Returning to the Bamboo Pavilion, Chuntao's eyes were slightly red, and crystalline tears hovered in her eyes, her voice filled with indignation and feeling unworthy for her lady.
"Miss, how can there be such heartless people in the world? You've given so much for this family, yet they flatter and curry favor just because that woman got a government title.
Don't they think that without your marriage into the Xiao Family, how could their small household have had the chance to ascend to the prestigious hall?
And how many have only associated with them because of your status as the legitimate daughter of the Loyalty Marquis?
If it weren't for you, who would bother to look at the Xiao Family?
Not to mention, how much dowry have you contributed? What kind of hearts do they have!"
Shen Ruoxi gently wiped Chuntao's tears, with a touch of helplessness and relief: "Now, no one cares about your lady's face anymore.
After all, those two are national heroes, having reclaimed lost territories and been newly titled; naturally, people are eager to flatter them."
Chuntao said hatefully: "Miss, you often say that those who commit injustice will meet their demise; they will get their retribution!"
Shen Ruoxi was already calm about it; this home made her feel disheartened, and no turmoil could stir a ripple in her heart.
She paused for a moment, then said, "I must meet with my sister-in-law to discuss some matters properly."
"I will notify the First Young Madam immediately."
Shen Ruoxi nodded and instructed, "Remember not to let Old Mrs. Xu know; have my sister-in-law meet me at Juequan Building at noon tomorrow."
Chuntao knew well Old Mrs. Xu's nature; she was selfish, mean, and stubbornly traditional. If she knew Miss intended to separate from Xiao Chengyi, she would surely try her best to stop it.
Therefore, she must not know about it for now.
"I understand, Miss."
"Mm, you may go!"
Watching Chuntao's hurried departing figure, Shen Ruoxi sighed softly.
The drastic changes at home had made her retreat into a shell, unwilling to touch anything related to the family, thinking it might help avoid that soul-crushing pain.
But that was her home, the place where her parents' souls rested, yet in her heart, she only wanted to escape, guilt and self-blame weighing on her heart like a heavy stone, making her feel extremely unfilial.
With a face full of displeasure, Xia Lian entered the room, though she remained silent.
Shen Ruoxi glanced at her and asked softly, "What's wrong?"
Xia Lian didn't want to add to her lady's troubles, so she gently shook her head and whispered, "It's nothing."
Shen Ruoxi knew well the opposing natures of her two maids; Chuntao was straightforward and impulsive, unable to hide anything.
While Xia Lian was calm and reserved, always keeping her thoughts buried deep inside.
She smiled and said, "Come on, what else do you think could strike down your lady?"
Xia Lian hesitated for a moment, then finally couldn't resist speaking: "Back then Xiao Chengyi made many promises in front of Madam.
But what came of it? In the end, it was you who considered his poor family situation, with a mere token betrothal gift, and the wedding was extremely simple.
But now? Ning Zhen'er's bridal dress is custom-made at the Brocade Workshop, a renowned embroidery house in the Capital City!
A single bridal dress costs a thousand taels of silver, it's truly infuriating."
Upon hearing this, Shen Ruoxi was not angry but rather smiled lightly: "The thousand taels of silver bestowed by His Majesty probably went mostly to that bridal dress.
How would they prepare for the wedding? Why should you be angry? The more they spend, the tighter their budget will be."
Xia Lian frowned, worrying: "Miss, do you think Xiao Chengyi will borrow money from you? If so, you must not lend him any!"
Shen Ruoxi smiled indifferently and said, "Why refuse? As long as he's willing to write an IOU and repay it at market interest, I'll lend it to him."
Xia Lian grumbled discontentedly, "Miss, we simply won't lend! Let them fail their wedding due to lack of funds."
Shen Ruoxi smiled slightly, comforting her: "Xiao Chengyi is different from Old Mrs. Xiao; he is proud and cares greatly about his reputation.
Even if we lend him money, he will find a way to repay it, there's no need for you to worry."
Xia Lian remained indignant: "I just can't accept it, why do they treat you like this? Xiao Chengyi will get his comeuppance sooner or later, their whole family won't meet a good end!"
Shen Ruoxi gently patted the back of Xia Lian's hand, speaking softly: "Alright, don't be angry anymore. They mean nothing to me now."
Xia Lian grew more agitated, tears dripping down uncontrollably, "I'm just angry, just feel it's unfair for you, Miss. Why do they bully you like this, even a sparrow could chirp at you; they are not even as good as animals."
Faced with these two maids, Shen Ruoxi looked helpless, gently wiping her tears, "Silly girl, people are not as they used to be, we should only be true to ourselves, don't get angry, it's not worth it."
Xia Lian sniffled and nodded.
"Right, when I married into the Xiao Mansion, didn't I bring four maidservants, four grannies, and four young servants? Go and notify them to be prepared, gather their belongings, ready to return to the Shen Mansion with me at any time.
"I understand, I will notify them right away."
As Xia Lian left, Shen Ruoxi sighed lowly; this place was indeed stifling, she couldn't stay another moment, uncertain of when the emperor's decree might arrive?
Chuntao returned to report to Shen Ruoxi, saying her sister-in-law, the Yang Family, was already informed and would arrive as scheduled tomorrow.
The next day at noon, Shen Ruoxi lightly veiled, quietly left the mansion.
Just as she stepped out of the gate, Nanny Yu hurriedly reported to Old Mrs. Xiao: "Old Madam, the Young Madam has left the mansion again."
Upon hearing this, Old Mrs. Xiao furrowed her brows in dissatisfaction and said, "Have someone keep a close watch on her, see what tricks she's up to? Before, I thought she was a sensible and obedient one, but it turns out she was all pretending.
This time, if I don't give her a harsh lesson, she really won't know how high the heavens are."
She then instructed: "Go and bring Chengyi here, I have a few words to say to him."
"Yes, Old Madam," Nanny Yu responded respectfully.
Not long after, Xiao Chengyi hurriedly arrived at the old lady's room.
He looked slightly haggard, with noticeable dark circles under his eyes, clearly not having rested well the previous night.
"Grandson greets Grandmother." He respectfully greeted the old lady.
"Chengyi, sit down," the old lady warmly invited him to sit.
The maid quickly brought him a cup of hot tea.
The old lady spoke calmly, "Chengyi, you can no longer indulge your wife so much.
She now refuses to contribute a single penny, the household is already in chaos, and she keeps running out without us knowing what she's up to.
Tell her to bring out her dowry. Being a daughter-in-law of the Xiao family, that wealth should naturally belong to the Xiao family."
"Grandmother, Zhen'er and I both have salaries now, the household should improve, please don't focus on Ruoxi's dowry."
The old lady became angry, "Chengyi, as she is already a daughter-in-law of the Xiao family, that wealth rightfully belongs to the Xiao family!
Before, I truly cared for her, not realizing it was all a facade.
You're only taking a secondary wife, yet she's making such a big fuss, being so petty, it's truly appalling.
Now you're the head of the household, doing this way…"
The old lady's voice gradually lowered, leaving Xiao Chengyi drenched in cold sweat…