Transmigrator Meets Reincarnator

Chapter 256: Targetting Guilin Restaurant (1)

Matriarch He stiffened imperceptibly and turned towards Dalangs wife, who was sitting not too far away and looking downwards.

Even though they met every day, why did she have the feeling that Dalangs wife had changed a lot recently?

How could Matriarch He have missed that hidden meaning in Madam Zous words? Dalangs wife was afraid that the two little ones had lost favour with her and was trying to make sure that she wouldnt forget about the existence of the two young girls.

Unfortunately, Madam Zou hadnt understood her kind intentions at all. Her heart was only filled with thoughts of fighting for her favour.

Matriarch Hes earlier good mood completely dissipated.

Do as you like. Make sure that the servants keep a watch on the girls health. The weather outside is so cold now, so make sure they put on more layers and bring a hand warmer with them when going out.

Granddaughter-in-Law understands.

Matriarch He took up her teacup and sipped some tea before speaking, Its your mothers birthday tomorrow, how are the preparations going?

Rest assured, Grandmother. Granddaughter-in-Law has already ordered the servants to prepare everything. There wont be any accidents tomorrow.

This old woman is already getting on in age and your mothers health still isnt what it was. Its been hard on you all these years!

Madam Zou almost cried out upon hearing these words of praise from Matriarch He. Wasnt it so? She was the only one managing this huge estate. How could it possibly be easy? She had to get up early in the morning before the sun rose and listen to the daily reports from all the stewards of the estate, arrange for servants where needed and even had to mind the relationships between the people in the estate.

It could be said that this great Jingan Estate wouldnt be able to function without her.

Madam Zou felt even more aggrieved upon thinking about all this and sunk even further into her self-pity.

Tears leaked out of her eyes, already beyond her control. As long as Grandmother understands Granddaughter-in-Laws hardships, then this bit of labour is nothing to Granddaughter-in-Law.

Alright, stop crying, dont spoil your eyes by crying too much. If you have any hardships, you can tell Grandmother directly.

Madam Zou was still choked up with tears as she looked up at Matriarch He with wet eyes, Grandmother, since you asked, Granddaughter-in-Law wont keep it from you anymore. Granddaughter-in-Law does have a matter to discuss with Grandmother.

Matriarch He was slightly stunned. She hadnt expected that Madam Zou would really take her up on her offer.

What is it? Just say it out directly. Theres nothing you have to hide from me.

Madam Zou hesitated before finally gathering the courage to speak, Grandmother, Mothers medical expenses Im afraid our estates public accounts can no longer afford them

A single month of Countess Jingans medicine cost at least a thousand taels. The monthly income for House Jingans public accounts was merely one to two thousand taels. Furthermore, Madam Zou wasnt good at business management and the managers of the stores and properties they had were appropriating funds for themselves. It was getting harder and harder to keep this noble estate afloat.

Countess Jingan had paid for her own medicine previously and her expenses had only shifted to the shared accounts just two months ago. After less than three months, the estates funds were already dwindling.

Matriarch He hadnt expected that their estates funds to be exhausted so quickly. Her brows drew together in a frown and she was about to speak when a maidservant announced the arrival of Third Young Madam.

Even though the matriarch had been interrupted, she wasnt angry at all. Instead, her expression turned cheerful. Quick, invite Sanlangs wife in. Its cold outside!

The thick curtains covering the entrance of the heated room were pulled aside by the maidservant outside and Chu Lian crouched slightly to enter the room.

Since Chu Lians noble title had been bestowed by the Chengping Emperor himself, she could be counted as part of the imperial family. Thus, the Department of Garments in the palace had sent Chu Lian two outfits when they prepared winter clothing for the imperial family.

There was a lovely light vermillion court dress and a simpler bluish-green dress with auspicious pictures embroidered over it. There were twelve pictures of flowers embroidered on the dresses and the embroidery was both complicated and beautiful at the same time. This standard of workmanship was as expected from the department in charge of clothing the imperial family.

Today, Chu Lian was wearing that bluish-green dress with a flared skirt.

Her slender hands were stuffed into a snow white sleeve made of rabbit fur. She only wore a single white jade hairpin on her head and the rest of her black hair was left cascading down her back with some strands resting on the fluffy white fur collar of her dress. She looked like a cute obedient little bunny in this getup. If not for the fact that her hair was done up in a married madams hairstyle, one might think that she was a young noble maiden who had just come of age!

Granddaughter-in-Law has come to greet Grandmother, Chu Lian cheerfully called out as she entered the room.

Matriarch He felt happy just seeing Chu Lians smooth, porcelain doll-like face with a smile. What are you doing coming here so early on such a cold day! Come, sit next to Grandmother!

Chu Lian bobbed towards Madam Zou before sitting next to Matriarch He.

The matriarch ordered Senior Servant Liu to give Chu Lian a cup of warm honey water. She knew her little granddaughter-in-law didnt like to drink sencha, unlike most people.

Madam Zou watched coldly as Matriarch He unconsciously showed loving care and consideration for Chu Lian. The hands under her sleeves curled into fists.

Madam Zou waited until Chu Lian had been given a warm cup of honey water and suppressed her jealousy as she spoke up again, Grandmother, about that matter that Granddaughter-in-Law mentioned earlier

Reminded of the pressing problem at hand by Madam Zou, Matriarch Hes expression turned serious. It was my fault for not considering this matter more carefully. However, I seem to remember that we should have at least three thousand taels of income from the shopfronts in our estates accounts.

Three thousand taels were more than enough to sustain the estates monthly expenses even after taking away Countess Jingans medicine fees.

Madam Zous lips parted, but she hesitated to speak. Finally, she used her remaining courage to say, Grandmother, that was the situation five years ago. It cant be compared to the situation now.

Madam Zou suddenly shot a glance in Chu Lians direction. When she saw that her sister-in-law had her head lowered and was drinking some honey water, a spark of dissatisfaction flashed through her heart. Granddaughter-in-Law doesnt have a single store in hand that can compare to Third Sister-in-Laws Guilin Restaurant.