Chapter 195: Forming an Alliance

Yulian told her what everyone said while she was away. Of course, she also embellished how her mother ‘protected’ the Princess’ name while everyone dragged her. She also relayed how Jinxuan manipulated Madame Xia You by being such a bootlicker. Yulian made up stories about how Jinxuan has been showing arrogance even though she was yet to be named the mistress of the mansion. She also told her that her whole family hates Jinxuan because of her schemes and her slyness.

All these words resonated with Liu Li. She made up her mind to ally with Third Auntie to teach Jinxuan a lesson.

Yulian also hinted that Lady Xia You is a petty and calculative person. She said that Madame was so stingy that she couldn’t even buy some potted flowers to decorate her house. Yulian said that her mother couldn’t stand the sight and used her own money to get some.

“This is outrageous!” Mother Shu exclaimed furiously. “She was certainly never like this in front of the Empress Dowager.”

“Third Cousin, you can’t tell anyone that I told you these. I am only telling you these because I don’t want you to be disadvantaged int his house. Now that our family is staying with the Old Marquis, my father is relying on him for work. If Uncle and Auntie find out about this, my father’s future job would be in jeopardy,” Yulian worried.

Liu Li waved away her concern. “Don’t forget that the Empress Dowager is my grandmother and His Majesty is my Uncle. I can help your father more than the Old Marquis and the Madame can.”

Yulian’s eyes brightened and quickly bowed. “Thank you, Third Cousin.”

Liu Li laughed at her. “Don’t worry about it. I am kind to those who are kind to me. Now go back and tell your mother that I will handle your father’s job.”

She took the jade bracelet off her wrist and put it on Yulian.

Yulian was surprised. “Third Cousin, I can’t accept this… this is too precious.”

“Of course you can. I enjoyed your visit. Do drop by more often in the future,” Liu Li told her with a smile.

On the other side of the house, Xia You was having tea with Xia Peishan.

“Sister-in-law, why didn’t you stop Zhou? Aren’t you afraid that Yulian might talk bad about us behind our back?” Xia Peishan questioned.

You merely shrugged. “Who cares? I can’t stop people from talking.”

Xia Peishan laughed, amused. “Sister-in-law, when did you get so blase about things like this?”

You laughed bitterly. “I have been on edge since Zhou arrived. I just feel like cursing her out every day. This is the only time I was able to let my hair down.”

“Bis Sister, you are too concerned with others’ opinions,” Peishan told her gently. “If it was me, I would have long thrown Zhou and her family out. She’s too sneaky and scheming. I know that as long as they’re here, you’re never going to be at peace. Especially now that Liu Li’s here… aye, I dread to think of what trouble they’re going to stir up.”

The thought of those two was giving You a headache. “I can’t throw them out because your brother would never agree. You know how much he loves your Third Brother.”

Peishan shook her head in disappointment. “Third Brother has been spoiled by Mother and Big Brother. On top of that, he married an utter witch. I have never approved of Zhou, even at the start.”

Both of them sighed depressingly.

“Hey, at least Chunyu got a good one,” Peishan suddenly said. “Jinxuan seems like a smart and sensible child. With her here, I’d imagine things would be easier.”

“She’s also very bold.” You told Peishan the story of how Jinxuan confronted Zhou and how she forced her to write a letter of assurance.

Xia Peishan was astonished. “She did that? Wow. I would have never guessed that she had that in her. She’s so sweet and delicate looking!”

“I was shocked, too. That child really helped me out.”

“She’s brave and smart? Chunyu has lucked out!”

You nodded in agreement. “I have been observing her for a while now and I am quite pleased. I’m confident that she’ll be able to run the house well in the future.

“My only worry now is Liu Li. Liu Li and Jinxuan have quite a… history. I’m afraid that Liu Li will be making things difficult for Jinxuan while she’s here.”

“Yeah, that’s kind of tricky. Liu Li might be a part of the family now, but she still royalty. If we show clear favoritism for Jinxuan, I’m sure that Liu Li would not hesitate to get us in trouble,” Peishan worried.

Ye Jiayao was currently laying on the couch, browsing through the account books that Little Jing gave her. It was the Helian Prince’s mansion’s account book for their two farmlands. She was using it as a guide to understanding more of her husband’s business.

Other than during hard times, the Helian family’s farmlands always reaped big harvests. How and why was it that only Chunyu’s lands were doing poorly? They were not even breaking even. They were straight-up taking losses.

After all the comparisons and research she’s done, she deduced that Chunyu’s misfortune must be a management problem. Now that the culinary competition and Chunfenge’s wedding’s over, she has more free time to manage her husband’s land.

Qiao Xi suggested, “Mother Sun’s nephew, Sun Qian, is knowledgeable in farming. The problem is he’s currently managing Madame’s farmland outside of town. Second Young Mistress, if you want help, I can ask him to keep an eye out for someone that might be able to assist you.”

Ye Jiayao shook her head, staying silent. She doesn’t mind her mother-in-law’s eyes on her, but since she doesn’t have any knowledge in managing farmlands, she doesn’t want to embarrass herself in front of You. No, she’s going to turn to Little Jing for help in this matter.

When the Second Young Mistress didn’t say anything, Qiao Xi started to retreat.

“Qiao Xi, wait. I want you to stay by my side from now on.”

Qiao Xi couldn’t help but beam in gratitude. She has been dutiful and conscientious in her work, hoping to get the Second Young Mistress’ recognition. However, it seemed like the Second Young Mistress only trusted Jiang Yue. Only Jiang Yue was permitted to enter the room while she and the other servants were limited to stand outside the door.

“As you wish, Second Young Mistress,” Qiao Xi replied, barely containing the excitement in her voice.

Ye Jiayao smiled fondly at her. She has been noticing how steadfast and meticulous Qiao Xi was compared to the other servants. She also has deep connections with people in the mansion and a servant like that could come in really handy.

She put the account book down and closed her eyes, her mind working on overtime.

It was obvious that Zhou was trying to curry favor with Liu Li. And with Liu Li having just entered the family and feeling like an outsider, of course, she would cling onto the first person who showed her kindness. Nothing good would come with those two being in cahoots.

There was also Qiao to worry about. She might be playing nice now, but since she’s not really close with You and she has a tendency to be a cheapskate, it wouldn’t surprise Ye Jiayao if she rushes to Liu Li’s side too.

Second Auntie’s a very smart and brave character, but she wouldn’t be staying long here. She’d eventually go back to her home.

Her only chance now was You. If You starts to side with Liu Li, then Ye Jiayao would really be in deep sh*t.

However, after yesterday’s incident, it might be hard to sway You over Liu Li’s side.

These thoughts kept running on Ye Jiayao’s mind until she slowly dozed off.

Xia Chunyu was just about to enter their sleeping quarters when Jiang Yue halted him.

She whispered, “Heir-son Lord, Second Young Mistress has already fallen asleep.”

Xia Chunyu laughed. “What? It’s still so early!”

Jiang Yue explained, “This has been a tiring day for Second Young Mistress. She prepared two tables of dishes for the family, cooked separately for the Princess, and immediately went straight to reviewing the account books for the farmlands. She’s been busy the whole day.”

Xia Chunyu frowned. “Why didn’t you tell her to rest up for a bit?”

Jiang Yue shrugged helplessly and replied, “You know Second Young Mistress more than anyone. Did you think that she’d listen to me?”

Xia Chunyu shook her head. “Alright then. You can withdraw for now. Just call us when it is time for dinner.”

He tiptoed to the room and saw Yaoyao sleeping awkwardly on the couch, still clutching the account books in her hand.

He carefully removed the account books from her hands and then carried her over to the bed, covering her up with a blanket. He then brought a chair over by the bed and sat on it, watching his wife sleep.

He traced the elegant curve of her face with his eyes. Her delicate lips, her long fluttery eyelashes, the elegant angle of her nose… she was extremely beautiful.

He knew she was beautiful the first time he saw her. However, it seemed as though she was just getting prettier and prettier every day.

His finger reached out to touch her lips, unable to resist the temptation.

Poor Yaoyao. She must’ve been so exhausted. She’s been running ragged these past few days, helping out the restaurant and helping him and his family out.

He slowly withdrew, not wanting to disturb her, his gaze slowly shifting to the account book by the pillow – the Helian Prince’s Mansion’s account book.

Xia Chunyu picked it up, smiling. He appreciated the effort that Yaoyao was putting into learning farm management. However, as he flipped through the book, he started to frown. Why was it that their farm was doing so well and yet his property has been taking losses?