Chapter 1209: Intermediate
Editor: Henyee Translations
Zhao Mu had entrusted the task of managing Zhao Zhai’s wedding to Ms. Zheng. Although Ms. Qin was initially reluctant, she desired to orchestrate her son’s marriage herself. The mere thought of directing the servants filled her with delight. She also aimed to oversee the financial aspects and ensure the wedding’s success. However, she had just managed to pacify Zhao Mu and didn’t dare to oppose his decision directly.
Ms. Zheng pondered for a moment and voiced a firm stance: Ms. Qin was to stay uninvolved. If Ms. Qin preferred not to be engaged, Ms. Zheng would take the reins. Alternatively, Ms. Qin could simply relinquish control.
Zhao Mu promptly assented, even expressing a touch of contempt, “Ms. Qin lacks understanding. It’s best to disregard her!”
Upon hearing this, Ms. Zheng’s disdain for him deepened.
Ms. Zheng eagerly embraced the responsibility of hosting the wedding. Even if she abstained, the situation would remain unchanged. Her intentions were threefold: to provoke Ms. Qin’s ire, showcase her own virtue, and exploit opportunities for financial gain and advancement.
Such a prospect thrilled her as it held numerous advantageous openings.
Post-wedding, Ms. Zheng pocketed 50,000 liang from her intermediary role, eliciting immense joy.
Concerned about Ms. Zheng’s wellbeing, Ms. Qin endeavored to visit the main yard, only to be repelled by Ms. Zheng.
Dissatisfied? Seek a resolution with Zhao Mu!
Yet, Ms. Qin hesitated, her frustration mounting.
Not long after, Ms. Qin’s new daughter-in-law, Ms. Ruan, arrived at the residence.
Ms. Zheng struggled to fathom Ms. Qin’s motives, perplexed by her choice of daughter-in-law. Later, word circulated that Ms. Qin had acquired this match from an undisclosed source, the consensus being that the girl possessed both beauty and blessings. Ms. Zheng found herself at a loss for words.
Zhao Di held a mixed sentiment toward his wife, not necessarily harboring aversion, yet not embracing affection either. His actions were likely driven by diligent effort, perhaps at the urging of his concubine. Within merely three months of Ms. Ruan’s marriage, the joyful news spread: pregnancy seemed imminent within a month of the wedding.
This revelation left Ms. Zheng stunned. Ms. Qin’s judgment had proven astute; the prospect of childbirth seemed promising. This development bolstered Ms. Qin’s pride, as if she had significantly contributed to the Zhao Family’s legacy. She yearned to perpetuate tales of how she had coaxed Zhao Mu into safeguarding and nurturing both Ms. Ruan and her unborn child – the eagerly awaited eldest grandson.
During this period, Ms. Qin radiated with pride and arrogance. And, truthfully, she had a basis for it. Having borne the Old Master’s first and second sons, and with her own son and daughter-in-law delivering the Old Master’s grandchild, the Zhao Family’s future seemed inevitably intertwined with theirs.
The heir was in his infancy!
Ms. Qin harbored a belief that Ms. Zheng might succumb to jealousy and resort to underhanded means to induce a miscarriage in Ms. Ruan.
Ms. Qin acquired two additional maids, instructing them to remain by Ms. Ruan’s side, ensuring her safety.
All of Ms. Yuan’s meals were prepared in the smaller kitchen, exclusively using ingredients sourced from within the estate. There was no necessity to acquire anything from external sources.
Ms. Qin’s actions served as an affront to the household managers and purchasers, leaving them inwardly disgruntled.
In response, Ms. Zheng offered a scornful sneer and chose to take no action.