Chapter 6, Sunflower Seed Shells

Madam Xiao said in a low voice, "Aru, wrap Niao Niao up tightly and take her to my room to rest." It is not appropriate for the younger generation to continue watching the scene of grandmother and father fighting.

Looking at Madam Xiao's face, which was as still as cold ice, Cheng's mother found her voice caught in her throat. Trembling, she turned to Cheng Shi and said, "My son, are you just going to watch her bully me like this?"

Cheng Shi immediately flew into a rage, regardless of whether anyone was listening, and shouted at Cheng's mother, who was standing in the hall: "Mother! Among all virtues, filial piety comes first. As long as you give the order, I will immediately surrender myself to the Northern Army prison! From now on, you can live with my second and third brothers!"

Upon hearing these words, Cheng's mother immediately threw a tantrum, displaying the robust strength and vigorous physique she had from her years of working in the mountains and fields. She kicked over the small table that originally held Yu Cailing's soup bowl and dessert plates, causing a chaotic mess in the room. Then, she seized Cheng Shi's collar with a grip like iron, spitting as she cried and cursed: "You heartless wretch! Are you just going to watch your uncle die like this... I, I will go report you for your disobedience..."

Although Cheng's mother loved to support her maternal family, she despised others doing the same. She had scolded Madam Xiao for years for her support of her maternal family. Now that she learned that the money she had given to her brother was mostly taken back by her sister-in-law to her maternal family, she was naturally furious. She was secretly plotting to find a day when she could go to Dong's aunt's house and grab her by the hair to vent her anger.

Cheng and Madam Xiao exchanged a glance, both remaining silent

Lianfang smiled and said, "Madam and the mistress have not seen each other for ten years, how could they be close to us? In the future, the two of us will certainly follow the madam. If the madam does not believe that we are not close to her, would it not be a waste of Lady Qingcong's teachings? Moreover, what I am saying is something that the entire household is aware of, just to entertain the madam and relieve her boredom, it is of no great importance."

Every time Mrs. Xiao enters Cheng Mu's living quarters, she feels dazzled. Cheng Mu's requirements for the room are very simple: opulence, opulence, and more opulence. Every possible place, from the floor to the tables, beds, and seating, has been inlaid with gold threads and silk.

However, she thought it would be beneficial for the young lady to be aware of the grievances among the elders, so as to prevent her from being overly attached to the feelings of her upbringing over the past ten years and thus becoming distant from her biological parents; thereafter, she ceased to speak and only observed in silence.

Madam Xiao quietly looked at her for a while and said, "Did the Lü family not mention this after saying so much?"

According to Lady Qingcong's account (Lianfang Chuan), the Dong family consists of a father and son, the elder being greedy for wealth and the younger being lustful. Dong's aunt is also a foolish person, while Dong Lushi is the only one in the Dong family who possesses understanding; however, this understanding has been gained through enduring much hardship.

Many people inside and outside heard this, and the servants and housekeepers all said that their old mistress had truly gone mad. Only Madam Xiao hid inside the house, smiling faintly, cursing with unkind words, for once a dispute began, even the best of relationships could be harmed.

Yu Cailing was greatly disappointed, yet she did not dare to resist. A Lu swiftly helped her put on an outer robe and wrap herself in a cloak, while Lianfang and Qiaoguo hurriedly lifted the hidden pouch, cushions, and several boxes of snacks. The three of them quickly surrounded Yu Cailing and exited the room, navigating through a corridor about ten steps long, and swiftly entered another room.

Cheng's mother was momentarily at a loss for words, while Cheng remained completely still, and the room was enveloped in silence

It was through daily conversations that Yu Cailing learned that her full name was actually 'Cheng Shaoshang' and that she had a twin brother named 'Cheng Shaogong'. It is said that her grandfather, Cheng Taigong, had been suffering from a serious illness for several months and was on the verge of death. Upon hearing that Madam Xiao had given birth to a pair of dragon and phoenix twins, he was overjoyed and unexpectedly coughed up a thick phlegm, managing to live for another six months. Although he eventually passed away, those six months were a great fortune for Cheng Shi, who was then in a critical moment of military struggle.

Dong Lushi was greatly alarmed and hurriedly lowered her head

Cheng Mu Dun sat on the ground, feeling utterly weak, unable to speak or curse. Cheng Shi felt a surge of pity in his heart, looked up at Madam Xiao, and saw her give a slight nod. Cheng Shi then said, "You go back to the room first and have someone close the door tightly."

Madam Xiao's gaze was like a deep pool, undisturbed by ripples. After entering the room for quite some time, she finally spoke: "It seems that Aunt Jun has come to an understanding; in fact, Uncle is not beyond saving..."

Madam Xiao looked at Cheng Shi and smiled slightly, saying: "Here."

Mother Cheng continued to cry, saying, "Your granduncle asked me to take good care of the family before he passed away, but I failed to do so. Your other uncles have either died or scattered, leaving only this one. I feel guilty towards my deceased parents, which is why I thought of providing more support to the Dong family. If you are not happy with it in the future, I will certainly refrain from interfering..."

At this moment, Cheng's mother was also startled awake and forcefully slapped Aunt Dong across the face, then she wilted away inside the house and did not come out. Even after hearing that Cheng Shi had instructed the household servants to never allow Aunt Dong to step into the Cheng family again, threatening to break the legs of anyone who let her in, Cheng's mother did not dare to speak up. The situation remained tense until Aunt Dong and Lady Lu came to apologize on the third day.

Madam Qingcong's appearance is merely ordinary, but her clean and gentle eyebrows and eyes, along with the natural smile lines at the corners of her mouth, give her a look that seems to smile even when she is not. This makes her seem approachable. Yu Cailing originally thought that she was there to impose rules upon her, but to her surprise, Madam Qingcong simply engaged in light-hearted conversation, sometimes bringing delightful snacks that Yu Cailing had never seen before, and at other times presenting delicate jade hairpins, gold hairpins, or earrings. After a few days, Yu Cailing gradually lowered her guard.

"Son," Mother Cheng said as she patted Cheng Shi's arm repeatedly, "just help your uncle this once. They have their fields, they have their houses, they won't go hungry or cold. I promise I won't trouble you again in the future!" She then turned to Madam Xiao and said, "From now on, all the household matters will be decided by you. I am getting old and just want to enjoy my peace."

It is unknown what Dong Lushi discussed with Cheng's mother, but they talked from dawn until noon, during which Cheng's mother's temper completely dissipated. By evening, she sent someone to summon Cheng Shi and Madam Xiao, indicating her willingness to soften her stance.

The eloquence of Lianfang is worlds apart from that of A'lu, as she speaks of rumors with great emotion and vividness. It is only then that Cheng Shaoshang feels that life has gained some flavor.

Yu Cailing watched with great interest, feeling that the soup in the bowl was getting cold, so she quickly drank it all in one gulp. There was a show to watch, and she didn't even find the medicine bitter or hard to swallow. Little did she know, however, that Madam Xiao was watching her with a cold gaze. Qing Cong had been paying close attention to Madam Xiao and, following her line of sight, happened to see Yu Cailing's actions, leaving her momentarily at a loss for how to feel.

I have heard that Sister Xiao has been treating the wounded on the battlefield and comforting the people amidst the chaos of war. Many people have praised her, and the court has even issued commendations. Even if you have forced the general to dismiss her, what of it? Can she starve, freeze, or be humiliated to death? It only makes people say that you are foolish and malicious. The general's anger will not be directed at anyone but the Dong family; will you and your nephew still have your lives? After your hundred years, the general will welcome her back, and she will still enjoy a life full of descendants and blessings. But what about the Dong family...

The girl's voice was soft, as if she were kneading a delicate dough. Cheng Shi felt fondness in his heart and nodded with a smile as he stepped out.

Cheng Shaoshang's health gradually improved, but the days became so dull that they were almost fading away like birds. She could not help but ask each day with a tone of hope, "How are matters with the Dong family progressing?"

The Dong and Lu families were originally both well-off farming households. The fathers of both families had arranged marriages for their grandchildren early on. However, unexpectedly, Old Man Dong passed away early, and with the chaos in the world, the family business declined day by day, while the Lu family managed to maintain their status. In order to keep his promise, Old Man Lu still married his granddaughter into the Dong family, which could barely afford to feed itself. In the initial years, Uncle Dong and Aunt Dong treated the new daughter-in-law fairly well. However, as Comrade Cheng began to rise rapidly, it wasn't long before the Cheng family's brothers married women of wealth and status, making the old couple of the Dong family feel that their daughter-in-law was not up to par. If it weren't for the fact that the Dong and Lu families had already given birth to several children and were skilled in flattery, they might have been divorced long ago.

Recently, the news is that Aunt Dong has been coming to cry every day. After dinner on this particular day, she drank two cups of wine, which emboldened her. She directly took a small fabric-cutting knife and threatened her son again, saying that if he did not come to her aid, she would die in front of him, and then she would accuse him of being unfilial. Cheng Shaoshang deeply felt that there was something wrong with this sequence.

The lady and the gentleman have brought many items for the young lady, all of which are still packed in the large cart at the back, not even unpacked. These days have been filled with numerous trivial matters, and it will be best to open the boxes once everything is settled. Lady Qingcong said with a smile, her hands folded neatly on her lap, sitting upright with respect

Seeing that A-Lu's expression remained unsatisfied, she continued, "Madam Qing-Cong often praises our lady for her wisdom and capability, asserting that she is no less than a man. She says that our lady has been helping to manage household affairs since she was six or seven years old. Are we to keep the young lady confined under the covers for her entire life, preventing her from knowing the storms outside? If I am wrong in saying this, you may scold me as you wish. Regardless of whether it is good or bad, the young lady should be made aware of some matters, so that she can learn to discern right from wrong"

The world speaks of this birth as an auspicious sign. The musician Cheng Taigong, in his delight, composed a passage, saying: "I did not expect to see these two children. The zither of Shennong has five strings, and King Wen added two more strings, thus it is named Shaogong and Shaoshang, hence the name."

Mother Cheng was momentarily at a loss for words. She had long known about her younger brother's theft, but had turned a blind eye, relying on her son to cover for him. Now, when questioned, she choked for a long time before saying, "What will happen to your uncle now? Should we just let him die? Be subjected to a house search?" Upon hearing the words 'house search,' Aunt Dong cried even louder, with two streams of thick yellow mucus dripping from her nose, which made Yu Cailing feel utterly disgusted

"When will my elder brothers return home?" Cheng Shaoshang smiled as she accepted her new name, showing no regret in discarding the name given by Father Yu

Madam Xiao slowly rose, adjusted the door curtain to cover it more securely, and turned to say, "But it is merely a matter of divorce. I believe you have heard some rumors; over the years in the city, amidst the battles, I have made some modest contributions. Not to mention whether you can force the gentleman to divorce me, even if he does, what of it? I am still alive—"

Qiao Guo, feeling puzzled, privately asked, "Madam Qing Cong taught us to speak less, listen more, and do more. Sister, you always bring outside matters to share with the lady, how can that be right?"

While Cheng's mother was struggling, the situation for the Dong family became even more dire. Dong's cousin was also detained, and the Dong family's estates and shops outside had already been sealed and investigated. However, Dong Lushi performed exceptionally well; to show that Cheng's mother should not fight alone, she hastily sold off about twenty maids from Dong's cousin's household, gathering a substantial sum of money to assist Cheng's mother with her "turnover". Cheng's mother immediately felt that this was truly a good sister-in-law earned through a hundred generations of cultivation.

Cheng began in a low voice, "I know that Mother always feels I am biased towards Yuan Yi, but Mother, think about it, have I really been like this since the marriage? Over the past ten years, I have witnessed everything that Yuan Yi has done, as well as what you have done, Mother. " He turned to glance at his wife and then faced Cheng's mother again, "—Yuan Yi's intentions are my intentions. The Dong family can no longer be indulged. Mother, you should also take a break; matters that do not concern you should no longer be your concern."

Madam Xiao, with a single remark, drove away her sisters-in-law and quietly stood to the side, no longer speaking. However, it was the new daughter-in-law, Dong Lushi, who had been supporting the weeping Aunt Dong, who quickly raised her head to glance at Madam Xiao; unexpectedly, it seemed as if Madam Xiao had eyes on her cheek, and upon turning her head, she met Dong Lushi's gaze, looking deeply into her eyes, as if carrying profound meaning.

Cheng began to feel overwhelmed and casually said: It is not that there is no way to save Uncle Dong; I could just take the blame myself and say that Uncle Dong committed theft on my orders. Then I would go to the execution ground to exchange my life for Uncle Dong's, and our family would be confiscated in exchange for the Dong family. Mother, what do you think of this plan

In the days that followed, Yu Cailing continued her routine of eating, taking medicine, sleeping, and walking around the house three times. Cheng Shi and Madam Xiao seemed to be very busy, often absent from home for most of the day, and it was unclear what they were doing. Only Madam Qingcong came to Yu Cailing's room daily to sit and chat, inquiring about her health and recovery.

When Cheng's mother summoned them, Cheng was just having a meal with Madam Xiao and Cheng Shaoshang, while also fostering their familial bond. Upon seeing the anxious appearance of the maid kneeling by the door, Madam Qingcong smiled and said, "It seems to have come a bit earlier than the lady expected; it appears that this Lu family has quite a way with words"

At first, Cheng's mother spoke somewhat shyly, but once she opened up, her words flowed more smoothly. She held Cheng Shi's hand, tears and snot streaming down her face, saying: "...Your cousin's wife is right, when one grows old, who can one rely on if not their son? Over these years, you have fought through fire and blood to earn your merits, allowing me to live a good life of eating meat and drinking wine. How could I possibly regard your life and death as more important than that of others..."

......

After the Cheng family had a falling out that day, Cheng's mother angrily declared that she would pay for Uncle Dong to be taken care of. Unfortunately, the money box was half empty, and instead of seeing any results, they only witnessed Uncle Dong being escorted in a prisoner transport. The siblings wept bitterly. According to the maids who accompanied them, Uncle Dong looked haggard and in a terrible state.

Unfortunately, even the astute Lady Qingcong, with her seven orifices exquisitely perceptive, guessed incorrectly; Cheng Shaoshang was not thinking of this—she did not like others calling her 'Niaoniao', for she had a childhood name, 'Lingnan', although those who used to call her that had already passed away

This room was clearly tidied up in a hurry, and its sparse arrangement was even more minimal than her own. Yu Cailing, while nibbling on some preserved fruits, strained her ears to listen to the faint sounds of crying and cursing coming from the other side, imagining what the situation was like over there. Unfortunately, she would not encounter such a live broadcast again.

A-Lu stared at the lotus chamber for a while and thought to herself: although this statement is not without merit, this maidservant is rather lacking in composure

Madam Xiao held a newfound respect for the Lü family, and within just half a day, she had completely convinced Mother Cheng. She glanced at her husband, and Cheng understood, saying, "Mother, what else did the sister-in-law of the Lü family say"

Cheng began to express his difficulty in a very formal tone: "It is not that I am unwilling, but rather that I am unable."

Others would think that it is fortunate the Dong family is incompetent, unable to even enter the prison, and cannot meet Uncle Dong. Otherwise, if they conspired together, it is likely that Uncle Dong would indeed falsely accuse the Cheng family.

Yu Cailing nodded slightly: "Yes, the New Year is approaching, and my father and mother must be very busy"

Madam Xiao smiled without speaking, and as she stood up to leave, Cheng Shilin did not forget to remind his daughter, saying: "Niao Niao, you should eat first, make sure to have plenty of meat!"

Without any surprise, apart from Cheng San Shu who was studying away at that time, only Madam Xiao in the family knew what Old Man Cheng was talking about; thus, the name originally prepared for the newborn girl, 'Cheng Niao', became her nickname

"What do you intend to do with me, Aunt Jun?" Lady Xiao interrupted coldly, "What can you possibly do to me, Aunt Jun?"

Cheng Shaoshang replied in a low voice

Cheng's mother had caused a few more scenes with her son, and finding it still ineffective, she resorted to the ultimate tactic of 'fasting.' It is said that several empresses of the previous dynasty often employed this strategy to deal with their imperial sons. Unfortunately, Cheng's mother had long been afraid of hunger during her difficult days, and over the years, she had become accustomed to a life of indulgence. Thus, after only two missed meals, she could no longer endure it. According to the kitchen servants, after resuming her diet, Cheng's mother had for her first meal a smoked chicken, half a roasted goose, two braised trotters, and three large bowls of wheat rice, and to aid digestion, she even sought out a physician to prescribe medicine.

Mother Cheng firmly remembered the words of Dong Lushi, to show weakness, one must definitely show weakness, and then she said with a hint of sorrow, "She said that as long as you achieve promotion and merit, the Dong family will naturally benefit, sending your uncle to serve in the military is undermining you and holding you back." At this point, her tone changed, and she gritted her teeth, saying, "It turns out that over the years, the Dong family has not saved much money; it was either taken by your cousin to seek pleasure with women or used by your heartless and cruel aunt to support her family!"

Originally, while Mother Cheng was wiping her tears and secretly rolling her eyes, before Madam Xiao could finish her sentence, she jumped up three feet high and shouted angrily: "Well, your uncle is indeed the victim of your heartless schemes, all just to control me. I am your mother, I am your mother, how dare you do this! I want, I want..."

Mother Cheng was as if doused with a bucket of ice water, frozen in place.

Cheng Shaoshang smiled upon hearing the term 'miscellaneous items', understanding its implication; at the same time, he found it somewhat strange why everyone in Cheng Shi's household preferred to refer to him as 'the young master', when he was clearly the only daughter of this household. However, if one were to consider all three branches of the Cheng family, his third aunt had given birth to even younger girls.

She smiled faintly, the corners of her mouth curling into a peculiar mocking arc, and said word by word: "I am still alive, but others may not be."

A few days later, A Lu discovered that Lian Fang was spreading rumors. She intended to scold her, but to her surprise, Lian Fang smiled and defended herself, saying: "Gossiping is merely fabricating things that have no basis in reality, distorting the truth to win the favor of the host family. However, what I have said is not a single bit false"

"Young masters, do not be anxious. In fact, there are still many carriages and attendants, as well as some other items behind that require your attention. The lady and the gentleman have hurried back first," said Lady Qingcong.

Cheng's mother was immediately rendered speechless. Although she cared for her younger brother, she never considered exchanging her son for him. Unexpectedly, Aunt Dong, who was nearby, was inspired and blurted out, "Since my nephew is a high-ranking official, even if he commits a crime, it won't matter much; at most, he will just pay a fine. Why not let him take the blame for this crime?" As soon as these words were spoken, Cheng and her son turned pale with anger.

Unlike the loyal and taciturn A Ru, Lian Fang, who served nearby, was quite calculating. She was the daughter of Cheng Shi's retinue and had taken care of a large number of younger siblings since childhood. Watching the young lady with shining eyes yet feeling unwillingly trapped in the house, she began to harbor schemes in her heart. In the following days, Lian Fang occasionally shared with Cheng Shao Shang some of the 'good shows' she had heard about from outside.

Cheng Shaoshang paused for a moment in the posture of rising and raising his arms, then said: "Yes. I respectfully bid farewell to my father and mother, may they return soon."

Over there, Cheng Shi was still kneeling and explaining to Cheng Mu: "... I had already mentioned in my letter to Mother that my uncle has been unscrupulous more than once or twice. Fortunately, I was right there to make up for what I could and to conceal what I could. However, during the battle of Yiyang six months ago, General Wan was recuperating in the rear, and I was assigned to lead troops under General Han. I couldn't possibly bring my uncle along to manage the military supplies under General Han. Before I left, I tried every means to persuade him, but who would have thought that my uncle couldn't hold back even for these few months and got caught! What does Mother want me to do?! Should I let go of such a great opportunity to strive for wealth and fame, just to keep an eye on my uncle alone?"

......

A flicker of acknowledgment appeared in Lady Qingcong's eyes

How could Cheng's mother, a rural woman, know so much? She only understood that 'disobedience' equated to 'unfilial conduct', and 'unfilial conduct' could lead to accusations, with every accusation being certain to succeed. Now, it seems that there is something even greater than 'filial piety', and that is the state. With no other recourse, she could only wail loudly, collapsing onto the couch and rolling about in a frenzy like wild boar meat.

Cheng Shaoshang then knelt down to sit, lowering his head and eating in silence. A-Lu, sitting beside him, found it somewhat strange. Madam Qingcong looked over and smiled, saying, "My dear young lady, do not be displeased. The lady and the gentleman will often come to dine with you in the future; today, they truly have matters to attend to"

Cheng's mother gradually began to tremble, as her son was being restrained by his younger brother. She had considered using her daughter-in-law to control her son, but the words of Dong Lushi echoed clearly in her ears

Qiao Guo listened attentively and hurriedly thanked Lian Fang for the guidance

A-Lu did not hide anything from Shao-Shang, but she truly lacked the talent for gossip. Her responses were limited to either "The adult is unwilling" or "The adult still refuses." Occasionally, she would exceed expectations with a response like "The adult is unwilling no matter what."

Cheng began to tug at his collar in frustration and said, "Mother, go ahead and report it. What is more important, national affairs or family matters? Uncle's crime of theft has already been reported. I am not afraid of being accused of this 'unfilial act' even if it reaches the Emperor, because I refuse to follow Mother's orders to negotiate for his acquittal."

Children who are unfilial can report their disobedience to the authorities; for minor offenses, they may face fines and corporal punishment, while for more serious offenses, they may be dismissed from their positions. This poor idea was contributed by the Ge family, and over the years, Mother Cheng has often used it to keep her son and daughter-in-law in check, with excellent results