Free Web NovelChapter 1503: Mingzhu Extra 5
Yueyao pondered for a moment before saying, "Is it that Brother Qiqi unilaterally took a liking to someone’s daughter, or have the two of them already developed a private relationship?"
Mingzhu smiled bitterly and said, "It’s that the child saw the Third Young Lady of the Shen Family on the street a while ago, and somehow just took a liking to her."
Yueyao was worried about a secret relationship, but since it wasn’t that, the rest could be discussed: "How is the Third Young Lady of the Shen Family? If she’s good, then there’s nothing wrong with following Brother Qiqi’s wishes."
Mingzhu cautiously said, "You’re not still holding a grudge against the Shen family?" In fact, Mingzhu had also asked people to inquire about the Third Young Lady of the Shen Family, and she seemed good in all respects and was as beautiful as a flower. The only flaw was being a daughter born of a concubine, but of course, Mingzhu knew that if she were a legitimate child, Brother Qiqi would have no chance.
Yueyao laughed, "That’s a matter of a thousand years ago; I’ve long forgotten it." Shen Qian, due to the incident of Yueyao breaking off the engagement back then, bore the reputation of being ungrateful, and thus his official career was never smooth. After the New Emperor ascended the throne, he was idle at home. As for Shen Conghao, the incident of breaking off the engagement also had a great impact on him, coupled with Yueyao’s growing reputation, the matter couldn’t fade away, and it became an indelible stain on Shen Conghao. No matter how talented Shen Conghao was, with a tarnished reputation, his career wouldn’t be smooth. So, over the years, Shen Conghao always had appointments away from home and never returned to the Capital City. Therefore, now the most accomplished in the Shen family was Shen Congwen.
Mingzhu breathed a sigh of relief, "I was worried you still held a grudge. Since you don’t mind it anymore, then I’ll go to the Shen family to propose in a couple of days." The family statuses of both sides were similar, and since the other party was a daughter born of a concubine, there shouldn’t be much issue with this marriage proposal.
As Mingzhu expected, the Shen family soon agreed to the marriage. When the two families got engaged, Yueyao also went to celebrate with them.
Seeing Madam Peng bustling around, Yueyao said to Mingzhu, "Madam Peng is actually a very good daughter-in-law. You should praise Madam Peng more, suppress the other daughters-in-law below, and your home will have much less trouble. You also won’t have to worry about trivial matters every day." Yueyao often spoke good words for Madam Peng because she felt Madam Peng endured hardships in Kexin’s place.
Although Mingzhu had a bit of a temper, she did not have bad intentions and would not deliberately torment her daughters-in-law, nor would she, like some other mothers-in-law, shove women at her son to annoy the daughters-in-law. Overall, Mingzhu was still a good mother-in-law, though she couldn’t be compared to Yueyao.
Mingzhu laughed and said, "You really don’t hold any grudges about the past." Not that Mingzhu was boasting about her own child, but Brother Ruirui was much better than Brother Minmin.
Of course, Yueyao wouldn’t say what she really thought, she just smiled and said, "It’s all things from so long ago, and now both Brother Ruirui and Kexin are parents, why dwell on old grudges?" Then she added, "Mingzhu, don’t be upset with me for speaking out, but Madam Peng indeed is a good person. Precisely because she’s good, you should elevate her more, so she as the eldest sister-in-law can keep the sisters-in-law below in check. Otherwise, your family will certainly get busier." As long as Mingzhu supported Madam Peng, giving Madam Peng enough authority, the little schemes of the sisters-in-law below would naturally lessen. Otherwise, there would definitely be more disputes, and Mingzhu would be more vexed.
Yueyao spoke for Madam Peng not just because of personal reasons, but also because Madam Peng was indeed excellent. She handled matters smoothly, managed household affairs neatly, and Yueyao couldn’t help but feel Mingzhu was lucky to have such a great first daughter-in-law. Unfortunately, her first daughter-in-law was a princess, and counting on a princess to manage the household was absolutely impossible.
Mingzhu fell into contemplation.
Yueyao laughed, "Once Madam Peng keeps the other daughters-in-law in line, you’ll be able to live in peace, otherwise, don’t expect to have peaceful days. Also, you’ve been holding Madam Peng back, and it’s Brother Ruirui who ends up in the hardest position. Additionally, have you ever considered that the continuous open and secret fights among your daughters-in-law ultimately affect the brotherly bond of Brother Ruirui and them?"
Hearing this, Mingzhu’s expression changed, and she said, "I will seriously consider it." Mingzhu could disregard the battles among the daughters-in-law, but if it affected the bond among her sons, she absolutely could not tolerate it.
Soon, Mingzhu handed over all the matters she was managing to Madam Peng. Regarding the open and secret fights among the sisters-in-law, Mingzhu was on Madam Peng’s side, giving her support.
Mingzhu’s change not only puzzled Madam Peng but also made even Niu Yanghui a little bewildered, feeling as if the sun was rising from the west.
Mingzhu didn’t hide it from Niu Yanghui and recounted what Yueyao had advised her that day. After speaking, Mingzhu felt a bit morose. Despite having various opinions about Madam Peng, Mingzhu had never wavered on one point: that the future head of the household would be Brother Ruirui’s, and thus the daughters-in-law should naturally regard Madam Peng as the principal. However, she discovered that the daughters-in-law of Brother Yaoyao and Brother Yaoer were teaming up against Madam Peng, and their aim was to vie for control of the household management. This revelation shocked Mingzhu and made her realize that Yueyao’s words back then were not just alarmist talk. If the daughters-in-law were at odds with one another, how could it not affect the sons in the long run, and ultimately, the brotherly ties would surely weaken.
Niu Yanghui was silent for a while, then said, "In the future, you should visit Yueyao more often!" There’s no denying that Lian Yueyao is a very wise woman. Over the years, her advice has greatly benefited Mingzhu, and consequently, he’s benefited indirectly as well.
Mingzhu nodded in agreement. Just as Mingzhu was about to visit the An Family to chat with Yueyao, she heard from the person sent to deliver the invitation that Yueyao was not in the Capital City but had gone to the suburbs for some scenery painting.
A month later, Mingzhu heard the news that Yueyao hadn’t gone to the suburbs for painting but had taken more than ten people to Sichuan.
Remembering what Yueyao had said before, Mingzhu found it both amusing and maddening. At such an age, she’s still doing things that only children would do.
In the evening, when Niu Yanghui returned, Mingzhu told him about this: "I thought she was just saying it, but I didn’t expect she really meant it this time. I can’t imagine how furious her cousin must be!" An Zhichen had always been reluctant to let Yueyao go out traveling, Mingzhu knew this very well. Since Yueyao sneaked off to Sichuan, An Zhichen must be really angry.
Niu Yanghui shook his head and said, "Having a too-capable wife isn’t necessarily trouble-free." Hmm, his own wife was still the best. Even if her temper was a bit big, she would absolutely not sneak out, which was very reassuring.
Mingzhu couldn’t help but laugh in silence.
