Chapter 271
“I’m old, I can’t handle this anymore,” Old Master Wen said to his wife.
He ultimately chose Wen Ruoqing. Only in this way could the matter be considered settled.
Therefore, he stopped trying to smooth things over or make do with a half-hearted solution. Instead, he directly sent his wife to a nunnery.
Younger Madam Liu ultimately chose to stay by Old Madam Wen’s side, preferring to practice her faith in the family temple rather than returning to the Wang family. Old Madam Wen experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, immense grief and anger, culminating in a stroke. It wasn’t severe: her eyes and mouth were slightly askew, and she drooled when drinking water. Fortunately, with her “daughter” diligently attending to her, she wouldn’t face a tragic end.
As for the Wang family, although they failed to bring their “wife” back, the “kind-hearted person” still compensated them generously, so they ceased their efforts.
Under his master’s instructions, the Wen family’s head steward went to Wen Xianggui with a list, demanding the return of her properties. He remained unmoved by her tearful pleas. If she refused, he threatened to seek compensation from her husband’s family.
Just like that, her pastry shop was taken back by the Wen family…
However, for some unknown reason, the Wen family compensated her with a considerable sum of money. But what she wanted was the shop!
She tried to plead with Old Master Wen, even offering to buy it back, but the Wen family ignored her completely.
Moreover, due to her “scandal,” the Yuan family looked upon her with extreme disfavor. If it weren’t for the fact that their eldest son was exceptionally unattractive, making it difficult to find another wife, and that she had already borne him a son, she would have been kicked out. Without Old Madam Wen’s support, her mother-in-law imposed strict rules on her, confining her to the house to bear children and forbidding her from going anywhere!
The Wen family immediately began cleaning and preparing the courtyard to welcome their eldest daughter: Wen Shizhu… This was the name given to her by Wen Ruoqing, signifying her return home.
Wen Shizhu paid her respects to Old Master Wen. Such a beautiful granddaughter, softly addressing him as “Grandfather!”
All of the old master’s worries vanished. He bestowed upon her lavish gifts and even invited a few close friends to dine at the shop, enjoying the care of his granddaughter!
Wen Ruoqing highly praised Wen Yu’s swift, precise, and effective actions. Everything was perfect! Except for Hu Fei… That fellow was utterly bothersome, buzzing around like a fly, impossible to guard against.
Even someone as calm and composed as he became anxious.
Meanwhile, Hu Fei was even more anxious. He could only catch glimpses of Zhuzhu at the shop while Wen Ruoqing was attending court. Moreover, Zhuzhu now spoke constantly about “Father this” and “Father that”… It was a bittersweet torment for him. He wanted to confess his feelings to Magistrate Wen, but the magistrate simply ignored him.
Marquis Qi returned home and formally informed Tan Shi of this peculiar incident, sighing, “Unexpectedly, Fifth’s wife’s close friend turned out to be Magistrate Wen’s daughter. Speaking of which, Fifth’s wife is truly a good catch… We should be more lenient towards her in the future.”
Tan Shi didn’t respond or reveal her own stance, instead chuckling, “For you to say such a thing, this marriage truly was a blessing in disguise!”
“At least, when it comes to inspecting the military payroll at the end of the year, we can make some plans,” he nodded. “I hear the clothes made at her shop are quite good. Find a day, either you go or have someone from the shop come, and have two sets made for all the women in the family! We’ll pay upfront!”
Tan Shi’s heart burned with resentment, but a sweet smile graced her face, “With your wealth, we should definitely choose the most expensive ones!”
“Good!” the Marquis agreed. After a pause, he asked, “…The most expensive ones… how much silver would that be?”
“I hear there are sets that cost over a thousand taels!”
“…” The Marquis was taken aback. “Are they made of gold? Even if they were gold, wouldn’t such weight crush a person? Don’t be ridiculous! You can fool those who crave vanity, but don’t even think about deceiving me! We won’t get those expensive ones. Choose carefully and have her give me a quote!”
After the Marquis left, Tan Shi’s face darkened. She suspected that the Marquis had an ulterior motive for telling her this… Most likely, that Wen Yu, that bitch, had been whispering behind her back.
She truly is capable…
After all these years, she had never suffered such a loss. That damn bitch… That little whore! She deserved to be thrown into the military camp and ridden by thousands of men!
She twisted the fragrant sandalwood beads in her hand, cursing in her heart like a vulgar shrew, replaying scenarios of tormenting Wen Yu over and over.
✿✿✿
This wave of family reunions further propelled the shop’s business to new heights.
Taking advantage of the momentum, Wen Yu frequently visited the shop. “Wen Shizhu!” she would shout upon seeing Zhuzhu, and the two would burst into laughter.
Meanwhile, Wei Shi, who was resting at home awaiting the arrival of her child, finally welcomed Yang Xiangdong.
Upon his return to the capital, he submitted his memorials, gave some instructions, and without even returning home, headed straight to Wei Shi’s residence with a carriage full of gifts.
“Xiangyu! I’ve missed you so much!” Absence makes the heart grow fonder. After three months of longing, Yang Xiangdong found Wei Xiangyu even more alluring and voluptuous than before. Overwhelmed with emotion, he embraced her tightly.
Wei Xiangyu buried her head in his chest, listening to his pounding heart, equally moved. As he began to caress her, she forced a smile and held his hand. “Please sit down, I have something to tell you.”
Yang Xiangdong insisted, “Tell me later, just for a moment…” His breath tickled her neck, sending shivers down her spine…
“No, no… wait a moment, it’ll only take a few words…”
Yang Xiangdong held her for a while longer before releasing her. “Alright, alright… Tell me quickly, be quick about it!”
Two figures were concealed nearby. One was quite disappointed, having just missed a good show…
The other, however, breathed a sigh of relief… Just speak, why all this fuss? What’s there to fuss about?!
✿✿✿
These two were Mu Bo and a spy sent by Song Shang. They met and became acquainted here…
Wei Shi took Yang Xiangdong’s hand and gently guided it to her slightly swollen belly. With a smile, she said, “I’m pregnant.”
“What?” Yang Xiangdong was stunned for a moment, then overwhelmed with surprise and joy. “Is this true?”
“Yes.”
“This… this is wonderful. Xiangyu, this is wonderful!”
“Listen to me first!” She was pleased with his reaction, but to get him to truly take action, she needed a plan. “I found out a month after you left. I considered getting rid of it…”
Seeing Yang Xiangdong about to interrupt anxiously, she stopped him. “But ultimately, I couldn’t bear to. Later, I came to terms with it… I want to have this child. Now, I must tell you solemnly: being with you was my own choice. Since I made this choice, I have no regrets. I, Wei Xiangyu, can bear the consequences!”
“Xiangyu, what nonsense are you talking about?” Yang Xiangdong said emotionally.
“Listen to me first…” Tears streamed down Wei Xiangyu’s face. “I know how important the Li family is to you, and you can’t leave them now. So, having this child isn’t ideal timing. I didn’t expect it either, but he’s here…”
“I know, I know! There must be a way to resolve this… You don’t have to worry!” After the initial excitement subsided, Yang Xiangdong calmed down and began to ponder the issue.
“Xiangyu… truly. I’m not deceiving you… I…” Yang Xiangdong trailed off. What could he do? It was too late no matter what!
“Xiangdong, I’ve already thought it through. I’ll give birth to him here in this courtyard, then arrange for someone to find a suitable place to care for him. In the future, if we can be together, we’ll go through the formalities at the charity hall and adopt him.”
“Let me think about it…”
Wei Xiangxiang served them tea and snacks, then hurried the kitchen staff to prepare some dishes. After a long silence, Yang Xiangdong finally spoke. “Xiangyu, come here. I’ve thought of a solution, listen…”
✿✿✿
At the residence of Grand Tutor Zhao, an extravagant birthday celebration was underway for the eighty-year-old Madam Zhao.
The Grand Tutor had long passed away, and Madam Zhao drifted between lucidity and confusion. However, even in this state, the Emperor still addressed her respectfully as “Teacher’s wife.”
Although they no longer enjoyed the prominence they had during the Grand Tutor’s lifetime, their prestige remained undiminished.
Yang Xiangdong’s wife, tucked away in a corner, pleaded with her elder sister, Eldest Madam Li, “Ask Elder Uncle to assign Hubby a different post. He’s too busy. He’s been away for months, and even when he’s back, he’s rarely home. Sometimes he even sleeps in the front courtyard… We haven’t even… I want to have another baby!”
Eldest Madam Li replied with disdain, “Your last childbirth, when you had Xun’er, was a difficult one, nearly scared me to death. You already have a son and a daughter, why have more?! Don’t!”
“Sister… I love little ones.”
“But think about it, what if something goes wrong? What about your son and daughter then? Listen to your sister, if Yang Xiangdong feels there aren’t enough children, we won’t stop him from taking a concubine!”
“…But I don’t want Hubby to take a concubine!”
“Whether you like it or not is irrelevant! If he truly has this intention and you try to stop him, in the long run, it might even lead to resentment. What’s the point?! I don’t even interfere with your brother-in-law. I’ve asked him several times, and he doesn’t want one. You, focus on raising your two children well, that’s more important than anything!”
“Oh…”
Despite her words, Eldest Madam Li didn’t believe Yang Xiangdong would take a concubine. She knew her younger sister too well: naive, kind-hearted, and lacking in any real skills.
She had chosen her sister’s husband. He was intelligent and capable, but lacked both family background and wealth. His rise to his current position was entirely due to the Li family’s support.
If he was a man who knew his place and had a conscience, he would cherish her sister for a lifetime and wouldn’t entertain any foolish notions.
“Alright! I see a few people I need to speak with. Go find your friends and enjoy yourself. I’ll call you when it’s time to leave!”
“Okay!” her younger sister happily departed.
Eldest Madam Li shook her head. Her sister would likely remain like this for her entire life. Having children and her protection, it wasn’t a bad life.
