Chapter 70: Reap What You Sow
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
As the evening sky turned dusky, Lu Zheng Yue tenderly held Chao Chao in his arms, their very presence infusing the dining hall with warmth. “Mother, there’s a lantern festival taking place tonight. I think it would be a wonderful experience for Chao Chao,” he shared, his voice tinged with excitement.
The first day of the lunar new year was bustling with energy as guests flowed in continuously, keeping Madam Xu busy. Yet, the eager and hopeful look in Lu Chao Chao’s eyes melted her heart, and she agreed with a warm smile. She had two simple conditions: they should dress warmly to fend off the cold evening air and take a few servants with them to ensure their safety.
Overcome with joy about the upcoming festival, Lu Chao Chao hugged her secret stash of snacks even tighter. Madam Xu noticed but chose to ignore this little act of rebellion, seeing it as a harmless New Year’s treat.
The festive atmosphere took a slight turn when Su Zhi Qing, who had dressed with special attention for the day’s celebrations, shared her concerns. “Madam, Lord Yuan Ze hasn’t returned home all night. Do you think something has gone wrong?” she asked, her voice laden with worry after a fruitless day of waiting for Lu Yuan Ze’s return.
Madam Xu’s response was tinged with indifference. “Men often have their own duties and responsibilities, probably held up by some urgent matter at court. Remember, you were accepted into this household as a formal concubine, with the role of supporting the Marquis, not to restrict his movements.”
Su Zhi Qing quickly assured her, “Of course, Madam. I’m only worried for him.”
Their discussion was abruptly cut short by the announcement of the Lord’s return. Hearing this, Su Zhi Qing gracefully made her way through the snow-covered grounds and hurried outside. Upon seeing Lu Yuan Ze, she paused momentarily before swiftly approaching him.
“Milord, your absence throughout the night had me deeply concerned,” she confessed, her eyes welling up with tears, her voice a delicate blend of worry and affection.
Lu Yuan Ze took a step back instinctively, surprised by her approach. Su Zhi Qing noticed an unfamiliar perfume on him and felt a wave of sadness wash over her.
“Today, I officially join the family registry as your consort. My luck in having met you is unparalleled,” she proclaimed, her embrace tightening around Lu Yuan Ze as they headed toward Qingping Court.
Despite the seemingly affectionate gesture, Lu Yuan Ze was visibly uncomfortable; his recent encounter with Pei Jiao Jiao had left him feeling disturbed.
Looking for an out, he suggested, “We have guests today; we should go and greet the family elders first,” quickly excusing himself.
Su Zhi Qing, catching a glimpse of some marks on his neck, felt a flash of anger.
Madam Xu, noting Lu Yuan Ze’s return, was surprised, having expected Su Zhi Qing to have made more of an effort to keep him by her side. “You look tired, husband. Did you not sleep well?” she asked, her voice filled with concern.
“I spent last night discussing work with my subordinates and completely lost track of time. I also indulged a bit too much in drink today. Thankfully, the household is in good hands with Wife at the helm. You’ve been working so hard. To think I married you; I consider myself blessed for three lifetimes over.” Lu Yuan Ze’s gaze, once capable of melting even the coldest of hearts, now only served to make Madam Xu feel uneasy, a stark contrast to the days when she would lose herself in those same eyes.
“Husband, you should first pay a visit to the family elders; 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 already 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 better to avoid any unnecessary gossip.”
Always mindful of how things appeared to others, Lu Yuan Ze immediately responded, “Of course, we can’t possibly use your dowry for this.”
His irritation was palpable. There was a time when Madam Xu would insist what was hers was also his, not making any distinction between their possessions. She had even pleaded with him to use her dowry if necessary, and he had taken it for granted. But now, the mere mention of her dowry seemed to wound his pride.
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
“I’ll speak to the elder about it later.” Lu Yuan Ze’s expression was one of annoyance as he turned to look for the family elder.
The Lu family’s financial situation was precarious. They had previously relied on Madam Xu’s dowry to prop up the estate, but now they were in a tight spot.
Upon hearing that they needed to hand over 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 asking too much,” the clan chief remarked, his frown betraying his confusion over Lu Yuan Ze’s sudden stinginess.
The matriarch of the family chimed in, “Your father, along with our ancestors, is buried in Clear Creek Village. Yuan Ze, this expense is unavoidable. Just have your wife contribute from her dowry.”
This suggestion, mirroring the past reliance on Madam Xu’s dowry, only served to aggravate Lu Yuan Ze further. “How can we talk about using my wife’s dowry to fund the repairs of the ancestral hall?”
Previously, it had always been Madam Xu who would contribute, pleasing the family elders and ensuring their eager departure to Clear Creek Village, a fact that Lu Yuan Ze had never questioned. However, the thought of dipping into his own finances brought out a certain bitterness in him. His annual salary amounted to a mere few hundred taels, a drop in the bucket compared to the needs of the Marquis estate. While the businesses managed by Madam Xu did bring in income, the majority of it stemmed from her dowry and was hardly sufficient to maintain their lavish lifestyle and the sprawling estate.
“Clan Chief, I must ask, why does our clan school require a thousand taels every year? In all of eighteen years, it hasn’t produced a single scholar,” Lu Yuan Ze questioned, his expression clouded with frustration.
The clan chief barely opened one eye to look at him and retorted, “Wasn’t it you who insisted on a thousand taels annually?”
Lu Yuan Ze found himself at a loss for words.
When Madam Xu became part of the family, the family elders often came to the estate, expecting to be hosted lavishly, and it was Madam Xu who always covered the expenses. In an attempt to impress or perhaps 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 end the discussion.
The clan elders departed, visibly upset. They had always been treated with utmost respect and generosity by Madam Xu, even expecting to receive 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.