"If Concubine Fang truly instigated our young lady this time, then she is far too dismissive of our West Mansion and the Su Family," the maidservant frowned.
"Perhaps she believes she's doing the Su Family a favor," Su Shi said calmly. "But this favor is not hers to give. Concubine Fang has overstepped this time."
Su Shi's voice was as placid as water, revealing no unpleasant emotions, but the maidservant who had served her for many years sensed her mistress's displeasure.
Regardless of Concubine Fang's motives or whether her actions benefited the Su Family, she had still exploited Ren Yaoting.
If she could exploit her once, she could do it again. This time it was fine wine; next time it could be poison.
The maidservant understood this, and Su Shi understood it even better.
Not long after Ren Yaoqi returned to the mansion, she heard that the Han Family had quarreled again. It was said that the Han clan members were furious with Han Dongshan for failing to give them an explanation. Some even stirred up trouble, claiming Han Yunshan was deliberately stalling to properly handle the treasures and find a way to absolve himself.
This time, the angry Han clan members nearly stormed into the inner courtyard of the Han Mansion.
Madam Han, whose health was already poor, was so frightened that she suffered an asthma attack. If Han Yunqian had not arrived in time, Madam Han might not have survived.
This time, the Han Family also lost their temper and drove out all those who had been lingering in the Han Mansion.
At first, those people stubbornly refused to leave, but in the end, Master Han threatened that if they continued to cause trouble in the Han Mansion, he would reclaim all the land and property belonging to their branch of the clan and stop giving money to the clan each year.
They had no evidence of Han Yunshan embezzling clan assets, and even the only witness had vanished without a trace. Meanwhile, the silver the Han Family provided to the clan was tangible.
This time, many who relied on clan relief or had children studying in the Han Family school fell silent.
Finally, the Han clan leader arrived to mediate and reached an agreement with Han Yunshan. The clan members would return to Jizhou with him, but Han Yunshan had to give the clan an explanation within three months.
Some felt three months was too long and were dissatisfied, but under the clan leader's persuasion, they reluctantly agreed and returned to Jizhou with him that same day.
Upon hearing this, Ren Yaoqi recalled that in her previous life, Madam Han had passed away very early, likely within a year or two of this time, though she did not know the exact date.
Of the Han Family members, she had never met Old Madam Han or Master Han. Han Dongshan and Han Yunqian were both formidable figures. However, after several interactions with Madam Han and Han You, she found them both gentle, well-mannered, and reasonable.
Some days later, Ren Yaoqi heard that Madam Han's illness showed no signs of improvement. Ren Yaoting came to the West Mansion to invite Ren Yaoqi and her sisters to visit Madam Han.
In truth, Ren Yaoting would have preferred to go alone, but she feared gossip if she did. So, she decided to ask Ren Yaoqi to accompany her. Once Ren Yaoqi was invited, the rest of the Ren Family naturally found out.
Old Madam Ren, thinking that "even if the deal falls through, goodwill remains," allowed all her granddaughters to visit and offer their condolences.Originally, it was supposed to be the Eldest Young Madam leading the group, but she claimed to be unwell, so First Madam took a few younger family members instead.
Just as they were about to leave, Nanny Zhou hurried over and quietly advised the sisters Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua, "Although you’re going to visit the sick, it’s enough to just take a distant look and show your concern. Don’t stay too long in Madam Han’s room."
"Why is that?" Ren Yaohua asked in surprise.
Nanny Zhou whispered, "You’re still young, so it’s normal not to understand these things. I heard Madam Han has been coughing up blood these past few days, and I’m afraid it might be ‘consumption.’ If you catch this illness, your life would be ruined. So you must be very careful—don’t touch anything in Madam Han’s room, and don’t eat or drink anything from their household."
Upon hearing this, Ren Yaohua laughed and said, "Nanny, you’re being too cautious. Isn’t it said to be asthma?"
But Nanny Zhou replied seriously, "Third Miss, you don’t know this. Some families have unmarried daughters, and to avoid future in-laws looking down on them, they don’t always reveal the true nature of an illness. Just listen to your nanny and be very careful. Don’t take it lightly."
Seeing Nanny Zhou’s genuine concern, Ren Yaohua nodded and promised, "I understand. I won’t go near."
Nanny Zhou then looked at Ren Yaoqi.
Ren Yaoqi also nodded to show she understood.
Only then did Nanny Zhou let the two sisters leave.
Although the Han Family was also in town and not far from the Ren Family, the women of the Ren Family still took a carriage when going out.
Once in the carriage, Ren Yaohua asked Ren Yaoqi, "Is Eldest Sister-in-law also avoiding the Han Family because of what Nanny Zhou mentioned?"
Ren Yaoqi thought for a moment and shook her head. "Eldest Sister-in-law is kind and honest by nature. Even if she knew, she wouldn’t avoid coming for this reason. It’s probably that First Madam, out of concern for her, took her place."
Eldest Young Madam Zhao Shi was indeed a kind and honest person, without any ulterior motives. She wouldn’t avoid going herself and let her mother-in-law take her place.
However, Zhao Shi had been taking medicine daily lately, reportedly to conceive a child as soon as possible. First Madam might have kept her from going for this reason. If Zhao Shi were to become pregnant at this time and catch an illness, it would be disastrous.
The Ren Family had sent a visiting card in advance; otherwise, even a well-intentioned visit to the sick could be seen as improper etiquette.
Thus, the Han Family had sent someone to wait at the gate early in the morning.
The Ren Family’s carriage was directly led to the Inner Gate.
This was Ren Yaoqi’s first time visiting the Han Family. In any case, she had no impression of the Han Family’s residence and likely hadn’t visited in her previous life.
Although the layout of the Han Family’s residence couldn’t compare to the Ren Family’s, and its buildings weren’t as grand and splendid, it was overall dignified and simple. However, a discerning eye could notice differences in the details.
For example, the tall screen wall at the entrance of Han Yunshan and Old Madam Han’s courtyard was no less impressive than the Lingbi stone known as "Majestic Cangshan" in the Ren Family’s Glory and Splendor Courtyard.
A small garden they passed had many rare flowers and plants.
Yet, the Han Family’s wealth was displayed very subtly. To an untrained eye, the Han Family’s residence would simply appear rugged and spacious.
The women of the Ren Family were first led to meet the Han Family’s matriarch, Old Madam Han.
However, everyone was taken aback when they saw Old Madam Han.It was not because Old Madam Han was unpleasant to look at. On the contrary, this elderly lady, who was about the same age as Old Master Han, had bright eyes, very few wrinkles on her face, and jet-black hair. She looked like a lady in her forties, and even had more vitality than her daughter-in-law, Madam Han.
The Ren family members were all somewhat puzzled.
Including First Madam, this was the first time the women of the Ren family had met Old Madam Han. Originally, because Old Madam Han often claimed illness and did not go out, it was Madam Han—who was also not in good health—who attended social engagements. Therefore, everyone naturally assumed that Old Madam Han was frail and decrepit.
Unexpectedly, she presented such an appearance.
Seeing the surprise in everyone's eyes, Old Madam Han smiled and said, "My legs and feet are not well, so I don’t like going out much. Usually, my daughter-in-law goes out on my behalf."
Only then did everyone notice that although Old Madam Han’s legs showed no obvious issues, she walked slowly and was constantly supported by her granddaughter, Han You. This made everyone believe her explanation a little more.
Ren Yaoqi was also secretly observing Old Madam Han. She noticed that Old Madam Han’s face had almost no wrinkles, but when she spoke, faint smile lines would appear and disappear around her mouth. She must have been a cheerful person when she was young. Now, although her tone was gentle, she seemed somewhat dignified.
While Ren Yaoqi was silently observing, a sharp gaze suddenly shot in her direction. This gaze was very perceptive.
Ren Yaoqi couldn’t help but freeze, meeting Old Madam Han’s eyes.
With a shy smile, Ren Yaoqi lowered her head somewhat awkwardly, as if she had been caught peeking at someone.
Old Madam Han withdrew her gaze, invited First Madam to take the seat of honor, and instructed the maids to serve tea.
The younger members of the Ren family also sat below First Madam according to their seniority.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Ren Yaoting couldn’t help but ask, "Old Madam, is Aunt Han feeling better? We came specifically to visit her today."
As soon as she blurted this out, First Madam of the Ren family couldn’t help but frown.
The Ren family had informed the Han family in advance about their visit to inquire after Madam Han’s health, but it was customary to first exchange greetings with the elders of the household. Ren Yaoting’s abrupt remark made it seem as though she, the elder, did not know proper etiquette.
However, in front of outsiders, First Madam would not show her displeasure, nor would she publicly reprimand her niece, Ren Yaoting. She nodded to Old Madam Han and smiled, adding, "If it’s convenient, we would like to visit Madam Han. Our Old Madam Ren was also very concerned when she heard that Madam Han was ill. She has always admired Madam Han’s refinement and often mentions her to us daughters-in-law."
Upon hearing this, Han You, who was standing beside Old Madam Han, teared up. "My mother’s condition fluctuates..."
Old Madam Han gently patted Han You’s hand and interrupted softly, "Good child, don’t worry. Didn’t the doctor say today that your mother’s condition has improved somewhat? She will recover slowly. Go to your mother’s courtyard and tell her that First Madam of the Ren family has brought the young ladies of the Ren family to visit. Ask her how she’s feeling today."
Han You softly acknowledged the instruction and withdrew.Ren Yaoting had originally wanted to find an opportunity to quietly speak with Han You, but now she dared not rashly follow them. She wasn’t afraid of being scolded by First Madam, but rather feared that her own recklessness might make Old Madam Ren think she lacked propriety.
First Madam began exchanging pleasantries with Old Madam Ren again.
Ren Yaoting felt somewhat disappointed. She had originally wondered if she might be able to take advantage of this visit to see Han Yunqian. However, it seemed Han Yunqian was not at home today. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please come to Qidian to vote for recommendations and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
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