TRAVELING BACK TO ANCIENT TIME, I'M MARRIED TO A FARMER AS HIS BEAUTIFUL WIFE - Chapter 2

“Shui Ling, I’m afraid I can’t protect you! You and Qiao Lan are no longer children. Let me go report to my father and have you released from the mansion.”

The sudden feeling of freedom felt unreal to Fu Yue, and she slowly calmed down.

“Miss, if Qiao Lan and I leave, who will serve you? I promised the previous madam that I would take good care of you.”

Mentioning her mother, Zhao Yunlian’s eyes welled up slightly.

“Don’t worry about me. The day before yesterday, my maternal grandmother sent a letter. When I return to the capital, she will send two maids and a nanny to me. The madam will be too proud to refuse such a gift from an elder.”

“Didn’t you still want to go find your brother? Let’s go.”

“I will never forget the young lady’s kindness!” Fu Yue stepped back and bowed.

“Young lady! Young lady!”

Xiao Lan lifted the curtain and called out loudly.

“The second young master, the third young lady, and the fourth young lady are about to come to the main hall for dinner. Let’s go too.”

Fu Yue and Xiao Lan helped Zhao Yunlian stand up and walked towards the main hall.

After dinner, the Zhao family members, as usual, went about their business.

Zhao Qing Song handled administrative matters.

The second young master, Zhao Cheng Xin, was the only young master in the mansion. He was fifteen years old this year, one year younger than Zhao Yunlian. After Fang Hua was promoted to the position of main wife, he was even more pampered like a precious treasure, wielding immense power. He was illiterate but skilled in all kinds of eating, drinking, and entertainment.

Zhao Chengxin ate his meal while occasionally glancing at Fu Yue, who was standing behind Zhao Yunlian.

He thought his actions were completely hidden. Zhao Yunmeng looked up, pouted, and glared, then conveniently glared back at her older sister, Zhao Yunlian.

Zhao Yunlian calmly continued eating, pretending not to see anything.

After their father left, Zhao Chengxin threw his chopsticks aside. “Mother, I’m leaving now. I have a date with my cousins at the chess academy today!” Zhao Chengxin said to his mother and immediately disappeared.

Fang Hua kept ordering the servants to catch up with Zhao Chengxin and keep an eye on the young master.

Zhao Yunmeng was his youngest sister, born of the same mother, thirteen years old, arrogant and domineering. Although the third young lady, Zhao Yunwu, was also thirteen, she was born to a concubine, Lady Liu, and was obedient and well-behaved, often following Zhao Yunmeng around.

As they were about to leave, the mansion needed a lot of tidying and preparation.

Madam Zhao told the three sisters to go back to their rooms to prepare and rest.

At dusk, after Zhao Qing Song returned to the mansion, Zhao Yun Lian, accompanied by Fu Yue and Qiao Lan, went to the study.

The housekeeper, seeing the eldest daughter arrive, went into the study to report and then led Zhao Yun Lian inside.

"What is it?"

Zhao Qing Song, already advanced in age, had just arrived at the mansion and was still wearing his official robes. While writing, he asked his daughter, who had always been quiet and reserved.

After bowing, Zhao Yun Lian gently said, "We will be returning to the capital in a few days. According to custom, the maids attending me have reached marriageable age and can be released from the mansion. I thought it best to release them before returning to the capital, to avoid bothering Father and Madam with such a small matter later when we return."

“Yes, I’ve considered it carefully. Just tell the madam about the matter behind the house.”

“Father, they were chosen by Mother when she was alive, and they’ve been my companions for over ten years. I want to give each of them a dowry, release them from the mansion to marry freely, and fulfill a part of the destiny between my mother and me.”

Hearing his daughter mention his former wife, Zhao Qing Song’s pen paused for a moment, slightly dazed. That woman had passed away more than ten years ago.

He then picked up his brush again and continued writing.

“If that’s the case, then you can decide. I’ll have the steward deliver the gifts to you later.”

“I thank Father for his approval. I’ll take my leave now.”

“Hmm… Go.”

Zhao Yun Lian left the study.

As soon as she returned to the Luohe Courtyard, the steward brought forty taels of silver.

After thanking the housekeeper, Zhao Yunlian divided the money into two parts and pushed them towards Fu Yue and Qiao Lan.

Qiao Lan looked at her mistress with suspicion. What did this mean?