Chapter 362: Chapter 128: Yuehuan Arrives (Part 2)_2
Yuehuan didn’t understand Yueyao’s meaning, “What do you mean by next year will be the time?”
Yueyao smiled and said, “My lady, by the time you turn ten, you’ll have your own courtyard. Next year, when you are ten, you will naturally have your own yard, and then you won’t need to live with Maternal Aunt Su. Being apart naturally lets you avoid many issues. Once independent, all you need to do is respect Lady family and help her make money. However, for the future, it’s best if you get along with Yuebing.”
Yuehuan didn’t want to ingratiate herself with Yuebing.
Yueyao smiled at Yuehuan’s naivety, “You are different from me; your fate is in the hands of Lady family. If you do not get along with Yuebing, and Lady family sells you out for profit, your life will be ruined. Being on good terms with Yuebing, and after the mourning period is over, going out with her often, will present opportunities for you. Of course, I’m just offering advice; the choice is yours.” Yueyao believed that it was most important to live well.
Yuehuan hesitated and then said, “Do you mean to have me seek my own marriage?”
Yueyao nodded, “You are talented and beautiful; the only thing you lack is status, but looks and intellect can compensate for the disparity in status if applied properly. If you’re determined, you can certainly find a good marriage match, and even if Lady family disagrees, your granduncle will agree.” What Yueyao meant by a good marriage was a man with a good family background, beneficial for Lian Dongfang’s future.
Yueyao wasn’t worried Yuehuan couldn’t achieve this, Yuehuan was naive, but she wasn’t stupid. If she were, she wouldn’t have completed her Great Learning or passed the civil examination.
Yuehuan’s mouth gaped open as though she had swallowed an egg, “Third Young Lady, are you asking me to engage in secret relations?” She had never imagined Yueyao would be so bold, and it shocked her.
Yueyao looked perplexed, “One hires a wife; one flees a concubine. Ruining your reputation, you could only be a concubine. Surely you know this?” Upon hearing so much from Yuehuan, Yueyao was certain Yuehuan wouldn’t end up someone’s concubine. Moreover, Lian Mansion wouldn’t allow its young lady to be a concubine. Of course, it would be a different story if it were the royal family.
Yuehuan realized she was thinking too much.
Yueyao didn’t say much more, “You can display your talents to the outside, but you must not overshadow Yuebing. You must gauge this carefully for yourself.”
Yuehuan sincerely thanked her, “Third sister, thank you.” What Yueyao had shared were heartfelt words. Indeed, today’s boldness in confiding in Yueyao also posed a great risk for her; after all, guessing was one thing, but admitting was another. Yet the outcome satisfied her.
Yueyao, too, saw that Yuehuan was good-hearted, that’s why she shared so much. As the cousin-in-law said, it’s better to have a friend than an enemy, “I won’t form an alliance with you, but if you need my help with something, I will help you within my means. However, openly, you should not get too involved with me; it would do more harm than good.” She was going to oppose Lady family, and Yuehuan would need to make a living under Lady family, and thus should clearly draw a line with her.
Yuehuan let out a joyful expression, “Okay.” She was brimming with moneymaking ideas but had lacked the opportunity. Now that Yueyao was willing to help her, there couldn’t be a better arrangement.
Yueyao waved her off, “You can go now, I need to practice my calligraphy.”
Before leaving, Yuehuan prepared herself emotionally, then vigorously wiped her eyes. When she stepped out, her expression was ugly, her eyes red as if she had been wronged.
Hong Mei thought Yueyao insisted on sending her own young lady back, “It’s okay, my lady. If the Third Young Lady doesn’t allow it, there’s nothing to be done. Madam can’t blame you.”
Yuehuan shook her head, “Third sister said I could stay, but she wants me to live in the left wing. There’s no floor heating there.” Her words carried discontent and grievance.
Inside the house, Yueyao could hear Yuehuan’s words and smiled faintly. Maybe she was overly cautious. Yuehuan was kind-hearted but not foolish.
Hong Mei and Hong Yi were initially delighted to stay, but upon entering the house, they were dismayed. The house was so simple it couldn’t even compare to their quarters. They both worried they couldn’t withstand it.
Granny Xu originally had a separate room, but now she had to move to a storeroom stacked with miscellaneous items. Additionally, because of the arrival of Fourth Miss, her workload had doubled. It was no wonder Granny Xu’s expression was unpleasant. Still, despite her dissatisfaction, the necessary work had to be done.
The steward said, “Miss, I’ll come by every ten days. By next month, I might not be able to deliver things.” Generally, by the twelfth lunar month it would start snowing, making the roads difficult to traverse. Therefore, they had to deliver a month’s supplies before the snow fell.