Have You Written Your Will Today?
Chapter 176 I Have Indeed Made Many Sacrifices

Chapter 176: Chapter 176 I Have Indeed Made Many Sacrifices

She couldn’t be more sincere in what she said

Shen Hua was clear that mastering the art of managing a large household was indispensable. Once Cui Rong was older, it was expected that Qiao Si would impart these skills both verbally and through example.

Even back then, when Mama was still with us, she would always take the time to teach me a thing or two during her leisure moments.

But Shen Hua was never fond of learning such things.

However, with more silver in hand and Ms. Shen Chun transferring several shops under her name to Shen Hua, she had no choice but to pay attention to the daily income.

The girl had to buck up; if she didn’t inspect the shops herself, the housekeeper would always present the account books at the end of the month, which was clearly orchestrated by Ms. Shen Chun, with the purpose of immersing Shen Hua in the process.

At that time, her knowledge of characters was limited, and she displayed the epitome of laziness and indolence. Yet, she was quite skillful with her hands.

Click-clack, click-clack.

It was the sound of an abacus at work.

The housekeeper would read through the account books from start to finish, and she would listen to the figures, her fingertips deftly manipulating the beads. All the while, she would mumble and grumble non-stop.

"Mama had clearly checked the account books herself, yet she insists on me going through them again."

"So annoying, really so annoying."

"Shen Yangyang is so tired."

"I have money, why can’t I hire an accountant for myself?"

While saying this, she paused in her actions.

"The account books are incorrect."

The housekeeper intentionally brought the incorrect accounts.

Without waiting for a response from the housekeeper, Shen Hua reviewed them again, and the long string of figures was well remembered without needing another read-through.

"Indeed, it’s wrong."

Housekeeper: "Miss Shen is truly capable."

Shen Hua: ...

But Ms. Shen Chun had also indulged her.

Seeing that her health was improving daily, especially after she barely recovered from a cold wind illness, Ms. Shen Chun no longer pressured her into doing these things.

Latterly, when she went to Shengjing and returned empty-handed from seeking out Ni Kang, she came back cradling her sore throat, hoarse and unable to support herself from crying.

—— Our Yangyang, from now on, you just do what you want; Mama won’t force you anymore, as long as Yangyang is happy.

—— When Yangyang gets married someday, Mama will assign Nanny Feng and several maids to you. With them managing the inner house and your maternal family’s support, why worry about not having good days ahead?

But all these people, they’re gone.

The girl tugged at the corners of her lips.

Shen Hua let out a slight yawn of fatigue, yet Cui Yun’s reply was nowhere to be seen.

She looked up and changed the subject.

"I’ve always been a reasonable girl. It’s not just anyone who can get me to do the work personally; others might not mind a slap in the face, but I dread aching hands."

This did not contain a shred of falsehood.

As she spoke, she squinted her eyes: "It’s just five years or so, anyway."

The girl pouted.

Cui Yun pressed her brows together.

"I didn’t ask you to learn."

"That’s more like it."

Shen Hua: "Now I have to accompany the little ghost with his studies, I’ve already exhausted my energy, unable to do anything else."

As she spoke these words, she did not forget to spread her hands helplessly, without a hint of shame or blushing.

Cui Yun hummed through his nose in response, too lazy to expose her lies, said indifferently: "Hmm, you really are tired."

"Isn’t that the case?"

Shen Hua had always been the type to take advantage when she could.

"Every time I have to try hard to cover my talents, fearful that the little princess will feel inferior. I’m taking care of her self-esteem, and I’ve lost weight these days."

Cui Yun took a look.

The girl’s chin was sharp, her face the size of a palm, and he had seen for himself how haggard Shen Hua looked without her makeup. Even those with hearts of stone couldn’t help but feel compassion.

How could Cui Yun not know that she was able to say anything with her eyes wide open?

"Really, isn’t it because she’s being suppressed every day?"

Shen Hua: "..."

Her eyes widened slightly.

If you’re going to put it that way, there’s no need to continue the conversation.

Cui Yun’s eyes glimmered with a faint smile: "That’s good, may her journey be smooth sailing."

Shen Hua: ...We can still talk more!

She cleared her throat and replied with reserved dignity: "Mhm."

"Miss Shen is truly considerate."

Shen Hua was thoroughly delighted. A great sense of pride burst forth from within. She stood gracefully, lifting her chin slightly: "Indeed, I have made many sacrifices."

Cui Yun responded faintly: "Mhm."

Shen Hua: "It’s been quite exhausting."

Shen Hua felt inflated.

If she had a tail behind her, it would be wagging at this moment. She spoke with affectation, even raising the pinky finger holding her handkerchief.

"A girl like me is really rare, and you happened to encounter one."

"You are her uncle, it is only proper for you to express gratitude on her behalf. I am ready."

Cui Yun listened patiently until she finished speaking.

"Shen Hua."

This was the first time he called her by her full name.

The man’s voice was like jade, cool and composed, with a hint of helplessness. His black pupils fixed firmly on Shen Hua.

"That’s enough now."

Shen Hua wrinkled her pert nose, reluctantly reigning herself in.

"Oh."

As they were talking, Cui Xuan arrived and showed some surprise at seeing him.

"Yun, why have you come back?"

Cui Yun turned and bowed respectfully.

"My son has something he wishes Mama to personally hand over to Cousin Chen. There are official duties later, and I fear I won’t be able to escort Mama there."

The affairs of the imperial court have not been widely spread, and Cui Xuan did not inquire. However, last night Cui Yun had visited Old Master Cui’s study and stayed for a long time.

Early this morning, Dowager Cui made an appearance. While accompanying her for breakfast, she made a remark.

"Avoid contact with people from Duke Wei Mansion from now on; I see that Rong has not been fussing about going out to play with them these days. That’s good. They are not our kind of people."

She then guessed there must have been a significant event.

And not a minor one.

"There’s no need for you to deliver it. Attend to your matters."

Cui Xuan accepted the letter with a smile: "Mama will surely deliver it personally."

She glanced at Cui Yun, then perceptively looked towards Shen Hua: "Is there anything you wish to entrust? The preparations are almost complete; it’s time to set off."

Indeed, Cui Yun had more to say.

His gaze fell on Cui Rong, who was sticking close to Qiao Si.

"Come here."

Cui Rong ran over, hopping and skipping with excitement.

"Uncle."

"Stand properly."

Cui Rong straightened his little frame.

"Xuan Residence is preoccupied with preparing for your uncle’s wedding. Your grandmother and Mama will surely be helping out; don’t be wilful and cause your elders worry."

"In the coming days, many relatives will visit Xuan Residence. When meeting your elders, remember to greet them properly. There will also be girls around your age; don’t bully others with your temperament. This time you are the youngest child of both the Cui and Xuan households. According to the rules, you’re supposed to help your uncle look after the guests. If you’re willing, then take up the responsibility. If not, do not mistreat them."

Shen Hua thought, Cui Yun really had it tough.

It’s only been a day, and he’s already worried about Cui Rong causing trouble when he’s not around.

Indeed, after their departure, it was impossible for Cui Xuan and Qiao Si to watch over Cui Rong all the time.

Tsk.

Little ghosts are indeed troublemakers.

Not like her.

Shen Hua kicked a pebble on the ground, unaware that Cui Yun’s gaze had wandered over and lingered on her for a moment.

"Take good care of your Sister Shen on the way."

Shen Hua was afraid she was no easier to handle.

Shen Hua suddenly looked up: ???