Chapter 2.4

After passing through several archways, they finally arrived at the Grand Madam’s private study. This study was used for business and meeting clients, lavishly and solemnly decorated. Besides the Grand Madam and Madam Qi, there were fourteen business managers and the trusted Aunt Fang. Aunt Fang was the Grand Madam’s maid, who later married the Qi family’s manager but was widowed early. Trained by the Grand Madam, she became her right hand and held a special status in the Qi family.

“Tianlei, why did you come too?” The Grand Madam gently scolded.

Qi Tianlei sat in the empty seat to the right of the main seat, smiling, “It’s no trouble. I’m feeling much better today. I should be more involved in business matters; it’s inappropriate for a junior to let the Grand Madam do all the work.”

Yuhu noticed Ke Shizhao’s disdainful look, and her anger flared. She realized something crucial: if Tianlei died, Ke Shizhao would be the most likely to take over the Qi family! That must be it! Otherwise, why would he be allowed in the study to discuss business with the Grand Madam? So, the person who most wished for Tianlei’s death was him! Look at him, boldly eyeing her face and body, as if he would “inherit” her too! Humph! She would beat him to the ground!

Madam Qi asked, “Where’s Doctor Liu? Why didn’t he accompany you?”

“Mother! Bingyan and I are newlyweds, yet you want an outsider to interfere, that’s unreasonable.” Qi Tianlei pulled Yuhu into his arms.

Ke Shizhao’s smile was insincere.

“But Doctor Liu has always been inseparable from Brother Qi. Even as newlyweds, you shouldn’t neglect your health and forget about Doctor Liu’s presence!”

What was he insinuating? This man was really annoying!

“Alright, Shizhao. As long as Tianlei is healthy, it’s good not to have a doctor around. Let’s look at the operations from the past month! Everyone, this is our new daughter-in-law…”

Next, Yuhu was greeted with bows and pleasantries from many people, and then a lengthy business discussion ensued.

Despite feeling dizzy from the information overload, she made sure to remember some key points. For example, Ke Shizhao had been involved in Qi family business for over four years, managing five businesses quite well. The Grand Madam intended to train her, and with Ke Shizhao volunteering to teach her, the Grand Madam agreed to let her learn from him first. The plan was for her to gradually take over some businesses if she proved capable.

She had little interest in business, and the thought of working with that slick man made her nauseous! How could the Grand Madam agree so easily? She glanced at her husband, seeing him with half-closed eyes, a deep and unreadable expression, looking almost sickly, as if he didn’t understand anything. She then observed the people in the study.

The Grand Madam, despite her stern and sharp demeanor, seemed stubborn and autocratic, not easily accepting others’ opinions. But once someone became her confidant, making her happy, she would trust them unconditionally, never doubting her judgment.

Thus, even though the fourteen business managers each had their own abilities and opinions, they were all subservient and silent before the Grand Madam. In this sense, Yuhu was quite fortunate! The Grand Madam had painstakingly chosen Bingyan, forced the marriage, and even though

 it was Yuhu who married in, the Grand Madam still favored her, not caring that she knew nothing about business, simply assuming she had potential and wanted to groom her as the head mistress. She wondered how the Grand Madam would feel if she found out she wasn’t the noble lady Du Bingyan but an ordinary girl.

At this moment, Yuhu began to understand Tianlei’s predicament! With such a Grand Madam and a mother weakened by the loss of three sons, it would be strange if he didn’t pretend to be sick! If he were perfectly healthy, no one would believe it! But she still didn’t know if his illness was real or fake.

As for Ke Shizhao, although he wasn’t as favored as Qi Tianlei, the legitimate heir, he had some business acumen. Over the years, he had become the Grand Madam’s trusted aide, able to influence her decisions. Otherwise, why would the Grand Madam allow him to work with her, disregarding gender propriety? The Grand Madam probably saw him as a highly moral person! Moreover, Aunt Fang, the Grand Madam’s right hand, seemed to support Ke Shizhao as well, leading the whole meeting under the Grand Madam’s direction, with Ke Shizhao’s advice proving successful! Even a fool could see who the Grand Madam’s future successor would be. No wonder the fourteen managers all obeyed and flattered Ke Shizhao.

And what about Qi Tianlei? Apart from being the “dying” heir and the Qi family’s hope, what substantial role did he have?

She once asked him what the young mistress’s duties were. He answered, “To have children.” Was producing heirs the only job of the eldest son? No wonder her mother-in-law was eager to push Chun Ya and Xiangping into the new garden, fearing she alone wasn’t enough, bringing in two more as backups to ensure an heir. If there were no descendants and Tianlei “died,” what then? Ke Shizhao’s ambition wasn’t just to seize Tianlei’s wealth but probably included her as well!

Could the Grand Madam secretly approve of this, allowing Ke Shizhao to manage business matters? Oh, heavens! She was confused! She must not be smart enough; otherwise, why would the more she thought, the more chaotic it became? She quickly glanced at her husband, who was also looking at her, tightening his grip around her waist, oddly calming her anxiety, though she still felt uneasy.

Taking advantage of no one’s attention, Qi Tianlei took her hand, kissed it lightly, his eyes conveying warmth that slowly filled her heart. For a moment, their hearts were so close! She felt a bit dazed… and smiled a brilliant smile at him, making him gaze at her in fascination.

It was too difficult not to fall for such a man! She detested bullying and saw Qi Tianlei as a weakling, making her fall for him even faster. Now she understood why she was only infatuated with Liu Ruoqian but completely captivated by Qi Tianlei! This man made her laugh, angry, and pained all at once.

During their silent exchange of affection, a jealous gaze swept over them. She didn’t notice, but Qi Tianlei just smiled, pulling his wife closer, hiding his kisses on her snowy neck with his sleeve. Startled, Yuhu barely dared to breathe, glancing at the Grand Madam and others still in their meeting across the room. She whispered harshly, “Restrain yourself! You’re so crude and rude.”

“Let’s go back to our room right away!” He whispered, nibbling on her neck.

“Qi Tianlei…” She almost cursed out loud.

But her mother-in-law’s exclamation was faster, “Oh! Tianlei, are you feeling unwell again? Ah Zhong, Ah Lin, help the young master back to the new garden!”

As Qi Tianlei wished, the couple was immediately escorted back to the “Jichang New Garden,” and the elusive Liu Ruoqian was also found, making the garden lively again! Liu Ruoqian’s charm was undeniable, as even Xiangping and Chun Ya followed him with shy expressions.

Liu Ruoqian, however, looked exasperated. Before entering the room, he blocked Yuhu’s way, dramatically saying, “Young mistress, please spend time with these ladies. As for Tianlei’s illness, acupuncture is needed, so no women can enter. Wait outside for a while.” With that, he quickly slipped inside, looking like he was fleeing in a hurry.

Chat? Chat about what? She had already forgotten the relatives introduced before. But she was the hostess here, so she instructed the servants to set a table with snacks and good tea under the large banyan tree to entertain the ladies.

Besides the four maids, she only knew Xiangping and Chun Ya. The girl in red with a somewhat domineering face was Ke Mudan. The other girl, she hadn’t met before!

That girl, however, was straightforward, looking at her for a moment before saying, “Young mistress, I am Fang Xiaohong, the second granddaughter of Aunt Fang, currently working in the accounting office.”

A servant, but with the privilege of sitting with the master. Among them, Ke Mudan was the most arrogant!

She remembered that Tianlei had a half-sister named Qi Yansheng, whom she liked but had not seen again. Today, two of the girls were preselected as concubines but seemed infatuated with Liu Ruoqian. One was as unpleasant as Ke Shizhao, and the other left no impression. No wonder Liu Ruoqian looked overwhelmed.

“Please, sit down, everyone. It’s rare to have guests in the new garden.”

After the girls sat down, they all took out embroidery handkerchiefs to stitch. Ke Mudan softly said, “Cousin-in-law, your embroidery is renowned in Yangzhou. Today, you must share your skills with us and broaden our horizons here in Quanzhou.”

Clearly, she was making things difficult. Yuhu easily deflected, “The Grand Madam told me that the family has a special embroidery room for making clothes and shoes, so I don’t need to do such unproductive things. As the third young mistress of the Qi family, besides serving my husband, I should contribute to the business. Oh! I really envy you unmarried girls who have leisure time. Being a wife is different; I fear I won’t have such pleasant times again.”

If the Ke siblings thought she was an easy target, they were mistaken! If it were the real Du Bingyan, she might have endured the humiliation with grace, but Yuhu was Li Yuhu, and she wouldn’t let them off easily.

Ke Mudan wasn’t easy to deal with either, sneering, “Cousin-in-law, if you’re so capable, you’ll be busy managing the businesses soon. Why haven’t Xiangping and Chun Ya moved into the new garden yet? It’s improper for them to chase after Doctor Liu.”

Xiangping kept silent, but Chun Ya couldn’t help but speak up, “Cousin, the third young master didn’t agree to this. Even the Grand Madam and Mother-in-law just mentioned it. Though I’m not from a wealthy family, I come from a scholarly family. Marrying as a primary wife is within my reach. Why is it okay for you to pursue men, but not for others to admire Doctor Liu?”

Chun Ya wasn’t easy to provoke either.

Yuhu, bored, watched the scene unfold. This was the nature of noble ladies, arguing over trivial matters all day. As long as their target wasn’t her husband, it didn’t concern her. As for Fang Xiaohong, though she had the privilege of sitting with the masters, she should still maintain her boundaries as a servant. Acting like a young lady was too presumptuous.

This Qi family mansion, though beautiful, had too many mixed personalities! Just as she was thinking of finding a quieter place, Xiangping approached her, “Sister, I won’t compete for the third young master. Would you allow me to live in the new garden?”

Yuhu thought for a moment; this girl seemed to know how to play her cards. She seemed obedient but aimed to pursue Liu Ruoqian. Forget the idea of being a matchmaker; she wasn’t that kind-hearted. Moreover, having Tianlei in the garden with different faces indoors and outdoors, it wasn’t suitable for others to see. This place was his only haven for relaxation and freedom. Liu Ruoqian came to play with him, and having outsiders would ruin the fun.

Besides, she wasn’t foolish enough to let one person in, offending everyone else, harming herself without benefiting others. Let them find their way to woo Liu Ruoqian, she wouldn’t get involved!

She directly refused Xiangping, then looked at the time, deciding not to entertain these ladies any longer. “I’m going to check on my husband. You can continue chatting here. I won’t be coming out to see you off. Enjoy yourselves, Xi’er, serve them well.”

After her maid nodded, she slipped into the room, realizing she wasn’t suited to socializing with women. She couldn’t stand their sharp tongues and pettiness. It was probably because Qi Tianlei’s high status but lack of real power that even made her position as the young mistress lack respect, with everyone showing her fake smiles. If Bingyan had married in, she would have been torn apart! Once again, Yuhu felt her decision was right.