CHAPTER 1038: CHAPTER 1036: I’M NOT GOOD AT INNER COURTYARD SCHEMING

Mentioning the Wu Family, Purple Jade smirked disdainfully, indeed they were merely a facade.

Wufu didn’t miss Purple Jade’s smirk and raised an eyebrow: "What, your smile holds deep meaning?"

"You’ve caught me, miss." Purple Jade smiled slightly, cleared her throat, and said, "As for the Wu Family, from a servant’s view, they’re not worth fearing. Frankly speaking, the Wu Family’s foundation might not even match yours, miss."

"Oh? Talk about it."

"The Wu Family’s rise, as miss is aware, began with their ancestors’ exquisite jade carving craftsmanship, earning the former Great Empress Dowager’s favor, and hence bestowed with official status..." Purple Jade spoke softly.

Wu Lihong’s grandfather originally came from a craftsman background, his official role wasn’t remarkable, living a mediocre life. His son, Wu Lihong’s father, was even less accomplished, although he did have two legitimate sons who both passed the imperial examinations. Although Wu Lihong was only a co-recipient, he still got an official position.

In the current generation of the Wu Family, among Wu Lihong’s siblings, there’s Wu Lihong and Wu Liming, while the Third Old Master Wu Liqing is a concubine’s son. There’s also a concubine-born auntie married far away, not in touch for years, so she’s not mentioned.

Perhaps wishing to shed the stigma of being artisans, Wu Lihong and his brothers shunned jade carving, emphasizing education for their descendants. Jade carving became a leisure activity. Nowadays, if anyone in the Wu Family shows talent in jade carving, it would be Wu Liming’s legitimate son Wu Guanming, who reportedly sells his works in their family shop.

Wu Lihong, despite his official status, merely holds a position in the Ministry of Rites. When considering profits, he’s probably got less favor than a sixth-rank official’s real power. His current rank is mostly due to support from his legitimate wife’s family, hence Eldest Lady Wu has a significant say in his affairs.

Speaking of which, Wu Lihong is quite a romantic, not really restrained with women. After marrying Lady Wang, a legitimate daughter of Marquis Yongan, they spent quite a loving period.

But a person’s nature doesn’t change easily. After two years of affection, Wu Lihong took a concubine, yet it’s largely due to Eldest Lady Wu’s high status that she manages to hold everything in check. Thus, Wu Lihong’s household now only has one wife, two concubines, several concubines, three legitimate children, and one concubine-born daughter.

"You say they’re not worth fearing, but that’s not quite true. That Eldest Lady Wu is quite ruthless, or else Wu Lihong’s inner yard would be more crowded," Wufu interrupted Purple Jade, shaking a finger.

Considering Wu Lihong’s romantic tendencies, having merely two concubines and one concubine-born daughter shows Eldest Lady Wu’s capabilities.

Purple Jade thought for a moment, realizing it made sense, but remained unimpressed: "Miss, you’re being modest. Do you actually fear such a household mistress?"

"I’m not afraid, but I’m not skilled at household conflicts," Wufu spread her hands.

"Then just go straight at them!" Jadeite boldly suggested.

Wufu glanced at her, nodded in agreement, this girl truly understood her.

Purple Jade gave the two an annoyed look and continued: "Currently, Old Madam Wu and Old Master Wu are still present, hence the family hasn’t split. Each of the masters has their wives, concubines, legitimate and concubine-born children. With more people, there’s more talk, so expenses increase. The Wu Family’s estates and shops are hardly affluent but tighter compared to typical noble families. Moreover, each household has their own plans, just..."

"What industries does the Wu Family own?" Wufu asked as she wrote and drew.