CHAPTER 404: CHAPTER 406: CONFIDENCE (1)

Fifth Madam and First Young Madam Teng were left out cold to one side.

"Mother!" Fifth Madam spoke: "Fourth Sister-in-law said she wanted to make shrimp dumplings, and my brother happened to bring some fresh shrimp today, should I have someone send them over?"

"No need." The smile on Grand Dowager’s face vanished as she said sternly, "Since your Fourth Sister-in-law mentioned it, she must have it on her side; even if not, there’s always something in the warehouse, it’s just to make a scene so you don’t need to trouble yourself." She finished speaking and lowered her head to drink tea.

Fifth Madam was blocked by Grand Dowager’s response without being harsh or soft, awkwardly moving her lips and nervously clutching her handkerchief, not daring to speak more.

"Grand Dowager." First Young Madam Teng glanced at Fifth Madam with a ’can’t make steel from iron’ look, then covered her mouth and laughed: "When it comes to fortune, you’re certainly the top one in the Capital, not mentioning the promising prospects of the masters, but also the honorable and filial daughters-in-law."

Grand Dowager did not respond, but First Young Madam Teng did not find it awkward, continuing: "Second Madam’s status is distinguished and First Madam is the eldest daughter born to Count Chengyi..." Saying this, she glanced at Xiqiu and chuckled behind her sleeve: "Fourth Madam is also a young lady of literary lineage, truly a mansion full of noble people." It sounded somewhat forced.

Fifth Madam’s lips curled into a slight smile as she glanced at Xiqiu.

Xiqiu sipped tea calmly, as if she hadn’t heard First Young Madam Teng’s words; after all, now that she’s a daughter-in-law of the Xiao Family, and with Grand Dowager present, it wasn’t her place to respond.

Sure enough, Grand Dowager’s brow furrowed, her voice turning chilly: "The weather’s cold, and the snow’s getting heavier. First Young Madam Teng, you should be mindful of your travel time." This was plainly to send guests away.

"No need to hurry." First Young Madam Teng laughed, "I didn’t come just for cousin’s affairs. Recently my lord acquired a five-entry residence near the Sanmen Building. I’ve been staying there these past few days; it’s close to here, just half a moment’s walk. Thank you for your concern, Grand Dowager."

There was a hint of showing off.

Second Madam responded with a smile: "Residences near the Sanmen Building are quite expensive nowadays. First Young Madam Teng really is fortunate." Hearing this, First Young Madam Teng’s face was full of pride.

The Sanmen Building, adjacent to South Arch, is close to the circle of wealth, and also near the Imperial City, so many merchants compete at high prices to acquire residences there. But in the Capital, however wealthy you are, without solid connections, you cannot purchase a house there. They don’t look at how deep your pockets are, only at your heritage and background.

So Second Madam’s remark about First Young Madam Teng’s fortune was not unfounded.

"Your words are indeed true, buying a residence in the Capital is quite difficult, and acquiring a large one is even more challenging. Our mansion has many inhabitants, used to living in large houses, and moving into a smaller one would be quite uncomfortable." After this pause, she continued: "Yesterday I visited my cousin’s residence, oh my... tut tut, not to criticize, but before reaching the front of that two-entry courtyard, the back room was already clearly visible, the servants squeezed together in the courtyard was quite distressing."

This was mocking Grand Dowager for giving Fifth Madam too small a courtyard.

Grand Dowager’s expression darkened, while Second Madam laughed and said: "You’re right indeed. Originally, I wanted to keep the residence at Yanling Lane; it’s close to East Street, very convenient for coming and going, but a bit small..." As she spoke, she saw First Young Madam Teng’s expression change, and—secretly amused—she outwardly suggested: "It’s indeed unfair for Fifth Sister-in-law to reside there; First Young Madam Teng might as well help her acquire a five-entry residence near the Sanmen Building, then I could use that place for other purposes."

Xiqiu drank her tea, suddenly realizing how skilled these women were at speaking; truly one more adept than the other. Second Madam openly agreed with First Young Madam Teng’s remarks, yet also told them while the residence is small, she’s quite fond of it. If you don’t live there, why not move out; I’m still thinking about it.

Considering Second Madam’s status, if she desires this house, would Fifth Madam dare to contest?

As anticipated, First Young Madam Teng felt awkward but quickly regained her composure, laughingly saying: "Purchasing a new residence isn’t impossible; coincidentally my neighbor has one, although the price is rather high... But with high comes the advantage that Sheng is also growing up; when marrying and starting his own family there, they won’t be considered from a small household, right Grand Dowager?"

This First Young Madam Teng indeed has an adept character.

Grand Dowager showed annoyance directly and replied: "Fifth Young Master’s household affairs don’t need to be discussed with me; they’ve been given their share, and what they decide is none of my concern."

"Look at what you say." First Young Madam Teng laughed: "Residences are indeed expensive, yet acquiring them wouldn’t be amiss, also considering them as an arrangement for Sheng’s future. However, after purchasing the residence, this couple will have no money left." After this pause, she continued: "Take a look, the Second Madam has a villa at West Mountain, First Madam has one in the Eastern Suburbs, and Fourth Master has the Great Governor Mansion whereas our cousin and her husband have nothing at all. Grand Dowager, you really must balance the scales."

Xiqiu placed the teacup on the table, understanding First Young Madam Teng’s purpose today. She was here to voice dissatisfaction with the distribution of property given to Fifth Madam by Grand Dowager.

Ignoring the reason why Grand Dowager expelled them, she focused solely on the inequity of the property division.

As she thought, she glanced at Fifth Madam and saw her though looking down, displaying none of her previous reverent apprehension.

Grand Dowager was genuinely angered, narrowing her eyes as she replied: "It’s understandable why you say so; you’re not from the Xiao Mansion, you naturally don’t understand the internal details. The estates of Second Madam and First Madam were part of their dowries, while Fourth Master’s residence was a gift from the Emperor. First Young Madam Teng... is this rationale correct?"

After Grand Dowager finished speaking, she unceremoniously picked up the tea and said to Nanny Wu: "See the guests out!"

First Young Madam Teng was shocked by Grand Dowager’s angry demeanor, and her heart skipped a beat; her legs weakened as she retreated slightly, but recalling her purpose, she bravely continued, saying toughly: "I don’t understand the situation at Marquis Mansion, but the income and expenditure over the years are crystal clear, although my cousin was born of a concubine, his share of the family estate shouldn’t be lessened. Since you’ve stated as such, forgive my impoliteness, but I must carefully settle the accounts with you today."

Ha! This First Young Madam Teng is truly a fascinating person!

She dared to stand before Grand Dowager to discuss the income and expenditure accounts of Marquis Mansion; Xiqiu couldn’t help being curious about the mental structure of her logic.

She herself acknowledged the special stature of the Xiao Family, while the Teng Family, not to mention controlling the Canal Shipping but grasped the entirety of Great Zhou’s shipping, still lacked qualification compared to Xiao Mansion.

Grand Dowager could remain composed and politely entertain her, considering the face of Fifth Young Master; regardless of the situation, Fifth Young Master belongs to the Xiao Family, and such face matters must be attended to.