Chapter 999: Chapter 997: Refusal
Wu Lihong was quite surprised by Madam Zhouâs indifferent and angry expression. In his memory, Madam Zhou had always been a submissive and gentle person. However, this cold and mocking face was quite different from what he remembered.
"Meiniang, why do you say such things?"
Madam Zhou gave him a resentful look and retorted, "Would Mr. Wu be willing to stay here in Huayang, living with our mother and daughter, disregarding past grievances and letting go of everything?"
Wu Lihongâs mouth stiffened a bit, looking somewhat embarrassed. He smiled awkwardly, "Meiniang, whatâs suddenly the matter? Didnât we agree not to bring this up? I told you, apart from the position of legal wife, I will give you everything and wonât let you and our daughter suffer any grievances!"
"But rules are rules, and the propriety is also there. Mr. Wu, do you really dare to favor the concubine and abolish the wife?" Madam Zhou looked at him intently.
Wu Lihong awkwardly avoided her gaze. Of course, he did not dare. If he really did so, not only would Madam Wangâs family not let him go, but the Imperial Censor would also scold him to death!
He liked Madam Zhou indeed, but not enough to be willing to exchange his future for it.
"Well, as long as Iâm here, nothing will happen!" Wu Lihong laughed nervously.
"Mr. Wu, you know, sometimes things are not just up to you!" Madam Zhou smiled bitterly, "Even if Iâm willing to overlook titles and follow you back, living beneath others, it doesnât mean others would tolerate me and Wufu!"
"Meiniang..."
"Mr. Wu, I am also a woman, and naturally, I understand a womanâs heart." Madam Zhou said softly, "With the status of Madam Wang... what can I use to shake it? I no longer have extravagant expectations, I only hope to be by Mr. Wuâs side and watch over you. But Wufu is my daughter, and I must consider her future."
"Look, isnât she my daughter too? How could I not think for her? Isnât this plan for the sake of her reputation!" Wu Lihong said urgently.
"I know." Madam Zhou forced a smile and said, "I trust Mr. Wu, but I donât trust those people."
Wu Lihong frowned, "Meiniang, all the people are chosen by me, they wouldnât dare to betray their master!"
"But they havenât been with us from the beginning!" Madam Zhou interrupted him and said, "Fortunately now, there are people managing these things, and Wufu doesnât care much about it. They come to settle accounts as soon as the time comes. Also, you know, she is already at the age of marriage. In these big families, donât all the girls manage their own dowry when they reach the age? Let her manage it herself as well, it will all be her dowry in the future!"
"But..."
Madam Zhou looked at him and interrupted him again, "Mr. Wu, I believe you wonât wrong us, but at least let us control it ourselves. They say having money in hand brings peace of mind. You surely wouldnât want to give Mr. Wu a birthday gift and still have to ask others for money."
Needless to say, Madam Zhou had listened and watched a lot and also learned. Look at how she spoke, truly advancing and retreating well. If Qiu Xiang were listening nearby, she would probably sigh even more!
People will grow, depending on what they have gone through, or whether they are willing to grow up!
Wu Lihong saw her insistence and could not force her anymore, so he said, "Since you say so, let it be." However, he couldnât help feeling uncomfortable in his heart, wasnât this just being wary of something!
Madam Zhou pretended not to see his displeasure and only served him tea.
At this time, Qiu Xiang received an invitation card delivered by a young servant. A bit surprised, she thought for a moment and then walked over with the invitation card.