The next morning, Qin Liuxi had breakfast in her small courtyard and left with Chen Pi; today, she had a clinic appointment.
She left early, unaware that back at Old Mrs. Qin's place, everyone was eagerly waiting for her, causing Mrs. Xie to incessantly apply eye medicine to Old Mrs. Qin and criticize, "Such a lady lacks proper manners. Previously, there was no choice, but now that the elders are all present, she must be properly taught. Otherwise, going out will only bring ridicule."
Aunt Wan said, "Here in Li City, if she doesn't disclose her identity, who would know she's a Qin Family's daughter?"
Mrs. Xie scowled, "Aunt Wan, mother and sister-in-law haven't even spoken, what place do you have to intervene? Sister-in-law has spoiled you, without any discipline."
She disliked Mrs. Gu's tender-hearted nature and also despised her sister-in-law's pretense of being virtuous, treating the concubines as close as real sisters, utterly hypocritical.
Mrs. Wang said indifferently, "Aunt is worried about the Qin family's discipline and upbringing, but I am concerned about the household expenses. Mother, we're consuming our reserves, and with the Silver Coin on hand, even if we save, it might run out next year. We have no income, and even the sacrificial lands have been sealed."
Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent with a look of panic on their faces.
Mrs. Wang, fearing they did not understand the severity of the situation, continued, "Not to mention the expenses father and the others need for using Silver Coin to settle matters. At home, the boys still need to attend school amongst other expenses. Not to look too far ahead, it's soon autumn, and we need to buy winter clothes and charcoal for the winter... I fear this year might be a harsh winter."
Rules? Only those who are full and content could still afford to maintain such airs!
Everyone's faces turned pale.
The charcoal used in winter, especially the high-quality silver frost charcoal, was expensive. For such a large family, even crowded sleeping arrangements would mean significant charcoal expenses through winter.
So, all this burns Silver, and without Silver, wouldn't it merely be a cold winter?
At this point, who even cares about rules? The concern is whether we can survive the winter!
Old Mrs. Qin, still recovering from illness yet trying to keep her spirit up, after hearing Mrs. Wang's words, first glared at Mrs. Xie, then said, "Silver Coin is indeed crucial to save. Fortunately, we all know needlework. Mrs. Wang, have someone buy some embroidery threads and satin. When people have time, they can embroider some handkerchiefs and wallets to sell at the embroidery shop."
Everyone looked deeply anxious. Has it really come to this point?
"Mother, I want to go out and find a job," Qin Meiniang suddenly spoke up.
Old Mrs. Qin was startled.
Mrs. Wang also looked over.
Qin Meiniang bowed her head. It was not that she was selfish or reluctant to contribute. Being divorced and back with two daughters, her situation was most awkward and hopeless. She needed to plan for herself and her daughters. After all, in a few years, her daughters would need to marry, and without a dowry, would the maternal family care?
She never wished to be publicly visible, but for her daughters, she would do what was necessary.
Song Yu Yan and Song Yuqing, the sisters, both hung their heads and started sobbing quietly.
"Lady Mei, you are also a daughter of the Qin family. There will always be food for you three here in the household. Rest assured," Old Mrs. Qin, suppressing her grief, said, "Even for the future dowries of Yu Yan and others, the Qin family will find a way."
This was a promise that when the two married, the Qin family would provide a dowry.
Mrs. Xie's face changed a few times; she wanted to speak, but quieted down under Old Mrs. Qin's sharp gaze.
Mrs. Wang then said, "Let's have breakfast first, this matter is not urgent."
Everyone picked up their chopsticks, but looking at the plain porridge, steamed buns, and little pickles on the table, thinking of the days ahead, they found it hard to swallow.