The Eldest Daughter-in-Law [Reborn] - Chapter 113

The two main figures remained composed—one unmoved, the other indifferent.

The Duke, noticing that Wang Shuhuai did not even spare a smile, felt his grandson lacked charm and understanding. He interjected, “Enough with the teasing. Chu girl has thin skin—don’t scare her into silence.”

The Eldest Princess glanced at Xie Yunchu and saw her eyes lowered, seemingly shy. She then turned to Wang Shuhuai and said, “No rush. Focus on establishing yourself in Jiangnan first, and then bring Chu girl over when the time is right.” Suspecting that Madam Jiang had imposed strict rules on Xie Yunchu, she deliberately raised her voice and continued, “Our Wang family has no need for all those petty rules. With many daughters-in-law in the house, there’s no requirement for each to serve their mother-in-law. As long as the couple is harmonious and their household is filled with love, the larger family will naturally be content as well.”

The gathered family members quickly voiced their agreement.

Madam Jiang instantly understood that her mother-in-law was indirectly reprimanding her. Unwillingly, she gave a few reluctant nods.

Wang Shuhuai observed his wife’s composed demeanor and couldn’t help but smile bitterly. He realized he had been petty—his wife herself wasn’t bothered, so why should he dwell on it?

Wang Shuhuai was a man of steadfast determination. Recalling the strategies he had planned for the day, he swiftly brushed aside these trivial matters.

Before long, the banquet commenced. Palace servants brought in the dishes one after another. Since the Grand Princess had returned to the residence, the Imperial chefs who usually attended to her in the palace had also come to prepare the meal. The Grand Princess preferred lighter flavors and enjoyed Huaiyang cuisine. After the meal, while sipping tea, she spoke to Wang Shuhuai, “The salted duck today is one of Jinling’s specialties. Once you arrive, go to the shop with the golden plaque outside the Confucius Temple—it serves the most authentic version.”

Sixth Young Master Wang Shuye, who particularly enjoyed this dish, was astonished. “Grandmother, you speak as if from personal experience—have you been there yourself?”

The Grand Princess cast a gentle look at her young grandson. “Did you really think your grandmother has spent her whole life confined to the palace?”

Eldest Young Master Wang Shuzhao, being a little older and having grown up hearing his grandmother’s stories, eagerly explained, “Ye’er, you don’t know this, but Grandmother traveled through Jiangnan in her youth. There’s no good food or hidden gems in the streets of Jiangnan that she doesn’t know about. She even owns several estates there…” He abruptly realized he had misspoken and quickly fell silent.

The Grand Princess shot him a glance but said nothing.

However, Sixth Young Master Wang Shuye, with his pure-hearted nature, was oblivious to the tension. He eagerly blurted out, “Really? Grandmother, Grandfather, can I go to Jiangnan with my brother?”

Fourth Master Wang Dian turned and gave his son a firm knock on the head. “Aren’t you supposed to be preparing for the autumn examinations? Yet here you are thinking about traveling?”

With a solemn expression, Sixth Young Master replied, “Father, one must read ten thousand books and travel ten thousand miles. I am still young—if I don’t pass this examination, following my brother southward might offer valuable experiences that could help me succeed next time.”

Hearing this, the Fourth Master sighed in dismay. “You haven’t even taken the exam yet, and you’re already doubting yourself?”

“Besides, your Second Brother is going for serious business. He can’t be dragging you along just for fun. Stop causing trouble for him.”

The Sixth Young Master looked disappointed. “In that case, I could study. I can prepare there as well.”

At this, the Duke’s expression shifted as if struck by a thought. “Do you truly wish to go?”

“Yes! Yes!” The Sixth Young Master eagerly got up, bowed to Wang Shuhuai, and grinned. “I can even help the Second Sister-in-law keep an eye on the Second Brother—make sure he doesn’t go wandering into brothels.”

Hearing this, Fourth Madam turned sharply and shot her son a fierce glare. “You foolish child! You speak without thinking. Your Second Brother is not like the others—he is the most composed and reserved of them all. How could he ever sully his own reputation?”

The Fourth Madam had a habit of making pointed remarks, and with just one sentence, she managed to implicate a whole group—suggesting that the other young masters were not exactly paragons of virtue.

The Duke had never taken concubines. He had been devoted to his first wife, and after her passing, he remarried the Grand Princess without any further distractions. He disdained the practice of keeping multiple wives, and the Grand Princess shared his sentiment even more strongly.

At her words, the Eldest Young Master, Third Young Master, and Fourth Young Master all instinctively shrank their necks.

The Fifth Young Master had yet to marry, and Third Madam had forbidden him from taking any concubines. As for the Sixth Young master, he was still too naive to understand such matters, so Fourth Madam hadn’t even bothered mentioning him.

The Duke’s gaze swept over his sons and grandsons before he asked, “Who has taken a concubine recently?”

At this, even the Eldest Master, Third Master, and Fourth Master all lowered their heads.

The Fourth Madam’s single remark had cut down half the room. She sipped her tea with a smug hum.

The Grand Princess’s gaze had already darkened.

Before she could speak in anger, the Duke intervened, instructing the Third Madam, “From now on, if any of them take concubines, the expenses for those concubines will be deducted from their own monthly allowances. Let’s see how much they can afford to spare.”

The madams and young madams present immediately felt enlightened.

Suppressing a laugh, the Third Madam stood up and said, “Daughter-in-law obeys.”

The Fourth Madam, never one to stay silent, chimed in, “But, Father, don’t we wives manage the household finances? If you do this, aren’t we the ones who will suffer the loss?”

The Duke chuckled. “They still need to withdraw silver for their expenses. Just deduct it from whatever they take.”

The masters and young masters all felt an instant toothache.

First Young Madam, Madam Miao, glanced at Xie Yunchu, who sat quietly to the side, and sighed, “At this rate, our household’s allowances won’t be enough. Your Shuhuai is still the best.”