Chapter 5: Sisters-in-law and Couples

Originally, it was quite a challenge for a night owl from a past life to go to bed this early. Now, with such sounds coming from over there, does he still need to sleep?

Third younger sister, I never expected that even in his illness, you did not forget to have him study. With such dedication, I can never compare.

The relationship between the Sun family and the Dongfang family has always been rather indifferent. Just now, their interaction was merely perfunctory, and she felt a sense of relief only after the Dongfang family left. Pulling her son out of the small courtyard where the main house was located, she walked through the corridor to a less crowded passageway. She immediately instructed the two daughters-in-law accompanying her to keep their distance, and then quietly began to advise Zhang Yue.

Zhang Chao and Zhang Qi are merely two spoiled little tyrants, and their impatient temperaments are quite easy to handle. Judging by the surface situation, the Dongfang family is at most competitive and should not harbor any real ill intentions towards their nephew.

Yingru, you have truly suffered over these years

Thus, the delighted couple inevitably indulged in a moment of intimacy in their room, the creaking sound of the grand bed resonating through the gap in the door curtain, causing the two maids still waiting outside to blush deeply, and leaving Zhang Yue, who had already retired in the adjacent room, filled with lamentation.

Without waiting for Dongfang to respond, Zhang Qi immediately patted his chest and Zhang Chao followed closely behind, laughing as he agreed, "Mother, what Third Brother said is indeed correct. The last incident was merely an accident. With his slender arms and legs, if it weren't for me and Second Brother watching over him, he would have been bullied in the school long ago. Third Brother, rest assured, as long as you stick with me and Second Brother in the future, we will never forget you when there are benefits!"

Hearing his father's words, which seemed to flatter his wife like a little husband, Zhang Yue almost burst out laughing. The two maids supporting Zhang Zhuo on either side wanted to laugh but dared not, their faces turning red from holding it in. Meanwhile, Sun was even more irritable, spitting out, "What nonsense are you talking! I have to serve in front of the old lady every day, wearing the jade bracelet—what do I look like? For no reason, I still have to face a scolding!"

However, upon hearing this sound, he felt a vague sense of relief and secret joy. He did not wish for his parents in this lifetime to be a couple that appeared harmonious yet were emotionally distant. From the circumstances of these past few days, it was undoubtedly assured that the couple shared a loving relationship.

Really

Suddenly, he remembered that he had not seen his second cousin from the second branch at the Gu family today. Feeling somewhat puzzled, he took a few more steps and asked, "Mother, why didn't I see my second younger sister at Grandmother's place?"

Second Sister and - Picture - Book Sister? '' Sun was taken aback for a moment before realizing who this title referred to, and she immediately let out a sneer, `` The old lady prefers boys; your second sister is a daughter of a concubine and a girl, so naturally, she has fewer opportunities to show her face in front of her. ''

The mother and son returned to the western courtyard, just as Zhang Zhuo, reeking of alcohol, staggered through the gate. Upon seeing her husband in such a drunken state, Sun was immediately a bit annoyed and hurriedly instructed the two maidservants to help support him. She then scolded, "It's so late, and you come back drunk. If the old lady finds out, you will surely receive a good scolding!"

Dongfang was frowning deeply, but when Zhang Yue praised Zhang Chao for being both cultured and martial, it genuinely struck a chord with her. Therefore, she no longer minded her two sons chattering away. She took a step back and exchanged a few words with Sun, engaging in some polite conversation. After finishing her pleasantries, she noticed that her two sons were still tugging at Zhang Yue, whispering to him. She couldn't help but feel a bit puzzled, as she had managed to pull both of her sons away with just a few words earlier.

Of course it is true! Although the old lady has become somewhat closer to Yue'er than before, just as you said, it is hard to guarantee that she won't turn away in a few days. In two months, it will be the old lady's sixtieth birthday. If there is no additional benefit by then, it will inevitably be difficult to prepare birthday gifts. After all, the old lady is the legitimate aunt of the British Duke; if she could say a word, Yue'er's future would have hope.

So it is like this

Zhang Yue, upon hearing this, saw Dongfang scolding Zhang Chao and Zhang Qi with anger. He then smiled and said, "Aunt, I was merely recalling a historical anecdote. How can I compare to my elder brother and second brother, who are both well-versed in literature and martial arts? My elder brother and second brother can read, ride horses, shoot bows, and wield swords, while I can't even climb a tree without falling. In short, I am far inferior to my elder brother and second brother in both literary and martial skills. In the future, I will have to ask my elder brother and second brother to teach me a few more skills!"

Perhaps her husband is right; their son is indeed their hope for a better future. He is her only son, her sole support, and naturally, she is pleased to see him diligent and ambitious. When he achieves success and earns distinction, she too can hope for a title or reward. Since the Dongfang family relies on the husband's status, can she not also rise in status through her son?

The eldest, Zhang Chao, was praised for his growth. He raised his head and said: "Mother, don't you often say that studying is not the most important thing, but mastering martial arts is the right path? Didn't Grandmother just say that we should learn from our great-uncle and cousin to achieve military merit?"

"Indeed, we have a son. I have only this one son, and everything I did not obtain in the past, I must compensate him for, piece by piece..." Zhang Zhuo said, using some effort to pull Sun into his embrace, and then softly said, "Today, I had a drink with them and received some good news, let me tell you..."

At this moment, Zhang Zhuo had already drunk enough to feel a bit tipsy. Faced with his wife's reproach, he was not angry but instead chuckled, saying: "Today I am happy... not only for our son... but also for myself! You... you wanted that pair of jade bracelets from your sister-in-law, right? I will buy... buy them for you!"

After hearing Sun's repeated admonitions not to get too close to the Zhang brothers, it was almost explicitly stated that certain individuals were like a flood or a ferocious beast. Zhang Yue could only nod repeatedly, but inwardly he was shaking his head.

After helping her husband into the room at the east end, Sun sent Qiu Hen to take their son to bed. She did not call for a maid and personally helped her husband remove his boots and loosen his clothing. Once she had assisted him into bed, she was just about to check on her son when, as she turned around, she was unexpectedly seized firmly by the wrist.

Previously, the two brothers had even treated Zhang Yue to a meal to encourage him to climb a tree. Although the Dongfang family only made a show of it and they didn't lose a single hair, it was still quite embarrassing. Now, hearing their mother lecture in front of Zhang Yue, the two brothers were immediately infuriated. The second brother, Zhang Qi, shot a sideways glance at Zhang Yue and said in a gruff voice: "What is there to learn from him? Is it to learn how to fall down while climbing a tree?"

Due to the darkness on the road, Sun could not see the contemplative expression on Zhang Yue's face. Reflecting on the rare compliments she received from her mother-in-law today, she felt somewhat light-headed as she walked. Although her family had some money, it could not compare to the foundation of the Zhang family. Her two brothers were adept at taking advantage of others, so she could not have high hopes. Glancing down at her son, who was focused on walking, a vague thought began to form in her mind. Her two brothers were adept at taking advantage of others, so she could not have high hopes. Glancing down at her son, who was focused on walking, a vague thought began to form in her mind.

Sun felt a shiver run through her body as she slowly turned around, only to find her husband’s bleary eyes fixed intently on her. After a moment of silence, she smiled and said, "What are you talking about, my dear? A husband and wife are one entity; what suffering is there? Don't we have our child, Yue'er?"

Zhang Chao is thirteen years old, and Zhang Qi is twelve. Both of them have always loved hearing compliments. Upon hearing the phrase "well-versed in both literature and martial arts," their spirits immediately soared. When they then heard Zhang Yue modestly claim he was far from it, all their previous displeasure vanished into thin air.

After leaving the Gu family's main house, Dongfang turned back after just a few steps and said to Sun with a hint of sarcasm. With a half-smile, she scrutinized Zhang Yue for a moment, then suddenly turned to her two sons and scolded, "You two spend the whole year studying in school, yet you often can't even recite your lessons. From now on, make sure to study hard like Brother Yue, or be careful not to incur the family law again"