Chapter 1

So, taking advantage of the presence of my grandmother, I immediately reported Song Rong's behavior.

Her tender arms, like fresh lotus roots, were wrapped around her husband's sturdy neck. Her soft body emitted a faint fragrance as she whispered, "My lord, I am so happy." She was born of a concubine, and her birth mother was the favored Lady Zhang for over a decade. Lady Zhang's knowledge and background were certainly inferior to those of the Lady of Wu'an Marquis, but when it came to winning a man's heart, Lady Zhang had her own insights. As the only daughter of Lady Ji, she had already been fully informed by Lady Zhang in their private conversations before Lady Ji's marriage. Therefore, Lady Ji was not like an ordinary lady, who was reserved and dignified. She firmly remembered Lady Zhang's teachings: everything is meaningless except for a man's favor. If she were to marry a man and become a widow, what use would her virtue and reputation be?

Xiao Ji lay in her husband's arms, her voice as if it could drip with water, saying, "The small courtyard to the east is adjacent to our courtyard, separated only by a wall. I was thinking, why not tidy up the small courtyard to the east, seal off the original door, and open a moon-shaped door on this courtyard wall? This way, the small courtyard to the east will become a small annex in our courtyard, right? The two sisters can move to the small courtyard to the east, Yanjie in the east wing and Yujie in the west wing. Whenever the master wants to have a friendly chat with the two sisters, he can simply lift his feet and go to the small courtyard to the east, which is convenient. I will stay in this room, taking care of our daughters."

Song Rong has been waiting in the new house. When he saw Xiaoji coming back, he asked, "Where did you go?"

"Mother Chu is busy saying, 'He eats four times, once in the morning, once at noon, once in the afternoon, and once in the evening, and he eats well.'"

Song Rong returned home after a tiring day at the yamen, only to find chaos in the house. At this moment, he couldn't help but sigh and say, "I should go and talk to my mother. You've had a long day, so let them serve dinner first. I'll go to my mother's room and check on her."

When Xiaoji returned with her hair down, a clever maid named Liuyi quickly bowed and said, "I am here to help Madam with her hair." Another maid named Cuiyi also bowed and followed to serve Xiaoji.

In this day and age, even if the daughter-in-law is not good, there is no mother-in-law who would personally take action to discipline her. After all, social status and upbringing are there. Even in ordinary households, unless encountering a shrew, such a thing would never happen.

Song Rong's face turned black and he said, "If you don't study hard, I will be happy to punish you." His daughter was clever and adorable at such a young age, but his son...

Mrs. Song, accompanied by Song Jia, had just entered the house when she saw her son and daughter-in-law approaching. Mrs. Song felt somewhat satisfied in her heart and asked with a smile, "When did you come back?"

If it weren't for the protection from Madam Song above and the obstruction from Little Ji below, Song Rong would have resorted to violence. Later, Song Jia rang was taken away by Song Rong to study and read.

Miss Xiao Ji's direct question made it difficult for the two meddling aunts to respond.

However, Song Rong prefers Song Jiayan more for a simple reason: Song Jiayan cries too much. Of course, for a little baby, besides eating and sleeping, crying is their only way of expressing themselves. But Song Jiayan seems to be really good at crying. Moreover, the penetrating power of a child's voice is deadly. Occasionally, even Song Jiayan, who is sound asleep at night, can be awakened by it, let alone Song Rong who sleeps in the main room.

Madame Song choked for a moment. Yes, she was afraid that her son would be seduced by his daughter-in-law and cause trouble for the family. Now, Miss Ji, who used to compete for favor, generously pushed Song Rong into the concubine's room. What else could she say? She couldn't ask Miss Ji to compete for favor. Madame Song had nothing to say and felt unhappy. Impatiently, she said, "Why do I have to worry about everything? What use are you?"

Cuirui held Song Jiayan and bowed to Wan Mama and Chu Mama together towards Xiao Ji Shi. Xiao Ji Shi waved her hand and asked, "How many times did the little one have milk today?"

The Song family is bustling with noise and excitement, except for one place.

The Lady Wu'an Hou sighed and suddenly remembered, she said to Xihua Dao: "Go and ask if Liang Mammy has arrived or not? If Liang Mammy has come back with the Fourth Miss, ask her to come in and reply."

Aunt Zhang sighed, "I come from a humble background. I'm not worried about your two brothers. As men, their future depends on their own abilities. But you, you're not inferior to anyone in anything. This marriage was hard-won for us mother and daughter. Otherwise, with my son's talent and looks, even a noble family wouldn't be out of reach."

The Marchioness of Wuan couldn't help but think of her late second daughter when she saw the charming and beautiful Xiaoji. How could she be happy? Xiaoji, being so clever, respectfully paid her respects and softly said, "The wind was a bit strong this morning. Since Yan is still young, I let my brother accompany the old lady of the family to the temple to burn incense, so I didn't bring them to pay respects to their mother."

Furthermore, Song Jiarang's older brother often comes to visit her and brings some amusing gifts, such as grasshoppers, spinning tops, whistles, and little birds. One time, Song Jiarang somehow caught a dead snake and scared the maids and servants in the house half to death. When Song Rong found out, he scolded Song Jiarang severely.

However, on one occasion, Liang Mama overheard the two aunties' inappropriate conversation and immediately kicked them out. She forbade them from entering the east wing again, lest they tarnish the ears of the eldest Miss Song Jiayan.

Song Jiayan hugged his father's neck with both arms, pressed his little face against it, sniffed and innocently said, "Daddy, it smells so good."

The mother values her child. Even though Ji Wen is already recorded under the name of his stepmother, his biological mother is Aunt Zhang, and this is beyond doubt.

Xiao Ji dared not say more.

Mrs. Song felt extremely comforted by these words. She said to Song Rongdao, "It's been a few days since I last saw you, my son. Today, let's have breakfast together."

Song Rong waved his hand, and Lv Yun led the maidservant in the room to withdraw quietly.

Madam Song checked the tea pot again and said, "There is tea in the teapot. If you get thirsty at night, remember to call the maid."

Another month passed, and Xiao Ji was successfully diagnosed with pregnancy. Song Rong's face also showed a joyful expression, and he became more diligent in his efforts to curry favor with the court.

Ms. Xiao Ji leaned against her husband's chest and softly said, "Master is busy with official matters, so it is my duty to take care of Madam."

Song Jiayan said so, and Liang Mammy no longer dwelled on it. The key is that she also doesn't like this Chu Nainiang who once made her daughter suffer from hunger.

In this world, there are many intelligent people, and likewise, there are many diligent people.

Chu's nanny fell into the hands of Song Jiarang, looking rather disheveled.

Miss Xiao Ji smiled and said, "Do you think I don't know about this? Auntie, rest assured, I am not a shortsighted person. In the future, my children will still be the legitimate sons and daughters of the Song family."

Song Jiayi smiled and leaned towards Song Rong with a playful look.

With a mournful cry from Cui Zhu, even if she wanted to beg for mercy again, her mouth was already blocked by Lv Yun and Hong Xiang, who also twisted her arms and dragged her out by force.

Thinking back to when I was three years old and began my education, wrote poetry at five, and had already read the Four Books and Five Classics by the age of seven. Now, Song Jia rang is really... Song Rong's head hurts every time he thinks of Song Jia rang. He put a lot of effort into sending Song Jia rang to study at his mentor's house, but Song Jia rang's academic performance was disappointing. Song Rong is a wise person and knows that Song Jia rang's talent is average. However, in Song Rong's view, the more ordinary the talent, the more the "stupid bird" should fly first. As a result, this "stupid bird" Song Jia rang is not only stupid but also lazy. Song Rong is never satisfied with his homework and punishes him frequently. Now, the punishment is not enough, and he is directly beaten with a board. Every time Song Jia rang thinks about it, it is a tearful experience.

I don't know how Song Rong pacified Grandma Song, but one thing is for sure, afterwards, not only did Grandma Song behave herself, but even the two concubines in the West Wing also became noticeably quieter.

Mrs. Song is not a tolerant person. Although the new daughter-in-law is supposed to set rules, it is rare for the mother-in-law to make the new daughter-in-law work from morning till night on the first day of the wedding.

Song Rong was very satisfied with Xiao Ji's appearance from head to toe, and naturally agreed without hesitation.

I heard my grandmother say that my father didn't drink milk when he was young, and I don't drink it either. Song Jiayan also childishly brought up Song Rong's achievements.

Madam Song scolded again: "You are truly useless!"

Due to Xiaoji's exclusive favor towards Song Rong, both Liu Yiniang and Cui Yiniang have been unable to get close to Song Rong for almost half a year. The two beautiful Yiniangs feel lonely in their chambers, so they like to come to the east wing and chat with Cui Rui and others under the pretext of discussing Song Jiayan, passing the time.

Cui Rui and Wan Pozzi busily said, "The young lady has eaten."

Song Rong was already impatient, frowning and reprimanding, "Step back! Such rudeness! In the future, if the lady doesn't call for you, there's no need for you to come over!"

Miss Xiao Ji smiled faintly. She had long known that Madam Song favored sons over daughters. Otherwise, both Song Jia and Song Yan, who were born to the same mother, would have been treated equally as legitimate heirs. However, Song Yan was left motherless and was only allowed to live with an unfavored maid named Li in the old main house. It was truly a stroke of luck that Song Yan had survived until now. As for Song Rong, how could a man have such delicate thoughts for his daughter? Since no one cared about Song Yan, he might as well adopt her. A daughter who was not favored, even if she was a legitimate daughter, posed no threat. On the contrary, it would be convenient for her to gain a good reputation and to explain to her mother's family.

Song Rong naturally wanted to pay a visit to his mother-in-law. Taking the opportunity, Song Jia spoke highly of Song Rong, saying, "Daddy treats me so well. He hugs and kisses me every day, and we eat together. I like Daddy the most!"

Translation: Cuirui said, "We still need to trouble mother to fetch some warm water. The young lady has just finished crying. If she wakes up tomorrow with swollen eyes, and the new mistress asks us about it, what should we say?"

Wan Pozhi smiled and said, "Ruigirl, you should also have some. Who knows when we'll have lunch."

Song Rong lightly held the soft and boneless hand of Miss Xiao Ji, seeing a hint of weariness on her face, and said, "Just got back, take a rest first."

Although our family has rules, since you are the new daughter-in-law, as long as you understand the meaning, it's fine. In the future, when you are here to take care of us, you can sit down.

Song Rong is talented, handsome, and has a high social status. It is the prime time of his wealth and power. Moreover, Madam Song is very willing to promote the concubine, naturally making her the apple of the maidservants' eyes in the family.

When the old lady complained, the maid Zi Qiao smiled and advised, "Children, it's normal for them to cry and make a fuss. Miss Second will be fine when she grows up."

With a head of black, shiny and smooth hair, she combed it and let it fall on her shoulders. Xiao Ji smiled at her husband in the mirror. Song Rong leaned down and brought his mouth close to Xiao Ji's delicate and fair earlobe, opening his mouth and gently biting it.

It was evident to Cui Zhu that the master's wife was in a bad mood, so she dared not show any joy on her face and simply bowed respectfully.

Go. Song Lao Tai Tai's words have never been very pleasant. Also, don't forget to tell your wife in front of you. After all, she has given birth to a son and a daughter for you, and she has worked hard even if she has not contributed.

In the afternoon, after having a family banquet, Song Rong bid farewell to his wife Xiao Ji and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, as well as the couple Ning An Hou, and got into the car to go home.

Cui Rui didn't dare to say that Chu Mama had disappeared early in the morning. Wan Mama advised, "Don't be angry, I will go and find Chu Nai Mama to come back."

Xiao Ji's belly is already very big, and it's close to the end of the year, with many affairs to attend to. Madam Song only cares about finding fault and nitpicking, how could she help her daughter-in-law share the burden? Therefore, Xiao Ji is very busy.

The Moon Gate in Dong Xiaoyuan has not been dug yet, and Xiao Ji has been diagnosed with pregnancy.

Madam Liang is attentive and said to Song Jia, "Young lady, only by drinking milk can you grow tall."

She ate almost half a bowl before she burped contentedly, closed her eyes, and felt a bit drowsy.

As soon as Song Ronggang returned home, a clever maid informed him of the matter. Song Rong went straight to the main courtyard and saw Xiaoji's pale face, sitting dazedly at the bedside, with a lively Cui Zhu maid standing beside her.

At this moment, the faint sound of rustling leaves outside the house came: "Two aunts, the master and mistress are discussing something. The aunts can come and pay their respects later."

However, Song Rong has long been a legendary figure in the capital. Today, people not only admire him, but also envy the extraordinary vision of the Marquis of Wuan, who has gained such a promising son-in-law. Otherwise, he would not have been able to marry his illegitimate daughter to Song Rong as a concubine after the death of his legitimate daughter.

Xiao Ji's cheeks turned slightly red, revealing a faint smile.

Madam Song sighed. She never liked these young ladies from noble families becoming daughters-in-law, but for the sake of her son's future, she had to endure.

Aunt Zhang sighed, "When I didn't know, Second Miss got married to the Song family. She came back and complained about how much she suffered. Your mother-in-law is not easy to get along with. As a new daughter-in-law, you have to set rules and take care of household chores. How can you not endure hardships? And when it comes to eating, you have to eat with Madam and the eldest Miss. How can you enjoy your meal? You should bear with it for now."

Actually, Xiaoji is also feeling uneasy. No woman would willingly push her husband away. However, Xiaoji is resourceful and was born in a noble family. She is used to seeing men with multiple wives and concubines. She is also worried that if she restrains Song Rong too tightly, he will become bored with her. Therefore, when she feels uncomfortable, she arranges for Song Rong to go to the West Chamber.

As expected, Madam Song immediately exclaimed with joy that she had asked for the highest-ranked fortune stick, and Song Rong smiled and agreed. He had long known the tricks of those temples, where the money for the incense was plentiful and the fortunes were always good.

As this was spoken by her son, Mrs. Song's expression remained calm as she asked, "What about the Liu family and Cuique?"

Song Rong's future seems bright, and there are many natural congratulations.

Where would Wanpozi have the mind to look at Song Jiayan wrapped in a small quilt? She stretched her fat neck and looked outside twice, sucking on the leftover taste of roasted chicken in her mouth, and sighed, "The mansion is busy today, I guess our meal will be late." Despite gnawing on two chicken legs in the kitchen, she was still hungry.

Ji Wenguolai, Xiaoji also took the opportunity to meet with his own brother in his busy schedule. After listening to Ji Wen's account, Xiaoji pondered for a moment and said, "We are too hasty. Let it go. Since father is unhappy, it's okay to put it aside for now. Father is getting old, don't make him unhappy."

Mrs. Song was amused to anger by her son, she clenched her fists and punched her son a few times, scolding, "I won't give up until you make me die of anger."

Song Rongdao: "In that case, let Liu Shi and Cui Que live together and vacate the east wing for Yan Jie'er."

Song Rongneng is able to navigate the court effortlessly, his eloquence is beyond doubt. Upon hearing this, he said, "Even if he is in his twenties, or even when his son is seventy or eighty years old in the future, he will still be a child in front of his mother, and will still ask his mother for food."

Miss Xiao Ji smiled and blushed, with the shy look of a newlywed bride.

Song Jiarang paid respects to his parents. Xiaoji praised, "Having the young master follow the old lady, he is truly making progress."

Song Jiayan blinked a pair of clear and pure eyes, and in a childish voice, she said, "Nanny, I feel nauseous when I smell milk." Then, Song Jiayan added another sentence, "I like to drink porridge and eat egg custard, fish cakes, vegetables, and meat."

Liang Mama was originally a kind and round-faced woman. Upon hearing this, she couldn't help but show a gentle expression and said, "Yes, indeed. It's exactly the appearance of Miss Er when she was young."

With just one sentence, it made Madam Song burst into laughter and exclaim, "You're such a witty talker!"

Ji Wen was beaten, and he deliberately healed the wounds on his face before coming to the Song family. Listening to his sister's words, Ji Wen looked distressed and said, "Father is very unpredictable in his moods now."

One day, Madam Song said, "Since you are a virtuous wife, you should arrange for the concubines to take turns serving our master. This is also your duty."

Song Jiarang was already somewhat angry. At his age, he still did not understand the importance of controlling his temper. He raised his voice and angrily said, "Hurry up and go!"

The understanding between the father-in-law and son-in-law has long been established, and they naturally get along harmoniously. Marquis Wu'an only advised Song Rong to take good care of his wife and daughter, and also inquired about the situation of Jia Rang and Jia Yan, to which Song Rong replied, "My mother cannot bear to be separated from her son even for a moment, but as for Yan Jie, she is young and a girl, so she needs careful nurturing. Rou Er is a considerate person, and I trust her to take care of Yan Jie." Xiaoji, whose maiden name is Ji Rou, is a considerate person, and I trust her to take care of Yan Jie." Xiaoji, whose maiden name is Ji Rou.

Lady Wu'an Hou lovingly held Song Jia rang in her arms and said in a gentle voice, "Good child, your father is always thinking of you. Listen to him, study hard, and you will understand your father's heart in the future."

That's how it is, not very virtuous, but I'm happy," said Xiao Ji in a soft voice. "Master only likes me, and I only like Master."

Daddy.Song Jiayan called out in a childish voice to Song Rong, extending both arms for him to pick her up.

Ji Min's eyes were slightly red. She wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief and said softly, "It's nothing. Aunt Zhou gave birth to a son last night. She said she wasn't feeling well this morning, so I waited for the doctor to come and prescribe medicine before coming to see Marquis Hou. Speaking of which, it's also a joyous occasion for our household." Ji Min, as the eldest daughter of the Wu'an Marquis Mansion, is herself a proper young lady and married into another noble family. However, after Ji Min's marriage, she has been unable to conceive a child, not to mention a son. Speaking of which, it's also a joyous occasion for our household." Ji Min, as the eldest daughter of the Wu'an Marquis Mansion, is herself a proper young lady and married into another noble family. However, after Ji Min's marriage, she has been unable to conceive a child, not to mention a son. It's not appropriate for the main wife to be barren, and there is no reason for the Marquis Mansion to become extinct. Marquis Ning'an has waited until now to let his concubine give birth to a legitimate son, which has already given face to the Wu'an Marquis Mansion and the main wife. From another perspective, the relationship between Marquis Ning'an and Ji Min is still quite good.

Upon seeing his father suddenly turn hostile, Ji Wen's face immediately changed. He knelt down and made a confession, his shirt soaked with cold sweat.

Song Rong rubbed the soft earlobe of Miss Ji with two fingers and said in a gentle voice, "You've worked hard."

Wan Pozzi grumbled again and went out to order the little maidservants to fetch water.

Cui Rui smiled and took a piece of cake, and ate it carefully with Wan Pozzi.

At this moment, Song Jia rang may be clever, but it is only the cleverness of a child.

The young Ji hurriedly smiled and said, "Your father has been working hard all day, Yan Jie'er, let's ask your father to take a rest, shall we?" He then signaled Lv Yun to take Song Jiayan away, unaware that Song Jiayan was quick-witted and agile. With a force from his waist, he pushed his buttocks against Lv Yun's chest, leaned his small body out, swayed his two little arms, and hooked onto Song Rong's neck.

After a day of struggle, Xiaoji gave birth to a daughter. Song Rong named the daughter Song Jiayu, according to the birth order of Song Jia's words.

On that afternoon, Song Jiayan was carried to the east wing of the Xiaoji Mansion and taken care of. No one around her moved a bit. Xiaoji generously assigned Liang Mama, the trusted aide who was specially brought along by her birth mother, Lady Wu'an Marquis, to take care of Song Jiayan.

Mother was coaxed into laughter. Song Rong then suggested moving Song Jia Yan to his own courtyard and said, "Xiao Ji Shi, once you enter the door, you will have to take on the responsibility of being the mistress of the family. Li Yi Niang's health in the courtyard is getting worse, so let Yan Jie Er come over and follow Xiao Ji Shi."

On this day, it was a great day for the Song family. Everywhere you looked, there were red and green decorations, and the whole family was celebrating. Even the servants who usually wore blue clothes were dressed in festive red outfits.

Mrs. Song has relied on her son all the way to achieve her current wealth and status. In her heart, her two sons are the most precious. Now that her younger son, Song Yao, is away, she lives with her elder son, Song Rong. Mrs. Song's biggest worry is that her son will "forget his mother once he has a wife." Originally, she wanted to teach Mrs. Xiao Ji a lesson and make her realize her power, but unexpectedly, Mrs. Xiao Ji showed no interest in competing for favor and instead pushed Song Rong into the concubine's room. How could there be a woman who is so ungrateful and despises her own son? Originally, she wanted to teach Mrs. Xiao Ji a lesson and make her realize her power, but unexpectedly, Mrs. Xiao Ji showed no interest in competing for favor and instead pushed Song Rong into the concubine's room. How could there be a woman who is so ungrateful and despises her own son?

Xiao Ji directly told the two aunts to let them stay in the west wing and make room for the eldest daughter. Naturally, the two of them were unwilling, but they didn't dare to show it in front of Xiao Ji. Even if they were not very smart, after these few days, they could understand that Song Rong treated Xiao Ji differently from the original Da Ji, but he liked to dote on her.

Little Ji burst into tears, enduring countless grievances, but didn't utter a word. In the end, Little Ji choked and said, "I want to go home."