Chapter 241 Poisons
Chapter 241 Poisons
"Who did you say? Chen Zhongyao?" Jiang Changyang's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets!
"How...how did he get involved with the Liu family..."
"He's Liu Yuechu's sworn brother, why can't he come along?!" Jiang Yunjiao had guessed that Liu Yuechu had other plans, but she didn't expect her to be able to move Chen Zhongyao so easily!
Jiang Jiuwei gasped for breath. Although he maintained the dignity of the Left Chancellor, he was cursing his son to death in his heart!
"You rascal! I know you love your sister, but you can't act recklessly! Your aunt has already given the decree that the Liu family is our in-law family. Whether Chen Zhongyao is here or not, you shouldn't neglect them!"
He gave a high-sounding critique, then gave a helpless smile, "Sigh, we can't let people think that our Jiang family is arrogant and rude. You must apologize to the Liu family later. Your sister hasn't even married into the family yet, and you're already causing such a commotion. You're already so old, and you still haven't grown up!"
Jiang Jiuwei seized the opportunity to make an excuse, defusing the awkward situation, and explained that he was acting as a loving older brother who didn't want his sister to get married.
Jiang Changyang knew he had gotten himself into trouble and repeatedly agreed.
"Please have a seat, I'll go take a look." Jiang Jiuwei bowed apologetically to everyone and left with Jiang Changyang.
As a woman, Jiang Yunjiao was not allowed to show her face according to the rules, so she had to leave in a hurry to continue making arrangements in the inner quarters.
At this moment, Chen Zhongyao was resting under a tree by the side gate.
Liu Yuechu was already sitting on a small stool brought over by the servants, while Huajiao fanned her to cool her down.
Liu Musheng was absent-minded, as if he only wanted to wait for the Jiang family to carry the congratulatory gifts inside before turning around and leaving.
Liu Muchi stood respectfully with his hands clasped, his demeanor very similar to Yuan Cuo's. Liu Yuechan, however, looked around with unusual curiosity, and no one knew what she was looking at.
They sat there, and no one dared to enter through the side door.
Liu Yuechu changed her posture several times before she heard footsteps coming from afar. It was Jiang Jiuwei personally leading people to greet her.
"The heir of the Duke of Jingguo came to speak just now, so I left for a moment. I was hoping to hide away and have a private talk with you all, but really..."
"I didn't expect Imperial Censor Chen to come in person. It's an honor to have the Left Chancellor's residence here. Please don't make a fuss about the side gate. I have no intention of being negligent. I really just wanted to hide away."
Jiang Jiuwei was not tall and was somewhat stout. He only slightly bent over, which seemed like a bow, making Chen Zhongyao appear overly arrogant.
Chen Zhongyao kept his hands behind his back and didn't bring them to the front. "It's better if I come in through the side door, so that the people in front won't see me and feel embarrassed, which would ruin the atmosphere today."
"..."
Jiang Jiuwei was already used to his attitude, but he was surprised that he, who had never had any weaknesses, would actually stand up for the Liu family.
"I didn't know you were Mu Sheng's elder brother, otherwise I should have invited you to the last marriage proposal meeting."
“It doesn’t matter who he marries, I don’t care. After all, it’s his good fortune that a good-for-nothing playboy like him could be favored by the Left Chancellor. As long as you don’t feel that your daughter is at a disadvantage.” Chen Zhongyao’s words were also a prelude.
Jiang Jiuwei's thoughts were complicated. "My daughter is also the darling of the family and has been spoiled. I just want to find a stable family for her so that she can live a peaceful life."
"Your Excellency's idea is excellent. My younger brother and sister will not mistreat her or make her work too hard. You can rest assured." Chen Zhongyao said with a half-smile.
Jiang Changyang's eyes narrowed. What did he mean by "not too strenuous"?
“My sister is proficient in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and even helps our mother manage the household affairs. She is one of the most outstanding women in the capital. Your Liu family is small and simple in its ways, so she won’t have to work too hard.”
“That’s not right.” Liu Musheng hadn’t spoken for a long time, but he couldn’t help but say this. “The inner quarters are actually the whole household. The trivial matters that are done every day may seem insignificant, but they are actually the most exhausting.”
"Don't think I'm exaggerating. Although there are few people in our family, my sister is exhausted from dealing with everything, working day and night."
"It's not that I haven't tried, but I don't think I'm qualified. Just looking at those accounts gives me a headache. I could lose five pounds just by doing one book. That's not a job for a human being."
"That's why I listen to my sister without question, because I know that I can't do what she can do."
……
Liu Musheng had been thinking about splitting up the family business for the past few days, but after some thought, he decided not to bring it up directly.
After all, the Left Chancellor's office didn't mention money, so it would be presumptuous of him to bring up money so readily.
Jiang Changyang glanced at her dismissively, "I'm afraid Lady Liu lacks ability and doesn't have any good helpers. Once my sister arrives at your residence, she will naturally help you share some of the burden."
“That’s a good thing. My sister can stay out of the inner quarters and manage the Liu family business.” Liu Musheng had been with Pei Chun for a long time and understood the thoughts of these young masters from official residences. “Business is tainted by money, after all. I will not let the eldest daughter of the Left Chancellor’s family get involved, so as not to be criticized by outsiders. Please rest assured, Lord Left Chancellor.”
Jiang Jiuwei: "..."
Jiang Changyang: "..."
Isn't this guy supposed to be an idiot? But when it comes to money, he's not stupid at all!
"Alright, let's discuss these matters after she's actually married into the Liu family. She's not your wife yet, so don't be presumptuous." Chen Zhongyao interrupted Liu Musheng at the opportune moment, since he had already said what he wanted to say.
Liu Musheng bowed respectfully, even with a hint of apology.
"Liu Yiren has arrived. Our young lady has been waiting for a long time. Why don't you come with her to the inner courtyard to rest?" Jiang Yunjiao's wet nurse appeared at the right time.
"Go ahead, but don't overwork yourself. If you get tired, just send someone to tell us we can go back to the manor first," Chen Zhongyao set the tone, and Liu Yuechu immediately agreed.
Holding Huajiao's hand, with Granny Fang and Xia Zhi by her side, Liu Yuechan bowed to everyone and then followed her sister to the inner quarters.
Hou Lai, who was dressed as a woman, had long since disappeared.
No one noticed that one of the Liu family's maids was missing.
Liu Yuechu walked slowly, stopping every now and then to ask questions. The wet nurse was anxious, but could only patiently explain, "...It's noon now, and the sun is at its strongest. Liu Yiren might as well walk faster. When you get to the main courtyard, there will be ice offerings, so you can cool off."
“I am indeed a little tired from walking. Perhaps Mother could ask for a palanquin?” Liu Yuechu suddenly stopped, no longer intending to walk. “I told you that I, this troublesome person, shouldn’t have come to your mansion to offer birthday wishes. Instead, I’ve become a burden.” She smiled, seemingly apologetic.
The wet nurse smiled and said, "Then why don't you sit in the tea room of this theater for a while, Ms. Liu? I'll send someone to call for the palanquin, and then I'll invite you over when it arrives."
Liu Yuechu nodded and led her maids into the small house next door.
"The tea room in the theater is empty? Did the Left Chancellor's residence not arrange a performance for the birthday celebration?" Xia Zhi took a handkerchief to dust off the dust and helped Liu Yuechu sit down.
Granny Fang looked around as well. "The old lady of the Left Chancellor's residence is not a lively person; she has always preferred quiet." She knew this.
Liu Yuechu nodded knowingly, then turned to see Liu Yuechan squatting in the corner, fiddling with something.
"What have you seen that's bothering you this time, you silly girl?"
Liu Yuechan turned around, holding a dark object in her hand, and asked in great surprise, "Why are there scorpions in the tea room of the Left Chancellor's residence?"
NABC