The Lucky Farmgirl

Bai Heng felt this matter was impossible, as the saying goes, "Who would willingly spit out what they’ve swallowed?"

Bai Min looked at him with a half-smile and said, "Haven’t I said this before: this matter doesn’t depend on whether people are willing or not, but on power dynamics. Indeed, the fourth branch currently doesn’t have the power to make the clan hand over those things, but the family does."

"If the clan speaks up, Fifth Younger Brother, will you comply or not?"

Bai Heng remained silent.

Bai Min stood up, dusting off imaginary dust from his robe, and said, "I’ll write to our elder brother and uncle about this. This matter is no small issue. Since the fourth branch has brought it up, we should seize the opportunity to repair relationships. If we feign ignorance, even our outward relations will be difficult to maintain in the future."

He said, "Bai Shan, still not of age, is already a viscount. Most importantly, he’s become a scholar, and it’s only a matter of time before he is appointed to a post. In the entire Bai Family, who can compare to him? Do you really want to become his enemy?"

Bai Min then turned and left.

Where they were living now was an estate the family had purchased in the capital city. Even within the inner city, the family, being of noble lineage, could afford this much property.

The two families had bought houses together at that time, and their main family in the capital also had property, but it belonged to the main branch.

It was okay for the family members studying in the capital to stay there for a while, but for those with families, it was inconvenient.

However, this time, many Bai family relatives had come to join in the excitement. Not everyone could afford to buy property in the capital, so either they stayed with Bai Min and Bai Heng or rented nearby houses.

It was still a bit crowded, with one small courtyard sometimes housing two families.

Thus, when they went to the Zhou Residence and saw Old Madam Liu accompanied by Ms. Zheng occupying such a large courtyard, not to mention having control over the entire eastern three-entry courtyard of the Zhou Residence, they couldn’t help but feel envious.

Meanwhile, they had spent so much money, and at most could only purchase a small two-entry courtyard in the capital, definitely not an estate with three courtyards, which couldn’t even fit three carriages.

At the Zhou Residence, after having seen all their guests off, Old Madam Liu’s smile faded, and she let out a weary sigh. Leaning on Ms. Zheng, she retraced her steps, reviewing in her mind the people she’d met and the words spoken today.

When she finished reflecting, she turned to Ms. Zheng and asked, "How long have Shanbao and the others been out?"

Ms. Zheng knew her mother-in-law’s habit and understood that she had finished her reflections. She promptly replied, "Almost an hour, they said they were going to Guardian of the Nation Temple for a lake tour."

Old Madam Liu smiled and said, "Let them play. Once they take their posts, there won’t be many more days of leisure like this."

Ms. Zheng nodded in agreement.

Old Madam Liu continued, "Once he assumes the position, we should bring up the marital arrangements with our in-laws."

Ms. Zheng couldn’t help but ask, "Mother, should the marriage be held here?"

Old Madam Liu laughed and replied, "Of course, the marriage can’t take place here. I plan to buy a house over in Changqing Alley. I’ve already sent someone to look at it. It’s a two-entry courtyard with a small garden, similar to where Dalang lives, but with a better orientation and more spacious than the one in Elms Alley."

"After they marry, we can live in both places," she said. "In terms of residence, the Zhou Residence is the best. Shanbao and his spouse will have convenient access, even when on duty. You don’t need to worry about what people say outside."

Ms. Zheng said, "I know, if I cared about people’s gossip, neither mother nor I would have survived long."

Old Madam Liu laughed and patted her hand, saying, "That’s the spirit. Practicality is what matters the most. In the future, they will have a child bearing the Xia name. If we worried about such talk, not only us but even that unborn child would find it hard to live."

For most of her life, Old Madam Liu existed amid various rumors and had long formed her own understanding, which she carried with her. Ms. Zheng, while soft in temperament, shared similar views to her mother-in-law.

Delighted to hear they’d continue living at the Zhou Residence after marriage, Ms. Zheng decided to refurbish the flower room. Now she could plant those flowers she had wanted to grow before.

Meanwhile, Ms. Qian was discussing Manbao’s marriage with Old Zhou. "The Bai family has hinted that once Bai Shan assumes office, they will be proposing a marriage."

Old Zhou immediately sat upright and quickly asked, "Did our in-laws mention where the marriage would be held?"

"From what it sounds like, they plan to buy a house in Changqing Alley."

Old Zhou couldn’t help but grumble, "Why are they buying another house? Doesn’t their family already own two courtyards in the capital?"

He murmured, "Is their courtyard bigger than ours? What’s the point of buying another place when they can live anywhere?"

Ms. Qian shot him a glare and said, "Manbao eventually has to leave home. Bai Shan isn’t marrying in. After the wedding, she’ll naturally leave from here to the Bai family. Why are you anxious? After the first month, they will naturally move back."

Old Zhou perked up, "Did Old Madam Liu say this?"

"She didn’t say it directly, but that’s the impression I got." She smiled faintly and said, "That’s why this marriage is a good match. We know the background, and Old Madam Liu is open-minded and won’t suppress her daughters-in-law like some households do."

Old Zhou murmured, "I never said I’m against this marriage... So when do they plan to set the date? It’s already April; they should marry in August or September, or perhaps after winter. Winter is a good time for hotpot, and it’s easier to hold a feast."

Ms. Qian retorted unceremoniously, "I think August or September would be fine. Let’s see what date their family proposes. By the way, I was going to tell you, there’s also a proposal for Liru’s marriage today."

"Which family?"

"You know them, the young master from the Liu family who often visits."

Old Zhou’s mouth dropped open, and it took a while for him to regain his composure. "Aren’t they very influential? Isn’t Lord Liu a top minister? I heard from Manbao that he’s in charge of all the officials’ salaries, and manages the nation’s finances and provisions."

Ms. Qian was indeed worried for the same reason. "That’s why I didn’t agree immediately. The pot is too big, and the lid we’re using may be too small to cover it."

She said, "We’ll have to ask Manbao when she returns, and we must also ask Liru for her opinion. She wants to be an official like her aunt in the future. From what I’ve observed over the past two years, the nobility in the capital don’t seem to be keen on their daughters-in-law becoming officials."

Old Zhou pouted and said, "That’s only because they’re too comfortable. What’s wrong with having a wife who is an official? It’s prestigious and helps support the family. Look at Datou’s wife; don’t they live well? The family even respects her more."

Indeed, Liu Sanniang, in the Zhou family, apart from Manbao, was the most respected person because she was an official!

This respect was intentionally accorded by Old Zhou, and Ms. Qian did not object, so even Zhou Lixue aspired to marry an official wife in the future.

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