Chapter 211: Here Comes The Zhou Family

“I must’ve been so engrossed that I almost forgot my purpose for calling you here!” Third Old Mistress s.h.i.+ tapped on her own forehead and smiled, “Right, I want to buy several fertile lands, and one to two country houses. By any chance, are you aware of any means to buy them?”

Sang Wan was stunned momentarily, “What Third Aunt wants——”

Third Old Mistress s.h.i.+ sighed softly and said, “There isn’t any need for me to hide from you. Our family’s Yuzhen is already engaged to my lord’s colleague and will be married in Chengdu in the middle of next year. As for Yulin, your third uncle and I have discussed it and thought that it would be good to find her a marriage here in Qingzhou in the next few years. We’ll eventually turn old; it wouldn’t be good if both of our daughters aren’t near us. With that in mind, I’m thinking of slowly purchasing several lands now, and giving them to Yulin as her marriage dowry. I do know that our s.h.i.+ family owns a few lands, but this is to express our sincerity as her parents and it won’t become a conflict of interest!”

Sang Wan nodded, acknowledging with a smile, “Since this is the case, Sang Wan will do her best! But I don’t know much about what happens outside the household! For something like this, how about I discuss with Fengju when he’s back, or I can ask a head servant who might know more about this!”

Third Old Mistress s.h.i.+ thought so too. However, as she was not in-charge of the household, it would not be convenient for her to privately invite and ask a head servant, who managed external affairs. She said happily, “That will be great! Third Aunt shall give you my thanks here first!”

“I am only pa.s.sing the word, Third Aunt has no need to be so polite with me!”

After leaving Ji Cui Tower, Sang Wan took slow steps back to Ning Garden1. With her head hung low, she seemed to be deep in thought. Third Old Mistress s.h.i.+’s words had shaken her. She suddenly thought about herself and wondered if she should do the same and procure several lands for herself.

Everything was going smoothly for her. However, there was an irrational fear and insecurity within her whenever she was alone. She was clear that everything she now had belonged to s.h.i.+ Fengju. What he gave, she received, but he could take them back at any time, and she would become penniless!

Thinking back to the ambitious claims that Gu Fangzi had made not too long ago, Sang Wan’s mind was in chaos.

Gu Fangzi had a special place in the s.h.i.+ Household. Even though she did not know what happened between Gu Fangzi and s.h.i.+ Fengju to make him feel so repelled by her now, as long as w.a.n.g s.h.i.+ was around, s.h.i.+ Fengju would not be able to completely send Gu Fangzi away. That woman was clearly a sly and scheming one, who knew what other crazy things she would do. One could be a thief for a thousand years, but there was no such thing as hiding the treasure from a thief for a thousand years. There was no way she could keep defending herself against Gu Fangzi! What if she were to accidentally fall into one of her traps one day, that possibility was there! When that happens and s.h.i.+ Fengju becomes angry with her, what should she do?

The worst case scenario would be getting a separation, but what comes after?

Given the chance right now, she should insure herself with the purchase of private properties. At least with that, there was something she could fall back on to feel more secure.

The more Sang Wan thought about it, the more convinced she was with the idea. She secretly made up her mind to inform s.h.i.+ Fengju that Third Old Mistress s.h.i.+ wished to purchase properties, and would ask a head servant to carefully investigate property prices.

When s.h.i.+ Fengju returned in the evening, Sang Wan’s mood didn’t seem too good. After he changed, he pulled her into the chamber and ma.s.saged her hands while asking with a smile, “What’s wrong? Your expression doesn’t look too well. Did someone cause any trouble for you today?”

Sang Wan slightly trembled. She thought she had carefully concealed her emotions, yet this person could tell with a glance. In front of him, she was just like an open book.

Her mother-in-law’s instructions were not words she would take lightly, otherwise, it would be terrible if she was out of luck. In any case, she had to tell him sooner or later, and since he had already asked, there was no need for her to hide it from him. Keeping her hands, she took a seat before relaying her mother-in-law’s instructions before snapping, “Mother wants me to convince you to let cousin stay in the household. Since I’ve already told you, just do as you please!”

s.h.i.+ Fengju knew she must have been unhappy with his mother, but he did not get angry. He sat down beside her and said, “Mother always liked to say those sorts of things, so don’t take her words to heart!”

Seeing how Sang Wan remained silent, s.h.i.+ Fengju stretched his hand over her shoulders and hugged her against his body before using another hand to caress her face, “What? Are you jealous?”

Sang Wan glared at him unhappily, and without her knowing, frustration tainted her words as she spoke, “I don’t know what you said to your mother, but if you were really firm, then she would not have used me to persuade you. She’s an elder, how can I simply disobey her words? If I could not convince you, then it would become my fault, but it isn’t my wish to convince you at all!”

s.h.i.+ Fengju creased his eyebrows and said, “I’ve really underestimated Cousin Fangzi! Who knew she was so capable!” He laughed coldly and said, “What I hate most in life is being coerced. Even if she used any means and managed to stay, I will never glance at her!”

Sang Wan’s heart pounded loudly and she looked at s.h.i.+ Fengju in a daze. Did he just say “even if she managed to stay”? Was he going to give in and let her stay?

s.h.i.+ Fengju was a little puzzled by the look on her face, but he came to a realization quickly. He smiled and said, “That was just a slip of the tongue. Sang Wan, I will not let her stay in our household to cause trouble for us! If she refuses to leave through the front door, then I will send her to one of the country houses far away!”

“Do you think she would be willing to go? You are being too simple-minded!”

s.h.i.+ Fengju laughed coldly, “Something as trifling as this won’t pose a problem for me!”

Sang Wan said, “Anyway, I’ve already relayed what Mother made me say. You’ll have to deal with Mother yourself!”

s.h.i.+ Fengju smiled and said, “That is only natural! If Mother complains to you again, don’t take it to heart, understood? Do it for me and put those resentments temporarily aside. In Ning Garden, you can vent them all on me!”

Sang Wan burst into a soft giggle and waved her hands as she chided him, “Forget it, forget it, I won’t even dare to do that! If you were to take revenge on me, I will be the one ending up in tears!”

s.h.i.+ Fengju smiled slyly and whispered in her ear with a soft chuckle, “What sort of revenge would make you so fearful, huh?”

Sang Wan’s face turned red and she softly pushed him with a smile. s.h.i.+ Fengju pulled her back into his embrace, and placed his forehead on her’s and said with a low husky voice, “Sang Wan, don’t be troubled by all that, your husband will never let you suffer!”

Sang Wan nodded lightly, her eyes met his black and clear eyes and her heart became filled with warmth. His face was near and she could not help but lift her head slightly to give a quick kiss on his cheek. s.h.i.+ Fengju hummed softly and held her head before forcing a kiss on her lips. Using his tongue, he pried open her lips and kissed her deeply.

On the twentieth of February, Gu Fangzi took her horse carriage and brought a few maidservants and nannies to Guang Ling Temple to complete her mourning period. She would return on the third day.

Gu Fangzi wore a completely white robe, and her accessories were all either white or silver. Her attire complemented her slightly pale face, and she looked the part of a depressed and pitiful filial daughter.

Before she left, w.a.n.g s.h.i.+ witnessed how she did not forget to complete the entire mourning ritual for her deceased father despite being sick. She felt a strong sense of pity for her, and consoled her with a gentle voice for a long while. After she left, w.a.n.g s.h.i.+ did not forget to remind Sang Wan, “Fang’er is a kind and good girl! She really is filial! With a temperament like hers, she’s so caring and considerate to those around her. Sang Wan, don’t you agree with me?”

How could Sang Wan disagree? She nodded unwittingly and smiled.

w.a.n.g s.h.i.+ gave her a meaningful look and smiled, “It’s good that you think so too! The both of you are sisters, you ought to take care of her more!”

Sang Wan smiled and said, “Mother, Sister Fangzi is so capable, I’m afraid that she will be the one to take care of me in the future!”

w.a.n.g s.h.i.+ could not comprehend the shrouded meaning behind her words, and nodded in agreement.

After sending w.a.n.g s.h.i.+ back, Sang Wan went back to Ji Cui Tower to inform Third Old Mistress s.h.i.+ of her findings. There were a few fertile lands that were coincidentally on the market. If they bought them now, they would be able to reap the harvest this year. Listening to Sang Wan’s detailed explanation, Third Old Mistress s.h.i.+ was very moved. Sang Wan also recommended having Nanny Gui check the land with the agent personally, and suggested for Liu Ya to accompany her.

Third Old Mistress s.h.i.+ knew seeing was believing, and she complimented Sang Wan for thinking things thoroughly before stating that she would send Nanny Gui out with Liu Ya to see for themselves the next day after breakfast.

Sang Wan returned back to Ning Garden, and called Liu Ya over to instruct her carefully. Even though Liu Ya was a little confused and did not know why her Young Mistress called her to have a look at those lands, she would always obey and agreed to it.

After ordering her to leave, Sang Wan rested on the couch as she let out a huge sigh. Judging from her mother-in-law’s stance, she must be insistent on keeping Gu Fangzi. There was nothing more to say, even if s.h.i.+ Fengju tried, there was sure to be misgivings. If he remained firm, her mother-in-law might not be able to do anything even if she was unwilling, but her mother-in-law would definitely be angry at her instead. Then from that day onwards, her days would only become difficult.

Gu Fangzi had been waiting patiently for so long, who knew what she would do once she acquired her freedom! Even with s.h.i.+ Fengju’s protection, who knows when trouble would arrive. Sang Wan laughed to herself. It was fortunate that her big sister had returned to Mengxian. Otherwise, she would have to remain on her guard! Now, perhaps sooner or later, she would have to prepare herself both mentally and physically for what was to come!

“Young Mistress, Second Young Mistress’ mother-in-law and sister-in-law are here! Right now, they are at Old Mistress’ place and Second Old Mistress is there with Old Mistress. Old Mistress has asked for Young Mistress to go over!” Zhide suddenly said through the paper door.

“Second Young Mistress? Old Mistress Zhou and Young Mistress Zhou are both here?” Sang Wan got up and ordered Zhide to come in. Deep down, she was somewhat curious about the situation.

“Yes!” Zhide pushed open the door and smiled, “This servant will help Young Mistress change into your robe and groom your hair! This is really strange, why is Old Mistress Zhou and Young Mistress Zhou here but Second Mistress did not come with them!”

Sang Wan thought about it and found that strange too. She shook her head and ordered Zhide to help her change into a cherry red-coloured top with interweaving embroidered purple flower patterns, and an apricot-colored pleated skirt. Her hair was decorated with a brightly-coloured red coral hairpin embedded with pearls, and she brought Zhide along.

When she first arrived at the main courtyard, she heard some quarrelling coming from inside the house. She could identify Second Old Mistress s.h.i.+’s voice, and there was another stranger’s voice. Sang Wan a.s.sumed that it might be Old Mistress Zhou’s voice. There were also w.a.n.g s.h.i.+’s and nannies’ voices as they tried to calm the commotion. It was very rowdy inside.

Sang Wan froze and immediately signalled to Zhide before taking a few steps back.