Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress

Chapter 102: Chapter 101: Ocean Tolerance_1

“This is natural!” Bai Qiyun’s face slightly eased.

Bai Qingyan nodded and looked at Mrs. Dong. “A few days ago, Grandmother told me that after the period of mourning for the Duke’s mansion, she intended for us to return to the ancestral home in Shuoyang. Grandmother had planned to discuss with you about repairing our main branch’s abandoned ancestral home in Shuoyang. I privately asked Steward Hao about this matter. Steward Hao said that Grandfather had this idea long ago and had sent the repair blueprint from the old steward half a year ago. Our ancestral home is large. If we are to repair it comprehensively, it would cost around 180,000 to 190,000 taels of silver. This does not include the cost of new additions. Due to the large amount, the Duke’s mansion couldn’t provide the funds all at once, so the matter was postponed.”

Bai Qiyun’s heart skipped a beat, thinking Bai Qingyan intended to use the excuse of repairing the ancestral home to avoid giving money.

Bai Qiyun’s face turned ashen.

It was he who suggested that the women of the Duke’s mansion should return to the Shuoyang ancestral home. Naturally, fixing up the ancestral home was the priority. He felt as if he had lifted a stone and dropped it on his own foot.

Bai Qiyun, unable to contain his anger, sneered, “The Duke’s mansion, a hundred-year-old military family, cannot come up with 180,000 to 190,000 taels of silver to repair the ancestral home. Who are you trying to fool, niece?! The military funds and provisions of the Duke’s mansion, even a little bit, are more than that amount!”

Her eyes darkened, “Uncle, be careful with your words! You are over forty years old, yet you speak so recklessly. Embezzling military funds is a crime punishable by the extermination of nine clans. Uncle dares to say this, but our Duke’s mansion does not dare to accept it.”

Bai Qiyun pressed his lips together. Indeed, he had spoken imprudently out of anger.

Giving Bai Qiyun a deep look, she then continued speaking to Mrs. Dong. “Investing in land for the clan, repairing the ancestral temple, ancestral hall, ancestral tombs, and school; since Grandfather had promised these things, even if he is no longer here, we must carry them out. The clan needs 450,000 taels. Repairing the ancestral home will cost 200,000 taels, totaling 650,000 taels!”

Bai Qiyun’s eyebrows twitched. This was indeed no small sum.

“Mother, your and the aunts’ dowries must not be touched. Even for gathering funds to repair the Bai family’s ancestral temple, ancestral hall, and ancestral tombs and to purchase land for the clan, there is no reason to touch the daughters-in-law’s dowries! Your daughter thought it best to sell all the shops, houses, farms, and good fields owned by the Duke’s mansion in Dadu City to gather the silver. Anyway, the widows of the Duke’s mansion will eventually return to Shuoyang relying on the clan. It would be better to leave Dadu City clean without any entanglements…”

Bai Qiyun and the two uncles from Shuoyang were stunned. They did not expect Bai Qingyan’s long speech to culminate in such a conclusion.

Mrs. Dong looked at her daughter suspiciously, only to see her daughter smile and nod lightly. Mrs. Dong, relieved, picked up her teacup and said, “These family assets cannot be sold just like that.”

Bai Qiyun was deeply moved. The properties of the Duke’s mansion in Dadu City were highly profitable. If sold to raise funds, he could discreetly have Steward Wu buy a couple of places, ensuring future wealth.

“I know Uncle is in a hurry, saying it must be ready by tomorrow!” She sneered, turning to Mrs. Dong and said, “Mother, currently the wealthiest merchant, Xiao Rongyan, is still in Dadu City. By chance, Chen Qingsheng from our mansion and the steward of Xiao’s mansion are well acquainted. We can let Steward Hao and Chen Qingsheng inquire. In the whole world, Xiao Rongyan is probably the only one who could come up with such a large amount of silver in a short time.”

“In fact…” Bai Qiyun began but quickly swallowed his words, only saying, “Indeed, Qingyan is right!”

Originally, he wanted to suggest there was no rush and even persuade Mrs. Dong and Bai Qingyan to sell slowly for a good price, giving him time to profit.

But saying that would contradict his earlier urgency, so he swallowed his words.

“Since it is settled, then please, the three of you, formally offer incense to my grandfather and father, informing them of the clan matters that our Duke’s mansion has agreed to. Let my grandfather and father know that the clan will take good care of the widows of the Duke’s mansion, so that… they can rest easy!”

Bai Qingyan’s words were reasonable. Having accepted such a large sum, not offering a promise would be too shameless.

The two uncles from Shuoyang, seeing Bai Qiyun silent, gently tugged his sleeve and whispered, “Brother, this makes sense… The Duke’s mansion has greatly supported the clan over the years. Moreover, you were too hasty earlier, discussing this matter with the Princely Heir’s wife without first offering incense; many people saw this. To regain some dignity, you should offer incense properly.”

“Yes! The Duke’s mansion provided the silver, and the clan benefited. All they want is respect. Offering incense and making a promise in front of the guests that the Bai family’s widows will keep their word is worthwhile! Besides, once said before guests, the Duke’s mansion cannot shirk since they are widows.”

Bai Qiyun had been too hasty earlier, wanting to address the matter before his brothers left. He had not intentionally avoided offering incense.

Now that the goal was achieved, he had no need to maintain a superior facade while mourning.

“I didn’t offer incense out of urgency!” Bai Qiyun said, clearing his throat, “Since it is decided, let’s offer incense to inform the Duke and Princely Heir, letting them know! Princely Heir’s wife… I apologize for any offense.”

Mrs. Dong turned to Nanny Qin and said, “Nanny Qin, lead the three masters to offer incense.”

“Yes!” Nanny Qin folded her hands at her abdomen, respectfully saluted the three Shuoyang masters, and made a gesture to guide them.

As they left the main hall, Mrs. Dong impatiently asked, “Kid, what is your plan?”

The Duke’s mansion could raise the tens of thousands of taels, but the clan had acted too high-handedly. Even if obliged, they couldn’t give in so easily!

“Mother…” Bai Qingyan took Mrs. Dong’s arm, walking towards the front hall, “Since we are returning to Shuoyang’s ancestral home, it is better to sell all visible assets cleanly now rather than be continuously exploited by the clan later! While Grandfather’s mourning hall is still set up, let Jinzhi and Jintong spread the news widely. Let the clan and the world know how we were forced to support the clan… selling all assets in hand. Once the clan has taken this time, they will refrain from seeking help from us widows in the future due to public opinion. This is the first point.”

“Secondly… to appear to withdraw from Dadu and assure the Emperor?” Mrs. Dong asked.