Chapter 421 - Chapter 421: Chapter 428: Not a Disgrace (1/2)
Chapter 421: Chapter 428: Not a Disgrace
Su Wenyue had no interest in picking a fight with the Wife of a lower officer. The reason she erupted was that Madam Zhang had dared too much by provoking her, it was merely about establishing authority. Seeing that Madam Zhang had come to the realization herself, she let the matter slide with grace. She could tell Madam Zhang was not a schemer and meant no offense; her nature was just to speak her mind directly.
Madam Zhang had initially feared that Su Wenyue would not let the issue go easily, but seeing that Su Wenyue had no intention of pursuing it further, her heart relaxed, and she admired Su Wenyue’s magnanimity, daring no longer to commit even the slightest offense.
Meanwhile, Chen Li arrived at Liu Mansion with a heart full of sorrow and disbelief. Liu Xiu was not at home, but Chen Li was a frequent guest of the mansion, so the servants led her to the Living Room to wait. After half a day with no sight of Liu Xiu, Chen Li grew restless and went outside to catch her breath, unwittingly overhearing a conversation between the servants.
“Third Young Master is indeed very fond of the Bride-to-be. Although there is little time, everything is managed with great care. Not only is the dowry so generous, but he’s also taking time out of his busy schedule to personally purchase items for the New Madam. It’s clear how dearly he holds her in his heart.”
“Exactly, Third Young Master is in such high spirits today with the auspicious occasion approaching. Miss Yin from Yiyang Prefecture is recognized as a beauty and possesses both talents and looks. To marry such a woman as his Wife, no wonder he is so attentive.”
“But what will become of Miss Chen, seeing that Third Young Master is marrying Miss Yin? I think Miss Chen has quite deep feelings for our family’s Third Young Master.”
“That’s nothing. Since ancient times, a man is entitled to multiple wives and concubines. Even after marrying Miss Yin, if he were to take Miss Chen as a Concubine, it wouldn’t be disgraceful, given that Miss Chen’s Status is not high enough to be the First Wife.”
“That’s right, Miss Chen is after all just a Merchant’s daughter, and her behavior is often inappropriate. She’s always seen gallivanting outside; such conduct is unbefitting a daughter of a decent family. Even sons from humble households wouldn’t want to marry such a woman as their legitimate Wife; it is only our Third Young Master’s tolerance that allows for it.”
Caught unawares by the maids chatting candidly nearby, Chen Li’s face paled with anger. She had not realized that the behavior she considered independent and strong in her eyes was seen as improper by others, to the point where even lowly maids felt bold enough to gossip behind her back and take pleasure in her misfortune.
“Look at you two, mere maids so insolent as to gossip about your master behind her back. You’ve really lost all sense of order! You look down on me because I’m a Merchant’s daughter? I want to see what kind of ‘Goods’ you two servant wretches really are!” Chen Li said furiously. Despite always priding herself on modern ideals of equality and treating the servants with leniency, her true feelings were revealed in her anger.
The two maids were caught off guard, having been exposed for gossiping about someone to their face. They stumbled and collapsed to their knees in fright: “Miss Chen, Miss Chen…”
“Why have you stopped talking? Keep going! You were quite vehement before. Since a Merchant’s daughter like me doesn’t deserve to marry decently and can only be a Concubine, let’s see what sort of fate you will face.” With that, Su Wenyue ordered someone to fetch the housekeeper and have him deal with the two maids.