Yuehuan was puzzled, nothing had happened.
Maternal Aunt Su did not believe that nothing had happened, "Fourth Miss, then tell me everything about your trip to Lanxi Courtyard."
Although Yuehuan had some complaints about being born into the body of a daughter born of a concubine, she really had nothing to complain about regarding Maternal Aunt Su, who treated her very well.
After listening, Maternal Aunt Su sighed. From this subtle detail, it was evident that the Third Young Lady had already begun to learn how to handle family affairs. The Third Young Lady had a proud and noble temperament, if she continued like this, things would be much easier. However, now, it was clear that she had become astute. Since the Third Young Lady had a reputation for her talents, it was evident she was extremely intelligent. Once she began to apply her mind to this area, she would not be so easily fooled. Plus, with the people around her, Madam might have a headache.
After thinking for a long time, Yuehuan spoke in a low voice, "Maternal Auntie, why do I feel like Madam is showing too much concern for elder sister? Maternal Auntie, what's the real reason?" If she had not guessed wrong, she feared that this legal mother was plotting against this cousin. But what was there in her cousin that was worth plotting for? Could it be wealth? Thinking of Younger Sister Lin in Dream of the Red Chamber, Yuehuan's eyes widened, "Maternal Auntie, does elder sister have a large amount of money?"
Seeing the increasingly clever girl, Maternal Aunt Su felt both joy and concern. The joy was because the girl's future seemed promising, the concern was that the girl, too clever for her own good, might surpass the Second Young Lady and attract Madam's caution. As Maternal Aunt Su, who had been promoted from Personal Maid to Maternal Auntie next to the Lady, knew too well how ruthless Lady could be, "It's nothing like that. Also, you must never speak of this again."
Yuehuan, seeing Maternal Aunt Su's outright denial, thought it over and felt she might be overthinking, "Maternal Auntie, I only speak of these things in front of you."
Maternal Aunt Su pointed at Yuehuan's forehead, "Even in front of me, you're not allowed to speak of it."
Yueying returned to Exquisite Court, Maternal Aunt Chen dismissed everyone before asking, "Third Young Lady, have you really changed completely? Is the rumor true?" As a concubine, she herself could not move about freely, much less visit Yueyao casually. The rumors said that the Third Young Lady had changed a lot, becoming sensible and filial, which puzzled her.
Yueying nodded, "Yes, she has changed a lot. She spoke to us very kindly today, as if we were her own siblings. But when I casually asked her some questions, she avoided them all."
Only then did Maternal Aunt Chen feel relieved. If the Third Young Lady had not been drawn in by Lady, Lady wanting the wealth of the second branch would have distracted her from dealing with the Third Young Lady. It was better than having Lady constantly focused on them. However, upon recalling the news she had gathered, that the Third Young Lady possessed a large amount of Silver Coin, her heart grew hot. After all, it was said the Third Young Lady was generous, and she indeed had the means to be generous.
Yueying asked incredulously, "Maternal Auntie, does third younger sister really hold a large amount of Silver Coin? How could Uncle, such a smart man, entrust so much Silver Coin to third younger sister? She is only eight years old this year!" Yueying somewhat doubted this rumor.
Maternal Aunt Chen laughed, "Your Uncle is indeed a smart man. Otherwise, he wouldn't have achieved such a high official rank at such a young age. Precisely because your Uncle is smart, he made extra preparations for his daughter. Can any father be closer than his own flesh and blood? Actually, the speculation is easy to come by. Even if brothers are close, they are not as close as one's own offspring. If Maternal Aunt Chen had money, naturally she would first support her son, then her daughter."
Yueying nodded, acknowledging that such arrangements given Uncle's reputation outside matched the actual situation. Yueying said, "Mother, I think Brother Chao also needs proper guidance. If he continues being taught askew by Eldest Madam, what are we going to do, Maternal Auntie and I, in the future?" Yueying thought that the Third Young Lady appeared more wary, distant, and detached than before.
After pondering for a moment, Maternal Aunt Chen said, "Speaking of which, Brother Chao is only a year older than Brother Zheng. Maybe I should go and plead with Old Madam to allow Brother Chao to stay..." Maternal Aunt Chen normally managed other matters well but always misjudged when it came to Brother Chao. She and Lady had conflicts, and the Vicious Woman had led Brother Chao astray.
Yueying interrupted Maternal Aunt Chen immediately, "Maternal Auntie, don't even think about it. Old Madam definitely won't agree. If it weren't for the second branch only having Brother Zheng left as a son, Old Madam would not have agreed to let third younger sister coach him. Otherwise, previously she wouldn't have left Brother Zheng to fend for himself. Maternal Auntie, third younger sister was tutored by Second Old Master, personally taught by him. She had already gained a reputation for her talents in Jiangnan and it was for this reason that Old Madam agreed to let third younger sister instruct Brother Zheng. I am four years older than third younger sister, but I do not possess her talents." She hoped to teach Brother Chao herself, but she wasn't qualified. Not just because of her status, but because she lacked Yueyao's flair.
Maternal Aunt Chen also worried, her son not being raised by her side. While she did her best to manage those around him, last time a minor issue caused Eldest Madam to remove most of them. Brother Chao did not listen to her either. He was her support for the latter part of her life! If it continued this way, her son might really be ruined, and her support for the latter half of her life gone.
Yueying also worried, "Mother, see if you can plead with Old Madam to send Brother Chao to an academy. We're not looking for a renowned academy, just an ordinary one will do."
Maternal Aunt Chen gave a bitter smile, "Miss, it's easier said than done. Now you are beside Old Madam. You have the opportunity to raise the issue with Old Madam. Maybe she'll agree." Actually, Maternal Aunt Chen still worried, given her son's current condition, even becoming distant was hard to achieve.
Yueying nodded. She would do everything possible to facilitate this matter.
Among everyone, the only one who seemed unaffected was Yuebing. Yuebing was now worrying about the impending arrival of the nurturing nanny.