Chapter 70: Reap What You Sow
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
As dusk settled over the landscape, Lu Zheng Yue gently cradled Chao Chao, their presence bringing a comforting warmth to the bustling dining hall. “Mother,” Lu Zheng Yue began with visible excitement, “there’s a lantern festival tonight. It would be an amazing experience for Chao Chao.”
The dining hall buzzed with activity on the first day of the lunar new year, with guests coming and going non-stop, keeping Madam Xu on her toes. Yet, when she caught the hopeful glint in Lu Chao Chao’s eyes, her heart softened, and she agreed with a warm, welcoming smile. She set forth two simple conditions: they should dress warmly to combat the chilly night air, and be accompanied by several servants to ensure their safety.
Lu Chao Chao, overjoyed about the festival, clutched her secret stash of snacks even tighter. Madam Xu noticed but decided to overlook this little act of defiance, seeing it as a harmless indulgence for the New Year.
The cheerful atmosphere dimmed slightly when Su Zhi Qing, dressed meticulously for the day’s festivities, expressed her concerns with a hint of worry. “Madam, Lord Yuan Ze hasn’t returned home all night. Do you think something has gone wrong?” she inquired after a day filled with anxious waiting.
Madam Xu replied with a tone of nonchalance, “Men often have their own obligations, likely detained by some urgent matter at court. Remember, you joined this household as a formal concubine to support the Marquis, not to constrain him.”
Su Zhi Qing quickly reassured her, “Of course, Madam. My concern is only for his well-being.”
Their conversation was interrupted by the announcement of the Lord’s return. Upon hearing this, Su Zhi Qing hurried through the snow-covered grounds to greet him. When she saw Lu Yuan Ze, she paused briefly before approaching him rapidly.
“Milord, your absence through the night filled me with deep concern,” she admitted, her eyes brimming with tears, her voice a delicate mixture of worry and affection.
Taken aback by her sudden approach, Lu Yuan Ze stepped back instinctively. Su Zhi Qing detected an unfamiliar perfume on him, which sent a pang of sadness through her.
“Today, I officially join the family registry as your consort. My fortune in meeting you is beyond compare,” she declared, embracing Lu Yuan Ze more tightly as they walked towards Qingping Court.
Despite her apparent affection, Lu Yuan Ze seemed distinctly uncomfortable; his recent encounter with Pei Jiao Jiao had left him unsettled.
Seeking an escape, he suggested, “We have guests today; we should first greet the family elders,” quickly excusing himself from the situation.
Su Zhi Qing, noticing some marks on his neck, felt a surge of anger.
Madam Xu, observing Lu Yuan Ze’s return, was surprised he hadn’t spent more time with Su Zhi Qing. “You look weary, husband. Did you not sleep well?” she asked, concern lacing her voice.
“I was up late discussing work with my subordinates and lost track of time. I may have also indulged too much in drink today. Fortunately, with you managing the household, I am at ease. To think I married you; I consider myself fortunate for three lifetimes,” Lu Yuan Ze remarked, his gaze once warm, now only heightening Madam Xu’s unease—a stark contrast to times past when she was captivated by those same eyes.
“Husband, you should visit the family elders first; the elder plans to return to Clear Creek Village tomorrow. They’ve been discussing renovating the ancestral hall back in the village. Mother-in-law has agreed to finance it. Perhaps you should contribute now,” Madam Xu suggested, her smile tinged with resignation. “I thought it best not to use my dowry for this. It would be wiser to avoid any unnecessary gossip.”
Mindful of appearances, Lu Yuan Ze responded promptly, “Of course, we can’t use your dowry for this.”
His irritation was evident. There was a time when Madam Xu would insist that what was hers was also his, without distinction. She had even implored him to use her dowry if needed, and he had taken it for granted. But now, the mere mention of her dowry seemed to wound his pride.
“I’ll speak to the elder about it later,” Lu Yuan Ze said, annoyance clear in his expression as he turned away to seek out the family elder.
The financial stability of the Lu family was precarious. They had previously relied on Madam Xu’s dowry to sustain the estate, but now they were in a tight spot.
Upon learning that they needed to provide three thousand taels to the family elder, Lu Yuan Ze’s expression darkened considerably. “Three thousand taels?”
“In the past, your wife contributed a thousand taels. Considering the renovation needs of both the old house and the ancestral hall this year, three thousand taels isn’t too much to ask,” the clan chief remarked, his frown revealing his perplexity at Lu Yuan Ze’s sudden stinginess.
The matriarch added, “Your father, along with our ancestors, is buried in Clear Creek Village. Yuan Ze, this expense is unavoidable. Have your wife contribute from her dowry.”
This echo of past reliance on Madam Xu’s dowry only aggravated Lu Yuan Ze further. “How can we even discuss using my wife’s dowry to fund the repairs of the ancestral hall?”
Previously, it had been Madam Xu who would contribute, pleasing the family elders and ensuring their prompt departure to Clear Creek Village—a fact that Lu Yuan Ze had never before questioned. However, the idea of tapping into his own finances now brought out a certain bitterness in him. His annual salary was but a few hundred taels, insufficient compared to the demands of the Marquis estate. While the businesses managed by Madam Xu did generate income, the majority stemmed from her dowry and was barely enough to maintain their lavish lifestyle and the expansive estate.
“Clan Chief, I must inquire, why does our clan school require a thousand taels annually? In all of eighteen years, it hasn’t produced a single scholar,” Lu Yuan Ze asked, his voice tinged with frustration.
The clan chief barely opened an eye and retorted, “Wasn’t it you who insisted on a thousand taels every year?”
Lu Yuan Ze was left speechless.
When Madam Xu became part of the family, the family elders frequently visited the estate, expecting to be lavishly hosted, a responsibility that always fell to Madam Xu. In an attempt to impress, or perhaps to deter them, he had himself proposed the high contribution.
“Fine, fine, I’ll arrange for the money by tomorrow,” Lu Yuan Ze conceded with a wave of his hand, eager to conclude the discussion.
The clan elders left, visibly upset. They had always been treated with the utmost respect and generosity by Madam Xu, even expecting generous red envelopes as parting gifts.
They remarked bitterly, “Your wife knows how to conduct herself far better than you do.”
If it weren’t for the New Year festivities, Lu Yuan Ze would have gladly seen them off the premises himself.
After their departure, Lu Yuan Ze couldn’t hide his irritation.
“Why do you seem so bothered? After all, your wife trusts in you. Just a little persuasion, and she’ll give you the money,” the matriarch said nonchalantly, seemingly unconcerned by the whole affair.
Since Madam Xu’s arrival, the standard of living at the Marquis estate had significantly improved, a stark contrast to their earlier days of frugality.
Changing the subject, the matriarch inquired, “When is Jing Huai returning? I miss my eldest grandson dearly. The honor of becoming a top scholar should be his; we can’t let him remain abroad indefinitely.”
Lu Yuan Ze replied tersely, “Mother, I have it under control.”
The conversation shifted again as the matriarch expressed her concern for her daughter, “Wan Yi hasn’t visited our home today. Have you checked on her?”
Lu Yuan Ze responded dismissively, “Mother, you’ve spoiled Wan Yi too much; she needs less coddling.”
He then left the room, leaving the matriarch sighing in exasperation.
As evening fell and the Lu family began their reunion dinner, the arrival of the Gu family’s carriage was noted. Lu Wan Yi, who had been married into the Gu family for half a year, appeared noticeably thinner. By her side was Gu Ling, the esteemed top scholar, looking at her with a mix of gentleness and concern as she trembled visibly. Hand in hand, they entered the Marquis estate.
Approaching the matriarch, Lu Wan Yi, holding back tears, knelt down to offer her New Year’s greetings. Suddenly, she broke down, clutching at the matriarch’s clothes, her voice filled with despair, “Mother! Mother, please save me, save me!”
The temperature in the room seemed to drop as Gu Ling’s expression turned grim, marking a stark contrast to the festive atmosphere that had preceded their arrival.