Chapter 514: Finances (1)

Eunuch Wei didnt dare to reply. After serving the Chengping Emperor for so many years, he understood that the Emperor wasnt actually trying to ask him for advice. The Emperor had likely already come to a decision in his mind.

The question was entirely rhetorical.

As expected, after a few minutes, the Emperor ordered, Call Yang Yanfeng in.

Yes, Your Majesty, this servant will go immediately.

After the whole fiasco with Miaozhen, everyone, including Dalang, Matriarch He and Countess Jingan, were in agreement with the main branchs divorce.

On the next day, House Jingan sent a notice to House Dingyuan.

They had already prepared the divorce papers with the relevant authorities the day before. The only step remaining was for Madam Zou to pack up her dowry and leave the estate.

Madam Zou was the eldest daughter of the second branch of House Dingyuan. While she was a true noble lady, old Marquis Dingyuan was already getting on in age and the main branch of House Dingyuan was in charge now.

Once old Marquis Dingyuan passed on and the main branch succeeded the title of marquis, the second branch would be cast out of the estate. The second branchs influence would only deteriorate from then on.

He Changdi was now trusted by the Emperor and he held the title of marquis. The second branch of House Dingyuan could no longer match up to House Jingan.

Even though Madam Zou had been divorced, the second branch of House Dingyuan didnt dare to make any comments. Furthermore, this had all been Madam Zous own doing.

As much as Madam Zous mother wanted to reprimand her daughter, since she had already gotten divorced by her husband, there was nothing else to say!

Since she couldnt do anything to her daughter, Madam Zous mother, the Second Madam of House Dingyuan, could only help her daughter pack up her dowry.

Luckily her daughter hadnt been a complete idiot. After so many years, her dowry hadnt decreased one bit. Conversely, it had actually grown much larger.

Madam Zou had been in charge of the household for so many years. Of course she had dipped her hands into the public funds from time to time.

Once Madam Zous dowry had been taken out from the storehouses, the amount of silver as well as the properties belonging to the estate had actually been halved!

Madam Zou took her divorce papers and returned home to the Dingyuan Estate with Second Madam richer than before.

While this was what the He Family had agreed on, there wasnt any hint of a smile on Matriarch Hes face.

In the warm room of Qingxi Hall.

Matriarch He sat on the hearth bed. Although it was already early spring, the winter chill still hung in the air in the capital. Matriarch Hes body was weak to start with, so she couldnt bear to be out in the cold. The fires warming the hearth bed and the walls had never stopped.

He Ying and her daughter, Pan Nianzhen, were keeping the matriarch company in that room as warm as spring.

Pan Nianzhen was squatting by the matriarchs side and kneading her legs while He Ying was flipping through some account books on the other.

The matriarchs eyes were slightly shut. She breathed a sigh of comfort before opening her eyes again, Youre getting better at this, Miss Zhen. My old bones are feeling more comfortable thanks to your massage.

Pan Nianzhen blinked her eyes bashfully and smiled, Grandmother, as long as its good for your health, I wont mind serving you like this forever.

The matriarch reached out to stroke Pan Nianzhens smooth locks, Grandmother cant bear to tire you out so. Alright, your hands must be sore from massaging me for so long. Go and take a rest at the side. There are some new confections on that table that the kitchen sent over this morning. Why dont you have a taste and see if you like them?

Its okay, Ill massage Grandmother for a while longer.

Pan Nianzhens actions and words had completely won over Matriarch Hes heart.

He Ying secretly sent a look at her daughter, indicating that she had done well.

A wave of gratitude washed over Matriarch Hes heart. Only her real daughter and granddaughter would treat her so well. They werent at all like those granddaughters-in-law she had. Although they had married into this house, they had grown up in other houses after all.

This old woman regrets not bringing the two of you back to the capital earlier. Otherwise, Miss Zhens marriage wouldnt be delayed.

Pan Nianzhen was the same age as Chu Lian and she had turned sixteen over the New Year. Since she hadnt been engaged yet, it was indeed a little late for her.

He Ying smiled, Mother, you dont have to blame yourself. Were fine as long as we know that were in your heart.

The matriarch feigned an angry glare at her, You silly girl. What are you saying? You should know better at your age! I gave birth to you myself, why would I not have you in my heart?

This time, when He Ying smiled again, a satisfied glint flashed across her eyes as she lowered her head.

In a short moment, He Ying handed the account book over to Matriarch He with a frown, Mother, take a look at these accounts.

Matriarch Hes health was failing and she didnt have as much vigour as before. Although the household management rights were in her hands, she hadnt been able to work on the household at all. Most of the work had been given to her handmaid, Muxiang, while another portion had been handed over to Senior Servant Liu. He Ying was now the one looking over ost of the accounts.

Her eyesight had become blurry over the past two years, so she couldnt quite see the fine words on the accounts now.

Whats wrong? Matriarch He took the book and squinted hard. It took her some effort before she could finally see the words clearly.

Once she read the writing on the book, her eyes widened in shock. That Madam Zou! I shouldnt have left her in charge of the household back then!

Half of the money and properties of the estate had actually been taken away!

That was a whole half of the assets under the Jingan Estate!