Chapter 105: Isn’t This Just PUA?
“I’ll have Nanny Jiang escort you,” Qiu Rongrong said.
Wen Yao didn’t refuse. After saying goodbye, she followed Nanny Jiang, who had brought her earlier. Before leaving, she told Qiu Rongrong that she had already taught the household cooks how to make the four dishes. If the Old Madam wanted them again, they could prepare them themselves—especially the soup, which was excellent for stimulating appetite.
Qiu Rongrong was touched by her thoughtfulness and felt the purse she’d given seemed too light now. Since it was already handed over, she could only instruct Nanny Jiang to send Wen Yao safely to Jishi Hall and make sure she reunited with her father and brother before returning.
—
In the carriage, Wen Yao happily played with the purse. Sitting opposite her, Nanny Jiang saw no trace of greed in her expression.
After hesitating, Nanny Jiang said, “Miss, if you have time, please visit our Madam more often.”
Wen Yao looked up, confused.
With no one else in the carriage, Nanny Jiang sighed deeply. “Since Madam married into the Xie family, she rarely goes out. The Old Madam has many rules. Apart from necessary social visits, Madam is seldom allowed outside. They say the Xie family is a noble clan and Madam, being from a merchant family, should keep a low profile.
Madam once tried to argue, but the Master always pressured her with filial duty. Over time, Madam ended up with no friends in Yunwu Town.
This is the first time I’ve seen Madam so relaxed with someone. You’re the first.”
She smiled gratefully.
Wen Yao noticed the change in how she was addressed—the closeness was obvious. And what Nanny Jiang described… wasn’t this basically PUA?
“If the Qiu family’s merchants didn’t recognize only Madam, the dowry she brought would’ve long become the Xie family’s,” Nanny Jiang said, her eyes full of undisguised sarcasm.
Wen Yao suddenly asked, “So the Xie family is basically living off Sister Qiu?”
Nanny Jiang opened her mouth, then closed it again.
Wen Yao laughed. Not only PUA—living off her while acting superior? What a ‘noble clan.’ Back in her world, this was a classic phoenix man.
What a waste of such a beautiful, wealthy woman.
“Please don’t tell anyone,” Nanny Jiang pleaded.
Wen Yao fastened the purse to her waist. “Don’t worry. My one virtue is keeping secrets.” She even mimed zipping her mouth shut.
Nanny Jiang didn’t understand the gesture but got the meaning and laughed softly. No wonder Madam liked this girl.
After personally handing Wen Yao to Wen Xiuyi at Jishi Hall, Nanny Jiang finally left.
Wen Yao dropped the purse on the table. “Today’s earnings—twenty-five taels.”
Everyone except Shopkeeper Qiu and Datou gathered around.
“Did you rob someone?” Wen Xiuyi stared, stunned.
Wen Yao rolled her eyes. “Dad, I earned it.” She then told them about the Xie family.
Doctor Jin stroked his beard. “That does sound like the Old Madam of the Xie family.”
Four pairs of gossip-hungry eyes widened instantly. “Doctor Jin, tell us more!”
Hong Hai even poured tea for him. “Please, take your time.”
Doctor Jin sighed and said, “That Old Madam is difficult. Everyone says Miss Qiu married up, but in reality… tsk.”
He didn’t like gossiping, so his tone and expression conveyed his disdain.
At that moment, Shopkeeper Qiu came out from the back with Datou. “Close the shop. Put up a notice—we’re closed until after the third day of the New Year.”
Once the doors shut, he bluntly said, “The Xie family looks glorious outside but is rotten inside. Their fortune was long squandered. Without marrying Miss Qiu, could they still be this grand? Hmph.”
Wen Yao asked curiously, “Do you have a grudge against them?”
“Not this branch—but the same clan,” Doctor Jin explained.
Everyone understood.
Wen Yao declared righteously, “Then I won’t cook for that Old Madam anymore!”
Shopkeeper Qiu snorted. “Are you stupid? Earn the money—but don’t get too involved. That family is full of schemers.”
—
On the way to the docks to meet the rest of the Wen family, Wen Yao shared her theory.
“They sent the elder son to the clan school but keep the younger one nearby while preventing him from seeing his mother. The Old Madam pretends to lose appetite to demand money and even uses the child as leverage. Dad, Brother—think about it.”
“So they’re using the boy to control Madam and get money?” Wen Jun said, shocked.
“Exactly. Step on the maternal family, benefit the paternal one,” Wen Yao tapped her head. “He’s probably been brainwashed since childhood.”
Wen Xiuyi sighed and ruffled Datou’s hair. “Son, you must grow up right.”
