This hurdle was considered passed, but the real show was just beginning.
I turned my gaze to the side and feigned a look of curiosity. "May I ask who this is?"
"This is Xiao Lang's cousin, Aunt Mei Jing. She previously served as a palace registrar. When she was discharged, it happened to coincide with the princess falling ill, so Mother had her come over to lend a hand."
"Then Aunt Mei must be close childhood friends with my mother-in-law. Otherwise, why would she deign to manage the affairs of this inner household? After all, a palace registrar is a seventh-rank female official. Normally, when they leave the palace, they're in a hurry to find a good husband. Who would be willing to throw away their lifelong happiness just to waste away several years here for nothing?"
These words were like a resounding slap in the face. Aunt Mei's solemn face instantly turned shades of green and white. She was no fool. She could naturally tell I was accusing her of neglecting her proper duties and overstaying her welcome.
These words were so biting that even the consort felt embarrassed. Although at first he too had felt his mother's actions were inappropriate, it had been two years now, and he had gotten used to it. Now that I, a trusted confidante, had exposed it, everyone suddenly realized, Isn't this obviously delaying her marriage?
"Indeed, Cousin Mei has been wronged."
Princess Yunyang immediately followed up. While trying to smooth things over on the surface, she was probably overjoyed inside. The words she wanted to say but found difficult to express over the past two years were finally brought to light by me, her daughter-in-law, today.
Seeing that the situation was turning against her, Aunt Mei was burning with anxiety inside, yet she still had to put on an indifferent and detached front.
"I never had any intention of marrying anyway. I must thank Her Highness the princess for taking me in and giving me a place to stay."
I sneered in my heart, but my tone grew even sweeter. "That is not how it is. Cousin Mei is so capable. And is there any relative closer than a distant cousin? Why would you need to linger in the princess's manor begging for shelter?"
"What do you mean by that?"
Xiao Lang had just recovered his composure, but hearing this made him displeased again. Frowning protectively, he said, "Are you trying to drive Cousin Mei away?"
Drive her away? I blinked with an innocent expression. "Didn't Cousin Mei come here because Mother was ill? Now that Mother has fully recovered, is Cousin Mei not planning to leave? Does she intend to live out her retirement in the princess's manor forever?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the entire room fell into dead silence. The logic made sense, but saying it during the tea serving ceremony completely tore away any shred of pretense.
"Retirement? What nonsense are you talking about? Cousin Mei is highly capable. Why would she need anyone to support her in retirement?"
When he said this, he completely failed to notice that Aunt Mei's face had already turned as dark as a pot bottom.
Only I knew that this woman's refusal to leave had nothing to do with family affection. She had her eyes on my father-in-law, the Prince Consort Xiao Shun. As a female official of the seventh rank, remaining unmarried was only to snatch her cousin Xiao Shun. Unfortunately, his primary wife was a princess, leaving her unable to become even a concubine. This obsession with unrequited love had long since warped her mind, making her wish she could poison Princess Yunyang to death just to take her place. How could I let such a ticking time bomb stay here?
Seeing the situation spiral out of control, the Prince Consort could no longer sit still. He had no choice but to step in and diffuse the situation.
"Enough. The tea ceremony is what matters. We can discuss Cousin Mei's personal matters later."
A flash of disappointment flashed through Princess Yunyang's eyes, but there would be plenty of time for that later.
"Lin Yaoyao, this is Zi, Xiao Yu's younger brother."
The princess composed herself and warmly introduced the little boy beside her. The third young master, Xiao Zi, was only eight years old this year. He was as cute as a porcelain doll, with a pair of dark round eyes looking up at me with admiration.
"Zi greets sister-in-law."
The little fellow's voice was crisp and his eyes were bright. Despite his young age, he was fully aware of the undercurrents surrounding the household. He only regretted that his voice carried no weight, rendering him unable to help his mother. But he could tell that this new sister-in-law had a sharp tongue and was a formidable ally.
"Zi." I nodded with a smile and handed over the greeting gift I had prepared, speaking in a gentle tone. "Good boy, would you like to visit your second brother with me another day?"
I lowered my head at the porcelain doll-like little boy in front of me.
"Sure, sister-in-law."
Xiao Zi nodded vigorously, his eyes instantly turning red. He deeply admired his second brother, who excelled in both scholarly and martial arts. But ever since his second brother was imprisoned, all of his former playmates had run away. Even his closest cousin, the crown grandson, distanced himself from him. This child has had a bitter time, yet he is so sensible that it breaks one's heart.
As soon as the tea presentation ended, the crowd dispersed. Princess Yunyang grabbed my hand and led me straight to her room. On the way, she didn't forget to ask considerately if I was tired.
"Are you tired? If you are, go back and rest first."
"I just woke up. How could I be tired?"
This blunt truth amused the princess. "You really are a clever and wonderful girl. I truly like you."
That was only natural, and I liked her, too. Just now in the hall, though she was weak, her heart was on my side.
Upon entering the room, the table was already covered with various brocade boxes.
"These are all the valuables I packed for Xiao Yu. Now that you've married into the family, I'm handing them all over to you."
Saying this, she took out an account book.
"And here's the monthly allowance of the household. We have few family members. Before, it was one hundred taels per person. Now that you are here, it will be increased to two hundred taels."
Two hundred taels sounded pleasant to the ear, but my mind was spinning fast, and I suddenly asked, "But does that Xiao Lang also get two hundred taels?"
"That is only natural. The palm and the back of the hand are both made of flesh, so it wouldn't do to favor one over the other."
Why should that heartless man live a carefree and joyful life using my in-laws' money?
"Then it is better not to increase it. One hundred taels is enough."
I answered with absolute certainty. I would rather spend less myself than let Xiao Lang get an extra hundred taels of silver.
The princess was stunned, and then she burst out laughing. "You silly girl. Our household expenses are small, so we can well afford an extra hundred taels."
"There is really no need. If you want to show me favor, just reward me with some clothes and jewelry now and then."
This was a glaringly targeted and undisguised slight. If the princess was a smart woman, she would understand my meaning.