Chapter 587 - 297 Enjoyment_3
Qian Manxia said, "I’ve told you, both father-in-law and husband have explained it, but they don’t believe it, and they say that husband only takes his wife’s side and not his mother’s."
Lady Wu also shed tears and said bitterly, "What should we do? No matter what, she is still your mother-in-law. We can’t just let you and your husband separate, can we? If they really bring a concubine back, Madam Xia’s life will become miserable."
Qian Yixiu said, "Although our family cannot compare to the noble aristocratic families, our backbone is definitely much firmer than the Wan family’s. How could we allow her to bring a concubine back? My brother-in-law would not agree either." She then asked Qian Manxia, "How do they treat Fangfang and Fufu? Have they asked for your dowry?"
Qian Manxia wiped away her tears and said, "Mother-in-law treats Fangfang and Fufu well, especially Fufu, she dotes on her incredibly. They haven’t asked for my dowry. However, I’ve overheard Second Auntie Yang, when she was visiting, telling my mother-in-law and my sister-in-law that our Old Qian Family is rich like a crude businessman, with plenty of silver. She also said that I lack sophistication, and suggested to my mother-in-law to take over my dowry to manage it, which could help my sister-in-law get some dowry too. But my mother-in-law disagreed, saying she would save money for my sister-in-law’s dowry herself, and that she couldn’t bring herself to do such a thing as to covet her daughter-in-law’s dowry."
Upon hearing this, Qian Yixiu nodded and said, "There are still redeeming aspects to the situation, so let’s not turn against them just yet, Auntie. It would be good if you could get along with her in the future. If we can resolve this peacefully, that would be best. If it really doesn’t work out, then we can talk about turning against them. In a while, mother should go and give brother-in-law a reminder, to make sure he doesn’t let his mother bring back a concubine; otherwise, our family will lose face. When you go back home tonight, Auntie, take some jewelry and fabrics to give to your mother-in-law and sister-in-law, saying they were bestowed by the Empress Dowager. In the future, you should visit your eldest sister-in-law more and let her know, if they need anything for their business, Jinxiu Embroidery Workshop can offer help..."
After discussing, Lady Wu wiped away her tears and went out to give Wan Dazhong a good talking to. Wan Dazhong, his face red, repeatedly assured that he would treat Madam Xia well and would not allow his mother to bring in any concubine.
Old man Qian chided Lady Wu with disapproval, saying, "You’re not virtuous yourself, and now you’re teaching Madam Xia to be the same. That Chaier official, already in his fifties, just recently took on his ninth concubine. He says his wife is exceptionally virtuous, that because she cannot serve him well, she brought in a concubine to serve him. Everyone we drink tea and listen to stories with agrees that his wife is the epitome of virtue and understanding among women. Your son-in-law is only in his twenties. What’s wrong with bringing in a concubine to help Madam Xia and share responsibilities—like the sisters E Huang and Nv Ying?"
Wan Dazhong’s face turned pale with fright and he kept insisting, "Mother-in-law is right in her reprimand, I will not take a concubine."
Lady Wu was so angry she nearly cracked a tooth from clenching her jaw, but she managed to hold back and not talk back to him.