CHAPTER 161: CHAPTER 161: FAMILY AFFAIRS (1)

The Grand Dowager nodded in agreement: "That’s exactly the point."

The Countess pondered for a moment, then smiled at Madam Qian: "If this really happens, our two families would truly become one."

Madam Qian covered her sleeve and laughed.

At this moment, a young maid who had her hair down peeked outside the door. Nanny Wu, with sharp eyes, saw her and quietly stepped out, asking, "What’s the matter?"

The young maid replied, "The Second Young Master asked me to inform the Grand Dowager that the Fourth Master has returned and he will bring him inside to greet the Grand Dowager shortly."

Nanny Wu’s eyes lit up, and she nodded, "Go tell the Second Young Master that the Grand Dowager knows." The young maid acknowledged and left, while Nanny Wu also returned to the main room, whispered a few words in the Grand Dowager’s ear, then the Grand Dowager paused her card playing, her gaze instantly turned sharp.

The Grand Dowager’s expression changed slightly, leaving the several madams puzzled. Madam Qian even asked, "Has something happened?"

"Don’t mind him!" The Grand Dowager threw a card on the table and said, "Let’s continue with our game." But her mind was obviously elsewhere.

The madams looked at each other, feeling curious but knowing it was a family matter, they chose not to inquire further. Madam Ruan stood up first, rubbed her back, and said with a smile, "Sitting for half a day has made my back ache. Let’s take a walk in the garden like the younger folk. Why should they be the only ones allowed to admire flowers and discuss poetry?" She then smiled at the Grand Dowager, "A walk would aid digestion; I ate a bit too much at lunch."

Madam Qian supported her sister-in-law: "That’s a good idea." She turned to watch Countess Wujin, who also stood up, saying, "I’ll join in the fun too."

The Grand Dowager understood they were finding an excuse to step out, and she didn’t stop them. She laughed, "Just make sure not to get lost; you young and beautiful ones, take care!"

With that, the three madams were even more certain that avoiding the situation was the right decision, and they all laughed. Madam Ruan said to the Grand Dowager, "If we’re lost, then so be it. I was thinking of staying with you, not wanting to leave."

The Grand Dowager smiled and then tasked the Marchioness: "Accompany them."

The Marchioness stood up with a smile, "Yes!" and accompanied the three madams, followed by a crowd of young maids and old servants out of the main courtyard.

Once everyone had left, the Grand Dowager’s face darkened. She had Nanny Wu clear the table, sipped tea slowly, and Nanny Wu, watching the Grand Dowager cautiously, smiled to comfort her, "Fourth Master coming back is something to be happy about. Though you don’t say it, I know you still care about him in your heart. So many years have passed; you can’t hold a grudge with him forever. Fourth Master staying outside isn’t the right solution; persuading him to return and live in the residence is key."

The Grand Dowager snorted coldly, "Return home? Just so he can frustrate me daily? I just can’t understand, with four sons, the Marquis is upright, the second is gentle, the third is honest, but he alone has such a foul and stubborn temper. When has he ever listened to reason? Mingling with those disreputable friends, what good can come of it?"

Nanny Wu sighed quietly and shook her head. Of all the young masters, Fourth Master resembles the lady the most; just as intelligent, just as stubborn, just as seemingly aggressive but actually kind-hearted. Nanny Wu smiled, "It’s not Fourth Master learning from them, but they learning from Fourth Master. Haven’t you heard? No matter who among those gentlemen, they all fear our Fourth Master. With him around, no one dares to cause trouble."

The Grand Dowager sneered, "Splendid, and without an official post, he’s already drawn the attention of the Five Cities Military Department."

Nanny Wu chuckled and tried to ease the Grand Dowager’s anger, "I think Fourth Master needs a Fourth Madam to manage him. If there’s someone in the family to think of, a man will always have a reason to remember to return home."

The Grand Dowager showed a contemplative look. Nanny Wu was not wrong; if he were married, perhaps it would be better?

However, if it were someone else’s marriage, she could decide, but knowing it’s the fourth son, she immediately felt powerless. Recalling the last time when the young lady of the Hu Family passed away, and the family wanted to arrange a new marriage for him, he spoke up without hesitation, saying he would mourn Miss Hu and not marry for three years, treating her as his deceased wife.

What kind of behavior is this? Traditionally, only a wife mourns her husband. Now he’s breaking new ground!

"Last time, Madam Lin from the Marquis of Wuwei mentioned she has a niece of marriageable age. Go inquire about it tomorrow and see if she’s spoken for."

Nanny Wu smilingly nodded, "No need to wait for tomorrow. Later when Madam Ruan arrives, we can ask her directly." The Grand Dowager was momentarily surprised, then laughed, "Indeed, I’ve grown old and forgot about that. The second son of Marquis Jinxiang married Madam Lin’s niece."

Nanny Wu saw that a bit of the Grand Dowager’s anger had dissipated, and she smiled, "When the Fourth Master arrives later, if you are truly upset, you can hit him a few times and then have a good talk with him. After all, you are mother and son; there is no reason not to be close."

The Grand Dowager didn’t respond, lowered her head to drink tea, her eyes falling on her bright red twin gold-plated begonia flower overcoat, her expression softened a bit, and she said to Nanny Wu, "I think that Sixth Miss of the Tong Family is quite good, very honest."

Nanny Wu refilled her tea and smilingly said, "Honest? I haven’t seen that, but the means of the lady of the in-laws, that I have noticed."

The Grand Dowager glanced sideways at Nanny Wu and continued, "Considering the lady of the in-laws spoke that way, it’s understandable; the family’s legitimate daughter still hasn’t found a good match. Today, with several madams here, she has to plan for her own, rather than let an illegitimate one take the limelight." With that, she sighed and shook her head, "But it was done too blatantly!"

Nanny Wu nodded in agreement, "I suspect the lady of the in-laws also has an eye on Madam Qian’s nephew. If the marriage really happens, it would be a good thing!" Remembering Fifth Madam’s deliberate undermining of the in-laws’ lady by keeping her family sister living in the residence, she stopped the topic. The Grand Dowager, however, added, "It doesn’t matter much, good or bad. That Fourth Miss isn’t bad either, and she’s also legitimate. Presumably, the in-laws’ lady wouldn’t easily decide such a thing."

The Qian Family, being good friends with the Xiao Family, many alliances through marriage will not change things much.

Nanny Wu looked at the bright red overcoat worn by the Grand Dowager, "In any case, with this inexpensive garment acquired, no matter how you calculate, you won’t be at a loss."

The Lady began to smile softly.

"What about acquiring some ready-made garment?" Suddenly, Xiao Yanyi’s voice came from outside the screen. He walked in with large steps, his gentle face wearing a faint smile, "Mother and Nanny Wu, what new garment are you talking about?" With these words, his eyes fell on the festive clothes the Grand Dowager was wearing.