Exile with Storage Space: Family Fortunes in the Barren Lands-Chapter 715 - 668: Giving Advice (2)

Madam Baili left the house in a carriage.

The wind had lessened a bit these days, but the snowflakes continued to dance, sometimes densely, sometimes sparsely.

Although it was close to the end of the year, there were not many pedestrians on the streets due to the cold weather.

In fact, in the last few days of the year, everyone had already purchased their New Year goods. Those going out now were mostly visiting relatives, with only a few heading to the market to get last-minute items.

There were few carriages and pedestrians on the street, so the carriage moved smoothly without any obstruction.

The dark horse ran through the city for a quarter of an hour, accumulating a layer of snow on its back, and finally stopped in front of a house in the west of the city.

The house was built by a large pond, with no neighbors on either side.

The nearest residential area was about a hundred steps away from this house.

There were small stone lions on both sides of the gate, and two heavy brass rings hung on the door. A plaque with the words "Xue Mansion" hung above the lintel.

Once the carriage had come to a stop, the maid helped Madam Baili down from it.

The driver had already gone ahead and knocked on the door.

Moments later, the door opened, and an old servant looked at Madam Baili. Recognizing her, he smiled and said, "Our Madam has been waiting for you for a long time. Please come in."

Madam Baili, supported by the maid, entered the house.

The house had three courtyards. Though it was a northern-style courtyard, it was arranged according to southern tastes.

In the corner of the courtyard, there were occasionally old plum trees and at times, grotesque rock formations.

Looking out from the window, one could see the old plum tree and the rockery, with each window offering a picturesque view, adding a unique charm.

Madam Baili admired Madam Xue’s ability to decorate her courtyard.

Being a frequent guest, the guiding nanny of the house led Madam Baili directly to a hall in the inner quarters.

Upon entering the room, a wave of warmth greeted her; there were two large braziers burning inside.

A young, beautiful woman, with skin as fair as snow, stood up and, smiling, said to Madam Baili, "My husband sent some tribute kumquats and wanted to catch up with you since we haven’t talked for days. So, he sent an invitation to your house for you to come and chat."

The woman appeared to be in her twenties, dressed elegantly and speaking softly.

Madam Baili thanked her, "Thank you for the invitation, Madam Xue."

Madam Xue’s maid stepped forward to take Madam Baili’s cloak.

The two women then sat by the stove, sipping tea and chatting casually.

As she listened to Madam Baili talk about the happenings at Baili Mansion, Madam Xue’s eyebrows slightly furrowed, "Your house’s Second Madam recovered so quickly."

"Previously, we sought out over a dozen doctors, but none could cure her, and the family was preparing for funeral arrangements. Unexpectedly, their luck changed, and they were saved by a young girl. That girl’s medical skills are extraordinary; she immediately identified the issue." Madam Baili, thinking of her own misfortunes, snorted discontentedly.

Madam Xue’s eyes flickered as she looked at Madam Baili and quickly asked, "A young girl doctor? How old is she? What does she look like? Where is she from? What kind of accent does she have? What is her name?"

Madam Baili recalled the appearance of Li Yuzhu, "She’s about fifteen, slender, and quite good-looking. People call her Li San Niang. I heard she is from Zhen An Prefecture, and while she speaks with a southern accent, I also noticed a hint of a Northern Land accent."

"From Zhen An Prefecture? Li San Niang? Li Yuzhu?" Madam Xue’s eyes widened in surprise, "Were there others with her? Was there a boy with the surname Mu?"

This time, it was Madam Baili’s turn to be surprised, "Yes, yes, her name is indeed Li Yuzhu. The young man with her is Mu Yuanxiu, her husband. Oh, Madam Xue, do you know that Li San Niang?"

"It’s not just knowing," Madam Xue sneered through clenched teeth, "How did she come to Liangzhou City? Why did she visit Baili Mansion?"

Madam Baili observed Madam Xue’s expression closely.

When Madam Xue mentioned Li Yuzhu, she spoke with gritted teeth. Could it be that Madam Xue and Li Yuzhu were enemies?

Madam Baili’s curiosity was piqued, and she asked, "Could it be that Madam has a grudge against that Li Yuzhu? That girl is cunning and certainly doesn’t seem like a good person."

She followed Madam Xue’s tone and, after speaking, snorted again.

Madam Xue glanced at her and laughed, "No, I don’t have any enemies. I just...admire her skills. It’s quite impressive to know medical skills at such a young age."

Madam Baili echoed, "She is indeed remarkable. She cured the illness of our family’s second couple and even found their missing son. She and her husband are now great benefactors to our family. Our old madam and old master hold them in high regard."

Madam Xue squinted her eyes briefly, "Oh? So, she came to Liangzhou City after returning your family’s lost little master?"

"Yes, that’s right. Although she claims not to care about money, I’m sure she’s just angling for a hefty sum before leaving," Madam Baili said with a mocking smile.

Madam Xue lifted her teacup, stirring the tea leaves with the lid intermittently before saying with a smile, "Are you really going to let her extort you like that?"

Madam Baili spoke with bitterness, "Our family’s situation has changed; you have no idea."

She vented the recent upheavals at Baili Mansion to Madam Xue.

Listening carefully, Madam Xue pondered and finally came up with a suggestion for Madam Baili.

Madam Baili’s eyes widened, feeling a bit hesitant, "This...will it work?"

"What’s the saying? ’Can’t trap a wolf without sacrificing a child.’ Do you still want to be the housekeeper and want your husband to become the envoy?" Madam Xue coaxed gently.

Thinking about her dissatisfaction, Madam Baili bit her lip, "You’re right, I can’t just remain passive."

Madam Xue smiled faintly and patted her shoulder, "Exactly, life is short. In the blink of an eye, it’s gone. Waiting until you’re too old to fight back and then regretting is futile. As the old saying goes, ’The bold eat their fill, the timid starve.’ Your brother’s wife is someone daring, and thus, she lives better than you. You are clearly smarter than she is, but just not as bold. Do you really want to lose to her?"

Of course not!

Madam Baili sneered inwardly. She could lose to anyone but Tao Yalan!

.

Madam Baili lingered at Madam Xue’s residence, chatting idly until dusk before returning to Baili Mansion.

The mansion was bustling, and her absence due to an appointment did not go unnoticed by the old madam.

Madam Baili came up with an excuse, saying that a wealthy merchant’s wife had some business with her, thus avoiding reprimand from the old madam.

As she headed to the inner quarters, Madam Baili encountered Li Yuzhu.

Li Yuzhu had Guoguo and Baili Rui in tow.

Thinking about Madam Xue, Madam Baili couldn’t help but scrutinize Li Yuzhu.

She always suspected there was some kind of conflict between Li Yuzhu and Madam Xue, but Madam Xue was tight-lipped and wouldn’t reveal anything.