"My husband hasn't been home for so many days, and I haven't even seen him. Where am I supposed to instigate trouble?" Gao Xuejuan’s principle was that as long as she didn't bring it up, she would pretend not to know.
"Stop beating around the bush. You know I'm talking about the recent financial issues," the Old Madam said impatiently, cutting straight to the point.
"The silver has been handed over to the public funds on time. Our household has so many people, and the daily expenses are considerable. I know the household is in a difficult situation, and I would never dare to delay," Gao Xuejuan replied, puzzled.
"Don't you think the amount is wrong?" Old Madam Lou rolled her eyes. What did she mean by that? What did she mean the household was in a difficult situation? It sounded like the family was in decline, which was very inauspicious.
"There's nothing wrong with it. Our household has three branches. In the future, all the family's businesses will belong to the eldest branch. If they contribute a little more, forty percent should be fine. Our second branch and I will each contribute thirty percent. If you don't believe me, I can get my account book and you can see if the money we’ve paid to public funds is thirty percent of our recent income."
"In the past, all three branches contributed seventy percent to public funds. You've directly reduced it by forty percent."
"Oh, so the eldest and second branches of the household are being supported by our third branch. This is the first time I've heard of such a thing in my life. If the eldest and second branches weren't married, it would be one thing, but they already have grandchildren and need to be supported by the third branch. It sounds rather unpleasant if word gets out. Those who know will say the Lou family brothers are fraternal and respectful. Those who don't know will think the eldest and second branches are bleeding the third branch dry, and even worse, they'll say my eldest uncle is weak and incompetent, unable to support even his own family." Gao Xuejuan finally spoke the words that had been weighing on her mind. This was her thought the first time she heard about it.
"I'm afraid it's not outsiders gossiping, but people in your third branch who think this way, aren't they? I've misjudged you. Back then, the resources clearly belonged to the eldest branch, but the Master decided to give them to the third son, which has kept the eldest son stagnant in his position all these years, while the third branch has risen steadily. Since you've enjoyed the benefits, you should reciprocate." Old Madam Lou regretted it deeply whenever this matter was brought up. People's hearts are biased. Although the third son was academically excellent and intelligent since childhood, she simply didn't like him. How wonderful it would have been if her eldest son had risen steadily.
"I only entered the household recently, and I've heard the maids mention this many times. What I want to say is, isn't my father-in-law a member of the Lou family? What's wrong with him using some of the Lou family's resources? Isn't that what he should get? Moreover, after all these years, the third branch has endured this silently. You can't take it for granted and chill their hearts." Gao Xuejuan was determined to clarify these matters today. Don't think they are the only smart ones; the people in the third branch are not fools.
"So you're determined to oppose me? Fine, I'll teach you a lesson today and let you know that being a daughter-in-law isn't that simple." The Old Madam understood this perfectly well. It was the first time someone dared to contradict her to her face. This was intolerable; it had poked her sore spot. She had to make an example to warn those grandchildren and granddaughters who were making small moves below.
"I'm just stating the facts. I can see now that Grandmother's heart is completely biased. All the resources are given to the eldest branch. Unfortunately, it didn't meet your expectations, so only a little was given to the third branch, and the third branch became prosperous and has remembered this kindness for so many years. I'm merely seeking some fairness, so why are you so eager to silence me?" The days of being in charge in the third branch for so long had made her forget her usual caution, giving her a daredevil attitude.
Originally, Old Madam Lou had just intended to scare her. But seeing her arrogant demeanor, she decided to get serious.
When the rods for the family punishment were brought out, Madam Lou, the third son's wife, feigned a plea, "Mother, please calm your anger. She is a junior, and we will discipline her properly. Why resort to family punishment right away?"
"Discipline, discipline, how to discipline? Didn't you discipline her last time? Look, has she heeded your discipline?" The Old Madam was determined to teach her a lesson. Nothing anyone said would be of use now.
When the family punishment rods were truly brought, Gao Xuejuan realized she was afraid. Although she wanted to make money, she didn't want to be beaten. She had initially thought Old Madam Gao would only scold her verbally. She believed these high-and-mighty ladies of prominent families would maintain appearances no matter what. She never expected them to resort to physical force; this was beyond her anticipation.
She wanted to back down, but the harsh words had already been spoken; spilled water could not be retrieved.
"Won't you be gentle?" After receiving ten lashes, she lay on the bed while her personal maid applied medicine to her. Every movement caused piercing pain, and she couldn't help but scold.
"Yes, yes, this servant will be careful," the maid replied, feeling wronged. She had already been gentle, but her mistress was still not satisfied.
"That old witch actually hit me. Fortunately, my mother-in-law pleaded for me, otherwise, I probably would have lost my life there. No, I can't let this go. I must find a way to surpass the eldest and second branches." She muttered to herself, full of resentment.
Not two days later, Master Lou felt that the way his colleagues looked at him was not quite right, even a little contemptuous. He tried to approach them to inquire about the situation, but no one paid him any attention.
After a frustrating day, he finally finished his work and was able to go home. He quickly sent someone to inquire.
Upon receiving the news that night, he was so angry he could barely speak, yet he couldn't refute it. Although he didn't want to admit it, the facts were not far from what was being said outside. He had always turned a blind eye to these matters, as he benefited from his mother's position. But now, even his colleagues knew about it, and he couldn't imagine what they were saying behind his back. He had his pride.
After his anger subsided, he sat at his desk and calmly considered what to do next. If he severed ties with the third branch, he would be reluctant to part with the money. But if he didn't sever ties, the new bride of the third branch would continue to cause trouble, and perhaps she was even spreading the rumors outside. This was not a viable solution.
Unlike the Old Madam, he didn't boast about his achievements. In his opinion, he was indeed not as witty and talented as his third brother. Even if that opportunity had fallen into his lap, he wouldn't have been able to handle it. The reason he never refuted those discussions was due to selfish motives.
While Master Lou the eldest received the news, other members of the Lou family also got wind of it. They investigated further. Gao Xuejuan had not been discreet, and the truth was quickly revealed. The Old Master Lou, who had initially dismissed their minor squabbles, could no longer sit idle. Sudannovel.com
He didn't care about trivial financial matters. No matter which son prospered, they were all his sons. However, these rumors had brought great shame to the Lou family, and he would not allow such a thing to happen. He felt his old wife was right; she was a troublemaker, and having such a woman in the household was ultimately a ticking time bomb.