Time Travel: The Noble Family
Chapter 286 - Chapter 286 Chapter 108 As Matters Subside New Events Arise_3

Chapter 286: Chapter 108: As Matters Subside, New Events Arise_3 Chapter 286: Chapter 108: As Matters Subside, New Events Arise_3 Lian Dongfang snorted coldly, “You know the truth better than anyone else. If anything were to happen to Tingzheng and Yueyao, Ma Chengteng could overturn the Lian family. Having gained the reputation for scheming for wealth and causing deaths, Lili, Yiyi, and Yuebing would all be ruined. Think carefully about it!” Lian Dongfang was no fool; he probably guessed the reason behind Lady Mo’s actions. There were some things that were better understood unsaid, for voicing them would only distort their meaning.

Lian Dongfang did not stop Lady Mo’s scheme because he figured that it was pointless for Yueyao, a young lady, to amass such wealth; once she married, it would only benefit the Shen family. What enraged Lian Dongfang was Lady Mo’s stupidity in employing such a despicable method, resulting in damage to the Lian family’s reputation.

Lady Mo’s face paled.

Lian Dongfang did not wish to discuss further with Lady Mo, “Reflect on this yourself! If there is a next time, don’t blame me for not preserving your dignity.” If it weren’t for his two sons, this time he might not have let Lady Mo off the hook. Of course, there was another more critical reason: during such a sensitive time, punishing Lady Mo was out of the question; otherwise, it would confirm the rumors as truth.

As Lady Mo watched her husband’s receding figure, her eyes filled with anger and a trace of desolation. She had done all this for the family; otherwise, what would she need all that silver coin for, as she couldn’t possibly spend or wear it all? Yet now they were to blame her–how could it not turn her heart cold?

Granny Lau did not dare advise her. To prevent Lady Mo from wallowing in sorrow, she quickly shifted the topic to something that would comfort her: “Madam, if the Shen family learns of this news, do you think they will call off the engagement?”

Lady Mo scoffed, “No, they won’t. Not to mention the Shen family wouldn’t dare do such a thing given the current scandalous climate, but considering the second son once saved Shen Qian’s life, they wouldn’t risk their reputation by calling off the engagement with Third Girl, no matter how tough she is. It would tarnish Shen Qian’s career with the reputation of ingratitude. It’s better if they don’t break off the engagement, lest it affects Yuebing.” A cousin spurned in marriage would taint her daughter’s prospects as well.

Granny Lau nodded repeatedly, glad that Madam was diverting her thoughts.

Maternal Aunt Chen was sent to the Family Temple. Yueying was terrified upon receiving the news: “Why would father send Maternal Auntie to the Family Temple?” It must have been Maternal Aunt Su whispering in father’s ear again.

Cai Qing whispered the reason to her.

Yueying immediately shook her head, “Impossible, it couldn’t have been Maternal Auntie who did this. She must have been wronged. I must go find father.” Maternal Auntie wouldn’t have the means to spread rumors!

Cai Qing and Cai Lan were unable to stop the agitated Yueying and could only follow behind her. Both sensed they would be punished for this, but not following her could lead to even harsher consequences–a maid’s misery.

Yueying was sternly rebuked by Lian Dongfang and subsequently grounded.

Yueying wept profusely: “What am I to do?” With Maternal Auntie gone, who knew when she might return.

No, she must find a way to bring Maternal Auntie back.

Cai Lan grumbled, “It’s all Third Young Lady’s fault; without her, where would all these problems come from?” Everything in the manor came about because of Third Young Lady stirring trouble. To speak ill was to call her a Jinx–anyone who crossed her path faced misfortune.

Yueying stood up: “I’m going to find third younger sister.”

Cai Qing desperately held her back: “Miss, you mustn’t go. Miss, Old Master has confined you. If you seek out Third Young Lady now, you’ll only be adding to your troubles.”

Cai Lan added fuel to the fire: “Miss, perhaps it was Third Young Lady’s idea to send Maternal Auntie to the Family Temple. Otherwise, why would it be Maternal Auntie they sent to the temple?” Before, they would send people to work at the manor.

Cai Qing chastised Cai Lan, “What are you saying? Such matters can’t be guessed recklessly. If word gets out, be prepared to be beaten.” Luckily, they were only fined a month’s monthly silver; being hit with twenty lashes could be life-threatening.

Cai Lan then held her tongue.

Finally, at Cai Qing’s urging, Yueying temporarily refrained from seeking Yueyao.

After Old Madam’s rites were concluded, Lian Dongfang took her coffin back to Qi County, the family’s ancestral home. Tingli and Tingyi went with him.

Yueyao, considering it was only a six-day round trip, let Tingzheng accompany them, doing her last filial duty. Lian Dongfang did not want to take Tingzheng, as the child could slow down the journey, but since Yueyao insisted it was out of respect for their grandmother, he couldn’t object.

Lady Mo, once she finished her chores, announced staff reductions; naturally, it was to reduce expenses.

Yueyao did not concern herself with these matters, as they were irrelevant to her. Everyone in Lanxi Courtyard was loyal to her, and Lady Mo would certainly need her consent to make cutbacks there–but she would not allow Lady Mo to reduce her staff. If Lady Mo insisted, she would sustain them herself.

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