Chapter 10: The First Concubine

Chapter 10: The Eldest Aunt

Brother Bao’s robe was finished.

Mo Yi took it over, and Madam Wang truly inspected it inside and out.

The stitches were even, the straight lines were straight, the curves were well-executed, and there were even decorative cross-stitches at the openings.

*Hmm, this work is quite pretty!*

But she didn't offer any praise. Only after sending Mo Yi away did she say to Nanny Wang, "This girl’s needlework is... passable."

Nanny Wang smiled. "Indeed. Fifth Miss is quite meticulous. When she was learning needlework a few years ago, she asked this old servant plenty of questions. She even learned how to cut patterns."

Setting the cotton-padded garment aside, Madam Wang curled her lip dismissively. "It’s not of much use. Back in the day, I even learned cloud embroidery and double-sided embroidery from Master Jiang. Once you’re truly married, how much of that do you actually use? Even after I married into the Mo family, I never reached the point where I had to rely on needlework to get by. Look at Wenwen—it’s a good thing she plays the zither so well; otherwise, how could the marriage alliance with the Xu family have been secured? As for Mo Yi, this is all she’ll ever amount to in this life!"

After a moment, she added, "When it comes time to make the spring clothes, if it’s too much, just let the fifth girl..."

Just as she was saying this, someone outside announced, "Madam, the Eldest Aunt is here! She’s just getting out of the carriage!"

"Ah?! Why has Eldest Sister come?" Madam Wang hurried out to welcome her. "Go call the young ladies!"

When Mo Yi heard that her eldest aunt had arrived, she quickly combed her hair and changed her clothes.

Her eldest aunt was picky, so she had to look neat.

In truth, this eldest aunt wasn't bad to their family. She would send food and supplies, and whenever there was something good, she would think of them.

Her husband’s surname was Qin, and his family had originally been merchants. He had foresight and had managed to secure an official position. Especially in recent years, because Uncle Qin was skilled in arithmetic at the Ministry of Revenue, he had climbed several rungs up the ladder.

The eldest aunt was capable, had both sons and daughters, and possessed significant wealth, giving her a solid position in her husband’s family.

Because of this, the maternal family, the Wangs, all fawned over her.

Her mother, in particular, treated her as the backbone of the family, seeking her advice on everything big or small, and would even exaggerate her complaints about her father and the conflicts between the couple to vent her frustrations.

In the end, this led to

Uncle Qin always adopting the posture of a superior who was "guiding" and "teaching" her father.

And the eldest aunt’s attitude was: *I take care of your whole family, and I don't want anything else in return. But you must be sensible, grateful, and know how to strive for better!*

Thinking of this, Mo Yi’s heart sank. And that was not even mentioning the maternal Wang family...

Although the Wang family had been wealthy for many years, they still couldn't shake their small-minded, nouveau-riche mentality.

Not only did they fawn over the eldest aunt and her husband, but they also had to step on her father to do it.

There were only two sons-in-law in total. The Wang family had to rank them.

For example: Uncle Qin liked to eat fish. Every time they ate, the fish platter had to be placed in front of him.

That wouldn't be a problem—they could just tell the servants to set the table that way beforehand.

But the Wang family wouldn't do that! They insisted on placing the fish platter in front of her father first.

Then, once everyone was seated, her grandfather and eldest uncle would stand up again, personally and with fawning smiles, move the fish platter to the front of their successful eldest son-in-law.

Not only would Uncle Qin accept it calmly, but he would also have to put on a show of false modesty with her father...

And when he "offered guidance" to her father, the Wang family members would chime in from the sidelines, belittling him with a few words or lecturing him.

Every time they visited the Wang family, her father would be angry for a long time afterward.

The most critical part was: her mother didn't feel there was anything wrong with this at all. Instead, she joined in on the fun with them...

Her father was naturally a bit proud and sensitive. Over the years, he had likely been deeply wounded by the Wang family.

Yet, when faced with her father’s withdrawal, her mother would only know how to bicker and make a scene.

By now, Wang Xiujuan had already been ushered in by Madam Wang.

She wore a black velvet cloak over her shoulders. She was dressed in an exquisite brown small jacket, a long vest with brown floral patterns on a black background, and a black horse-face skirt below, with brown floral patterns embroidered on the skirt and silver thread dotted on the stamens...

It shimmered. It looked wealthy.

She was whispering to her younger sister, "When I spoke to Madam Liang, although she didn't refuse outright, her expression clearly showed she wasn't willing. I understood the moment I saw it! There’s no point in forcing such matters. I stopped and thought I’d just exchange a few pleasantries and leave. But I didn't expect Liang You to return just then!"

Her eyes were bright, and her brows were raised high—the two sisters’ expressions were quite similar!

"He came in to pay his respects to me! He really is a well-mannered child. I think he must have heard about the matter and used it as an excuse to call Madam Liang out. When Madam Liang came back in a while later, her attitude had changed.

"She actually brought up the matter of the Yi girl herself, saying Mo Yi is a steady, good girl and that she likes her too. She just said she had to discuss it with her parents-in-law and her husband, and to let us wait for word. But this... this clearly means it’s up for discussion! In my opinion, it might even be that Liang You himself is willing!"

"Heavens, is this true?!" Madam Wang was incredulous. "That... Sister, Liang You didn't misunderstand, did he? He didn't think you were talking about Mo Wen, did he?"

Wang Xiujuan gave her a look that said, *How can you be so stupid?* "How could he misunderstand? They know about Mo Wen’s engagement. Liang You has even met Young Master Xu!"

"This is wonderful! Amitabha..." Madam Wang excitedly pressed her palms together. "Sister, how did my life suddenly get so good? Wen Wen’s engagement is already so good; if Yi Yi can marry into the Liang family, there will truly be nothing left to worry about!"

Wang Xiujuan rolled her eyes at her, took a sip of tea, and shook her head.

Madam Wang finally realized, "Oh, I’m such a fool. Isn't this all thanks to you, Sister! It really takes you stepping in personally! I’m so excited I don't even know what to say!"

Only then was Wang Xiujuan satisfied. "Once the marriages for these two girls are settled, and Mo Da passes the provincial exam and gives you a grandson... then your life will truly start to get better." She patted her younger sister.

"Yes, yes! If I can't count on my husband, I’ll count on my children! It’s fortunate I have you to help me..." She leaned toward her eldest sister, acting spoiled.

"You’re my only sister! If I’m living well, of course I have to think of you!"

Just as she finished speaking, Mo Wen arrived. She bowed with a smile, "Aunt, you’re here?"

"Wenwen! This girl... tsk tsk, she’s getting prettier and prettier!" Wang Xiujuan reached out and pulled Mo Wen over, looking her up and down with satisfaction.

Mo Wen was wearing a casual, purple-red small jacket, which made her face look exceptionally fair and her eyes exceptionally bright.

Seeing the smiles on her mother’s and aunt’s faces, she asked, "Is there some good news? You both look so radiant!"

"Of course there’s good news! Good news one after another! Wenwen, are you in your room organizing your dowry?" Wang Xiujuan teased her.

"Aunt, you’re making fun of Wenwen again!" Mo Wen’s face turned appropriately shy.

"Why would I make fun of you? Your uncle said he saw Young Master Xu’s older brother the other day! He just got promoted; he’s not old, but he’s very steady! With an older brother like that, Xu Ke has nothing to worry about regarding his future!"

As they were talking, Mo Yi and Mo Liu entered the door.

"Eldest Aunt! Qing’er missed you so much!" Mo Qing was quite affectionate toward her eldest aunt; as soon as she entered, she rushed over to hug her arm.

"Oh, you reckless girl!" Wang Xiujuan was bumped and scolded Mo Qing.

Mo Yi bowed quietly, "Eldest Aunt!"

This time, it was the first time Wang Xiujuan had taken a careful look at Mo Yi.

She looked her up and down for a long time before finally nodding and saying to her sister, "Yi Yi has grown taller, and it looks like she’s blossomed a bit, too. She’s quite proper!"

Madam Wang finally offered Mo Yi a smile, though she was still somewhat dismissive. "It’s just that she’s still not very bright! Quite silly. She should still be able to grow a bit taller!"

This attitude made Mo Yi feel a bit strange.

She took out a pouch. "Aunt, Yi Yi made a pouch for Yuan Niang. Please take a look..."

Wang Xiujuan took it—a pink satin pouch with a tiger head embroidered on one side and a cat head on the other.

Her eldest granddaughter, Yuan Niang, was born in the Year of the Tiger.

Neither the Qin family nor the Wang family lacked for anything, but looking at the pouch in her hand, Wang Xiujuan nodded in satisfaction. "Yi Yi’s needlework is neat, and this idea is quite clever! That little girl will definitely like it. Good! I’ll take it back for Yuan Niang."

She thought to herself: *This girl is quite thoughtful; at least my efforts weren't entirely in vain!*