Too high to reach

Chapter 187 Between Sisters
In Mo Yi's original room, the Mo family girls all looked at her curiously.

Mo Yi felt uneasy under their stares. "Ladies, why are you all staring at me like that?"

“It’s the Princess Consort, a first-rank imperial consort. The first imperial consort to emerge from our Mo family. My father said it must be recorded in the family genealogy!” Mo Hong, the eldest sister of the Mo family, said with a smile.

“All the men in our Mo family have benefited from Fifth Sister’s success… Fifth Sister, once you’re settled, think of your brother-in-law too.” Mo Xin’s husband is a scholar.

Mo Yi readily agreed: "When I recover, I will definitely think of my family. But we can't rush things. To be honest, there are too many good things happening in the family. Among so many families in the capital, I have rarely heard of anyone soaring to great heights. Just now on the way, the Prince said that if my uncle were to be promoted again, things would be different. Gradually, everyone will be alright."

Both older women nodded.

Mo Yuan leaned closer and asked, "Is everything alright since you entered the manor?"

"I'm fine, but I'm exhausted these past few days. I can barely keep my eyes open."

"Is the Prince's mansion beautiful? When can we come to visit?"

Mo Yi knew there was no way to avoid it. "Since there are no elders in the manor, I can make the arrangements myself. As long as the Prince hasn't made any arrangements, I can invite you over anytime. I think we can arrange one during the New Year. I'll let you know in advance once it's finalized."

"Fifth Sister is so kind!"

"We might go and broaden our horizons!"

Mo Wen felt a little embarrassed, thinking that she had been married for two or three months and hadn't yet had her sisters come to visit. Everyone probably expected it too, but on this special day, no one wanted to spoil the mood.

Since their family situation began to improve, Mo Hong and Mo Xin's lives at their husband's family home have become much better.

Having received Mo Yi's permission, and wanting to keep the sisters company for a chat, he went out first.

Mo Yuan, more concerned with practical matters, quickly asked after they left, "How was it? Did the Prince's concubines and mistresses cause any trouble?"

In fact, Mo Wen had been pondering this matter in her heart. Although her husband had never visited Jin Fang's place recently, she was afraid that something like this would happen sooner or later. So she also focused her attention on Mo Yi.

"Sigh..." I knew Mo Yuan would ask this, "Everything's alright. We just came in, haven't met yet. But everyone was very polite when we met."

"You'd better be careful!" Mo Yuan said, as if she knew a lot. "Let me tell you, wives and concubines are never a good thing! They're polite now because you've just entered the family. But after a while, that'll be the real trouble. Hey, what do they all look like?"

Seeing her beaming face, Mo Yi thought to herself, "Why does she look just like my mother?"

"They're both good, especially Aunt Xu, who's very talented, and Aunt Wu, who's beautiful. Alright, alright, stop asking!" Mo Yi said impatiently.

"Sister, how are the family affairs of the Prince's Mansion being handled?" Mo Wen felt that this was the question a new bride should be most concerned about.

"Before entering, it was Consort Feng who was in charge. I heard she'd been serving under Granny Zhao since she was a child!"

"Oh dear!" Mo Yuan exclaimed dramatically, "This, this is the most troublesome thing! Is she a relative? With Granny Zhao backing her up, this is going to be a bit troublesome..."

Mo Yi shook her head: "I heard she was a distant relative of the Prince's sister-in-law's family. When her family had an accident, she was brought into the mansion when she was about ten years old and learned to manage the household from Granny Zhao."

“Mo Yi, this person is indeed troublesome,” Mo Wen murmured.

Mo Yi nodded slightly: "When I first entered the palace, the prince's intention was for her to continue managing things."

"What? How can this be? You're the princess!?"

"I entered in a hurry. In this huge mansion, I saw seven or eight stewards just in the back. And then there are the people from the front study... Even if I were to take charge, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to manage them in a short time."

“As long as His Highness is willing, what difference does it make whether he manages things well or badly?” Mo Yuan retorted.

Mo Wen shook her head, "Don't listen to Mo Yuan, that's not how it is."

Mo Yi nodded: "Yes. Besides, I still have a lot of things to do, and I won't be able to rest during the New Year period. After the New Year, a shop will be opening."

"Was this something you planned a few days ago?" Mo Yuan asked.

Mo Wen didn't know as much as Mo Yuan did. "What does she do?"

"The purses and accessories I usually wear are sold downstairs at Qizhenlou. I'll take you there when it opens."

"Hmm, I've given away all six purses you gave me last time. And let me tell you, all the girls in the family love them. Once the shop opens, I'll buy some more gifts to give as a token of my support!" Mo Wen said as she thought to herself.

Mo Yuan was unwilling to spend the money. "Just call me if you need help. I don't have any money... but you can tell Zhang Debao to go and buy it..." She then chuckled.

Mo Yi and Mo Wen both frowned at her, but they were too lazy to say anything more to her today.

"Alright, I have something to do. You guys go check out the dining room first."

"What's all this secrecy about..." Although Mo Yuan was unhappy, she still pulled Mo Wen away. Mo Yi arrived at Yun Niang's courtyard. Yun Niang had been waiting for her. "Greetings, Your Highness!"

"Let me take a look," Mo Yi said with a smile.

Yunniang took out a few samples. "These were sent by the Ji sisters. Take a look... just this one, I have some ideas..." Yunniang chatted with her for a while.

Mo Yi glanced at it and nodded. "Okay, we'll do it your way. Will no one notice when we deliver the things to you?"

“I told the Third Master that I wanted to help you with some chores.”

"What did Third Uncle say?"

“…” Yunniang gave a bitter smile. “He asked…”

Mo Yi understood, "They must be asking me if I've promised them any benefits, right?"

“Your Highness is wise.” Yunniang shook her head. “You don’t need to worry about him. Actually, I can see what kind of person he is. It’s just that he has two older brothers keeping an eye on him, and it’s just that he hasn’t made it big yet. Otherwise, the Third Master would be showing off, and the Third Madam… My life wouldn’t be any better. Sometimes, I really wish I could be with the Ji sisters, not have to worry about anything, and just work for money.”

"Then don't worry about your son!"

"With the eldest master and the second master, and you... they're both doing just as well. I've heard about the eldest and third masters' affairs; what bright futures they have!" Yunniang was thrilled just thinking about it, filled with envy.

"These people, they just never get enough! I was so happy when Hao-ge went to school. Now that I see Bao-ge has gone to the Imperial Academy, I'm incredibly envious..."

“It’s only natural… Mo Bao’s studies are indeed solid. If Hao Ge’er can be like him, I will definitely help him in the future.”

"Thank you so much, Your Highness!" Yunniang never imagined that her son would end up in such a situation. "Your Highness, I really wish I could work in the shop. If I weren't helping you with this job, I would be stuck in this courtyard for the rest of my life, and I would never be able to accept that."

Mo Yi sized up Yun Niang. She was pretty, spoke gently, and seemed decisive; she looked like a good manager. But… her family wouldn't let her show her face in public. It would be better if she could manage the Ji family women's chores in the south courtyard. The Song family had his wife, who was good at odd jobs. She couldn't handle that kind of work.

"You've already done a great job! Take your time..."

"Your Highness, it's time for dinner!" Mo Yuan called to her from the courtyard gate.

When Mo Yi arrived, the men in the family had already seated Li Jing in the main seat.

Judging from Li Jing's expression... she seemed alright. After spending the last few days with her, she knew her a little better; she wasn't exactly easygoing or approachable...

Mo Yi didn't move closer to them, and stayed in her original spot.

Zhuang looked at the six girls from the Mo family... They're all very generous now!

Only Mo Qing remained restless; I'll have to remind Madam Wang later. With such poor manners, does she even want to stay at the Prince's residence anymore?
"Your Majesty!" Madam Liu said with a smile, "Later, send Yuanyuan to the Prince's residence as a guest, let her see Your Majesty's life and broaden her horizons."

"Don't worry, Third Aunt, I've already spoken with Fourth Sister," Mo Yi replied calmly.

Madam Liu was satisfied. She glanced at Mo Wen, then looked back at Xu Ke. "Speaking of which, Wenwen has been married for so long... I wonder where the Xu family's door leads!"

Coincidentally, between the men's and women's tables, there was only a single openwork carved screen. Liu and Xu were back to back, not far apart, and the young man had good hearing. He heard them but didn't say anything.

Wang and Mowen were anxious, fearing that Liu would say something unpleasant that would anger Xu Ke.

But Mo Wen herself didn't know how to respond, and she didn't want Wang Shi to say anything either, because she didn't know where her mother would go with the conversation.

Mo Yi understood, sighed inwardly, and said softly, "Third Aunt, Third Sister has two mothers-in-law. Especially since Old Madam Xu is getting old, if we go there, we're worried about being impolite if we don't pay our respects to both sides. But if we do visit, we're worried about tiring Old Madam. Unlike here, where the Prince can go if he has nothing else to do."

Mo Wen felt a surge of emotion, and once again, she understood the meaning of sisterhood.

Even Madam Wang rarely praised her, saying, "Yes, Yi Yi always thinks things through very thoroughly!"

Xu Ke drank a glass of wine, feeling incredibly miserable...

The Mo family's home-style dishes are quite good. They're not fancy, but they emphasize freshness and aroma. Salted fish with braised pork, steamed ham, braised beans, pan-fried bamboo shoots, and stewed pig's feet with lotus root—each dish is incredibly flavorful.

Pork crackling and scallion pancakes, and pan-fried meat buns, are absolutely authentic.

Especially with Mo Fan and Mo Bao, one a big eater and the other a glutton, the two of them ate with great relish from beginning to end.

Seeing their expressions, Li Jing ate a couple more bites.

After the meal, I got up to say goodbye.

As she was leaving, Xu Ke said to Mo Wen, "There will be a banquet at home for the Spring Festival this year. Please invite your sisters-in-law and other family members to come and have fun."

In an instant, the surprise in Mo Wen's eyes as he looked at Xu Ke scorched his cold heart...