Exile with Storage Space: Family Fortunes in the Barren Lands-Chapter 498 - 0472: Princess Consort Luling’s Arrangement (3)
The three Liu the bricklayer, father and sons, went out together to work as bricklayers for people. It was always Liu Er who negotiated prices and collected debts. Liu Laoda had too explosive a temper, and Liu the bricklayer was too honest, but only Liu Er had a temperament in between his older brother and father.
Second Lady Liu said, "No need to worry about my father-in-law’s matters, with the elder brother at home. Our fields are given to them for farming, and I’ll provide their family with some money. Third lady, the fields at home are too few to harvest much. Besides, Jinbao and Yinbao have never left the county since they grew up. I want to take them out to see the world."
Li Xingsheng said at this time, "We’ll go back and speak with my parents first. If they agree, I’ll come to pick you up to our home tomorrow morning."
Second Lady Liu was delighted, "Thank you so much."
Back home, Li Yuzhu and Li Xingsheng, along with the two kids, went to see the Princess Consort Luling and talked about the Liu Family matters.
The Princess Consort Luling said, "After you left, your father was just saying that we shouldn’t choose too few people; finding four or six people would be ideal. Didn’t expect you to find someone so quickly. If the Liu Family is willing to come, I can be at ease; both families are trustworthy."
Li Xingsheng said, "I’ll pick them up tomorrow morning, and you’ll need to teach them some manners in advance."
"You’re right to remind me; it’s something that should be discussed in advance." The Princess Consort Luling nodded.
.
The next morning, after finishing breakfast, Li Xingsheng drove a carriage to the Liu Family.
Both families were overjoyed to see Li Xingsheng arrive. Second Lady Liu was still worried whether the four members of her family could go, so she immediately asked, "Li Erlang, did your parents agree for us to go?"
Li Xingsheng laughed, "They agreed. I’m here to pick you up, but there are some things I need to instruct you on in advance."
"That’s great." Second Lady Liu clapped her hands in joy.
The day before, the people planning to leave from both families had already washed their hair, bathed, and changed into clean clothes, just waiting for Li Xingsheng to pick them up.
Li Xingsheng opened the carriage door, and Second Lady Liu first seated her two nieces at the innermost spot, then let her two sons sit in, and finally, she herself got into the carriage.
Liu Er didn’t sit in the carriage but said with a smile, "Li Erlang, I think I’ll take care of driving the carriage. You young masters should sit inside."
Second Lady Liu also said, "Li Erlang, my husband’s words are right, let him do the work."
Having Liu Er as a servant to attend the wedding, the family intended for Liu Er to drive the carriage for the Second Princess.
Li Xingsheng smiled and said, "Then I’ll have to trouble Uncle Liu."
"It’s my duty, it’s my duty." Liu Er laughed heartily.
The Liu Family, delighted, sat in the carriage and arrived at the Li Family.
Uncle Gui went to park the carriage, and Li Xingsheng led them to see the Princess Consort Luling.
Inside the room sat Princess Consort Luling and Li Yuzhu.
The Liu Family greeted them.
Li Yuzhu smiled and said, "Please sit down first and listen to what my mother has to say."
The two families had frequent interactions, so there was no formality; everyone found chairs and sat down.
Princess Consort Luling glanced at them and said, "Our two families have been interacting for almost a year, and we know each other well. I trust your family; that’s why I agreed to have you as attendants. My second daughter is quite clueless, and she’ll rely on your reminders in the future. We can’t let her be bullied, but also can’t be too unrestrained with the rules, letting people laugh at her for having no manners. Since she’s marrying into the Prefect’s family, I must tell you in advance about the rules of that household."
Marrying the Prefect’s son?
Liu Er and his wife, along with Er Niu, San Niu, Jinbao, and Yinbao, were all frightened.
Princess Consort Luling noticed their expressions and shook her head, "Such expressions won’t do. So what if it’s the Prefect? The marriage between our two families was arranged through a matchmaker, with the County Magistrate’s marriage certificate as proof, officiated by the village chief, and witnessed by the elders of both families. When you reach the Prefect’s house, it should be like talking to me at my own home: neither haughty nor humble. My daughter goes as the principal wife, not a concubine, so you shouldn’t behave in an inferior manner or display a fawning attitude."
Although Princess Consort Luling was mostly amiable, when discussing rules, she naturally exuded authority.
The Li Family, now wealthy, being relatives of the County Magistrate and in-laws with the Prefect, the Liu Family didn’t feel there was anything inappropriate about being lectured by the Princess Consort Luling. Everyone nodded, "Mrs. Li, we have noted it down."
Princess Consort Luling called over Li Xingsheng, "Old second, take Liu Er and his two sons aside to explain the rules for men. I’ll talk to Second Lady Liu about the rules for women."
Li Xingsheng stood up and said to Liu Er, "Uncle Liu, please follow me."
"Alright, coming." The father and his two sons followed Li Xingsheng out.
In the room, it was all females, and Princess Consort Luling especially emphasized the things Er Niu and San Niu needed to pay attention to.
The rules the young girls needed to know were more than others.
Because they were young and often met the male masters, Princess Consort Luling didn’t want those she nurtured to compete with her daughter for a man in the future.
Even if the second daughter agreed, it wouldn’t work without her approval.
She spoke very sternly, leaving Er Niu and San Niu no room to dare.
Both nodded repeatedly, "Mrs. Li, we understand, we wouldn’t dare."
Second Lady Liu also said, "Yes, Mrs. Li, rest assured, they wouldn’t dare. If they make mistakes, with me overseeing as their aunt, I’ll ensure to punish them severely."
"Moreover, if any man shows interest, you shouldn’t casually agree; you must not privately exchange affections with men. When it’s time to marry, after three years, you’ll be sent back home naturally to get married." Prince Luling reminded.
Not competing for the family son-in-law, nor getting involved with other young masters of the Lou Mansion, either.
Both Er Niu and San Niu were girls who grew up in the village, so they must have never encountered or heard men’s fanciful words and various flirtations outside.
If not warned in advance, a slight lack of attention might lead them into traps set by those with ill intentions.
If they lack women’s virtue, no one would say they are bad, only that the Li Family lacks proper upbringing. As with the servants, so it is with their master, suggesting that the Second Miss Li may also be the same.
Princess Consort Luling, with a solemn expression, listed the rules one by one.
Er Niu and San Niu were too afraid to breathe properly, seriously remembering all of them.
Second Lady Liu was inwardly amazed, no wonder the girls of the Li Family were each as lovely as flowers, yet it’s never been heard that they had unclear relations with any village boys; the reason was having such a strictly disciplining mother.
No wonder the Prefect’s son took a liking to the Second Miss Li.
Marrying into such a family, without understanding the rules, would certainly not be accepted.
After making arrangements for the two young girls, Princess Consort Luling also gave instructions to Second Lady Liu, "Er Niu and San Niu are personal maids to Yu En, managing her daily life and following her out. Second Lady Liu acts as her housekeeper, overseeing all her sundry matters and supervising her behavior, as well as those around her. Since you’re the senior, I’m telling you the things to pay attention to last."
Second Lady Liu had heard from Chai Family Servant what being a housekeeper involved. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮
The Chai Family was the wealthiest family in the village, with Chai Eying’s servants having no airs and getting along well with the villagers.
Second Lady Liu immediately responded, "Mrs. Li, rest assured, I’ll manage everything well and not let Second Miss be looked down upon."
After explaining the points of attention, Princess Consort Luling further instructed them on the requirements for each word and action.
She informed them that the way they used to eat and speak at home had to be entirely changed; it was necessary to relearn since this was the behavior expected of women from affluent families.
She spoke with added gravity.
One improper behavior or a wrong word could expose one’s upbringing.
There was much to learn; Princess Consort Luling was worried they might not be able to master it.
It’s known that the girls of Lu Ling Royal Mansion began learning how to eat, talk, walk, and meet guests from the age of three.
However, Liu Er’s wife and Er Niu and San Niu wanted to earn some money to support their families and didn’t want to miss this opportunity to earn easy silver, so they diligently and earnestly studied.
Time passed quickly, and soon it was almost lunchtime.
Princess Consort Luling said to Second Lady Liu, "Today, there are a lot of people at home, so please assist Aunt Jiang."
Second Lady Liu replied with a smile, "It’s my duty."
She left the North Courtyard Main House.
At this time, someone outside said, "Mrs. Li, our lady has come to see Mrs. Li."
This was the voice of Lady Lou’s maid.
Princess Consort Luling slightly coughed towards Er Niu and San Niu, giving them a look.
The two girls, having just been urgently instructed, began using their newfound knowledge immediately.
San Niu walked over to lift the cotton curtain, "Please come in, Granny Lou."
Lady Lou was slightly taken aback; since when did the Li Family have another maid?
Quite orderly-looking, probably found temporarily from the village.
After all, the Li Family was just a rural household; what rules could they know?
The maids they employed must not be presentable.
Lady Lou had the intention to suppress the Li Family. After taking a look at San Niu and then Er Niu inside the room, she lightly curled her lips.
