, “Seven is the age when boys and girls must be seated separately; let’s wait until Tingzheng turns seven before moving out of Lanxi Courtyard. He can stay there for these two more years.”
Lady Mo was not angered, “Yueyao, this is a rule set by the Lian family’s ancestors, it is not something you can defy by saying you won’t move.”
Yueyao remained calm, “So what you’re saying is that Tingzheng must move out of Lanxi Courtyard, and there is nowhere else in the front estate for him to stay besides this courtyard.”
That was precisely Lady Mo’s implication.
Yueyao rose to leave, no longer willing to speak with Lady Mo, “I understand Eldest Aunt’s meaning.” To argue further would be a waste of time.
Yueyao bid farewell with a bow and left the main room.
Lady Mo’s fingers whitened with anger; this unbearable girl had dared to criticize her after all her careful planning and hard work.
On the way back to Lanxi Courtyard, Yueyao showed no signs of anger; her expression was composed, and she had indeed expected this outcome. Lady Mo was truly insidious.
Nanny Deng, knowing the situation, asked, “Young Lady, are you just going to let this go? If the young master moves there, there will surely be conflicts with the Third Young Master, and over time, the young master will be influenced.”
Yueyao felt a blaze of anger in her heart, “Lady Mo said that’s the only courtyard left, so she must have calculated this from the start. Since Lady Mo is our elder, whether I make a fuss from the standpoint of reason or emotion, I am at a disadvantage; I have no choice but to bear with it.”
Nanny Deng trembled with anger, “It’s infuriating. It’s clear she intends for the Third Young Master to lead the Fourth Young Master astray.”
Seeing Nanny Deng’s state, Yueyao took her hand, “Nanny, don’t be agitated. Brother Zheng only comes back from Li Mansion for two days a month. He won’t be influenced much in just two days. His teacher says that Brother Zheng is doing well in his studies, and in a couple of years, we’ll send him to the academy.”
Nanny Deng struggled to calm down, “Young Lady, this matter should be taken to the Old Madam so she can decide.” If the Old Madam knew, she would surely not agree.
Yueyao shook her head; just recently Old Madam Lian had another slight illness, and her spirit was waning day by day. The physician had been explicit that they should not let the old lady worry. It would be too unfilial to trouble her with such trifles, “I cannot trouble Grandmother with this; we’ll just leave it as it stands for now.” Lady Mo took advantage of Grandmother’s illness and conceived this plot. Since she wanted to scheme, then let her scheme to her heart’s content.
Maternal Aunt Su was also nearly spitting blood in frustration.
Upon hearing from Maternal Aunt Su that Tinglun was to share a courtyard with Tingchao, Yuehuan almost exploded, “What? My brother to live with Tingchao? Maternal Auntie, not to mention that Tingchao will bully my brother every day, even the slightest bad influence could ruin him.”