Before Cheng Shi could continue, Cheng Mu interjected, "This old woman knows—my son has distinguished himself again, and the Emperor intends to raise your official rank!" Dong Lüshi chimed in with a smile, "A promotion is only natural. Given your hard work and merits, there should also be generous rewards of gold, silver, and land."
Cheng Shi laughed. "The Emperor is benevolent and never lets meritorious officials go unrewarded. That goes without saying. What I wish to discuss is another matter." He glanced around the room, his gaze settling on Cheng Shaoshang, his face full of affection. "Including Niao Niao, Yuan Yi and I have four sons and one daughter. Fortunately, the four sons are escorting General Wan's family and will return slowly, not with us. Otherwise, with our cramped home, there’d be no place to stay..."
Ge Shi quickly cut in, "Elder Brother, you can’t blame me for this. Your letter said you wouldn’t arrive for another half-month, yet here you are, suddenly and without warning. How could I possibly have prepared rooms for you in such short notice...?"
Cheng Mu snapped, "Enough! If there wasn’t time then, they’ve been back for several days now—have you prepared the rooms yet? The eldest is the head of this household, yet you’ve taken the largest room for yourself and refuse to budge."
Ge Shi defended herself, "When I moved there, you, my husband's mother, agreed to it. The shaman said that dwelling was auspicious for fertility. And look—not long after, I gave birth to Ou Er..."
"'Not long after'? It’s been years, and only one Ou Er at that," Cheng Mu retorted, pointing at the chubby boy who was busy stuffing his face. Having been fertile herself, she naturally held her daughters-in-law to the same standard.
Ge Shi was furious. After Cheng Shi and his wife left for their post, Cheng Cheng had blamed her for meddling, and their marital relationship soured. Since then, he either refused to cooperate or went through the motions without effort—how could she possibly have more children?!
At this thought, her eyes darted, and she turned to Madam Xiao with tears. "I lack ability, unlike my fortunate sister-in-law. But regardless of anything else, think of your second brother’s sake—pity him, past thirty with only one son to his name. The general already has a thriving lineage. That prophecy—better to believe it. Perhaps Heaven will take pity..."
Cheng Mu disagreed. "Thriving? The eldest only has four sons. I’ve heard Yuhou has thirteen! Now that’s the mark of a grand, prosperous family. If that room truly has good feng shui, it should go to the eldest and his wife. Clearly, it’s done you no good..."
Ge Shi retorted, "Yuhou has a house full of concubines and beauties—those thirteen sons weren’t all born to his wife alone!"
Cheng Shaoshang thought, Wow, we’ve really gone off-topic.
"Enough!" Cheng Shi bellowed. "What nonsense are you all spouting? Don’t you want to hear the good news?" He was thoroughly exasperated with these women—they’d started talking about rooms and veered off into the absurd. He glanced at Madam Xiao, worried she might be displeased, but she seemed entirely unperturbed, not even the jade pendant at her ear swaying.
"What do concubines have to do with fertility? My brother-in-law has few concubines, yet it’s still Madam Lu who bears his children," Cheng Shi said.
Dong Yong quickly hunched his shoulders, while Dong Lüshi proudly straightened hers.
"As for concubines—take them if you wish, don’t if you don’t. I don’t care for them, and I’ve enough children as it is..." Cheng Shi glanced at Cheng Cheng, who was silently drinking. "...Second Brother, however, might consider taking a few. Third Brother married late but already has a daughter and two sons. Clearly, Ge Shi isn’t up to the task..."Cheng Shaoshang was once again dumbfounded: "Dear, you've gone off-topic too." And what did he mean by "not doing well"—she had a vague feeling that before her general father rose to prominence, he must have been a cheerful but gossipy fellow with a sharp tongue.
Ge Shi's shrill voice rang out: "Husband's uncle, what do you mean by that? How can you speak so ill of—"
"—My lord." Madam Xiao finally couldn't hold back and interrupted. She closed her eyes briefly and said, "Let's get to the main matter." Even after more than a decade, she still hadn't grown accustomed to this family's penchant for quarreling.
Cheng Shi stroked his beard, cleared his throat, and said, "Mother, recently Third Brother sent a letter saying he’s returning to the Capital City for his official report. He’ll be home for New Year's Day this year. It’s rare for all three of us brothers to gather together under your care, so we must make it a grand celebration. I feel that with our growing family, this house is truly too small..."
Cheng Mu was overjoyed to the point of tears: "Third Son is coming back too? This is truly heaven’s blessing. At last, all three of you brothers can reunite. All these years, with you two scattered east and west, I’ve worried day and night that something might happen to you. Now everything is fine. The house may be small, but it doesn’t matter if we squeeze in—what matters is that everyone is home."
Cheng Shaoshang noticed that when the topic of the third branch returning came up, even the usually listless Cheng Cheng straightened up, his face lighting with joy.
Cheng Shi laughed: "It’s fine to squeeze now, but what if Second Brother and Third Brother have more children in the future? Even if the girls can marry out, Yong Er and the others are growing up. When they marry and have children, a bunch of little ones will be crawling around, and you won’t even be able to hold them all, Mother. The house will be packed to the brim..."
These words were exactly what Cheng Mu loved to hear. Imagining a house full of lively little children rolling around her, she was so delighted she could almost float, nodding repeatedly: "Yes, yes."
"That’s why I’ve been thinking of moving to a bigger house before the new year," Cheng Shi said. "But the problem is, most of the larger vacant houses are too far from the central offices. The ones closer are already taken by others. Yet for me attending court or the children studying at the Imperial Academy, the closer the better..." In the past, money was tight, and every penny had to be stretched. After ten years of military campaigns, wealth was no longer an issue, but now there were no suitable houses to buy. Those grand generals, marquises, and imperial relatives who had risen with the Emperor were mostly in their prime, full of vigor—none were willing to sell their fine residences.
When Cheng Shi mentioned the Imperial Academy, Ge Shi’s expression flickered, but she didn’t dare interrupt.
Cheng Mu sighed: "Isn’t that the truth? Early birds get the worm—we arrived too late."
Cheng Shi grinned: "But now, without me even searching, a house has come to us. Mother, do you know the Bu family from the front street? The one that plotted rebellion earlier this year!" Cheng Shaoshang’s lips twitched: Old Man Cheng, does the Emperor know how happy you sound talking about rebellion?
Cheng Mu still looked puzzled, but Dong Lüshi quickly chimed in: "Yes, yes! Isn’t that the Bu family who fled the Capital City with their brothers, wives, and children while His Majesty was fighting hard at the front? I heard they fled to the sea, rallying their former followers along the way."
Madam Xiao gave Dong Lüshi an approving glance and said, "That’s the one. From Third Brother’s letter, we learned the Governor of Langya pursued their remnants and has executed them all."Dong Lüshi sighed, "Our Emperor is so good, so benevolent to his subjects. That family—with such a high noble title, why did they flee? They threw away their entire clan's lives for nothing."
Cheng Shaoshang thought to herself, No noble title could compare to the thrill of being emperor.
Cheng Cheng suddenly spoke up, "Lord Bu Wen was a formidable warlord in the land. Defeated by His Majesty and forced to surrender, he naturally couldn't accept it."
Delighted that his second brother was finally willing to talk, Cheng Shi said cheerfully, "Surrendering after offering the heads of his own allies—what kind of hero is that? Second Brother, while you were in the Capital City, did you hear anything else?"
Cheng Cheng replied, "It wasn't just Lord Bu Wen. Several others were also unwilling—some stirring restlessly, others secretly colluding with foreign enemies. Recently, His Majesty ordered the imprisonment of several ennobled ministers. It hasn't been easy for the Emperor..."
This was a familiar scene: the world in chaos, warlords rising everywhere. Today, one declared himself king; tomorrow, another was proclaimed emperor—like a brutal and scientific contest among venomous insects. In the end, the last one standing was either the strongest, the luckiest, or both.
The Emperor whom Old Man Cheng had pledged allegiance to was once just one of many minor warlords. In the early days of founding the state, enemies surrounded him on all sides. But Madam Xiao had an exceptional eye—as skilled in choosing a husband as she was in selecting a leader. After years of struggle, the Emperor now showed signs of unifying the land. Yet there were still those who clung to hope, eager to gamble one last time.
"But... what does this have to do with the house?" Cheng Mu looked utterly bewildered. Cheng Shaoshang silently praised her: Well done steering the conversation back.
Cheng Shi laughed. "General Wan was wounded in battle this time, and His Majesty, wishing to show special favor, has granted him Lord Bu's grand estate. Knowing that we were looking to move into a larger home, General Wan offered us the neighboring mansion."
"Offered?" Cheng Mu's voice trembled. "You mean they're giving the house to us?" Without spending a single coin?!
Uncle Dong was also shocked. Viewed from above, the Wan and Cheng residences resembled a gourd with a small head and a large body—the Wan estate was about four or five times the size of the Cheng home, separated only by a single wall. Back when the Emperor was just one of many warlords with limited power, though he had established the capital here, many wealthy and influential families doubted his prospects, fearing military upheaval. Thus, they sold their properties and returned to their hometowns to avoid disaster.
The Wan family, being wealthy, had bought these two adjacent estates outright upon arriving in the Capital City. They then sold the smaller one to the Cheng family at a bargain price, ensuring mutual support. Uncle Dong had once tried to curry favor with General Wan, but the latter hadn't even spared him a glance.
"Exactly," Cheng Shi said with a smile. "When I visited Old Madam Wan the day after returning, she suggested we move before New Year's Day to hold the ancestral and heavenly rites in the new house. She also urged us to move early so the new year would begin auspiciously!"
Overjoyed, Cheng Mu could only nod repeatedly, too happy to speak.
Ge Shi quickly added, "Old Madam Wan has shown such generosity—how can we not help? Husband's Uncle, you must bring your second brother along when the time comes."
Madam Xiao's eyes flashed. "No need. General Wan is injured and shouldn't be disturbed with moving. In truth, Old Madam Wan began transporting their belongings over ten days ago, and we haven't been able to assist much. Most of it is already done. Once General Wan returns to the city, he can rest directly in the new residence. We'll simply attend the housewarming banquet when the time comes."
By now, Cheng Mu was so overjoyed she could only repeat, "Good, good."Ge Shi exclaimed in surprise, "They started moving over ten days ago? How come I never heard a word about it?" She had been having servants monitor the Wan family's activities all along.
Madam Xiao looked at her with meaningful eyes and said, "Old Madam Wan is a heroine of our times. Managing her household is like commanding an army—capable yet appearing incapable, employing yet seeming not to employ. Her orders are as firm as mountains. Though the household moved swiftly, on the surface it appeared as calm as a deep pool, with hardly any noticeable activity."
A chill ran down Ge Shi's spine, and she quickly lowered her head, silently cursing that damned old woman Wan.
Cheng Shi laughed and said, "Mother, I've already thought it through. We'll simply break through that wall to connect the two residences. Then you can move into Old Madam Wan's current quarters, while Yuan Yi and I will take General Wan's former residence. Since Second Brother enjoys quiet for his studies, there will be plenty of space now—he can choose any spot he likes!"
Cheng Mu trembled with excitement. In her later years, she had always envied Old Madam Wan the most—so dignified and authoritative, with every word obeyed. General Wan was a filial son, giving his mother the most scenic and comfortable part of the estate. Could she now live the same kind of life as Old Madam Wan?
Tears welled up in her aged eyes, her heart softening completely. Though they had quarreled for ten years, her son still remembered his old mother. Suddenly, nothing in heaven or earth compared to the goodness of her own flesh and blood. Brothers and nephews could all step aside—she had truly been foolish before and must never again break her son's heart for the sake of the Dong father and son.
Dong Lüshi was quick-witted and immediately exclaimed loudly, "Congratulations, Aunt! Endless blessings await you from now on!"
Everyone at the table rose to offer their congratulations. Dong Yong was still somewhat confused, but Uncle Dong knew the tide had turned—his nephew was determined to separate his sister from himself, cutting off any further advantage.
Ge Shi also smiled and said, "Every time I visited the neighboring residence, I admired it greatly. Who would have thought we'd one day live there ourselves?"
Cheng Shi rolled his eyes and retorted irritably, "No need for you to move, sister-in-law. Didn't you say your current room suits you well? Stay there peacefully—no one will disturb your prospects for offspring."
Cheng Shaoshang nearly burst out laughing inside. Telling the husband he could pick any spot in the Wan residence while telling the wife to stay put—how exactly was that Ge woman supposed to prosper with offspring?
Ge Shi's face turned purple with rage, momentarily speechless. She wanted to argue that a couple couldn't conceive children if they didn't share a room, but shame kept her from saying it aloud. She could only stammer, "You—you—you!" She had previously considered that when Madam Xiao returned, she might demand the household authority and main residence back. While she couldn't outright refuse the former, she could make it difficult. As for the main residence, she was determined not to yield—if pressed, she would throw a fit.
But Madam Xiao hadn't mentioned reclaiming authority or changing quarters since her return. So this was her plan all along! Ge Shi had painstakingly cultivated loyalty among the old residence's servants, yet Madam Xiao simply bypassed them entirely, not even bothering to ask. Instead, she would fill the new residence with her own trusted aides, leaving Ge Shi with no say at all.
For the first time, Ge Shi's mind became crystal clear: after years as sisters-in-law, she had experienced Madam Xiao's methods before. If her guess was correct, Old Madam Wan was nearly done moving out, and the new residence's gates were likely already guarded by the family generals Madam Xiao brought back—people Ge Shi could never command. If she moved to the new residence, Madam Xiao might at most let her bring a few maids. What use would all her efforts over the past decade be then?Before Ge Shi could think of a response, Dong Yong looked envious and said with a smile, "Aunt, I haven’t been to the Wan family’s mansion yet. Father and Mother have already gone with you—could I…"
"Could what? No!" Cheng Mu flatly refused. "I just said you’re not allowed to come to the Cheng family anymore. Did you think I was joking? Unless the Cheng family is hosting a major banquet, don’t bother showing up."
Madam Xiao’s eyes flashed with disdain. Though Uncle Dong was greedy, he was at least clever—he knew how to read the room and scheme. This Dong Yong, however, had no redeeming qualities whatsoever. At his age, he still thought he could act spoiled and shameless in front of his aunt, relying solely on his thick skin to cling like a stubborn plaster. She’d make sure someone tore that plaster off soon enough and taught him a lesson he wouldn’t forget.
Desperate, Ge Shi quickly interjected with a smile, "As a woman, I don’t understand matters outside the home. But we’re all family here. If Uncle and my cousin have made mistakes, as their elder sister, Husband’s mother should discipline them. But cutting ties completely—how can that be?" Uncle Dong was her best ally against Madam Xiao. Without him, she’d have no chance of winning.
Madam Xiao smirked and glanced at her husband. Cheng Shi’s face darkened, while Hu Ao cheerfully turned to Cheng Mu, her expression clearly saying, "See? Just as I predicted—she’d say exactly that."
Cheng Mu slammed the table and roared, "What business is this of yours, meddling in our Dong family affairs? My eldest son and I have already settled this—who do you think you are to argue? If you’re so attached to the Dong family, why don’t you just scram over there? I won’t stop you from having your fun!"
Ah, the blunt honesty of country folk—their insults always went straight for the jugular. Cheng Shaoshang listened with wide-eyed fascination.
At these words, Ge Shi’s face turned beet red. Though she’d grown up in the countryside, she was Grandfather Ge’s treasured daughter, raised with maids attending her every need. She had never been subjected to such vulgar abuse. With a wail, she shoved the table aside, covered her face with her sleeve, and fled the room.
Eager to stir the pot further, Cheng Shaoshang quickly peeked at Second Uncle Cheng—only to find his expression completely unchanged, still calmly pouring himself drinks. No one else in the room reacted either. Those like Uncle Dong and Cheng Shi were long accustomed to Cheng Mu’s temper, while Madam Xiao and Dong Lüshi had anticipated this scene from the start.
The only exceptions were the big-eyed girl sitting beside Cheng Shaoshang, who flushed crimson and clenched her fists in embarrassment and shame, and the chubby boy who kept stuffing his face, likely oblivious to the drama.
Having thoroughly berated her daughter-in-law, Cheng Mu was in high spirits. Hu Ao refilled her wine and said cheerfully, "You’ve been talking so much—wet your throat a little." She then used a dagger to carve a piece of chicken leg for her. "I steamed this myself today. See if it tastes like the flavors from our childhood."
Cheng Mu took a big bite and exclaimed in delight, "This is it! So fragrant and tender!" She grinned at Hu Ao. "You’ve always loved cooking. It’s been years since I’ve tasted your skills." Then she turned to the stunned Dong Yong and barked, "What are you staring at? Eat!"
Hu Ao chuckled. "Master Dong and the young master were born into wealth—they probably wouldn’t appreciate these rustic dishes."
Cheng Shaoshang silently applauded. This old woman really knew how to wield words like a weapon.Cheng Mu listened to the words and watched Cheng Shi eating the meat with relish, as if he hadn't had a proper meal in ages. Thinking about how there couldn't have been good food and drink during the war at the front, her heart ached for him. She said loudly, "When Father was alive, he watched over them. After Father passed away, I've been the one watching over them. Those father and son have never suffered hardships—all the suffering has been endured by my children!"
Uncle Dong, sitting nearby, was at a loss whether to pick up his chopsticks or put them down, and could only force an awkward smile.
Author's Note:
Apologies, it's Saturday today and I overslept, so the update is late. Sorry about that.
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