Chapter 151: Envy, Jealousy, Hate
Mrs. Chen sent Lian’er to give the rooms one last check and make sure nothing was left behind.
She had just stepped out of the house when Aunt Liu came up to her, grinning. "Moving over now? How far is the new house from here?"
Mrs. Chen returned the smile. "Not far, less than a li. You should come take a look when you’re free."
Aunt Liu clapped her hands. "I’m free right now! I’ll go with you and take a look. It’s a good chance to learn the way so I can visit later."
Mrs. Chen laughed. "That’s true. It’s not far, so it’ll be just like before, almost like we’re still living in the same village."
Shanzimama sidled up. "Then I’ll come along for the fun."
The eldest aunt also walked over. "I want to see the new house, too."
Mrs. Chen laughed again. "That’s wonderful! Let’s all go together."
The women from the other families were also tempted, and in the end, a whole crowd followed them out the door and headed for the other courtyard.
In less time than it takes to drink a cup of tea, the crowd arrived at the courtyard gate.
A shiny brass lock was on the courtyard gate.
Gu Zhang stepped forward, took out the key, and opened the gate. Pushing it open, he revealed a path of flagstones, with two rows of bamboo planted along the walls on either side.
Er Lang walked ahead with a lantern. The group looked at the front courtyard first, all of them clicking their tongues in praise.
Next, they entered the second gate.
In the skywell, two large vats sat on the left and right. They held water and the withered stalks of a few lotus plants.
The courtyard was also paved with flagstones, so clean you couldn’t see a speck of dust.
Inside the house, the furniture in the main hall was still there: Grandmaster chairs, a long narrow table, and flower stands, all neatly arranged.
After seeing the main hall, the impatient Ms. Qian grabbed the lantern from Er Lang’s hand and went into the main room to see the bed.
This was also a canopy bed, like a small room in itself. On one side of the headboard was a cabinet, and on the other was a small table. However, it was clearly not as exquisite as the one at Young Master Su’s home. It wasn’t gilded or lacquered, nor did it have such intricate carvings.
Ms. Qian breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a sense of victory.
The crowd tsked in admiration. A member of the Yu Family said with envy, "Second Sister-in-law Gu is truly blessed. People like us could never live in a house like this in our entire lives."
Shanzimama’s eyes were also full of envy.
Just from seeing this courtyard, she now felt that her family’s meager fortune was nothing compared to the family of Gu the Second. Her son could never hope to marry Gu Fei.
Mrs. Chen chuckled happily. "I’m just enjoying the fruits of my daughter’s labor. My Little Fei earned all this without spending a single coin!"
Everyone understood and began to compliment Gu Fei. Mrs. Chen felt comfortable all over as she listened, so relaxed that even her pores seemed to open up.
Only Ms. Qian pursed her lips, feeling a sour pang of jealousy. ’I’ve given birth to three daughters, so how come not a single one is as successful as Gu Fei?’
She couldn’t help but turn and shoot a harsh glare at Xing’er, who was standing beside her.
Xing’er instantly understood her mother’s thoughts and couldn’t help but roll her eyes. ’What does this have to do with me? Go find my eldest and second sisters! I haven’t seen them showing you much filial piety either!’
The crowd looked through all the rooms. Seeing that Mrs. Chen and her family still had to put things away, they all said their goodbyes.
As Ms. Qian was leaving, she glanced at Lian’er and said sourly, "Well, isn’t this something. That girl, Little Fei, is quite the schemer. She knew she was going to be a young mistress, so she bought a servant girl in advance."
’Hmph, if it weren’t for me, Lian’er wouldn’t be enjoying such a good life!’
Those words gave Mrs. Chen pause.
’Now that the family is settled, we need to establish some rules for the future.’
’A servant girl is a servant girl. We can’t keep acting like we did when we were fleeing the famine. We had no choice back then.’
’This girl, Lian’er, is well-behaved and hardworking. Most importantly, she’s completely devoted to Little Fei. So, I am satisfied with her.’
’But as for Lan Zhi—’
’Don’t think I haven’t noticed Gu Erlang’s feelings. It just wasn’t convenient to say anything on the road.’