“If word gets out, you’ll surely be accused of betraying your own family.”
Shen Yuanzhu had heard Ye Yunyi’s words so often they were practically ingrained in her ears. It was nothing more than an attempt to force her to produce the Shen Family Dyeing Manual and restart the rare-color dye vats.
As she spoke, Shen Yuanzhu nodded emphatically, her clear, starry eyes brimming with innocence. “So, sister-in-law…
“You should stop covering for your younger brother. Although I ought to respect Brother Ye, I really don’t think he has a head for business.
“Just from the times Elder Brother used his private savings to fill the gaps for him, there have been two or three instances already. If not for Brother Ye, how could Elder Brother be working so hard?”
Shen Yuanzhu blinked, wrinkling her nose slightly, her voice soft and gentle. “Sister-in-law, you’re so good. I don’t want people saying you’re a thief who betrays the family and steals from home.”
Seeing Ye Yunyi’s unpleasant expression, Shen Yuanzhu’s tone was full of concern. “I wonder if Elder Brother is eating and sleeping well outside. Without those few accounts, he could probably rest for two or three more months.”
Hearing this, Shen Yuanqiong also grew displeased.
But she couldn’t say anything, so she lowered her eyes and pretended not to hear.
Ye Yunyi forced a stiff smile. “Sister-in-law knows Yuanzhu cares for your elder brother.”
Shen Yuanzhu was delicate and lovely. Because of her young age, her cheeks still had tender, soft flesh, making her look round and plump, without a trace of shrewdness.
Ye Yunyi knew she wasn’t a clever person.
If Shen Yuanzhu had any brains, all that real silver and gold wouldn’t have ended up in her hands.
Suppressing her displeasure, Ye Yunyi exclaimed, “You’re a girl about to be married. Why talk about the family’s hardships with you? It only makes you worry for no reason.
“These matters shouldn’t concern a young lady in the inner chambers. Even though the accounts are short on silver, when you marry, sister-in-law definitely won’t treat you poorly.”
Ye Yunyi embraced Shen Yuanzhu affectionately. “As your sister-in-law, I’ll make sure you have a grand and glorious wedding. Not only will the family treasury provide a dowry, but I’ll also give you an extra bridal gift.
“How about I give each of you and Yuanqiong two thousand taels for your weddings?”
Ling’er rolled her eyes upon hearing this.
She swindled three thousand taels from the young miss, only to give her two thousand taels as a bridal gift.
Calculating it, Ye Yunyi would still profit a thousand taels from the young miss.
Shen Yuanqiong stood nearby with a gentle smile.
Both she and Ye Yunyi were adorned head to toe in luxurious finery, looking even more precious than the daughters of officials.
Ling’er inwardly cursed the two of them for colluding like wolves and jackals.
Her young miss, however, remained composed, still smiling and tilting her head as she thanked her sister-in-law.
The three women—the sisters-in-law and sister—chatted and laughed as they walked toward the main hall. Ling’er trailed behind, so angry she wanted to rush forward and tear their mouths apart.
Seeing this, Luo Shi said, “Your temper is too impetuous.”
Ling’er snorted. “It’s those two who are too clumsy in their schemes.”
“Since you know they’re clumsy, why bother arguing every time? The young miss has a bright future ahead of her. How can she be troubled by petty people and trivial matters every day?”
“So they just get away with stealing so much from the young miss?”
Luo Shi couldn’t help but laugh. “Do you think our young miss is generous?”
“…”
Ling’er pouted.
Her young miss was perfect in every way, except she was as shrewd as an abacus bead come to life, always calculating accounts clearly.
Over the years, aside from the loyal servants her mother had left her and the clerks in the shops, no one had ever managed to take advantage of her young miss.
Now, Ye Yunyi and Shen Yuanqiong might be laughing heartily, but in the future, that might not be the case.
After a moment of thought, Ling’er lowered her voice: “Has Miss already thought of a way to punish that Ye Yunyi?”
Luo Shi tapped her forehead: “Trivial matters shouldn’t be settled one by one; we can settle the total account in the future. You should learn more from Miss.”
“What exactly is the method…”
“How would I know? Don’t ask anymore. Xie Xuchuan has arrived. Let’s go see what new excuses this heartless man can come up with today.”