Chapter 155: Chapter 155: Mother’s Actions Are Killing the Goose for Its Eggs

Madam Fu: “…”

She knew her sister-in-law had quite an appetite.

The matter of Fu Changqin studying with Mr. Changshan was not a secret.

Mr. Changshan was too famous; suddenly accepting a disciple naturally drew attention.

But everyone knew it was out of favor to Marquis Changping, and with his backing, even if Mr. Changshan accepted Fu Changqin, no one dared to seek him for discipleship again.

“Is this my sister-in-law’s idea, or my brother’s?” Madam Fu asked.

“A couple acts as one, isn’t that the same?” Mrs. Yan said with a smile.

Madam Fu’s smile remained unchanged as she said, “Since my sister-in-law has heard about Changqin studying with Mr. Changshan, you must also know the reason.”

“It’s entirely thanks to Marquis Changping.” Madam Fu said, “If it were just our family, we wouldn’t have the ability.”

“However, Marquis Changping’s willingness to connect Changqin is also a long story.” Madam Fu said.

“I know that.” Mrs. Yan laughed and said, “I heard it was because when Marquis Changping was still weak, Shinian sent him self-made incense which was good for his health, so to express his gratitude, he proposed that Changqin study with Mr. Changshan.”

Madam Fu’s smile diminished slightly, “I didn’t expect my sister-in-law to even find out this.”

Mrs. Yan’s smile grew wider, “Now, Shinian’s relationship with Marquis Changping is even better.”

Madam Fu’s eyelid twitched, Mrs. Wu couldn’t possibly know about Marquis Changping proposing for marriage, could she?

This has only just happened.

And considering Fu Shinian’s reputation, neither the Fu family nor Marquis Changping would speak of it.

Who would Mrs. Wu inquire from on her way to the capital?

Soon after, Mrs. Yan said, “Previously when Shinian was in Ganning, she saved Marquis Changping’s life.”

“Such a saving grace, if Shinian casually mentions it, I think the Marquis would certainly agree.” Mrs. Wu said.

Madam Fu frowned, about to refuse, but Yan Sikang already stood up, “Mother, how can you allow cousin to leverage a favor for a reward?”

“Originally, cousin saving Marquis Changping was a good deed from the heart. If we wish to maintain good relations with the Changping Marquis’ household, such leveraging for reward must not be done.”

Mrs. Yan was so angered by Yan Sikang that she almost fainted.

“We are all family, how could you be so distant?” Mrs. Yan said.

“This isn’t about being distant or close,” Yan Sikang said, “I mustn’t be so selfish, ruining the relationship between Fu Mansion and Marquis Changping’s household over a mere matter of studying.”

“It’s just asking Mr. Changshan to accept you as a disciple, this saving grace is such a large favor, how could such a minor matter ruin relations?”

“Mother!” Yan Sikang angrily flicked his sleeve, “Don’t speak of any favor, don’t go leveraging rewards, only then can we maintain a longer-lasting relationship!”

With good relations with Marquis Changping’s household, it would be more convenient for father when he enters officialdom in the capital.

“Mother’s actions are akin to killing the goose that lays the golden eggs!” Yan Sikang bowed to Madam Fu, “This is not father’s or my intention, aunt, please do not hold it against us.”

“Before coming, father has already discussed with me, allowing me to study at Bailu Academy.”

Madam Fu apologetically said, “Seeking Mr. Changshan’s help is indeed beyond my means.”

“The Fu and Yan families, with such numerous clan members, how could it only be Sikang as the sole scholar?” Madam Fu said with difficulty, “If we start this precedent, what should we do when other younger family members ask to study with Mr. Changshan? Should we agree or not?”

“Even if the Marquis could agree this once, they certainly couldn’t agree every time.”

“This makes it difficult for not just us but the Marquis’ household too. A saving grace, the household must reciprocate, but how could they repay using Mr. Changshan? Mr. Changshan residing in their household is due to their gratitude and careful persuasion for him to stay. Now demanding Mr. Changshan to teach many of our younger members could anger him enough to leave, leaving the Marquis household in a tough spot.”

“Besides…” Madam Fu said, “The children of the Fu family haven’t even approached us yet.”

Her maternal family asks first.

Mrs. Yan’s expression turned cold instantly.

“Aunt is right.” Yan Sikang hurriedly said.

“Bailu Academy is also hard to enter.” Madam Fu said, “Your uncle heard earlier you were coming and considered if you might wish to study at Bailu Academy. If so, he would find a way to help facilitate it.”

“Father also mentioned to me that Bailu Academy is exceedingly difficult to enter,” Yan Sikang said, “To this end, father specially wrote a letter to friends in the capital and to grandfather’s past students, but father is uncertain if it would be effective.”

“With uncle’s help, it would certainly be twice the result with half the effort.” Yan Sikang said.

Madam Fu let out a sigh of relief, thinking it fortunate Yan Sikang was reasonable and not misled by Mrs. Wu.

“In that case, I will speak with your uncle when he’s off duty.”

“Thank you, aunt, for this truly adds inconvenience for you.” Yan Sikang quickly bowed.

“Don’t be like this.” Madam Fu supported Yan Sikang, “Not able to get Mr. Changshan for you has troubled me. Being able to assist in this matter makes my heart a bit more at ease.”

Madam Fu then asked Mrs. Yan, “And what of Liqing…”

“Liqing’s marriage cannot be rushed; it shall be looked into gradually.” Mrs. Yan returned to smiling, hiding her displeasure, “How is Mingzhu and Shinian’s marriage progressing?”

“I heard Mingzhu withdrew from an engagement before, now…”

“Mother!” Yan Liqing really couldn’t believe it, her mother even brought this up, clearly intending to counter Madam Fu’s refusal to arrange connections for her brother.

In Jinzhou, due to having grandfather and grandmother in the household, her mother was kept in check by her grandmother, so it was somewhat better.

But now outside with no restraint, her mother became completely carefree and complacent.

No wonder before departure, grandmother specially summoned her, specifically telling her to keep an eye on her mother.

Yan Liqing apologetically glanced at Fu Mingzhu.

Although Mrs. Yan’s words were interrupted by her, who among everyone present couldn’t discern the remaining intent in Mrs. Yan’s words?

“Master Xiao is truly not a good match; Mingzhu’s decisive withdrawal shows her judgment and clarity. Her uncle and aunt’s support further displays their affection for her. With someone like Master Xiao, should one really wait to marry without withdrawing? This act isn’t attainable by everyone, yet deeply admired by Liqing!”

“Moreover, Mingzhu is now a county lady; Master Xiao is already unworthy.” Yan Liqing said, “Mingzhu is noble in character and status, surely sought after by many families in the capital.”

Madam Fu really hadn’t expected, despite Mrs. Wu’s unfavorable demeanor, her son and daughter were both sensible and outstanding.

Thinking back to Mrs. Wu unable to conceal anything upon entering, it’s evident her mother and brother must be quite weary.

“Liqing is right, Mingzhu is indeed being considered by several families, and we are still deliberating among them. This time we must carefully choose to find an exceptional match for Mingzhu.” Madam Fu nodded with a smile.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep