Borrowing Influence
If Cen Peixuan were merely Xiao Lingyan's sister-in-law, it would be inappropriate to mention her pregnancy. However, she was also Xiao Lingyan's cousin, and the original owner of this body was about the same age as her cousin, having played together since childhood. Therefore, his statement did not seem impolite.
Xiao Lingpu earlier were merely a test; now that the test was over, it was natural to adopt a more conciliatory approach.
He laughed and said, "I'm glad you don't blame her. I understand. I promise I won't let her cause you or your wife any trouble in the future. Although we each have wives and our own families now, I hope we can still be like we were when we were kids, good brothers who depend on each other for support."
"Of course." Xiao Lingyan clinked glasses with him and added a few more words to go along with his wishes. On the surface, the two brothers had reconciled and became good brothers without any grudges.
As for what they really think, that's anyone's guess.
"Your sister-in-law wanted to apologize to your sister-in-law, but she didn't know what to give her. So she found two inkstones and some paper and pens, all of which are rare. In a little while, you can take them to your sister-in-law and tell her on her behalf that you are sorry," Xiao Lingpu added.
If there's something to take, why not accept it? Zhao Ruxi and I have given them so much money; taking a little is like getting our money's worth.
Therefore, Xiao Lingyan did not refuse, and accepted the gifts after saying thank you.
Knowing the dangers of the capital, Zhao Ruxi decided to stay home after visiting the Kang Residence and Prince of An's Residence.
Those families who wanted to befriend her, such as the Duke of Wei's Residence, did not dare to get too close to her because Zhao Ruxi had become the Consort of the Prince of Qi and the factional struggles in the capital were complicated. They did not send invitations to invite her to their residences, nor did they visit her at her door. This was exactly what Zhao Ruxi wanted.
As everyone expected, Zhao Rurui visited the Prince of An's Residence's residence the day after Zhao Ruxi's visit.
However, she was clever and didn't come directly to beg for money. Instead, she greeted Madam Lady Zhu politely, told her about her recent situation, and then got up to take her leave. She behaved very politely and sensibly, and was not at all annoying. Lady Zhu scolded her for being a concubine and degrading herself, and for disgracing the Zhao Family. She immediately lowered her head and cried, apologizing and saying that she regretted it. Her attitude was very sincere.
This made Lady Zhu was prepared to give her a severe scolding, feel like she had punched cotton.
"Mother, what do you think Miss Rui is trying to do?" Lady Zhu asked the old lady, feeling depressed.
"What are you trying to do?" The old lady scoffed. "The Fu Family are subordinates of Prince of An and Prince of Qi, and they follow their lead. Fourth Miss is trying to get close to us. If she gets close to us, even if she's just Young Master Fu Er's concubine, the Wife of the Marquis of Pingnan, the eldest young mistress, and the second young mistress will have to give her some face and won't dare to treat her badly. She's using our Miss Xi's influence."
When Zhao Ruxi gets tired from practicing calligraphy and painting, she goes for a walk and occasionally visits the old lady and Lady Zhu to chat with them. After all, she will soon be getting married and won't have much time to spend with her two elders in the future, so she takes advantage of her free time at home to spend more time with them.
She had just reached the door when she heard the old lady say this.
She stepped across the threshold and asked, "How is Fourth Sister doing at the Marquis of Pingnan's Residence?"
After listening to Zhao Rurui's complaints, Lady Zhu had a lot to say to her mother-in-law. Zhao Ruxi's arrival was just in time.
She said, "Hmph, how could it be good? Even a proper daughter-in-law who marries into the family will be tormented by Lady He, the Wife of the Marquis of Pingnan, let alone Fourth Miss, who went in as a concubine. That Tenth Miss Cen is no pushover either. She was raised as a concubine and has no other skills, but she's a master at vying for favor. She's also very beautiful, and Young Master Fu Er's heart is entirely with her."
"If it had been the Sixth Miss who married into the household, perhaps the Young Master Fu Er would have shown her some consideration out of their past friendship. But the Fourth Miss stole the Sixth Miss's marriage, and she's neither capable nor beautiful. No wonder the Young Master Fu Er doesn't like her. Young Master Fu Er doesn't even go to her room. Wouldn't that unruly Wife of the Marquis of Pingnan and Tenth Miss Cen have been doing everything they could to humiliate her? If it weren't for the sake of our household, the Young Master Fu Er would probably have thrown her out of the mansion long ago. How could he tolerate her being an eyesore in the mansion?"
She sighed, "I suppose she had no other choice but to shamelessly keep going to the second and third wives' houses to ask for things. Given her situation, if we don't bribe them, she probably won't even be able to afford food. After she came to our house once, her life should be a little better when she goes back."
"I was originally planning to say some harsh words to drive her away next time she came. But after hearing what she said, my heart softened. I think I'll let it go. She's still a girl from our Zhao Family. It's her own fault for being bullied and tormented like this, but it's still a disgrace to our family and Miss Xi. From now on, as long as she doesn't cause any trouble and behaves herself, I won't chase her away."
As the old lady aged, she became even more soft-hearted. She was fiercely protective of her own. It was one thing for her to look down on Zhao Rurui, but she was also unhappy to hear that someone was bullying her.
She looked at Zhao Ruxi and said in a consultative tone, "How about, after you get married, Miss Xi, you send someone to deliver a gift to Fourth Sister and Sixth Sister once or twice?"
Although it's shameful for Zhao Rurui and Zhao Ruyu to be concubines, those who bullied them were also disrespecting Zhao Ruxi, the Consort of the Prince of Qi, and it would be a disgrace to Zhao Ruxi if others found out. Therefore, it's better to support them and let people know that the women of the Zhao Family are not to be easily bullied, not even as concubines.
Although associating with a concubine would lower one's status, some people would still praise Zhao Ruxi for being loyal and righteous. This is much better than her ignoring her cousin's misfortune and being labeled as cold-hearted.
So, in the end, the old lady's suggestion was for Zhao Ruxi's own good.
Zhao Ruxi waved her hand. "No need. If it were an honest person, it wouldn't matter if I gave her something. But with Fourth Sister's personality, if I gave her something, she might become arrogant and domineering, using my name to stir up trouble in the Fu Family."
"Actually, since I was betrothed, the people of the Marquis of Pingnan's Residence shouldn't dare to bully her anymore. Otherwise, they would be showing too little respect for Prince of Qi and me, the future Consort of the Prince of Qi. What Fourth Sister told my mother was probably about the past; she exaggerated to gain your sympathy. Why don't you send someone to inquire and see what the actual situation is? If she's still being bullied badly, it's not too late to send her gifts. The same goes for Sixth Sister."
It's not that she lacks compassion, it's just that Zhao Rurui is a bit clueless.
Look at Zhao Ruyu, she's so composed. Her life in the Prince Jingping's Estate must have been no easier than Zhao Rurui's. But she chose that path, so she gritted her teeth and kept going, never complaining or getting tired, and never causing any trouble.
As expected of the original female lead, she has her own admirable qualities, which are worth learning from for Zhao Rurui.