And continued to say, "Madam Ye, you shouldnât blame me for speaking out of turn, after all, sheâs a young lady, and now her reputation is gone. It might be difficult for her to be matched for marriage in the future. If Young Master Ye has intentions, you shouldnât stop him. We women, especially as an officialâs wife, should be more forgiving."
"Our Ye Familyâs gossip has spread everywhere?" Yang Chuxiaâs tone was very cold, then she added, "I wonder what Madam Zhou has heard exactly?"
Seeing her expression turn slightly cold, Madam Zhou was almost frightened.
But after steadying her mind, she continued, "Everyone is saying that this cousin of the Ye Family must have some arrangement with Lord Ye, otherwise, how could a girl of fifteen or sixteen not have been spoken for in marriage? Donât people always say cousins will eventually marry? Yet this cousin, Iâve heard, isnât even a concubine to this day. They also say that Lord Ye must have had this intention for a long time; otherwise, why would she still be living here? If she hasnât been given status, itâs definitely because the lady of the house disagrees, suggesting Lord Ye is henpecked. This reputation of being henpecked, if it spreads, wonât do Lord Ye any good."
In the end, she seemed to be considering Yang Chuxiaâs situation, "You, you should also think about Lord Yeâs position."
Hearing this, Yang Chuxia looked at Madam Zhou with an odd expression.
Then, under Madam Zhouâs somewhat expectant gaze, she slapped the table with a smack, "Nonsense! Who is the shameless one constantly wagging their tongue about me? If I hear about it, I wonât just tear her mouth apart, but Iâll also send a couple of concubines to her husband. Since sheâs so virtuous and generous, Iâll gladly send her a few mistresses, and she would surely be pleased. Not only that, but Iâll even arrange mistresses for her future son-in-law."
"Madam Ye, donât be angry, people just think your familyâs cousin is to be pitied, being a grown lady with no formal status..." Madam Zhou, seeing that Yang Chuxia was very angry, hurriedly explained, but her explanation made people even angrier.
However, before she could finish her words, a somewhat youthful yet melodious voice like an orioleâs sounded.
"Cousin-in-law, where am I pitiable?" The newcomer entered gracefully, then seemed displeased, "I am clearly a young girl, so why should my status even be a concern? I am a daughter of a wealthy family; ordinary people wouldnât dare offer me status."
The young girl sat down to one side, pouting sulkily.
Meanwhile, Yangyang, who had been watching with wide eyes, finding his motherâs anger amusing, hurriedly climbed down from the chair and ran to the young girl, "Cousin, Cousin!"
He stretched out his arms, clearly wanting the young girl to hold him.
"Linyu..."
Madam Zhou, who had just been giving a lengthy spiel, was now utterly stunned. This young girl was obviously still a child, so young, and exuding an air of nobility, clearly not from an ordinary household. Isnât this Cao Lingling?
"Madam Ye, have you made a mistake? Lord Yeâs cousin, havenât I seen her before? But she wasnât like this. If you disagree, just say so; Iâm simply passing on what Iâve heard after all, since itâs your family matter and youâre the decision-maker. But there is no need to randomly bring out a girl and pass her off as someone else."
Luo Linyu, who was already unhappy, grew even less pleased.
What is this woman even talking about? Does it seem like sheâs not the cousin of her cousin anymore? Seen her before? Where has she seen her that she would forget?
"I say, Madam! Have you ever seen this young lady before?"