"Second Brother," Yu Mingyue paused, "running away is useless."
Yu Mingchuan suddenly looked up at the youngest sister in the family, her gaze clear and bright, with a hint of determination.
"Sometimes I envy Eldest Brother. No matter what he does, he has the support of Uncle and Aunt. As for me..." Yu Mingchuan gave a self-deprecating smile.
The second branch was in chaos and turmoil every day. When Eldest Brother was still in the mansion, he would occasionally guide his studies. After Eldest Brother went to war, he became even more lost.
"Because Brother knows he carries the future burden of the Duke's mansion and has a clear goal, with no time for self-pity. If Second Brother wants to move forward, who can stop you?" Yu Mingyue's voice was not loud, but it was sharp and impactful.
After speaking, Yu Mingyue left with her entourage. She had done all she could and helped where she could. If the second branch still couldn't be awakened or motivated, she would have to return to accompany the Old Madam.
"Sixth Lady is becoming fiercer and fiercer. I wonder what kind of family will dare to marry her in the future," Zhao Shi muttered softly.
Yu Zening shot her a cold glance: "Are you not going to stop talking? Watch your mouth!"
Zhao Shi: ...
Why so fierce?
Yu Zening then looked at Yu Miaoyan: "Starting today, learn your manners properly. You're never satisfied with this or that. Are you satisfied with yourself? What can you show for it?"
Yu Miaoyan dared to make a scene in front of Zhao Shi, but she was afraid of Yu Zening. Being reprimanded now, she didn't even dare to cry.
"Why are you being so fierce to her again?" Zhao Shi's temper flared up again.
"A kind mother spoils her children. With her like this, what good family do you expect her to marry into?" Yu Zening flicked his sleeves.
"In your eyes, there are only the two daughters of that slut."
"Fine, you indulge her. You argue with me. Then we'll pack our bags and go back to our hometown together." Yu Zening was furious with Zhao Shi.
As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere instantly became oppressive.
Sixth Lady wasn't just saying it casually; she really dared to do it.
Wasn't the fourth branch a cautionary tale?
Yu Zening also realized this and coughed: "I will take care of Miaoyan's marriage. Let her learn manners more when you have time. Young ladies should be gentler."
Zhao Shi nodded in agreement: "My Lord is right."
Don't end up fierce like Sixth Lady, or she might not get married.
However, Zhao Shi didn't dare to say this.
Yu Mingyue wasted half the morning. When she returned, Yu Miaoling was already practicing calligraphy in the study.
"Fifth Sister." Yu Mingyue liked her quiet and calm fifth sister very much.
"You're back? I've prepared your things." Yu Miaoling smiled.
Yu Mingyue's books and stationery on her desk were neatly arranged.
Yu Mingyue smiled, her eyes curving like crescent moons, "Fifth Sister is so kind."
The room was quiet, a rare moment of peace.
Towards the end of the year, various mansions in the capital were busy preparing New Year's gifts. Yu Mingyue asked the steward to bring out the gift lists from previous years, made some adjustments, and after showing them to Cui Shi for approval, instructed the steward to proceed.
"The young lady manages the household with such skill, she truly has the demeanor of a madam," Madam Qin praised.
"I'm not as bold as she is." Although she said this, Cui Shi's tone was full of relief.
Although Cui Shi didn't manage the household, it didn't mean she was unaware of what was happening in the mansion. The second branch had been in chaos for over ten years, but it had been brought under control by this strong medicine.
After that day, the Second Master went to the yamen obediently every day, Concubine Mei dutifully paid her respects to the main wife every day, and Zhao Shi didn't dare to put on airs or cause trouble.
The inner quarters of the second branch were unusually harmonious, and the young ladies honestly followed their governesses to learn manners after school.