Chapter 4: Parents Without Fate and Ultimate Reasoning

A Qing walked over and gently massaged the waist of the lady, saying: "The lord must have made up his mind." Lady Xiao replied: "The lord has long wanted to take action, but is held back by Aunt Jun." A Qing sighed and said: "The old duke passed away early, and it is not easy for the old lady to be widowed."

Naturally, among the entire family, I am the only one who can understand the melodies he writes. After being married for several decades and having numerous children, even my in-laws thought that my husband was learning to be a sorcerer and draw talismans, and they even considered having him set up a stall for fortune-telling to supplement the household income

Cheng's expression darkened again, and Madam Xiao cast him a glance, but slowly said to A Qing: "There is no way around it; who told me I encountered a foolish person? When you meet someone intelligent, there is no fear, as you at least know they won't do anything foolish. However, encountering a foolish person is quite troublesome."

Yu Cailing finally saw Madam Xiao's appearance clearly and couldn't help but exclaim in admiration. Having been in this era for so long, she had rarely seen a well-proportioned woman; they were either buck-toothed or cross-eyed, either with a broad back and a stout figure or as thin as a bamboo pole. Unexpectedly, Madam Xiao was so fair and beautiful, surpassing even the young vixens around Yu's father. She immediately began to feel hopeful about her own appearance.

As for the temperament of the young lady, A Zhu did not dare to speak much. She only requested that the esteemed person and the lady observe the young lady themselves after her recovery. A Zhu said indignantly, "In the end, is there someone deliberately spreading rumors? Everything is known."

Cheng's mother was originally a peasant woman from the countryside, and her tall stature made the entire room tremble when she became agitated. Seeing the opportunity, Li Zhui quickly nudged Ge Shi, who hurriedly stepped forward and said: "Aunt Jun, do not be sad. My husband is a high-ranking official, and isn't the current emperor the one who values filial piety the most? How could my husband be unfilial?"

Aqing followed behind, hurriedly closing the door, and turned around with a smile, saying: "Lady, it seems that the gentleman has made up his mind."

Upon hearing these words, Yu Cailing felt a slight sense of respect for Madam Xiao, believing that although this woman was quite calculating, she still had a clear sense of right and wrong

Yu Cailing couldn't help but be astonished. Listening to Madam Xiao's decisive and capable tone at this moment, she could hardly believe that this was the same woman who had just bowed her head and knelt in apology. Indeed, she was playing the role of a pig to eat the tiger.

Yu Cailing felt a wave of dizziness, and she focused on one key point: her name is "Niao Niao"?! Clearly a girl, yet called "Niao Niao". Could it be that she is compensating for something lacking?

A Qing continued: "Later, when that woman was dragged out for questioning, she kept shouting that in the Bo family, only her child could not kill his biological mother. However, the clan leader of the Donglu family ultimately decided that she should take her own life. Alas, it is a pity that her own child passed away shortly after. Not long after, the Donglu family welcomed a new bride and once again bore children; who would still remember her"

Lost in memories for an unknown duration, Yu Cailing, half-conscious and half-asleep, felt her limbs weak and unable to move. She only sensed someone supporting her to sit up and feeding her a mouthful of cool and spicy soup. After just a few bites, Yu Cailing felt her mind becoming somewhat clearer and attempted to open her eyes; it was as if a tightly closed box was being pried open with a crevice, and one could almost hear the difficult creaking of the box's hinges.

In truth, Cheng Shi has been wronged. Aside from the fact that this recent illness was indeed caused by her own negligence, the rest of the days have been filled with good soup and meals provided for her. After all, the old lady of the Wan family lives next door and occasionally comes over to make sarcastic remarks, saying, "What a pity for this child who has no parents by her side. If you cannot take good care of her, it would be better to send her back to Cheng Xiaowei." Cheng's mother, being old and lazy, only cares to keep the Fourth Miss by her side and does not bother with anything else. She does not dare to resort to excessively malicious means to vent her frustrations.

Madam Xiao scoffed, "The carefree young master who loves to compose poetry and music has fallen on hard times. During that period of chaos under the tyrant emperor, everyone was struggling to find food, and who would still listen to songs? Unable to marry the wealthy and foolish Zhuo Wenjun, he could not become Sima Xiangru. As hunger and deprivation loomed, he had no choice but to seek a well-off farmer's wife. When Jun's uncle was alive, he was even impatient to speak with Jun's aunt. The talented man had just built a new house, yet he hurriedly occupied a large room for his own enjoyment, claiming that he wanted to see his old wife a few more times each day, even when he could hardly eat."

Little did Madam Xiao know that she did not smile, but sighed: "Later, the world became increasingly chaotic, and the Cheng family was not wealthy. It was all thanks to Aunt Jun's management that we could still make ends meet. Since childhood, I have watched my mother toil and my father be so indifferent. As the eldest child, how could I not feel heartbroken?"

It would have been better not to say this, but once spoken, Mother Cheng became even angrier: "What a sage! If I were to enjoy any more blessings, I would be buried! Those noble ladies outside only praise you for your virtue, yet they look down on me, this old woman, and I cannot even make acquaintances with them. General Wan's mother lives next door, yet over the years, we have hardly exchanged three words. Whenever we meet, it is either to praise your wife for her hard work in managing the household and raising children, or to inquire about Fourth Lady's well-being, as if I and her aunt are going to devour her! This time, how many rewards did you receive outside, and how many captives did you take? You do not speak of it, nor does anyone come to inform me; I am just a blind old woman!" General Wan's mother lives next door, yet over the years, we have hardly exchanged three words. Whenever we meet, it is either to praise your wife for her hard work in managing the household and raising children, or to inquire about Fourth Lady's well-being, as if I and her aunt are going to devour her! This time, how many rewards did you receive outside, and how many captives did you take? You do not speak of it, nor does anyone come to inform me; I am just a blind old woman!

Cheng Shi could no longer endure: "I have already understood, it is not about marrying a new wife, but about taking a concubine and keeping maids! My brother-in-law is even a few years younger than me, and there are already so many of them. It's not like there are no offspring, yet so much money is still needed..."

Upon hearing this, Yu Cailing smirked with ill intent, as she now understood why Cheng's mother harbored such great resentment

Although Madam Xiao repeatedly apologized today, her attitude was not particularly anxious, and even seemed somewhat perfunctory; as for Cheng, it was even stranger, as in the past, such situations would typically lead to more commotion, yet today it was resolved so easily, to the point that he did not even rush to help Madam Xiao, who was kneeling on the ground. While pondering this, Li Zhui dared not speak much, as she understood well that Cheng's mother might not particularly favor her own daughter, but rather simply detested Madam Xiao, using Ge as a means to deal with her.

Yu Cailing managed to open her eyes with great difficulty, and she saw that a dozen or so maids and servants were kneeling and sitting in a disordered manner in the room. Following the sound she had just heard, she noticed a stout and tall old woman seated in the center, surrounded by a group of servants, on a polished and shiny sandalwood couch. The woman was dressed in a dark purple straight-collared long robe, which was subtly embroidered with numerous golden patterns. Around her waist, she wore a loose jade belt about four to five fingers wide. On her head was a simple round bun at the back, adorned with a long hairpin. Upon closer inspection, the hairpin was surprisingly made entirely of gold, as thick as a firewood stick. Additionally, she noticed a large gold earring hanging from her earlobe, almost pulling her ear down, which appeared particularly dazzling under the candlelight at night.

"A-Lu, rise up." Madam Xiao stepped forward to assist, "These years have been hard on you, only able to reunite with A-Yi sporadically."

A Qing observed Cheng Shi's expression closely, then turned her head and smiled, saying: "Madam is indeed calculating, having left someone at the manor early on; otherwise, it would have been a disaster. Who would have thought that Madam Zhong could be so ruthless"

Since childhood, she has held a fixation on why, despite both being indigenous men and educated young women who came to the countryside, some couples can live in harmony and even prosper after the reform and opening up. Their way of showing off is to support their wives in pursuing further education, donating a public library to the town or establishing a scholarship for the elementary school, rather than following in the footsteps of their own fathers who engaged in the flourishing of the entertainment industry

A Qing was startled and said, "My lady, you are confused."

Madam Xiao sat down on the stool, supporting her waist, and said: "The illness has receded like pulling threads; the attending physician has examined me and said that a few more doses of medicine will suffice for recovery"

Cheng closed his eyes and said in a deep voice: "You don't need to say anything, I understand all of this. A Qing, go call Cheng Shun to wait for me in the front yard."

Ge was startled by the thunderous reprimand and hurriedly shrank to the side. Seeing this, Cheng's mother sharply exclaimed: "You don't need to beat around the bush to scold me; it was I who did not allow the Fourth Young Lady to pass! The shaman said that even though I was better at that time, who knows if I would be fine once the Fourth Young Lady leaves?" Ge's words also served as a reminder to her, and she quickly added, "Out there, dutiful officials are willing to shed blood and flesh for their ailing parents, yet you are so anxious and agitated over a girl being ill!"

Cheng was greatly enraged and struck the armrest of the stool with his palm, causing the carved railing to crack in response. He said, "This woman is truly detestable; she should be divorced by my second brother!"

Yu Cailing felt great joy, extremely wonderful, as this old man Cheng completely lacked gentlemanly demeanor, showing no hesitation in confronting women

Yu Cailing then realized that a middle-aged man and woman were sitting beside her bed. The man was tall and robust, his face obscured by a large beard. He wore a red padded robe and an outer dark purple cloak, with his right arm exposed. Both of his wrists were adorned with dark gold and heavy iron armguards, resembling the attire of a military general

A Lu looked at Madam Xiao with tears in her eyes and said, "Your Highness has not changed at all, yet you have become even more imposing than in the past."

Yu Cailing was infuriated, thinking to herself, are you running a gold shop? Why not stick two gold chopsticks up your nostrils to fill your elephant's golden teeth?

Upon hearing this, Ge, who is actually responsible for raising the child, turned pale. It was evident that Cheng was truly blaming her

In her youth, Yu Cailing often leaned against the wall to watch this happy family of three, feeling both envy and jealousy. As she grew older, she began to develop a crush on the family's son, only to find him bringing his girlfriend home and pointing at her with a smile, saying, "... this is my neighbor's little sister". Alas, more tragic than receiving a good person card is being given a brother card or sister card.

On the other side, Cheng's mother was interrupted by her son, and she immediately became furious. She pounded her chest and cried out loudly: "... Indeed, I have grown old and become a source of disdain. After so many years away, upon returning, you only care about the younger ones, not even asking about your own mother’s well-being. I have also been quite ill these days..." As she spoke, she quickly coughed a few times to demonstrate the authenticity of her words, then continued to cry, "What did you all say when your father passed away? You promised to be filial to me, and now, if I don't die from anger, that would be a blessing!"... As she spoke, she quickly coughed a few times to demonstrate the authenticity of her words, then continued to cry, "What did you all say when your father passed away? You promised to be filial to me, and now, if I don't die from anger, that would be a blessing!"

Aqing could no longer hold back and let out a chuckle

While crying and beating the wooden stool, it was still not enough for her. Suddenly, she straightened up, her eyes red as a wild boar, and howled: "If that is still not enough for you, I might as well die to accompany Fourth Lady!"

At this moment, A Qing returned and said, "My lord, Cheng Shun has arrived." Cheng then stood up and said to his wife, "You must be tired from the journey, so rest early. In a few days, the children will be arriving with General Wan and his party, so do not overexert yourself." After saying this, he pushed the door open and went out

Madam Xiao suddenly smiled and said: "Even if your uncle were alive, would that make things easier for your aunt?"

As she watched the two groups, Cheng's mother and the Ge family, flow out of the room like a stream, Madam Xiao's smile faded. She turned around and quietly gazed at Cheng Shi, remaining silent. Cheng Shi sighed and sat down on the stool where Cheng's mother had just been, glancing over at his daughter, who had once again fallen asleep leaning against the maid, and sighed again.

Awake, awake!

Aqing could not help but smile

Hearing the words of the old lady, the woman who had been kneeling beside the weeping girl suddenly straightened up. She was dressed in a deep blue robe, with delicate features and bright eyes. Although she was in her middle age, her voice was remarkably clear: "What the old lady said is truly a joke, as if the Fourth Miss is someone my family’s lady does not wish to raise and has left at home. I do not dare to overstep, but I also know that the reason for keeping the Fourth Miss was to fulfill filial piety towards you, old lady. If it were not for the divination of that shaman, would our lady really be willing to abandon her three-year-old child"

Madam Xiao kept her head bowed, but Yu Cailing, with her keen eyes, caught a glimpse of a sarcastic smile at the corner of her mouth from this angle. However, when she lifted her head, she presented a demeanor of sorrowful respect.

"Don't say that." A Qing quickly replied with a smile, "Regardless of temperament, your appearance is just like that of your mother."

"If adults were to possess such a woman's compassion, they would have perished countless times by now," Lady Xiao confidently stated

In a state of deep slumber, Yu Cailing began to dream, envisioning the neighbor's older brother from the same town, who was as handsome and tall as the phoenix tree in her grandmother's courtyard. The little version of herself stood beside him, gazing up with a heart full of admiration

A Qing looked at the master and mistress exchanging glances and softly said: "I am foolish and dull-witted. I suppose that being scolded in the manor will not lead to any serious consequences, but once I step outside the gate, I cannot be certain of what may happen. " Thinking even darker thoughts, the young girl realized that without any servants to guard and protect her in the estate, it was entirely possible that she could encounter a rogue or a lecher and be humiliated. In that case, she would have to endure this silent suffering.

In the absence of others, Madam Xiao slowly stood up, walked to her husband's side, placed her hands on Cheng Shi's strong shoulders, and gently said: "Isn't it written in the books that Ah Yi's music is also unfilial? Over the years, Jun Gu has indeed..."

Observing Lady Xiao's expression, A Qing said, "Actually, I think the old lady has not suffered much. The master has been supporting the family since he was ten years old, and the old lady has not endured hardships for long." Then, with concern, she added, "So, can the master really be ruthless towards the old lady?"

The couple Fu Yi has been together for over ten years, and he is well aware of her character. A Lu dares to say this because she knows that her own daughter is certainly not as rumored outside.

Aru wept softly, saying: "What punishment? By the time I arrived, the young lady was already on the verge of death. It is pitiful, such a small child, her whole body burning with fever, lying on such a damp and cold bed, her mind in a daze, unable to swallow the medicine. At that moment, the maid was extremely frightened, fearing that something might happen to the young lady, thus failing the lady's trust!"

Yu Cailing immediately understood who the old woman and that girl were. She hurriedly looked around and realized that this was no longer the room that the 'good aunt' had arranged for her. The space was somewhat small, and the decoration was very simple. The wooden floor was still shiny with varnish, but it was covered with a heavy, multicolored fur carpet. The stove made the room warm and cozy, and everyone was wearing thick socks.

Who would have thought that Madam Xiao would say: "It is one thing for my aunt to dislike me, but I hold her in great respect in my heart. Climbing the mountains to gather vegetables, plowing the fields, returning home to weave cloth, wash, and clean, and there are also the husband and children to feed; when the sky is about to fall, she must straighten up and support it even if her waist is weary and bent, unlike that uncle who plays with strings and bamboo. Now it is time for her to enjoy the blessings of her children and grandchildren"

She looked up at the high beams of the house and murmured to herself, "Oh heavens, where is there a daughter-in-law who cannot compete with her mother-in-law? It is merely that the son-in-law is unwilling to lend a hand"

Yu Cailing was stunned by this profound discourse, suddenly realizing that her lifelong mother was not only an outstanding actress and a master of domestic intrigue, but also a philosopher with a materialist dialectical thinking!

The palace physician is indeed remarkable; after just a few doses of medicine, the effects are already evident. Congratulations to Lady He, congratulations to the son-in-law, congratulations to the sister-in-law...

Madam Xiao's cold expression once again revealed a complex emotion: "If only her temperament were more like that, it would be of some use; she is not even as good as her grandmother."

Recalling the disdain that Lord Cheng had for Lady Cheng during his lifetime, A Qing smiled: "Lord Cheng treated the Lady quite well, always protecting you during his lifetime"

Cheng began to feel that his mother was being unreasonable and obstinate, and in a fit of anger, he said: "Studying and marrying a wife are the proper principles; one may take concubines and maids..."

Little did Madam Xiao know, she sighed and after a long pause said: "If only one of the two elders can enjoy longevity and happiness, it should indeed be Aunt Jun"

Mother Cheng glanced at Madam Xiao, who was kneeling on the ground, then looked up at her son and once again spoke in a sarcastic tone: "Over the years, how much have you spent on Xiao Feng for education and marriage, without batting an eye? Your new wife's brothers are family, but your mother's brothers are just outsiders! Moreover, bringing in more maidservants to serve your husband and your maternal uncles and aunts is a sign of An'er’s new wife's virtue, unlike others... Hmph, if you truly wish to be filial, you should also bring in a few more to serve me instead."

Perhaps due to standing up too quickly, Yu Cailing felt a wave of dizziness, leaning against the maid's shoulder in a semi-unconscious state. This appearance was half genuine and half feigned.

A Qing looked at the expressions of the young man and young woman, her eyes shifting as she joked with A Lu: "This is your first time meeting the young lady, isn't it? I have heard that the young lady has a bad temper; has she ever scolded you?"

The elderly woman's face was drawn long, her gaze disdainful, as if perpetually dissatisfied. Beside her sat Ge and three to five servants, some holding lacquer trays, others tending to a hand stove, creating quite a spectacle. Only Ge, on one side, sat empty-handed, anxiously glancing over at Yu Cailing.

Yu Cailing recognized the voice of "Good Aunt" Ge, who sounded both delighted and relieved

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Madam Xiao sat upright and said, "Please go ahead and speak."

Madam Xiao repeatedly bowed down and apologized, saying: "If I have displeased you, it is my fault; the sky is getting dark, you should hurry back and rest."

After such a lengthy discourse, Yu Cailing only agreed with the first sentence and did not understand the meaning of the last two words

In such an isolated space, Yu Cailing lay on her side facing inward, making an effort to regulate her breathing and continue pretending to sleep, her fists clenched and eyes closed, palms sweating, utterly curious about what this couple might be discussing in private—she was extremely intrigued by the parents of this body.

Before long, A Qing entered through a door from the inner room, leading in a woman. The woman greeted and addressed her, and Yu Cailing immediately recognized that the visitor was actually A Ru

"Aqing, do not speak nonsense," Lady Xiao, who was softly weeping, raised her head and hurriedly reprimanded. She then said to Mother Cheng, "Please forgive her, Aunt Jun. Aqing has such a temperament; she is just concerned for Fourth Lady."

After a brief pause, Madam Xiao continued, "Moreover, Aunt Jun is much better than my mother."

Cheng began to speak of his headache: "The sage said, there are disciples who bear the burden. The new wife also manages household affairs out of filial piety towards her mother, so that her mother can enjoy a life of ease and comfort"

A Lu solemnly clasped his hands and said: "Years ago, I stayed in our family estate at the behest of the lady ruler, and for several years there was no news. I only vaguely heard of the young lady's notorious reputation for mischief. A month ago, I heard that the young lady had an altercation with someone at the plum appreciation banquet; I do not know if it is true or not, but she was punished by the Ge family and sent to the garden for reflection. The one tasked with taking care of the young lady was Li Zhui's maternal aunt, an old woman who was particularly fond of wine and rather muddled. In such frigid days, she left the young lady all alone in a long-abandoned, cold brick room, without even hot soup or rice. Within a few days, the young lady fell ill. By the time I hurried to bribe Li Zhui to attend to her, the young lady had already been burning with fever for many days..."

Shier, you ... ... ! Mother Cheng could not bear to hear the words "our couple"; she was both shocked and angry, thinking to herself that although this eldest son usually listened to his wife more than to his mother, it was rare for him to retort so openly.

Cheng Shi covered his wife's hand on his shoulder with one hand and said, "I understand. In the past, when we were poor, my mother was not like this. Even with some surplus grain, she was willing to help the poor neighbors, though her words were harsh, her heart was genuine. On the contrary, in these years of wealth, my mother has become increasingly overbearing, frequently demanding positions and money from my uncle, and has been incited to encroach upon others' land. Not to mention my uncle, I am working hard in the front, while he is collecting money in the back, relying solely on my mother."

Cheng closed his eyes and, with a sense of helplessness, clasped his hands together and said: "What Mother said is true; it is getting late, and Mother should settle down now"

In fact, Mrs. Xiao is inherently cautious. If it were not for the inadequate preparations of the Ge family, which hastily provided a few rooms for Cheng Shi and his companions, Mrs. Xiao would never have allowed her daughter to remain in the room with them.

Madam Xiao looked at her husband's gloomy and displeased expression and mocked, "Fortunately, our family comes from humble origins and is not wealthy. Over the years, we have only acquired two small estates. If we were like the Yuan family, with generations of nobility and an unknown number of properties, with estates stretching across two or three counties, I would not be able to guard against it even if I tried."

It is said that back in the days at the drama club, the president, who was a bit of a slacker, secretly had feelings for himself. If it weren't for his lingering thoughts about his childhood, Yu Cailing would not have gone through life without ever having a proper romantic relationship, which is truly a great loss.

Madam Xiao suddenly turned around and gently interrupted her husband, saying, "My lord, do not speak further; we shall proceed as Lady Jun suggested." With her back to Cheng's mother, Ge's family, and a group of servants, she cast a fleeting glance at her husband, as if signaling him, while those behind her, including Cheng's mother, could not see the expression on her face. However, Yu Cailing observed it clearly.

Before Ge could continue speaking eagerly, a strange, sarcastic voice of an old woman interrupted, saying, "Don't get too heated; others might think we have done something to their daughter. For ten years, we have raised her with care, enduring hardships without any credit. What child is free from illness? Just a few days of fever, and there is chaos and crying. If you are so worried, you might as well raise her yourself."

Cheng Shi once again gazed at the bed draped with curtains, recalling the sight of his daughter, so frail and small, and lamenting even more for his four sons, each as robust as young calves, whom he wished to keep by his side

Seeing her son and daughter-in-law both yield, Mother Cheng stood up contentedly and left, followed by seven or eight servants, swaying like the Prime Minister of the Dragon Palace in the East Sea. Ge Shi hurried to catch up, secretly pleased that they had finally passed the hurdle of the Fourth Lady's illness. It seemed that Madam Xiao still feared Jun Gu and did not dare to inquire further. She realized that her previous panic was unnecessary, and she hadn't even used the backup excuse she had prepared. Before leaving, she cast a triumphant glance at her confidant Li Zhui, as if to say: See, everything is fine.

Madam Xiao said, "What I lament the most are the children born of the original wife. Even if the culprit is killed, what difference will it make for both families, who are already heartbroken? Those golden boys and jade girls can never be found again, and I do not know how they are being mistreated out there." She then shifted her tone, "Moreover, our family is not even as good as the Donglu family. If Niao Niao were to truly pass away, would the master really kill her aunt for the sake of a junior? Not to mention there is still Aunt Jun above us."

Yu Cailing had once witnessed Fu Deng bowing to Zhu He and Fu Yi, but she was unsure if there was any difference here. Weakly, she raised her arms, adopting a crooked posture. The two maidservants were very quick-witted, immediately stepping forward to gently support Yu Cailing's arms and body, half-kneeling on the couch. They pressed her right hand over her left hand, covered her arms with her sleeves, raised her hands to her forehead, and bowed down onto the couch. One maidservant whispered in Yu Cailing's ear, "The young lady inquires about her father and mother’s well-being." Following her instructions, Yu Cailing acted accordingly, and then was helped to sit up, raising her hands to eye level, and finally lowering her arms, thus completing the formalities.

Madam Xiao looked at her daughter with a complex expression and simply said, "Good"

Before the words were finished, the general coldly interrupted, saying: "What nonsense is this? Is it possible that what A Qing said is wrong? Initially, we left Niao Niao to fulfill our filial duty, yet now it is spoken as if we, as a couple, are unwilling to raise her, which instead burdens our mother with unfiliality. It is only right to be filial to our mother, but the words should be spoken plainly."

Yu Cailing feigned sleep with remarkable skill, feeling an immense excitement within her. Her mother in this life is even more extraordinary than in the previous one, and the transformation of her personality is effortless. The Oscars owe her an award!

Cheng Shi urgently said, "What does this have to do with her! Mother, why do you always have to find fault with her!"

At this point, she let out a contemptuous laugh and leisurely remarked as if in casual conversation, "Do you still remember the stepmother that the Donglu family in the village married that year? The original wife was not without strength, and the son-in-law was not blind. Who would have thought that as soon as she gave birth to a son, she would take advantage of the men being out on patrol for thieves to sell the original wife's son and daughter, claiming they had gone missing. This frightened everyone, who exclaimed how could there be such a foolish woman. Yet there are indeed such fools in the world, who always think they can commit wrongdoing and still remain unscathed"

A-Qing got up and called for the two maids to assist Yu Cai-Ling in lying down. She carefully felt her forehead, then personally lowered the heavy brocade curtains on the bed. After that, she silently gestured for the remaining maids to exit one by one and closed the door.

It is only frustrating that this girl was born with a delicate and frail appearance; no matter how much chicken, duck, fish, or meat she eats, it seems futile. Moreover, her face is youthful with small bones; at five years old, she looks like she is three, at ten, she looks like she is seven, and even at thirteen, she still has the appearance of someone who has not had enough to eat. Others see her and merely think that her aunt is harsh, but over the past ten years, apart from deliberately indulging and pampering her, and occasionally scolding her, I truly have not been able to come up with any effective methods.

A-Qing sighed softly, saying, "If only the Duke were still alive, he would never allow the old lady to bully you; you would not have been separated from the young lady for ten years."

Mother Cheng ignored her daughter-in-law and only looked at her son Cheng Shi, coldly laughing as she said: "I will rest in the coffin, and only then will you be satisfied. I will not care; this time you must present a few hundred stones of official rank to your uncle, for he has worked hard for many years. Furthermore, find another twenty thousand coins to give to your aunt, as the Dong family is going to marry a new wife"

Upon hearing this sour complaint, Yu Cailing dared not move her neck, yet she shook her head vigorously in her heart. The old lady herself felt that she was still in her prime and wanted to extend her retirement, yet you, as her sons and daughters-in-law, do not allow her to continue to shine and contribute; you deserve to be reprimanded.

However, one must ask, why does she always encounter such formidable mothers? With predecessors achieving such brilliance, it is indeed challenging for the next generation to surpass them. She feels that she should first set a small goal, for instance, to be reborn.

As the conversation reached this point, Madam Xiao's gaze fixed upon Cheng Shi's face, while Cheng Shi looked at his wife in silence

Mother Cheng looked at her with sarcasm and said, "How could I have your abilities? Just now, didn't Shier say how capable you are? The children of the household are all well taken care of by you, while I can't even manage a single little child. In the earlier years, Shier would discuss everything with me before making decisions, but ever since you entered the family, whether it is a big matter or a small one, inside or outside, whenever you speak, Shier just says 'yes, yes, yes, indeed, indeed.' Does Shier even regard me, this mother, anymore?"

Madam Xiao remained silent, her gaze shifting towards the bed. A Qing understood and immediately approached, gently pulling back the curtain to take a look. She saw the little girl in deep slumber, her breath warm and heavy. Only then did she lower the curtain and turn to say, "It seems the fever has not completely subsided; she is sleeping quite soundly."

Cheng began to notice that his daughter was thin and small, her voice just now was weak and pitiful, and there were tear stains on her face from sleep. Leaning against her maid, she appeared even smaller, like a fragile paper doll, her face only half the size of her own palm. It was common for a girl of thirteen to be married off in an ordinary farming family, yet his own daughter looked so pitiful and frail. He felt a sudden pang of heartache and exclaimed loudly, "While I am out defending and fighting against enemies in such difficult circumstances, my wife is able to manage the household and raise the children. The three sons born earlier and the youngest one born later are all doing well. How could Niao Niao, living in this capital's pleasure house, end up like this? Is it really impossible for us to even ask a question?"

Looking at Madam Xiao, who was kneeling respectfully with her head bowed beside her, she smiled fiercely and said, "Otherwise, this time when you go out, leave the young prince behind for me. After all, they are twins, so it doesn't matter which one you leave. If not... hum hum, you are my son, and I cannot bear to part with you, but I will definitely accuse your good new wife of being unfilial!"

Madam Xiao waved her hand lightly and said, "It has nothing to do with you. It is not you who is on standby at that manor. It is good that you can arrive in time."

Cheng Shi could not vent his anger at his mother, so he turned to Ge and said: "A few years ago, when my mother recovered, I sent someone to fetch Niao Niao. What did the sister-in-law say in the letter at that time? She said that Niao Niao was doing very well at home, everything was fine, and she was afraid that going outside would be inappropriate instead!"

A Qing turned her head and saw Yu Cai Ling with a vacant expression and a listless demeanor. She gently said, "Fourth Young Lady, are you feeling any better? It has been many years since you last saw Father and Mother; at least, you should greet them first." As she spoke, she gestured to the two maids beside Yu Cai Ling.

Li Zhui, being naturally sociable, hurriedly stepped forward to offer support, yet he found it strange that ten years ago, such mother-in-law and daughter-in-law battles occurred frequently, mostly ending with Madam Xiao bowing her head in apology. When things escalated, Cheng Shi would have a heated exchange with his own mother, leading to an unpleasant conclusion.

Upon hearing these words, from the feigning sleep Yu Cailing to the composed Madam Xiao, all twitched their lips, while A Qing covered her sleeve and chuckled lightly

Aru hurriedly replied, "It is all the maidservant's doing."

This man, having clearly removed his armor, nonetheless exudes a powerful aura born from battles in the sea of blood. He gazes intently at Yu Cailing, his eyes revealing a hint of concern. The woman, however, keeps her head down in silence, and though her appearance remains unknown, one can sense her graceful and tall figure, with prominent curves.

Cheng has only just begun to smile since entering the door, stroking his own thick beard, he turns to his wife and says: "Ah Lu is still the same as ever, if she doesn't speak, it's fine, but once she does, she only speaks the truth."

However, Cheng's mother was unwilling to relent and angrily exclaimed, "You lowly maid, how dare you act recklessly! Someone, come here, bring the rod..."

Recalling the imposing figure of Lady Cheng, resembling a mountain of flesh, Madam Xiao let out a light laugh

Several low square boards are placed on the ground, resembling the footed game boards from "Hikaru no Go". They are covered with suede cushions, and some people are kneeling and sitting on them, likely serving as stools; however, more people are directly kneeling and sitting on the shiny floor

"A Yue..." As A Ru was about to speak, Madam Xiao interjected, "There is no need to say more, I am well aware."

She only saw her bow deeply to Lady Cheng, prostrating herself and lamenting, "Aunt, please do not be angry. No one knows a son better than his mother. Surely you are aware of his temperament. Over the years, while he has been away, he has always regretted not being able to serve you personally, but what he thinks in his heart may not necessarily be what he can express with his words"

A Qing's face lit up with joy, and she hurriedly responded and left; upon seeing this, A Lu also respectfully took her leave.

How dare A Qing comment on the mistress's biological mother, so she could only change the subject and say: "My lady, did you see? The young lady resembles her maternal grandmother."