Chapter Thirty-Four: Fury

  After lunch, the family gathered around and talked. It was only then that Old Lady Jiang asked in detail about Bai Xiong's affairs. For a moment, the atmosphere in the room became somewhat stifling.

  Ning Yulan's expression and tone were very calm, even if she was terrified and sad at first, but after experiencing the warmth and coldness of human relationships over this period of time, now that she has returned to her maternal home and has a backing, that fear and sadness have almost left no trace.

  Mrs. Jiang felt relieved that her daughter and granddaughter were not overly grieved by the death of their son-in-law and grandson-in-law. In her mind, Bai Xiong's demise was a result of his own greed, and her daughter and granddaughter had already suffered enough because of him; it would be unworthy to let his death affect their daily lives.

  After saying a few words, Yuan Shi came over to report that the residence of Auntie and Cousin had been arranged, which was Autumn Wutong Courtyard, just one wall away from Sanfang. The two families were close together, making it convenient for them to take care of each other. After finishing her report, Yuan Shi smiled and said: "It's said that a phoenix settles on the wutong tree, now isn't Autumn Wutong Courtyard attracting a phoenix? Cousin's temperament and appearance are just like a golden phoenix."

  Such an arrangement naturally has a private heart in it. Yuan Shi's mouth praised Bai Cai Zhi, but her heart was cold and laughing, her eyes glanced at Yu Shi, thinking that day wasn't she the first to suggest bringing them over? Since so, then fulfill your wish, you can be close to them, I'd rather not.

  Mrs. Jiang must have known the intention of her second daughter-in-law, but she thought that Yu Shi's temperament was the most gentle and peaceful, living together with each other, and her daughter didn't need to worry about being bullied, after all, she had come to rely on her mother's family in desperation, where did she have any confidence? Even if Ning Yulan was a proud and competitive person, at this time when she was living here, she must have felt uneasy in her heart, with Yu Shi by her side, not only could she take care of one or two things, but also avoid being unhappy.

  Just then, Ning Yulan said sorrowfully beside her: "Second sister is joking, this child's fate is so bitter, how can it be considered a golden phoenix? Even if it were a phoenix, haven't you heard that a fallen phoenix is not as good as a chicken? My mother and I are both people who have fallen on hard times, living in someone else's home, so let's not mention the word 'phoenix' again, second sister."

  Yuanshi was so angry that he almost rolled his eyes, and in his heart, he secretly resented it. He thought to himself: How could this be? I said this wasn't a good match from the start. Now that they've been here for less than a day, they already dare to use words to provoke me - who knows what will happen in the future? Fortunately, they weren't arranged to be near me, otherwise, I would have been angry to death within this one day.

  Old Lady Jiang heard it in her heart, but it was another kind of flavor: this daughter was raised from a young age, and now she has encountered such a thing, even that strong and proud personality has been worn down. A fallen phoenix is not as good as a chicken, how can she let her daughter fall to this state?

  Thinking of this, he said to Yuan Shi in a light tone: "In recent days, your third brother and sister have managed the needlework room very well. I think it's also useful for you to take care of the rouge and powder for the girls. You have too many things on hand, and among all the people in the mansion, you are the busiest. So let your younger siblings take over this task, so as not to say that I am biased, letting the third house be idle, but making you tired and busy, with endless worries."

  This stick was quite ruthless, and immediately knocked the Yuan family unconscious. However, seeing the calm and unruffled expression of Old Lady Jiang and the clear and cold expression of Ning Yulan, she also knew that this matter was not something she could decide on her own. She had no choice but to respond with a humble "yes".

  After driving out Yuan Shi and the girls, Old Lady Jiang looked at Ning Yulan and Bai Cai Zhi, and said seriously: "You two stay at home properly, don't have any worries. Although I'm not in charge now, this family can still be managed."

  Ning Yulan and Bai Caizhi both quickly stood up, Bai Caizhi had already knelt down with tears streaming down her face. Ning Yulan choked back a sob and called out "Mother", but couldn't say anything else.

  "Ah, my dear daughters and granddaughter," Jiang Lao Tai Jun sighed, "although I am here to protect you, you should also be aware of your own strengths and weaknesses. Yulan, I know your temperament well, but after being a daughter-in-law for several years, shouldn't you have mellowed out a bit? This time, since we are in our hometown, you can't be as competitive and sharp-tongued as before. Your third sister-in-law...I used to think she was just a weakling, but it turns out she has a strong side too. Fortunately, her heart is kind and gentle. Living with her should make you feel at ease. Don't look down on your third brother just because he's a illegitimate child; you should respect him. His mother passed away early, and I've raised him myself. Although he may be a bit unruly, he's more filial and cautious than your other two brothers. Even though I didn't pay much attention to him in the past, now I treat him no differently from your other two brothers. And who knows what the future holds? He's working hard now, and your father used to praise his intelligence when he was alive. If you get along well with the third household, you'll have a support system in the future. Do you understand?"

  Ning Yulan said with gratitude: "Mother's words are so precious, how can I not understand? It's all my fault for being unfilial, after so many years, I still have to trouble mother to worry about me... Wuuu... I don't know what to say..."

  "Good heavens, what nonsense is this?" exclaimed Old Lady Jiang. "Get up quickly, before Bai Cai Zhi sees you and feels even more distressed." After saying that, she pulled Bai Cai Zhi over to take a look at her granddaughter's pale but delicate face, which promised to blossom into a beauty even greater than her mother's in the future. Alas, for now, her chin was thin and pointed from hunger.

  "Now that you've arrived at your maternal grandmother's house, don't feel uneasy in your heart. From now on, this is your home. Remember that you are the mistress, and if those servant girls do anything wrong, dare to bully you in front of others, just tell your mother or come and tell me. If you can maintain your dignity as the mistress and discipline them yourself, that would be even better. Do you understand?"

  Bai Cai Zhi choked back tears and nodded in response, but couldn't help bursting into another fit of sobbing, deeply moved by Old Lady Jiang's kindness.

  Not to mention Old Lady Jiang's private instructions to her daughter and granddaughter, let alone Second Mistress Yuan, who came out of Ning Xiangyuan, feeling as if her heart was about to explode. Those servants and maids looked at her with eyes that seemed to be spitting fire, not daring to approach her even if they had something to say, and those who could put things off did so.

  Because she returned to the Minglan courtyard, not a single person dared to approach her. This made her even more furious and resentful. As soon as she entered her room, she smashed a vase and exclaimed: "A group of selfish people! I haven't lost my power yet, but they don't dare to get close? Are they afraid of being tainted by my bad luck? Over the years, how many benefits have they gained from me? A group of ungrateful wolves...

  Talk is cheap, second update, wooo!