That evening, Lin Cuiping stayed at Liu Lang’s house. Lin Fang and her siblings breathed a sigh of relief—none of the three liked this Seventh Aunt, especially Lin Wen, whose aversion to her was almost instinctive. If Lin Cuiping had really moved into their home, he couldn’t guarantee that unpleasantness wouldn’t arise.
Early the next morning, Lin Wen bid farewell to his parents and returned to Shengcheng with Lin Meng and Qi Biao. Lin Wu, who didn’t need to attend school until the following day, went out to play with friends. Dalang and Li Cuimei left together and went to Liu Lang’s house. Dalang gave Lin Cuiping some instructions before heading out with Liu Lang to take care of business.
Before Yuan Li could speak, Li Cuimei said, “Sister-in-law, you don’t need to accompany me to send Cuiping off. Since you’re related to the Zhong family, your aunt would surely resent you if you got involved. Cuiping is an adult now—she understands the situation. Isn’t that right, Cuiping?”
Lin Cuiping quickly replied, “Yes, Sixth Sister-in-law. If you came along, you’d be caught in the middle, and that would be very awkward. I understand.”
Yuan Li gave a bitter smile. “Exactly as Eldest Sister-in-law said. Thank you for your understanding, and thank you, Seventh Sister, for thinking of me.”
Lin Cuiping chuckled awkwardly. In truth, she hadn’t fully grasped the situation—she had simply echoed Li Cuimei’s words without much thought.
Li Cuimei personally escorted Lin Cuiping back to the Zhong family, bringing two gifts in return: a thick-knit coat for Old Madam Zhong and a pearl necklace of equivalent value to the gifts the three siblings had received the day before. Additionally, she included a delicate pink knitted shawl, made with fine, soft yarn—a labor-intensive and valuable piece originally intended for Lin Cuie to wear at this year’s talent competition. Now, it was given as an emergency gift to Zhong Meizhen, Old Madam Zhong’s treasured granddaughter, who was around the same age as Lin Cuie.
Throughout the journey, Lin Cuiping seemed uneasy, repeatedly asking Li Cuimei whether her mother-in-law would be angry or what would happen to her sister now that her clothing had been given away.
“Cuiping,” Li Cuimei sighed in exasperation, “where’s that fiery temper of yours? If you keep hesitating like this, second-guessing everything, no one will take you seriously. No wonder people walk all over you.” Privately, she thought, *What a paper tiger.*
Any of the Lin family’s maids or servants skilled in knitting could have contributed a garment as a gift, but Li Cuimei deliberately chose Lin Cuie’s shawl to make Lin Cuiping reflect on her sisterly bonds.
By the time they reached the Zhong residence, Old Madam Zhong personally came out to greet them. Li Cuimei, however, declined to enter, simply presenting the gifts and mentioning that she would invite the mother-in-law, daughter-in-law, and young miss out for an excursion when she had time, hoping they wouldn’t refuse. In front of Li Cuimei, Old Madam Zhong alternated between scolding and doting on Lin Cuiping, behaving with such exaggerated affection that it left Lin Cuiping both shocked and uncomfortable.
Shortly after Li Cuimei left, Liu Ma and Granny Zhou returned home, dusty and exhausted. With the mistress absent, Granny Zhou freshened up and went to help in the kitchen, while Liu Ma hurried to see the Sixth Young Miss. During her time away, she had been most concerned about her young charge—whether she was well, overtired, injured from play, or neglected by the servants. Reassured that all was fine, she summoned Xiao Geng’s wife to recount the household affairs in her absence.
Upon hearing that Li Cuilian had deliberately injured the Sixth Young Miss, Liu Ma sneered, “What a coincidence. While on this errand, I ran into Master Fang, who asked after Fifth Concubine and mentioned he’d soon come to take her home—likely within the next couple of days. The woman accompanying Master Fang was none other than that concubine from the Zhou family whom the Old Madam sold off years ago. Master Fang referred to her as his wife. Regardless of the details, once Fifth Concubine joins the Fang household, she probably won’t be too bored.”
When Li Cuimei returned home, Granny Zhou came to kowtow and thank her mistress for allowing her to make the trip. The girl in question had already married, and Granny Zhou now begged Li Cuimei to arrange a marriage for her eldest son. Li Cuimei reassured her, saying she had everything under control. Liu Ma then reported in detail about encountering Master Fang. After a moment’s thought, Li Cuimei said, “It’s been a while since the Eldest Master and I visited my parents and aunt. We’ll return to the village today and stay for a few days. First, go inform Fifth Concubine of this news, then return to the village yourself. Once there, you and your two daughters-in-law may take leave—spend time with your family.”
Liu Ma protested anxiously, “Madam, this is too much! Having several family members off duty at once goes against the rules. If this old servant rests upon returning, duties will be neglected.”
Li Cuimei chuckled. “Enough fuss. Take a proper break—you’ll have plenty to do later. Besides, your grandsons and their wives have been apart for so long. When will you ever hold a great-grandchild?”
Liu Ma laughed too. “Madam, such things are fated. They can’t be rushed.”
“If that’s how you see it, then I won’t rush either. We’ll discuss your granddaughters’ marriages in another ten years.”
“Oh no, Madam! This old servant was wrong. Have you already chosen someone for them?”
“Do you remember the manager of the grain shop in Jile Town?”
“Could it be related to Manager Dong?”
“A few days ago, Uncle Dong came to discuss business and mentioned how much he admires your eldest granddaughter. He proposed a match for his grandson. I told him I’d need your approval and that the two young ones must also be willing.”
“This old servant’s entire family belongs to Madam’s household. Everything is at Madam’s discretion.”
“Marriage is a joyous occasion, but if two people can’t get along, it becomes a feud. What’s the point then?”
Liu Ma’s heart ached. Her mistress had endured hardship in earlier years, and now she extended that empathy to others. It seemed that in every match she arranged, Li Cuimei prioritized mutual compatibility—even for the servants. When Liu Ma had proposed matches for her grandsons years ago, Li Cuimei had also sought their consent first.
“That grandson of Manager Dong’s—I’ve seen him before. He’s clever and capable, a good match for my eldest granddaughter.”
Li Cuimei laughed. “Hearing you say that, it sounds like you’re praising your own granddaughter in disguise. Since you agree, send someone to Jile Town to summon them. I’ll speak to them personally before finalizing anything.”
“Yes, Madam.”
“Your second granddaughter isn’t young either. What do you think of Zhou Daxiao?”
“Zhou Daxiao is a boy I’ve watched grow up—steady, honest, meticulous, and sharp-witted. My second granddaughter isn’t the brightest, but marrying him would be a blessing.”
“Then I’ll speak to Granny Zhou and tell her to prepare properly for the wedding of my head steward’s granddaughter. If she dares neglect this, she’ll answer to me.”
Liu Ma chuckled through tears. “Madam, you tease this old servant again.” But she couldn’t have been happier. Manager Dong had only one grandson, groomed to inherit the grain shop, while Zhou Daxiao, trained by Zhou Yu in fish farming, was destined to take over the fishery. Both granddaughters would marry men with secure futures—this was an immense favor.
The day after Li Cuimei returned to the village, Master Fang arrived in Liangping Town to fetch Li Cuilian. Yet the moment they met, Li Cuilian confronted him: “You once claimed you had no concubines. So why have people seen you parading around with a woman?”
Master Fang replied, “She’s not a concubine—she’s my equal wife.”
“*Equal wife*?” Li Cuilian scoffed. “Taking a second wife before the first is even wed—since when is that proper? Do you think the Li family has no one to stand up for me?”
At this, Master Fang grew nervous. When they married, he’d known of Li Cuilian’s background—her family connections were what he valued. Though she wasn’t a blood relative, the Lis were famously protective, even of adopted children. If he could secure their support, his business would face fewer obstacles.
After observing mourning for his late wife, he’d detoured through the pleasure quarters on his way to fetch Li Cuilian and become infatuated with Linlang, a woman who combined sensuality with aristocratic grace. Unable to resist, he took her in and later elevated her to equal status.
Now, he pleaded meekly, “Don’t be angry, my lady. I was foolish. When we return, whether to dismiss or sell her will be your decision.”
Seeing no use in further argument, Li Cuilian issued a warning and let the matter drop. Master Fang then suggested paying respects to her family before leaving, lest they appear ill-mannered.
Li Cuilian dared not admit that her Third Sister had disowned her. Hoping that Li Cuimei, ever the diplomat, wouldn’t expose her publicly, she nervously accompanied Master Fang to the Lin residence—only to learn that the Eldest Master’s household had returned to the village the previous day.
They redirected to Cui’s Home-Style Restaurant, where they were told the Second Master and his wife had also gone back to the village.
Upon arriving at the Li family’s village home, the gatekeeper blocked them, declaring, “This household recognizes only the First, Third, and Fourth Young Misses. There is no Fifth Young Miss. You’ve mistaken the address.” With that, he shut the gate, ignoring Li Cuilian’s frantic knocking.
Only then did Master Fang realize Li Cuilian had been cast out by the Lis. Enraged, he stormed off.
Stripped of her family’s backing, Li Cuilian lost all defiance. Humbled, she trailed after Master Fang to the Fang household.
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