Springtime Affairs in a Noble Family

Princess Rongjia wanted to return to her parents' home, so she sent someone to inform Cui Lingrong.

Cui Lingrong and her younger brother were going to look at houses when they happened to run into Princess Rongjia at the entrance of the Marquis's residence. When they met, both of them were aloof and neither was willing to be the first to greet the other.

Only after Cui Zeyu arrived did Cui Lingrong step over the threshold and get into the carriage with her younger brother.

"Cui... Cui Shi seems to have a good relationship with her adopted younger brother," Princess Rongjia sighed, as she was helped into the carriage by Wang Shanxi's wife.

Wang Shanxi's wife complained, "He's not even a biological brother, just an adopted bastard. Only Qiu Shuangzhai treats him like a treasure. I heard that Qiu Shuangzhai is currently arranging marriages for Cui Zeyu, he really treats Cui Zeyu like a biological brother."

"A younger brother?" Princess Rongjia murmured the words to herself, then suddenly laughed, beckoned to Wang Shanxi's wife, and whispered a few words in her ear, "Do you think it's possible?"

"Impossible. Qiu Shuangzhai is known for her virtue and gentleness. She... she doesn't seem like the kind of person who would do anything outrageous." Wang Shanxi's wife was certain of this.

"Who knows? Some people may appear respectable on the surface, but they might be cheating on their partners in private. Anyway, he's not a biological brother; he's just using the Cui surname. If something were to happen between them, it wouldn't be impossible." Princess Rongjia recalled the look in Cui Zeyu's eyes, a mixture of disgust and hatred. What could have made Cui Zeyu hate her?

It's because he cares about Cui Lingrong.

Indeed, Cui Zeyu has grown up with Cui Lingrong since he was ten years old, so he must always put Cui Lingrong first.

Wang Shanxi's family still believes that the eldest daughter-in-law and Cui Zeyu have no affair, but she also has another idea: "Actually, whether they have an affair or not is not important. What's most important is to make others think they do."

Princess Rongjia's eyes lit up. "You're right. Cui Lingrong has lost her reputation. Will the Marquis's mansion still tolerate her?" But then her eyes dimmed again. "However, this time, we can't let anyone spread rumors. The old lady values ​​the entire Marquis's mansion. If rumors spread that Cui Lingrong is having an affair, the old lady will definitely investigate thoroughly. We need to think of a way to make the Marquis and the old lady connect the dots themselves."

She thought for a moment and then sent someone to follow Cui Lingrong and Cui Zeyu. "Make sure they stay close to them and keep a detailed record of where they go and what they do."

On the other side, Cui Lingrong and Cui Zeyu arrived at the first residence, a three-courtyard house with a somewhat cramped layout. It was relatively close to the Jiangyuan Marquis's residence, just across the street. Because of its good location, it cost 12,000 taels of silver.

After only a short while inside, Cui Zeyu said it wouldn't work, "It's too small. If my sister and Yu-jie come over, there won't be enough room."

Cui Lingrong also felt it was a bit small, but she thought that Cui Zeyu would have children after marriage, and someone would need to take care of them, so this courtyard wasn't suitable. If they argued loudly in the east room, the west room could hear them.

The second courtyard also had three sections, but it was much larger, with two more rooms. However, the garden was smaller, and it cost 15,000 taels of silver.

Cui Zeyu was still not satisfied and asked the broker to take them to a larger place.

The broker hesitated, "Even the largest mansion requires an official rank. If you want to buy a larger one, why not buy two at the same time? You can just open a gate in the courtyard wall, and it will be the same."

"That's right, you're right." Cui Zeyu had just finished speaking when his sister called him aside.

Cui Lingrong said there was no need for anything bigger. "If you use all your money to buy a house, what will you do if the cloth shop needs money to operate? Besides, Yu'er and I are living comfortably in the Marquis's mansion, why would we need to live here with you?"

"I want to be your support, sister, so you know that you have a family you can always come back to." Cui Zeyu lowered her head, her eyelashes trembling, like a little puppy that had made a mistake.

He glanced up casually, then quickly looked away. "Sister, don't be angry. I'll listen to you." He'll buy any houses for sale nearby in the future; the important thing now is to make his sister happy.

Cui Lingrong sighed. The fact that Cui Zeyu was still thinking of her meant that she hadn't raised him in vain. "Even if you earn money, you have to plan how you spend it. Look at the state of the Jiangyuan Marquis's mansion now. The second and third branches can barely afford to supply meat. Don't forget the hardships of the past just because you've had a few good days."

Cui Lingrong then went with her younger brother to see the third residence. This residence had three and a half courtyards. Cui Lingrong was quite satisfied with the layout and furnishings, but the price was a bit high, costing 17,000 taels of silver.

Even if Cui Zeyu had the money, Cui Lingrong wanted to negotiate the price. She talked to the broker for a long time before the broker said he would ask the owner.

"Then I'll trouble you to make the trip. If it's successful, I'll give you a reward." As Cui Lingrong spoke, Qiu's mother took out a string of cash to thank Fang Yazi for taking them around all day, and gave it to Fang Yazi to have some tea.

Having received the bribe, the real estate agent naturally worked hard and immediately went to find the owner of the house to sell it.

When Cui Lingrong returned to Qiushuangzhai, she had just sat down to drink some tea when Jiang and Li barged in.

"Sister-in-law, aren't you going too far!" Jiang had been waiting for Cui Lingrong all day. Upon hearing of Cui Lingrong's return, she immediately pulled Li over. "Today, the main kitchen delivered only one meat dish. Is this still the Marquis's residence?"

Jiang had never experienced such hardship when she was at her parents' home. Upon seeing the dishes today, she was so angry that she wanted to confront Cui Lingrong.

Li was forcibly dragged here. She never participated in the struggles within the Marquis's household; whatever the Marquis's household gave her, she accepted. Now, standing there, she felt so embarrassed she wanted to disappear into the ground.

"I already had someone explain that the expenses were too high the other day, so the Marquis's mansion has to tighten its belt on the expenses of Wutong Garden, and everyone else has to reduce their spending. If you don't like the food, you can buy the groceries yourself and have the kitchen cook for you; I won't stop you." Cui Lingrong said sternly. "If you don't accept it, you can go and argue with the old lady. I'm tired today and don't want to argue with you anymore, but this is how things are at the Marquis's mansion now. If you want to eat better, you can pay for it yourself."

Jiang was reluctant to spend money on herself, and if the Second Master cared about her, she was willing to support the Second Wife's expenses. However, the Second Master was becoming increasingly impatient with her, and she couldn't possibly keep the money to herself.

She gritted her teeth, "Since the Marquis's mansion is short of money, why don't you reduce the year-end bonuses? That would save a lot of money!"

"If a family like ours suddenly cuts off our servants' money, do you think it will sound good to others?" Cui Lingrong sneered. "The old lady values ​​her reputation most. Do you think she would agree to that? I'll say it again: if you want more food, pay for it yourself. Once the Marquis's mansion gets through this crisis and the Princess gives birth smoothly, everyone's lives will be a little more comfortable."

Jiang couldn't argue with Cui Lingrong, and she didn't dare to go to the old lady, since even the old lady's food was becoming scarce.

As for Princess Rongjia, she was even less someone she could afford to offend.

Jiang came in a flurry of activity and left in a huff. She was thinking about how to make some money; she couldn't live like this anymore!

Li was left alone at Qiushuangzhai, feeling even more awkward. After hesitating for a long time, she whispered, "Sister-in-law, I... I have no complaints." She didn't even have meat every meal at her parents' home, so her current life was actually not bad.

"I know she dragged you here. You're a good-natured person, but Jiang isn't." Cui Lingrong asked Qiu's mother to bring out two sets of writing materials. "When my brother brought them over a few days ago, I left two sets for Zhou's brothers, but I've been too busy and forgot to ask someone to send them over. Since you're here, you can take them back."

"Lang Ge'er is so young, he won't need these for a while. I... I'll just take one." Li Shi knew that her sister-in-law was generous, so she felt even more embarrassed to accept her sister-in-law's gifts.

"If Lang-ge'er doesn't need it, then keep it for Zhou-ge'er to use slowly." Cui Lingrong knew that Li Shi was short of money and that writing materials were expensive. "Alright, you should go back now. I'm really tired today, so I won't keep you for tea."

After thanking her, Li left Qiushuangzhai and sighed to her maid, "My sister-in-law is such a good person. If only this concubine thing hadn't happened."

"Please don't say that. If someone hears you, your life will be even more difficult." The maid looked around in fright.

Li realized she had spoken too quickly, and felt a chill run down her neck. "Well, I won't say anything more." She would just remember her sister-in-law's kindness in her heart, and she would definitely help her if her sister-in-law needed anything in the future.