Page 198 of Doted By The Regent King

Old Lady Zhou and Zhou Xuennian were both concerned about their reputation and did not wish to be associated with Wufu and her family, but that didn’t stop those with varied ideas. For instance, Lady Liang believed Wufu was capable and was eager to befriend her.

Then there was Madam Lu and her lot, who were bent on taking advantage of whatever they could.

They had planned to go over to Wufu’s home and curry favor, but before they could act, Old Lady Zhou put a stop to it.

She did so with such force that it seemed if they dared to go, she would kick them out of the Zhou family.

As a result, they didn’t dare to go against her wishes, and this granted Wufu and her family a few days of peace.

But now, it was said that their family’s money was earned honestly, so what was there to fear?

Madam Lu and her group had their own ulterior motives. Zhou Dajun was of age, and when it came to marriage, a generous betrothal gift would be no issue at all if it meant securing a good match.

Zhou Xiuer made a special trip to Wufu’s home, ostensibly to learn needlework from Madam Zhou.

Madam Zhou was delighted by her visit: "Xiuxiu, what brings you here?"

"Auntie, I just can’t seem to get this flower right. Can you teach me?" Zhou Xiuer asked with a smile full of purpose.

"Come on in," Madam Zhou said, pulling her along. In the courtyard, Hongyu was washing vegetables; she looked up, startled, and stood up when she saw Zhou Xiuer.

Liu Jin also came out of his own room, carrying a bundle of firewood.

Zhou Xiuer’s eyes lit up as she looked at him—he was prettier than a girl, even more so than most girls.

Liu Jin frowned.

"Auntie, why don’t I see my cousin? I have something I want to ask her," Zhou Xiuer said, glancing around and not spotting Wufu.

"Wufu is in the house," Madam Zhou replied, calling out, "Wufu, Wufu!"

Hongyu stepped forward, saying, "Madam, the young lady said she wants to concentrate on her drawings and cannot be disturbed."

"Oh right, I had forgotten," Madam Zhou said. "She’s busy with her work. Xiuxiu, have a seat for a while. She’ll be out soon."

"Then I’ll wait," Zhou Xiuer said.

She found a stool and sat down, looking around. Everyone said her aunt and her family had money, but there were no big changes at home. They really kept it well concealed.

Hongyu, noticing Zhou Xiuer’s shifty eyes, curled her lips in disdain and took the chance to pull Liu Jin aside, saying, "Keep a careful eye on her, don’t let her sneak into the room. If she startles the young lady, there will be trouble."

"Alright."

Zhou Xiuer, seeing them whispering together, huffed in annoyance and felt somewhat deflated. Why couldn’t she have such attentive servants? How prestigious it would be to have such a person by her side! Just how wealthy were Wufu and her family, anyway?

Zhou Xiuer listened absently to Madam Zhou explaining the techniques of embroidery, her eyes fixed on Madam Zhou’s gently swaying eardrops.

They were a pair of Red Stone Eardrops, intricately linked with silver wire, the beads round and blood-red, utterly beautiful.

"Xiuxiu?"

"Auntie, your eardrops are really beautiful. What kind are they?" Zhou Xiuer asked enviously, eyeing the eardrops.

Madam Zhou paused, touched them and smiled, saying, "Wufu mentioned they are Chicken Blood Stones." It was Wufu who had had the material, originally intended for making ink seals, cut and polished into beads. There weren’t many, so they couldn’t make a bracelet, but they made three pairs of eardrops.

Madam Zhou and Hongyu each received a pair, and there was another pair for Wufu herself, though she didn’t wear them.

"They are truly beautiful," Zhou Xiuer said with envy. "I don’t have any eardrops as nice as these!"

Madam Zhou felt a pang of apprehension, looking into her longing eyes. She was just about to speak when Hongyu called out, "Madam, it’s time to knead the dough!"

How shameless, she actually dared to covet the madam’s eardrops, her face is so thick!

"Xiuxiu, please have a seat," Madam Zhou hastily stood up and went to the kitchen.

Zhou Xiuer was furious, glaring at Hongyu. Her auntie was clearly wavering, she was certainly going to give them to her, but this wretched girl spoiled it.

Hongyu snorted derisively and sashayed after Madam Zhou into the kitchen.