The two sisters walked two laps around the lotus pond in the garden before slowly returning to Purple Magnolia Courtyard. Today's conversation had greatly shaken Ren Yaohua. There were many things she had never considered before, and she was quite surprised that Ren Yaoqi could think so far ahead and so thoroughly.
Fifth Madam Lin ultimately returned to her natal home, and Fifth Master Ren Shimiao failed to stop her.
By late afternoon, people from the Lin Family in Yunyang City arrived.
This time, it was still the same Nanny Rong from the Lin Family's First Madam's side who came. However, last time Nanny Rong had come for Ren Shijia's matter, while this time it was for Madam Lin.
When Nanny Rong arrived at the Ren residence, the gatekeepers who recognized her treated her with their usual warmth and attentiveness. Nanny Rong first requested to see Old Madam Ren, but it was First Madam Wang Shi who received her. First Madam didn't say Old Madam Ren was refusing visitors; instead, as she personally led the way to Glory and Splendor Courtyard, she said, "Early this morning, Fifth Sister-in-law insisted on returning to her natal home. Fifth Brother tried to stop her, but she scolded him in front of the servants, and I heard she even resorted to physical force. Originally, when Old Madam saw Fifth Brother's injured face yesterday, she thought it was just a minor marital spat and said Fifth Brother was at fault first, telling us not to make a fuss. To be honest, our Old Madam has always treated Fifth Sister-in-law like her own daughter; we wives can't help but envy that."
Nanny Rong smiled apologetically. "Our Old Madam and First Madam often tell us that our Eldest Miss's marriage into the Ren Family is a blessing accumulated over several lifetimes. Every time Eldest Miss returns home, she always talks about how well she is treated in the Ren Family. However, Eldest Miss is our Madam's only daughter, spoiled since childhood, so her temperament is inevitably somewhat strong-willed. This morning, when the Ren Family sent someone to inform us about that matter, our Madam even tried to persuade Old Madam, saying she believed the son-in-law wasn't the type to act recklessly and that there must be some misunderstanding. So when we saw Eldest Miss run back on her own at noon today, our Madam first gave her a good scolding."
As they walked and exchanged pleasantries, upon reaching Glory and Splendor Courtyard, they saw Granny Gui, who served Old Madam Ren, quietly exiting the main room holding a medicine bowl.
"Old Madam, is she...?" Nanny Rong looked at the mostly consumed dark medicinal liquid in the bowl, surprised.
Granny Gui whispered, "This morning, when Fifth Madam insisted on returning home and even got into a physical altercation with Fifth Master, our Old Madam became extremely anxious. Just as she was about to rush over to intervene, she nearly collapsed on the spot."
"Was a physician called? What did the physician say?" Nanny Rong asked anxiously.
First Madam replied, "A physician was summoned, but he couldn't pinpoint the cause, only saying it was due to old age and a sudden surge of anger affecting the heart. Old Madam herself says she's fine and instructed us that if someone from the Lin Family came, we should bring them to see her." Then she asked Granny Gui, "How is she now? Can Old Madam receive visitors?"
Granny Gui looked somewhat troubled. "Old Madam didn't sleep at all last night. After drinking the medicine just now, I noticed she seemed drowsy, so I helped her lie down to rest."
First Madam frowned in thought, then said to Nanny Rong, "Should we go in and inform her anyway?"
Hearing this, Nanny Rong quickly waved her hands. "No, no, that won't do. Let Old Madam rest; she's still unwell. My Madam sent me mainly to clarify the situation so I can persuade our Eldest Miss."
First Madam said, "If that's the case, then let me explain it to you. I am fully aware of the details of this matter."
Nanny Rong hurriedly said, "First Madam, you have many important matters to attend to; how can I trouble you like this?"
First Madam said amiably, "What trouble? You should come with me to my courtyard." Then she instructed Granny Gui, "If Old Madam wakes up, send someone to inform us."
Thus, the person sent by the Lin Family did not see Old Madam but was received by First Madam instead.
First Madam told Nanny Rong everything about Madam Kang's situation, including her family background. It was no different from what the Ren Family's messenger had told the Lin Family earlier that day. In truth, the main purpose of the Lin Family's visit was to gauge the Ren Family's attitude.
First Madam understood this well, which was also why Old Madam had assigned her to receive the Lin Family's representative.
So, after some back-and-forth, Nanny Rong grasped the Ren Family's stance.
The Ren Family intended for Madam Kang to enter the household. Thinking of her own young mistress's temperament, Nanny Rong could only sigh inwardly.
Old Madam Ren slept for over two hours; she only woke up after dusk had fallen.
Nanny Rong was staying at the Ren residence that night. Not long after Old Madam Ren woke up, she went to Glory and Splendor Courtyard again to pay her respects.
This time, Nanny Rong smoothly met with Old Madam Ren, and coincidentally, Ren Shijia was also in Old Madam Ren's room at the time.
Ren Shijia had been staying at her natal home for two months now. Initially, the Lin Family had sent people several times to fetch her back. Later, seeing that Ren Shijia was determined not to return, Old Madam Lin began sending a nanny every few days to visit, bringing medicinal herbs and tonics.
Nanny Rong hurried forward to pay her respects to Old Madam Ren and Ren Shijia.
"I heard you arrived this afternoon, but I happened to be asleep. I just woke up and was informed, and was about to send someone to fetch you when Jia'er happened to come to see me about something." Old Madam Ren, leaning against the kang, spoke amiably to Nanny Rong.
Nanny Rong said with concern, "As soon as I arrived, I heard you were ill, and I was terribly worried. Old Madam, you must take care of your health first. You still have much happiness from your children and grandchildren to enjoy."
Old Madam Ren sighed. "What happiness? Children's debts, children's debts—children are all here to collect debts. I'd be satisfied if they didn't anger me one after another."
Hearing this, Nanny Rong thought Old Madam Ren might be referring to Madam Lin's commotion and was pondering how to respond. However, Old Madam Ren pointed at Ren Shijia and said, "When I was your age, I was already managing the household, overseeing all matters, big and small, in the Ren Family. You've been married into the Lin Family for so many years, yet you haven't made any progress at all; you even come to me for such trivial matters. It's because you've experienced too little and lack training!"
Only then did Nanny Rong realize Old Madam Ren was talking about Ren Shijia. She hurriedly spoke up in defense. "Old Madam, you wrong our Sixth Young Madam by saying that. This old servant will speak impartially: who in our Lin Family doesn't praise Sixth Young Madam upon seeing her? Our Old Madam treasures her like the apple of her eye."
Old Madam Ren actually nodded at this. "That's true. She was spoiled and pampered in her natal home, and after marrying into the Lin Family, her in-laws continued to treat her like a young miss. No wonder she hasn't made any progress! One of these days, I'll have to ask your family's Old Madam to let you out to fend for yourself!"
Hearing this, Nanny Rong's heart stirred. Was Old Madam Ren hinting at something? She couldn't help but glance up at Old Madam Ren, but saw her still quietly lecturing Ren Shijia, saying, "Just pick whichever of those two maidservants you like; I think they're both fine. It won't disgrace your husband. While I'm still alive, you can still come to me with your schemes. What will you do the day I'm gone? How many times have I told you not to presume upon the elders' favor and act willfully? You must learn to make your own decisions when necessary..."
Old Madam Ren didn't spare Ren Shijia's dignity while lecturing her in front of Nanny Rong. Ren Shijia only hung her head in silence, seemingly somewhat embarrassed.
When Old Madam Ren's lecture was nearly over, Nanny Rong, who had been listening in astonishment, cautiously asked, "Old Madam is selecting two maidservants for Sixth Young Madam to use?"
Old Madam Ren said calmly, "You're not an outsider, so I won't speak in circles. Jia'er is choosing a chamber maid for our son-in-law. She doesn't have anyone suitable by her side, so she turned her schemes toward her natal home."
Nanny Rong was taken aback and looked at Ren Shijia again, finding it somewhat difficult to comprehend.
Sixth Young Madam had been childless for so many years and never mentioned taking a concubine or arranging a chamber maid for Sixth Young Master. Now that she's pregnant and about to give birth, why would she think of finding a chamber maid for Sixth Young Master? And even seek help from her own mother?
Nanny Rong hesitated, wanting to ask but feeling it inappropriate to speak up due to her status.
Old Madam Ren said, "Before, she thought she was young and there was no hurry about anything. Now, there's no choice but to hurry. In this regard, Jia'er hasn't failed our teachings. Since she's married into her husband's family, she must prioritize her husband's family in all matters." Old Madam Ren's tone carried a hint of pride.
However, upon hearing this, Nanny Rong felt uneasy. Although Old Madam Ren had been talking about Ren Shijia the whole time, it made one involuntarily speculate whether she was alluding to Madam Lin. Ren Shijia, while pregnant, was busy arranging a chamber maid for her husband, whereas Madam Lin had physically confronted her husband over a messy affair he had outside and angrily returned to her natal home.
But wasn't the reason Ren Shijia returned to her natal home in the first place because Sixth Young Master had been secretly flirting with her maidservant behind her back? How did she change her nature after returning home once? Could it be that Old Madam was still hinting that a daughter's lack of understanding was due to her mother's poor upbringing? Did she want Nanny Rong to go back and persuade First Madam to teach Eldest Miss to be more magnanimous?
Nanny Rong truly couldn't fathom Old Madam's meaning and couldn't help feeling unsettled.
She had originally thought that because of Sixth Young Madam, Old Madam Ren might show some flexibility regarding Madam Kang's matter. But today, Old Madam Ren's attitude actually supported her daughter finding a chamber maid for her son-in-law to expand the family line. If the Lin Family continued to unconditionally shield Madam Lin, wouldn't that seem overly domineering and unreasonable?
Thinking this, Nanny Rong was already sweating profusely.
Old Madam Ren kept lecturing her daughter, and Nanny Rong had no opportunity to bring up Madam Lin's matter; moreover, it wasn't appropriate to ask now. She naturally sensed that Old Madam Ren's attitude was somewhat strange, but she couldn't articulate why.
She only thought she must hurry back and report all this to First Madam. With First Madam's intelligence, she would likely understand what medicine Old Madam Ren was selling in her gourd.
It wasn't until Old Madam Ren yawned and Ren Shijia asked if she was tired that Nanny Rong understood she should take her leave, even though she hadn't managed to say anything.
When Nanny Rong withdrew from Old Madam Ren's room, she shook her head and sighed. First Madam Lin had always worried about her daughter. Nanny Rong had originally thought First Madam was too indulgent with Eldest Miss, which was why she couldn't let go. Now it seemed First Madam was right.
No matter how good the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship is, it's ultimately not that of mother and daughter. In this world, only parents can genuinely plan for their daughter's welfare, not parents-in-law.
Nanny Rong hurriedly bid farewell and left early the next morning, not even meeting Madam Kang. Originally, she had wanted to probe the background of this suddenly appearing outside woman, but now she felt Old Madam Ren's attitude was more crucial.
After returning, Nanny Rong didn't come again for the time being. However, every few days, the Lin Family would send someone to deliver tonics to either Ren Shijia or Old Madam Ren.
Old Madam Ren also sent people several times to fetch Madam Lin back, but Madam Lin still refused to return. Surprisingly, Fifth Master, after Fifth Madam left, unexpectedly did not go to Yunyang City to fetch her.
Originally, after Madam Lin left, Ren Shimiao wanted to go, but Old Madam Ren fell ill from anger, so he didn't manage to go. Later, Old Madam Ren lectured her son, saying, "If you rush over there like this, don't expect her to come back. Just stay properly at home; she'll return on her own within half a month."
Although Ren Shimiao was half-convinced and half-doubtful of his mother's words, thinking of Madam Lin's attitude, he didn't want to lose face completely at home and then continue losing face at his in-laws' place. With this in mind, Ren Shimiao wasn't without some resentment toward Madam Lin.
During the period when Madam Lin left the Ren Family and returned to her natal home, Madam Kang would occasionally go to take care of Ren Shimiao. Her status in the Ren Family was now openly acknowledged, so this was considered perfectly normal. The principal wife left on her own; could she not allow the concubine to come and care for the master?
Thus, as the days of Madam Lin's absence grew longer, not only did Ren Shimiao not go looking for her, but he also became increasingly harmonious with Madam Kang.
Half a month passed like this, and Madam Lin returned on her own, bringing her daughter.
At that time, Ren Shimiao was having a meal with Madam Kang. Originally, Madam Kang was supposed to stand and serve, but Ren Shimiao, pitying her pregnancy, had her sit down as well.
Upon hearing the news that Madam Lin had returned on her own, Ren Shimiao immediately stood up, about to rush out to greet her, but Madam Kang pulled him back. "Master, if you run out like this, won't our efforts over the past half month be in vain? You should sit here steadily and wait for Madam to come to you. Otherwise, Madam can leave once, and she can leave a second and third time in the future. Do you wish for that?"
Ren Shimiao thought it over and felt Madam Kang's words made some sense, especially since Madam Lin had indeed returned on her own as she predicted. So Ren Shimiao sat back down. "Then I'll listen to you and wait for her here." Ren Shimiao said gratefully, "Liniang, thank you this time. If not for you helping me think of a way, she definitely wouldn't have been willing to come back."
Madam Kang smiled and gently touched her still-flat abdomen. "Liniang also wants to see you and Madam live in harmony; that way, my child and I can also have a better life."
Ren Shimiao looked at her abdomen with some guilt. "Liniang, although I can't give you that kind of affection, I will take good care of you and the child. Huijun has had a bad temper since childhood. In the future, try to tolerate her more. If you really can't bear it, just avoid her, but never provoke her."
Madam Kang looked at Ren Shimiao and quietly replied, "Alright."
Ren Shimiao felt even more that Madam Kang was reasonable and understanding, a rare good woman.
Ren Yaoqi had been paying close attention to the affairs of the Fifth Branch recently, and Ren Yaohua had also arranged for people to monitor Madam Kang's every move. It must be said that Ren Yaohua had more people at her disposal than Ren Yaoqi, many of whom were trained by Nanny Zhou.
Regarding the rapid improvement in the relationship between Madam Kang and Ren Shimiao these days, people in the mansion were all discussing it. Those who originally thought this Concubine Kang would fall out of favor as soon as she entered the household now felt the wind was changing direction. It turned out Fifth Master wasn't displeased with Concubine Kang but had been restrained by Fifth Madam's presence before. Now that Fifth Madam wasn't in the mansion, Fifth Master had grown closer to Concubine Kang.
Regarding such talk, Ren Yaoqi advised Ren Yaohua to just observe and listen without getting involved.
On the day news came of Madam Lin's carriage returning, Ren Yaohua came to find Ren Yaoqi, asking in surprise, "How did you guess Fifth Aunt would return these past few days?"
Ren Yaoqi smiled. "Didn't you have people watching over there? Although Fifth Aunt returned to her natal home, she still left people in the mansion. Originally, those people would secretly go to Yunyang City every three days to report back, but these past few days, someone has been going back and forth daily. Fifth Aunt couldn't sit still at her natal home anymore."
"What does Fifth Uncle mean? These past few days, he's acted very indifferent toward Fifth Aunt's matter outside, spending every day only with that Concubine Kang."
Ren Yaohua was, after all, still just a child and couldn't quite understand these intricacies between men and women.
Ren Yaoqi sympathized with Ren Yaohua's experiences in her previous life and had recently been giving her some pointers and guidance when speaking with her.
"This is precisely Madam Kang's cleverness. Didn't you see? Originally, because she lived in a remote area, and in addition to the people Fifth Madam left behind deliberately or inadvertently causing trouble, when she first arrived, she couldn't even order a maidservant around and had to silently fetch her own washing water every day. But now, those maidservants and old maids don't dare look down on her anymore. Why do you think that is?"
Ren Yaohua thought for a moment. "Because of Fifth Uncle's attitude?"
Ren Yaoqi nodded. "Both of us have lived in the inner courtyard for so many years; how could we not understand those twists and turns among the servants? For someone like Concubine Kang, who has no foundation or backing, they all judge based on the situation. Suppose Concubine Kang persuaded Fifth Uncle to deliberately act intimate with her to show Fifth Aunt. What benefits do you think she gains?"
"First, those servants who don't know the truth won't dare look down on her or give her attitude anymore. Second, Fifth Uncle will think she's understanding and considerate, viewing her differently?" Ren Yaohua analyzed.
Ren Yaoqi nodded and smiled. "Mm, exactly."
Ren Yaohua frowned. "But isn't she just luring Fifth Aunt back? If Fifth Aunt and Fifth Uncle reconcile as before, won't all her schemes be wasted?"
Ren Yaoqi blinked. "Then let's wait and see? I bet Fifth Aunt is going to suffer another loss, a silent one at that."
Not long after, more news came from outside.
When Fifth Madam Lin first returned, she was quite obedient, first going to Old Madam's courtyard to pay her respects. Old Madam didn't say anything to her, only sending her back to her own courtyard to rest.
Unexpectedly, as soon as Fifth Madam returned, she saw Madam Kang, just as the servants had reported, in her courtyard, wearing her clothes. And Ren Shimiao was sitting there, chatting and laughing with Madam Kang, not even noticing that she had entered the courtyard and the room.
How could this be tolerated?
Originally, Madam Lin, after being lectured by her mother for so long at her natal home, had calmed down considerably. But this immediately ignited her temper again.
She immediately ordered her old maids and maidservants to seize Madam Kang, strip her naked, and throw her out. She turned a deaf ear to Madam Kang's explanation that she had accidentally spilled tea on herself, wetting her clothes, and that Fifth Master had someone fetch old clothes Madam Lin no longer wore and had ordered to be given to servants for her to wear.
Surprisingly, while the maidservants and old maids were holding Madam Kang down and stripping her clothes, Fifth Master, who had never raised his voice in front of Fifth Madam before, suddenly lost his temper. He stepped forward, pulled away the maidservants and old maids restraining Madam Kang one by one, and pointed at Fifth Madam, calling her a "shrew!"
It wasn't that Fifth Master had never called Madam Lin a "shrew" before during their marital spats and playful fights. But this time, it stirred up a hornet's nest. Madam Lin, enraged, forgot all the teachings her mother had given her over these days and lunged at Fifth Master, wrestling with him. In the end, Fifth Master's face was marked again.
Finally, Fifth Master took Madam Kang to Madam Kang's courtyard. This was the first time Fifth Master had entered Madam Kang's courtyard since she entered the mansion.
After hearing all this, Ren Yaohua fell silent in contemplation. After the maidservant withdrew, she said calmly to Ren Yaoqi, "You guessed right again."
Ren Yaoqi shook her head. "It wasn't a guess; it's because I understand Fifth Aunt's temperament. When it comes to matters related to Fifth Uncle, Fifth Aunt is the least tolerant."
Ren Yaoqi held no fondness for Madam Lin. In her previous life, if not for Madam Lin fanning the flames and adding insult to injury against Ren Yaohua and Madam Li, Ren Yaohua might not have ended up in such a state. Although Madam Lin was also manipulated into opposing Ren Yaohua, her willingness to trample a junior to death hardly made her a good person.
However, in this matter, Ren Yaoqi still sympathized with Madam Lin. Regardless of Madam Lin's character, her feelings for Ren Shimiao were sincere.
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