Chapter 316: Chapter 116: Role_3 Chapter 316: Chapter 116: Role_3 Yueying was terrified, “Won’t live past eighteen?”
Yueyao nodded, “The Chen family’s ability to engage in a deceitful marriage shows their poor character. If the second young master of the Chen family passes away before getting married, the Chen family will likely force the woman betrothed to him to marry and guard the token for a lifetime.” In simple terms, it’s making her a widow before she even marries, dooming the young lady for life.
Yueying’s entire face turned white with fear, “How can they be so malicious…”
Yueyao laid it on thick, “Our grandmother has been too ill to think of these things, which is understandable; but is Eldest Aunt really unable to see the inappropriateness in this situation? Eldest sister, I cannot believe that Eldest Aunt is unaware of the trickery involved. Yet, knowing it’s inappropriate, she still actively facilitates this marriage. Eldest sister, Eldest Aunt’s stance is clear–if the Chen family really makes such a demand, I believe Eldest Aunt would not refuse.”
Yueying’s teeth chattered from fright, “No, father wouldn’t agree, would he?” Yueying didn’t dare to consider what might follow.
Yueyao sneered inwardly, “No, wasn’t it just like that in my last life?” Yueyao didn’t say more, instead she spoke of what followed, “I heard that the second young master Chen has already been promised in marriage to a third young lady from the Hanlin Academy, who is also a daughter born out of wedlock, and that young lady’s mother has passed away. Eldest sister, I’m not speaking without evidence. In a few years, you’ll know whether what I say is true or false.”
Yueying was beginning to believe Yueyao’s words–Chen family would really let the betrothed girls marry and become widows. The reason was simple because the Chen family always chose daughters born of a concubine, not legitimate daughters. Due to concerns for the family’s reputation, they would not care about a daughter born outside of marriage, thus they wouldn’t hesitate to push her into the fire pit.
What Yueyao said next was the key point, “Eldest sister, I was forced to go eat vegetarian on the mountain. And the matter I was implicated in wasn’t a rumor started by Maternal Auntie, but by Eldest Aunt. Your auntie simply took the blame for her.” As Yueyao thought of her own misfortunes, tears began to fall freely, “If my parents were still alive, I would not have fallen to the point where I’m bullied by others and can only seek refuge on a mountain, let alone confront Eldest Aunt. Eldest sister, I had no choice but to fight back. Otherwise, the Lady family would surely have swallowed all my Silver Coin.”
Yueying watched as Yueyao’s tears flowed, different from the Third Young Lady she had seen in their mother’s chamber. The Third Young Lady she had seen was arrogant and overbearing, but now she looked very pitiable, even more than herself.
Yueying, unsure of what comforting words to say, looked at the quiet Lanxi Courtyard and hesitated before speaking, “Third younger sister, this place is too secluded and desolate. I heard mother plans for us all to move out, each to have our own courtyard. Third younger sister, when the time comes, you should move too, so we’re closer to each other, and we can talk more often.”
Yueyao almost wanted to touch her forehead, realizing how her eldest sister’s thoughts jumped too quickly, “No need, this is the courtyard where my father lived before his death. I will not move.” Unless one day she could leave Lian Mansion, she was determined not to move from there.
Thinking of the little kitchen in Lanxi Courtyard and its serene setting, Yueying found it understandable that Yueyao was reluctant to leave, “Third younger sister, I shall take my leave then.”
Yueyao nodded, pausing before saying, “Eldest sister, I hope you keep what I told you today to yourself, including Maternal Aunt Chen and your Personal Maid. It’s best it stays between us.” Speaking out would only stir up trouble. Maternal Auntie Chen was Not someone to settle down, and Yueyao felt she couldn’t trust the two maids–who knew if they had been bought by the Lady family.
Yueying nodded hastily, “Rest assured, I won’t tell anyone about this.”
Watching Yueying leave, Yueyao shook her head. Originally, she had hoped to bridge the gap, but now it seemed her eldest sister only wanted to take advantage of her without ever thinking of helping her. With such a person, it was best to just maintain a facade of affection.
Hua Lei, seeing Yueyao’s red eyes, was convinced that Yueying had bullied her young mistress and glared at Yueying behind her back.
Nanny Hao frowned upon seeing this, but of course, couldn’t say anything in front of outsiders.
Cai Lan was full of curiosity, wondering how the overbearing third young lady had been reduced to tears by her own mistress–what could be more sensational news?
However, Cai Qing noticed her mistress’s pale face and sensed that something was amiss. It seemed the two must have shared heartfelt words that resonated with each other.
Once out of Lanxi Courtyard, Cai Lan hurriedly asked, “Mistress, what did you say to make the third young lady cry?”