Chapter 7, Thorough and Unerring

If the lady does not seek the matriarch, then there is truly no way out of this situation

Madam, go and ask the matriarch for assistance. Linlang did not think that lacking silver was a significant issue, as the matriarch had always been most willing to support the main branch.

Qingxi had actually understood it a long time ago, but she never expected that the second madam would directly state it so plainly. If this were to happen to someone else, they would not dare to speak so openly.

"This is inappropriate." Qingxi quickly shook her head. When she was in charge of the household, she had been extravagant and had caused trouble. The matriarch had looked at her several times with a gaze filled with disappointment, as if she were lamenting her inability to change her. Now, to seek the matriarch's help for the losses in her own household would only further tarnish the matriarch's image in her heart. Her current situation was indeed dire.

The second wife then smiled awkwardly and said, "I have just started managing the household affairs, and my greatest fear is that people will say I am biased and unfair. I hope my elder sister-in-law can understand."

How could Linlang dare to say otherwise, she remarked: "The most crucial issue is that the shop that the lady brought as her dowry has been losing money every year; otherwise, the lady wouldn't have to be so frugal with her resources."

"Let's exchange two pieces, I haven't worn them yet?" Qingxi said in a pleasing manner

Upon reviewing my own expenditures, it is truly a sight too dreadful to behold. Qingxi usually does not keep track of her accounts, but today, upon a sudden glance, she was taken aback, exclaiming, "How have I spent so much money?"

Moreover, the second lady manages the household. Due to her different status, she fears that she cannot keep the servants in line, so she must lead by example, being fair in all matters, ensuring that no one can speak ill of her. This is essential for effective management. Naturally, using Qingxi as an example is the most persuasive approach.

Only a few taels of broken silver are left

After this discussion, Mu Qingxi inevitably had to open her jewelry box again. She hesitated over the golden hairpin on the left, reluctant to part with it, and then looked at the pair of earrings on the right, also unwilling to let them go. A whole tea's worth of time passed, yet she still had not selected a single item that would suffice.

Qingxi shot Linlang a displeased glance and said, "You don't have to say that I am the one wearing the jewelry; just find someone suitable. There are no requirements stating who is wearing it." For her in her past life, this was quite a common occurrence.

However, this is also because Qingxi and the second lady have not had much interaction, so she does not know her character well. Having grown up enduring hardships and managing every needle and thread in the household, she has become accustomed to frugality. The Duke's residence often hosts many guests, and on ordinary days, they must also consider the reputation of the Duke's household. Therefore, although the income is substantial, the expenses are also considerable. As the children grow up, the costs of marrying off daughters and sons become another significant expenditure, prompting the second lady to start planning for the future.

Upon seeing it, Qingxi felt a pang of heartache, for the item in Linlang's hand was precisely the golden hairpin she adored, adorned with a thumb-sized ruby. The tail of the pin was draped with three tassels, each embellished with rubies. The other item was a pair of golden hoops with tassels, the tassels inlaid with gemstones of five different colors, exuding an exquisite splendor. When styled with a cloud-like bun, wearing such a pair of golden hoops on either side of the bun would create a delightful jingling sound with every movement, making it all the more enchanting

"How can one exchange this for that? The lady is reluctant to part with anything. Moreover, it is inevitable that others will remember the items worn by the lady, which would be quite troublesome," Linlang retorted.

However, in this world, everything is governed by the principle that the net of heaven is vast and wide, yet nothing escapes its grasp, while the matters concerning Qingxi seem to leak out particularly quickly

The servant naturally would not speak of it. Linlang had no choice but to agree.

What should we do then? Qingxi looked at Linlang with a troubled expression

Qingxi tilted her head slightly, looking at the Second Madam with some surprise

Qingxi thought about it and realized that it was not Linlang's fault either

After the second madam left, Qingxi pulled Linlang aside and asked, "What happened? Why didn't you give the money to the second madam? She must be thinking that I deliberately delayed it to take advantage of the public funds."

Linlang was greatly alarmed, "What are we to do? If this is found out, where will the Duke and his wife's reputation be?" Linlang could hardly imagine the expression on Feng Liu's face.

This Second Madam is indeed a dull and rigid person, but Qingxi did not expect her to be so meticulous and methodical in her work.

Making just those few sets of clothes would not cost a hundred taels, but Mu Qingxi had someone embellish them with scattered diamonds, gemstones, and pearls. Although most of the gemstones were provided by Qingxi, the cost of those fragments and the labor was quite substantial.

Qingxi sighed in frustration, "What are we going to do about the Second Madam? How are we supposed to handle her? Why didn't you remind me to spend less?"

Thank you for your understanding, sister-in-law. The second lady took out the account book from her maid and wanted to show it to Qingxi

How much cash do we have left? Qingxi asked anxiously

Linlang felt anxious and wanted to give this extravagant lady a small lesson. She casually picked out a few brand new items, saying, "Madam, don't be picky. I think these few items will do; they are truly valuable. Otherwise, you might not be able to exchange them for two hundred taels of silver, as that pawnshop is notoriously unscrupulous."

Ah, Linlang, please do not go against me. We have promised the Second Madam to provide the silver, and the Old Madam's health is not good. I cannot use such matters to upset her again. You must not speak to the Old Madam about this; otherwise, I will inform her and have you dismissed.

Linlang hurriedly found someone she had always trusted to work outside the residence, and specifically instructed them not to take up any positions in shops associated with the Duke's residence

Linlang said little, turning to take the account book from the drawer and handing it to Qingxi, "Madam, please take a look at this account book. It is not that I am unwilling to give the Second Madam the silver, but I truly cannot produce the four hundred taels at this moment."

Lin Lang was momentarily taken aback, and did not proceed to open the box. She smiled and said, "Madam, this is quite a large sum. Such a significant expenditure has always required both Ying Xue's account and my consent to open the box for the silver. Coincidentally, just now, Yue Rong, who is beside the Old Madam, came to ask Ying Xue for some patterns. Ying Xue has gone to the Old Madam's side. How about I gather the silver tomorrow and then deliver it to the Second Madam? Would that be acceptable?"

The second wife then stated the amount, which was a full four hundred taels of silver to be compensated.

How could this servant dare to speak to the lady? Just last time, when I advised the lady not to buy that hairpin, she became angry and ended up purchasing ten of them

Although Qingxi did not anticipate the Second Madam's intentions, she had no desire to make things difficult for her. Therefore, she followed the Second Madam's words and said: "Well, it is also my fault. The Duke brought back some materials from the south, and I couldn't help but make a few more sets. I will have Linlang compensate you for the extra expenses."

Mu Qingxi shook her head repeatedly, "Sister Xie, just tell me how much I need to supplement here. You have always been the most reliable, do you think I would not trust you?"

Moreover, it is said that Qingxi brought a substantial dowry when she married, but it mainly consisted of shops and farmlands, with only five thousand taels in cash. Given her extravagant spending habits, she had long since exhausted that amount. The shops and farmlands are also peculiar, as they incur losses every year, yielding no profit whatsoever. Although she receives a monthly salary of twenty taels, it is merely a drop in the bucket.

An annual expenditure of several thousand taels is indeed quite extravagant, and Linlang would not dare to say otherwise

Upon hearing this, Qingxi was taken aback, wondering when such a rule had been established in this house. Seeing this, the Second Madam smiled and stood up, saying, "Then I will trouble Linlang."

Qingxi anxiously paced around the room a few times, recalling her past experiences. "I have an idea, let’s pawn a few of my jewelry pieces. Once I have some money in hand, we can redeem them back, what do you think?"

That's enough, just these few items will do. Don't take it too seriously. When I have some spare money, I will naturally redeem them.

Upon hearing this amount, Qingxi was also taken aback. However, she was accustomed to being extravagant and had developed a somewhat hysterical compensatory mentality due to her past hardships, which led her to spend money without keeping track. "Linlang, you have given silver to the second madam."

"No way." Qingxi was taken aback, and as she took the account book to have a look, the more she examined it, the more alarmed she became

Thus, this matter can be considered as having turned danger into safety. When the ticket is retrieved, Mu Qingxi does not hand it over to Linlanguan, fearing that she might report to the matriarch, which would lead to being caught red-handed. She keeps the ticket without knowing where to put it, and then thinks of placing it in the cabinet for Feng Liu's clothes. He never comes to Lanxun Courtyard to rest, so the cabinet is untouched by anyone, making it the safest option. She then slips the ticket into Feng Liu's clothes and puts it inside.