Chapter 240: Chapter 96: Dowry in Hand (Part 3) Chapter 240: Chapter 96: Dowry in Hand (Part 3) Ruo Lan was surprised by Ma Chengteng’s reaction. Normally, when a father-in-law hears such news, he should be very surprised, especially since Yueyao was still so young. How could she properly manage such a substantial dowry? But Ma Chengteng did not seem surprised at all, as if he had known about this matter all along. Zhuang Ruolan’s mind spun through several thoughts.
Ma Chengteng said in a roundabout way, “Yueyao is a thoughtful child, and she changed a lot after losing her parents. People in the Lian Mansion also have their own agendas, so I will often bring her over to stay in the future. You should take good care of her.”
Ruo Lan naturally agreed repeatedly. This cousin was a clever and resourceful person, and Ruo Lan was willing to help someone like that. After discussing this matter, Ruo Lan continued, “Father, my mother-in-law and my second aunt were both ill today. The doctor said it is nothing serious but they need to rest quietly.” Ruo Lan called Ma Chengteng father and Lady Cheng mother-in-law, which clearly showed Madam Zhuang’s attitude. Ma Chengteng was not dissatisfied, as he had grown to detest Lady Cheng as well.
Ma Chengteng nodded, “I will take care of your mother-in-law’s matter. As for your aunt, you can handle her as you see fit.” After speaking, he left, leaving Ruo Lan with Ma Peng.
Ruo Lan felt much relieved after hearing this. The mother-in-law was the trouble, while the aunt was just an aunt by marriage, so morally she didn’t worry about starting any trouble.
After Ma Chengteng left, Ma Peng asked quietly, “Ruo Lan, did the Lian family really return the dowry to my sister?” Ma Peng always felt that it was a smokescreen set by the Lian family.
Ruo Lan smiled, “What’s the lie? Although I haven’t verified that pretended list, if there were any significant discrepancies, the Old Madam’s face couldn’t be saved. Since the Old Madam said that those items were mostly placed in the Lanxi Courtyard, there surely must be no mistake. And I also believe that the Old Madam wouldn’t covet the little money and property of her own niece.”
Ma Peng spoke very directly, “Ruo Lan, my aunt was very gracious to me. Both my aunt and uncle are gone now, leaving only a cousin behind. I must take extra care of my cousin. Ruo Lan, please take good care of my cousin as well.” Not to mention that his aunt saved his life, but even his future was given to him by her; otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to pass the Palace Graduate exams or enter the Hanlin Academy. His aunt’s kindness to him was like giving him a new life.
Ruo Lan smiled, “Rest assured, husband, I will take good care of my cousin in the future.” This cousin was indeed interesting; not only did she make her father-in-law love her like a daughter, but also her husband cherished her so much.
As the couple were talking, an attendant came over, “Eldest Young Master, the Old Master asks you to come to the study.”
In the past, whenever Ma Peng heard that his father wanted him in the study, he would feel nervous, but since he had joined the Hanlin Academy, Ma Chengteng had been kind and gentle toward him. Going to the study was merely to point out what needed attention at the moment and to ask about some business matters; he had never been reprimanded again, not even a harsh word was spoken anymore.
After Ma Peng left, Cai Yun couldn’t help but say, “This cousin miss is really not simple.” She saw clearly when the dowry was handed over; the cousin miss wasn’t surprised at all but accepted the box very calmly. This indicated that she had long been aware of the matter. Furthermore, the Old Master’s reaction just then also indicated that he was aware of this matter beforehand, meaning that the cousin miss had communicated with the Old Master.
Ruo Lan thought of Madam family’s performance and shook her head, “It is not easy for Cousin Sister Yao, if she wasn’t astute, even the bones would be chewed up.” She had just asked people below and knew that Great Aunt’s dowry was very substantial; nobody could be untempted by money in hand. Moreover, judging by the appearance of the Eldest Lady Lian, she was greedy. Now that the dowry was returned to Yueyao, many disputes were reduced; otherwise, in the future, when Yueyao got married, squabbling over the dowry could bring trouble to both Lian and Ma families.
When Ruo Lan heard the Steward Mother had arrived, she inquired briefly and disposed of the matter. Previously, as the Heir’s Wife in the Duke Mansion, Ruo Lan had managed a household where tasks were incredibly complex; the matters in Ma’s Mansion were easy for Ruo Lan, and establishing good rules made everyone act accordingly.
Cai Yi came in and said, “Miss, Nanny Liu has come.”
Ruo Lan was surprised about why Nanny Liu would come, but still greeted with a smile, “Please let Nanny in.” She thought Nanny had some important report, but unexpectedly, Nanny had come to resign. This was truly beyond Ruo Lan’s expectation.
A flicker of relief crossed Cai Yun’s face, for automatic withdrawal was a good thing.
Nanny Liu shook her head, “I know Eldest Young Madam cherishes this old servant, but at my age, my bones are stiff and I can’t work anymore. Now that the young master has married and established his career, even if I were to pass away, I would have accounted for myself to the Old Lady.”