Chapter 253: Chapter 100: Promises That Can’t Be Given Chapter 253: Chapter 100: Promises That Can’t Be Given Yueyao looked at Lady Mo’s unsightly expression and sneered inwardly, but she also became cautious. This woman was very greedy and wanted everything; even if Yuehuan helped her make more money, Yueyao guessed she would not give up the Silver Coin she held. Such a person should never be taken lightly at any time.
Lady Mo was very angry inside. Now, there was only the main branch, and there was no need to split it personally. It was already enough to split it, yet all of it had been given to the children to manage on their own. By doing this, Old Madam was clearly displaying her distrust of her, as if slapping her in the face in front of everyone.
Old Madam Lian, now hardly had the energy to concern herself with Lady Mo’s feelings. After distributing the assets, Old Madam Lian turned to Lian Dongfang and said, “My elder, the people in my courtyard have also served me for many years. Those who wish to leave will be given back their indentures and each given one hundred taels of Silver; those who stay should also be treated well, after all, they have served me well.”
Lian Dongfang was choked up and could not speak, sobbing, “Mother, I understand. I will handle these matters well. Don’t worry about these things anymore; taking good care of your health is what’s most important.”
The Maid and the old nanny, who had been standing in the room, knelt down upon hearing Old Madam’s words and said in unison, “Thank you, Old Madam, for your grace.” As for whether they would stay or leave, everyone had their own plans.
Old Madam Lian glanced at the crowd and said, “My elder, let them go back!” The people present understood the hint; Old Madam wanted to have a private discussion with Great Master.
Everyone left the room, but nobody went far; they all waited outside. Despite the heat, they stood there sweating, but no one left.
Yuehuan couldn’t help but glance at Yueyao, who appeared calm, betraying nothing on her face. Yuehuan couldn’t help but admire her, “Such a composed girl. She must know that part of the grandmother’s money is from the second branch, doesn’t she? Obviously, Yueyao knows. Yet, she remains composed even with such knowledge, which is truly admirable.”
Through the year, with what Maternal Aunt Su had told her and what she had seen, Yuehuan was sure that Lady Mo would not give up on the considerable wealth Yueyao held. It was the same in this life as in the previous one. Yet, why didn’t Yueyao harbor any resentment? Yuehuan muttered to herself, “How deep can she bury her thoughts!”
Old Madam Lian was already at the end of her strength. She had overstretched herself a bit while speaking earlier, looking very tired and naturally lowered her tone, “Fanger, the Lian family will rely on you to keep it afloat in the future. You must not let the Lian family decline under your care.” Old Madam never spoke ill of Lady Mo in front of her son because she knew well that her son was no fool and was aware of the household matters. However, Old Madam knew that her eldest son was somewhat impulsive, and people with deep obsessions can easily get stuck in a rut.
Lian Dongfang nodded and said, “Mother, rest assured, the Lian family will definitely not decline under my watch.” Even if he couldn’t restore it to Great Grandfather’s former glory, he would not let the Lian family fall.
Old Madam Lian repeated reassurances, “That’s good, that’s good,” then pulled out a little box from under her pillow and said, “Here are the properties I’ve managed over the years; the deeds are all inside. Also, there are the hundred thousand taels of Silver you brought back from Jiangnan; take these Silvers to manage properties too, so our mansion can have a bit more breathing room.” Old Madam handed over all the properties she had managed, including her own farms and shops, to Lian Dongfang, leaving nothing for herself.
Tears came to Lian Dongfang’s eyes as he cried, “Mother, the house still needs you to steer it; you must not fall ill, mother, you must overcome this hardship!”
Old Madam Lian shook her head and said, “I know my own body well. Now, there’s not much else to say, as long as you understand in your heart. There are still some things in the room; you all can sort them out after I am gone. You go out and let Yueyao come in; I have words for her.”
As Lian Dongfang turned around to leave, he wiped away his tears. Before leaving the room, his expression regained its calm, betraying no sign of emotional change.
Yueyao watched Lian Dongfang and felt that he was overcompensating. His own mother was seriously ill and might not be long for this world, but how did crying matter in such a situation?
Lian Dongfang said to Yueyao, “Yueyao, go in and talk with Old Madam.” After finishing, he said to his wife and children, “You all go back first.” Old Madam’s spirit was not very good, and talking with Yueyao was probably her limit.
Lady Mo glanced at Yueyao, then at the doorway, and left with Yuebing, the Maid, and the old nanny. Yuehuan also followed Maternal Aunt Su back home.