Upon hеаring this, Мin Jiа's еxpressiоn tightеned involuntаrily.
Hеr mоthеr-in-lаw's imрliсation wаs already crystаl сleаr.
But соuld shе hаve а сhild аll bу hеrself?
Тhe thought cirсlеd in her mind, аnd a somewhаt bashful smile аppеаrеd оn hеr fасe as shе whisрerеd tо Мadаm Yuan, "Didn't Моther saу thаt my husbаnd will be taking the imрerial eхаminаtion nеxt yeаr аnd shоuld foсus оn studуing in his studу? I dаrе not disturb him."
Lеst hе fails thе eхam and уou blаmе mе for distrасting him.
Тhinking оf this, Min Jia cоuldn't help but want to prоvoke her mоther-in-law, sаying, "Му husband оften tells me that he owes all his achievements today to Mother's strict and proper guidance. I've just married into the family and know nothing, but I believe whatever you say must be right. Not only do I avoid disturbing my husband, but I haven't even dared to replace a single maid, servant, or attendant, all in the hope that my husband will succeed in the next imperial examination, bringing glory to the Cheng family and honoring our ancestors."
As for whether Cheng Xu could become the top scholar, it had nothing to do with her.
Because even if Cheng Xu were to achieve the top honors, given her mother-in-law's temperament, she would surely claim the credit for herself. Rather than fighting over empty fame later, it was better to make things clear now.
Madam Yuan's expression instantly turned grim.
She knew the Min family's daughter couldn't be a pushover, but no one would be pleased to be spoken to in such a sarcastic and defiant manner by their daughter-in-law.
Madam Yuan sneered, "It seems this is all my fault. I should have told Jiashan not to neglect you."
Making it sound as if Min Jia was complaining because Cheng Xu was too busy studying to pay her attention.
Min Jia trembled with anger, her fingertips shaking.
She hadn't expected her mother-in-law to reprimand her, but she hadn't anticipated such vulgar words either.
Still, arguments seldom bring out polite words—this should have been expected.
Once again, Min Jia experienced Madam Yuan's sharp and caustic nature.
This was the first direct confrontation she had with Madam Yuan since marrying into the family.
The relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law was often a battle of dominance—if she backed down today, she would never have a say in front of her mother-in-law again.
Min Jia smiled and said, "My husband has always respected Mother. He will surely listen to what you say. Just like back in Jinling, if not for Mother, where would he be today?"
Remembering Cheng Xu's resentment when he spoke of Zhou Shaojin that day, she couldn't help but smile, once again reminding Madam Yuan.
She wondered if Cheng Xu would continue to obey his mother this time.
However, given Cheng Xu's current state of mind, becoming the top scholar might be a bit difficult, wouldn't it?
She walked forward calmly and composedly, while Madam Yuan's gaze turned cold.
What did Min Jia mean by this?
Could it be... she knew about Jiashan's past affection for Zhou Shaojin?
Madam Yuan felt a surge of displeasure.
As the one managing the household affairs in Xinglin Alley, how could she not know that her son was distant toward his wife? But she had always believed that once her son married and experienced his wife's gentle care, his heart would gradually settle.
If Min Jia knew her husband had once cared for someone else, shouldn't she, now as his wife, be even more gentle and cautious, striving to win back his heart? What was the point of speaking like this and throwing such a tantrum here?She couldn't help but say, "You are a daughter of the Min family. Since childhood, you've studied the 'Admonitions for Women,' so your mother-in-law should have taught you about the proper conduct between husband and wife. Jiashan is the eldest grandson of the Cheng family's main branch, and as his wife, this household will eventually be entrusted to you and Jiashan. You should already be learning to manage the affairs of your own courtyard. How can you expect me to do it for you?"
Min Jia was so angry she couldn't speak for a long moment.
Why should I clean up your mess?
You made your own bed, now lie in it!
She feels ashamed even seeing Zhou Shaojin, yet that woman can sit at the same table and eat with her as if nothing happened. Isn't she afraid lightning might strike her down?
What hypocrisy!
Min Jia sneered coldly, "Mother is right. I heard that Fourth Aunt was able to get her wish fulfilled this time because she once went to Hongluo Temple to offer incense. Fourth Aunt said that once she recovers her health, she must go back to Hongluo Temple to fulfill her vow. Since that's the case, when Fourth Aunt goes to Hongluo Temple to fulfill her vow, I'll go with her. We can have my husband guide us then, taking the opportunity to get out and relax a bit. What do you think?"
Her gaze was sharp, gleaming with a cold light, and the curl of her lips carried a mocking tone.
Madam Yuan felt a chill in her heart.
She realized Min Jia might have heard something.
Instantly feeling both embarrassed and angry, she lowered her voice and scolded, "What nonsense are you talking? Jia Xi is a man, how could he accompany you to Hongluo Temple to offer incense..."
But before she could finish, Cheng Zheng interrupted with a slightly warning tone, "Mother."
Madam Yuan turned.
She saw her eldest daughter give her a deep glance, then smile as she linked arms with Min Jia, saying softly, "Don't be angry with Mother. Although my mother is already a grandmother, she is doted on by her own mother-in-law, respected by my father, and filial to by her children—her temper has grown along with that, but her heart is in the right place. Since you and Mother will see each other every day from now on, please be understanding. If Mother does anything improper, I'll speak to her about it." This last sentence was whispered into Min Jia's ear.
Min Jia didn't know whether this eldest sister-in-law, who was over a decade older than her and lived in the capital, was aware of the matter between Zhou Shaojin and Cheng Xu. But since she was speaking to her so humbly, how could she not give her face? Besides, this was Chaoyang Gate—if she really got into an argument with her mother-in-law here, wouldn't she just be giving Zhou Shaojin a free show to laugh at?
She immediately said, "Eldest Sister-in-law, this matter was originally my fault! Blame it on my youth and inability to hold my tongue. With your words, I will certainly do my best to honor my mother-in-law from now on and not upset her."
Cheng Zheng smiled and patted her hand, then said to Madam Yuan, "Mother, it's getting late, you should go back and rest soon! I'll visit you tomorrow. After the Double Ninth Festival, it'll soon be October and time for ancestral rites. We haven't been back for several years, and my mother-in-law wrote a letter recently asking us to return to our hometown for the ancestral worship. There are some matters I still need to consult you about!"
As Cheng Zheng grew older, Madam Yuan felt increasingly pressured by her eldest daughter. Now that Cheng Zheng had spoken and given her a way out, although unwilling, Madam Yuan's lips moved slightly, but in the end, she said nothing.
Madam Qiu breathed a sigh of relief.
If Madam Yuan and Min Jia had started arguing here, she, who wasn't good at mediating, really wouldn't have known what to say.Cheng Xiao glanced at Cheng Sheng and whispered, "Mother only said one thing, yet she retorted with ten. Why is her temper so fiery?"
Cheng Sheng had long been dissatisfied with Madam Yuan's humble and submissive attitude in arranging the marriage with the Min family. Hearing this, she whispered back to Cheng Xiao, "The blame lies with Aunt's haste in arranging this marriage."
Cheng Xiao thought about it and realized it was indeed the case, letting out a long sigh. On the way back, she discussed the matter with Cheng Zheng.
Cheng Xu's actions, if spoken of, would only bring shame upon the Cheng family, so the fewer who knew, the better.
Earlier, Min Jia had been walking ahead of Cheng Zheng, supporting Madam Yuan, and Cheng Zheng had clearly overheard their conversation.
Suspecting that Min Jia likely knew about the incident in the Nine Prosperities Lane garden in Jinling, Cheng Zheng could only smile bitterly when her sister brought up the topic. "Although women from prominent families are superior in virtue and upbringing compared to those from humble backgrounds, most of them are strong-willed. You know Mother's temper—I’m afraid Sister-in-law has endured no small amount of grievances. As her sisters-in-law, we must mediate between both sides. I’m going over tomorrow for this very reason. Not only must Mother adjust her temper, but Jiashan must also do the same. Otherwise, Xinglin Alley will only grow more chaotic, with no peaceful days to be had."
Cheng Xiao found her sister’s words quite reasonable and said, "Shall I accompany you back tomorrow?"
"No need," Cheng Zheng replied. "Both Mother and Sister-in-law value their pride. Having too many people there would only make things worse."
Cheng Xiao nodded. "Sister, if there’s anything you need, just let me know."
"Of course!" Cheng Zheng agreed, though her mind was already racing with thoughts of tomorrow’s visit to her maternal home.
※
At Chaoyang Gate, after Zhou Shaojin saw off the guests, Old Madam Guo sent Zhenzhu to find Cheng Chi. "Tell him to come and take Shaojin back to their room," she instructed. Then, turning to Zhou Shaojin, she added, "As the host today, he’s bound to have drunk quite a bit. Have him sleep in the resting chamber so he doesn’t make you uncomfortable."
"It’s fine," Zhou Shaojin said with a smile. "A cup of strong tea will do. The weather is getting colder, and the kang in the resting chamber isn’t as warm as the one in the inner room."
Both were kept heated all day—how could the inner room be warmer than the resting chamber? It was simply that she couldn’t bear the thought of Cheng Chi sleeping alone.
Old Madam Guo chuckled but refrained from meddling in her son and daughter-in-law’s affairs. She only reminded Zhou Shaojin to take care of herself and not insist on coming to pay her morning and evening respects. "You’re both good children. If you truly wish to show filial piety, nothing would make me happier than you giving me a healthy grandson."
Zhou Shaojin blushed and agreed.
Cheng Chi arrived after seeing off the guests.
As Old Madam Guo had predicted, he carried a strong scent of alcohol. Though Zhou Shaojin found it somewhat unpleasant, it wasn’t unbearable.
The two bid farewell to Old Madam Guo and returned to their room, chatting and laughing along the way.
Cheng Chi chewed a few tea leaves and voluntarily retired to the resting chamber.
Zhou Shaojin indeed found the smell bothersome, and since Cheng Chi had made up his mind, she didn’t press the matter. However, when she lay down, exhausted as she was, she felt as though something was missing. Tossing and turning, she couldn’t fall asleep, alarming Chunwan, who was on night duty and grew pale with worry, repeatedly asking if she was unwell.
"I’m fine, I just feel like turning over," Zhou Shaojin reassured Chunwan and urged her to rest in the hall.
Chunwan hesitated, unwilling to leave, until Zhou Shaojin said, "I can’t sleep with you here." Only then did she reluctantly retreat to the hall.
Even so, Zhou Shaojin couldn’t sleep and instead began to feel nauseous, eventually vomiting.The inner chamber was thrown into a flurry of chaos. If not for Zhou Shaojin’s sharp reprimand, Madam Fan Liu would have rushed to fetch Old Madam Guo for a look.
After the commotion settled, Shaojin’s mind felt numb.
She lay on the bed, her face pale.
Cheng Chi’s heart ached unbearably. Holding her hand, he sat on the brocade stool by the bed instead of sitting beside her, and spoke softly, “What happened just now? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?” Seeing her listless, he added, “If you don’t feel like talking, don’t force yourself. I’ll stay here with you. Rest now…”
Only then did Shaojin suddenly understand.
She wanted to nestle into Cheng Chi’s embrace, to feel his warmth, to breathe in his comforting scent, to be held by him as if she were a precious treasure, to sleep in his arms—as if returning to a corner that belonged to her, a corner built by Cheng Chi, a place that made her feel grounded, secure, and at peace…
※
Dear readers, an extra update for Zixiao12!
O(∩_∩)O~
Updates will still be around ten in the evening.
※ (To be continued ~^~)
OpenNovel