Chapter 11: Who Is Causing Trouble for Whom

Nan Yan ignored them and led Madam Su and Bie Zhi away.

In the past, she would have considered everyone’s feelings and gone to persuade the eldest brother-in-law, even arranging a private room for the couple to talk things over quietly.

But now, with her leaving like this, the remaining three elder sisters exchanged uneasy glances.

Nan Yan was the matriarch of the household; if she didn’t intervene, would the eldest sister and eldest brother-in-law just continue their quarrel unchecked?

The eldest brother-in-law felt awkward too—he had hurried over as a guest but was being ignored, and his wife had just caused a scene.

Moreover, the eldest sister had failed to fulfill Madam Meng Li’s wishes. With some self-awareness, the couple exchanged a few harsh words and quickly left for their own home.

The second sister, seeing this, dared not stay any longer and hurriedly took her leave as well.

Only the third and fourth sisters remained at the Meng residence, unable to leave. That night, they endured all of Madam Meng Li’s scoldings, until Xia Qingfei stepped in to soothe matters.

“Madam, please don’t blame the two sisters...” she began, but before she could finish, tears welled up pitifully in her eyes.

“It’s just that Qingfei’s fate has been hard—without a name or status for two years now. A day or two more won’t make a difference...”

“At worst, I’ll plead again with Sister Yan. Surely she’ll agree...”

Though she spoke these words, her sobbing only grew more intense.

Thankfully, Meng Boji was not present; otherwise, he would have had to hold her and comfort her.

But her crying only unsettled Madam Meng Li and the matriarch further.

The matriarch snorted heavily, “No! This matter cannot be delayed! It must be resolved as soon as possible!”

She suddenly turned to Madam Meng Li, adding with a meaningful glance, “If it drags on... it’ll become difficult to manage!”

Recalling Meng Boji’s remark that Nan Yan might be expecting, Madam Meng Li nodded in understanding.

The four elder daughters had failed; were there not three younger daughters still?

Madam Meng Li cast a sharp look at them. “Lai Di, Ying Di, Huai Di! Aren’t you usually quite good at coaxing Sister-in-law?”

“Speak to her properly—soft or hard, whatever it takes, just get her to agree to let Qingfei join the family!”

No sooner had she finished speaking than Xia Qingfei bowed deeply in thanks.

The three sisters looked as if struck by lightning; each of their faces fell.

They did not oppose Xia Qingfei joining the family, but this matter was a thorny trouble for whoever got involved.

They exchanged glances, trying to avoid the topic, pretending not to hear, but were still called out.

Suddenly, the room darkened as more than half the lamps went out.

Madam Meng Li snapped in anger, “What’s going on?! Can’t you control the lights?!”

The maid in charge of the lamps hurried over, knelt, and reported, “Mistress, there’s no lamp oil left.”

“Then add some! Do I have to teach you how?!” Madam Meng Li snapped.

“But... the young mistress hasn’t managed the household today, and no one brought the lamp oil...” the maid stammered.

Madam Meng Li was momentarily at a loss but suppressed her anger, “If no one brings it, then fetch it yourselves!”

The maid trembled, “The storeroom... is probably empty, which is why no one brought any. We’d have to go out and buy some.”

Madam Meng Li’s heart sank, and the matriarch’s face darkened.

“Then go buy it—”

“Mistress...” the maid was on the verge of tears.

“What now?!”

“At this hour... all the shops are already closed...”

Madam Meng Li nearly fainted.

The women in the room exchanged worried glances. How could this be? Without Nan Yan’s management for just a day, the entire household couldn’t even light lamps?

Xia Qingfei, however, was quick-witted and said, “No matter! There should still be some reserves in the other courtyards.”

She turned to her maid behind her and instructed, “The young master’s study has few lamps lit; quickly fetch some from there.”

Then she addressed everyone, “If you have any reserves in your courtyards, please pool them together. We’ll get through tonight and buy more tomorrow!”

Only then did Madam Meng Li relax a bit. Xia Qingfei seized the moment to ingratiate herself, walking swiftly to the matriarch and Madam Meng Li.

“Mistress and matriarch should use the lamp oil first. The reserves from the young master’s study will be brought over!”

The matriarch smiled, patting her hand, “You really are thoughtful!”

But as soon as she spoke, her expression shifted to one of sharp displeasure as she glared at Madam Meng Li.

“That Nan Yan girl is getting more and more unruly! You must discipline your daughter-in-law properly!”

Madam Meng Li could only endure the rebuke and nod, “Yes, mother...”

The maid brought some lamp oil reserves, and Xia Qingfei quickly took them and lit the lanterns.

Helping the matriarch up from her seat, she smiled sweetly, “Matriarch, you must be tired. It’s dark now; let me see you back.”

The matriarch was pleased by the attention and followed her. With her departure, Madam Meng Li was spared further scolding and sent a grateful look toward Xia Qingfei.

Not long after they left, a maid came running with more bad news.

“Mistress... the kitchen says no one has brought any food today. I’m afraid we won’t have breakfast again tomorrow...”

Before Madam Meng Li could respond, another spoke up.

“Mistress, the tea is also finished. What shall we do tomorrow...?”

“Mistress! The temporary workers in the back garden are causing a ruckus, saying they haven’t been paid today—”

...

One problem after another came crashing in. Madam Meng Li rubbed her temples in frustration and glared fiercely at the three younger daughters.

“Tomorrow, no matter what methods you use, persuade your sister-in-law quickly!”

The three sisters dared not defy Madam Meng Li in her anger; they could only accept with pained expressions, “Yes...”

**

Nan Yan rose early but not to tend to the Meng household. She took Bie Zhi and Madam Su to the shore of Lujiang River.

The sun had yet to rise, the river shrouded in mist. Along the bank, fishing houses still showed scattered points of light.

Fishermen were driving the cormorants and had begun their day’s labor.

Nan Yan sat quietly in a small pavilion by the riverbank, staring blankly at the misty expanse of water.

Only when the sun rose and the river glittered with countless specks of gold did she lift her gaze to the radiant clouds in the east. From deep within, beams of light burst forth, magnificent and splendid.

Nan Yan fixed her eyes on that brilliant glow, and the fog in her eyes seemed to dissipate somewhat.

But Madam Su and Bie Zhi were deeply worried; however long she stayed, they would stay with her.

They feared she might lose hope and throw herself into the river to end it all.

They had come with Nan Yan as part of the dowry from the Duke’s mansion, and only they truly cared for her.

Seeing that time was growing late, Bie Zhi nudged Madam Su with her elbow, signaling her to try and persuade Nan Yan.

Madam Su hesitated but was much more experienced than Bie Zhi. After some thought, she stepped forward.

“Madam, you haven’t been well these past days. It’s best not to be exposed to the wind; don’t let your condition worsen!”

Bie Zhi nodded vigorously in agreement, “Yes, madam! How about we take this opportunity to find a doctor to have you checked?”

“No need.”

Nan Yan did not turn her head, still gazing at the radiant clouds, which no longer seemed dazzling.

“I feel very well today; my body is fine.”

She seemed to be gradually getting used to dreaming at night, though she couldn’t tell if that was a blessing or a curse.

Madam Su and Bie Zhi exchanged a glance, their worry unchanged.

“Then... madam, you shouldn’t stay out here in the wind all the time! It’s best to go back soon.”