Chapter 10, Mother and Daughter

Madam Xiao's gaze was cold and wise, and Shaoshang initially felt a sense of guilt when facing her. However, if she had known how to write the word 'fear,' she would not have resorted to mingling with the little gangsters back in the day

The young child also knows a few ... ...

Madam Xiao is meticulous in her thoughts. Before leaving, she instructed Dong and Lu with two sentences: "At this point, aside from one matter, the Dong family father and son can no longer control you. If one day, Dong's cousin becomes insane and attempts to use the government to accuse you, threatening you with the children, what will you do?"

Standing to the left and right of Madam Xiao, Madam Qingcong and Shaoshang exchanged glances. It was not that Madam Qingcong found Madam Xiao's words strange, but rather she was astonished that such words could be heard by the young lady. Shaoshang, on the other hand, was pondering whether the matter was serious enough to be reported to her father.

Madam Xiao smiled slightly and said, "So, you can no longer recognize even the characters?"

Then take your time to learn, Lady Xiao said. Your father has been busy with farming since childhood, and after that, he was constantly engaged in battles. It was only at the age of self-reliance that he began to study literature. Now, he can read and understand the memorials and reports from various places without any difficulty.

Madam Xiao said again: "In these past few days, you have also observed the household matters. Do you think that I and your father have been too aggressive?"

Madam Xiao said with tears: "Later, the third brother achieved success in his studies and received the Emperor's commendation and appointment to an official position. The second brother was happier than anyone else. It is just... it is a pity for him..."

Madam Xiao frowned and said, "What do you, a mere child, know about exile? With their father and son indulging in pleasure and revelry, how could there be any hope for survival in exile? It truly goes against human nature. However..." She suddenly sneered and smiled, "I have indeed considered this method; do you know why I do not use it?"

Madam Xiao leaned in and asked, "So, is he willing to speak this time?"

"It is natural for there to be some estrangement between us, having not seen each other for ten years," Madam Xiao said, taking a sip of fruit juice, and continued slowly, "I do not know what your aunt has taught you, but I have only one request of you: speak frankly. What is the point of speaking falsehoods or empty words"

Lianfang and Qiaoguo hurried in to assist Shaoshang in changing into a brand new deep robe, wiping her face, cleaning her hands, and rinsing her mouth before tucking her into the warm quilt. They gently pulled the thick curtains and whispered, "Please, take your afternoon nap"

The Dong family father and son left dejectedly, while the Dong-Lu family departed in high spirits. Madam Xiao has always been exceptional in her actions, directly assigning her two bodyguards. If the Dong family father and son were to punish her, she would be able to retaliate immediately. After a few years, when she has taken control of the Dong family both inside and out, she will no longer fear anything.

"Indeed... indeed..." Shaoshang shook her head, "What Mother said is very true"

Now, Lady Qingcong has figured out her cultural background, and with Lady Qingcong aware, the Cheng couple naturally knows as well. Lady Xiao is relatively calm; she had already prepared herself mentally for the worst regarding this daughter who had been raised by the Ge family for ten years. However, Cheng Shi is quite furious and has shouted several times to "divorce that Ge family."

Madam Xiao walked straight to the bed in the center of the room and, with a wave of her hand, Madam Qingcong had already dismissed the numerous maids and servants. Shaoshang hurriedly followed, while Lianfang quickly brought the mouthwash fruit puree she had just prepared to Madam Qingcong, and then she hurriedly pulled Qiaoguo out.

Madam Xiao directly mocked: "Do those few characters even count as recognized? Moreover, the characters you recognize were created by minor officials; although they are simple and easy to understand, they were widely used in their time..." She frowned, "But the characters in the pre-Qin classics are not written like these." She knew that someone like Ge had very little knowledge; not to mention the lack of intention to teach, even if there was an intention, nothing good could be taught.

Madam Qing Cong poured the fruit puree into two small ear cups, first offering it to Madam Xiao, and then to Shao Shang

Cheng shed a tear and said: "He is different from the third brother; he studies not for the sake of holding office or making money, but out of a genuine love for the study of classical texts. This time, I must fulfill his wish!"

Shao Shang faintly sensed that something was amiss and quickly smiled, saying: "Actually, Auntie didn't say everything wrong; I really don't love reading, probably because I take after my father..." That day, in order to comfort his illiterate young daughter, Cheng Shi had been saying that he himself was quite illiterate as well.

Lady Qingcong was momentarily stunned, experiencing for the first time a feeling of "stumbling even while sitting." In a state of confusion, she turned to look at Lady Xiao.

Shaoshang was caught off guard, feeling somewhat dumbfounded. She turned to look at Lady Qingcong, then glanced at the maids beside her, who were all kneeling with their heads bowed at a distance of seven or eight steps in the corridor, seemingly oblivious to the conversation. The maids of the Ge family were not allowed to approach within ten feet of them. Shaoshang looked up again at Lady Xiao, who was a head and a half taller than her. She noticed the jade ornament at Lady Xiao's ear swaying slightly, its cold brilliance penetrating through the snowy branches in the distance, reflecting on her fair face, making it appear even more delicate and flawless.

The young merchant silently lamented, only able to respond with a compliant acknowledgment

Qing Cong and several of the usual serving maids were covering their faces and stifling laughter nearby. Madam Xiao shot a glare at Cheng Shi, loosened her sleeves, dismissed the crowd, and sat down beside her husband, saying, "I told you to have a good talk with your second brother, and look at you now, drinking to this extent!"

Lady Qingcong said nervously: "Your Majesty ... ... "

"Then why doesn't she remarry?" Cheng felt a deep sense of regret

According to Cheng Shaoshang, this is a family banquet of unity, a family banquet of river crabs, and a family banquet of victory

Essentially, the old lady of the Cheng family is not a completely pure supporter of her brother, unlike that daughter-in-law who would rather let herself and her husband and children live on meager rations just to ensure her family has a moderately prosperous life. Otherwise... well, in that case, Madam Xiao would probably only resort to harming others. In fact, the two gentlemen of the Dong family should thank the old lady Cheng; otherwise, Madam Xiao would not know what means she would employ to deal with them.

Shaoshang slowly put down the ear cup, raised his head, and said calmly: "If I do not play the fool, how can I get by in front of my aunt? The more foolish I am, the more pleased my aunt becomes. If I were clever from a young age, my aunt would have to find other ways to deal with me"

You might as well inform them that if there are no children, you will remain unmarried and not remarry, and that the matters of stealing military supplies and encroaching on farmland have not been resolved. Those who are unwilling to live honestly can file a complaint at any time and see if they can continue to make a fuss about it with their lives.

"How could you think this way?" Once the topic was broached, Shaoshang dared to respond, "The Dong family relies on the protection of the matriarch, clinging to my father like a leech. Helping out a little is a minor matter, but I have heard my father say that they are also bullying the common people outside. What will happen if they cause a major disaster in the future?" She tried hard to mimic the tone of the ancient people she had heard over the past few days, believing she could manage to deceive a little.

Shaoshang really wanted to laugh; she had been arranged in such a position, and what else could she do if not take a nap? Lying on the bed, she suddenly recalled a pair of in-laws from her previous life in the town. The mother-in-law scolded her daughter-in-law for being a thief, having supported her family for so many years, and now even stealing money for her grandson's school district housing to help her own family with their wedding arrangements. She insisted that her son must divorce. In the end, she did not know whether they divorced or not, but the man from that family angrily went out to work and refused to give money to his wife anymore. The son also followed his grandmother and refused to acknowledge his mother, leading to the daughter-in-law shouting on the street every day, cursing the man for being heartless.

Finally, he nodded! Cheng let out a sigh of relief, thought for a moment, and then said with a hint of mischief, "It was a good idea to send the third brother to study at Bailu Mountain back then; this lad resembles our father the most and has won the favor of Master Sang's precious jewel. Now our family has at least one foot in the door, with someone to recommend us, we can go to any great scholar's residence."

Madam Zhong truly is ... ... " Madam Qing Cong said resentfully, " With such knowledge, she actually allowed your daughter to become, to become a ... ... " illiterate! Cheng Shaoshang silently made up for her words. She could imagine how pleased Ge felt every time she saw Cheng Shaoshang's ignorant demeanor.

Madam Xiao shot him a glance and said, "You need not concern yourself with this matter." As she spoke, she adjusted her clothing, preparing to leave.

Shaoshang said: "Since they have made a mistake and are being held by Father, why not directly have the authorities deal with it? After all, they are our own flesh and blood, and execution is out of the question. However, I heard Father say that they could be sentenced to exile. Why not send them to a distant place? Wouldn't that be more peaceful?"

In the depths of winter, Shaoshang surprisingly broke into a light sweat while wearing a vest. She hurried back to the small room, where Lianfang and Qiaoguo had already warmed the interior with their cooking. Upon seeing Madam Xiao and her party arrive, they quickly bowed and greeted them.

Madam Xiao bent down and softly said to Shaoshang, who was kneeling on the ground, "Think carefully for yourself"

Shaoshang felt as if he had returned to his elementary and middle school days, being criticized by teachers about his studies every day. He gloomily said, "I told my aunt that I do not like studying, and she was extremely pleased."

"It is of no consequence," Lady Qingcong said with a forced smile, "There is plenty of time in the future, the young lady can make up for it later. You may not know, but in those years, the knowledge of the lady was renowned not just in the village, but throughout the entire county as well..."

Shao Shang, who is also considered a person with a thick skin, could not help but blush upon hearing these words

Lady Qingcong observed the expressions and reactions of those around her, and then brought over several relatively new bamboo slips. Thank heavens, this time she was able to recognize three or four characters out of ten. She was so moved that she nearly shed tears

Madam Xiao raised her hand to stop her from speaking further, gazing directly at Shaoshang, and said: "I have also been quite busy these days, with no time to have a proper conversation with you. However, your father comes to see you every day and praises your intelligence daily. Why must you pretend to be foolish, my child"

"Every word from Mother is correct, whether it is for the Dong family or the Cheng family..." Shaoshang replied ambiguously

Cheng began to tear off the cloth napkin and said softly: "In my childhood, my family was poor, and I had no money to send him to school; later, due to the war, we did meet a few scholars, and someone recommended him to study with Mr. Sang at White Deer Mountain, but..." His eyes were filled with tears, "While we fought outside, someone had to take care of the family, so he volunteered to stay behind, and that is how the third brother went."

Madam Xiao joyfully said: "Did Second Brother agree?"

Madam Xiao showed no signs of displeasure, leisurely removing her hairpin and ornaments. She then instructed Qing Cong to tie up her sleeves, skillfully loosening Cheng Shi's collar, revealing a chest damp with sweat and warmth. When the maid brought in a large basin of hot water, she personally wiped and applied it to her husband. Cheng Shi gradually awakened, took the sobriety soup and drank it all in one go, smiling at his wife and saying: "Yuan Yi"

Ge's family was also unfortunate. The day after Cheng learned that his daughter was blind, he took her to visit Cheng's mother. Coincidentally, they ran into Ge's family, who had also come to pay their respects (to apply eye medicine) to Cheng's mother. Ge's family immediately began to scold them, and Ge quickly explained that it was Shaoshang who was too lazy and playful to study. Even so, Cheng still scolded them thoroughly.

Cheng began to place the hot towel on his face and murmured, "He repeatedly told me, 'Brother, you have not wronged me; it is I who am lacking in ability.' My sleeves are soaked with his tears."

Fortunately, no one was harmed, and Mrs. Xiao returned to her temporary quarters, only to find Cheng Shi half-reclining on the bed, reeking of alcohol, his face, not covered by the bushy beard, flushed red.

Why is it ... ...? Isn't it because it goes against human harmony? You yourself have already said it, yet you still ask me.

Madam Xiao was also taken aback, reminiscing about the past, and sighed: "In our family, the one who has suffered the most injustice is the second brother"

Cheng began to wipe his face with a hot towel while saying, "My second brother has been taciturn for so many years that I hardly know how to speak to him. In the past few days, when I mentioned the matter of moving the residence, he remained silent; when I pressed him, he simply said he didn't need to move and would just stay here to study. It infuriated me. Cough... Isn't it just that his legs are a bit inconvenient? If I don't take this opportunity while my second brother is somewhat drunk to pour him a few more drinks, how can I get him to speak his mind?"

Madam Xiao said: "It is fine to speak directly"

Madam Xiao sarcastically remarked: "Do you think she has never considered the idea of remarrying? She thought about it over a decade ago!

Madam Xiao decisively slapped the bed and said, "Alright, after the Lantern Festival, I will send the second brother off. Just in time for me to air out that wretched person!"

Madam Xiao turned her head and smiled, saying: "My son, what do you think of what your mother just said?"

After saying this, Madam Xiao stood up and left, leaving Shaoshang alone to ponder slowly

Cheng Shiqi asked: "Where are you going?"

Madam Xiao turned around and coldly said: "That wretched woman just received a scolding from us at the banquet. Just now, when you were with the second brother, she couldn't go over. Now that you have returned, isn't she going to go and cry and fuss with the second brother? We have all returned; are we really going to watch the second brother be bullied by that wretched woman?"

Madam Xiao's beautiful lips curled slightly, carrying a hint of mockery, as she fixed her gaze on Shaoshang for a long while before saying: "Return to your room first." Madam Qingcong nudged the dazed Shaoshang, and as she raised her hand, the surrounding servants and maids, who were kneeling respectfully, all stood up to follow.

After the banquet, everyone went about their own business. Cheng's mother had a few more drinks, singing and laughing, almost ready to dance. Hu's wife quickly supported her back to the inner chamber to rest. Second Uncle Cheng Cheng stood up to leave, and it was only then that Cheng Shaoshang noticed he had a slight limp. Cheng Shi grabbed him firmly, not allowing him to break free, saying that brothers should have a "heart-to-heart talk." Second Uncle Cheng was unwillingly dragged away.

The chubby little Cheng Ou yawned as he was led away by Madam Fu, while the big-eyed little girl Cheng Jin followed behind her brother with her head down. Shao Shang had been eyeing her since just now during the meal, intending to 'make a friend,' but unexpectedly, she was pulled in front of Madam Xiao by Madam Qing Cong, who said it was time to 'see off the guests'

If it were another matriarch, even if she needed to educate her daughter, she would not so bluntly expose the shortcomings of her elders or candidly discuss private matters. However, Madam Xiao suffered great hardships in her youth and despised raising her children in ignorance of the world's dangers. As for Cheng Shaoshang, she had almost no mother in her previous life, and in this life, she is a country girl, so she does not know what constitutes proper mother-daughter interaction, and thus she discusses it openly. In fact, the correct response at this moment should be, 'As a junior, how can one speak recklessly about the matters of elders.'

Madam Xiao, well-informed and knowledgeable, smiled inwardly, thinking: The rumors about this girl outside are completely unfounded; however, it is for the best, as she has had enough of the foolishness of the Ge family; when dealing with fools, no matter what you say, they will not understand, only realizing fear when the situation escalates to a point of confrontation and bloodshed. Being clever is good, far better than being foolish.

... ...

However, Shaoshang hesitated slightly and glanced at Madam Xiao. She had always felt that Madam Xiao had seen through her character long ago, and pretending to be foolish would only provoke her annoyance, making her feel that her own character was lacking; it would be better to speak frankly.

However, it is evident that Madam Xiao has attributed all the blame to the Ge family for their 'failure to prevent indulgence'

Speaking of Ge, Cheng was filled with anger: "What is there to wait for? Just divorce her directly. Having such a woman around every day, criticizing and belittling him, is why my younger brother is so dejected! This wretched woman, if she were only stirring up trouble in the inner chambers, it would be one thing, but she even took it upon herself to sell off A Ding's family assets while we are away! If it weren't for the urgent military situation, I would have wanted to return immediately and give her a good beating! Sigh, how much does Old Man Ge dote on her? If she looks down on my younger brother, it would be better for her to remarry sooner; the Ge family would not refuse! Why must it be this way, filled with disdain for each other?"

Oh. What is the saying?

She originally thought that traditional Chinese characters were used here, and confidently asked Lady Qingcong for some books to read, hoping to understand where she was at the moment. However, when Lady Qingcong presented several heavy bamboo slips on a tray, she felt a sense of foreboding. As expected, she did not recognize any of the characters inside. These characters seemed somewhat familiar, as if she had seen them in certain television dramas or on signs, all twisted and turned in various ways, remarkably elegant and ancient, very familiar yet completely unrecognizable.