flstandardbreds Chapter 154 Tingting's Request!
Chapter 154 Tingting's Request!
Upon hearing this, Liu Tingting was immediately stunned. She stared at Mu Chang'an with disbelief in her eyes, and after a long while, she managed to utter, "This? Uncle, you are actually...?"
"Uncle had no choice! I knew they weren't doing too well in Yunzhou, but they shouldn't have fallen to the point of having to pawn their jewelry! The Mu family still has properties in Yunzhou. So, I had people keeping a close eye on them to prevent your mother from being bullied again. Who would have thought?"
Mu Chang'an shook his head slightly as he finished speaking, his face showing indescribable helplessness, pity, and disappointment.
Liu Tingting was already thirteen years old and had lived in the Mu family for three years, so she could naturally read her uncle's expression and knew that he was very disappointed in her parents! Even if she wanted to help, she had given up on the idea because of how her father had abused her and her mother to such an extent for the sake of a woman named He!
“Uncle, so much jewelry must have cost you a lot of money, right? Uncle, I can’t accept this jewelry! We know how my brother and I have been living in the Mu family for the past three years. Father and Mother rarely bring us anything other than monthly allowances or pastries.”
As Liu Tingting spoke, she was already sobbing uncontrollably. Perhaps she was thinking of something painful, because she actually knelt down on the ground.
"Cousin, what are you doing? Get up quickly." Mu Xin Nuan quickly pulled her up.
Madam Li quickly got up from her seat and grabbed her hand, saying, "Why do you need to act like this in front of your own family? Since you called him 'uncle,' he should naturally reciprocate! It's just some jewelry; there's no need for you to make such a fuss."
Mu Chang'an had naturally discussed this with Madam Li beforehand. He knew that his wife came from a prominent family and naturally didn't care about such things. However, not only did she protect Tingting yesterday, but today she also asked her to be more understanding of Changchun. Mu Chang'an was extremely grateful.
Indeed, only with a virtuous wife can one live a peaceful life in the inner quarters.
"That's right, Mother is right. What does it matter that Father, as your own uncle, did these things? Stop crying, it's like we've bullied you."
Li asked somewhat uncertainly, "Tingting, please don't take what your mother said yesterday to heart. She didn't mean it. And actually, I wanted to ask you, aren't you really worried that your uncle and I might use you to climb the social ladder?"
Mu Chang'an's heart skipped a beat. He suddenly remembered that there had been such a thing yesterday. If Tingting had taken it to heart, wouldn't he have done a good deed for nothing and ended up with all the blame?
"Tingting, don't worry. Your future marriage will naturally be approved by your maternal grandmother. Your uncle won't force you; it's best if you're willing yourself."
At this moment, Liu Tingting no longer cared about being shy. She immediately burst into tears and said, "Thank you so much, Uncle and Aunt! In this world, who is good to me and who is cruel to me? Tingting naturally has a scale in her heart. I will never let anyone deceive me."
"Good child, stop crying." Madam Li also took out a handkerchief and began to wipe away her tears, and the atmosphere in the room became somewhat somber.
"Father, what about Aunt? We can't borrow the money. Will Uncle blame Aunt? Will he?" Mu Xin Nuan wanted to ask Liu Haiye if he would directly take action against Aunt, but she held back in front of Liu Tingting.
"Don't worry. The Liu family's matter won't drag on for too long. Tomorrow, I'll send someone to invite your uncle over for a talk. But Tingting, you can't show your face then. Just say you were frightened, and whatever you do, don't leave your own courtyard. Just stay in bed and rest."
"Yes, Uncle."
"Father, are you really planning to give the house deed and land deed to my uncle? What if they change their minds later? What will we do then?"
"Don't worry, Father naturally considered this possibility long ago, and naturally he would make him write the document. I'm not bullying him, it's just that he..." Mu Chang'an shook his head, leaving the rest of his sentence unsaid.
Mu Xin Nuan thought for a moment, still somewhat uneasy, "But Father, this uncle is so cunning. The matter of asking you to join the Ministry of Works hasn't been settled yet. What if he brings it up again tomorrow?"
“Cousin, don’t be angry with Father. It’s not that Father doesn’t want to help Uncle, it’s just that he’s only been in the capital for a year and he’s already making a fuss about changing his office. What will his colleagues think of him? If he were a son of a noble family, it would be fine. But the problem is he’s not! He’s only just arrived in the capital, and his position isn’t even secure yet, but he’s so eager to stand out. I’m afraid it will be more of a curse than a blessing!”
Mu Chang'an nodded. His daughter was always so clever! The reason he hadn't allowed Liu Haiye to join the Ministry of Works was partly due to his character, and partly because he was new to the capital and it wouldn't be good if he were too arrogant!
The officialdom is a deep and treacherous place, and the capital city is home to the most powerful figures, making it even more unfathomable. How can someone who hasn't even figured out the connections yet be so focused on getting promoted and making money? There's no such thing as a free lunch.
"Alright, Tingting doesn't understand these things in officialdom. As for you, when you have nothing to do, go to the study to help your father look up information and read letters occasionally."
"Yes, father."
Madam Li was quite surprised by Mu Chang'an's decision. She hadn't expected him to allow his daughter to go to the study, a place traditionally reserved for men. She knew this was the rule of the Mu household; why now?
"Uncle, are you going to hand over the land deed and house deed to Father tomorrow?"
"That's right. What can I do for you?"
Liu Tingting bit her lip, trying her best not to cry anymore, and then knelt down again.
"What is Tingting doing?"
This time, Liu Tingting absolutely refused to get up!
"Uncle, Tingting knows you love me. Please love Tingting and my brother a little more."
"What makes you say that?" Mu Chang'an asked, frowning.
"Uncle, over the years, I've seen through Father's true nature all too well. I don't ask for anything else, I just hope to live a peaceful life with my brother in the future. I know that land in the capital is incredibly valuable, and without some connections, how can one buy a good place to build a house? Since you're willing to help me win this marriage, please consider Zhuangzhuang's situation a little more."
The three of them were taken aback, looked at each other, and really didn't understand what she was trying to say.
"Uncle, please transfer the house and land deeds directly to my brother's name. That way, my brother won't have to worry about what Father can do to him in the future."