Ma Chengteng looked at Yueyao with an odd expression, "Other things? What else do you want to deposit?"
Yueyao entered the room and took the Luminous Pearl out of the box. Since it was already night, the room became much brighter as soon as the pearl was withdrawn, "I want to deposit this. Uncle, this luminous pearl was part of mother's dowry. If they find out about it, I might not be able to keep it safe."
Ma Chengteng knew that his sister had given a luminous pearl as a dowry to her daughter. Such a treasure given to a daughter as a dowry would certainly have been mentioned to the son. At the time, Ma Chengteng had agreed. However, this was also the first time he had seen the luminous pearl.
Ma Chengteng looked at the luminous pearl and thought about Yueyao's words. That Lady family wouldn't even let go of the little silver Yueyao had, and if they knew about this priceless luminous pearl, they would certainly scheme to get it. By then, his niece's circumstances in the Lian family would truly be troubled.
Ma Chengteng nodded, "Since you've decided, I have my day off the day after tomorrow, I will take you to the Huitong Bank. We'll settle this matter then, so you won't have to worry." Such a treasure was safer hidden. Not to mention the Lady family, even other nobles would covet it if they knew.
Yueyao had not expected her uncle to agree so readily, and she breathed a sigh of relief on the spot, "Uncle, I'm trouble for you."
What Yueyao didn't know was that Ma Chengteng's ready agreement had something to do with the conversation the two had just had. Yueyao was adept at painting, at Guqin, Chess, Calligraphy, and Painting. An eight-year-old child needed to devote all her energy to learning such things; she wouldn't have any spare time to be concerned with other trivial matters.
Ma Chengteng, who was indeed cultured, had been in the officialdom for so many years and could immediately tell whether an eight-year-old child was speaking truthfully or not. Besides, these were not matters Yueyao could have just made up, Nanny Deng was involved as well.
Since the Lian family had such intentions, it was certain to take some precautions. Originally, he intended to safeguard it for Yueyao, but her words made sense too. Should these people learn about it, damaging one's reputation would be the least of concerns; what was truly frightening was these people's lack of shame, making it harder for him to protect Yueyao, "It's Uncle's fault for not having protected you well. You must tell uncle about anything in the future." Ma Chengteng couldn't intervene in the internal affairs of the Lian Mansion. Besides, such matters couldn't be spoken of; Yueyao was a member of the Lian family after all, and one couldn't disparage one's clan. Anyone who could betray their own family was despised by everyone. Plus, Yueyao still needed to rely on the main branch of the Lian family for a while, and they couldn't afford a complete fallout. What they could do was to be vigilant.
Yueyao nodded repeatedly, "I will definitely tell uncle about anything." She would no longer hide or hesitated when calculated against by the Lady family in the future. She would definitely seek help from her uncle.
It was ultimately her attendant who reminded her that it was getting late and time to leave. Only then did Ma Chengteng realize it was already nine o'clock at night.
After Ma Chengteng left the Begonia Garden, he summoned Ma Yuan to inquire about the situation. Hearing about Old Madam's attitude, his expression softened quite a bit. Anyway, Old Madam Lian was still a decent person. It was just that Lady, coveting even a niece's personal savings, was utterly shameless.
Yueyao's willingness to share these things with Ma Chengteng was a sign of trust. Naturally, Ma Chengteng wouldn't tell Ma Yuan about these affairs concerning the Lian family. Ma Chengteng thought for a while but still ended up without a solution. He could only plan to bring his niece to stay with him more often in the future. The only consolation nowadays was that Yueyao was already betrothed. Lian Dongfang and Lady could not interfere with Yueyao's marriage, which was the only good news.
After Ma Chengteng left, Yueyao entered the east wing room and was relieved to see Brother Zheng still studying hard. She took him to the backyard and pointed to the rows of apricot trees, explaining that they were trees planted by their mother. She spoke in great detail, and Brother Zheng listened attentively throughout. At last, he said, "Sister, next year, I want to eat the Apricot Flower Cake you make by hand."
Yueyao smiled, her eyes curling into crescents, "Okay." Having resolved the great issue weighing on her mind, Yueyao felt a lot lighter.
Nanny Deng, seeing Yueyao's brows had finally relaxed after being tightly furrowed for so long, could also breathe easier. The young lady had always been concerned about the placement of those items, but now that Uncle Master had agreed, matters would be easier to handle.
Meanwhile, in the Lian Mansion, Yuehuan was learning needlework with her Maternal Auntie. After practicing for a while and pricking herself many times, her patience wore thin, and she tossed the needlework and the embroidery onto the table.
Maternal Aunt Su set aside the robe she was making for her son, "What's wrong?" Maternal Aunt Su had long known that her daughter was no longer as patient as before and tended to be impetuous and intolerant.
Yuehuan remained silent. She didn't feel like telling Maternal Aunt Su that she had suffered mockery from Yuebing again today. In front of others, Yuebing was somewhat bearable, but when they were alone, she treated her nearly like a maid. Yet, Yuehuan couldn't argue back; it was incredibly frustrating for her.
Maternal Aunt Su's expression turned somber; she had already guessed the situation. She wanted to say something, but seeing her daughter's forlorn face, she ultimately swallowed her words, "Fourth Miss, if you don't want to do it, then go and rest."
Yuehuan did consider going to sleep. But recalling how her room was empty and how she would wake up in the middle of the night only to stare at the ceiling restlessly, she thought it better to stay where she was. After some thought, she spoke up, "Maternal Auntie, Third Young Lady can return to her uncle's house. What about my uncles?"
Upon learning that the uncles Yuehuan was referring to were her brothers, Maternal Aunt Su's face changed abruptly, "Fourth Miss, you must remember, your uncles are Madam's brothers. Remember this, and never make such a mistake again in the future." Maternal Aunt Su did not explain further, but insisted that Yuehuan commit it to memory, never to speak of it again, not even to the maids by her side.
Yuehuan kept her head down until she returned to her room and didn't speak another word.
After Yuehuan left, Maternal Aunt Su could no longer hold back her tears. But there was nothing to be done; such was fate, this was their fate!