novelzi Chapter 140
Chapter 140
They could think of these things, and Mrs. Lu, who had been managing the household for years, would certainly have her own ideas. Li Xia's words made Li Xin nod in agreement. With Mrs. Lu's capabilities, she would ensure Li Shan saved face, but as for any real benefits, that was another matter entirely.
Thinking about this, Li Xin looked at Li Xia with a hint of dejection. "Mother used to say I wasn't as good as you when it came to important matters. I didn't believe her then, but now I see she was right."
"So Mother praised me like that?" Li Xia said with a smug expression.
Seeing this, Li Xin smiled, and the slight envy in her heart dissipated. She picked up a piece of fabric and asked, "For the wedding gift, how about this cloth?"
"It's nice. The vibrant color is perfect," Li Xia nodded in approval.
"I have another piece with a different pattern. We can each give her one," Li Xin said, holding up another piece of fabric.
"Sounds good," Li Xia agreed. She had originally planned to give something simple on the day, but since Li Xin had prepared these, she would go along with her sister's idea.
Noticing that Li Xin still seemed a bit down, Li Xia suggested, "If there's nothing else, why don't we go for a walk?"
"What for?" Li Xin didn't have anything particular to do, but since their outings often led to unexpected tasks, she wasn't keen on going out.
"To look at shops, of course. We need to find new locations for your restaurant and my bookstore," Li Xia explained.
"Mother can handle that," Li Xin started to say, but then remembered how stressed Mrs. Lu had been lately with Li Shan's affairs. She changed her mind, "Actually, let's go look at some shops." It would be better to take care of what they could and reduce Mrs. Lu's worries.
Many guests attended the Li family's event, with Li Xin and Li Xia hosting the young ladies. The sisters had an additional important task: to look for potential matches for Li Hui. Although Li Hui was observing a year of mourning for Wang Lan, it didn't hurt to start looking. They could identify suitable candidates and make initial inquiries, so that when the mourning period ended, they could proceed with a formal proposal.
However, Li Xia had a feeling that arranging Li Hui's marriage wouldn't be so simple. Nevertheless, they needed to look carefully. If not for Li Hui, then Li Chou and Li Guang were also of marriageable age. After the New Year, both would return to their hometown for examinations.
On the third day after the wedding, when the bride traditionally returns to her maiden home, Li Shan came back alone. Zhao Decheng didn't accompany her; instead, Mrs. Zhao's personal maid, Old Wang, escorted Li Shan, explaining that Zhao Decheng was resting to improve his health. The maid presented lavish gifts and repeatedly expressed their regrets for the situation.
Mrs. Lu naturally understood the circumstances but outwardly expressed concern for her son-in-law's condition. She even had someone bring out high-quality bird's nest, asking Li Shan to take it back to nourish her father-in-law. She also gave Li Shan some golden jujubes to strengthen her own health.
Li Shan looked displeased. When she reached Aunt Wang's quarters, she launched into a litany of complaints, saying that Zhao Decheng was completely incapable and that she had essentially married into widowhood. She expressed deep regret.
Aunt Wang was both angry and frustrated, but it was too late for such sentiments now. The most crucial thing was for Li Shan to give birth to a child, preferably a son who could inherit the Zhao family's second branch. This would secure Li Shan's position in the Zhao family and allow her to pursue other ambitions. Li Shan also understood that regret was futile now, and could only follow Aunt Wang's advice to focus on her pregnancy. The child in her womb was now of utmost importance.
Since Li Shan's marriage, Aunt Wang had been keeping to herself in her own quarters. She rarely ventured near Mrs. Lu, fearing retribution. However, she underestimated Mrs. Lu. Once Mrs. Lu had agreed to the marriage, she wouldn't go back on her word. Mrs. Lu's thoughts were now primarily focused on preparing items to be sent to Liuzhou.
Li Hui, upon returning to Liuzhou, brought back news of a peaceful journey. Concerned about Li Ming being alone in Liuzhou, Mrs. Lu, along with Li Xin and Li Xia, prepared three cartloads of goods and hired people to deliver them to Li Ming in Liuzhou.
After three years in Liuzhou, Li Ming's performance there certainly warranted a promotion. Mrs. Lu hoped that Li Ming could come to the capital. This way, the whole family would be reunited.
Li Xia and Li Xin reopened their shop without much fanfare. They simply bought a string of firecrackers, set them off at the entrance, and considered it open for business. When Li Shan recovered enough to check on the shop, she discovered what Li Xin and Li Xia had done. Furious, Li Shan, despite her pregnant state, was ready to march over to the Li family home to confront the two.
However, she was stopped by Old Mama Wang. Initially, Li Shan had met with the Zhao family's approval, but upon closer interaction, they found her to be petty and competitive.