Love Like the Galaxy

Faking it till making it, this bout of unconsciousness sent Yu Cailing straight into a dream. She dreamed of the boy next door from her hometown—tall and handsome like the phoenix tree in her grandmother's courtyard—while her younger self stood beside him, gazing up in admiration.

She had always harbored a stubborn thought: Why was it that other couples, also formed by local men and educated female youths sent to the countryside, could remain loving and devoted? Even after the economic reforms brought them wealth, their way of showing off was to follow their wives' lead in reading more, donating a public library to the town, or setting up scholarships for the local school—unlike her own father, who chose to "enliven the entertainment industry."

As a child, Yu Cailing would often peek over the wall at this happy family of three, torn between envy and resentment. As she grew older, she developed a crush on their son, only to watch him bring home a girlfriend one day, pointing at her with a laugh and saying, "...This is my neighbor's little sister." Alas, worse than being friend-zoned was being sibling-zoned.

Back in her university drama club, the slacker president had secretly fancied her. If not for her lingering childhood infatuation, Yu Cailing might not have died without ever experiencing a proper romance—what a waste.

Lost in memories for who knows how long, Yu Cailing remained half-conscious, limbs weak and immobile. She only felt someone helping her sit up and feeding her spoonfuls of a cool, pungent broth. After just a few sips, her mind began to clear, and she struggled to open her eyes—like prying open a tightly shut chest, almost hearing the creak of its stubborn hinges.

"She's awake, she's awake!"

Yu Cailing recognized the relieved and delighted voice of her "dear Aunt" Ge Shi.

"The Imperial Physician from the palace truly is remarkable—just a few doses and she's already improved! Congratulations, Husband's Mother, congratulations, Husband's Uncle, congratulations, Sister-in-law—"

Before Ge Shi could finish her enthusiastic spiel, a shrill, sarcastic old woman's voice cut in, "Don't get carried away. People might think we mistreated their daughter. Ten years of neglect, and we're the ones who raised her through thick and thin. Even if we get no credit, we’ve put in the effort. What child doesn’t fall ill? A few days of fever, and suddenly it’s all chaos and tears. If they’re so worried, why didn’t they raise her themselves?"

Finally managing to open her eyes, Yu Cailing saw a room crowded with over a dozen maids and servants kneeling on the floor. Following the voice, she spotted a stout, towering old woman seated regally on a gleaming lacquered sandalwood folding chair, surrounded by attendants. She wore a dark purple robe with a straight collar, subtly embroidered with gold thread, and a wide jade belt loosely cinched around her waist. Her hair was pulled into a round bun at the back of her head, secured with a long hairpin—which, upon closer inspection, was made entirely of gold, as thick as a firewood stick. Her earlobes bore massive red-gold earrings so heavy they seemed to stretch her lobes, glinting garishly in the candlelight.

Yu Cailing felt a surge of irritation. Are you running a gold shop? Why not stick a pair of golden chopsticks up your nostrils while you're at it, or get some gold teeth to complete the look?

The old woman’s face was drawn long, her eyes full of disdain, as if perpetually dissatisfied. Beside her knelt Ge Shi and a few maids, some holding lacquered trays, others tending to hand warmers—quite the grand display. Only Ge Shi sat empty-handed, watching Yu Cailing with uneasy concern.Yu Cailing now noticed a middle-aged couple seated beside her bed. The man was tall and burly, his face obscured by a thick beard. He wore a red padded robe underneath a dark purple outer garment, with his right arm exposed and both wrists adorned with dark iron bracers—clearly the attire of a military officer.

Though he had removed his armor, an aura of battle-hardened intensity still emanated from him. He gazed intently at Yu Cailing, his eyes filled with concern. The woman beside him remained silent, her head bowed, her figure slender and curvaceous, though her face was hidden.

Upon hearing the old woman’s words, the kneeling attendant who had been comforting the softly weeping woman suddenly straightened. Dressed in a blue long gown, she had delicate features and, despite her age, spoke in a surprisingly clear voice: "Old Madam’s words are truly laughable, as if Fourth Miss was left behind because our female lord refused to raise her. This humble one dares not overstep, but everyone knows Fourth Miss stayed to fulfill her filial duties to you, Old Madam. Were it not for the shaman’s divination, would our female lord have willingly abandoned her three-year-old child?"

Yu Cailing immediately realized who the old woman and the weeping lady were. She quickly glanced around and noticed this was no longer the room her "dear aunt" had arranged for her. The space was smaller and sparsely decorated, with the same polished wooden floors but now covered in thick, multicolored fur rugs. A warm stove kept the room cozy, and everyone wore thick socks.

Low square stools, resembling the footed boards from Hikaru no Go , were scattered about, some draped with fur cushions for kneeling. Others simply knelt directly on the gleaming floor.

"A Qing, hold your tongue," Madam Xiao, the weeping woman, lifted her head and scolded before turning to Cheng Mu. "Mother-in-law, please forgive A Qing’s temper. She’s just distressed over Fourth Miss."

But Cheng Mu refused to let it go. Enraged, she snapped, "Impudent wench! How dare you! Guards, bring the rod—"

Before she could finish, the military officer coldly interrupted, "Impudent? Was A Qing wrong? We kept Niao Niao for filial piety, yet now it’s made to seem as though we abandoned her out of neglect. Serving you is our duty, but let’s speak plainly."

"Shi’er, you—!" Cheng Mu bristled at the phrase "we," furious that her eldest son, though usually more obedient to his wife than to her, would openly defy her like this.

Yu Cailing felt dizzy, her mind latching onto one detail: She was called "Niao Niao"? A girl named "Little Bird"? Was this some kind of compensatory naming?

A Qing turned and noticed Yu Cailing’s dazed, weary expression. Softly, she said, "Fourth Miss, are you feeling better? After so many years apart from Father and Mother, you should at least greet them properly." As she spoke, she gestured to the two maids beside Yu Cailing.Yu Cailing had seen Fu Deng bow to Zhu and Fu Yi before, but she wasn’t sure if the etiquette here was different. Feigning weakness, she raised her arms unsteadily. The two maidservants were quick-witted and immediately stepped forward to gently support her arms and body, half-kneeling on the bed. They pressed her right hand over her left, draped her sleeves to cover her arms, raised her hands to her forehead, and then bowed her forward onto the bed. One of the maids whispered in her ear, "The Young Lady greets Father and Mother." Yu Cailing followed the instructions, was helped back up, then raised her hands to eyebrow level before finally lowering them—completing the ritual.

Madam Xiao looked directly at her daughter with a complicated expression and simply said, "Good."

Only then did Yu Cailing get a clear look at Madam Xiao’s face, and she couldn’t help but marvel inwardly. In all her time in this era, she had rarely seen a woman so well-put-together—most were either buck-toothed or bug-eyed, either broad-shouldered or stick-thin. Yet Madam Xiao was fair-skinned and elegant, even prettier than the little vixens around Yu Cailing’s father. Instantly, she grew hopeful about her own appearance.

Perhaps because she had risen too quickly, Yu Cailing felt dizzy again and slumped against the maidservant’s shoulder, half-conscious. This display was partly genuine and partly an act.

Cheng Shi, seeing how small and frail his daughter was—her voice weak and pitiful earlier, tear stains still on her cheeks from sleep, her tiny frame leaning against the maid like a fragile paper doll, her face barely half the size of his palm—felt a pang of heartache. At thirteen, girls in ordinary farming families were already married, yet his own daughter was in such a pitiful state. He raised his voice, "While I was away guarding the borders and fighting battles, enduring such hardships, my wife managed the private army and raised our children. The first three sons and even the youngest born later are all healthy. Yet Niao Niao, living in comfort here in the Capital City, has ended up like this! Can’t we even ask a single question?"

At these words, Ge Shi, the one actually responsible for raising the child, paled. Cheng Shi was clearly blaming her.

In truth, Cheng Shi was wrong. Aside from this recent illness, which was indeed due to her negligence, the girl had been well-fed and cared for all these years. After all, the Wan family’s elderly matriarch lived next door and would often drop by to make snide remarks like, "Poor child, without her parents around. If you can’t raise her properly, why not send her back to Cheng Xiaowei?" Cheng Mu was old and indifferent, only insisting on keeping the fourth daughter close while ignoring everything else. Ge Shi couldn’t even vent her frustrations in any truly underhanded ways.

What infuriated her was that the girl had been born with a delicate, spindly frame—no amount of meat or fish seemed to help. Her face and bones were so small that at five she looked three, at ten she looked seven, and now at thirteen, she still had the starved look of someone perpetually underfed. Outsiders only assumed the aunt was cruel, but in truth, over the past decade, aside from occasionally indulging or scolding her, Ge Shi hadn’t found any other way to handle her.

Meanwhile, Cheng Mu, having been scolded by her son, flew into a rage. She beat her chest and wailed loudly, "…So it’s true—old age makes one a burden! After all these years away, you return only to fuss over the little ones, not even asking if your own mother is alive or dead! I’ve been terribly ill these days…" She punctuated this with a few dry coughs for effect before continuing to cry, "What did you all promise when your father passed? To be filial to me! Now you’d sooner see me dead than keep your word!"While crying and pounding on the folding chair wasn't enough, she suddenly straightened up with bloodshot eyes, howling like a wild boar: "If this still isn't sufficient for you, why don't I just die to accompany Fourth Miss in death!"

Cheng Mu, originally from rural peasant stock and large in stature, caused the entire room to tremble with her outburst. Seeing the opportunity, Li Zhui discreetly nudged Ge Shi, who quickly stepped forward and said, "Husband's mother, please don't be upset. Brother-in-law is a high-ranking official, and doesn't the current Your Majesty emphasize filial piety the most? How could Brother-in-law be unfilial?"

Unable to vent his anger at his mother, Cheng Shi turned to Ge Shi instead: "Several years ago when Mother recovered, I sent someone to fetch Niao Niao. What did you write in your letter then? You said Niao Niao was doing extremely well at home in every way, and that going out might not be suitable for her!"

Yu Cailing was inwardly delighted—excellent, excellent! This Old Man Cheng had no gentlemanly manners whatsoever, showing no hesitation in berating women.

Ge Shi, frightened by the thunderous reprimand, hastily retreated to the side. Seeing this, Cheng Mu shrilled, "Don't beat around the bush to scold me—it was I who wouldn't let Fourth Miss go! The shaman said that although I had recovered then, who knew if something might happen to me once Fourth Miss left?" Ge Shi's words had reminded her, and she quickly added, "Out there, filial officials have been known to cut their flesh and blood for their parents' recovery, yet you're getting worked up over a sick little girl!"

Glancing at Madam Xiao, who was kneeling respectfully with her head bowed, she sneered viciously: "Otherwise, this time when you leave, leave Shaogong with me. After all, they're twins—keeping either one is the same. If not... hmph! You're my son, and I can't bear to punish you, but as for this fine new bride of yours, I'll surely report her for unfilial piety!"

Cheng Shi urgently protested, "What does this have to do with her? Mother, why must you always find fault with her?"

Madam Xiao kept her head lowered the entire time, but Yu Cailing, sharp-eyed, caught a glimpse of a mocking smile at the corner of her lips from this angle. Yet when she raised her head, her expression was once again one of sorrowful deference.

She bowed deeply to Cheng Mu, kowtowing as she said mournfully, "Husband's mother, please don't be angry. No one knows a son better than his mother—surely you know what kind of temperament the master has. All these years away, he has constantly regretted not being able to personally attend to you, but though his heart may be in the right place, he doesn't always express it well in words."

Cheng Mu looked at her scornfully. "How could I compare to your skills? Didn't Shi'er just say how capable you are, managing the private army and children so well, while I can't even take care of one small child? In the early years, Shi'er consulted me on every matter in the Cheng household. But ever since you entered our doors, no matter how big or small the issue, inside or out, the moment you speak, Shi'er just says 'Yes, yes, right, right'—does Shi'er still have any regard for me as his mother?!"

Hearing these bitter complaints, Yu Cailing didn't dare move her neck, but inwardly shook her head. The old lady feels she's still in her prime and wants to delay retirement, yet you, her son and daughter-in-law, won't let her continue shining—serves you right to be scolded.

Cheng Shi said with a headache, "The sage said, 'Let the younger generation take on the labor.' The new bride took over household affairs precisely to show filial piety to Mother, so Mother could enjoy some peace..."This remark only served to further enrage Cheng Mu: "Sage my foot! If I enjoy any more leisure, I might as well be six feet under! Those noble ladies out there only praise your virtue while looking down on this old woman, barely deigning to associate with me. General Wan's mother lives right next door, yet in all these years, we've hardly exchanged three sentences. Whenever we meet, she either commends you, the new bride, for your hardships in managing the household and raising children, or asks after Fourth Lady, as if her aunt and I would devour her alive! And now you're back from your campaign—how many rewards did you receive? How many captives? You don't say, and no one breathes a word to me. I might as well be blind and deaf!"

Of this lengthy tirade, Yu Cailing only agreed with the first sentence, and the last two words were lost on her.

Madam Xiao repeatedly bowed in apology, saying, "It is my fault for displeasing you, Husband's mother. It is late, and you should retire to rest."

Ignoring her daughter-in-law, Cheng Mu turned a cold smile on her son, Cheng Shi: "Rest in my coffin, and you’ll finally have your wish. I don’t care—this time you’re back, you must secure a few hundred bushels' worth of official rank for your uncle. He’s toiled all these years. And find another twenty thousand coins for your aunt—the Dong family is taking a new bride."

Cheng Shi could bear it no longer: "I already know—it’s not a new bride, it’s another concubine! My cousin is younger than me—how many does he need? It’s not as if he lacks heirs. Why must we spend so much—"

Cheng Mu glanced at Madam Xiao, still kneeling on the ground, then looked back at her son with renewed sarcasm: "All these years, how much have you spent on Xiao Feng’s education and marriage without batting an eye? Your wife’s brother is family, but your own mother’s brother is an outsider! Besides, it’s only proper for An’er’s bride to bring in more maids to serve her husband and in-laws—unlike some people... Hmph! If you were truly filial, you’d take a few more concubines to serve me yourself."

Cheng Shi, exasperated by his mother’s unreasonable demands, retorted angrily: "Education and marriage are proper matters, but taking concubines—"

Madam Xiao suddenly turned and gently interrupted her husband: "My lord, say no more. Let us do as Husband's mother says." With her back to Cheng Mu, Ge Shi, and the servants, she gave her husband a subtle glance, a silent signal. Those behind her couldn’t see her expression, but Yu Cailing caught it clearly.

Cheng Shi closed his eyes briefly, then conceded helplessly, cupping his hands: "As you say, Mother. It is late—you should retire."

Seeing both son and daughter-in-law yield, Cheng Mu rose contentedly and departed, trailed by a retinue of seven or eight servants, their swaying gait reminiscent of the Dragon King’s turtle minister from the East Sea. Ge Shi hurried after her, inwardly relieved that the storm over Fourth Lady’s illness had passed. It seemed Madam Xiao still feared her mother-in-law and dared not press further—her panic days earlier had been for nothing, and her prepared excuses went unused. Before leaving, she even cast a smug glance at her confidante Li Zhui, as if to say: See? All’s well.

Li Zhui, ever the sycophant, rushed to support her, though inwardly puzzled. A decade ago, such battles between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were frequent, usually ending with Madam Xiao apologizing. When things escalated, Cheng Shi would trade barbs with his mother, leaving everyone disgruntled.But today, although Madam Xiao repeatedly apologized, her attitude wasn’t particularly anxious—it even seemed somewhat perfunctory. Cheng Shi, on the other hand, was even more peculiar. Normally, he would have made a bigger fuss in such situations, yet today he let it go so easily, not even hurrying to help Madam Xiao up from her kneeling position on the floor. Li Zhui thought about it but dared not speak further. She knew Cheng Mu didn’t particularly favor her own Female Lord—she simply despised Madam Xiao too much and was using Ge Shi as a tool to oppose her.

Watching as Cheng Mu and Ge Shi’s group exited the room like flowing water, the smile on Madam Xiao’s face faded. She turned and silently gazed at Cheng Shi, not uttering a word. Cheng Shi sighed and sat on the folding chair Cheng Mu had just vacated. He glanced at his daughter, who had once again fallen unconscious leaning against her maids, and sighed again.

A Qing stood up and instructed the two maids to help Yu Cailing lie down. She carefully felt her forehead, then personally lowered the heavy brocade bed curtains before silently gesturing for the other maids to withdraw and close the door.

In this isolated space, Yu Cailing lay on her side facing inward, trying to steady her breathing and continue pretending to sleep. Her fists were clenched, her eyes shut, and her palms sweaty—she had no idea what this couple might say in private. She was intensely curious about the parents of this body she now inhabited.

In truth, Madam Xiao was naturally cautious. If not for Ge Shi’s lack of preparation—having hastily cleared only a few rooms for Cheng Shi and his entourage—and Madam Xiao’s refusal to let her daughter return to Ge Shi’s care, she would never have stayed in her daughter’s room to speak privately.

Before long, A Qing entered through an inner door, leading in a woman. As soon as the woman greeted them, Yu Cailing recognized her voice—it was A Zhu!

“A Zhu, rise,” Madam Xiao said warmly, stepping forward to help her up. “These years must have been hard on you, only able to reunite sporadically with A Yi.”

A Zhu looked at Madam Xiao with tearful eyes and sobbed, “The Female Lord hasn’t changed at all, and the master is even more imposing than before.”

Cheng Shi, who had remained expressionless since entering, finally smiled. Stroking his thick beard, he turned to his wife and said, “A Zhu is just the same as ever—when she does speak, she only tells the truth.”

At this, everyone—from the feigning Yu Cailing to the composed Madam Xiao—twitched their lips in amusement, while A Qing covered her sleeve to stifle a laugh.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Madam Xiao sat upright and said solemnly, “Tell us what happened.”

A Zhu bowed respectfully and replied, “Years ago, I followed the Female Lord’s orders to remain at our estate, where nothing happened for years. I only vaguely heard rumors of the Young Lady’s unruly reputation. A month ago, I heard the Young Lady had quarreled with someone at a plum blossom banquet—whether it was true or not, Ge Shi punished her by confining her to the garden for reflection. The one assigned to care for her was Li Zhui’s cousin’s mother, a foolish old woman who loved her drink. In those freezing days, she left the little Young Lady alone in a long-abandoned, damp brick room without even hot food or water. Within days, the Young Lady fell ill. By the time I managed to bribe Li Zhui to let me attend to her, the Young Lady had already been feverish for many days…”

Cheng Shi was furious. He slammed his palm on the armrest of the folding chair, snapping the carved wood. “That woman is utterly detestable! My second brother should divorce her!”

A Zhu hastily bowed again. “This servant is at fault.”

Madam Xiao waved dismissively. “It’s not your responsibility. You weren’t the one assigned to that estate. That you rushed there in time was well done.”"A Yue..." A Zhu had barely started when Madam Xiao cut in decisively, "No need to say more. I understand."

Yu Cailing secretly marveled at Madam Xiao's firm and efficient tone, hardly believing this was the same woman who had just been kneeling submissively with soft words of apology. Truly a wolf in sheep's clothing.

A Qing, observing the expressions of the master and mistress, quickly changed the subject by teasing A Zhu: "That must have been your first time seeing the Young Lady. I heard the Young Lady has a terrible temper—did she ever punish you?"

A Zhu sobbed quietly, "Punish what? By the time I arrived, the Young Lady was already at death's door. So pitiful, such a tiny thing, burning with fever all over, lying on that damp, cold pallet. She was delirious from the fever and couldn't even swallow medicine. I was terrified, fearing something might happen to the Young Lady and I'd fail the Female Lord's trust!"

Cheng Shi's gaze drifted toward the heavily draped bed, recalling how frail and small his daughter had looked when he first saw her. The thought made his heart ache even more, especially when compared to his four robust sons, each as strong as a young bull.

"As for the Young Lady's temper, I dare not say much," A Zhu said indignantly. "I only ask the master and Female Lord to see for themselves once the Young Lady recovers. Then it will be clear whether those rumors were spread deliberately."

Fu Yi and his wife had followed Cheng Shi for over a decade, so he knew their character well. If A Zhu dared to speak like this, his own daughter couldn't possibly be as the rumors outside claimed.

A Qing carefully observed Cheng Shi's expression before turning to say with a smile, "Madam was truly foresighted to leave people at the estate beforehand. Otherwise, things might have turned disastrous. Who would have thought Second Madam could be so cruel?"

Cheng Shi's face darkened again. Madam Xiao glanced at him but spoke slowly to A Qing, "What can be done? I happened to encounter fools. Clever people don't frighten me—at least you know they won't do foolish things. But fools are truly troublesome."

At this point, she gave a disdainful laugh and continued leisurely, as if making casual conversation, "Do you remember that year when the Donglu family in the village took a second wife? The first wife's family wasn't powerless, and the son-in-law wasn't blind either. Yet as soon as she bore a son, she immediately sold the first wife's son and daughter while the men were away patrolling for bandits, claiming they'd gone missing. Everyone was horrified, exclaiming how such a foolish woman could exist. But the world is full of such idiots who think they can commit evil deeds and remain unscathed."

A Qing picked up the thread, "When they caught and interrogated that woman, she kept shouting that since her child was now the only heir of the Bo family, they couldn't execute the birth mother. But in the end, the Donglu clan head ordered her to commit suicide. Alas, her own child died not long after. Soon enough, the Donglu family welcomed a new bride, who bore more children. Who remembers her now?"

Madam Xiao said, "What I pity are the children of the first wife. Even if the perpetrator was killed, what could the grieving families do? Those lovely children were never found again—who knows what abuse they suffered out there?" Her tone shifted, "And our family isn't even as powerful as the Donglu family. If Niao Niao had truly died of illness, could my lord have executed her aunt for a junior's sake? Not to mention there's still the husband's mother above us."

As she spoke, Madam Xiao fixed her gaze on Cheng Shi's face. Cheng Shi looked at his wife but remained silent.

Watching the silent exchange between the master and mistress, A Qing said softly, "This humble servant is dull-witted, but I suppose being scolded within the household wouldn't lead to major trouble. Once outside the gates, though, anything could happen." Thinking more darkly—without maids to supervise and protect her at the estate, if the young lady encountered ruffians and was violated, they'd have no choice but to swallow the bitter pill.

Seeing her husband's gloomy expression, Madam Xiao said mockingly, "Fortunately, our family comes from humble rural origins with modest assets. Over the years we've only acquired two small estates. If we were like the prestigious Yuan or Lou families, with generations of nobility and properties spanning two or three counties, I wouldn't have been able to guard against everything even if I tried."

Cheng Shi closed his eyes briefly and said heavily, "Enough. I understand all this. A Qing, go summon Cheng Shun to wait for me in the front courtyard."

A Qing's face lit up with joy as she hurried off to comply; A Zhu also bowed and withdrew.

Alone now, Madam Xiao rose slowly and went to her husband's side. Placing her hands on Cheng Shi's broad shoulders, she said gently, "As the books say, blind obedience is also unfilial. All these years, the husband's mother has truly..."Cheng Shi covered his wife's hand on his shoulder and said, "I understand. Back when our family was poor, Mother wasn't like this. Whenever we had extra grain, she was willing to share with needy neighbors. Though her words could be harsh, her heart was kind. But these years of wealth have made her increasingly domineering—constantly demanding official posts and money for my uncle, even being incited to seize others' farmland. As for my uncle, while I risk my life at the front, he collects bribes behind my back, all because he relies on Mother's influence."

At this moment, A Qing returned and said, "My lord, Cheng Shun has arrived." Cheng Shi stood up and said to his wife, "You must be tired from the journey. Rest early. In a few days, the children will arrive with General Wan's party—don't exhaust yourself." With that, he pushed the door open and left.

A Qing followed behind, quickly closing the door. Turning around, she smiled and said, "Female Lord, it seems His Lordship has made up his mind."

Madam Xiao remained silent, her gaze shifting toward the bed. Understanding her meaning, A Qing tiptoed over and gently drew back the bed curtains. The little girl was fast asleep, her breathing heavy with fever. Lowering the curtains again, A Qing turned and said, "It seems the fever hasn't fully broken yet. She's sleeping deeply."

Madam Xiao supported her waist as she sat on the folding chair. "Illness lingers like unraveling silk. The Imperial Physician has seen her and said a few more doses of medicine will suffice."

Yu Cailing was a master at feigning sleep, her heart brimming with excitement. Her mother in this life was even more remarkable than in her past one—shifting personalities effortlessly. The Oscars owed her a statue!

A Qing approached and began gently massaging Madam Xiao's waist. "His Lordship must have resolved himself." Madam Xiao replied, "He's long wanted to act but hesitated out of respect for his mother." A Qing sighed. "With Taigong passing early, it hasn't been easy for the old mistress living in widowhood."

Madam Xiao suddenly laughed. "Even if my father-in-law were alive, would life have been any easier for her?"

A Qing couldn't help but chuckle.

Madam Xiao scoffed. "A down-and-out nobleman who loved composing songs—when Emperor Li's misrule plunged the land into chaos and starvation, who had time for music? Unable to marry a wealthy beauty like Zhuo Wenjun to become the next Sima Xiangru, he faced starvation and had to settle for a sturdy peasant woman. While he lived, he couldn't even bear to speak to his wife. The moment my husband built a new house, he hurriedly claimed the largest room for his refined pursuits, claiming that seeing his old wife too often would ruin his appetite."

Remembering how Cheng Taigong used to disdain Cheng Mu, A Qing smiled. "Taigong always protected you, Female Lord."

"Naturally. Of the entire household, only I could understand his musical notations. After decades of marriage and raising children together, my mother-in-law still thought he was drawing shamanic symbols. She once suggested he set up a fortune-telling stall to supplement the family income."

A Qing finally burst into laughter.

But Madam Xiao didn't join in. With a sigh, she said, "As the world grew more chaotic and the Cheng family struggled, it was only through her tireless efforts that we scraped by. Watching his mother labor while his father remained cold and distant—how could my husband, as the eldest son, not ache for her?"

Hearing this, Yu Cailing smirked inwardly. Now she understood the source of Cheng Mu's resentment.

A Qing sighed softly. "If only Taigong were still alive—he would never have allowed the old mistress to bully you. You wouldn't have been separated from the Young Lady for ten years either."

But Madam Xiao sighed deeply before replying, "If only one of the elders could have lived long to enjoy prosperity... it truly should have been her."A Qing was startled and said, "Female lord, you must be confused."

To everyone's surprise, Madam Xiao replied, "Whether my husband's mother likes me or not is one thing, but in my heart, I respect her. Gathering vegetables from the mountains, toiling in the fields, returning home to spin cloth, starch clothes, and sweep the floors—with a son-in-law and children to feed, even if the sky were to collapse, she would straighten her bent back to hold it up. She's not like that husband of hers who only knows how to play music. Now it's her time to enjoy the blessings of her children and grandchildren!"

Hearing this, Yu Cailing felt a bit more respect for Madam Xiao. Though the woman was quite calculating, she still had a clear sense of right and wrong.

After a pause, Madam Xiao added, "Besides, my husband's mother is much better than my own mother."

A Qing dared not comment on her mistress's birth mother and quickly changed the subject, "Female lord, have you noticed? The young lady resembles her maternal grandmother."

A complex expression once again crossed Madam Xiao's cold face. "Let's hope her temperament isn't the same. That would be utterly useless. Better to take after her paternal grandmother."

"Please, no," A Qing hurriedly laughed. "Regardless of temperament, it's better if her looks favor your mother."

Remembering Cheng Mu's mountain-of-flesh appearance, Madam Xiao chuckled lightly.

Watching Madam Xiao's expression, A Qing continued, "Actually, I don't think the old lady suffered much hardship. The master took over the household finances when he was just ten. She didn't endure hardship for long." Then she worriedly added, "But... can the master really bring himself to act against the old lady?"

"If the master had that kind of womanly softness, he'd have died countless times over by now," Madam Xiao said confidently.

She looked up at the high ceiling beams and murmured to herself, "In this world, there's no new bride who can't outmaneuver her husband's mother—it's just that the son-in-law refuses to lend a hand."

Yu Cailing was stunned by this profound statement. She suddenly realized that her mother in this life was not only an outstanding actress and master of household intrigue but also a philosopher with materialist dialectical thinking!

But honestly, why did she always end up with such formidable mothers? With predecessors so brilliant, it was hard for later generations to break new ground. She thought perhaps she should set a small goal first—like, maybe, being reborn again?

Author's Note:

In ancient times, there was the term 'weng gu', where 'gu' referred to the mother-in-law.

This custom still lingers in many parts of our country.

For example, in the TV drama "The Dyehouse," the second male lead—yes, that Lu Jiaju who appeared midway through the second episode looking down on the protagonist Chen Liu but ended up bowing to him before the episode was over—his wife, the jade-green girl, addressed Lu Jiaju's mother simply as 'gu.' At first, I thought it was an aunt-niece relationship, but later realized it must have been the term for mother-in-law.