chapter 50.2

“My child, you are back. There are several bales of fabrics here. Come and take a look. I’ll ask the tailor to make you a few sets of spring clothing once we match the designs and colors.” Seeing her daughter back, Lin Shi greeted her happily.

Yu Miao Qi walked over to inspect those fabrics. Those were all precious Shu brocade but the patterns and colors were a bit old-fashioned which caused an inevitable frown.

Somewhat affected inwardly, Lin Shi busily explained, “These are Mother’s satin saved a few years ago, which are all articles of tribute and extremely precious. Although the patterns and colors are not up-to-date, they are still feasible making into a few dresses.” She waved her hand at Jin Momo after saying that, “Go and summon the shopkeeper of Jin Xiu House over. Tell her to just bring the most expensive jewelry and fabrics for my daughter to pick.”

Jin Momo left upon receiving the order while Lin Shi pulled out a bale of fabrics and matched it against her daughter’s body unceasingly.

Yu Miao Qi dismissed all the maidservants in the room before lowering her voice and asked, “Mother, how did Yu Si Yu know about my origins?”

“Ah, I actually forgot about this if you didn’t mention it!” Lin Shi’s face changed drastically, “She happened to hear my discussion with your grandmother about sending Yu Xiang away back then.”

“Mother, she even asked me today why I didn’t let the Shen family take Yu Xiang away. I was so shocked that I couldn’t find words to reply to her for a moment. Mother, what will happen if she spreads the news about me and how can daughter face others in the future?” Yu Miao Qi took out a handkerchief to wipe off her tears. After pondering over it for a long time, she finally decided to tell and let Lin Shi handle Yu Si Yu. Since she had just returned home, her foothold was not stable yet, so it would be extremely difficult for her to get rid of Yu Si Yu but easier for Lin Shi to do it.

How could she not want to get rid of Yu Xiang but it was imperative as her background must not be exposed. Now she was at a loss for ways to get rid of Yu Xiang and had nowhere to vent her frustration and resentment, but Yu Si Yu wanted to bump into her and touched her bad luck!

Lin Shi was feeling furious too as she cursed in a low voice, “That cheap hoof is not easy to deal with too. She wants to use you as her tool to deal with Yu Xiang. Don’t worry. Mother will definitely think of a way to send her far far away! It’s a shame that your elder brother and grandmother do not agree to send and let Yu Xiang live alone in the village. Child, just bear for a few more days while Mother thinks of another way.”

Listening to those words, Yu Miao Qi’s heart trembled slightly and voiced out in panic, “Mother, what did you say to grandmother and elder brother?” She was afraid that Lin Shi would shift this matter on her head which would make her elder brother and grandmother discontented with herself.

“I just said she would be an eyesore staying in the manor, so might as well send her away for peace and tranquility. My child, I have a sense of propriety in my words, just rest assured.” Lin Shi originally was not stupid, but all along she had been unwilling to be clear-headed. She was clear in her mind what she should do to make her daughter happy and satisfied.

Yu Miao Qi let out a sigh of relief then threw herself into Lin Shi’s arms and gradually started weeping. The Yu manor was totally different from what she had imagined. She thought the family members that she had not seen in years would welcome her home in the warmest way but in the end, one was more indifferent than the other. Only Lin Shi treated her wholeheartedly. No matter how cold hearted she was, at this moment she was still enshrouded with a little warmness.

Lin Shi patted her back and assured her once again, “With Mother here, you don’t have to worry. Mother will certainly think of a way to get that Yu Si Yu far far away and will not get in your way anymore. As for Yu Xiang, let’s take our time. She’s not even the Marquis manor’s breed but still wants to seize a place in the Marquis manor, truly not afraid of reducing her life span!”

Both mother and daughter spoke words of confidence in each other’s arms for a moment before Jin Momo led the shopkeeper of Jin Xiu House in, followed by many maidservants carrying boxes and baskets.

Opening those red lacquer boxes, there was a variety of precious jewelry and fabrics one could wish for. Under the bright sunlight, the entire room glittered with lustre colors that bedazzled to one’s eyes.

“Just pick whatever Madam likes. These are the newest jewelry and fabrics available this year which are the best of the best. If it’s another family, I would not be willing to take it all out” The shopkeeper smiled flatteringly.

Lin Shi pulled Yu Miao Qi forward to pick. Trying on this hairpin while draping on the gauze fabrics which one simply was unable to let go. After selecting for more than an hour, Lin Shi finally pointed at several boxes of things and spoke slowly, “How much are these worth, sum all up as I want them all.”

The shopkeeper upheld the principle of work more and talked less. Although she was extremely curious about Yu Miao Qi’s identity, she didn’t give her more glances. She picked up the little gold abacus that hung around her chest and fiddled it with crackling noises for a while before smiling obsequiously, “Report to Madam, the total amount is three thousand five hundred and sixty-eight tael. Just me give the matching tablets[1] and I will go withdraw the silver from the account room.”

“Matching tablet, what matching tablet?” Lin Shi was stunned.

“This is the manor’s rule and you don’t even know it? Miss Xiang’er said any expenses that exceeded one hundred tael must have a note to get the matching tablet from her before the book-keeper is willing to pay. Miss Xiang’er, this matron and the book-keeper each has one ledger that all need to be accounted for without any mistake at the end of the year.” The shopkeeper was tongue-tied as she explained. With regards to the household management skills, Miss Xiang’er was indeed the most unique in the entire Capital.

It’s said that there is no fish in the clear water. Most matriarch would just turn a blind eye to those subordinates that embezzled but Miss Xiang’er couldn’t bear having grit in her eyes[2], so she worked out an extremely stringent accounting method which made it difficult for one to steal even a needle.

There was one very good verse that Miss Xiang’er said – you are eating, wearing and using what is mine, even your entire family relies on me for support, yet you still pilfered behind my back. Why would I still indulge you when you are heartless, ungrateful and excessively greedy? I am not Virgin Mary!

This verse simply conformed with the shopkeeper’s heart that she quietly learned from Miss Xiang’er. The accounts of several branches were all in line with this. Since then, the atmosphere had become clearer which made her feel at ease.

The shopkeeper was full of praise for Yu Xiang but Lin Shi’s anger exploded as she interrogated, “When do I have to report to her whenever I buy something? What kind of thing she is…..” Realizing her misspoke, Lin Shi quickly covered her mouth with a handkerchief.

The shopkeeper just pretended not hearing anything and smilingly said, “Miss Xiang’er has been in charge of the household management for four years. This rule has long been decided by her and it’s beyond this matron’s control. You can’t expect this matron to forcibly rob from the account room without the matching tablet, right? The guards in the manor would chop this matron up! Madam, just send someone to Miss Xiang’er place to ask. It’s merely half a cup of tea[3] effort.”

Without a choice, Lin Shi sent Jin Momo to get the matching tablet.

The contented smile on Yu Miao Qi’s face was completely replaced with stunness at this moment. Yu Xiang has been managing the household for four years? Why wasn’t Mother or grandmother in charge of the Marquis manor? How and when was it the cripple’s turn? How old was she four years ago that she could hold up such a huge manor?