Escape to Your Heart

Chapter 197: Sister-in-law

Sister-in-law?

Fu Tingyun was taken aback.

This was the first time she had ever visited her home.

Recalling the incident last winter when Master Fu the Fifth had come to her door and caused a scene, Fu Tingyun couldn't help but frown slightly.

With a father-in-law above her and a husband below, neither of whom held her in high regard, and being a woman who strictly adhered to propriety, it stood to reason that she wouldn’t casually associate with her—unless she, too, had come to stir up trouble?

A sense of displeasure rose in Fu Tingyun’s heart.

But remembering that Madam Fu had always been kind to her, she still instructed Zhenzhu, "Quickly invite Madam Fu in."

Zhenzhu acknowledged and withdrew.

Fu Tingyun changed her clothes and went out to greet her.

Madam Fu was dressed in a grand crimson sleeveless vest embroidered with gold patterns, a pearl hairpin the size of a lotus seed adorning her temple, and a pair of mutton-fat jade bracelets on her wrists. Though her attire was luxurious, it couldn’t conceal the weariness between her brows.

Had her guess been correct after all?

Fu Tingyun mused inwardly, but outwardly she smiled warmly and ushered her sister-in-law to the heated kang by the window in the inner chamber.

Madam Fu couldn’t help but sigh in relief.

Though Master Fu the Fifth’s misadventures at the Zhao household had been kept from his son and daughter-in-law, over time, whispers had inevitably spread among the servants attending him, and she was well aware of the details. Fearing she might be turned away at the door like her father-in-law, she had decided to visit unannounced, thinking that "face-to-face meetings are harder to refuse." To her surprise, not only did Fu Tingyun personally greet her at the inner gate, but she also received her in the inner chamber... She couldn’t help but feel fortunate.

Zhenzhu and Kou'er couldn’t resist stealing a few glances at Madam Fu while serving tea and snacks.

Madam Fu noticed this clearly, and her smile took on a hint of awkwardness.

Fu Tingyun frowned slightly.

Zhenzhu and Kou'er immediately lowered their heads and quietly withdrew.

Fu Tingyun picked up a teacup. "This season’s Iron Goddess of Mercy. Please try it, sister-in-law."

Madam Fu took a sip and praised, "Mellow, rich, and smooth—excellent tea."

Fu Tingyun smiled. "If sister-in-law likes it, I’ll have some packed for you to take home later." She then added, "Since sister-in-law has come to visit, why didn’t you bring your two nephews along? It’s been years since I last saw them—how are they doing now?" She called for Yu Wei, "Bring Da Niu and Ge'er to meet Madam and let them get acquainted." She kept the conversation light, as if deliberately steering it away from serious matters.

Madam Fu smiled faintly and spoke of her sons, "…Both are well-behaved, but the weather has been poor these past few days, and I feared taking them out might make them catch a chill."

Tong Shi and Yu Wei brought Youyou and Xi Ge'er to greet Madam Fu.

Madam Fu removed her mutton-fat jade bracelets and gave them to Youyou as a meeting gift, then took off the mutton-fat jade pendant from her waist and presented it to Xi Ge'er.

During the New Year, Youyou had already kowtowed and performed many blessings, receiving numerous red envelopes in return.

Seeing Madam Fu’s gift, she didn’t need Tong Shi’s instruction and promptly curtsied in thanks.

Xi Ge'er, still oblivious, was held by Yu Wei, who bowed on his behalf. Before she could straighten up, Xi Ge'er had already stuffed the pendant into his mouth.

Yu Wei broke into a sweat and quickly snatched it away, but the little one’s lips quivered, and he burst into tears.

Everyone laughed.

Fu Tingyun said to Madam Fu, "It seems Xi Ge'er really liked sister-in-law’s gift.""Yes indeed!" Madam Fu stood up and carefully examined Xi Ge'er before turning to Fu Tingyun. "No wonder they say cousins are as close as flesh and blood. He bears some resemblance to your two nephews as well."

Fu Tingyun smiled, hugging Youyou who stood beside her.

Madam Fu bent down and amiably inquired about Youyou's daily life.

Youyou, quick-witted and articulate, answered three questions for every one asked, amusing everyone and filling the room with laughter.

The atmosphere in the room grew warm and cheerful.

Madam Fu then stroked Youyou's head and sighed, "I wonder if I'll ever get to see Da Niu and Da Ge'er again..." Her smile gradually faded.

Hearing the underlying meaning in her words, Fu Tingyun knew they had finally reached the main topic. She chose not to engage directly, responding superficially instead: "What's so difficult about that? You can visit them anytime you wish. When I got married, you even added to my trousseau. Our door is always open for you!" She then changed the subject with a smile, "On the second day of the second lunar month, I've invited Wang Furen to go hiking at Yuming Mountain. Why don't you join us for a day out? Bring your two nephews along—I'd love to see them, and Youyou and Xi Ge'er can get to know their cousins..."

A look of worldly understanding flashed in Madam Fu's eyes as she replied, "On the second day of the second month, I'm afraid I won't be free—I've already discussed with my father-in-law and husband that we'll set off for Huayin on the first day of the second month..."

Fu Tingyun was taken aback. "You're returning to Huayin? What about Wu Laoye and my brother?"

"They'll stay in the capital," Madam Fu said with a somewhat indifferent expression. "Before the New Year, we heard from relatives in Huayin that Grandmother was slightly unwell. Even though Mother-in-law is no longer with us, our branch of the family can't ignore the duty of caring for the sick. So, after discussing with my maternal family, I decided to take my two sons back to Huayin—firstly to fulfill our filial duties, and secondly because the children were born and raised in the capital and are quite unfamiliar with Huayin. Over time, they might not even recognize their own cousins, let alone develop any sibling bonds. My mother and brothers agreed it was a good idea..."

"Grandmother is ill?" Fu Tingyun grew anxious. "How serious is it? Is she in danger?"

"She's old and caught a chill, which her body couldn't fight off easily," Madam Fu explained. "But I heard it's not serious..."

If that was the case, why return to Huayin to tend to her?

Neither Master Fu the Fifth nor her brother had taken concubines. If Madam Fu left, who would take care of them in the capital?

If Grandmother was unwell and Mother was gone, it made sense for Madam Fu to return to fulfill filial duties, and she might take the children along because they were too young to leave behind. But why did she need to consult her maternal family about it?

Knowing Grandmother's condition wasn't serious, these questions arose one after another in Fu Tingyun's mind.

As if sensing her thoughts, Madam Fu smiled bitterly and lowered her voice. "I used to think that if the young mistress suffered injustice, it was unavoidable. But after learning the real reason, I felt deeply uneasy... When I told your brother, he dismissed it..." She bit her lip, as if struggling to express the myriad thoughts in her heart.

Fu Tingyun also resented Fu Tinggui.After all, they were siblings born of the same mother. If she hadn't known what happened, that would be one thing, but now that she knew and they still maintained such an attitude... Though resentment remained, she couldn't let this create a rift between her sister-in-law and brother. Her brother was a heartless man, and in the end, it would only make things difficult for her sister-in-law.

She quickly said, "This matter has nothing to do with my brother. Please don't overthink it, sister-in-law."

Madam Fu sighed softly upon hearing this. She picked up her teacup, lowered her lashes, and gazed at the golden tea within. In a small voice, she said, "I was also raised with proper upbringing, having studied the Four Books and Five Classics alongside my brothers since childhood..." She spoke with difficulty, "Leading by example... nothing surpasses this... So I wrote a letter to my mother... After my mother learned of it, she discussed it with my brothers... My family all agreed it would be better for me to return to Huayin with the children... With no one to care for my father-in-law, and your brother needing to study at the Imperial College... I can rest assured having him fulfill filial duties in my stead... Unless something important arises, I likely won't return to the capital again... But I had to come bid farewell to you, my dear sister... It's just a shame your brother keeps such tight control that I couldn't bring my nephew to pay his respects to you..." As she spoke, she covered her face and wept.

"Sister-in-law!" Fu Tingyun felt as if struck by lightning, staring blankly at the silently weeping Madam Fu. For some reason, tears began streaming down her own face. "You... why must you go this far... This is all my fault..."

Madam Fu wiped her tears with a handkerchief and forced a smile, teasing lightly, "Since ancient times, people advise reconciliation over separation. I know you mean well, sister, but these words may not truly reflect your heart!"

Seeing this, Fu Tingyun felt even more sorrowful. Just as she opened her mouth to persuade her further, Madam Fu continued, "I know you mean well, but my mind is made up. If you still consider me your sister-in-law, say no more. Though I may be weak, I'm not someone who can't distinguish right from wrong. If I stayed in the capital for temporary comfort, what would happen when my two nephews grow older and begin to understand things? Returning to Huayin, with me watching over them and their uncles' support, they may not necessarily achieve greatness, but at least they won't be led astray... You're a mother too—you should understand my predicament! Anyone else might try to persuade me, but you shouldn't."

Fu Tingyun was left speechless.

Tear stains remained on her cheeks.

Madam Fu smiled at the sight and handed her handkerchief over, saying, "Quick, dry your tears. Our dear sister isn't one who only knows how to cry when faced with difficulties."

Her lighthearted tone helped ease Fu Tingyun's heart.

Accepting the handkerchief, Fu Tingyun wiped her tears and asked, "What will you do from now on? The shared family funds allocated to each branch are barely enough for daily expenses..." At this point, she stood up. "I still have some personal savings here. Please take them for now, sister-in-law!" Worried her sister-in-law might feel embarrassed, she added, "It's been four or five years since Mother left Huayin, with only a few old servants left to look after the house. After being unoccupied for so long, the furniture and furnishings are likely worn out. There will be many expenses..."Madam Fu grabbed Fu Tingyun's hand: "There's no need for you to use your own savings! I still have my dowry from my family, and my brother has agreed to give me a tenth of the family's annual income from now on." She chuckled as she spoke, adding playfully, "Do you know why I discussed this with my brother?"

Fu Tingyun was taken aback, staring at Madam Fu with wide eyes.

Madam Fu blinked at her with a smile.

Fu Tingyun couldn't help but laugh.

Was this her sister-in-law's true nature... or had she been living under suppression all these years too?

She sat down and said cheerfully, "Alright then, just let me know whenever you need help. There's no hurry."

Madam Fu laughed brightly, "Don't worry, I won't forget about you when my two nephews get married!"

Fu Tingyun joined in the laughter.

As their eyes met, both suddenly felt a new sense of closeness between them.

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After the exam comes the summary. Not sure about tomorrow's schedule—if there's no extra update by 5 o'clock, there'll only be one chapter. Please bear with me!

O(∩_∩)O~

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(End of Chapter)