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

"Mother, Third Brother, I think it's better to separate. It's clear from the start, and each family can live their own lives. If we work together, our lives might be even more prosperous."

Uncle Chen looked at his elder brother, Father Chen, then at his mother, pondered for a moment, and then spoke.

Their second wife, Qiuju, is almost of marriageable age, and now they're dividing the property...

At this moment, the second aunt, who had been keeping her head down as if she didn't exist, suddenly raised her eyes and glanced at Chen Wanxing, her gaze flashing quickly a few times.

She gently tugged at Uncle Chen's sleeve, her voice soft yet clear, "Father, Mother, I think Third Brother is right. It's the old custom to not separate the family while our parents are alive. Besides..."

She glanced timidly at Chen Wanxing, then quickly lowered her eyes. "Wanxing was just found, and our Chen family is already making a fuss about dividing the family property. If this gets out, who knows what people will say?"

"This might damage Wanxing's reputation. She just got home; we can't let her bear this stigma."

Her words were tactful, and for a moment, all eyes in the main room fell on Chen Wanxing.

Chen Wanxing put down her chopsticks, picked up a handkerchief and gently wiped the corner of her mouth. Facing everyone's gaze, her tone was calm and distant, carrying a just-right amount of caution and politeness.

She greeted them in turn, showing proper etiquette: "Grandma, Father, Mother, Second Uncle and Second Aunt, Third Uncle and Third Aunt."

"Dividing the family property is a major event concerning the future of the Chen family, and should be carefully decided by Grandma and the older generation. As a daughter who has just returned home, I have not fulfilled my filial duties at home for many years. In terms of family matters, I am still considered a half-outsider, and I really dare not offer any opinions, much less become a factor influencing the decisions of the elders."

Whether we divide the family property or not, and however we divide it, I have no objections; I will only listen to Grandma and the elders' arrangements. Besides, if we discuss and agree on the division ourselves, without any conflict, how can outsiders have any right to gossip?

Her words completely absolved her of any responsibility, adopting an extremely humble stance, clearly stating that she would not participate, interfere, or take the blame, but no one should try to use her as a pretext.

Grandma Chen frowned slightly as she listened to her son and daughter-in-law's words and her granddaughter's statement.

She didn't care much about her third brother's suggestion that their parents should not separate while they were still alive. Compared to these formalities, she valued practicality more at her age.

Grandma Chen's gaze lingered for a moment on her second daughter-in-law, who was looking meek and submissive.

Reputation? That really hit Grandma Chen's sore spot.

She had waited so many years for her granddaughter to come home, and her biggest fear was that the child would suffer any more injustice, as damage to her reputation would be a much bigger deal. For her to cause trouble about separating the family so soon after returning home would certainly sound bad if word got out, making it seem like the girl was a troublemaker.

After a moment's hesitation, Grandma Chen waved her hand, making a final decision, and picked up her chopsticks again: "Alright, stop arguing. Wanxing just got back, there's no rush. Let's discuss the division of the family property later. Let's eat first."

Chen's mother hesitated for a moment, remembering how her daughter had huddled up in the cold that morning. She couldn't shake the thought that troubled her. She looked at Chen's grandmother, her voice weaker than when they had discussed it earlier, but she persisted, "Mother, what about the cotton and charcoal?"

Before she could finish speaking, Chen Wanxing interrupted, "Mother, there's really no need for the family to spend any money. I brought some silver with me when I came back, which was originally for daily expenses. After we finish eating, I'll go to town myself and buy some cotton and charcoal."

Grandma Chen glanced at Chen Wanxing and slowly spoke, her tone carrying an undeniable authority: "You just got home, how can you let yourself pay for these everyday things? What kind of talk is that?"

She put down her chopsticks, her gaze swept over everyone at the table, finally settling on Chen Wanxing, her voice clear and steady:

"My wife said before that my little bit of savings was saved for your dowry. Now that you're back, this money is meant for you anyway. Since you need it now, take some from this allowance and go to town to buy cotton and charcoal. Buy the best quality, don't be stingy. The rest will naturally be saved for you."

These words silenced everyone. This was the old lady's private stash of money for her granddaughter, and no one else had the right to interfere with how it was used.

Upon hearing this, Chen's mother breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Chen's grandmother with eyes full of gratitude.

The third aunt moved her lips, wanting to say something, but remembering that it was the old lady's own private money, and that it had been clearly stated that it was for Chen Wanxing, she didn't dare to say anything more, though her expression wasn't very good.

Chen Wanxing looked at Grandma Chen. She knew that this was Grandma Chen's way of showing her support and acceptance. If she insisted on paying for it herself, it would seem like she was being distant and ungrateful.

After a moment's hesitation, she stopped refusing, nodded slightly, and softened her tone: "In that case, I'll follow Grandma's arrangements. Thank you, Grandma."

After breakfast, as soon as the dishes were cleared away, Chen's mother couldn't wait to go to town. She was worried about the cotton and charcoal fire, fearing that if the blankets weren't properly made for the night, her daughter would suffer from the cold.

Chen's mother hurriedly went back into the house, took the silver given to her by Grandma Chen, carefully wrapped it in an old handkerchief, and put it in her bosom.

Just as she was about to leave, her third aunt poked her head out of her room, carrying a worn-out basket. Her face was expressionless, and she simply said, "Sister-in-law, wait for me, I'm going too."

Chen's mother paused, and her third aunt had already closed the door and walked over. The two of them went out of the courtyard one after the other, each lost in their own thoughts, and neither of them was in the mood to chat.

In the courtyard, Grandma Chen watched their departing figures, then turned her gaze to Chen Wanxing, who was sitting quietly in the sun at the entrance of the main room.

The morning light outlined the granddaughter's slender and upright figure. She wore a peach-pink jacket and a bright green skirt. In this courtyard with its earthen walls and gray tiles, she was like a magnolia that had mistakenly wandered into a vegetable patch, out of place yet captivating.

She looked at her with pride; her daughter had grown into a truly beautiful young woman.

Grandma Chen stood up, leaning on her cane, and walked to Chen Wanxing's side. "Wanxing, come on, let's go for a walk together."

Chen Wanxing tilted her head slightly and looked at her grandmother: "Where are you going, Grandma?"

Grandma Chen raised her chin slightly, "You're back. It's a great joy for the Chen family. Over the years, our neighbors and relatives have helped keep an eye out for us and talked about us behind our backs."

Now that you're back, it's only natural that I should take you to meet people. In our Xiahe Village, the Chen surname is the dominant surname. Although some relatives are distant, most are still related in some way, so I should introduce you to them.

Chen Wanxing instantly understood that this was a homecoming presentation for her. She wasn't particularly interested in it, but she understood Grandma Chen's feelings and intentions.

Therefore, Chen Wanxing did not show any rejection or resistance, but instead affectionately took Grandma Chen's arm.

"Okay, I'll go with Grandma."