Full House Spring

Chapter 98: Stealing chicken but losing rice
Cui's eyes suddenly became gloomy and vicious, like a sharp blade that was tempered by fire, making people shudder. She said in a cold voice:
"Do you think the Fang family is the same as those two idiots in the East Courtyard? She was sold into slavery and yet she came back beautiful and bright. This alone should not be underestimated. When will you grow a brain?"

Kuang Yulin stammered, "I just wanted to test her and make her back off, but she insisted on doing so. I don't understand why my brother is worth marrying."

Cui had a sneer on her face and said in a sarcastic tone, "That brat Kuang Chengrui is not without merits. He married the daughter of the Fang family and has someone backing him up. He will have no problem getting promoted in the future."

Kuang Yulin was like being poured with a basin of cold water, her eyebrows were almost twisted together, and she hesitated and said, "Mom, can we just sit and watch? The Fang family is so good, why don't you let my second brother marry Fang Xiali? He is a scholar and will take the imperial examination to become an official in the future. Wouldn't it be cheaper to use the power of the Fang family?"

Cui's eyes were filled with coldness. She said in a hateful voice, "Do you think I don't want to? This is impossible. The Fang family is against this marriage. If they knew about the replacement, there would be no room for negotiation. Besides, your second brother is indeed far inferior to Kuang Chengrui."

Even though Cui was unwilling to admit it, she couldn't ignore the facts. Kuang Yulin's face was full of anger and unwillingness. She looked at Cui with cold eyes and said in a low voice: "Since we can't get it, then let it be destroyed. Now the eldest brother is much taller than the second brother. If we stand idly by, we will only be bullied by the eldest branch in the future."

Cui's Buddhist beads turned faster and faster. She frowned slightly and said in a hoarse voice, "Can you reach into the Fang family? If you plot against them once, it will be more than just a matter of losing a layer of skin. We can only start with Kuang Chengrui. As long as they don't get married, we still have a chance."

Kuang Yulin's lips curled up into a faint smile, which was full of malice. She said as if she had just woken up from a dream: "Mom is smart. Is there anything I can do?"

Cui glanced at her and said unhappily, "Just stay at home peacefully and don't go out and cause trouble. I have a plan in mind."

Thinking of how she had been humiliated by Fang Xiali, Kuang Yulin's smile faded a little, and she said dryly, "It was only because of my cousin that I had the opportunity to meet Fang Xiali in person. Even if I wanted to make her unhappy later, I'm afraid I won't have the chance."

After Kuang Yulin finished speaking, she saw that her mother ignored her, so she paused and continued, "You always say that our family is well-off, but we live in such poverty on weekdays that I really don't see anything. This time, arranging a wedding for my eldest brother should reveal some clues. Do you have any other plans, mother?"

Cui paused while spinning her Buddhist beads and said expressionlessly, "You don't need to worry about this. I want to see what good things that old man can come up with. Whatever he gives to Kuang Chengrui, my Ming'er must also have a share in the future. If he is biased and unfair, I will make a scene."

Kuang Yulin said calmly, "If Grandfather really takes out valuables, then our family's life should change. I don't even have a maid to serve me personally, how can I be considered an official family?"

Cui Shi didn't know what she was thinking of, her eyes flickered as she said, "Go back to your room and have a rest. Don't ask about what happens next, and just don't cause any trouble for me.

Also, as a sister, you should pay more attention to your brother. Chengzhi has been bewitched by that old man. You should be more patient in communicating with him and stop arguing with him all the time."

Kuang Yulin frowned, with a hint of disdain on her lips. She said unconvincedly:
"Mother always scolds me. It's obvious that he is a traitor, so why are you still protecting him? He is now a running dog of the eldest house. He is useless except for making us angry."

Cui raised her hand slightly and tapped the small table a few times. The crisp sound made people feel uneasy. How could Kuang Yulin dare to continue nagging? She pursed her lips and said hesitantly: "Mother, I'm going back to the room to put my luggage away. Call me if you have anything."

There was no sign of emotion in Cui's sunken eye sockets. Kuang Yulin hurriedly walked out of the house carrying the heavy bag.

After half a minute, Cui changed her clothes and walked towards the kitchen, then led a dishevelled, ragged maid into the house. The maid stood by the window with her back straight, looking at Cui with her clean and pure eyes, and said carefully, "Aunt, what do you want me to do?"

Cui looked at her face sharply and said calmly, "I'll take you home, let her cover her appearance and stay in the kitchen as a fire-making maid. Do you have any complaints?"

Cui Yingying hurriedly shook her head and said sincerely, "Auntie has taken me in and provided me with food and clothing. This is a great favor from heaven. How dare I complain?"

Cui nodded in satisfaction. She lowered her voice and said, "I was unable to save your father and let him die tragically in the mine. Now you and your brother have to protect him no matter what. Now the opportunity has come. If you want to stay in this family for a long time, you should do something."

Cui Yingying's eyes flashed with joy. She knelt down without hesitation and said carefully, "I will listen to you in everything. I will do whatever you want me to do, even if it means working like a slave for me."

Cui's face revealed a satisfied look, and she said word by word: "Kuang Chengrui is back, I want you to offer yourself to him tonight and seduce him to take you as his concubine. As long as you can succeed, I can make the Fang family cancel the engagement."

Cui Yingying had been in the Kuang family for more than a month, and she had almost figured out the details of the Kuang family. Kuang Chengrui was tall and mighty, and a military officer with a promising future. She was willing to commit herself to him, but he was not easy to mess with. Cui Yingying was worried, "He treats people coldly, I'm afraid he won't get close to me. What if he hits me?"

Cui frowned and said, "Are you so hopeless? Do you want to marry a peddler and live a unkempt life?"

Cui Yingying's face lost all color. She quickly shook her head and said, "I am the eldest daughter of the Cui family. Even if the Cui family has fallen, I cannot be trampled into the mud. I still have a younger brother to take care of."

Cui then curled her lips in satisfaction, and said in a deep voice:
"You are quite clear-headed. There is no man who doesn't like to cheat. You have a good foundation and outstanding looks. If you dress up a little, I will pity you.

Say some more sweet words to coax a man, such as you are willing to stay with him without any status for the rest of your life, you will not compete with Miss Fang, and you are willing to sacrifice for him without regrets... Which man can resist this?"

Cui Yingying bit her lip and remained silent for a moment, then said solemnly:
"Aunt, I understand. Don't worry, I won't let you down. It's just... I can't find any decent clothes. Wouldn't it be too hasty for you to ask me to go tonight?"

A hint of coldness flashed across Cui's eyes, and she said in a slightly chilly voice, "If you don't go tonight, Kuang Chengrui will leave tomorrow. You don't have to worry about clothes. I have prepared them for you, as well as a set of headgear."

After saying that, Cui turned around and took out a bundle from the box and handed it to Cui Yingying. Cui Yingying took the bundle with a twinkling look in her eyes. She suppressed the excitement in her heart and thanked Cui again. After the two of them had discussed it, she left the west courtyard quietly.

After Kuang Chengrui discussed the betrothal gift with the old man and had dinner with him, he returned to the east courtyard and saw the candlelight in his mother's room, so he walked over with steady steps.

As soon as he entered the room, he saw all kinds of clothes laid out on the bed. Yu's eyes and eyebrows were all smiling, and she said in a brisk voice:
"Chengrui, look at your mother's clothes. The colors are too dull. She hasn't worn bright clothes since your father passed away. You have to get two new sets of clothes for your marriage."

Kuang Chengrui nodded slightly and said, "Make two for Chengdong and Yuru as well, so that their sister-in-law will have a good impression." Yu nodded with a smile on her face, and she sighed softly, "Now that your marriage is settled, I feel relieved. In the future, Chengdong and Yuru's marriage will be decided by their sister-in-law. I am useless, so I just don't cause any trouble for you."

Kuang Chengrui was stunned for a moment, frowned slightly and said: "You must not think like that, it is not easy for you to raise the three of us brothers and sisters."

Yu's eyes were filled with relief. She asked curiously, "What is Miss Fang's personality like? Will she dislike our family's poverty?"

Kuang Chengrui said without hesitation: "No, she is not that kind of person. As long as we treat her sincerely, she will not let you down."

Yu scolded, "If I don't treat my own daughter-in-law well, who else can I treat well? She has been wronged by following you. You have to take extra care of her. In fact, women don't ask for much. As long as you always think about her and love her sincerely, her heart will be warmed sooner or later."

Kuang Chengrui was not sure whether he could get Xia Li's true heart, but no matter what her attitude was, he would cherish her and love her. He said calmly:
"I know what's going on. It's getting late. You should clean up and go to bed early. Someone will come to repair the yard tomorrow. You have to prepare food and help grandfather with the burden."

Yu said sternly, "I understand. Just go back to the garrison and do your job. Your grandfather and I will take care of the family affairs."

Yu might not be that smart and capable, but she loves her children and listens to advice, and she has a gentle and kind personality. Her character is much better than Cui from the West Courtyard, otherwise the old man would not be so partial to their eldest son's family.

Kuang Chengrui came out of his mother's room and went straight to fetch water to wash. Whether in the guard post or at home, he was used to taking care of himself and never had anyone to serve him personally.

After washing up, he walked into the house with his upper body naked and wet hair. Just as he put on his undershirt and sat down to read the military book, there was a knock on the door. Kuang Chengrui frowned and asked in a cold and hard voice, "Who's outside?"

Cui Yingying was wearing thin clothes and holding a tray. She was not sure if she was cold or scared, but she trembled as she said, "Master, I am the fire-making girl in the kitchen, and I have been ordered to bring you food."

Kuang Chengrui's eyes were covered with a layer of coldness, and he said solemnly: "I don't eat at night, so you should send it back to whoever asked you to send it."

This was the first time Cui Yingying had done such a thing, but she had no choice but to continue knocking on the door, saying softly:
"Master, my hands are numb. The eldest lady asked me to bring it here. Please be kind and let me in quickly..."

Kuang Chengrui's eyes became increasingly angry, and he said in a cold voice: "If you are tired of living, just continue to act like a demon."

Cui Yingying's teeth were chattering and she was struggling internally. She failed to complete what her aunt had asked her to do. She might be punished, scolded, or sent back home. But if she missed a man like Kuang Chengrui, she was afraid that she would never meet anyone better than him in her life.

After hesitating for a long time, she hardened her heart and said in a crying voice: "Master, please see me. I have loved you for a long time and am willing to go through fire and water for you. I will not refuse."

Kuang Chengrui's eyes were as dark as ink. He didn't want her to alarm other people in the courtyard, so he walked steadily to the door and opened it. He stood at the threshold gloomily, staring at her with a pair of eyes, and said in a deep voice:
"The Cui family is having a hard time. Grandfather and I turned a blind eye and let you eat, but you don't know what's good for you. If you don't stop, don't blame me for throwing you and your brother into the mine."

Cui Yingying's eyes were full of horror. Her father died in the mine. How could she and her brother go there again? Moreover, Kuang Chengrui knew her whole background so well, but she and her aunt were completely unaware of it.

Cui Yingying could disregard her own life and death, but she could not let the only child of the Cui family come to any harm. How could she dare to continue to pester him? She shrank her body and walked away in shame.

Walking out of the East Courtyard, Cui Yingying shivered unconsciously. Her back was soaked with sweat. The pressure from Kuang Chengrui made her breathless. Her helpless tears slid down her cheeks.

She didn't know how to explain to her aunt. This was the idea when she was brought into the mansion. Now she couldn't even enter Kuang Chengrui's room. She was afraid that this matter would not be resolved amicably.

Just when she was hesitating, not knowing what to do, she suddenly heard a staggering sound of footsteps. Cui Yingying subconsciously hid in the darkness and watched quietly.

I saw Kuang Chengming, wearing a turmeric-colored long gown, walking towards the west courtyard with unsteady steps. He looked like he was drunk.

Cui Yingying's fingers tightened as she pinched the branches. She had no intention of going back since she came to the Kuang family. The first master and the second master were the same to her. It didn't matter who she became a concubine to. As for whether her aunt would be angry or not, she no longer cared about that.

Cui Yingying hurried out, following behind Kuang Chengming, and timidly called out, "Cousin, why are you back at this time?"

Kuang Chengming heard the voice and turned around slowly. His face was red, his eyes were blurry, and he asked with a hiccup, "Who... are you?"

Cui Yingying was dressed up tonight, very different from her previous appearance. It was no wonder that Kuang Chengming couldn't recognize her. She said calmly, "I'm Yingying, don't you remember?"

Kuang Chengming said slowly: "I remember now, you are... Cui's cousin? Why don't you go to bed so late?"

Cui Yingying's voice became softer and softer as she said, "I just finished my work and was going back to my room, but I ran into my cousin. You've had too much to drink, so I'll take you back to your room."

Kuang Chengming staggered, and in the dim light of the lantern he saw Cui Yingying's extraordinary beauty and was very happy. He was not a gentleman, and with a turn of his eyes, he leaned towards Cui Yingying under the influence of alcohol, and said vaguely: "Then I'll have to trouble you, cousin... I'm really drunk..."

He leaned on Cui Yingying's neck, and the smell of alcohol coming from him was disgusting. Cui Yingying felt a complex emotion in her heart. She turned her head to the side and let out a sigh, then supported him and walked into the house.

　I didn't let Xia Li out today, I'll let her show her skills tomorrow~
　　
　
(End of this chapter)