In the end, Old Madam Fang finally became disheartened, and thus Fang Yaru and Fang Yacun, the sister and brother, rose to prominence in the Fang family. After all, the Fang family needed an heir to uphold its reputation; otherwise, Old Madam Fang would have no way to explain things to the Fang clan members.
Over the years, Fang Yacun had indeed performed exceptionally well outside, and both he and his wife, Madam Liu, were extremely deferential in front of Old Madam Fang. They also did their best to look after Old Madam Fang’s two children, Fang Yaxun and Fang Yahui. Old Madam Fang, now advanced in years, was no longer as hard-hearted as she had been in her youth. Seeing that Fang Yacun and his wife were honest and dutiful, she devoted herself to cultivating Fang Yacun and gradually entrusted the Fang family to him with peace of mind.
Fang Yacun also believed that it was a foregone conclusion that the Fang family would ultimately fall into his hands. Even though Old Madam Fang was still alive, most of the family affairs were already under his control.
However, he never expected such a sudden turn of events.
Fang Yacun was well aware that the Fang family was the foundation of his standing in the officialdom and the prerequisite for ensuring his sister’s position in the Ren Family. Therefore, resolving the internal affairs of the Fang family was the top priority, and naturally, the trip to Yanbei had to be postponed.
These past few days, Madam Liu was so anxious that she developed several red bumps on her temples, which even layers of thick powder couldn’t conceal. Originally, when Fang Yacun wanted to personally go to Yanbei to find Concubine Fang, Madam Liu had some reservations. After all, Concubine Fang had caused Fang Yacun to lose quite a few personnel, and his superiors were already quite critical of him.
Moreover, she had been to Yanbei and visited the Ren Family, knowing it was unlikely that the Ren Family had done anything to Concubine Fang. Old Master Ren and Old Madam Ren would never easily offend the Fang family. She feared that Concubine Fang’s disappearance was not targeting Concubine Fang herself or the Ren Family, but rather their own Fang family.
She shared her concerns with Fang Yacun, but he remained determined to go, even wanting to take over the cleanup work in Yanbei, as the loss of those people could potentially lead to many problems.
No matter what Fang Yacun said, Madam Liu believed he was taking risks in Yanbei for the sake of his sister, which stirred some resentment in her heart toward Concubine Fang.
In truth, Madam Liu had always looked down on Concubine Fang to some extent. However, Fang Yacun often spoke of how difficult Concubine Fang’s life was, repeatedly urging her to show consideration for his sister and help wherever possible.
Due to her plain appearance, Madam Liu’s temperament was exceptionally gentle, and after marriage, she had always obeyed her husband’s commands. She reflected that her husband’s achievements today owed much to Concubine Fang’s contributions. So, regardless of her personal feelings, she took good care of Concubine Fang and her daughter, something both Concubine Fang and Fang Yacun greatly appreciated.
However, when Concubine Fang previously demanded to take over the personnel arranged by the court in Yanbei under Fang Yacun’s control, Madam Liu disapproved. Despite Concubine Fang’s eloquent arguments, Madam Liu didn’t believe that a woman confined to the inner quarters could manage such people, especially in matters of great importance. She feared they would ultimately be implicated by Concubine Fang.
As it turned out, misfortune struck where it was feared—the personnel under Concubine Fang’s control indeed encountered major trouble.
Madam Liu was bent over her desk writing a letter when Fang Yacun walked in from outside, his face as dark as water.
Madam Li quickly set down her brush and went to greet him."The master is back? Xing'er, go fetch water to help the master wash his face and change clothes."
Fang Yacun was around thirty years old, with a tall and well-proportioned figure. His face bore a five or six out of ten resemblance to Concubine Fang, and his feminine features made him appear even more elegant and handsome. Madam Liu, with her ordinary looks, seemed even more plain and dull standing before him.
Fang Yacun waved his hand and said, "No need to trouble yourself. I'll be heading out shortly."
Madam Liu gestured for the maids to withdraw, then personally brought warm tea to Fang Yacun. Glancing at his expression, she cautiously asked, "What's troubling you, Master?"
Fang Yacun took the warm tea and took a sip, his tone cold. "What else could it be? The steward said Old Madam Ren has already brought Ninth Brother's child here, and they'll be entering the residence this afternoon!"
Madam Liu was startled upon hearing this. "How could it be so soon? Old Madam didn't even send anyone to inform me, so I could arrange a courtyard."
Fang Yacun snorted coldly. "Arrange what? There's no need for you to arrange anything. That child will live in Old Madam's courtyard from now on, eating and sleeping with her."
"What about Ninth Brother and his wife?"
Fang Yacun's expression darkened further. "Ninth Brother's health is failing. I had a physician examine him, and he said he won't last more than a few months. After Ninth Brother passes away, his wife will move to a nunnery. The child will be raised personally by Old Madam."
Madam Liu was shocked. "How could this happen?"
Old Madam had secretly arranged all these matters without their knowledge. Even she, as the mistress of the household, only found out afterward.
Fang Yacun frowned as he looked at Madam Liu. "She still refuses to see you today?"
Madam Liu nodded with a worried expression. "I went to pay my respects today, but Mother sent someone out to tell me she wasn't feeling well. When I invited a physician into the residence, she had him sent away. Master, Old Madam's change in attitude has been too sudden. Could someone be secretly stirring trouble?"
Old Madam Fang's reputation had never been particularly good since her youth. Before marrying into the family, Madam Liu had worried about being mistreated by her. However, over the years, although Old Madam Fang had never been particularly close to her, she had never deliberately made things difficult either. She had always given Madam Liu the respect due to her, and whenever Madam Liu offered gifts, Old Madam Fang would accept them with a smile, sometimes even returning the favor when in a good mood.
Madam Liu had thought the rumors from back then were merely exaggerated and that Old Madam Fang wasn't as difficult to get along with as people said.
Who would have thought that after more than a decade of peaceful coexistence, just when things seemed to be settling into place, Old Madam would suddenly stir up trouble.
Fang Yacun narrowed his eyes slightly and pondered. "Old Madam's attitude toward us began to change after Elder Sister's last visit home."
Madam Liu thought about it and realized it was indeed the case, but she still couldn't quite understand. "We've always maintained contact with Elder Sister over the years. During festivals, I've never skimped on sending gifts to the Qin family. For every celebration the Qin family held, our gifts were always among the most generous, all to give Elder Sister face in her husband's household. Several times when I encountered Elder Sister outside, she was always warm and friendly toward me. I truly can't understand why she would try to drive a wedge between us and Old Madam. Could it be that by pushing us down and replacing us with a nursing infant as the head of the household, she stands to gain more benefits?"Fang Yacun couldn't understand this point either, but he said, "I've heard that over the years, Eldest Sister has been secretly supporting those siblings born of concubines behind Old Madam's back. Ninth Brother was able to marry largely thanks to her covert assistance."
Madam Liu also sighed, "I've heard about these things too. They say Eldest Sister was soft-hearted and kind even before she married. Whenever the sisters made mistakes in front of Old Madam, they would beg Eldest Sister to plead for mercy. I've interacted with her several times and never felt she was the type to say one thing to your face and another behind your back. Could there be some misunderstanding here?"
A misunderstanding? Was it truly just a misunderstanding?
Madam Liu's words made Fang Yacun fall silent, and a faint unease began to stir within him.
Just then, someone outside reported that a messenger had come to request the master's presence at the yamen.
Fang Yacun could only rise and say, "I'm heading out now. Go to Old Madam's place once more, say you're inquiring about arranging a wet nurse for the child, and see if she's willing to meet you. Also, pay a visit to Eldest Sister's home and see if you can find out anything. As for the matter of adopting from the clan... write a letter to your elder brother and ask him to contact some people who can support us when the time comes."
Madam Liu quickly stood up to see him off, replying as she walked him to the door, "I've already started writing home, so don't worry, Master. You've been managing the household for so many years—how could anyone easily replace you with a mere infant? Even if Old Madam insists on having her way, those old family friends who do business with our Fang family will surely step forward to speak up for you."
Hearing this, Fang Yacun stopped in his tracks, turned around, and gently squeezed Madam Liu's palm, saying warmly, "You've worked hard. All these years, I've been able to save so much worry thanks to you managing things behind the scenes."
Madam Liu stole a glance at the maid standing outside, blushing as she whispered, "Husband, there's no need for such formalities. This is simply my duty."
Fang Yacun smiled at Madam Liu and turned to leave.
After watching him go, Madam Liu returned to finish and seal the letter she had been writing earlier, then had it sent to her maiden home. She then changed into outdoor attire and headed to Old Madam Fang's courtyard.
However, as soon as she reached the courtyard entrance, she was stopped by one of Old Madam Fang's elderly maids.
"Madam, our Old Madam is still unwell and says she doesn't wish to receive visitors."
Madam Liu, who was usually gentle and amiable with the people in Old Madam Fang's courtyard, now put on a stern expression and assumed the demeanor of the household's mistress. "Visitors? Am I a visitor?"
The maid was taken aback and quickly apologized with a smile, "Of course you're not a visitor, but Old Madam truly instructed that she would see no one. Please don't make things difficult for us servants, Madam."
Madam Liu frowned. She had hoped to sound out Old Madam Fang to prepare early, but now Old Madam Fang refused to even see her. How could she show goodwill under these circumstances?
Madam Liu softened her tone and said, "Please go and ask again for me. I heard Ninth Brother's child will be brought into the mansion this afternoon. I'd like to consult Old Madam on how to arrange for wet nurses and attendants. If we're short on staff, I can start looking for people earlier."The maidservant promptly replied, "Oh, if you're asking about that, I did hear Old Madam Ren mention it. She said that once the young master arrives, she will take care of him and have him stay in the main room. She has already selected the wet nurse, nannies, and maidservants early on."
Upon hearing this, Madam Liu was startled. Had Old Madam Ren already chosen all these people? But why hadn't she heard even a whisper about it? Could it be that Old Madam Ren had been guarding against her from the very beginning?
At this point, it would be unscientific for the author not to ask for more votes while adding updates... 〒_〒
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