Chapter Nine, The First Family Banquet (Part Two)

Ge's mind suddenly became clearer than ever: after years of living together with her sister-in-law, she had experienced Lady Xiao's methods firsthand. If her guess was correct, Wan Aobo had almost finished moving. It was possible that the guards at the new residence were the household soldiers brought back by Lady Xiao. How could she command those people? If she moved to the new residence, Lady Xiao would at most allow her to bring a few maidservants. What would be the use of the effort she had put in over the past ten years?

She could not help but shed tears, her heart softening completely. Although they had quarreled for ten years, she felt that her son still cared for his old mother. Suddenly, she realized that nothing in the world could compare to her own son. All thoughts of younger brothers and nephews were pushed aside. She recognized that she had been foolish in the past and could no longer let the Dong family father and son hurt her son's feelings.

Madam Xiao's eyes flickered as she said, "There is no need. General Wan is injured and it is not appropriate to move him around. In fact, Mrs. Wan has been gradually moving the household items for over ten days now, and we have not been of much help. Most of the items have already been moved in these past few days. When General Wan returns to the city, he can go directly to the new residence to recuperate, and we can simply visit to celebrate the housewarming later."

Cheng Shaoshang, feeling a bit awkward, said: "Dear, you have also gone off track. Moreover, what do you mean by 'not able to'?" She had a vague feeling that this general father figure, before his rise to prominence, must have been a gossipy and talkative cheerful man.

The emperor whom Old Man Cheng has allied with was initially just one of many small leaders in the world. At the founding of his nation, he was surrounded by enemies on all sides. However, Madam Xiao has exceptional vision; choosing a husband is as skillful as selecting a boss. After years of hard work, he has gradually begun to show the potential for unifying the realm. Yet, there are still those who harbor hopes of taking a gamble once more.

Madam Xiao looked at her with profound meaning and said: "Old Madam Wan is a remarkable figure of our time, managing her household as if commanding an army. She is capable yet presents an appearance of incapacity, employs resources while seeming to refrain from doing so, and issues commands with authority. Although her household operates swiftly behind the scenes, it appears on the surface as a tranquil deep pool, devoid of any significant commotion"

After finishing her speech, Cheng's mother was in high spirits. Hu's old lady filled her cup with wine and said with a smile, "After talking for half a day, hurry up and moisten your throat." She then used a spoon to cut off a piece of chicken leg meat for Cheng's mother, saying, "This is what I steamed in the kitchen today. Please try it and see if it tastes like what we had when we were young"

Cheng Shaoshang, who enjoys watching the excitement, hurried to peek at Uncle Cheng Er. To his surprise, Uncle Cheng Er's expression remained unchanged, still pouring and drinking by himself. Inside the room, surprisingly, no one reacted; it was as if Uncle Dong and others like Cheng Shizhi were already aware of Cheng Mu's fighting prowess, while Madam Xiao and Dong Lushi were already informed of today's performance.

Ge hurriedly said: "With such great kindness from Old Lady Wan, how can we not offer our assistance? Son-in-law, you must be sure to include your second brother when the time comes"

In a state of panic regarding Ge's illness, she quickly smiled and said: "I am just a woman, and I do not understand matters outside. However, we are all family; since my uncle and cousin have made mistakes, it is only right for you, as their elder sister, to impose punishment. How can we sever our connections with Tu and Shu?" Uncle Dong is indeed a good ally for her against Madam Xiao; it is only with his presence that she has a chance of winning.

This is a very familiar scenario: chaos reigns, and various heroes emerge. Today, one declares himself king, and tomorrow, another is proclaimed emperor. It resembles a competition among the insect kings, both brutal and scientific. The last surviving insect is not necessarily the strongest, but rather the luckiest, or perhaps both strong and lucky.

Years ago, I wanted to change to a larger house for my family. Unfortunately, after searching high and low, most of the larger vacant houses are far from the center, and those close to the center are already occupied by others. In the future, whether it is my son attending court or my children going to the academy, being closer is always better. Previously, our family was in a difficult financial situation, having to stretch every penny. After ten years of warfare, we are now quite wealthy, yet there are no suitable houses available for purchase. Those great generals, noble lords, and royal relatives who have risen to power are mostly young and vigorous; who would be willing to sell their good houses?

These words were exactly what Cheng's mother loved to hear. Thinking of the future when a house full of little children would be rolling around and crowding beside her, she was so overjoyed that she felt like she could fly away, repeatedly nodding and saying: "Yes, yes."

Dong Yong quickly retracted his neck, while Dong Lushi proudly puffed out her chest

"What does this have to do with the house?" Cheng's mother looked bewildered. Cheng Shaoshang thought to himself: This is the advantage of being straightforward.

Ge's sharp voice rang out: "What does this mean, brother-in-law? How can one speak so disparagingly..."

Cheng Shi smiled and said: "Mother, I have thought it through. We can directly break down that wall and connect the two houses. At that time, you can move to the current residence of the old lady Wan, and I and Yuan Yi will live in the original place of General Wan. Isn't it true that my second brother enjoys a quiet place to study? Now there will be plenty of space for him to choose from!"

"Enough!" Cheng Shi shouted loudly, "What nonsense are you all talking about! Are you still listening to this joyous occasion?" He was truly exasperated with this group of troublesome women, as they had completely strayed from the topic of the house. He went to check on Madam Xiao, fearing that she might be displeased, but to his surprise, Madam Xiao seemed to be completely oblivious, not even a tremor in the jade pendant by her ear.

Upon hearing this, Cheng's mother saw that Cheng was enjoying the meat as if he hadn't eaten in a long time. She thought to herself, with the ongoing war ahead, there was no good food or drink to be had. Feeling a pang of sympathy, she exclaimed: "When your father was alive, he looked after you; after his passing, I have been looking after you. Those two father and son have never suffered any hardship; all the hardships have been borne by my children!"

Cheng stroked his beard, cleared his throat, and said: "Mother, a few days ago, my younger brother wrote to say he will return to the capital to report on his duties. This year, we can celebrate the New Year at home, and it is rare for us three brothers to gather together under your knees. We must have a good and lively time. I feel that with so many children and grandchildren at home, this house is truly not enough to accommodate us..."

As soon as these words were spoken, Ge's face turned as red as a pig's liver. Although she grew up in the countryside, she was after all the cherished daughter of Ge Tai Gong, served by maids since childhood, and had never endured such crude insults. With a cry of despair, she pushed the table aside and ran out of the room, covering her face with her sleeve

Only hearing Cheng's mother sigh: "Who says otherwise? The early bird catches the worm, who told us to come late"

Mother Cheng disagreed: "What prosperity? The eldest only has four sons. I heard that the Yu family has thirteen sons, now that is the grandeur of a wealthy and influential family! If that house truly has good feng shui, it should be the eldest couple living there; after all, it doesn't do you much good to live there anyway..."

Cheng Shaoshang thought to himself, no matter how high the title, it cannot compare to the pleasure of being an emperor

It must be said that the farmers are honest; when they scold someone, they do so directly and without reservation. Cheng Shaoshang was practically dazzled by what he heard.

Old Lady Hu smiled and said: "Master Dong and the young master were born into wealth and nobility, and probably look down upon these rustic dishes."

Cheng was delighted to see his second brother finally speak, saying, "Offering the head of one's own ally to appease His Majesty is hardly the mark of a hero. Second brother, what else have you heard in the capital?"

Cheng Shi smiled and said, "The Emperor is benevolent and never lets those who have made contributions go unrewarded; there is nothing more to say about that. What I want to discuss is another matter." He glanced around at everyone, his gaze settling on Cheng Shaoshang, and with a face full of affection, he said, "Including Niao Niao, Yuan Yi and I have four sons and one daughter. Fortunately, the four sons are accompanying General Wan's family and are slowly making their way back, otherwise our home is too small, and there would be nowhere for them to stay..."

Cheng rolled her eyes and said irritably, "There is no need to go to the in-laws; didn't you say that the house you are currently living in is beneficial for you? Just stay there and live well, no one will disturb your peace."

Cheng Shaoshang noticed that when it was mentioned that the third room would be returning, the usually listless Cheng Cheng also straightened up, displaying a look of joy on his face

Who would have thought that Madam Xiao has not mentioned a word about exchanging the house since her return, evidently waiting here all along. She has painstakingly familiarized herself with the servants in this old residence, yet Madam Xiao simply disregards them entirely, not even asking a single question, and directly fills the new house with her own trusted aides. By the time it comes to making decisions, there will be no place for her to voice her opinions

Dong Lushi was very perceptive and quickly exclaimed, "Congratulations, Aunt! Best wishes to you, for you will enjoy endless blessings from now on"

Mother Cheng was overwhelmed with joy and wept, saying, "The third one is coming back too; this is truly a blessing from heaven. At last, you three brothers can reunite. Over the years, you two have been in different places, and I have worried every day about your safety. Now, this is wonderful. The house may be small, but it doesn't matter if it's a bit cramped for family; what matters is that you are all back home."

"Indeed." Cheng Shi smiled and said, "When I returned the other day and went to pay my respects to Old Lady Wan, she mentioned that it would be better to move over before the New Year, to hold rituals for heaven, earth, deities, and ancestors in the new residence; she also advised that my son should move early as well, so that the new year would be prosperous!"

Uncle Dong, who was sitting beside, truly found himself at a loss, unable to pick up the chopsticks or put them down, and could only force a smile

Ge defended himself, saying, "When I first moved there, you, my lady, also agreed. It was the shaman who said that the dwelling would bring good fortune. You see, not long after, I gave birth to Ou'er..."

Ge was not convinced: "The Yu Marquis has a house full of concubines and beauties, and the thirteen sons were not all born from the Yu Marquis's wife!"

Ge's face turned purple, momentarily choked up. She wanted to say how can a couple have children if they do not share a room, but felt too embarrassed to speak, stuttering "you, you, you". In fact, she had long considered that when Madam Xiao returned, she would likely demand the authority of the steward and the main house back. Although she could not refuse the former, she could make it somewhat difficult; as for the main house, she was absolutely unwilling to give it up, and if pushed too hard, she would cry and throw a tantrum.

Cheng Shaoshang discreetly patted his thigh, remarking that this old woman had quite a way with words

Mother Cheng trembled with excitement. In the latter half of her life, she envied Old Lady Wan the most, who was both imposing and dignified, commanding respect and authority. General Wan was a filial son, having given the most beautiful and comfortable part of the residence to his mother. Could she also live a life like that of Old Lady Wan in the future

Madam Xiao's eyes revealed a look of disdain. Although Uncle Dong was greedy, he was ultimately a clever man who could read faces and navigate situations. However, Dong Yong had no redeeming qualities at all; at his age, he still thought he could act spoiled and play tricks in front of his aunt, relying solely on his thick skin to pretend to be tough. She decided to find someone to thoroughly tear apart this facade, so he would understand the realities of the world.

What relation do concubines have with children? Is there a shortage of concubines among the maternal uncles? Is it not still the Lü family that can bear sons and daughters

After a round of calculations, only the girl with big eyes sitting next to Cheng Shaoshang was blushing all over, her fists tightly clenched, her face displaying a mix of embarrassment and shame, while the chubby boy continued to eat heartily, seemingly unaware of what had just happened.

Cheng Shi smiled and said, "Who would have thought that I wouldn't need to look for a son, the house has come by itself. Mother, do you know the cloth shop on the street? It's the one that plotted rebellion at the beginning of the year!" Cheng Shaoshang's lips twitched: "Father Cheng, do you think your emperor knows how happy you are talking about rebellion?"

Wanjia Haofu, upon arriving in the capital, immediately purchased these two adjacent residences and half-sold, half-gifted the smaller house next to them to the Cheng family, so that the two families could look out for each other. Uncle Dong had also tried to curry favor with General Wan, but the man didn't even spare him a glance.

Without further ado, Cheng's mother said, "I know that my son has achieved merit again this time, and the Emperor is going to promote your official rank!" Dong and Lü interjected with a laugh, "A promotion in rank is only natural; the esteemed official has worked hard and deserves a substantial reward of gold, silver, and land.

Ge said with a smile, "Every time I go next door, I feel so pleased in my heart. I never expected that one day we would be able to move in."

Upon thinking of this, she turned her eyes and wept to Madam Xiao, saying: "I am a person of no ability, not as fortunate as Lady Si. However, regardless of the circumstances, I must plead on behalf of your second brother. It is pitiful that he has only one son at the age of thirty. The general already has a thriving lineage. That prophecy may be believed to some extent; perhaps heaven will show mercy..."

Uncle Dong was also greatly astonished. The Wan residence and the Cheng residence, when viewed together, resembled a gourd with a small head and a large body, with the Wan residence being approximately four to five times larger than the Cheng residence, and the two houses were separated by only a wall. At that time, the emperor was merely one among many powerful figures, his influence still weak. Although he established the capital here, many wealthy clans were skeptical, fearing that this place would soon be embroiled in military chaos, and thus they hurriedly sold their properties and returned to their hometowns to avoid disaster

Ge's heart felt cold, and he quickly lowered his head; inwardly, he cursed Wan Ao for being a truly dead old woman

Mother Cheng was still somewhat confused, but Dong Lushi cleverly remarked: "I know, I know, it's the Bu family who took advantage of His Majesty's fierce battle in the front lines to escape the capital with their brothers, wives, and children, right? I heard they fled to the sea, entangling their former subordinates along the way"

Cheng Shi smiled and said, "It is fine to squeeze a bit now, but what if in the future, my second and third brothers have more and more children? Even if the girls can get married, what about Yong'er and the others? They will grow up and marry, have children, and there will be a group of little ones making noise. Mother, you won't be able to hold them all, and the house won't be able to accommodate everyone..."

As for the matter of concubines, those who wish to take them may do so, while those who do not wish to take them need not. I do not wish to take any, and I already have enough children..." Cheng Shi turned his head to glance at Cheng Cheng, who was drinking with his head down, "...As for my second brother, it would not hurt to take a few. My third brother married late and already has one daughter and two sons. It seems that the Ge family is no longer a viable option..."

Madam Xiao smiled and glanced at her husband, while Cheng Shi wore a serious expression. The old woman Hu, with a smile, looked at Cheng's mother, her eyes conveying the message, 'What do you think? I told you so, she would indeed say this.'

Cheng Shi smiled and said, "General Wan has been injured while achieving merit this time, and His Majesty is particularly concerned for him. He has granted General Wan the large residence of the Bu family. Knowing that his son is currently arranging to exchange for a large house, General Wan has offered the adjacent large residence in return."

Everyone at the table stood up to congratulate each other. Dong Yong was still somewhat confused, but Uncle Dong understood that the situation had changed; his nephew was determined to separate himself from his sister and no longer allow him to take advantage of the situation

Ge hastily interjected, "Elder brother, you cannot blame me for this. Your letter stated that you would arrive in half a month, yet here you are, arriving unexpectedly. In such a short time, how could I possibly have the opportunity to tidy up the house for you..."

Mother Cheng shouted, "Shut up. At that time, there was no time to waste; now they have all been back for several days. Do you think you can just stay in the house? The eldest is the head of this family, yet you are occupying the largest room and refuse to budge at all"

Mother Cheng was so delighted that she did not know what to say, repeatedly nodding her head.

Ge was astonished and said, "They started moving over ten days ago, how come I have not heard a thing about it?" She had been asking her servants to keep an eye on the movements of the Wan family.

"What do you mean it hasn't been long? It's been several years, and he is just a toddler." Cheng's mother pointed at the chubby boy who was eating voraciously with his head down. Since she was capable of giving birth and raising children, she naturally had the same expectations for her daughter-in-law.

"What can you do? You cannot." Mother Cheng flatly refused, "I just said that you are not allowed to come to the Cheng family again. Do you think I said that for nothing? From now on, unless there is a major event at the Cheng family that requires a banquet, you should not come to our door."

When Cheng began to speak about the Taixue, Ge's expression changed slightly, and he did not dare to interrupt.

Duke Dong Lushi sighed, saying: "How good our Majesty is, treating his ministers with such benevolence. This family, with such a high rank, what are they running for? They have foolishly sacrificed the lives of their entire clan."

The Ge family's situation is precarious. After the Cheng couple took office, Cheng Cheng complained that she was obstructing them, leading to a deterioration in their marital relationship. Subsequently, she either refused to cooperate or worked half-heartedly. How could she possibly have a flourishing offspring?

Mother Cheng slammed the table and shouted, "What business is it of yours regarding the affairs of the Dong family? I have already made arrangements with the eldest, and you still dare to prattle on. Who do you think you are in this household? If you are so reluctant to part with the Dong family, then just go ahead and live with them! I won't stop you from enjoying yourself!"

Cheng's mother has become so pleased that she can only say 'good good'

"Really?" Mother Cheng's voice trembled, "Does my son mean to say that they have given the house to us? Without spending any money?"

Cheng Chengdao said, "Not only Duke Wen of Lu, but also several families harboring discontent, some are eager to act, while others are secretly colluding with external bandits. Recently, Your Majesty has imprisoned several noble lords by imperial decree. It is not easy for Your Majesty..."

Cheng Shaoshang said: Dear, you have derailed the conversation

Cheng Cheng suddenly said: "Lord Wen of the Cloth was originally a hero among the seas, defeated by Your Majesty, and out of necessity he surrendered, thus he is certainly unwilling to accept this fate"

Mother Cheng took a big bite, both surprised and praising: "This is the flavor! Fragrant and glutinous." She smiled at Hu Lao, saying, "You have loved cooking since you were young; it has been many years since I have tasted your skills." Then she turned to the astonished Dong Yong and said, "What are you staring at? Eat!"

Madam Xiao cast an appreciative glance at Dong Lushi and said, "This is indeed the case. After reading the letter from my third brother, I learned that the governor of Langya has pursued their remnants and has executed them all"

"Enough, adults." Madam Xiao finally could not help but interrupt. She closed her eyes and said, "Let us speak of serious matters." She had not grown accustomed to the quarrelsome atmosphere of this family for over a decade.

Before Ge could come up with a response, Dong Yong, with a look of envy, smiled and said: "Aunt, I have yet to visit the mansion of the Wan family. My father and mother have gone with you to see it. May I..."

Cheng Shaoshang was laughing uncontrollably inside. You asked her husband to choose any place in the Wan residence, yet told her wife not to move. How can that Ge family's wife prosper in her offspring!