Rebirth: Contract Husband Falls in Love with Me-Chapter 411 - 210: Visitors from the Zhou Family

"Look at me, so caught up in chatting that I almost forgot the real matter at hand!" Third Madam Shi smacked her forehead with a laugh: "Here’s the thing, I am considering purchasing some good farmland and one or two manors; do you know of any ways, Miss Wan?"

Sang Wan was taken aback, "Auntie, you’re planning to—"

Third Madam Shi heaved a light sigh and said, "There’s no point hiding it. My daughter Yuzhen has been betrothed to Master’s colleague, and is set to marry off to Chengdu come next midyear. As for Yulin, after discussing with your uncle, we thought it best to find her a marriage in Qingzhou within the next year or two. After all, my husband and I will eventually need to return to our roots, and it’s unbearable not having our daughters by our side! Hence, I’m now thinking of gradually acquiring some land as a dowry for Yulin. I’m aware that the public family estate has its share, but this is a token of love from us parents; it’s different from the public assets!"

Sang Wan nodded in understanding and laughed: "In that case, Miss Wan shall certainly do her utmost! However, I don’t know much about external matters! How about this: when Fengju returns, I’ll discuss it with him, or perhaps I could inquire with the outer courtyard’s housekeeper; they’re sure to know!"

Third Madam Shi was precisely of this intention. Since she did not manage household affairs, it would be improper for her to privately summon the outer courtyard’s housekeeper for questioning. She happily replied upon hearing Sang Wan’s words, "That would be most excellent! Auntie thanks you in advance!"

"It’s just a few words, there’s no need for thanks, Auntie!"

After leaving Jicui Pavilion, Sang Wan slowly walked back, her head lowered as if deep in thought. The words of Third Madam Shi had struck a chord with her, stirring thoughts she didn’t initially have, considering whether she should secretly acquire some farmland herself.

Life these days could be described as smooth sailing, everything going well, but whenever she was alone, she couldn’t help feeling panic, a lack of reassurance within her heart. She knew all too well that everything she had now came from Shi Fengju; he gave, she had, and whenever he wished to take it back, she would lose everything!

And thinking of Gu Fangzi’s ambitious words she heard today further unsettled Sang Wan’s heart. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Gu Fangzi was a peculiar entity within Shi Mansion; although Sang Wan was not privy to the exact events that transpired between her and Shi Fengju causing his evident coldness towards her now, with Mrs. Wang around, Shi Fengju could not truly act against Gu Fangzi. That woman was cunning and scheming; who knows what rash actions she might undertake? It was said that none could be a thief for a thousand years, nor could one guard against one forever, but this was a thief she had no choice but to guard against incessantly! The possibility of being caught off guard was not out of the question. Should she ever displease Shi Fengju, what would she do then?

Or worse, if it led to a divorce, what then?

It would be wise to acquire some farmland and property now for precautions; if there came a day when it was needed, she would have something to rely on, granting her more confidence in heart.

The more Sang Wan thought, the more resolved she became, deciding not to tell Shi Fengju about Third Madam Shi’s intentions to buy land. She planned to quietly pass on the message to the outer courtyard’s housekeeper and to inquire discreetly.

Shi Fengju returned in the evening and noticed Sang Wan seemed a bit down. After changing, he pulled her into the warm pavilion and took her hand in his, rubbing it gently, asking with a smile, "What’s wrong? You look a bit pale; did someone upset you?"

Sang Wan was slightly taken aback. She didn’t think she had shown any signs, yet he saw through her immediately. In his presence, she felt as transparent as glass.

Sang Wan never shirked or hid anything from the instructions given by her mother-in-law, willing or not. After all, if misfortune were to reveal any omissions in the future, how could she explain herself? The truth had to come out sooner or later; since he asked, she wouldn’t hide it. She withdrew her hand and sat down, recounting her mother-in-law’s instructions once more, irritably saying, "Mother has asked me to persuade you to keep the cousin here. I’ve told you already; you decide on your own!"

Shi Fengju knew it had to do with his mother, hearing it he was not annoyed, but rather sat down beside Sang Wan, chuckling, "Mother comes and goes with those same words; once you’ve heard and spoken them, let it be, and don’t take it to heart!"

Seeing Sang Wan silent, Shi Fengju draped an arm over her shoulder, forcing her to lean against him while his other hand caressed her face, smiling, "What’s the matter? Are you jealous?"

Sang Wan gave him a resentful glare with a hint of annoyance and said, "I have no idea what you told mother, she wouldn’t argue with you, but now she’s commanding me around. I dare not disobey her orders, but if I can’t persuade you, she will be annoyed with me. Yet, I have no wish to persuade you!"