Chapter 16: Close Your Red Eyelids

Ignoring her aunt's heartbreak, Lady Xie stared at the simple, plain lotus pouch in Lady Wang's hand, which was embroidered only with the words "Peace." Her eyes turned red, wishing she could snatch it away to see just how much silver was inside.

Lady Wang tightened her grip on the pouch. There were no hard objects inside, so she assumed it contained banknotes or something similar. She spoke up, "Mother, since you are still letting me manage the household, may I have full authority to make decisions?"

Old Madam Qin nodded wearily.

"Sister-in-law, quick, look and see how much silver is in there! Can we buy two more servants with this?" Lady Xie asked impatiently.

Lady Wang shot her a glance but did not open the pouch. Instead, she looked at Old Madam Qin to report, "The family's misfortune came so suddenly, and we have little wealth left. Yesterday, I had Uncle Li find a human trafficker to hire a wet nurse for the third sister-in-law first, and I also hired two coarse domestic maids for chores and laundry."

"A wet nurse?" Old Madam Qin's brow furrowed.

Lady Wang said, "Because it was so rushed, this was the only suitable one we could find. She gave birth two months ago and has recovered well; she should be able to nurse two children. I have already asked Uncle Li to have someone look for another suitable one. Additionally, Ju'er, who serves by your side, will also be assigned to attend to the third sister-in-law."

Old Madam Qin nodded. "That will do. She gave birth to these 'Seven Star' twins prematurely and suffered a great loss of vital energy; she cannot be left alone. Let Ju'er stay by her side to serve her. Also, instruct the kitchen to prepare more nourishing food for her. She must recover properly during her confinement; as for us, we can eat a little less."

The youngest daughter-in-law's children had come at an untimely moment and had exhausted her body; it was only right to prioritize her. Otherwise, if her health wasn't restored, what would become of the third child and the others in the future?

Lady Wang said, "Rest assured, I will pass down the instructions. Neither your expenses nor the third sister-in-law's shall be lacking."

Lady Xie grew anxious. What about them?

"Sister-in-law, shouldn't we buy some maidservants to serve us?"

"Sister-in-law, the Qin family has been raided and all assets have been seized. Where would we get the money? Are you only looking at this little bit?" Lady Wang waved the pouch in her hand and said, "Father, my husband, and my brother-in-law are all on the road to exile. Silver is needed everywhere for bribes and arrangements, and there are many large and small expenses to cover. We must find ways to increase income and reduce expenditures; how can we afford to spend large sums on servants?"

Old Madam Qin glared at Lady Xie, her expression displeased. She said coldly, "If you cannot endure this hardship, then go back to the Xie family. I imagine the Xie family won't lack food for you."

Lady Xie's face turned pale, and she fell to her knees, begging for mercy. "Mother, I wouldn't dare have such thoughts. I am a daughter-in-law of the Qin family in life, and a ghost of the Qin family in death."

Before she married, she had been struggling under her stepmother's rule. It was only because of her connection to this aunt and because she had caught the eye of the Second Master Qin that she was able to marry into the Qin family and enjoy several years of glory.

Even so, while there were concubines in her household, it did not affect her position as the primary wife. But if she returned to her maiden home, her stepmother would dislike her and her brothers were not close to her; she would be at a dead end.

Old Madam Qin gave a heavy snort. "If that is the case, then settle your heart. You have hands and feet; surely you can manage yourself? If you can earn silver and wish to buy maids to serve you, that is your own capability. But this silver is for the entire family's expenses, and more importantly, it is for bribing officials on behalf of your father-in-law and the others. Stop these thoughts at once, close your greedy eyes, and stop eyeing this bit of money."

"Yes," Lady Xie lowered her head timidly.

Just as Old Madam Qin was about to speak again, the third branch's young granddaughter, Qin Mingbao, came running while crying, saying her mother was not doing well. Everyone's expression changed drastically.

(End of Chapter)