sjar Chapter 14 Aunt Zhao Takes Charge of the Household
Chapter 14 Aunt Zhao Takes Charge of the Household
Chu Ruohan gave a slight bow, "Father, please forgive your daughter-in-law for being unable to comply. Your daughter-in-law is still young and has never managed a household before, so I am afraid she is not capable of shouldering this heavy responsibility."
Marquis Anyang frowned, his face showing displeasure: "Ruohan, this is a difficult time for the Marquis's mansion, how can you shirk your responsibility?"
"Father, it's not that I'm unwilling to share the burdens of the Marquis's mansion, but I know my abilities are limited." Chu Ruohan's tone remained gentle, yet it revealed a resolute determination.
"It would be more appropriate for Aunt Zhao to be in charge of the household affairs, having served in the household for many years and being familiar with its affairs. She is also shrewd and capable."
Chu Ruohan's rejection infuriated Marquis Anyang, who turned his gaze to Gu Junze standing to the side.
Gu Junze's face was calm as still water, his eyes revealing a detached indifference, as if the turmoil before him had nothing to do with him.
Marquis Anyang, don't you understand? This couple has no intention of getting involved in this matter at all.
Although the Marquis of Anyang was furious, he was helpless at the moment. "Hmph! In that case, let Aunt Zhao temporarily take charge of the household affairs." With that, he turned and left.
When Aunt Zhao learned that the Marquis intended to entrust the management of the household affairs to her, she was overjoyed and excited beyond measure.
After all these years, the Marquis has finally remembered her.
Aunt Zhao quickly approached Marquis Anyang, stretched out her plump arm and tightly took his arm, saying in a coquettish voice, "Don't worry, Your Highness, I will manage this mansion in an orderly manner and will never let you have any worries."
As she spoke, she swayed her bulky body, her face plastered with a fawning smile.
Marquis Anyang felt a wave of nausea churning in his stomach. He frowned, trying to suppress his discomfort, and his gaze inadvertently fell on Aunt Zhao.
The Zhao Wan'er of the past was graceful, with a slender waist and eyes full of liveliness and charm.
But now, she is bloated and looks like a fat pig that only knows how to eat and drink. Where can one find even a trace of her former charm?
Marquis Anyang sighed inwardly, wondering how she had indulged herself all these years to become the way she is today.
He frowned slightly, a hint of disgust flashing in his eyes, and silently pulled his arm away forcefully, as if staying any longer would defile him.
Then, he turned around hastily, leaving Aunt Zhao standing there, looking embarrassed and stamping her foot in frustration.
She hadn't seen the Marquis for so long. Apart from seeing him during festivals, he would avoid her whenever he saw her.
It's all because of this fat body, but she just can't control her mouth...
"Madam, the young master's wife has arrived," the maid announced softly.
"What is she doing here? Could it be that she found out that the Marquis is going to hand over the management of the household affairs to me, and she's rushing here to curry favor with me?"
Aunt Zhao only saw Chu Ruohan once, at Gu Cheng'an's 'mourning hall'.
She sat in the specially made chair, smoothed the stray hairs from her forehead, and struck a pose. "Fine, let her in."
Chu Ruohan walked gracefully into the house. Looking at Aunt Zhao's attitude as the mistress of the house, she couldn't help but shake her head inwardly. She was probably still waiting for her to greet her.
Fool, does she really think that just because she has the power to manage the household affairs, she's the mistress of the house?
Chu Ruohan is the wife of the heir of the Marquis of Anyang's mansion. What is Aunt Zhao? She's not even a half-elder, just a concubine.
She ignored Aunt Zhao's arrogance and went straight to sit down on a chair.
Seeing this, Aunt Zhao felt uneasy, as if she had been scratched by a cat, but she dared not make a sound. This was because the eldest son had already been promoted to the position of heir apparent, and Chu Ruohan, as the heir apparent's wife, was someone she could not afford to offend.
This Marquis of Anyang's mansion will belong to the couple sooner or later.
"Young Madam, what brings you here?"
"I heard that Father has appointed you to manage the household affairs. This is a major event for the family, so I have come to congratulate you, Aunt." Chu Ruohan gently raised her hand, picked up the lid of the teacup, and stirred the tea leaves floating on the surface.
She took a sip of hot tea to moisten her throat before continuing, "In the future, I will need you to take care of many affairs in the household."
Aunt Zhao's eyes were full of pride. "Young Madam is too kind. The Marquis is also too kind. I will do my best and will not let the Marquis down."
Chu Ruohan put down her teacup, glanced around the room, and her gaze fell on Chun Tao, Aunt Zhao's personal maid.
"I've heard that Aunt Zhao used to be a beautiful woman with a slender waist, but now..." Chu Ruohan paused slightly, her voice filled with endless emotion.
Aunt Zhao was furious. Was she deliberately trying to pick a fight with her?
Unexpectedly, Chu Ruohan changed the subject, "Does Aunt know why?"
Aunt Zhao rolled her eyes. Why else could it be? She eats a lot, of course.
"That's because after Aunt Zhao had a miscarriage eight years ago, someone doubled the amount of the two spleen-strengthening herbs in your tonic diet."
Chu Ruohan's voice was calm, yet it was like a boulder thrown into Aunt Zhao's heart, causing turbulent waves.
Aunt Zhao's eyes widened, her face full of disbelief. "What did you say?"
Chu Ruohan continued, "Naturally, you always want to eat and can't stop. Over time, your stomach gets stretched and you can't stop eating."
Aunt Zhao stood there, stunned, her thoughts drifting back to eight years ago.
At that time, she had her doubts and consulted many doctors to check her pulse, but they all said that she was healthy and there was nothing wrong with her. Helpless, she could only accept the fact that she was getting fatter and fatter, but she never expected that she would still be tricked.
She looked down at the fat around her waist, her heart filled with bitterness. She used to be favored by the Marquis, who loved her slender waist the most, but now...
"Hasn't Aunt Zhao ever considered that a seven-month-old baby could miscarry for no reason?" Chu Ruohan's words pierced through like arrows once again.
Aunt Zhao was shocked, and her fat body trembled. "I had my doubts, but I checked everything inside and out and there was nothing wrong. Even the doctor said that my pregnancy was not stable."
"There's probably only one person who could do this so perfectly without arousing Aunt Zhao's suspicion." As she spoke, Chu Ruohan glanced at Chun Tao.
Following Chu Ruohan's gaze, Aunt Zhao looked at Chun Tao. "So it's you, you wretched maid. You've been with me since you were little..."
Chun Tao had already knelt down with a thud. "Auntie, I'm innocent! I never did such a thing!"
Chu Ruohan coldly replied, "That bracelet you're wearing, it must have been given to you by Granny Wang, who serves the Lady of the Marquis, right?"
Chun Tao was shocked, and her face turned deathly pale. How did the young mistress know everything?
Chu Ruohan stood up, her eyes showing decisiveness. "Aunt Zhao, I'll take care of this wretched maid for you today."
He raised his voice, "Chun Tao stole my belongings, take her away and beat her to death."
As soon as she finished speaking, several servants rushed forward and, ignoring Chun Tao's struggles, dragged her away. For a moment, the courtyard was filled with Chun Tao's piercing screams.