Chapter 69: Chao Chao Does Not Care About Money
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
The first day of the Lunar New Year arrived.
On this auspicious day, Madam Xu gathered the elder members of the Lu family and invited them into the Marquis Zhongyong’s Manor. The Old Madam emerged as well to preside over the event.
“Where is Yuan Ze? Today is the ancestral worship ceremony, yet he has not returned to the manor?” questioned Clan Leader Lu.
As the most esteemed branch of the Lu family, the Marquis’ household was highly regarded by those from Clear Creek. They made a point of visiting the Marquis’ manor every year. Of course, their true intent was often to take advantage of the Marquis’ resources.
A special academy had even been established at the Old Manor by the Clear Creek, solely to provide free education for the Lu family’s descendants. In past years, it was Madam Xu who discreetly filled the financial gaps with her dowry. However, this year…
Madam Xu rolled her eyes in silence.
The Old Madam responded with a smile, “Yuan Ze is attending to social obligations today.”
“How discourteous to you all. Tomorrow, I’ll have Yuan Ze return and personally make amends,” she added, glancing at Madam Xu with a hint of disapproval.
Madam Xu, unfazed, produced Su Zhi Qing’s birth details and said, “The Marquis has agreed to elevate Miss Su to the position of an Equal Wife. Since today is a day for ancestral worship, it would be fitting to officially record her name.”
“She will also share in the role of the manor’s matron and be a second mother to the children.”
The Old Madam was momentarily stunned. “Equal Wife? Why was I not informed of this?”
Su Zhi Qing pinched her palms nervously, her eyes reddening as she looked on. The Old Madam’s tone softened upon seeing her distress. She was particularly fond of Su Zhi Qing, and this decision seemed more agreeable upon reflection.
Madam Xu smiled gently. “Mother, this is the Marquis’ decision. Moreover, the Marquis has stood by Shi Yun for over a decade. Now that Shi Yun…” She trailed off, lowering her gaze, “is unable to attend to the Marquis, we cannot leave his side unattended.”
Seeing Madam Xu’s downcast expression, the Old Madam felt reassured. “If this is the Marquis’ will, then let Su Zhi Qing be officially recorded as the Equal Wife.”
Thus, on the first day of the new year, under the witness of the family elders, Su Zhi Qing’s name was inscribed into the family registry. She was acknowledged as an Equal Wife and formally greeted by the children as their “Little Mother.”
Even young Chao Chao stood at the back, watching the proceedings with a face full of shock. She stared wide-eyed as the Old Madam led the elders to bow and offer blessings before her rag doll.
Unable to take it any longer, the little one covered her eyes with her hands.
Lu Zheng Yue cast a suspicious glance her way. What mischief was she plotting now? Why did she seem so guilty?
The Marquis’ manor buzzed with activity, celebrating the day with great fanfare. Meanwhile, in a quiet alley on the west side of the city, Pei Jiao Jiao wiped her tears in solitude. Her modest residence was cold and uninviting.
Pei Jiao Jiao had grown increasingly anxious in recent days. While Lu Jing Huai’s talents and charm were becoming ever more remarkable, it seemed that Lu Yuan Ze’s heart was drifting away from her.
In the past, he would eagerly rush to her small courtyard, reluctant to part ways after their time together. But now… his gaze had grown distant, no longer lingering on her as before. She felt as though something had slipped out of her grasp.
“Brother Ze, what will become of Jing Huai? His classmates, who once held him in esteem, now scorn him as the child of a mere mistress. They refuse to associate with him.”
Pei Jiao Jiao’s voice trembled as she wiped away her tears. Her usual tactics would have made Lu Yuan Ze pull her into his arms. Yet this time, he merely frowned slightly.
Years had left traces on Pei Jiao Jiao. Her appearance no longer matched the youthful radiance of Su Zhi Qing’s snow-white skin. Now, satiated like a well-fed cat, Lu Yuan Ze remained unmoved.
Pei Jiao Jiao’s heart sank further.
However, she knew how much Lu Yuan Ze valued Lu Jing Huai.
“Brother Ze, perhaps I should plead with Sister Shi. I can become her maid, tending to her and the Marquis. But could she register Jing Huai under her name? It would give him a legitimate status.”
“I would bow to her, even serve as her foot-washing servant. My own suffering doesn’t matter!”
“All I ask is for her to treat Jing Huai and my other children well. The Marquis’ bloodline cannot be left adrift,” she implored, her tears flowing freely as she lowered herself to the ground.
Lu Yuan Ze sighed. “How could you become a foot-washing servant? You have raised such excellent children. Would she even be worthy?”
“Jing Huai will not be left out in the cold.”
Lu Yuan Ze’s discomfort grew. “Yan Shu is an invalid, yet he occupies the position of heir. How can that be? The Marquis’ legacy cannot fall to someone so feeble.”
“Zheng Yue lacks capability, and Yuan Xiao is still too young.”
“Only Jing Huai.”
Pei Jiao Jiao whispered, “Yesterday, all of Jing Huai’s invitations were returned. He stayed up all night with his lamp lit. His heart must be heavy.”
“He doesn’t say it, but he surely wants to return triumphant as a top scholar to make me proud.”
Lu Yuan Ze’s heart warmed. Such a promising son must not be left without proper recognition. The thought of failing to weaken Madam Xu’s influence during the last witchcraft incident gnawed at him.
“Do not worry. I understand your devotion, even after these eighteen years. Your suffering will not be in vain.”
“The position of heir will undoubtedly be Jing Huai’s.”
“As for our Jing Yao, her fate has been decreed by the National Advisor to be noble beyond compare, a treasure of the world. Such exceptional children must not be left outside the Marquis’ name. You, Jiao Jiao, are the manor’s great benefactor.”
Lu Yuan Ze’s reassurances brought a smile back to Pei Jiao Jiao’s face. With renewed determination, she stepped into her room. Alone, she donned the outfit designed by Jing Yao. Her cheeks flushed as she adjusted the daring ensemble.
Thin straps barely covered her modesty, artfully emphasizing her figure. Every movement seemed to teeter between concealment and revelation. Her initial hesitation dissolved as she caught sight of herself in the mirror, confidence blooming.
When Lu Yuan Ze turned to see her, he was utterly captivated. For a brief moment, his composure faltered, overtaken by the provocative sight.
Back in Listening Wind Courtyard, young Chao Chao wore a stern expression, staring at her second brother with great seriousness. Her small face hesitated before she finally asked, “Er-Ge… this morning, you drank too much?”
Her innocent concern was palpable. “Does your head still hurt?”
Lu Zheng Yue’s heart softened as he ruffled her hair. “Er-Ge is fine now.”
Chao Chao’s big eyes sparkled as she leaned closer. “Was the hangover soup yummy?” she asked in her babyish voice.
Startled, Lu Zheng Yue remembered how, earlier that day, he had borrowed six taels from Chao Chao to buy hangover soup after drinking too much with the elders. Reaching into his pouch, he retrieved five taels and handed them over.
“Thanks for lending me the money this morning, Chao Chao. I almost forgot,” he said apologetically.
Chao Chao shook her head, glancing at the silver without taking it. “Er-Ge-Ge!” she declared, “Chao Chao not care about six taels!” She punctuated her words with a firm nod.
Lu Zheng Yue…
Sighing, he added another tael to make six. The little girl quickly snatched it up, tucking it away with great care.
“Family doesn’t care about money!” she declared righteously, her tiny hands clutching the silver tightly.
[How could my second brother be such a scoundrel? Borrowing six taels and repaying five? Hmph! No way I’ll let this slide!]
Lu Zheng Yue: What happened to not caring about money?!