Mrs. He rushed to Cixin Academy in such a hurry that she couldn’t even wait for someone to announce her arrival before entering the small hall. The old madam was chatting with Xu Xinmo, who seemed to have said something amusing, as the old madam was laughing heartily.
Yun Muyou, Yun Musi, and Yun Mulan were sitting on one side, joining in with laughter, while several illegitimate daughters sat at the lower end, also laughing and chiming in.
Upon seeing Mrs. He enter, the old madam’s eyes narrowed slightly. She wanted to chide her but noticed that, despite the cold weather, Mrs. He’s forehead was beaded with sweat, and she asked in confusion, "What’s the matter?"
"Mother, I have something I need to discuss with you alone!" Mrs. He’s voice trembled as she spoke.
The old madam was no fool; she naturally understood that Mrs. He must have encountered some trouble. "Wanwan, you and your cousins go play!"
Although Xu Xinmo was curious, she nodded subtly and obediently left.
Now, only the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law remained in the small hall.
The old madam then asked in a stern voice, "What exactly is going on?"
Mrs. He took several deep breaths before speaking, "Mother, the second brother has brought back his second wife and Yun Jinnian. He has already sent people to clean up Qiyue Academy and Niannian Garden. He says that once the yards are tidy, he will bring the two of them back home!"
The old madam was greatly shocked.
She was pleased that Yun Qi had returned.
But why had Yun Qi brought Mrs. Han and Yun Jinnian back? What was he trying to do?
And how could Mrs. Han have the nerve to return? What did she plan to do once back?
The old madam suddenly remembered the carriage bearing the Han Family’s emblem being escorted into the palace by the Emperor’s personal guard. Had Han Xuzi returned?
If so, this was going to be troublesome!
Mrs. Han was no easy adversary, and now with Han Xuzi back...
"Mother, if the second sister-in-law returns and asks about Jinnian’s birthday gifts, what should I say?" Mrs. He asked anxiously.
"What else could we say? We know nothing!"
Pretend ignorance, and let’s see what Mrs. Han can do about it!
Hearing this, Mrs. He grew even more anxious.
Because apart from the silver notes, the gifts Mrs. Han had sent back were all exceptionally valuable. She had kept some and presented others to the old madam, but some items had already been distributed. If Mrs. Han were to inquire about them...
"Mother, I feel uneasy!"
"Fear not; if it comes to it, we’ll just have her tally the value of those items and convert it to silver to give to her. Our Yun Family isn’t so poor that we can’t afford that!"
Upon hearing this, Mrs. He felt a pang in her heart.
The Yun Family of today was indeed not what it had been a year ago.
They had closed over a dozen shops and sold off as many estates. Now, they barely had ten shops left and only eight estates.
The income for the year, the household expenses, social obligations, and Yun Chen’s external affairs had left little to no surplus by year’s end.
Although her dowry was considerable, it was meant for her children.
Three sons and three daughters—her dowry and any future dowries for them wouldn’t go far.
"Enough. There’s no need to speak of this further. Let Yun Qi do as he pleases with Qiyue Academy; you need not involve yourself. I want to see exactly what they are plotting!"
The old madam spoke and then, showing signs of impatience, Mrs. He had no choice but to hold her tongue.
However, upon learning that Yun Qi had sent a hundred people to clear out both yards, with all items moved to the Yun Family’s main storehouse and continuous deliveries of furniture and decorations being made to Qiyue Academy and Niannian Garden, the maids and old women in the household were all abuzz discussing the exquisite and rare curiosities in Niannian Garden. Mrs. He sneaked a peek at Niannian Garden, and the envy turned her eyes red.
The antique vases were used for flowers, the precious jade platform now housed several goldfish...