Song Yan skillfully prepared a chives and eggs dish for Li Jin, while Chen Lian attended to pouring tea for her. Their departure from the residence coincided with Li Jin's slumber.
As they reached a quiet corner of the courtyard, Chen Lian voiced her grievances to Song Yan. "Didn't you assure that we could extract money from Xia Hai? Why did Mother believe Xia Wan's words?"
"Xia Wan exceeded my expectations," Song Yan said, her voice tinged with a hint of derision.
"Here's the thing. Even if we parted ways, if something goes awry with Mom, Xia Hai and his kin would step in. But if any trouble befalls our families, he and his people can simply disregard it.
"Xia Wan's attempting to drive a wedge between Mother and us. After all, their family is living more luxuriously than ours and is wealthier too.
"You're aware of Mother's disposition. Naturally, she'll be inclined toward whoever displays potential and pays her respect."
