Chapter 4 Whispers in the Courtyard
The Pei family was large, with all three branches living together.
As soon as I entered Madam Pei's courtyard, I heard someone inside mention my name.
I stopped unconsciously.
"The Xue family is about to fall. Why did they arrange this marriage for the two children at such a time?"
"Exactly. The Xue family never helped us before. Now that they are in trouble, they remember us. Are they not just using us?"
" Sister-in-law, we do not mean to speak too much."
"Suizhi's marriage to the Su family girl was only one step away from completion."
"The Su family is a prestigious house. Miss Su's elder brother passed the spring examinations as the top scholar last year. His future is bright. He could have helped our family. Who knew the Xue girl would steal him away."
"You saw it that day. The dowry the Xue girl brought was pitiful. She must have used everything to help her father in prison."
"Why did our family have to bear this?"
"I get angry just thinking about it."
I stood there hesitating for a long time, afraid to go in.
Taking one more step felt like walking into a tiger's den.
But what could I do?
When one is under the eaves, one must lower one's head.
No matter what, I had to pay my respects.
I took a deep breath and was about to force myself inside when Pei Zhao strode past me.
"Second Aunt speaks as if someone helping Third Brother would make him successful."
"You would do better to supervise him while he studies instead of letting him wander around the brothels."
"I heard that a few days ago Third Brother spent a fortune taking a concubine, the top courtesan from Spring Rain House. Second Uncle beat him half to death. She still cannot get out of bed."
"You ignore your own son but have time to meddle in my affairs first thing in the morning?"
I hurried to Pei Zhao's side and stood obediently.
He glanced down at me. His gaze made me feel useless.