The Old Madam held some dislike for this concubine-born granddaughter of the Second Branch. Ever since the couple of the Second Branch had passed away, this fourth girl had deliberately sought to curry favor with the First Branch. Even after her legitimate elder sister fell ill, she had continued to act as she pleased, let alone helping to care for her younger brother; she thought only of herself and had even learned how to play mind games.
Once everyone was seated, Lady He spoke up, "Mother, autumn is approaching. I was thinking it is time to purchase some plain-colored padded jackets for the people of the manor."
The Old Madam had long since ceased managing the household affairs and said indifferently, "You may arrange those as you see fit."
Seeing that no one else was speaking, Yun Yi said softly, "Grandmother, Yi'er was thinking of going to Fushou Temple to pray for my parents' souls and to perform rites for their transcendence. I also wish to pray for our family and transcribe scriptures to offer before the Buddha. I ask for Grandmother's permission."
The Old Madam had not expected that, having only just recovered from her illness, her granddaughter would propose going to a temple to pray: "Yi'er is very thoughtful, but your body has only just recovered. How could you endure such a thing?"
Yun Yi spoke slowly, "Grandmother, Yi'er's health is no longer a concern. The temple is peaceful; I can pray for the family and recuperate in tranquility. Please grant your permission."
A wave of gratification washed through the Old Madam's heart. "You are a good child. Grandmother grants it."
Yun Yi performed a formal salute. "Thank you, Grandmother."
Hearing Yun Yi's words, Lady He cursed inwardly, *So what if you curry favor with the Old Madam? All the expenses and usages of this manor are currently under my command.*
In the past, although she had managed the household's internal affairs, she could not make decisions on anything; she had to cater to the preferences of the Second Branch for every matter. Now that the couple of the Second Branch had become short-lived ghosts, the manor would rely on the First Branch from now on.
Just listen to how the people outside the manor used to discuss the First Branch—they practically said the Second Branch was supporting them. It was truly infuriating.
Truly, Heaven had eyes. The couple of the Second Branch likely never imagined such a day would come; in the future, wouldn't the children of the Second Branch be at her mercy to mold as she pleased?
Xiao Yunru stared at Yun Yi, her expression extremely unsightly, muttering in her heart, *All you know how to do is play tricks. Let's see how long you can stay triumphant.*
Thinking of the news she had received yesterday, she gave a light cough. "Third Sister, I heard that a few days ago, you sold off Caixia, the maid by Fifth Brother's side?"
The reason she hadn't rushed to question her earlier was that she wanted to find an opportunity to report it to Grandmother in front of everyone.
Yun Yi said indifferently, "A lowly servant dared to be disrespectful to her young master and even had the audacity to call Hao-ge'er a jinx. How could I tolerate her? Or does Eldest Sister think that my selling her was wrong?"
Xiao Yunru glanced at her mother. "It is my mother who is currently in charge of the household management. If a maid is to be sold in this manor, why was it not reported?"
Yun Yi looked toward her Grandmother sitting at the head. "Grandmother, regarding matters of the West Courtyard, has it not always been the Second Branch's own decision? Now that my father and mother are gone, are we of the Second Branch no longer allowed to make our own decisions?"
Hearing Yun Yi's words, the Old Madam, fearing that walls had ears and that this might be reported to the Prince Jin's Manor, spoke coldly to the troublemaking Xiao Yunru, "Since when did matters of the West Courtyard fall under the jurisdiction of the First Branch? If these words were to spread, do you intend to let outsiders criticize our Xiao Manor?"
Seeing the Old Madam drop such a heavy accusation, Lady He hurriedly stood up to defend her daughter. "Mother, please calm your anger. It is just that Ru'er is young and ignorant, speaking nonsense. Your daughter-in-law will certainly teach her properly later."
Seeing her mother speak this way, Xiao Yunru also stood up to apologize. "It was Ru'er's fault. I ask for Grandmother's forgiveness, and I also ask Third Sister not to hold this against me."
The Old Madam glanced at Yun Yi sitting below. Seeing that a trace of anger still lingered on her face, she knew she had not yet cooled down. She then spoke sternly once more, "Without Renjin, there would be no Xiao Manor as it is today. You all must remember this."
(End of Chapter)