The survival rule of an unmarried daughter 122 Want to enter? Not even a window

  "Mrs. Zhang from the UK and Mrs. Yang were cousins, and they had always been very close. This time, Mrs. Yang came with Mrs. Zhang, as if they had made an appointment."

  Old Lady sent a dowry servant, Lin Mama, to accompany Ruo Qing. After analyzing the situation, Lin Mama said with some concern, "Recently, I heard from outside that Mrs. Yang is looking for a husband for her daughter everywhere. Unfortunately, Miss Yang has high standards and doesn't like this one or that one, making Mrs. Yang anxious. This time, she will definitely ask the Empress to intervene and find a suitable match."

  Like a gloomy mood, Yang Qining's heart is like Sima Zhao's. With such a person lurking around, it really makes one's teeth itch with hatred.

  When Rourou was dressed up and went to Jiaxin's small flower hall, the guests had already finished a cup of tea.

  Mrs. Yang, the wife of a high-ranking official, sat next to the Grand Duchess, wearing a dazzling embroidered cheongsam with a gray mouse-hair edge and a double-buttoned jacket, looking sharp and capable in her fifties.

  Ruxiang curtsied to the two ladies, and Zhang Furen smiled and complimented Ruxiang from head to toe, "It's been half a month since we last met, and Xiong'er's wife is even more beautiful." She then said to the princess, "I heard that Xiong'er's wife has managed the Wang Fu in an orderly manner, this is truly remarkable. My younger sister is indeed very fortunate."

  The princess smiled and complimented Zhang's wife and daughter who had gotten married, then both sides exchanged a few humble words before returning to the main topic. The princess turned her head, her eyes seeming to hold a hint of sympathy: "Today, you two aunts have come, it is regarding the marriage of your Yang family cousin. What are your thoughts on this?"

  In her heart, there was a sudden thud, and subconsciously she clenched the handkerchief in her sleeve, but her mouth said: "Yang Shimei is born beautiful, with a good family background, and deeply loved by Yang's mother. Her brother is also very capable, so it's not an exaggeration to call Yang Shimei the heavenly proud daughter. The man who can match up to Yang Shimei must be a dragon among men. I think the few young masters of the Zhang family are quite good too."

  Mrs. Zhang waved her hand and smiled, "Your Yang Shimei, I had also thought of hiring her as a daughter-in-law earlier, but unfortunately, Xining didn't think highly of her, so we could only give up reluctantly." Then she changed the subject, staring at Ruqing, "Actually, your Yang Shimei already has a man in mind, but unfortunately, that man is already married to his wife. Originally, according to the Yang family's status, they wouldn't let her lower herself, but unfortunately, your Yang Shimei is stubborn and only has eyes for this one person. In order to marry the man she loves, she has suffered a lot." Sighing painfully, "In order to marry the man she loves, this girl has been fasting for three days already. As mother and daughter are connected at heart, your Yang mother is also helpless. For now, we can only reluctantly agree to her wishes."

  As if her heart skipped a beat, she struggled to remain calm and let out an exclamation: "Oh dear, this is terrible! The noble and virtuous daughter of the Yang family's main branch, actually secretly meeting with someone? This is unacceptable! Instead of being a proper wife, you'd rather lower yourself and act shamelessly. If word gets out, what will become of your reputation, Yang Shimei?" Then she turned her head to Madame Yang and said, "Auntie, please advise Shimei not to do foolish things for someone who doesn't matter. Moreover, the two young masters of the Yang family hold high positions and great power, how can they afford to lose face over this person?"

  Mrs. Yang's face sank, and she couldn't help but furrow her brow. Mrs. Zhang hastily said: "To be honest, Qining has a deep affection for Xiang'er and has vowed to marry no one else. Previously, we had already asked the Empress Dowager to take charge and personally grant their marriage to Xiang'er. But who knew that Xiang'er would first marry you? Qining was deeply hurt and almost cried her eyes out in her own chamber. She even thought of settling for second best and marrying Xiang'er as a concubine, emulating the example of Princess Ying of the imperial family. But you, Yang's mother, thought that a noble daughter of the Marquis' household couldn't stoop so low? You flatly refused, and also thought of finding another excellent match for Qining. But this younger sister of yours... Alas! This child is indeed stubborn, vowing to marry no one but Xiang'er, otherwise she would rather die. Xiang'er's wife, how can you bear to watch her walk towards death with your eyes open?

  "Alas, why is my sister so unreasonable? Is she going to die if she can't have her way? Isn't this blackmailing others with one's own life?"

  "Mrs. Zhang hesitated for a long time before organizing her words: "You can't say that, Qining really has feelings for Xiaorong. In order to marry Xiaorong, she is willing to become a concubine. Just look at her sincerity towards Xiaorong and grant this poor child's wish."

  "As if reading the corners of her mouth, a faint smile rose. 'According to your husband's meaning, Yang Shimei likes our family's Wang Ye, this life and the next she won't marry anyone else, so I should agree to let her in, is that right?'"

  Mrs. Zhang was silent for a while, then forced a smile and said: "You're a wise and kind person, you definitely won't just watch her struggle with her emotions, will you?"

  "As her lips curved, 'Madam, you're wrong. My grandmother has always told me that the two words "virtuous and gentle" are nothing but a worldly shackle imposed on women. If one doesn't follow them, people with ulterior motives will gossip; if one does follow them, it's just a waste of oneself for the benefit of others, forcing oneself to death. Madam, I don't want to push myself onto a dead-end road for the sake of this empty reputation.'"

  Mrs. Zhang was stunned, not expecting Ruo Xue to be so sharp-tongued. For a moment, she didn't know how to respond. If she continued to mention the two words "virtuous and gentle", it would only confirm that she had an ulterior motive and was trying to trap her with those words. She could only force a smile and say: "You child, no one is forcing you, just nod your head easily, it won't hurt you at all." After a pause, she continued: "Besides, Qi Ning was originally going to marry Xiao Er, now that she has fallen from being the legitimate wife to a concubine, it's really pitiful. You're a kind-hearted person, you should know what to do, right?"

  She stared at her with a smile that was not a smile, "Madam means to say that Yang Shimei was originally supposed to marry the Prince, but unfortunately, the Prince ended up marrying me instead. And Shimei didn't get to marry the Prince, which is all my fault?"

  "Ah, no, no, I didn't mean that," said Mrs. Zhang hastily. "What I meant was that Qining had always wanted to marry Xiong'er as his main wife, but now she can only be relegated to being a secondary wife. As the eldest daughter of the Marquis's household, it's truly pitiful for her to humble herself like this. You have a kind heart, so why not just grant her wish?"

  "Shi Mei is not a three-year-old child, there are so many eligible bachelors in the capital, she can be a proper mistress, why does she have to be a concubine of the king? Is it that I forced her with a knife to her throat?"

  Mrs. Zhang was stunned, and this remark was so sharp that she couldn't refute a single word, and was choked to the point of being unable to breathe.

  Mrs. Yang saw that her words were sharp and condescending towards her own daughter, and she had been holding back for a long time. She slammed the fragrant sandalwood small table beside her and sternly shouted: "According to your meaning, can't I just watch my daughter starve to death?"

  "Is losing face a big deal, while starving to death is a small one? Is Yang's mother going to let her younger sister disregard her status and family reputation just to curry favor with others?"

  Mrs. Yang stayed for a while, half a moment without speaking, and couldn't help but look at Mrs. Zhang again.

  Mrs. Zhang saw the situation and hastily said, "Qining has indeed hurt your aunt deeply. But this child is stubborn and insists on marrying only Rong'er, and she's even gone on a hunger strike in protest. Your aunt has only one daughter, and they are as close as flesh and blood; how can she bear to watch her starve herself to death? She can only compromise with her and grant her wish."

  As soon as the words left her lips, she sneered and said: "Yang's mother is indeed a kind-hearted person, and I admire her. However, Yang Shi's younger sister is so reckless and doesn't care about the family's reputation; whenever things don't go her way, she tries to die. Alas, it's just pitiful for our King and me, who have also been dragged into this mess."

  The princess's lips twitched, wanting to say something, but ultimately she also couldn't bear it and let out a deep sigh.

  Mrs. Yang's eyebrows rose, and she couldn't help but argue, but Mrs. Zhang said: "Yes, Qi Ning is really muddled. But this is also inevitable, the emotional affairs between men and women in this world are indeed lamentable. Especially since Qi Ning really likes Xiao Er, and my niece-in-law has always been broad-minded, with a reputation for being virtuous in the Beijing social circle, shouldn't we sympathize with Qi Ning's having feelings but not being able to be with her, having righteousness but not being able to fulfill his emotions? How can we still speak ill of him?"

  "With a raised eyebrow and a slightly arrogant tone, 'Madam, your words are wrong. Yang Shimei's actions are not love, nor are they righteousness. She prioritizes her own selfish desires, disregarding the family's reputation, knowing that having an affair would tarnish her mother and brothers' faces, yet she still acts recklessly, even to the point of threatening death. What face does this kind of person have for me to respect?"

  Mrs. Zhang was speechless for a moment, unsure of how to respond.

  "May I ask, what is this thing called love that makes people promise to die for each other? They say it's when men and women are fond of each other and express their feelings, but isn't that just infatuation? Why should I be forced to marry the prince just because my sister has a crush on him? Doesn't marriage involve parents making decisions for their children? How can an unmarried woman like me interfere in such matters? It's unheard of!

  She turned her head and gave Yang Taihua a cold smile, her tone icy and impolite. "Yang Taihua, there's no need to say more. Your daughter is from a noble family, I couldn't possibly be her mother-in-law. Even if my son agreed, I wouldn't agree to let her into our household." She then sneered, "I've seen many people like this who would rather die than give up on their desires."

  Mrs. Yang's face turned iron-green, both unbearable and infuriated, and she couldn't help but cry out in sorrow: "Is it that my niece-in-law is going to watch her starve to death before her very eyes?"

  "Too Mistress said calmly: 'What Madam is saying is unreasonable. She herself wants to die and it has nothing to do with me.'"

  Madam Yang stayed for a while, speechless, and then couldn't help but glance at the imperial consort.

  The princess's face was difficult to look at, and she glanced around, Mrs. Yang felt a wave of disappointment, and couldn't help but glance at her cousin-in-law, Madame Zhang.

  Mrs. Zhang softened her tone and spoke to Ruoqing with a bitter heart, "I know that Qining is indeed biased in his actions, but you should consider Yang's motherly kindness and be more accommodating." Seeing Ruoqing remain silent, she further persuaded, "After all, it's your own child, can any mother really bear to watch her die?"

  "Madam, there's no need to put such a big hat on me. I've said it before, Yang Tai Fu Ren is heartbroken over her daughter, what does that have to do with me? Is she going to die and push the blame onto me? If everyone says that loving Wang Ye requires my consent to let her in, then what am I? A mere decoration? Furthermore, I didn't even let her die."

  Mrs. Zhang was also at a loss for words for a moment.

  "Yang Tai's wife was furious and shouted: "You're a heartless, cold-blooded woman! As a new daughter-in-law, you dare to stop your husband from taking a concubine? Look at all the wealthy families in Beijing, which one doesn't have three wives and four concubines? Those mothers are all excellent in family background and character, but you're different. You've just entered our household and yet you've got your husband tied down so tightly? Where did you learn such rules?

  Then she turned to the empress dowager and said: "This is your good daughter-in-law, a virtuous and wise daughter-in-law who speaks of morality with her mouth open and wisdom with her mouth closed. But she's actually heartless and unyielding. She just watches my daughter starve to death without lifting a finger. Is there such a thing as a daughter-in-law like this in the world? You, as her mother-in-law, don't even teach her properly!"

  The princess had not spoken, but suddenly became angry and said: "May I ask what identity Yang Tai Fu Ren is using to teach me? Is it just because you are the Tai Fu Ren of Qing Chang Hou Fu? The majestic Jing Wang Fu, what kind of concubine doesn't have? As the main mother, even if I want to give birth to a king, I should take in a woman with a clear family background and a gentle and virtuous person. Yang Tai Fu Ren, touch your conscience and ask yourself, can you live up to the word 'virtuous'?"

  Mrs. Yang did not expect her husband's mistress to have such a temper and for a moment she didn't know how to respond.

  "Although my sister-in-law is clever and capable, she has no manners and always puts on airs in the inner chambers. My third sister married into this noble family and suffered countless grievances, but our Fang family didn't say a word. It's not that we're easy-going, it's just that with you, madam, as her mother-in-law protecting her, we can only prioritize filial piety. If you think my Fang family is inferior and can be bullied like my third sister, then you are greatly mistaken. Today, I disagree with accepting the Yang family's daughter as a concubine, but it has nothing to do with being virtuous or not. Since marrying into the Wang family, I have been diligent in serving my parents-in-law, treating my younger sister-in-law well, attending to my husband, managing household chores, raising children, and supervising the maids. Although I don't consider myself particularly virtuous, I can still live up to being a wife. But you, madam, are still criticizing me for not having a good relationship with my mother-in-law, and putting pressure on me with accusations of being unfilial and unvirtuous. What does it have to do with me if your daughter doesn't cherish herself and wants to seek death? Why should I let her in just because she's the Yang family's eldest daughter and our Fang family is lowly and doesn't dare to refuse? If that's really the case, then I, as the Wang princess, will fight against you, madam, even if it means not being a Li family wife. Absolutely." The last four words were said with great emphasis and severity.

  As she spoke, her words were rapid and urgent, yet each word was crisp and clear, cold and severe as a hail of ice pellets, like a fiery explosion that left Madame Yang stunned. She stared at Ruoqing with eyes wide with shock and fear, this girl who was not tall but had the imposing presence of Mount Tai when she was angry, especially with her feet shoulder-width apart and her face flushed with rage, making it even harder for Madame Yang to breathe.

  "Enough, you dare not be rude to your elders."

  She curtsied slightly, "The Empress Dowager taught that a daughter-in-law should be obedient." But soon she sneered, "I dare ask the Empress Dowager, what is an elder? Shouldn't an elder have the demeanor of one? Moreover, someone who wants to take their own daughter as a concubine, how can they still be considered an elder?"

  Mrs. Yang was so angry that her whole body was trembling, pointing at Ruqing "you you" for half a day, but she was so angry that she couldn't say a word.

  Mrs. Zhang sighed secretly, the development of things was far beyond her expectation, seeing Ru Mo's appearance like a little tiger with its tail trampled, and also seeing Tai Fei pretending to be deaf and dumb, she knew that in principle, they indeed had no leg to stand on, so she could only retreat quietly.

  Mrs. Yang was originally a proud person, but she couldn't bear her daughter's repeated pleas and attempts to find death, so she came to the door with a try-it-out attitude. Afraid of being alone and weak, she also called her cousin, Mrs. Zhang, thinking that even if the princess was unwilling, she would agree for the sake of her cousin and the Qingchang Hou Mansion. As for Fang Ruoqing, she didn't take her seriously at first, but unexpectedly, the princess pretended to be dead. And this Fang Ruoqing, who seemed gentle and humble, turned out to be so stubborn. Not only did she mock them from head to toe, but also took the moral high ground everywhere, making Mrs. Yang so angry that she was about to explode.

  The empress glanced around, scolding her like a concubine, "No sense of hierarchy. Even if your elders are wrong, you have to endure it. You're actually so arrogant and rude, it seems that I've been too indulgent with you, kneel down for me now."

  As if in a hurry, he knelt down and bowed his head.

  The princess looked at Mrs. Yang and advised: "Sister, calm down, this child is indeed too young, he offended you and made you so angry, I apologize on his behalf first."

  Although she knew that Taifei was just pretending, at least there was a way out. Yang Tai's wife hummed softly and said with hatred: "Sister is really lucky to have married such a virtuous and excellent woman."

  The empress pretended not to hear the sarcasm and only sighed impatiently: "What can be done about it? Whichever mother is not biased towards her own children? Rong Qi is someone that Xi'er wholeheartedly wants to marry, and for her sake, he even disregarded his identity and eloped with her in broad daylight, and knelt down at midnight to beg the empress dowager to grant them permission. With such determination, how can we as parents still stand in their way?"

  Mrs. Yang's face was burning with anger, and the Empress Dowager's words were clever. On the surface, she seemed to be blaming her son for his recklessness, but in reality, she was pointing out that her daughter had been too forward. Mrs. Yang was also proud and arrogant, and she was so angry that she secretly spat blood, but she didn't dare to really tear her face off with the Empress Dowager. In the end, she could only say in a hoarse voice: "From what you're saying, sister, it seems like you still look down on my son Qingning?"

  "Come on, sister, don't say such things. I've always doted on Qining like a treasure, and of course, I also like her. But now she's acting like this, it really surprises me. Besides, Xiao'er has already married his official wife, can we ask him to divorce and remarry for the sake of welcoming Qining? Moreover, Qining is the eldest miss of the Hou Mansion, but she's willing to be a concubine to Xiao'er, I really can't bear it. Sister, you'd better go back and advise Qining properly. If things are said to be true, an unmarried girl from the Hou Mansion has already privately given herself to someone, seeking death and destruction... if this gets out, will we still have any face left? Will our two families still have any face?"

  Mrs. Yang was speechless, although the imperial concubine spoke as tactfully as possible, she still felt embarrassed and indignant, and couldn't help but say in a low voice: "I also know that this matter is really putting you in a difficult position. But Qi Ning has always been stubborn, if I hadn't agreed, what if he had really done something extreme? How could I bear the pain of an old person sending off a young one?"

  The empress also let out a long sigh, "Why is Qining so stubborn?"

  "Ah, sister, I know this matter is a bit biased, but Qining was raised by me since she was young and lost her father. I couldn't help but spoil her, which made her lose all sense of propriety. As parents, no matter how wrong our daughter is, it's still our own flesh and blood. Now this child says she won't marry anyone but Xiao'er, otherwise she'll die. Can I really just watch her die? If that's the case, then I won't live either."

  The princess looked embarrassed and couldn't help but glance at Ruo Xing again.

  "However, if that's the case, then the Old Madam is truly not worth it. As a first-rank lady of the Qingchang Marquis Manor, she has taught her children well and doesn't let them be outdone by others; in the circle of noble ladies in the capital, she is also a prominent figure. Now, for the sake of an unworthy daughter, she's willing to die - if this gets spread around, won't it make people sigh endlessly?"

  Want to threaten me with death? Humph, there's not even a window.

  I've already been taken advantage of once before and threatened to death, now you think you can use the same trick on me again?

  Mrs. Yang's face turned extremely ugly, pointing at Ruoxi and scolding: "You're so vicious, how dare you curse me to death? The Fang family has been a scholarly family for generations, how could they raise such an inhumane and ruthless daughter like you?"

  Digression

  I hate you all, you're all bad people. Poor me, working hard to death, and still not letting me go, every day rushing me. I'm going to rise up and resist now. Want to know my killer move? From now on, let you see what it's like. Those who want to kill me or chop me, come at me with all your might.