Last time on Grafting Life: Lin Dai Yu wants to be a doctor. Zhou Rui is involved with bandits and Mother Jia learns of her family’s financial hardship.
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Chapter 43 – Red Chamber (43)
Leng Zi Xing got arrested that night. No one knew what had happened, or if he had offended someone. They only knew that the government office had caught a great thief and the other confessed about Leng Zi Xing.
Zhou Rui’s daughter was crying very hard. “Back then, it was Dad who said he is a capable person. He is capable, but capable of matters worthy of execution. If he is executed, what do I do?”
“Do not cry right now, crying does not help. Also, you just blame us. Why not think of the days you have lived in these years, you are able to order around servants, and live like a proper missus. Also, in these years, the son-in-law was under your eyes. You should know if he had any connection with thieves. How come you panicked first?” Zhou Rui’s wife comforted her daughter and turned to give a look to Zhou Rui. “Go to the government office and inquire what the process is. See if you can spend some silver to get better treatment. I will go ask the mistress to send a note later and the matter will be finished.”
Zhou Rui took out silver from the cabinet, put it away and turned to leave.
Zhou Rui’s wife urged her daughter, “Just gather the wealth of the son-in-law. Regardless of whether or not he can be saved, have you to live your days.”
“I do not know where he keeps his wealth,” Zhou Rui’s daughter cried. “He just gave me the household expenses. If I ask for silver, he would give generously, but I truly do not know where he keeps the silver.”
Zhou Rui’s wife’s heart skipped a beat. It seemed that they had to save this son-in-law no matter what. Otherwise, she did not know who the wealth would benefit. However, from this, she saw that her son-in-law did not think much of her daughter, and she was a bit angry.
“Then return first. Just that courtyard and that shop is enough for you to live,” Zhou Rui’s wife said in exasperation. Her daughter had been spoiled, and did not have any smarts.
Sending away her daughter, Zhou Rui’s wife hurriedly went to Madam Wang. She needed a note from the residence to take care of this matter.
Madam Wang moved the beads with her fingers, her eyes closed. She had known of the matter of Zhou Rui’s family. Nothing in the residence could be kept a secret. However, she was a bit angry. Was the fact that her people kept on having problems something good? However, she could not part with Zhou Rui’s wife temporarily. She had to appear and take care of many outside parties. She could not find someone suitable so quickly.
She heard Zhou Rui’s wife say, “Mistress should not have been troubled by this matter, but the things from the old mistress need a safe exit. My son-in-law is not good at anything else, but no one is more familiar than him with antiques. The price is fair, and he does not dare to make silver from our residence as he is still relying on the residence to live. If we find another, they may not be as reliable, and the price may not be suitable. A lot of silver may be lost like that. Also, my son-in-law has been fine in the capital all these years, and never been in contact with thieves. It is just a battle between businesses, and he may have been wrongly accused.”
Wang-shi only half believed the words. The rumors were so detailed that they could not be fake. There must be something wrong. It was not difficult to get him out, however, she had to make sure the servants knew that she was not a person easy to fool. So she said, “If there is smoke, there is fire. If he truly did something evil, and the residence rashly interferes, the residence will lose its reputation. We should be more cautious.”
Zhou Rui’s wife smiled and said, “I do not dare to hide from Mistress. If something is wrong, I fear it is a calamity caused by making the wrong friend. A merchant who travels around will know some friends of the lower ranks. It may be that he was dragged in. But he himself does not dare to do anything worthy of being executed.”
Madam Wang nodded. “Then take a note from the residence and try.”
Zhou Rui’s wife joyfully acknowledged.
But the matter was not one the face of the Jia Family could resolve. Wen Tian Fang was in charge of the capital’s security. The bit of special power the Jia Family had was not of use at all in front of him. Zhou Rui’s wife begged many people and paid a lot of silver to learn who could decide this matter. But no matter how stupid Zhou Rui and his wife were, they knew that they likely could not deliver the note in their hands. They knew of the conflict between the Xue Family and the Jinghai Count. Mistress Xue gave the mistress five thousand silver but the mistress did not go to the Lin Family and speak. It was Miss Xue who relied on the relationship with Eldest Miss Lin, and came to the door before the matter was let go. Who were they? Would the Lin Family know who they were?
Zhou Rui and his wife were truly stressed now. They only had this one daughter. If the son-in-law was beheaded, what about their daughter? The two of them only had this one hope.
“You go beg Second Missus. Who in the family does not know that Second Missus and Eldest Miss Lin are very close?” Zhou Rui looked at his wife and said.
Zhou Rui’s wife changed expression. She had not been very respectful of Wang Xi Feng in the last while. But right now, there was only one path left. She touched her face. At this time, her face was not worth much.
Wang Xi Feng learned that Zhou Rui’s wife wanted to see her, and felt some scorn. So, people could not forget themselves. Now, the other was coming to her, begging.
Zhou Rui’s wife originally wanted to see how Wang Xi Feng would make things difficult for her, but the other did not have an unpleasant expression at all.
Wang Xi Feng had Zhou Rui’s wife sit down and said with sympathetic expression, “Some things are not appropriate for me to say, but if I do not speak, I fear that others will not dare to tell you. Looking at you working so hard for your son-in-law, I can not bear it. In the end, you came from the Wang Family with my aunt as part of her dowry, and we are closer than others.”
Such words were very intimate, but Zhou Rui’s wife was very stunned. What did others not dare to say to her?
Wang Xi Feng suppressed her smile and said sympathetically, “Your son-in-law has another woman outside, and she gave birth to a son. The son is not very young. He probably feared our residence’s people gossiping and being unable to hide them so he did not keep them in the capital, and hid them in Tongzhou. He travels on business, and it is common for him to not return home for a few days each time. It is only half a day from Tongzhou to the capital, there are water routes. All kinds of goods gather there. If he goes to Tongzhou, no one will suspect. If this time, he was thoroughly investigated, and did not know he was such a person, the woman in Tongzhou is like a proper missus, and no one knew he had a lover outside.”
Zhou Rui’s wife’s face was black. She was not willing to believe this. But she knew that Wang Xi Feng would not joke with such a matter. She said, “My son-in-law is a filial person, and very good to my daughter. Missus, you suddenly say this, and I cannot recover.”
“This is news from the government office. Your son-in-law keeps an close eye on the mother and son. Maybe because he knew it was not good this time, at the very end, he sent a trusted worker to send a message for the mother and son to go back to their old home. When the people of the government office went in search, the mother and son already were on the ship, heading south. I think that your son-in-law’s money must be in that woman’s hands. Also, do you know where the old home of your son-in-law is? That woman knows. Who would think that he is such a person? This was found out because the government office found the worker who passed on the message and the worker confessed. I do not dare to speak nonsense.” Wang Xi Feng shook her head, looking very helpless and sympathetic.
Zhou Rui’s wife’s face was black rather than pale. Leng Zi Xing had fooled her and her husband. She asked in anger, “Missus, do you know the whereabouts of the mother and son?” If she found them, she would not get them dead, but at least, she would sell them to a dirty place.
Wang Xi Feng thought, why should I tell you and have a murder committed? She said, “This has nothing to do with your son-in-law’s case. The government office did not pursue this, and I naturally do not know.” Right now, she knew because Lin Yu Tong had secretly shared this with her. If she was not willing to say, so what?
Zhou Rui’s wife had no thoughts of rescuing people now. She wanted her son-in-law to die in prison. Otherwise, that courtyard and that shop could not pass under her daughter’s name.
Her family had not known of this at all. She did not know how many people watched her and her husband run around, and laughed at them in secret. The more she thought, the more angry she was. She felt sad for her daughter, and also blamed her daughter. How stupid was she to be fooled by a man like this?
Xiao Hong saw Zhou Rui’s wife leave like this and whispered, “Fortunately she has left. With this person’s ability, she is not easy to send away.”
“Right now, she likely wants to bribe the government workers to have her son-in-law suffer and confess about the mother and son. If he does not confess anything else, she would want her son-in-law to die immediately. But think about it, if Leng Zi Xing does not die, then Zhou Rui’s family would live in fear. No thief is ever by themselves. They would have connections behind them. In the future, she will have many days of fear. Just watch.” Wang Xi Feng laughed coldly. However, she could not help but admire power. Lin Yu Tong was very capable and reliable, taking him down as she said.
Xiao Hong’s eyes turned. “Missus, is the yogurt today good, it is very appetizing. I will deliver a bowl to the old mistress.” Then she would tell Yuan Yang along the way. Yuan Yang likely hated Zhou Rui’s wife very much. If she had the chance, she would trip the other up. Also, after the things came through Yuan Yang’s hands, it was Missus who determined the final destination. She had to nurture the relationship with Yuan Yang.
Wang Xi Feng pointed at Xiao Hong, saying, “So smart!”
Yuan Yang heard Xiao Hong’s idle gossip, and her lips curved. Right now, she liked people like the second missus more. Even though the second missus wanted the old mistress’ things, she would do it openly, and not threaten others, making them feel uncomfortable. Seeing Xiao Hong so smart, she said, “Tell your missus that I know what she is thinking.”
Xiao Hong smiled and said, “Sister’s words are too polite.”
Lin Yu Tong saw the matter cleaned up so well, and knew that a storekeeper would not be able to do this. There was no reason that she could not accept Wen Tian Fang interfering in this. She was not in a hurry to set up the auction house. Once she had good items for sale, it was not too late to have people prepare. This was not something that could be accomplished in a day or two. She had to take her time. She felt that what she did not lack most of all was time.
The entire summer, the Lin Family was busy with the marriage of Wen Tian Fang and Lin Yu Tong. While it was just an engagement, it was still very lively. No matter how capable a girl was, she could not manage her own marriage. The women of the Zhang Family came to help. The Jia Family wanted to interfere, but Lin Ru Hai did not invite them at all. Mother Jia sent someone twice to ask, and Lin Ru Hai pretended to not understand, and did not say a thing. Jia Bao Yu came to the Lin Family twice on his own, and Lin Yu Yang received him and then saw him off. If the servant girls of the Jia Family came, it was mostly Lin Yu Tong who came out and blocked them. Since Lin Dai Yu made her decision, then she should not participate in the future matters. Physician Su came to the capital with his family and settled down before patiently teaching Dai Yu. One was teaching sincerely, and the other was learning sincerely. Lin Yu Tong, the student listening by the side, had a harder and harder time. It had to be said that people’s intelligence was different. At least, Lin Yu Tong felt that she was not as smart as Lin Dai Yu, a girl in her teens was just a middle school student in the modern times. This was the time to absorb knowledge. Once she was immersed, she would not have her attention easily diverted. She appeared to not pay attention to things outside.
When the heat faded and the chrysanthemums were blooming, the Lin Family welcomed an unexpected guest — Grandmother Liu.
Grandmother Liu knew Lin Yu Tong’s status and came directly to the Lin Family. Right now, Grandmother Liu was taking care of the estate for Wang Xi Feng. Her days counted as well-off. She came with Ban’er on a donkey cart. The servants of the Lin Family did not care so much about wealth differences. If they truly did, they did not dare to show it. Knowing that their masters disliked it, only an idiot would show it.
The servants from the corner door invited Grandmother Liu in and set her up in the gate house before coming to report. Lin Yu Tong was very shocked and had her invited in.
She saw that what was in Grandmother Liu’s basket was not rare things, just some tender pumpkins and vegetables which appeared fresh. She smiled and had a servant take them. “The pumpkins look very tender. I will have them make dumplings to eat.”
Grandmother Liu saw that the miss did not disdain the gift and gave an even more sincere smile. “I heard of Miss’ good news, and then learned that the two benefactors this old woman encountered in this life came from the same family. It can be seen that the bodhisattva has eyes. I wanted to come a long time ago and thank Miss, but thinking that your family is busy, I did not dare to disturb you. I thought that the vegetables are grown now in the autumn, and brought some for Miss to taste.”
“Grandmother, you are too polite.” Lin Yu Tong smiled and was not embarrassed. “Grandmother, have your days been well? From the vegetables, it appears you have a good harvest.”
When Grandmother Liu spoke of the harvest, she was full of words. Lin Yu Tong was patient and listened with interest. Ban’er was no longer a child with a dripping nose. He had entered a school and looked mannered.
Lin Yu Tong kept Grandmother Liu for a meal. Before seeing her off, she said, “Grandmother, you do not have to worry about your food now. I will not give you those things. These books are ones that my brother used before. There are notes in them. They may be of some use to Ban’er. Grandmother, do not be polite and accept this token.”
This was more precious than any gold and silver to Grandmother Liu. “Amitabha, everyone knows that Master Lin ranked third in the imperial examinations, and Young Master Lin passed the provincial examinations.” In Grandmother Liu’s village, the school only had a teacher who had failed the imperial examinations.
Grandmother Liu left the Lin Family and said to Ban’er, “Be careful with the book, it may be a treasure passed down in the family. If you memorize the book, you may pass the county examinations.”
The children of the poor families grew up early. Ban’er agreed. Even the teachers in his school did not have these books.
Grandmother Liu of course had to visit Wang Xi Feng when she came to the city. This time, she was family and said that she was looking for Miss Xiao Hong. Xiao Hong’s parents were respected in the residence, and no one made trouble for her. Soon, Xiao Hong came to get her. “Grandmother, why did you not send notice before coming? A carriage may have been able to pick up Grandmother and bring you here along the way.”
“No need for such trouble. My legs are still working now, and I can walk,” Grandmother Liu said, “I learned that Second Missus has good news and I will be worried if I do not come to visit.”
The two talked along the way and entered Wang Xi Feng’s courtyard. Wang Xi Feng had started to show already, her belly protruding. Grandmother Liu saw this and said, “It is definitely a son.”
Everyone would like to hear such things, especially from an elderly person. Wang Xi Feng felt even more confident. “I will take Grandmother’s good words.” Then she invited Grandmother Liu to sit down. “Grandmother has come so abruptly, is something the matter?”
“I came to congratulate the Eldest Lin Miss and Missus. Also, to ask Missus about the rent this year,” Grandmother Liu saw that Wang Xi Feng was puzzled and said, “Today, the weather was good, and the harvest is greater. Some families will increase the rent by a tenth. I came to ask Missus what to do.”
Wang Xi Feng nodded. So there was the reason. Thinking about the fact they may have to reside there in the future, reputation and relationships were the most important. Otherwise, they could not root themselves there. So she said, “Our family will only reduce the rent, never increase it. If the harvest is not good, we may reduce. If the harvest is good, people just pay on time. It is to accumulate good fortune for my child.”
Grandmother Liu hurriedly nodded. “Now, we have to manage our land well. Missus, do not worry. There are many people who think well of Missus. The good fortune will come.”
Coincidentally, the wet nurse had brought Eldest jie’er over. Wang Xi Feng called Grandmother Liu to give a name to Eldest jie’er and she got the name Qiao-*jie.
Wang Xi Feng only had her daughter and the children in her belly. She cared about both. She felt that she had done something good for her child and was happy. She started to chat about daily matters with Grandmother Liu.
“I just do not see Miss Ping’er.” Grandmother Liu thought of the servant girl from last time and could not avoid asking.
Xiao Hong said with a smile, “She is not Miss Ping’er now, she should be called Concubine Ping.”
Grandmother Liu did not have time to speak before she heard footsteps. Then the curtain lifted. Ping’er had come.
“Girl, why are you so chatty?” Ping’er first lectured Xiao Hong before seeing it was Grandmother Liu and asked about her.
Grandmother Liu saw Ping’er’s attire was not that of an unmarried girl and understood. No wonder Second Missus had Miss Xiao Hong with her. So this was the reason. Wife and concubine were never on good terms. This Miss Ping’er likely did not know the secret money that Second Missus had. So she smiled and said, “Today, my days have improved. I picked some fresh fruit to deliver to Missus, Mistress, and the old mistress to taste.”
Ping’er just thought that she had come to seek aid again and said with a smile, “That is good, Missus likes fresh things right now.”
Wang Xi Feng and Xiao Hong exchanged a look. The other was an elderly woman and without any word, knew what to say and what to not. Wang Xi Feng changed the topic. “I see that your face is red. Did you drink a lot? How about lying down, no one can press you.”
“I could not refuse. Eldest Missus pressed me to drink a bit.” Ping’er touched her face and said with a smile, “Pity that Missus cannot eat now. That crab is half a pound. Not enough to share. Other than those with status, other people did not get them. I brought a few back. Xiao Hong and Grandmother Liu can eat them, they are still hot.”
“You just want to tempt me.” While Wang Xi Feng said this, she did have Grandmother Liu and Xiao Hong go and eat while hot. She stayed on the couch and talked with Ping’er.
“Is something the matter?” Wang Xi Feng asked.
“It is nothing major, however, the mistress still has not given the monthly wage. Right now, even Xi Ren from Bao Yu’s room came to ask. It must be very difficult,” Ping’er whispered.
“Can it not be difficult?” Wang Xi Feng said. “To get a bowl of steamed egg from the kitchen, I need cash. How much silver do the servant girls who act like misses in Bao Yu’s rooms cost? While the old mistress supplements, it cannot last with such expenses. The servants of the residence are so spoiled. They should serve their masters. But now it looks like the masters are raising the servants. Wait, wait until…… When the time comes, sell them all. Then they will know how good they have it now.”
“But this cannot continue. I want to get through each day on its own, but the mistress does not say anything, and they all come to me to get silver. What do I have to give them?” Ping’er used her drunkenness and complained.
“You dare to pretend in front of me? I do not believe that the servants do not know that the mistress commits usury and gives out high interest loans.” Wang Xi Feng laughed.
Ping’er smiled primly. “Mistress is too much. Right now, she does not even let this bit of money go. She uses everyone’s money to make money. Who will not gossip? Yesterday, the eldest mistress called for me and said to give her five hundred for her use. She probably wants to make loans too.”
“With her head……” Wang Xi Feng said disdainfully.
Editor’s ramblings: I just think it’s funny that Zhou Rui’s family doesn’t get names, just Zhou Rui’s wife or daughter.
Translator Ramblings: The thing with “Zhou Rui’s Wife” is that the literal is something like “Of Zhou Rui’s Family” which is really not the smoothest to write.
- Grafting Life Chapter 42 – Red Chamber (42)
- Grafting Life Chapter 44 – Red Chamber (44)
- Grafting Life Chapter 45 – Red Chamber (45)
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