Chapter 27: The Mother and Daughter's Downfall

  Yuan smiled and said, "Yes, originally it was just some ignorant wives taking care of it, the result was that the garden didn't produce much, and nothing could be taken out. Now, however, some capable people have been sent, who can take good care of the garden, flowers, bamboo shoots, and even the fish, shrimp, and lotus in the pond, all of which can be supplied to the mansion, which is more convenient and cheaper than buying from outside."

  Old Lady Jiang nodded and said, "This is indeed a good thing. We are just an earl's family, after all. We must be frugal where we can." As she spoke, she looked up at her daughters-in-law and grandchildren, and said in a serious tone, "I suppose you all know about your brother-in-law's situation by now. He brought this calamity upon himself, and now he's in prison, afraid of punishment. It's only fitting that he should pay his debt in this way. This is also a warning to your brothers: no matter how high they rise, they must remember that greed can lead to disaster. Being too greedy will bring trouble upon oneself."

  This was said to the three brothers, Ning Shilan, Ning Shiyan and Ning Shibei, so they all bowed their heads in response. Old Lady Jiang continued: "Now that he's dead, Yu Lan and her mother are left behind as orphans and widows, with no place to go. In Yu Lan's letter, she said that the relatives have all distanced themselves, afraid of being implicated by this family of convicts and bringing bad luck upon themselves. Their property has been confiscated, leaving only the mother and daughter, crying out in vain. That's why I've called you here today, to discuss what can be done."

  The old lady said it was a discussion, but who in the house didn't understand that she had already made up her mind? She just couldn't bear to bypass her son and daughter-in-law, so she gathered everyone together and called it a discussion.

  Ping Xinlun, Qu Furen and Yuan Shi all had no intention of getting involved with the Bai family in their hearts. Even though Ning Yulan was Old Lady Jiang's only daughter, once she got married, it was like spilled water, there was no reason for her natal family to still be in charge. The only regret was that they couldn't make the decision themselves, according to Old Lady's thoughts, just relying on a few mu of land and a small farm was far from enough.

  Yu's family also understood this truth, she knew that the old lady valued relationships, rather than everyone being silent and unresponsive here, provoking the old lady's displeasure, afterwards they would still have to bring those two mother-daughter in, it's better to show some personal feelings now, and let the old lady feel relieved: after all, these family members are not heartless.

  Thinking of this, she took a step forward and said softly: "Since that's the case, the Bai family has no affection at all. It would be better for the old lady to send someone to pick up Lady Gou and Cousin Gou."

  Ning Xian sighed in her heart, secretly thinking: Ah, mother, do you know who those two women are? It's not that I blame my aunt, after all, she knows this is a temporary arrangement. But as for that cousin of mine... She let out an angry and helpless bitter smile in her heart, knowing that she couldn't change anything, just like in her previous life, Ning Yulan and Bai Caiqi entering the household was already a done deal.

  Mrs. Jiang's face showed a hint of a smile. But Yuan Shi was furious in her heart, and suddenly heard Qu Fu Ren say: "Old lady cares about the young lady and her niece is also normal, but they are after all from the Bai family, since no one wants to take responsibility on that side, now we've taken them in, isn't it making that side lose face? Tell the daughter-in-law, why not give a villa and a few hectares of land to the young lady, this is enough for her and her mother to live."

  As soon as Madam Qu's words fell, Old Lady Jiang turned her head and stared at her with a stern gaze, her eyes seeming to hide two sparks of fire. Even Madam Qu, who had become increasingly arrogant over the years, couldn't help but feel a chill run down her spine, and she hastily lowered her head and said: "This is just a suggestion from me, for your reference, the final decision still has to be made by you, Old Lady."

  "White family people are afraid of trouble, hiding far away from the mother and daughter, not hearing or asking, not even caring about life or death. Now that we've taken them in, giving that poor widow and orphan a way to survive, how can we still consider their face? They themselves don't care about dignity, must we still consider it? Taking Yu Lan and Cai Zhi back is not right? I don't believe there's no one in this world who doesn't speak of reason."

  Yuan saw Qu's wife eating, secretly delighted in his heart, and also knew that Old Lady Jiang had already made up her mind, he had lost the initiative, at this time naturally wanting to make amends.

  So he hastily stepped forward and smiled: "What the old lady said is right, the young lady and her daughter are really too pitiful. They have suffered a series of setbacks and it's unknown how frightened they are now. Why not let my master personally lead someone to pick them up and bring them back, at least that way they'll have some support."

  Madam Qu sighed in her heart, knowing that the situation was already set, and could only say: "This is also true, after all, Old Lady considered things thoroughly, while daughter-in-law's consideration was still one-sided."

  Old Lady Jiang finally looked at Ning Shiyuan and said in a deep voice, "Since that's the case, you can bring people to pick up your sister and bring her back. No matter what, the one who committed the crime is that useless man, he has already died to atone for his sin, and the debt has been repaid. What does it have to do with those widows and orphans? If any of you are afraid of being implicated, move out! I will definitely make sure my daughter and granddaughter are safe and sound, even if it means we all die together."

  This remark was heavy, and the three Ning brothers, several daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and servants all knelt down together, saying: "The children are unfilial, they dare not abandon their sister, Mother can rest assured."

  Her eyes were sour and astringent, almost dropping tears, in the crowd quietly raised her head to take a look at Old Lady Jiang, sadly said in her heart: Grandma wants to protect your daughter and granddaughter Zhou Zhouquanquanping'an's safety, but do you know? It was your good granddaughter, the one you loved dearly, who poisoned and took your granddaughter's life. Do you know? Your granddaughter died with great reluctance in her previous life.

  She could only suppress the indignation in her heart, telling herself that she had been reborn and this life was hers to control. Ning Fengbi would not be fooled again by Bai Caizhu, that ruthless woman with a honeyed tongue and a poisonous heart, who would once more marry into the Wang family but as someone else's wife, not hers. She wanted to see if Bai Caizhu's tricks would still work on another person. And she would watch coldly as Shen Qianshan was imprisoned and the Shen family fell into ruin.

  As I thought of this, all my emotions calmed down, and the matter here was settled. Then Old Lady Jiang waved her hand and let everyone disperse. Ning Fengbi followed her mother and Lan Niang out, holding Xuan Ge's hand, while Ning Shibuo went with Ning Shilan to talk to Ning Shiyuan. After all, Ning Yulan and her son were far away in Jiaozhou, and there were many things to arrange and discuss before going to pick them up.

  Okay, I'm also anxious to update daily, but my mom will only be back from Beijing tomorrow. I'll try my best to stockpile chapters and burst out updates after it's published, let's see if I can achieve daily updates of 9,000 words! Please click on the recommendation ticket and collect, there are only a few days left for the new book chart, everyone help me rush up the rankings!