Chapter 1250: Not On the Surface

Editor: Henyee Translations

Ms. Qin sobbed, tears welling up in her eyes. “Third Young Master…”

Zhao Shu’s voice dripped with condescension as he dismissed her, “You are but a concubine, with no right to interrupt when I converse with my father. How fascinating!”

Ms. Qin’s complexion grew even paler, and dizziness washed over her.

Zhao Ye could no longer tolerate the situation and spoke up firmly, “Zhao Shu, do not push us beyond our limits!”

Zhao Shu’s expression twisted with disdain as he retorted, “I am not bullying a concubine; I am merely imparting a lesson in decorum. And as for you, have you never been taught proper manners? Who granted you the privilege to address me by my name and raise your voice?”

“You!” Ms. Qin had grown arrogant over the years, considering herself the mistress of the household. Now, the humiliation she suffered from Zhao Shu, with the servants referring to her as a concubine, was too much to bear. She felt her face burn with embarrassment, almost biting her lip in frustration. Uncontrollable sobs escaped her.

This had been her go-to response whenever she faced bullying throughout the years, crying weakly before the Old Master, who would invariably sympathize with her. It had become an unconscious habit.

However, she had overlooked one crucial detail—it wasn’t just between her and the Old Master anymore.

Zhao Shu no longer regarded her with disdain; instead, he looked down on her. “Indeed, a concubine remains a concubine, unable even to maintain composure without breaking into tears on such a trifling stage.”

Ms. Qin’s voice caught in her throat, unable to respond. “…You despicable…”

Zhao Ye’s face turned pallid, and he trembled. He clenched his teeth, choosing silence, as if he hadn’t heard a word. He harbored the belief that his father would never let this go unpunished.

Zhao Mu, too, felt humiliated but had to begrudgingly admit that Zhao Shu’s words held some truth.

A concubine remained a concubine, skilled in servitude, flattery, and bringing joy, yet certain distinctions remained unattainable on her part.

“Enough!” Zhao Mu interrupted sharply. “Cease discussing trivial matters. What is the status of the 100,000 mulberry fields?”

Zhao Shu appeared taken aback. “Is that all you see in it, Father? Consider this: have you noticed any reputable young women from respectable families associating with us in recent years?”

Zhao Mu was caught off guard.

Ms. Qin’s expression shifted, her annoyance bubbling over as she couldn’t hold back any longer. “Young Master, must you subject us to such humiliation?”

Zhao Shu responded sternly, “You aren’t deserving of it. Father, inquire around, and you’ll find that, aside from those who ingratiate themselves with you, all of whom hail from inferior backgrounds, no proper young lady of a respectable family would entertain the notion of courting a concubine. Their audacity knows no bounds!”

Ms. Qin felt like her heart had been pierced, a searing wound of humiliation.

Zhao Ye’s hands trembled with anxiety.

Zhao Mu furrowed his brow, comprehending the situation. He had been neglectful. He needed to consider taking a proper wife. Without a rightful matriarch, the family lacked propriety.

A sense of embarrassment crept over him. He, the wealthiest man in Yangzhou, didn’t even possess a legitimate wife. It was an absurdity!

These thoughts led him to inwardly blame Ms. Qin. If it weren’t for her small gains, he might have given this more thought. It was his oversight.

Observing his expression, Ms. Qin’s heart chilled with apprehension and anger.

She knew full well that the Old Master wouldn’t promote her to the position of legitimate wife. The Zhao family in Yangzhou held a distinguished reputation, and making a concubine the mistress was unthinkable.