Chapter 196

Chapter 196: Supporting You "Are you certain?" Cui Lingrong asked. Cui Zeyu said it was all but confirmed. "I found out that Mama Chen's son has been in contact with the gambling den. With that much money, Mama Chen couldn't possibly have it herself—she must be doing it on the County Mistress's behalf." "That makes sense," Cui Lingrong said. "The County Mistress is short on funds, and with the expenses of Shouan Tang to maintain, she does need a source of income." "By all rights, when the County Mistress left the Du family, she should have taken her original dowry with her. Surely she didn't spend all of it while she was with the Dus?" Cui Zeyu then said it seemed unlikely. "If it were just silver, it might have been spent. But with the annual income from her farmland and shops, how could it all be gone?" "I sent people to make inquiries, but unfortunately we don't know which properties belong to County Princess Rongjia, and the Du family refuses to say a word about it—can't get anything out of them," Cui Lingrong said. "But judging from how the County Mistress came into the Marquis household, she really doesn't seem to be particularly wealthy." Cui Zeyu agreed. "County Princess Rongjia also spends a lot, so she needs even more money. That gambling den has had a steady stream of people coming and going lately. Once I've investigated thoroughly, I can bring people in." It wasn't unusual for nobles and officials to own businesses, and some of those businesses weren't entirely clean. Generally, no one would go against them, since they were all people of status and position. But there were also those who didn't fear trouble—like Cui Zeyu. Cui Zeyu urgently needed achievements to establish his footing, and he didn't care if others called him ruthless or heartless, nor did he care about their opinions. All he wanted was merit. "As long as you know what you're doing, that's fine. But don't be too eager for quick success—make sure you have a sure thing before you make your move." Just as Cui Lingrong finished speaking, the carriage came to a stop. The Ye family had no deep roots. Their courtyard was very small, only two sections deep, and it was rented at that. Cui Lingrong's carriage was quite conspicuous; most others had arrived in small sedan chairs or ordinary carriages. It seemed the Ye family hadn't invited many people. When Cui Lingrong entered, she found that indeed not many had come—scattered here and there, only about six or seven female guests in total. "Madam Ye, congratulations, congratulations." As Cui Lingrong spoke, Nanny Qiu had already presented the congratulatory gift. Meng-shi wasn't one for many formalities and accepted it herself. "I said we were kindred spirits from the moment we met! For Marchioness Song to come is such an honor for me. Come, come, let me introduce you to a few people." She led Cui Lingrong forward, while Cui Zeyu went to greet the male guests. Hanlin Ye was a Zhuangyuan (Top Scholar) by origin, but his family was poor, and since neither he nor his wife were particularly skilled at socializing, most of the guests were ordinary Jinshi or scholars. Meng-shi introduced everyone with a smile, finally reaching Lou Wanxian. "This is Madam Zeng. Her husband is well-read and a good man—he just had some bad luck before. But things are better now." When she saw Lou Wanxian, Cui Lingrong felt she looked very familiar but couldn't quite place it. "This sister is truly lovely—one can't help but want to be close to her. Which Lou family might you be from?" Lou Wanxian had a few white hairs at her temples. She and Cui Lingrong stood face to face, and anyone would have thought Cui Lingrong was younger. It wasn't until Meng-shi interjected that Lou Wanxian and Cui Lingrong were born in the same year, and after asking about their birth months, they learned that Cui Lingrong was older. "So you're the younger sister from the Hanlin Lou family. I was being presumptuous just now—I mistook you for an older sister." Cui Lingrong's manner was warm and approachable, showing not a trace of airs. She wasn't familiar with the Lou family, having only occasionally heard Song Shulan mention them—that there was a very rigid Hanlin Lou whom the Emperor greatly disliked. Seeing Cui Lingrong chatting and laughing, Lou Wanxian's tense body gradually relaxed. After a few exchanges, she learned that this was the eldest daughter-in-law of the Jiangyuan Marquis Mansion, and it suddenly all made sense. She introduced herself, saying she was County Princess Rongjia's cousin. "I'm ashamed to say it, but my cousin and I come from different worlds—one in the heavens, one on the earth. When I went to the Rong Prince Mansion the other day, my aunt wouldn't even see me. In the end, the Lou family's status is too low; we can't aspire to match the Rong Prince Mansion." In front of Cui Lingrong, Lou Wanxian took the initiative to distance herself from any connection to the Rong Prince Mansion. No one, whoever they were, would want an Equal Wife to appear. Cui Lingrong now understood why Lou Wanxian looked familiar—she was County Princess Rongjia's cousin. "Madam Zeng, there's no need to belittle yourself. Fortunes change—thirty years east of the river, thirty years west. The Zeng family will certainly have its day of prosperity again." The two sat down and chatted, each probing and testing the other, trading words back and forth until they could both confirm that neither liked County Princess Rongjia. With that common ground, they could continue talking. Meng-shi was cooking personally today. She came from common stock and didn't follow the customs of Bianjing high society, coming out with an apron tied around her waist. "Everyone, please take your seats—I just need to stir-fry two more dishes." Someone offered to help, but Meng-shi quickly declined. Lou Wanxian glanced toward Meng-shi. "Madam Ye is a free-spirited person. She's quite different from those in the great households. I'm curious—how did Marchioness Song come to befriend her?" "There are many different kinds of people in this world. The great households have their own constraints. Being able to be oneself like Madam Ye is something to be admired." Cui Lingrong spoke from the heart. Previously, she would have thought that someone like Madam Meng was completely incompatible with her, but only now did she realize that a person's sincerity mattered most. The rules and formalities of the great households were secondary. "Yes, I couldn't do what Madam Ye does," Lou Wanxian had just finished saying when Madam Meng brought over the last dish. "Everyone, eat. Back in the village, I never stood on ceremony. Later, when I came to Bianjing, there were many people I couldn't talk to—I couldn't understand what they said. I simply stopped listening and stopped associating with them. It's better for a person to be at ease with themselves." Madam Meng sat down to eat as well. After several rounds of wine, before taking her leave, Cui Lingrong specifically told Lou Wanxian that she could visit the Jiangyuan Marquis Mansion next time. "As long as Marchioness Song doesn't mind the intrusion." Lou Wanxian escorted Cui Lingrong to the door, then suddenly added, "Something just came to mind. A few days ago, I visited the Rong Prince Mansion, and the County Mistress happened to be there. She seemed to be in low spirits. If Marchioness Song has any need, you can come to me. Though I don't see my cousin often, I do have some understanding of her." Cui Lingrong nodded. She still couldn't tell whether Lou Wanxian was friend or foe. After boarding the carriage, she listened to her younger brother praising Hanlin Ye the whole way. "Hanlin Ye is a man of great ambition. Given time, he will surely rise to a high position." Cui Zeyu had gotten along very well with Hanlin Ye. "Then associate with him more. With your current status, many people are willing to curry favor with you, but it's hard to tell sincerity from pretense. Rather than being used by others, it's better to find people who share your aspirations—focus on getting things done, not on judging hearts." After Cui Lingrong finished speaking, she noticed her brother had some stubble. Somehow, the child had grown into a man, already a towering figure who could hold up heaven and earth. "Mm, I'll remember all of that." Cui Zeyu glanced at his sister, hesitating slightly. "How have you been lately? The County Mistress lost Zhuqing's child—she won't let this go. How about letting Jin-ge come stay with me at the Duke of Dingguo's mansion?" After Madam Qin was sent away, Cui Zeyu had gradually installed his own people, and now things were vastly different from the beginning. Xuan-ge was at the academy and rarely came home. Only Jin-ge, after withdrawing from the Guozijian, returned to the Jiangyuan Marquis Mansion every day. Cui Lingrong thought it over and agreed. "That works. Jin-ge hasn't settled down yet—it's good for him to follow you. How is Madam Qin doing?" "She still has that knack. After returning to the old residence, everyone inside and outside the courtyard is her people. Even if I withhold half of her allowance, those people still listen to her." Cui Zeyu said. "There's plenty of time ahead. No need to rush." As Cui Lingrong spoke, the carriage arrived at the Marquis Mansion. Cui Zeyu dismounted first and reached out to help his sister down. Just then, Song Shulan came out of the door and saw them. Cui Zeyu heard Song Shulan's voice but didn't withdraw his hand, still saying, "Sister, let me help you."