TSWRLM -Chapter 127 Raising Funds for the Promotion Banquet

When Mo Yunwan learned that Shen Qingchi had gone out with Chun Xi, she immediately went to report to Madam Mo: “Little Sister Chi went out with Cao Chun Xi today. I heard they’re raising funds for the promotion banquet.”

“Raising funds? The Xiao family left behind so much dowry. How could they need to go out to collect money for a banquet? Who would lend it to her?”

Madam Mo took a sip of tea before speaking slowly. Mo Yunwan quickly added: “I heard from the household that before Chun Xi went to Xuzhou, she sold off quite a few things. Now that she has household control, no one checks her accounts. She may appear to be at odds with her maternal family, but secretly, she could be sending money back home through her brother.”

Madam Mo had always considered Chun Xi’s rise to her position a disgrace. Over the years, she had quietly given money to her maternal family to curry favor. Hearing Mo Yunwan’s words, she immediately believed her. Then Mo Yunwan added: “She’s been getting close to Old Madam Xiao recently. If she shamelessly asks Old Madam Xiao for money, Old Madam will probably give it—this sum is nothing for the Xiao family.”

Hearing Old Madam Xiao’s name, Madam Mo’s expression darkened instantly.

If not for that old woman, she wouldn’t have had Shen Qingyuan bear the blame for having a ‘cursed wife.’ And now, that old woman dared to meddle in the Hou household’s affairs—her hand was far too long.

Mo Yunwan observed Madam Mo’s reaction carefully. Sensing the moment was right, she teased: “Elder Cousin values Cao Chun Xi so much. I suppose she’s been secretly helping her maternal family, even hiding it from Cousin. If only her family had one or two items as proof…”

This struck a nerve with Madam Mo. She immediately said: “Nanny Jia, go to my private treasury and bring the emperor-green bracelet and earrings.”

Madam Mo’s cold command made Nanny Jia uneasy. “Madam, that bracelet and earrings are very valuable—and they are your most treasured items. You rarely wear them.”

Besides their value, the items had been stolen from the Xiao family dowry. Madam Mo only dared wear them during her birthday at the Hou residence, fearing someone would recognize them.

Madam Mo took another sip of tea, curling her lips into a meaningful smile: “Wrap them up and give them to that boy, Cao Wen. Tell him they’re an apology gift from his sister to his mother. At the promotion banquet, she must wear the bracelet and earrings to the Hou residence to save face for her daughter and son-in-law.”

Nanny Jia immediately realized Madam Mo was plotting to frame Chun Xi and hurriedly tried to advise against it: “Both the Young Master and Young Mistress are not easy to deal with. If it blows up, perhaps…”

Madam Mo cut her off: “Just have the gatekeeper quietly bring his mother into the residence. As long as the other noble ladies believe the story, Chun Xi stealing her husband’s property to help her family will be seen as true. If they don’t acknowledge it, what can she do?”

Before Nanny Jia could argue further, Mo Yunwan added: “Aunt is clever. First, let Cao Chun Xi show off a bit, then let Little Sister Chi casually reveal that she borrowed money from the Xiao family for the banquet, and finally, have Madam Wang exposed in front of everyone. Chun Xi won’t be able to defend herself.”

With Mo Yunwan’s support, Madam Mo felt her plan was perfect.

Once Chun Xi was publicly proven guilty of theft, her control of the household could be taken away. Even forcing Shen Qingyuan to divorce her would be possible. In that case, Yu’er wouldn’t need to marry Mo Yunwan, the despicable girl.

Thinking this, Madam Mo urged Nanny Jia: “Hurry up! And remind the boy not to say anything, especially don’t let Cao Chun Xi find out.”

“Yes, old servant understands.”

Nanny Jia took her leave, and Mo Yunwan continued praising Madam Mo, making her beam with delight.

Meanwhile, in the Mo family’s front hall, Chun Xi sat with Shen Qingchi, enjoying tea and pastries.

The Mo family’s chefs were excellent, and the tea was this year’s fresh brew. The hospitality rivaled the standards of great families like the Xiao or Wei households.

Shen Qingchi hadn’t expected Chun Xi to bring her to the Mo household to raise money. Seeing Chun Xi nearly finish the entire plate of pastries, she whispered: “Sister-in-law, maybe we should leave. If Mother finds out we came to the Mo household without permission, she’ll be angry.”

Chun Xi’s eyes curved in an understanding smile: “Little sister, how can this be called causing trouble? We’re only reclaiming what belongs to your brother. Mother has already given me control of the household; whatever I do, she will support me.”

Shen Qingchi wanted to continue persuading her to leave, but before she could, Madam Ning accompanied Old Madam Mo into the front hall.

Old Madam Mo was an extremely authoritative woman. Madam Mo, being of secondary birth, had not been personally trained by her and had embarrassed the family by rising to her position in the Hou residence. Old Madam Mo could not bring herself to like Shen Qingchi, the granddaughter-in-law from outside the family.

Once seated, Old Madam Mo didn’t even glance at Shen Qingchi, her eyes fixed sharply on Chun Xi: “Eldest Young Mistress Shen, you suddenly visit and insist on seeing me. What is your purpose?”

Even before Old Madam Mo entered, Chun Xi had swallowed her tea and assumed a composed posture. She stood and said: “I apologize for my sudden visit, Old Madam, but my husband has been promoted, and the residence must host a promotion banquet. The Hou residence has been empty for a while. If the Mo family does not return the money, the banquet cannot be held.”

Old Madam Mo’s expression darkened. Madam Ning objected immediately: “Second Young Mistress Shen, what do you mean? How does the Hou residence being empty concern the Mo family?”

Chun Xi replied without hesitation: “I did not say the Hou residence lacks money because of the Mo family. But the promotion banquet is imminent, and the Mo family happens to owe my husband money. I had no choice but to come in person. Isn’t Mo Yunwan still living in the Hou residence? Didn’t the Second Madam of the Mo family promise on that day?”

Madam Ning was caught off guard. She had intended to delay, hoping for a way to negotiate, but Chun Xi came straight to the door. She didn’t know how to respond.

Old Madam Mo spoke solemnly: “Marriage is a matter of family face and honor. It is not something a junior like you can meddle in. Even if money is to be reclaimed, the Hou residence’s old madam should come in person to discuss it with me.”

Everyone knew that the Marquis of Qingyuan came from humble beginnings, and his mother was a village woman, already expelled from the Hou residence by Madam Mo. Even if she came to the Mo family, she could only ask for peace—not retract the marriage.

Chun Xi remained calm, adjusting her gown and smiling faintly: “Grandmother is old, and my mother-in-law has been ill from anger recently. Household control now rests with me, and all affairs are handled entirely by me. What I say today represents their wishes.”

Hearing that Chun Xi had household control, Old Madam Mo’s eyes flashed with surprise. She glanced suspiciously at Shen Qingchi.

Shen Qingchi immediately felt a prickling unease.

She hadn’t known they’d be coming to the Mo household. Had she known, she wouldn’t have come. But she had just pledged loyalty to her sister-in-law yesterday. If she didn’t support her now, Chun Xi would no longer trust her.

After hesitating, Shen Qingchi said: “Sister-in-law is right. Mother did give her control of the household.”

Old Madam Mo and Madam Ning were speechless, cursing Madam Mo silently for being foolish. Then Chun Xi added: “My mother still had some doubts about me, but Cousin Mo persuaded her earnestly. I see that Cousin Mo genuinely likes Third Brother, which is why she eagerly tries to please me.”

Old Madam Mo: “……”

Madam Ning: “……”