Ms. Liu Juniorâs sister-in-law felt that no matter how good a marital relationship could be, men were all the same; they would be enchanted the moment they saw a beauty. She thought of her younger sister back home who hasnât found a husband yet. If she could be sent here, even if she couldnât become the main wife, serving as a concubine would still be good. The clothing worn by the servants just now were all better than what these people were wearing.
Thus, Ms. Liu Juniorâs sister-in-law spoke up, "Second sister, youâve seen the younger sister from my maternal home. Sheâs smooth and fair-skinned, just rather choosy. She hasnât found a suitable husbandâs family yet. What do you think about sending her to the Ye Family"
"Not possible!" Ms. Liu Junior didnât even think before shaking her head. Joking aside, she had witnessed Xiaxiaâs ferocity. Sending a concubine to her husband? Was she not wishing for trouble?
"Why not? Youâre her aunt. If you talk to her, wouldnât that be just right? Which government official doesnât take concubines? If theyâre going to take one, why not her? If they took in my sister, we would be related by marriage and in the future, we could work together to serve the Old Master, keeping other little vixens away from him. Wouldnât that be perfect?" Ms. Liu Juniorâs sister-in-law imagined.
However, Ms. Liu Junior felt like her sister-in-law was blinded by flour, totally mesmerized by wealth.
"Thatâs also not going to happen! An aunt sending a niece to be a concubine? The very idea is too shameful to speak of. Besides, my mother-in-law and husband would never agree to this. We canât even let them know about this. If they found out, even I would suffer. Since when do we not cherish our niece but instead actively seek to make her a concubine for someone else? Donât ever bring this up again, sister-in-law."
Ms. Liu Junior knew she couldnât even speak of it. How would the two families be able to get along in the future? She was aware that the carpentry work at home was something Xiaxia did with her own husband. To put it plainly, the familyâs finances were all thanks to Xiaxiaâs efforts.
If she went with this matter, they could forget about getting any more work.
Seeing her continuous refusal, Ms. Liu Juniorâs sister-in-law became somewhat displeased and was about to say something when Ms. Liu Juniorâs mother interrupted.
"Enough of this talk," she said. "Your sister has a flat face and a waist like a bucket, not to mention her skin isnât fair and smooth. How can she compare to Dayongâs niece? And you want to send her to be someoneâs concubine? Just look at those two maids from before. Theyâre prettier than your sister. Donât bring shame upon us by sending her there. High standards, indeed. Being picky and choosy about marriage proposals; to be honest, it would be good enough if she could get married at all. You better have a serious talk with your mother later and not miss any opportunity."
When Ms. Liu Juniorâs mother heard that this might affect her own daughter, she was having none of it. She had finally settled a good marriage for her daughter, and she would not allow any unrelated and unsuitable individuals to ruin that. She was merciless in belittling her daughter-in-lawâs sister.
Angered, Ms. Liu Juniorâs sister-in-law wanted to start quarreling on the spot but was silenced by the stern gaze of her mother-in-law.
"Itâs getting late; we shouldnât overstay our welcome," Ms. Liu Juniorâs mother said once her daughter-in-law had quieted down. "Seeing that your mother-in-law is a decent person, I can rest assured now."
Upon hearing this, Ms. Liu Junior didnât say much and showed her family out, but as they left, she secretly gave her mother some money.
Her family was poor, and there was nothing she could do about it. She couldnât help in any other way, so she could only secretly contribute a bit. All this money was her own private savings.
Her mother, delighted to receive the money, led the group back home.
~~~~
"The New Yearâs goods we sent to the Capital City also set off early and should have arrived by now."