Chapter 815: 343 Assistance
Yueyao returned to Ma’s Mansion, and before she had finished organizing her belongings, Madam Tang arrived. Madam Tang greeted Yueyao with a smile, "I just came over to see if you are missing anything?"
Yueyao smiled and shook her head, "If I were missing anything, I would naturally send someone to inform my cousin-in-law."
While they were speaking, Xi Yu came over and asked, "Miss, where should I place these books?" All other items were placed and listed by the maids, but the books were always arranged by Yueyao herself. According to Yueyao, books she placed herself were easier to find.
Seeing this, Madam Tang found it inappropriate to stay any longer.
Yueyao noticed a hint of disappointment in Madam Tang’s eyes and quickly called Xi Juan over to ask, "Has anything happened in the mansion these past few days?"
Xi Juan pursed her lips, "Miss, the Second Madam’s aunt visited twice recently. This Madam Zhu is planning on you, wanting the Second Madam to speak on her behalf to the Old Grand Master."
Yueyao had long been aware that the Zhu Family was interested in her, but she had rejected them from the start, yet she hadn’t expected the Zhu Family to still not give up their hopes. Yueyao asked with some curiosity, "Xiang Wei, why is the Zhu Family still not letting go of me?" She had already refused them twice, but the Zhu Family still hadn’t given up.
A sneer flashed across Xiang Wei’s lips, "Miss, the Zhu Family had already considered another family earlier, but hearing that the Old Marquis was to adopt you as his goddaughter stirred their interest again." Xiang Wei initially thought the Zhu Family might be acceptable, but the actions of the Zhu Family later made it clear to her that the nature of profit-seeking in a merchant family is hard to shed.
Yueyao realized why Zhu Hang’s marriage was still undecided, "I was wondering why Zhu Hang hasn’t been betrothed yet, it turns out he has been comparing offers." She had long thought the Zhu Family’s expectations were too high, indeed if the Zhu Family lowered their standards, they would surely find a satisfactory marriage arrangement much sooner without dragging it out this long. The root cause was here all along.
Xiang Wei hated such profit-seeking individuals,"The Zhu Family only has Zhu Hang who passed as a Palace Graduate, with no footing in the official circles whatsoever. Instead of trying to gradually establish a good foundation, they are thinking of climbing up through matrimonial connections, such insincere people are unlikely to have their legitimate daughters married off." A weak foundation could be built over time, the bureaucracy required years of experience. Yet, the Zhu Family only aimed to marry someone who could aid Zhu Hang politically, tying the marriage to aid their son was reasonable, but they also needed to assess what they could offer in return. Among high-ranking officials, none were to be underestimated, and despite its wealth, the Zhu Family was still not highly regarded in their eyes.
Yueyao waved her hand dismissively, "Enough about that, let’s get my things organized." Having brought back quite a few items from the Marquis’ household, everything needed to be sorted.
Xiang Wei shared this with Yueyao as a reminder for her to stay cautious, "Miss, you’ve read plenty of stories, it’s best not to give anyone a chance to exploit a loophole."
Yueyao was amused, "When have you ever seen me walk alone?" Not to mention going out, even within the courtyard, she was always accompanied by seven or eight maids and old nannies. Yueyao never ventured out alone; even if someone wanted to plot against her using unscrupulous means, they would have to see if they had the opportunity. Of course, the one time she was kidnapped was an exception.
Xiang Wei still felt it was better to be cautious, some people would go to any lengths to achieve their goals, and Xiang Wei had been truly frightened by Zhou Shu.
Yueyao didn’t contradict Xiang Wei’s concerns but still mentioned, "The Second cousin-in-law is a smart person, and smart people do not make foolish decisions." If Madam Tang dared to help her maternal family plot against her, she wouldn’t have a foothold in the Ma Family.
Xiang Wei was rare in agreeing with Yueyao’s words.
Yueyao felt there was really no need to worry about the Zhu Family, the real concern was someone else: "Xiang Wei, you said before that dealing with Zhou Shu wouldn’t be easy. Xiang Wei, how soon do you think it could be done?"
If it weren’t for the previous incidents, Xiang Wei would definitely have urged Yueyao not to worry, but now she couldn’t afford to take chances, "Miss, the most troubling part is Zhou Shu’s backing comes from the Zhou Family, and Zhou Shu has also joined forces with the Fourth Prince. Zhou Shu is a well-connected local figure in Haikou, nothing short of well-connected. Miss, it will take at least three to five years to touch him."
Yueyao felt she had grown cold-hearted now but couldn’t help it; without eliminating Zhou Shu, she couldn’t feel at peace: "What if external forces were used?"
Xiang Wei smiled wryly, "Miss, the Marquis would not offend the Zhou Family and the Fourth Prince." The Marquis might call you his goddaughter and give you support, but he will not offend the Zhou Family and the Fourth Prince for you, as that involves too broad a spectrum.