The next morning, Qin Liu Xi had her breakfast in her small courtyard and then set out with Chen Pi. Today, she had appointments for consultations.
She left early, causing everyone at the old lady's residence to wait anxiously. This led Xie Shi to complain to the old lady, emphasizing the importance of maintaining discipline. With the elders present, it was crucial to teach discipline. Otherwise, she would be ridiculed when she went out.
Aunt Wan chimed in, saying, "Here in Licheng, when she goes out, no one knows she's a Qin family girl unless she reveals her identity."
Xie Shi's expression darkened. "Aunt Wan, neither Mother nor Eldest Sister have said anything. You have no right to interrupt. Eldest Sister has spoiled you, and you have no sense of propriety."
She looked down on Gu Shi's gentle nature and her sister's pretense of virtue. To her, they were both hypocritical, treating the servants like sisters.
Wang Shi interjected calmly, "Second Sister-in-law is concerned about the discipline and education of our Qin family, but I worry about the expenses of the household. Mother, sitting idle will only deplete our resources. Even if we are frugal, our savings will likely be depleted next year. We don't have any income, and even the fields we own have been confiscated."
Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent, their faces filled with anxiety.
Wang Shi continued, worried that they didn't understand the severity of their situation. "Let's not even talk about the expenses for Father's side. Just within our household, the boys need to attend school, and there are other expenses. Let alone the future, it's already approaching autumn. We need to buy winter clothes and charcoal for the coming winter... This year might be a harsh winter."
Discipline? Only those who have had their fill would think about maintaining appearances! Everyone's faces turned pale.
Charcoal for winter was costly, especially good quality silver frost charcoal. With so many people in the family, even if they slept together, they would still need a lot of charcoal for the winter.
So, burning charcoal was burning money, and without money, wouldn't they face a harsh winter?
At this point, who still cared about discipline? They were all thinking about whether they could survive the winter!
Qin Old Lady, who hadn't fully recovered from her illness, was also struggling to keep up her spirits with everyone else. After hearing Wang Shi's words, she first glared at Xie Shi before saying, "Money is tight. Luckily, we have women who can do needlework. Wang Shi, have someone buy some silk threads and fabrics. When we have time, we can embroider some handkerchiefs and purses to sell in the embroidery workshop."
Everyone looked panicked. Was it really this bad?
"Mother, I want to go out and find a job myself," Qin Mei Niang suddenly spoke up.
Qin Old Lady was taken aback.
Wang Shi also glanced over.
Qin Mei Niang lowered her head. It wasn't that she was selfish and unwilling to contribute, but she was divorced and had two daughters. Their situation was the most awkward and hopeless, and she had to plan for the three of them. After all, in a few years, her daughters would also need dowries. Without dowries, would her family even consider them for marriage?
Stepping forward was not her preference, but for the sake of her daughters, she had no choice but to do it.
Both Song Yu Yan and Song Yu Qing, the sisters, lowered their heads, quietly sobbing.
"Mei Niang, you are also a daughter of the Qin family. The family will always provide for you and your daughters. Rest assured," Qin Old Lady suppressed her grief and said, "Even in the future, the family will find a way to provide dowries for Yu Yan and Yu Qing."
This was a promise that when the two got married, the Qin family would provide dowries for them.
Xie Shi's face changed several times, wanting to speak but was silenced by the Old Lady's sharp gaze.
Wang Shi also said, "Let's have breakfast first. This matter is not urgent."
Everyone picked up their chopsticks, but looking at the white porridge, steamed buns, and pickled vegetables on the table, they couldn't bring themselves to eat. Thinking about the days ahead, they lost their appetites.
Sometimes, it feels like you're tempting fate. You promise not to go out, but within an hour, you're riding your scooter out again, only for the tire to go flat, and you end up pushing it to get it repaired!!!
Insisting on doing something you promised not to do. Makes you wonder, should you sometimes just accept fate?