Chapter 69: Chao Chao Is Not Concerned With Money
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
On the auspicious morning of the Lunar New Year, within the grand and storied walls of the Marquis’ estate, Madam Xu extended a warm invitation to the esteemed elders of their lineage. On this significant day, marked by the renewal and celebration of familial bonds, the venerable elderly matriarch herself emerged to oversee the day’s ceremonious events, imbuing the occasion with her authoritative presence.
Amid the gathered family, Clan Leader Lu’s voice rose in inquiry, tinged with concern. “Where is Yuan Ze during such a pivotal day? Today, of all days, is sacred for honoring our ancestors. His absence from the estate is most puzzling.”
The Marquis’ branch, renowned for its prosperous and illustrious lineage within the Lu Clan, held a special place of reverence in Clear Creek Village, particularly those members who served with distinction in the capital. Their annual pilgrimage to the Marquis’ residence was a tradition underscored by respect and, admittedly, a certain anticipation of the generous monetary gifts that accompanied such visits. In recognition of their legacy and to foster the education of their youth, a dedicated academy had been established in the old village residence, offering free education to the children of the Lu Clan. It had been Madam Xu’s personal generosity that had historically financed this noble endeavor.
Yet, as the topic surfaced this year, Madam Xu’s expression subtly shifted, her eyes betraying a momentary roll in silent commentary.
“He has engaged in social gatherings today. We shall ensure he offers his apologies to the elders tomorrow,” declared the elderly matriarch, her gaze flitting towards Madam Xu with an undercurrent of disapproval.
Seizing the moment, Madam Xu presented Su Zhi Qing’s birth card. “The lord has bestowed his approval for Miss Su’s elevation to the status of a formal wife. Given today’s auspiciousness for ancestor worship, it would be fitting to inscribe her name into our family’s records. Henceforth, she will embody the role of a mother, both within the Marquis’ residence and to our future generations.”
This announcement took the elderly matriarch aback. “A formal wife? This is the first I’ve heard of such arrangements.”
Su Zhi Qing, in a quiet struggle, clenched her hand tightly, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.
Observing her, the matriarch’s demeanor softened, a glimpse of sympathy emerging amidst her initial surprise. Su Zhi Qing had long been a favored figure in her eyes, one she held in genuine affection.
With a tone laced with a poignant mix of resignation and resolve, Madam Xu addressed the matriarch. “Mother, this decision was made by the lord. He has been my companion for over a decade, and now, as I find myself unable to fulfill my duties towards him as before, it is imperative we do not leave him without proper companionship.”
Reassured by Madam Xu’s earnest words, the elderly matriarch conceded, “If that is my son’s will, then let us proceed to officially recognize her as a concubine in our family records.”
Thus, on this first day of the Lunar New Year, in a ceremony observed by the assembled elders, Su Zhi Qing’s name and birthdate were solemnly entered into the family genealogy. Her status was elevated from that of a mere bed-warming maid to the recognized position of a concubine, a distinction that conferred upon her a new role and respect within the family.
Unlike the solemn actions of others present, Lu Chao Chao, a small figure in the backdrop, was overcome with astonishment. She couldn’t believe her eyes as she watched the revered elderly matriarch alongside the assembled elders bowing in veneration before her simple rag doll, imploring the heavens for blessings upon it. The sight was so surreal that the little girl, overwhelmed by the moment, instinctively covered her eyes.
Lu Zheng Yue, catching a glimpse of her actions, regarded her with a mix of suspicion and curiosity. “What’s she up to now?” he pondered, noting her guilty demeanor and wondering what sort of childlike mischief had led to this moment of reverence.
Meanwhile, as the Lunar New Year ushered in a flurry of celebrations within the Marquis’ residence, a contrasting scene unfolded in the quieter, more secluded alleys to the west of the city. Here, Pei Jiao Jiao was found in a state of distress, her tears a testament to her feelings of injustice and sorrow. The ambiance around her was chillingly somber, reflecting her internal turmoil.
During this festive yet reflective time, Pei Jiao Jiao was grappling with a sense of panic. Despite Jing Huai’s growing accomplishments, it became painfully clear that Lu Yuan Ze’s affections were drifting away from her. The times when he would eagerly seek her company upon visiting her small courtyard seemed like distant memories. Now, his demeanor towards her had changed dramatically, his once attentive gaze now distant, devoid of the warmth it used to hold.
Confronting this unsettling shift, Pei Jiao Jiao lamented to Lu Yuan Ze, “Brother Yuan Ze, what is to become of Jing Huai? His former friends now shun him, labeling him the offspring of a mistress, and turn their backs on him. My humble origins matter little to me, as being by your side is all I’ve ever desired. But Jing Huai is different; he harbors grand aspirations and possesses notable talents, yet now he faces mockery and disdain.”
Her voice, usually capable of stirring Lu Yuan Ze’s sympathy, failed to elicit the familiar, comforting response. Instead, she noticed a subtle change in his expression, a hint of impatience, perhaps even discomfort, as he regarded her—a woman past her prime, her beauty fading, unable to compete with Su Zhi Qing’s youthful radiance.
Pei Jiao Jiao’s heart sank further as she realized her diminishing influence over him. Despite this, she knew Lu Yuan Ze still held a soft spot for their son, Lu Jing Huai.
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
In a last-ditch effort, she pleaded, “Brother Yuan Ze, perhaps I should appeal to Sister Xu? I’m willing to serve as a maid, to humble myself in any way, if only Jing Huai could be acknowledged under her name, to have a rightful place in the family. I’d gladly endure any hardship, even if it means becoming her foot-washing servant. The well-being of Jing Huai and ensuring the dignity of the Marquis’ lineage are all that matter to me,” she said, her voice choked with tears, ready to sacrifice her own standing for the sake of her child’s future.
In a moment of reflection and concern, Lu Yuan Ze exhaled a silent sigh, his thoughts heavy with the weight of familial responsibility and affection. “It’s impossible for someone who has nurtured such outstanding children to merely serve as a foot-washing maid. You don’t deserve such a fate. And Jing Huai, above all, must not be subjected to dishonor,” he murmured, his voice laced with determination.
Lu Yuan Ze was troubled by the current state of affairs within the Marquis’ residence. With Yan Shu, despite his disabilities, positioned as the heir, Lu Yuan Ze found the situation intolerable. The future of their esteemed household could not rest on someone he viewed as unsuitable for leadership.
In his eyes, the options were limited. Zheng Yue lacked the necessary skills, Yuan Xiao was merely a child, leaving Jing Huai as the sole candidate truly capable of upholding the family’s legacy.
“Jing Huai’s outreach efforts were met with cold rebuffs yesterday; every greeting card he sent was returned. He spent the entire night in his room, undoubtedly troubled by the rejection. Though he remains silent, I know he aspires to excel academically, to bring pride to our family,” Pei Jiao Jiao shared, her voice echoing with concern and hope for their son.
Lu Yuan Ze’s heart warmed at the mention of Jing Huai’s ambition and resilience. He couldn’t stand the thought of such a promising son facing humiliation and disregard.
Regrettably, their previous schemes aimed at undermining the Xu family through subterfuge had failed to achieve their intended effect, leaving Lu Yuan Ze contemplating their next move.
“Your eighteen years of patience and support have not gone unnoticed. I fully acknowledge your sacrifices. Jing Huai rightfully deserves the position of heir, and Jing Yao, with her exceptional talents and the auspicious predictions surrounding her, cannot be overlooked. Your contributions have been pivotal to our family’s prestige,” Lu Yuan Ze assured Pei Jiao Jiao, instilling her with a renewed sense of hope and determination.
With a mixture of gratitude and resolve, Pei Jiao Jiao entered the room, finding it empty and ripe for a wardrobe change. With a shy yet eager spirit, she donned the attire designed by the young Jing Yao, marveling at the ingenuity of her young daughter. The garments, daring in their design, accentuated her form with a tantalizing interplay of concealment and exposure, each movement a delicate dance of allure.
As Lu Yuan Ze beheld her transformation, he was captivated, lost momentarily in the enchantment of the scene before him. The room, filled with the promise of new beginnings, pulsed with an invigorating warmth and vibrancy of the two going at each other’s skin.
Meanwhile, in Tingfeng Yard, Lu Chao Chao regarded her second brother with a mix of hesitation and concern. After several attempts to broach the subject, she finally voiced her worries, “Second Pot… you drink much.” Her inquiry, tinged with care, sought to understand his well-being, “Do head hurt?”
Lu Zheng Yue felt a surge of warmth in his heart as he gently patted Chao Chao on the head, reassuring her with a soft smile, “Don’t worry, your second brother’s headache is all gone now.”
Chao Chao’s eyes sparkled with curiosity and innocence as she tilted her head, asking, “Hangover soup tasty?” Her question, imbued with childlike concern, awaited his verdict.
Caught off guard by her question, Lu Zheng Yue paused, a moment of realization dawning upon him. Ah, that’s right. He recalled how he had indulged in a few extra cups of wine with the elders earlier in the day and had found himself without any small change when he needed to step out. It was then that Chao Chao had lent him the money to purchase the hangover soup.
Rushing to amend his oversight, Lu Zheng Yue quickly produced five taels of silver, extending them towards Chao Chao with gratitude. “Thank you, Chao Chao, for lending me the money for the soup. It completely slipped my mind,” he said, offering her the silver.
Chao Chao, however, shook her head and refused to accept the money at first glance.
“Second Pot! Chao Chao doesn’t fuss over six taels of silver!” she declared, nodding her head emphatically to make her point clear.
In a silent acknowledgment of her correction, Lu Zheng Yue quietly added another tael to the amount, making it six in total.
Without hesitation, Chao Chao grabbed the six taels of silver, clutching them with a sense of victory. “Family! Money not important!” she proclaimed, her grip on the silver unyielding.
Internally, she couldn’t help but muse, [How can my second brother be so tight-fisted! Borrowing from a child’s New Year’s money, no less—taking six taels and only thinking to return five! Hmph, and he expects gratitude for that!]
Lu Zheng Yue was left bewildered by her sudden shift in attitude, “What happened to not caring about money?!” His thoughts echoing with confusion and a hint of amusement at the spirited negotiation they had just navigated.