Fierce Consort

Chapter 135

As the deadline given by the document gradually approached, the Weiyuan Marquis Estate started growing chaotic.

In the past the servants could still be seen methodically performing their assigned tasks. Now it was rare to see anyone. They were anxious and wondering what the future would bring. The third branch's managing grannies were frequently seen cursing and beating disobedient maids. The Rongan Hall was the same.

At the Jinse Pavilion, Shen Yi Yao remained calm. The servants knew the madam had money and a powerful maternal household so they didn't seem worried either. They just did their all to get into Shen Yi Yao's good books, hoping that they wouldn't be part of the servants getting sold off.

Towards Shen Yi Yao's unmoving attitude, there weren't many people coming to her door anymore. They wondered secretly whether the Zhenguo Duke had lost the emperor's favor, or perhaps he didn't favor this daughter of his. Of course these were just guesses. After all, Yan Mo was Shen Yi Yao's son. Even if the title was extended, Yan Mo would be the one inheriting it. Since she didn't take care of her own son, she must truly be powerless.

They were forced to face reality. What should they do in the future?

The estate had been split before in the past. The three branches only stuck together due to the Weiyuan Marquis Estate. Now that the estate was no longer theirs, they would naturally go their separate ways. But since the estate was impoverished, how were they supposed to survive?

Actually this was a problem they should have considered right after Yan Ting died. After all, he had been propping up all the expenses. Now, this problem had become even more pressing.

Shen Yi Yao remained aloof and the eldest branch didn't give any indications for now. Chen-shi couldn't sleep all night and gradually couldn't remain still. Ignoring the things that happened previously, she went to find Yan Qu. The couple discussed for a while before Yan Qu made a trip to the Rongan Hall.

The next day, Yan Qu gathered everyone to discuss what to do.

The two from the third branch had thought their actions were extremely covert, but they had already been seen by the eldest branch and Shen Yi Yao. The two branches sat there waiting to see what schemes the third branch came up with.

The third branch's intentions were actually very clear. They wanted to take the estate's two remaining businesses. Everyone was aware of the estate's situation after all. No matter how noble people were, they still had to eat, drink and crap. All this required silver. But how to get silver? Naturally, a profitable business was needed. The estate only had these two businesses remaining. The third branch knew there wasn't enough to go around and thus made the first move.

Of course, Yan Qu couldn't be the one to say this. The old madam had to make the decision.

After all, this household didn't only have the third branch. Without mentioning the eldest branch for now, Yan Ting left quite a few children behind. How could the direct lineage be discarded for another branch? Only if the old madam spoke up would there be no arguments.

The old madam had currently shed all pretenses. She was in such a state already so she no longer had to consider things as much. Yan Ting's death seemed to tear away her last bit of cover, revealing her thoughts. Especially since she could only speak through Matron Zhao nowadays, there was no way to cover her actions using pompous words.

Seeing that everyone was gathered, the old madam gave a glance. Matron Zhao stepped up and spoke the old madam's intentions.

In general, it wasn't possible to keep the estate.

Their shelter was about to be taken away and they were forced to move. Everyone was aware of the estate's situation. They naturally couldn't afford another such large residence. Therefore, they had to live separately. Since they had to split up, the things in the estate had to be divided. The old madam was planning on giving the remaining two businesses to the third branch.