Chapter 8, The Person in the Game

Who would have thought that such a fate worse than death would occur

Upon returning to her room, Tang Ninghui recounted the events that had transpired in detail, and finally sighed, "Alas, it seems that Qiaoqin has already..."

In this world, there are only mothers who love their daughters; where are the mothers-in-law who love their daughters-in-law? The mother, in her desperation, sought many folk remedies and secret recipes. Before long, she surprisingly became pregnant, but one after another, she gave birth to daughters.

A letter from Zeng Wanshan was swiftly delivered to the Zeng residence. That morning, the old lady Zeng was attended to by the maids and servants as she rose early. After having breakfast, she proceeded, as usual, to kneel and pay her respects in the Buddhist hall

Madam Zeng smiled and said, "Such a grand occasion should indeed be celebrated this way, it should indeed be so." After turning around, she secretly spat, "With both bathing and changing clothes, and even having to report to the ancestral hall, such a grand display, aren't they afraid of diminishing that young man's fortune?"

Old Madam Zeng sighed, saying: "As the saying goes, to catch a thief is to seize the stolen goods, and to catch a couple in the act is to catch them red-handed. Now she is caught with both the person and the evidence. Although Concubine Fu usually does not seek to ingratiate herself, over the years I have observed that she is a gentle and honest person. Now that she has fallen into the trap of that venomous woman, she is left with no way to defend herself. I can no longer protect her. It is all my fault; I have been thinking of this precious golden grandson, wanting him to bring joy to my knees and to enjoy a long life. When Wanshan proposed to take them both to the garrison, I should have nodded in agreement. " It is all my fault; I have been thinking of this precious golden grandson, wanting him to bring joy to my knees and to enjoy a long life. When Wanshan proposed to take them both to the garrison, I should have nodded in agreement.

In the midst of the persuasion, Madam Fu was supported by the maids as she entered, crying all the way: "My son, oh my son, if anything were to happen to you, I... I would not want to live anymore..."

Fu Liangxin slowly said: "After my death, please have my mother open a ancestral hall and transfer the ownership of the little calf to her in front of the clan leader. This way, the little calf will be considered her son, and if she has no other support in the future, she may not easily part with the little calf."

Fu Liangxin and Xu Zhaojun swore to the heavens, claiming they had been drugged and were wronged. However, numerous servants had witnessed the two embracing each other without any restraint, and no matter how they protested, no one believed them. Such a disgraceful and dishonorable matter could not be reported to the authorities for a thorough investigation. The old lady had no choice but to lock up Fu Liangxin and hurriedly send Xu Zhaojun along with the oblivious master and mistress of the Fu family back to Suhe.

He snatched his son from the midwife's hands and shouted, "The Zeng family has an heir! The Zeng family has an heir! Hurry! Quickly send someone to inform the old lady that she has a grandson, that the Zeng family has an heir!"

The candlelight in the room was dim, and having drunk too much, he wanted to lift the blanket and lie down comfortably. However, as soon as he lifted it, he was stunned and stood there in shock.

Cousin Zhao Jun sought to marry her two years ago, but Master Fu and Madam Fu, having only this one daughter, naturally felt reluctant to part with her and kept their daughter at home for an additional two years. During these two years, the two families maintained close ties. Fu Liangxin, apart from occasionally going out to pray, spent her days at home engaged in needlework. Now, she has already prepared all kinds of threads and needles, and the red embroidered pillows depicting mandarin ducks playing in the water, as well as the dragon and phoenix quilt, have all been meticulously stitched by her.

One day, Zeng Wanshan was taken to drink. He got so drunk that he woke up with a splitting headache and saw a woman hiding in the corner, silently shedding tears.

The anxious maidservant of the dowry was pacing back and forth: "Old Madam, what shall we do? The General is now thousands of miles away..."

On the other side, Madam Zeng was attended to by her trusted maid as she prepared herself. After listening to the maid's report, she coldly smiled and said: "That old fool is indeed patient. However, the drums have sounded for the opening act, and only then will the real show begin."

Her mother, Fu Liangxin, was from Shuhe City in the northern region, and the Fu family was considered a well-off family in the area. As she was the only daughter in the family, her parents doted on her from a young age, cherishing her dearly.

In the quilt lay a smooth-skinned woman, her skin so fair it was almost dazzling. As one's gaze moved upward, it landed on her extraordinarily beautiful face, which at that moment was furrowed in distress, her body curled up as if she were in great discomfort

Although Zeng Wanshan is impervious to bribery, money can indeed move mountains, let alone influence some impoverished soldiers. Over the past six months, Master Wu Jiu has already developed a close relationship with Zeng Wanshan's subordinates, such as Qiu Wanxin. Upon hearing of this incident, he hurried to seek assistance from Qiu Wanxin and others

After Old Lady Zeng sat down, she waved her hand to signal the maid to leave. Seeing that Fu Liangxin's eyes were swollen like walnuts, Old Lady Zeng sighed and said: "Xiao Niu'er’s mother, I have been watching you closely since you followed Wanshan back to our Zeng family over the past few years. I know you are not that kind of person"

Although Zeng Wanshan was a military general, he was influenced by his scholarly ancestors from a young age. While he may not possess the talent of a top scholar, he is considered a cultured general within the army. It is precisely for this reason that he has been valued and favored by his superiors, leading to his continuous promotion.

It is rather strange that after marrying into the Zeng family, she has been unable to conceive, whether due to the family's feng shui or some other reason. Her mother has worried herself to the point of graying hair, and every time she returns home, she pulls her into the room to ask various questions. Then, she gathers her sisters around to discuss intimate matters regarding how to conceive, sharing their experiences.

Before she could take a step, a maid approached and said that the old lady was bathing and changing clothes, and requested the lady to return to her room to bathe and change as well, as they were to open the ancestral hall to pay respects to their ancestors

This morning, Madam Zeng was checking the items that had been previously registered with the warehouse manager. At that moment, the manager had already left, but the ledger remained in front of her. Upon hearing the news reported by the maid, she clutched the ledger tightly with both hands, wishing she could tear it to shreds.

Zeng Wanshan has acquired such a beautiful maiden, and Qiu Wanxin and others are persuading him from the side: "The general often instructs us that as officials and military leaders, we should not think about promotion and wealth, nor should we covet gold and silver treasures, but rather focus on benefiting the local people. Now that the bandits in Suhe are so rampant, it would be better for the general to dispatch a small team to eliminate them. Firstly, this is for the sake of the people of Suhe; secondly, it is a good opportunity to assess the effectiveness of our military training; and of course, thirdly, it would also conveniently rescue the son of Wu Jiu..." Now that the bandits in Suhe are so rampant, it would be better for the general to dispatch a small team to eliminate them. Firstly, this is for the sake of the people of Suhe; secondly, it is a good opportunity to assess the effectiveness of our military training; and of course, thirdly, it would also conveniently rescue the son of Wu Jiu..."

Now she has actually given birth to a son, and if that wretched woman returns to the Zeng family with the child in the future, with a mother-in-law backing her up, where would she find a place to stand in the vast Zeng residence

Over the years, both the mother-in-law and the old lady were well aware of her methods for dealing with concubines, but they simply kept it unspoken between them. The mother-in-law loved to bring in as many concubines as she pleased, and she always responded with a smile, saying, "Yes. The daughter-in-law will listen to her mother-in-law." As a result, she gained a reputation in the clan for being knowledgeable and sensible. However, whether those who were married could conceive, and if they did conceive, whether they could give birth, was another matter altogether

Old Madam Zeng was taken aback: "You know..." Fu Liangxin revealed a sorrowful smile: "Madam, although I am not clever, I am not foolish to such an extent. All along, I have only wished to serve the General well, to take care of my mother, and to raise the little calf to adulthood, with no other thoughts. However, my way of thinking does not mean that others think the same... By the bedside, how can one allow others to sleep soundly... This principle has been true throughout history. All along, I have only wished to serve the General well, to take care of my mother, and to raise the little calf to adulthood, with no other thoughts. However, my way of thinking does not mean that others think the same... By the bedside, how can one allow others to sleep soundly... This principle has been true throughout history. It is my lack of insight that has led to my own downfall and that of the little calf!"

That winter, Fu Liangxin was supposed to marry into her aunt's family. Her cousin Zhao Jun was one year older than her, and they had grown up together, truly embodying the phrase 'childhood sweethearts' and 'innocent playmates'.

Sigh, I have become muddled in my old age. With the arrival of my precious grandson and having seen these years pass without incident, I thought that the venomous woman, as she ages, would have turned to Buddhism, her temperament would have calmed, and she would understand the kindness the Zeng family has shown her over the years..." The old lady Zeng paused for a long time before continuing, "Now, we can only take one step at a time. By the way, have you checked on how the little calf is doing?" The old woman replied, "Rest assured, my lady, the young master is sleeping soundly next door!"

After Zeng Wanshan's troops were stationed for training, Wu Jiuye seemed to have obtained a rare treasure, and the next day he came to pay a visit with an invitation. Zeng Wanshan, citing "military affairs being cumbersome," continuously refused to meet him for over half a year.

At that time, he was already twenty-eight years old, and since he had no children, apart from his legal wife, his mother at home also arranged for him to take several concubines. In addition, due to his usual social interactions, he occasionally indulged in fleeting encounters in the pleasure quarters. Regarding women, whether slender or plump, he considered himself well-experienced and knowledgeable, never expecting that there could be such an extraordinary beauty in the world. For a moment, he halted his steps, unable to move for several seconds.

Fu Liangxin gently said: "Please convey to the general that I have never done anything to wrong him." Old Madam Zeng nodded

Master Fu stomped his foot heavily without saying a word, exclaiming, "What sins have we, the Fu family, committed! What sins have we committed!"

Fu Liangxin kept crying, and no matter how she was persuaded, she could not stop. All she knew was that she had gone out to her aunt's house in the neighboring town, encountered a robber on the way, was knocked unconscious by a blow, and when she woke up, she found herself lying naked in a man's arms

When Fu Liangxin's parents arrived, they settled in a corner of the Zeng family residence and stayed there for several months. One day, three months later, a maid who was taking care of Zeng Liantong came to Fu Yiniang's courtyard with the child, as Zeng Liantong had suddenly fallen ill during the night and was crying for his mother. However, she stumbled upon the illicit affair between Fu Liangxin and Xu Zhaojun.

It is said that starving to death is a minor issue, but losing one's virtue is a major one. Fu Liangxin had attempted to take her own life several times at home, and one day, while hanging herself, she was saved by a maid. The maid pinched her acupoint to revive her and wept beside her, saying: "My lady, if you were to leave this way, how would the master and mistress survive? It is better to kill them outright with a knife than to send a white-haired person to mourn a black-haired one..." After a long period of persuasion, she continued to wipe her tears beside her, saying, "Moreover, that person surnamed Zeng is not to be trifled with. He is training troops at our Suhe, and even the county magistrate must bow to him. His men have spoken, and they want the master and mistress to keep you well-fed and plump these days, without any mishaps. Otherwise, not only the Fu family but also relatives and friends will be implicated. My dear lady... these people are armed with knives and guns; how can we common folk contend with them? If you do not think of yourself, at least think of your cousin... If anything were to happen to you, not only the master and mistress but also your aunt and distant cousins would... would..."

Upon hearing Fu Liangxin mention the two elderly members of the Fu family, the old lady Zeng also felt a sense of sorrow akin to that of a rabbit mourning a fox, as murky tears swirled in her eyes: "Rest assured, I will take care of all these matters."

Madam Zeng's trusted maid bowed and said: "Yes. As soon as Zeng Fu entered the door, he started shouting loudly; I fear the entire residence has already heard it by now." Madam Zeng gritted her teeth and asked: "Where is he?"

She only felt her heart racing in a chaotic manner, with no sense of order for a moment

Having said that, Zeng Liantong remained silent for a long time before asking, "Do you know how my mother died back then?" Tang Ninghui realized from his words that the death of Zeng Liantong's mother was not ordinary.

Tang Ninghui fell silent for a long time and said, "What about your maternal grandfather and grandmother?" Zeng Liantong replied, "After my mother passed away, I took it upon myself to write the letters during the holidays, until both elders passed away, they never knew that my mother had already been gone for many years..." At this point, Zeng Liantong paused for a long time, "That year, I was thirteen. After my maternal grandparents passed away, my father sent me to the United States. The year I returned, I met you.

Once, I slowly recounted everything: "These matters occurred many years ago, and they had been thoroughly erased by others, leaving no trace behind. Naturally, I was kept in the dark. However, as I grew older, I discovered something quite strange: my father never entered my aunt's room. My father and grandmother kept a very close watch over me, and it was evident that my father understood, just like my grandmother, but they were both at a loss due to the lack of substantial evidence. That wicked woman was indeed a person of great cunning, flawless in every aspect, leaving no room for criticism. My father and grandmother kept a very close watch over me, and it was evident that my father understood, just like my grandmother, but they were both at a loss due to the lack of substantial evidence. That wicked woman was indeed a person of great cunning, flawless in every aspect, leaving no room for criticism. Moreover, her maternal family had many siblings, intertwined in a complex web..."

This matter caused a sensation in Suhe. For a time, the common people praised it unanimously, and it spread to several surrounding counties. The county magistrates and governors of these counties personally came to Suhe to request military assistance to eliminate the bandits. Zeng Wanshan, without hesitation, agreed to all their requests. Soon after, the banditry in the Suhe area was truly eradicated

As for how Fu Liangxin was drugged, the next day after he returned Fu Liangxin to the Fu family, he investigated thoroughly. It turned out that there was a local tyrant in Suhe City, known as Master Wu Jiu, who had made his fortune from the fur trade in the mountains. Over time, he opened gambling houses, restaurants, brothels, and opium dens in Suhe City, engaging in any profitable business and earning a substantial fortune. In the surrounding hundreds of miles of Suhe City, he was so wealthy that if he claimed to be second, no one would dare to claim the first.

The maid who accompanied the dowry has now become a matron. She stumbled and pushed the door open, and with a "thud," she knelt behind her, saying: "This servant congratulates the old lady, congratulations to the old lady. Young General has sent Zeng Fu to deliver the message, saying that on the 16th, at noon, Aunt Fu gave birth to a little young master in the Zeng family. Zeng Fu also said that the little young master is chubby and weighs over six pounds... Zeng Fu also said that the little young master is chubby and weighs over six pounds..."

When Zeng Shengyi was born, the grandmother's face was so pale that it could not be any paler; she merely glanced at the child and then left. When Zeng Heyi was born, the grandmother heard outside that it was another girl, and she walked away without a word. Two months later, the Zeng family welcomed two more concubines.

In the third year, the old lady Zeng took the initiative to arrange for Zeng Wanshan to take two concubines. Before the wedding, she specifically called him into the room: "My son, it is not that I, as your mother-in-law, am trying to trip you up or cause you trouble... At my age, I have already buried half of my body in the ground, and I do not have many days left to live. However, if the Zeng family were to end with Wanshan's generation, I would have no face to go down and meet our ancestors and Wanshan's father, even in death."

Fu Liangxin continued, "Moreover, please, for the sake of the little calf, on every festival and holiday, send someone to deliver letters to my parents, informing them that both the little calf and I are well. Do not let them know that I have long since departed, so that they may have something to hold onto and live a few more years in peace."

In this way, they had long been targeted by the bandits in the vicinity. Before Zeng Wanshan came to Suhe to train his troops, the Wu family had already been robbed by bandits several times. The bandits would come and go as they pleased, and no matter how many guards Wu Jiuyé hired, it was of no use. It is said that during the last robbery before Zeng Wanshan's troops were stationed in Suhe, the bandit leader also took away Wu Jiuyé's newly acquired eighth concubine. This eighth concubine was an actress, and despite her hoarse cries for "help" all the way, it was to no avail. It is said that during the last robbery before Zeng Wanshan's troops were stationed in Suhe, the bandit leader also took away Wu Jiuyé's newly acquired eighth concubine. This eighth concubine was an actress, and despite her hoarse cries for "help" all the way, it was to no avail

With a pale face, she coldly ground her teeth and said: "Truly, the sting of a wasp is nothing compared to the malice of a woman." She continued, "Dragons give birth to dragons, phoenixes give birth to phoenixes, and a mouse's offspring will dig holes; this mother and daughter are all of the same ilk."

Zeng Wanshan considered the matter thoroughly and felt that Qiu Wanxin and others had a point. He then dispatched troops and appointed commanders, and soon he eradicated the bandit stronghold that had been entrenched for many years, executing all the bandits by beheading them in public.

Of course, the process involved was only understood many years later. That morning, when he got up, he only felt that his face was dry and rough, and his pillow was damp. He was attended to by the maids as he got dressed, wanting to run to his mother's room as he usually did, but at the door, he was stopped by Nurse Li and carried to his grandmother's courtyard. Nurse Li was wiping her tears, murmuring all the way: "Little calf, little calf, you no longer have a mother." He was attended to by the maids as he got dressed, wanting to run to his mother's room as he usually did, but at the door, he was stopped by Nurse Li and carried to his grandmother's courtyard. Nurse Li was wiping her tears, murmuring all the way: "Little calf, little calf, you no longer have a mother."

The days spent by the Su River truly passed quickly, and soon it was the day of delivery. Zeng Wanshan stood outside the room, listening to Fu Liangxin's piercing cries, wishing he could take her place. After a day and a night of turmoil, he finally heard a loud wail.

The midwife joyfully emerged holding the child, her old face adorned with wrinkles of varying depths as she exclaimed: "Congratulations, General, congratulations, General, it is a big, chubby boy"

Zeng Wanshan seemed as if struck by lightning, hardly able to believe it. He stood in a daze for quite a while before regaining his senses, took a step forward, and suddenly lifted his small robe... then he laughed heartily towards the sky: "Hahaha... it really is a male! It really is a male!"

Due to the presence of Zeng Wanshan's troops stationed by the Suhe River, the bandits dared not invade, even with their audacity. However, as time passed, the bandits, having exhausted their resources, observed that Zeng Wanshan's troops were merely training and posed no threat to the common people, nor did they trouble them. Over time, their fear diminished, and their minds began to stir with ideas. It is unclear who suggested the plan, but when one scheme failed, another was devised; unable to rob openly, they resorted to covert abduction. Taking advantage of the opportunity when Wu Jiuyé's son was en route to the provincial capital, they ambushed him midway and then sent someone disguised to the Wu residence, leaving behind a letter demanding 100,000 taels for his release.

She bit down on a silver tooth, but there was no choice; she still had to maintain a smiling face to bring the person in.

The matter has been settled; it is merely a notification to her, how could a mere woman dare to say "no"? Moreover, it is said that there are three forms of unfilial conduct, with having no descendants being the gravest. Now, with her mother-in-law holding her hand, tearfully expressing such heartfelt words, she can only swallow her grievances and, with downcast eyes, respond obediently: "Mother, this is all the fault of the daughter-in-law; it is all because the daughter-in-law's womb is uncooperative. Mother, you are also thinking of the Zeng family, of Wanshan and the daughter-in-law; the daughter-in-law understands and will listen to everything you say."

In the following years, although there were some rumors, as time went by and the Zeng family moved to Luzhou, everything eventually faded away gradually

Although the Zeng family of Wanshan has a sparse population, they hold a significant military power, which even causes some concern within the court. Naturally, the clan leader does not dare to offend them and can only laugh and ask the elder members of the clan: "In that case, what does everyone think?"

Unlike the joyous atmosphere in the courtyard of the late Mrs. Zeng, the courtyard of Mrs. Zeng was filled with a chilling air: "What?! Zeng Fu has come? And they say that wretched woman has given birth to a son?"

It is uncertain whether it is the blessings sown by the eradication of bandits that have benefited the people, but months later, Fu Liangxin began to vomit incessantly. Zeng Wanshan invited a doctor to take her pulse, and the doctor detected a joyful pulse. Zeng Wanshan could not help but be overjoyed, holding Fu Liangxin's face and repeatedly saying: "Our Zeng family has always been without descendants; you must give me a big, healthy boy."

Fu Liangxin was so frightened that she screamed, clutching the blanket and kicking at him: "Go away! Don't come near! Don't come near..."

Seventeen-year-old Fu Liangxin, accompanied by her mother and the maids, descended from the sedan chair and gracefully approached down the stone steps. At that moment, Zeng Wanshan was with a friend, enjoying the view from the pagoda, and only vaguely noticed a group of figures, paying them no mind.

After a long while, the old matriarch of the Zeng family quietly said: "The mother of the little calf, this matter must be accounted for, both to the clan and to the Zeng family, in order to silence the murmurs of the people."

Early the next morning, when the maid of the Zeng residence brought food to Concubine Fu, she discovered that Concubine Fu had hanged herself in the bedroom

Qiu Wanxin and others repeatedly deliberated, yet they could not fathom how they recalled Zeng Wanshan's astonished and bewildered expression that day at Qingquan Temple. Qiu Wanxin and his companions were all exceptionally astute individuals; how could they have failed to notice Zeng Wanshan's unusual demeanor that day? Thus, they leaned close to Master Wu Jiu's ear and offered a suggestion.

The purple sandalwood prayer beads in the hands of the old lady Zeng fell to the ground with a "thud". She suddenly turned around, overwhelmed with surprise and excitement, and grasped the arm of the old woman tightly, trembling as she said: "You... you are telling the truth? It really is a boy? The Zeng family truly has descendants?"

Although the old lady Zeng is aged, her mind remains clear. Lying on her sickbed, she gasps and says: "This venomous woman has not spared even the last bloodline of the Zeng family. I can only lament that this poisonous woman pretends to be gentle and virtuous on the outside, yet inside she is filled with the poison of arsenic."

However, she is not afraid of that vixen returning to the Zeng residence; rather, she fears that the vixen will not return to the Zeng residence

Madam Fu observed that although the group of people was dressed in ordinary attire, their eyes sparkled with brilliance. The leader among them exuded an extraordinary demeanor, making it clear that he was not to be trifled with. She hurriedly pulled her daughter to lower her head and avoid them as they walked along the shaded path.

At a glance, one could see a snow-white arm, truly rivaling the snow and frost. It was only then that Zeng Wanshan vaguely recalled that last night, when he was brought into the room, Qiu Wanxin, who had invited him to drink, had laughed heartily as he closed the door: "I have prepared a heavy gift for the general, please enjoy it well."

The matter did not end here; the head of the Zeng family questioned Zeng Liantong's identity in front of the clan members. At that critical moment, Zeng Wanshan hurried back from the camp after days and nights of travel. He threw his firearm onto the ground of the ancestral hall, picked up Zeng Liantong, and lifted his ear to show everyone that every fold in the little calf's ear was identical to his own. He stated that if anyone doubted this, they could come up and verify it personally. He threw his firearm onto the ground of the ancestral hall, picked up Zeng Liantong, and lifted his ear to show everyone that every fold in the little calf's ear was identical to his own. He stated that if anyone doubted this, they could come up and verify it personally.

Fu Liangxin understood what this "explanation" meant. After a long while, she regained her strength to speak: "Mother, I understand, but I have a few requests to make of you." The old lady said: "Rest assured, I will take good care of the little calf, valuing his life even more than my own."

She has been married into the Zeng family for a full twelve years, and during the first three years, she did not conceive, which drew some criticism from her mother-in-law, the old lady Zeng. When the matchmaker from the Zeng family came to propose to her parents, she cheerfully remarked, "The Zeng family, you see, values daughters from the Mu family for their ability to bear children. They are indeed people who are desperate for grandsons."

After this incident, the matter is settled. Even though Fu Liangxin's parents are reluctant, they have to consider the reputation of the Fu family and fear the influence of Zeng Wanshan, so they have no choice but to comply.

Even though Zeng Wanshan was already quite intoxicated, he could still tell at a glance that this woman had clearly been drugged. Upon closer inspection, Zeng Wanshan recognized that this woman was the stunning beauty he had encountered at Qingquan Temple.

Mother, Liang Xin is truly innocent; she has been wronged by others

Xu Zhaojun's visit was merely due to the fact that Fu Liangxin's parents were aging, their health deteriorating year by year. They wished to see their daughter and grandson, so Xu Zhaojun accompanied them all the way from Suhe to the Zeng residence

When she gave birth to her eldest daughter, Zeng Fangyi, her mother-in-law still had a smile on her face, patting her hand and saying: "There is plenty of time ahead, plenty of time ahead. You have worked hard, take good care of yourself, the Zeng family is still waiting for you to branch out and flourish."

That evening, the elderly Lady Zeng was assisted by a maid to the room of Fu Liangxin. Fu Liangxin, dressed in thin clothing, sat on the couch with a dazed expression. Upon seeing the elderly Lady Zeng enter, she finally regained her senses, hurriedly stood up to tidy her appearance, and stepped forward to pay her respects.

When I was six years old, the opportunity finally arrived. My grandmother, the old lady Zeng, was bedridden due to illness, and Zeng Wanshan had been dispatched to guard the north. Most importantly, Fu Liangxin's cousin, Xu Zhaojun, came to the Zeng residence

With a light smile, he said: "Those who want it, I will make sure they cannot have it. Moreover, even if I do not wish to compete, they will not let me off the hook. Life is like a game of chess, and everyone is a player in it; too often, we find ourselves without control over our own circumstances"

That evening, he indulged in that exquisite fortune

The old lady finally said with satisfaction: "I knew that you, my daughter-in-law, are a reasonable and understanding person. As for the matter, I have already arranged it with Wanshan. For the subsequent tasks, I ask you to take on the responsibility and manage them personally."

That meeting, although Zeng Wanshan was stunning, was soon forgotten due to the pressing military duties

Upon regaining consciousness, Fang heard someone beside him teasing: "I never expected that in such a desolate place as Suhe, there would be such a beauty! What a pity indeed!"

Zeng Wanshan's gaze was sharper than blades, as if it could unsheathe at any moment and cut through the throats of those present. A chill ran through everyone's hearts, and none dared to voice any dissent

Later, Zeng Wanshan brought Fu Liangxin and Zeng Liantong back to the Zeng residence. The old lady of the Zeng family was also very cautious of her, keeping her grandson close by her side, sharing meals and living together every day

Yet she is not in a hurry, allowing that man to spend every day and night with that vixen, letting that young man frolic right under her nose. As long as she has patience, opportunities will always arise. When they do, she will act decisively, taking advantage of her illness to claim her life.

The maid replied: "She has gone to the old lady's courtyard"

Last year, during the military training in Suhe, Zeng Wanshan mentioned in a letter from home that he had taken a concubine to attend to him. Upon learning this, his mother-in-law merely informed her lightly: "Wanshan is serving the country outside, and he should have someone by his side who understands his needs." After returning to her room, she arranged for a trusted confidant to investigate, and the news that came back was that the new concubine was as beautiful as a flower, and the general cherished her like his own eye. Since she was not in the household, she chose to ignore it.

For a time, there was much discussion in the residence. A few days later, it was rumored from an unknown source that Concubine Fu had been betrothed to her cousin Xu Zhaojun before marrying the general. The two had grown up together as childhood sweethearts, and there were even occasional whispers suggesting that she was not the general's biological offspring.

The weeping sounds nearby have not ceased, and although Wan Shan usually does not place much importance on romantic feelings, he cannot help but feel his heart soften at the thought of the beauty's one night of deep affection and her delicate, plaintive cries. He gently placed his hand on her: "Which family do you belong to? I will send someone to your home to propose."

"Madam, who would dare to deceive you regarding such a significant matter? Look, Zeng Fu is waiting outside, ready for your inquiry." As the old woman spoke, she assisted the elderly Madam Zeng to rise. Madam Zeng urged, "Hurry, quickly let him in!"

At that time, Zeng Fangyi, Zeng Jingyi, and others had already married, while Zhou Zhaoming, Wang Jixin, Sun Guozhang, and others were both skilled in martial arts and literature, making them formidable figures not to be underestimated. My father wanted to support me, but he was also concerned that the people below might not accept it, or perhaps he wanted to test my capabilities to see if I was truly suited for this. At that time, I went to Ningzhou with the intention of obtaining treasonous intelligence on Liu Zongliang, in order to make a grand entrance.

As soon as the words of Old Madam Zeng fell, Fu Liangxin's tears, which had already run dry, instantly flowed out again. With a "thud," she knelt before Old Madam Zeng, weeping and saying: "With this one word 'mother,' everything is worth it for Liangxin..."

Qiu Wanxin and those people are also loyal; they usually rely on Master Wu Jiu for their food, drink, and entertainment, and they remember his kindness. At this moment, they wish to come to the rescue, but without military orders, they truly dare not mobilize the troops. If they do, they would have to face military law... Punishment by whipping and losing an official position is minor; they fear they might even lose their heads... Qiu Wanshan has always despised those who run smoking houses and gambling dens, often saying how many people have lost their fortunes and how many lives have been ruined, all because of these unscrupulous individuals. He claims that these people deserve to be punished and wishes he could capture and execute them all. Punishment by whipping and losing an official position is minor; they fear they might even lose their heads... Qiu Wanshan has always despised those who run smoking houses and gambling dens, often saying how many people have lost their fortunes and how many lives have been ruined, all because of these unscrupulous individuals. He claims that these people deserve to be punished and wishes he could capture and execute them all.

The Zeng family is famously known for having few offspring. For several generations, they have built bridges and roads, recited Buddhist scriptures, and distributed porridge, yet despite countless prayers and requests, they have only produced a single heir.

Zeng Fangyi and others truly employed a ruthless tactic. If she were caught red-handed with that pretty boy, she would naturally not survive, and her identity as Xiao Zhi would also come under suspicion. Once this seed of doubt is sown, when even Zeng begins to harbor suspicions, Xiao Zhi's fate would be entirely at their mercy

With a heart as silent as death, Fu Liangxin ultimately donned the pink gown and was carried into the courtyard of Zeng Wanshan at Suhe.

Unexpectedly, after the rain had stopped, I happened to encounter Fu Liangxin and her mother, along with others, coming out of the Buddhist hall after paying their respects, and we had a direct face-to-face meeting.

Another blessing from the suppression of banditry was that Fu Liangxin no longer remained silent towards him. Although she still maintained a cold demeanor, every time he returned home and sat down in the armchair, she would personally kneel down to take off his boots. Naturally, Shen Wanshan understood that this was the beginning of Fu Liangxin yielding to him.

When Zeng Jingyi was born, her mother-in-law held her for a moment and then set her down, but still said, "You should rest well." Not long after, the old lady Zeng took the initiative to arrange for Zeng Wanshan to take a concubine.

Weeping softly, Fu Liangxin finally stopped her tears and began to recount the past: "Mother, I did indeed have a marriage agreement with my cousin back then, but that was many years ago. At that time, I was not willing to follow the general, but later I saw how the general fought against bandits and tyrants in our hometown, doing many good deeds and benefiting the local people. From that moment on, I held him in great esteem. Moreover, the general treated me well, and my heart is not made of iron; as time passed, I forgot the past and devoted myself to living with the general, wanting to bear him a son. I was indeed not willing to follow the general at first, but later I saw how the general fought against bandits and tyrants in our hometown, doing many good deeds and benefiting the local people. From that moment on, I held him in great esteem. Moreover, the general treated me well, and my heart is not made of iron; as time passed, I forgot the past and devoted myself to living with the general, wanting to bear him a son. Heaven has not treated me poorly, and I truly got my wish. Later, when I entered the mansion with Xiao Niu'er, I understood how my mother felt about me and Xiao Niu'er. Although I grew up in a poor and remote area, I also understood the concept of 'honor and shame.' I would never dare to engage in such sordid and obscene acts. Later, when I entered the mansion with Xiao Niu'er, I understood how my mother felt about me and Xiao Niu'er. Although I grew up in a poor and remote area, I also understood the concept of 'honor and shame.' I would never dare to engage in such sordid and obscene acts.

Fu Liangxin's body went limp, and she fell to the ground with a pale face. The crime of "adultery" has always been punishable by being drowned in the river or the lake

He saw Fu Liangxin as a fresh flower, delicately blooming in his home. Even if she remained silent and quiet most of the time, he was still very pleased and increasingly doted on her

Fu Liangxin turned her face slightly and after a long while, she quietly said, "What if it is a daughter?" Zeng Wanshan smiled and replied, "As long as it is born of you, I will like it just the same"

Upon thinking of this, Madam Zeng rose, a smile of ambiguous meaning playing at the corners of her mouth: "This is truly a momentous occasion for the Zeng family; I must hurry to congratulate the old lady"

In that year, Zeng Wanshan was ordered to conduct military training on the outskirts of Suhe City. One day, during his leisure time, he went with a few friends to the Qingquan Temple in the mountains to pay homage to the Buddha. By chance, he had a brief encounter with Fu Liangxin.

Old Madam Zeng reached out and touched her hair: "Little Niu'er’s mother, our Zeng family has been passed down through generations with only one heir. You have given birth to a son for our Zeng family, leaving behind our bloodline, making you a great benefactor of our family. However, there are national laws and family rules; even if Wan Shan and I do not pursue this matter, now that there is ample evidence and witnesses, the clan will not let this go lightly."