Chapter 1071 - 453: Ninth Prince 4
Zhuang Ruolan was slightly troubled.
Yueyao usually is very easy to talk to, but seeing Ma Chengteng’s increasingly weakened body, this time, even if it means overstepping her bounds, she has to involve herself in this matter: "Cousin-in-law, if you find it difficult to broach the subject, let me write the letter instead." Although Uncle is a bit muddle-headed when handling backyard affairs, it is undeniable that he treats her as if she were his own legitimate daughter. Whatever the issue, Uncle would always take the lead to help; this time, even if it means offending her cousin-in-law, she has to step forward in this matter.
After thinking for a moment, Zhuang Ruolan said, "Alright, I will write to him soon." Whether to return or to continue in Shandong, it would depend on her husband’s decision.
Yueyao’s expression finally eased.
Zhuang Ruolan did not show any displeasure towards Yueyao. Although Yueyao mentioning this matter made her a bit uncomfortable, it revealed Yueyao’s sincerity. Never mind Loo Ying’s niece, even Loo Ying herself only returned once when she learned her father-in-law was sick, unlike Yueyao, who came to visit her father-in-law every other day. Such filial piety cannot be faked.
The two chatted for a bit, and Yueyao suddenly remembered something, asking, "Is the Zhang family girl engaged?" Yueyao actually thought the Zhang family girl was really quite good, but unfortunately, Tingzheng did not like her.
Zhuang Ruolan nodded and said, "She’s engaged. Madam Zhang even mentioned to me that the Ninth Miss has become more cheerful than before and credits Tingzheng for this." Although it was a pity they could not establish this marriage alliance, it was a good thing that the Zhang family girl could overcome the shadow in her heart.
Yueyao nodded: "It’s good that she’s engaged."
Zhuang Ruolan spoke about the Zhang family: "The Ninth Miss of the Zhang family got engaged in March. The month after the engagement, Old Madam Zhang passed away. After the seventy-seventh day, the Zhang family began dividing the estate."
Xiang Wei is now busy every day with her pastry shop and has no time for outside gossip. Meanwhile, Xi Yu and Xi Juan are not as bold as Xiang Wei; unless Yueyao asks them directly, they would never mention outside gossip to her. Yueyao herself is not someone who likes to listen to other people’s private matters. Mingzhu, knowing that Yueyao wanted to match the Zhang family girl with Tingzheng, deliberately avoided mentioning the Zhang family while chatting about outside matters with Yueyao.
Zhuang Ruolan saw Yueyao’s interested expression and laughed, saying, "When the Zhang family was dividing the estate, it caused quite a stir. However, Old Master Zhang was quite fair, dividing everything other than the ancestral property into four parts, one for each of the four brothers."
Upon hearing how the division was done, Yueyao immediately knew something was amiss. She remembered that the Fourth Old Master of the Zhang family was born out of wedlock, so how could he receive as much inheritance as the legitimate children?
Zhuang Ruolan, seeing Yueyao’s thoughts, said, "The third branch didn’t say much, but the second branch refused and caused a scene. However, they couldn’t outweigh the Great Master in the end." Since the Zhang family was still in mourning, although they divided the property, they did not separate in residence, and would only move out after the mourning period.
Yueyao chuckled. The way Old Master Zhang divided the estate clearly aimed to win over the brother born out of wedlock, yet the second branch made a fuss over these properties. You could tell they were foolish and would surely be resented by the other three branches in the future.
After Yueyao left, Cai Yun mumbled, "Miss cousin really puts people in a difficult position."
Knowing Yueyao’s temperament, Zhuang Ruolan knew that if she didn’t write this letter, Yueyao would definitely write one herself if she didn’t hear any news in two or three months. Turning to the study to write the letter, Zhuang Ruolan promptly sent it to Shandong.
The next day, Zhuang Ruolan returned to her maiden home to find her biological father, Old Master Zhuang, to discuss Ma Peng’s situation. Capital Officials are like a radish filling a hole; if they wanted to transfer back, they had to plan early.
After listening to Zhuang Ruolan, Lord Zhuang nodded and said, "You’ve given this a lot of thought. Filial piety comes first in all matters. Now that the in-law’s health is not good, and the son-in-law is the only heir, emotionally and rationally, he ought to return. Otherwise, being impeached by an Imperial Censor for unfilial behavior would ruin his career." Being an official, the most important thing is filial piety; if deemed unfilial, it is tantamount to cutting off one’s career path.
Zhuang Ruolan broke out in a cold sweat: "It’s my oversight. My father-in-law told me not to tell my husband about his illness, so I dared not tell him."
Lord Zhuang said, "Just wait patiently; whenever there’s a vacancy, I’ll reserve it for your husband." Working outside for three years, one would be promoted at least one level. While Fifth Rank positions are a bit difficult to find in key positions, generally, they are not too hard to secure.