A Maid's Survival Story in a Noble Family Mansion? Rich Landlords Are More Appealing.

"Father," Qiuju said, her voice a little hoarse but steady, "I will not marry into the Tian family."

Uncle Chen was about to lose his temper again, but before he could speak, Qiuju continued:

"It's not that I'm immature or that I've become too independent. I just want to find someone I like who also likes me."

She paused, her voice softening, but she didn't avoid Uncle Chen's gaze:

"Like Sister Wanxing and Young Master Wang."

Uncle Chen opened his mouth, but for a moment he didn't know what to say. He looked at Chen Wanxing, then at Grandma Chen, and finally his gaze fell back on Qiuju. He managed to stammer out:

"You, a little girl like you, what do you know about liking or disliking?"

Qiuju didn't speak, she just pursed her lips and looked at him. She didn't know if she was doing the right thing, but she knew that if she didn't say these words today and got married in such a muddled way, she would definitely regret it later.

The whole room fell silent. No one expected that Chen Qiuju, who had always been the most obedient and compliant, would say such a thing.

Grandma Chen suddenly chuckled.

She used to think that this child was too soft-hearted, and that she was afraid she wouldn't be able to handle things if they happened in the future.

But looking at her standing there now, at her stubborn appearance, Grandma Chen suddenly realized that she had been thinking wrong before.

This child's softness doesn't mean she's spineless; it just means she hasn't encountered any real trouble yet. Once she does, she'll definitely be able to stand firm.

Grandma Chen finally spoke, her voice calm and unhurried: "Second son, sit down first."

Uncle Chen glanced at Grandma Chen, opened his mouth, but ultimately didn't dare say anything more and sat down dejectedly.

Grandma Chen looked at Qiuju again.

When Qiuju met her gaze, her body tensed slightly.

Grandma Chen looked at her for a while, then suddenly smiled.

"Come here," she said.

Qiuju paused for a moment, then walked over.

"You did the right thing," she said.

Qiuju was stunned, and Uncle Chen was also stunned. They looked up at Grandma Chen. This rebellious daughter dared to talk back to her elders. Her mother didn't scold her, but even said that she did the right thing.

Grandma Chen didn't look at him, but said to Qiuju, "A girl can stand on her own two feet in this world not by being obedient, but by having ability."

When you came back this year, Grandma saw your embroidery. It's much better than last year. You have talent, so you have confidence.

She paused, then pulled Qiuju's hand and made her sit down beside her.

"Grandma has to praise you for what happened today. You were unhappy, but you were willing to talk to your family about it, which is the right thing to do."

We are a family. What does it mean to be a family? It means that you can speak your mind without hiding anything or worrying about upsetting anyone.

If you don't even dare to speak your mind to your family, how can you be expected to stand tall with others in the future?

Qiu Ju lowered her head, her eyes reddening again.

Grandma Chen patted her hand and softened her voice: "You're only thirteen this year, you're still a long way from getting married. The family doesn't need you to eat, and we're not counting on you for a dowry."

"It's a good thing that you want to find someone you're compatible with. Grandma supports you, and she also hopes you can find someone like Wanxing, someone with whom you both feel a deep connection."

As she said this, her tone became more serious: "But Grandma also has to tell you the truth."

You're different from your older sister. She's been out in the world for so many years, seen a lot of people, learned from her mistakes, and gained valuable experience. You grew up at home and haven't been out much. You still need to develop your ability to judge people.

So from now on, if you really encounter someone and have some thoughts about them, don't keep them to yourself; you must tell your family.

Grandma, and your parents, everyone in the family can help you see what's best for you. We're all family, and we all want you to have a good life.

Qiuju raised her head, looked at Grandma Chen, pursed her lips, and nodded.

Uncle Chen had been holding back for a long time, and seeing that things were about to be settled and the marriage to the Tian family might fall through, he couldn't help but say:

"The Tian family is willing to offer ten taels of silver as a bride price, and Tian Chuan is a very healthy boy, plus he lives right on their doorstep..."

Grandma Chen's face darkened, and she slammed the teacup she was holding onto the table.

"Second brother, are you obsessed with money?"

Uncle Chen shrank back and dared not utter a sound.

Grandma Chen pointed at him and said, "Let me tell you, our family doesn't lack those few taels of silver to save our lives. Let alone ten taels, even if it were twenty taels, if Qiuju doesn't want it, then there are only two words: no way."

"As a father, you don't think about your daughter's future, you're only eyeing those few taels of silver. Don't you have a conscience?"

Uncle Chen's face turned bright red, and he lowered his head and remained silent.

Grandma Chen took a breath and her voice became steady again: "Besides, just like your daughter-in-law said, what kind of good place is the Tian family?"

Zhao's favoritism is boundless! Can't you see how Qiuju will live if she marries into that family? This is such a huge pit of fire, and you're still pushing your daughter into it?"

Aunt Chen Er wiped away her tears and nodded repeatedly.

Grandma Chen picked up her teacup, took a sip, and waved her hand: "Alright, let's put this behind us. If the Tian family comes again in the future, just say that Qiuju is too young and not old enough for marriage, and tell them to stop thinking about it."

The room fell silent.

The charcoal fire crackled, filling the room with a warm glow. Qiuju sat beside Grandma Chen, her head bowed, tears falling silently.

Qinghui, who had been holding back for a while, finally couldn't help but lean close to Qiuju's ear and whisper, "Sister Qiuju, don't cry, Grandma will stand up for you."

Qiuju turned to look at her, her eyes red-rimmed, but she smiled and nodded.

In the following month, Uncle Chen brought up the Tian family's matter several more times, but each time Grandma Chen ruthlessly rejected his suggestion.

Once, at the dinner table, Uncle Chen had just started to speak when Grandma Chen put her chopsticks down on her bowl, glanced at him, and he dared not say another word.