Volume One, Chapter Three: Matriarch, Should We Cut Expenses or Sell the Shop?

“You!”

Madam Li gritted her teeth in anger, her face twisted with vexation.

She uttered several more “you”s but said no more.

In the end, Madam Li forced herself to suppress her anger and turned to coax instead.

“Yao’er, once you marry into the Hou family, you’re part of the family.

Since we are family, why speak of two households? Isn’t your money also the Hou family’s money?”

“Madam, that’s not quite right.

As the saying goes: even brothers must keep clear accounts.

Moreover, everyone in Great Qi knows a daughter-in-law’s dowry is her private property.

Why should the rules change just because I married into the Hou family?

Isn’t the Hou family a family of Great Qi? Doesn’t it follow the laws and customs of Great Qi?”

“Yao’er, what are you saying?

I never said your dowry wasn’t your private property.

Brother Yuan always said you’re sensible and know your place.

He’s busy with official duties and entrusted me to hand over the management of the Hou family affairs to you—that’s his trust in you.

Even if you don’t consider others, you must think of Brother Yuan.

It’s not worth damaging trust and harmony between husband and wife over money.”

Ha! What a joke.

Now they pulled Cheng Wenyuan out, thinking that would intimidate her?

They want her to willingly spend money just to please Cheng Wenyuan and balance the Hou family’s accounts?

Dream on!

“Madam, the heir apparent is the most reasonable person, an official of the court who understands the principle of separating public and private matters.

Rest assured, even if he knows, he wouldn’t blame me.

Actually, I don’t want to cut expenses as if I’m mistreating everyone.

Nor do I want to sell off ancestral property and let people think the Hou family has fallen so low.

But a clever housewife can’t cook without rice.

Besides, I’m inexperienced and afraid I can’t manage the household affairs well.

Madam, you should take back control of the household.”

Chu Yao didn’t want to deal with the Hou family’s mess.

Madam Li was taken aback by this.

She had managed the Hou household for many years and knew its state all too well.

She was tired of borrowing from one place to patch another.

The endless trivial matters were a constant annoyance.

Now, with age, having a granddaughter-in-law, she only wanted to enjoy peace and quiet.

She no longer wished to take on that pile of rotten business.

Madam Li quickly forced a smile and took Chu Yao’s hand.

“Yao’er, since I entrusted you with the household, I won’t take it back. You should manage the Hou family well and firmly as the mistress of the house.”

“Madam, if you insist I manage it, it’s not impossible. But the household’s income and expenses are seriously unbalanced; this can’t last long.

So, do you think we should cut costs or sell the shops?”

Back to the same topic.

Madam Li was momentarily speechless, hesitating before resolutely deciding.

“Very well, cut the expenses.”

Madam Li bit her lip and said bitterly,

“The shops have been making pitifully less profit these past few years; you must pay more attention. If the shops do well, the household finances will be more ample. You understand, right?”

“Yes, madam.”

Chu Yao took the account book and left Songhe Hall, her eyes cold and clear.

The Hou family owed her far more than just silver.

Some debts could wait; she would settle them slowly.

When Chu Yao returned to her Yao Guang Pavilion, she saw a little girl dressed in a moon-white embroidered dress playing in the courtyard.

“Why is that little Moon here?”

“Young madam, this is the maid from the hall lady’s side who brought her. She said Moon likes it here and has been playing in the courtyard for half a day.”

Cheng Jinxi was really impatient, insisting that she accept this daughter.

Did she think that seeing the girl often would move her and make her change her mind?

Foolish fantasy.

“Madam, here’s some candy for you.”

A soft, sweet voice came.

At first hearing that tender voice, Chu Yao’s heart almost softened again.

In her previous life, it was just like this—Moon’s soft, cute appearance easily won her favor.

But after seeing her true nature,

she knew some people were like bloodthirsty wolves, never tamed.

No matter how much you poured your heart out for them,

they would still seize the chance to bite you hard.

Chu Yao stared at those bright eyes for a long time but ultimately did not take the candy offered. Instead, she turned and went back inside.

For two consecutive days, Moon lingered in Yao Guang Pavilion during the day.

Chu Yao continued to ignore her.

On a spring afternoon with clear sunlight, Cheng Jinxi arrived while Chu Yao was reading by the window.

“I didn’t expect my sister-in-law to have such a good mood, hiding alone here reading history books. Are you preparing to become the top scholar among women?”

Chu Yao closed the book and looked calmly at Cheng Jinxi.

“How does cousin have time to come here?”

“Just came to see you since I had nothing to do.”

Cheng Jinxi sat down and glanced out the window at Moon picking flowers with a maid, casually remarking, “That child Moon is truly charming—her looks are exceptional!

When she grows up, who knows how beautiful she will be?

Anyone lucky enough to have such a daughter truly has a blessing earned over generations!”

Seeing Chu Yao’s indifferent silence, as if she had no concern, Cheng Jinxi paused and then added:

“I heard from Moon that among the whole Hou family, she likes you best.

She said you’re beautiful, like a fairy from the heavens. Whenever she sees you, she wants to be close.

See? She comes here all the time, wanting to talk and keep you company.

Though small, she’s sensible and caring.

She will definitely be a dutiful daughter in the future.

Ah, just last month, Moon sadly told me she likes you, but you’re cold and don’t pay attention to her.

Her disappointed little eyes made me ache inside.

Moon and you are so close; I think it’s fate.

Besides, what Madam said makes sense—you adopting Moon is like gaining a clever, obedient daughter for free.

You shouldn’t be so stubborn.”

Chu Yao looked at Cheng Jinxi’s face and smiled faintly.

“Cousin, do you think I can’t have children of my own, or what? Do I need to get a daughter for free?”

Seeing Chu Yao’s cold gaze, Cheng Jinxi hurried to clarify, “No, no. It’s not that.

I didn’t mean that because you can’t bear children, you should adopt Moon.

I’m just saying that Moon is a lovely orphan, quite pitiful.

I think adopting Moon would be beneficial for both her and you, with no downsides.”

“Beneficial with no downsides? If that’s such a good thing, Chu Yao has no fortune to enjoy it. Cousin, why don’t you adopt her then?”

“Sister-in-law, you’re teasing me.

I’m a widow and merely a guest in the Hou family. How could I take on raising another child?”

“Cousin, you’re too formal. The Hou family is generous and kind; since they can take you in, they can surely support another mouth.

I think it’s most fitting for you to take the child in.

You have few close relatives; raising the child would add another family member to yourself.”

“That won’t do.”

Cheng Jinxi had known Chu Yao since she entered the household.

They had often interacted over the past six months, and Chu Yao had always been gentle and peaceful.

How could she have suddenly changed in these past few days, making it so hard to persuade her to adopt Moon?

Cheng Jinxi softened her tone and tried again.

“Sister-in-law, it’s not that I’m trying to refuse. It’s really that my status is unsuitable for adopting a child.

Madam likes this child very much.

Even for Madam’s sake, you should gladly agree to put the child under your name.

It’s just a formality.

You don’t have to worry about the trouble of raising her; there are so many maids and nurses in the household to help.

I can also help take care of Moon when I’m free.

Madam always says you’re a filial child. You shouldn’t let such a small matter disappoint her.”