Chapter 424 - Chapter 424: Aunt Yu Mengxiang
Chapter 424: Aunt Yu Mengxiang
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Yu Youyao replied gently, “Yes!”
The Marquis of Zhen’s wife was even more satisfied. Although Eldest Miss Yu had become shrewd, when facing her elders, she lowered her eyes, was obedient, and did not say much. She was well-mannered and had a good personality.
When wealthy families praised people, those who had shallow relationships with them would have to praise them too. Those who were closer would have to praise their personalities. Those who were even closer would have to ask about the elders in the family. If they were any closer, they would have to be as close as the Marquis’s wife.
Third Madam Song and Fourth Madam Song praised Yu Youyao for her good looks.
After praising her, they had to mention. “No wonder even the Empress Dowager praised you for being clean and honest. Yao Yao is kind-hearted. She’s really a good girl.’
After seeing her elders, Yu Mengxiang, the third wife of the Marquis of Zhen’s third wife, pulled Yu Youyao along with a smile. “The capital hasn’t been peaceful recently, so I won’t have the chance to return to my maiden home. I haven’t seen you for more than half a year, but Yao Yao has actually become a big girl. She’s already so beautiful before she even grew up. In two years, I’m afraid even Eldest Sister-in-law won’t be able to compare to her.”
A married daughter rarely had the chance to return to her maiden home unless it was a festival.
It was better for her in-laws to be open-minded. They could make a few more trips every year.
However, the fourth branch of the Zhenguo Marquis Residence lived together and did not split up. Furthermore, the third branch was the daughter of a concubine, so she naturally had to be more cautious. Unless it was necessary, she rarely returned to her maiden home.
But!
A married daughter had to rely on her maiden family to stand tall in her husband’s family.
As the daughter of a concubine, even if she married into the Zhenguo Marquis Residence, she had to win over her maiden family and not distance herself from them.
She was also the only daughter in the Yu Residence, and her mother was Old Madam Yu’s capable maidservant, so Old Madam Yu had always treated her well in the past.
Although she did not return to the Yu Residence often, she would still embroider some small things and send someone to the Yu Residence to be filial to Old Madam Yu.
Old Madam Yu had a clear personality and never took advantage of others for nothing. After receiving something from her, she would also order someone to send her some small things.
After all this, Yu Mengxiang also had a close relationship with her maiden family. She was only the daughter of a concubine and had some dignity in the Zhenguo Marquis Residence. She also had some face in front of Old Madam Song.
Yu Youyao could tell at a glance that this “aunt” of hers was not a simple person. She smiled and said, “The capital isn’t peaceful. Every family lives discreetly. I don’t have the chance to return to my maiden home, but I care about the residence and have sent many things over.” As she spoke, she took out a silk handkerchief from her waist and gently pressed the corner of her mouth. She chuckled. “The family also cares about me.”
When Yu Mengxiang mentioned her mother, she called her “Sister-in-law”. Her tone was intimate and her att.i.tude was very natural, indicating two questions.
Firstly, Yu Mengxiang had a good relationship with her mother in the past.
Yu Youyao did not doubt this.
Yu Mengxiang was good at socializing. As the daughter of a concubine, she naturally had to treat her eldest sister-in-law respectfully.
Secondly, Yu Mengxiang wanted to express her goodwill.
She was in charge of the Yu Residence now, and her grandmother doted on her. Her att.i.tude also represented the Yu Residence.
Only by expressing goodwill to her could Yu Mengxiang obtain more support from her maiden family.
Yu Youyao was just trying to show her respect for her mother by saying the words “Eldest Sister-in-law”.
Yu Mengxiang looked at the handkerchief in Yu Youyao’s hand and her smile deepened. “This handkerchief is from a few days ago. After I embroidered it myself, I got someone to send it to you. I didn’t expect you to wear it today.”
They were both smart people. As soon as the handkerchief appeared, she knew that her goal had been achieved.
Yu Youyao also smiled. “I can’t let you down.”
The marriage between the great aristocratic families was for the good of the two families.
Therefore, be it character or talent, the children of the two families connected through marriage were the most important. Otherwise, if the children did not get along and their lives were not good, the two families would definitely have a feud.
It wouldn’t be the strengthening of relations, but a grudge.
This was a huge taboo for marriage between aristocratic families.
As the daughter of a concubine, Yu Mengxiang was not careless at all.
After marrying into the Zhenguo Marquis Residence for more than ten years, it was considered appropriate for her to be in the Zhenguo Marquis Residence. She did not embarra.s.s the Yu Residence and even knew how to maintain her relationship with her maiden family, so her grandmother was willing to promote her.
Since Yu Mengxiang was valued by her maiden family, no one in the Zhenguo Marquis Residence dared to bully her openly.
Old Madam Song would also treat her differently.
The aunt and niece chatted and laughed. Anyone with discerning eyes could tell that they were on good terms. The eyes of the other two madams of the Zhenguo Marquis Residence flickered.
The room was bustling with activity.
At this moment, Song Mingzhao strode into the house. He was dressed in a crane-patterned white robe that emitted a faint glow. As he strolled around, he looked like a thunderstorm.
Song Mingzhao had arrived. With his bright light, the entire Glorious Fortune Residence became s.p.a.cious and bright.
The room immediately fell silent.
Old Madam Song said happily, “Mingzhao is back.”
Song Mingzhao stepped forward to greet Old Madam Song, the Marquis of Zhen’s wife, and the elders of the other three branches.
After being polite, he said to Old Madam Song, “In my spare time, I copied the Lotus Sutra for Grandmother. It’s Third Sister’s birthday, so I am personally handing them to you.”
His calm words not only expressed her filial piety to his elders, but he also did not forget his biological sister’s birthday.
Yao Huang immediately took the wooden box from Song Mingzhao and handed it to Old Madam Song.
Old Madam Song smiled so widely that her wrinkles appeared. “It’s already very tiring for you to study normally, but you still have to take time out to copy Buddhist scriptures for me. Don’t tire yourself out.”
As she spoke, she quickly took the wooden box. Without caring about the occasion, she opened the box and saw a stack of scriptures inside.
Liu Shu’s small handwriting was revealing, but it was sharp and reserved, making it look neat and strict. Anyone who saw it would be happy.
Yu Youyao lowered her eyes and picked up her tea to drink.
If he wanted to show filial piety to his elders in the family, there was no better scripture than the Sutra of Longevity. Song Mingzhao had lived in the temple since he was young. With his talent and wisdom, it was impossible for him not to know this.
No matter if Song Mingzhao had deliberately copied the Lotus Sutra or if it was a coincidence, her heart did not waver at all.
Song Mingzhao glanced at Yu Youyao imperceptibly before saying, “Although Grandmother doesn’t pay respects to Buddha, the Lotus Sutra is a scripture of virtue. With the scripture by your side, I will pray for Grandmother’s safety.” Old Madam Song said happily, “Good, good, good. You’re too kind.”
The Marquis of Zhen’s wife immediately added, “Mingzhao often studies in the temple. He can’t be like his siblings at home, who often come to Old Madam to show their filial piety and copy a few Buddhist scriptures for her. Isn’t it only right for him to show his filial piety as a descendant?”
The madams also knew that Old Madam valued Song Mingzhao the most, so they also put in a lot of good words for him.
Old Madam Song smiled until her eyes narrowed.
There was a room full of women, so Song Mingzhao couldn’t stay any longer.
Before he left, from the corner of her eye, he saw Eldest Miss Yu wearing a light gauze top and pearl brocade. She looked bright and beautiful..