Chapter 144: An Unintended Willow Grows Into Shade?
“If it were merely to form a good relationship, then I would truly agree just like that. You mustn’t regret it.”
Sending an eldest daughter-in-law, sending money and a house—merely just to form a good relationship?
Cao Weida is no fool; how could he possibly believe such nonsense.
He sets the words aside to see how this old man responds.
Old Master Rui gives an embarrassed smile, knowing his little trick can’t fool others.
But it doesn’t matter; he never intended to employ any conspiracy anyway. No matter how profound the conspiracy, it always has a flaw, and once it’s seen through, the more you gain, the stronger the backlash.
Only an open scheme leaves no hidden troubles and is the most flawless scheme.
He speaks slowly: “I’ll not hide it from you. Naturally, I dote on Second Madam Rui; after all, she has taken care of me for so many years. Even if my heart were stone, it should have warmed up.”
“However, the eldest is my own flesh and blood after all; I can’t just ignore them. After all, Rui Mansion in the future will still rely on him to continue the family line.”
“But I know my eldest son’s character best. Once I pass away, this vast Rui Mansion won’t know how many years it can hold out before it’s squandered away.”
He glances outside, his gaze falling on Fan Wu Ye through the glass on the door:
“We Manchu Qing nobles, you know what sort of character we all have. If I don’t leave a backup plan for Rui Mansion, things will be difficult in the future.”
“So, I want to form a good relationship with you, marry Second Madam Rui to you, with two crates of antiques and calligraphy paintings and a siheyuan as dowry.”
“The only promise I ask from you is that I will send two-thirds of the family fortune along with Ru Qiulan to your residence. When my useless son has no way out in the future, you can provide some to seek a way out for my descendants.”
He turns his gaze to Cao Weida, his eyes sincere: “Cao Ye, this is the exchange condition from this little old man. What do you think?”
Hearing these words, Cao Weida can’t help but give Old Master Rui a thumbs-up in his heart. This magnanimity is not something just anyone possesses.
Though he doesn’t know exactly how much family fortune Ruizi Mansion has, just the price of a single Ming Yongle Jingdezhen imperial kiln blue and white porcelain piece gives a glimpse of the whole—Ruizi Mansion’s treasures are absolutely invaluable.
Admittedly, not every antique has the value of a Ming Yongle Jingdezhen imperial kiln blue and white porcelain, but the total quantity is there after all.
Just for a promise, a way out for descendants when they have no way out, Old Master Rui is willing to pay so much.
In any case, Cao Weida admits that if their positions were switched, he wouldn’t have this magnanimity.
At the same time, it makes him more directly feel just how important a wise descendant truly is.
If the descendants are all like those Manchu Qing nobles, no matter how great the family fortune, it won’t be enough to squander.
However, Cao Weida has to admit that Old Master Rui has far-sighted vision. Old Master Rui likely doesn’t have much time left. Once he passes, not to mention whether Rui Mansion will decline in the years after, just those ten years after reform and opening up, Rui Mansion will surely wither.
As for Cao Weida’s own future, he doesn’t have much confidence either. Though he has released countless goodwills, no one can guarantee the final outcome.
But with the leader’s calligraphy and painting, at least it gives him the foundation to safely weather it.
As long as he safely gets through that period, with his current and next few years’ foundation, making a comeback will be a piece of cake.
And if he makes this promise, he still has the ability to help out before Rui Mansion encounters calamity.
So, is this Old Master Rui unintentionally planting willows that become shade?
Cao Weida considers for a moment and feels this business deal doesn’t put him at a loss.
Getting so many treasures for free, just helping out in times of difficulty—there’s nothing wrong with that, so he nods in agreement:
“Old Master Rui has extraordinary magnanimity and far-reaching plans, considering so thoroughly for his descendants. I admit I’m not your match in this magnanimity and courage.”
“Good! I agree. As long as I have the ability then, if Rui Mansion truly needs help in the future, I will certainly step up without hesitation!”
Old Master Rui smiles satisfiedly, as if a thousand-jin burden has been lifted, his face showing a relaxed expression: “Very well, then this old man thanks you here. The future of Rui Mansion will rely on Cao Ye to look after it.”
He pulls a piece of paper from his pocket and hands it over: “My eldest son’s character… never mind, no need to mention it. This is a list; please review it.”
Cao Weida takes it and looks, surprised as he lifts his head to glance at Old Master Rui. This one has done his homework thoroughly and invested heavily.
“Old Master Rui, actually no need for such trouble. A playboy like that, I believe I can handle.”
“You’re openly placing such great leverage in my hands; aren’t you afraid I’ll settle accounts after the autumn harvest?”
“Use people without doubt, doubt people without using. This old man still has that courage.” Old Master Rui smiles kindly. They say people grow cunning with age, ghosts grow spiritual. Having grown up in power dealings in his youth and lived so many years, it has given him discerning eyes.
He wouldn’t claim to see through people at a glance, but he can tell Cao Weida is not one to bite the hand that feeds.
Since he’s already placed his bet on Cao Weida, naturally he doesn’t mind adding more.
He has always believed in one principle: either don’t do it, or do it to the extreme!
In doing anything, the greatest taboo is wavering, indecisiveness—wanting everything and ending up with nothing.
“My eldest son is a reckless rogue. Without this thing, it will inevitably affect you somewhat.”
“Moreover, with this, my unfilial son will be somewhat wary in his actions later. Perhaps with the remaining family fortune, he can luckily keep the Rui family going.”
Tsk, this old man has extraordinary courage; I underestimated him before.
Cao Weida marvels inwardly. Since the man has willingly placed the knife in his hand, why refuse his good intentions?
He stands up: “Alright then, Old Master Rui. Prepare the things that need preparing. I’ll go find a vehicle outside and take everything at once.”
Seeing Cao Weida come out, Fan Wu Ye chuckles: “Cao Ye, out already? How did the talks go?”
He glances at Cao Weida’s empty hands, a bit worried in his heart. Could the talks have broken down?
“Fifth Master, come with me first to handle something; we’ll come right back.” He turns to Ru Qiulan: “Second Madam Rui, Old Master Rui wants you inside.”
Ru Qiulan pauses, then nods with a light smile, walking in with cat-like steps.
The eldest daughter-in-law behind shows disgust in her eyes, muttering: “Vixen, husband-killer! Swaying seductively all day, pah! Shameless!”
With sharp ears and eyes, Cao Weida’s ears twitch. Hearing this, he rolls his eyes. Jealous women are everywhere. With your appearance and figure, you want to be a vixen but don’t have the fate for it.
He disdainfully looks away; that visage is an eyesore. And she dares comment on my future women.
If not for Old Master Rui’s sake, when you fall into downfall later, I won’t even kick you when you’re down—that’d be pretty good!
“Fan Wu Ye, let’s go.”
“Alright, alright.” Fan Wu Ye follows in a daze. After leaving the courtyard, he hurriedly grabs his arm: “Cao Ye, what’s going on? Did the talks break down?”
“No, quite the opposite—they went very pleasantly.” Cao Weida smiles with narrowed eyes. “Don’t worry; I won’t forget your share of the benefits. Let’s find a vehicle first; I need it.”
In the room, seeing Ru Qiulan enter, Old Master Rui’s eyes show affection: “Qiulan, close the door. I have a few words for you.”
“Alright.” Ru Qiulan responds, full of doubt as she walks to Old Master Rui: “Father-in-law, speak.”
Old Master Rui’s wrinkled hand covers Ru Qiulan’s jade hand, sighing: “In the blink of an eye, ten years have passed. Qiulan, you’ve grown into an adult.”
“Since you married into our family, life hasn’t been peaceful, but you’ve never complained these years, always filial and serving me. You’ve had it hard.”
“Father-in-law, what are you saying? I’m your daughter-in-law; serving you is only right.”
“Haha~~ Our family marrying such a filial and sensible daughter-in-law is Rui family’s good fortune.” Old Master Rui laughs heartily, then his expression darkens as he sighs:
“It’s also my second son’s bad luck, passing away so early, leaving you all alone and lonely, delaying you into a big girl… It’s my second son who had no good fortune.”
The Republic of China is not like later generations; not to mention 21 without marrying, even 31 without marrying were everywhere.
In this era, women basically married and had children in their teens. Over 20 without marrying was already a big girl.
Of course, educated intellectual families or coastal trading ports had relatively open views. Women exposed to new education might delay due to studies or work, so quite a few unmarried at 20, even seen as independent.
But this wasn’t mainstream after all.
Ru Qiulan: “Father-in-law, don’t say that. This daughter-in-law feels honored to marry into Rui Mansion, to have such a doting father-in-law. Qiulan is very content.”
“Good child.” Old Master Rui pats her hand, smiling bitterly: “But I’m already an old master; I can’t accompany you forever.”
“I can still protect you a bit now, but if I go someday, what will you do?”
He raises his hand to stop Ru Qiulan who wants to speak: “Listen to me.”
What can Ru Qiulan do? She can only listen obediently.
Old Master Rui says affectionately: “Qiulan, you’re a woman after all; you need someone to rely on, and you need a child in the future.”
“Thoughts are more open now; the era has changed, not like before. This old man isn’t some old antique, so I’m thinking, while I’m still here, find you a good family to marry into, and settle one of my worries.”
“Father-in-law, you’ll surely live to a hundred. I won’t marry.”
