Chapter 322: Chapter 118: Zhaohua Temple Chapter 322: Chapter 118: Zhaohua Temple Zhuang Ruolan received the message, her expression unhappy, she waved her hand to dismiss the old nanny who had brought the news.
Cai Yi found it somewhat strange, “Even the Lian Mansion is bullying people now. It was clearly agreed that only one person would go, but now another has been added to the equation; what’s going on?”
Ruolan sighed softly, “Yueyao really has it tough, luckily she’s clever enough to cope, or else she would have been completely devoured, bones and all. It’s always hard to be at the mercy of others when living under someone else’s roof. Life is difficult for a child without parents.”
However, Cai Yi couldn’t figure it out, “Why must the Eldest Miss of the Lian Family insist on following Cousin Miss up the mountain? Young lady, do you think it was instigated by Eldest Lady Lian? With Cousin Miss having lost her parents, what is Eldest Lady Lian trying to achieve by doing this?” It’s said that Eldest Madam of the Lian family is a charitable person, but now it seems that this ‘charitable’ persona is just a facade.”
Ruolan shook her head, “I too find it strange why the Eldest Madam would go to such lengths, even sending someone to watch over Yueyao when she goes up the mountain to eat vegetarian meals and pray. Could it be that this child has something on her that others covet?” What exactly is Eldest Lady Lian plotting against Yueyao, to the point that she must have someone by her side whenever Yueyao goes out? It really doesn’t make sense for Lady family to be so fixated on Yueyao just because of past grudges.”
A light of realization flashed in Ruolan’s eyes as she remembered Lian Dongbo’s tenure as Salt Inspector in Jiangnan–a position that was one of the most lucrative and powerful in the realm, which could only be held by someone the Emperor trusted implicitly. Could it be that Yueyao had a large sum of money at her disposal? If that were indeed the case, it would be perfectly normal for Lady family to set their sights on her.
People die for wealth as birds die for food. In the beginning, there were many in Duke Mansion who coveted her, even resorting to disreputable schemes to attain her. Besides the fact that her father held a high and powerful position, half of it was also for her substantial dowry. Fortunately, her grandmother truly loved her, didn’t press the issue when she saw her reluctance, and thus she never really entered into marriage with the Duke Mansion.
Cai Yi was puzzled, “Even if she’s after her wealth, Eldest Madam of the Lian Mansion shouldn’t tarnish Cousin Miss’s reputation, right?” To the battle-hardened Cai Yun, the rumors coming out of the Lian Mansion were most likely the result of laxity on the part of the household’s management. It seemed strange to sully one’s name for the sake of wealth.”
Ruolan laughed, “Do you think Cousin Miss would willingly hand over such a large sum of money to the Eldest Madam of the Lian Family?” If she were unsuspecting, naturally Eldest Lady Lian could coax the money out of her, but this child is all too wary, how could Eldest Lady Lian get what she wants so easily. As for the reputation, that too was a blunder by that child.” Ruolan had met with Yueyao twice, and knew that she was a person of high character who didn’t place much importance on money. Yet, such a person also had her scruples–you have no desire for her possessions and she might well give them up willingly; but if you plan to cheat or use her, she’d rather scatter every bit of her wealth than give you a dime. If Eldest Lady Lian truly has such a plot in mind, she’s certainly not going to get a penny.
Cai Yi shook her head, “Cousin Miss is very intelligent and not someone who can be easily schemed against. It’s just that she’s still a bit inexperienced.” Having interacted with her twice, this child was sharp and learned quickly. Such a person wouldn’t be easily fooled; in comparison to their own lady, she was not at all inferior. It’s just that there’s no one experienced by her side to guide her. Her mistress had the skilled Steward Mother to assist her, and she had only managed a draw against Madam Bao. Yueyao, on the other hand, had no such support in the Lian Mansion”
Ruolan nodded lightly, “Cousin Miss is indeed pampered. Given the circumstances where suddenly both parents are gone and she didn’t collapse, but could still take on the responsibility of teaching and raising her brother, is already quite admirable. Without guidance, one’s methods are naturally a bit naive; with time, she will become more adept.” Nobody is born cunning and calculating; it all comes with experience and growth.
Owing to Yueying’s circumstances, they set off one Shichen Chinese Time later than the scheduled time. This time Yueying only brought two maids, Cai Lan and Cai Qing, and did not bring the Steward Mother.
After Yueying got into the carriage, she spoke softly to the serene-looking Yueyao, “Third younger sister, I know I am putting you in a difficult position, but I just can’t let go. Even Grandmother came to me in a dream, and if I don’t go, I will feel unsettled for life.”
Yueyao was truly fed up, there was no need to say such things at this point; they were already in the carriage, would she reconsider now? “Since it was Grandmother who came to you in a dream, how could I possibly stop you?” Whatever Yueying said, she wouldn’t believe it; whether it was dreaming or being threatened with a secret hardship, she didn’t have the spare time to talk too much with her.
Seeing that Yueyao seemed reluctant to engage in deeper conversation, showing an indifferent demeanor, Yueying felt wronged. She genuinely had a dream in which her grandmother told her to accompany Yueyao, else she wouldn’t have chosen to go.