Chapter 42
Sister-in-law

“Mother.” Seeing Mother Jiang come out, Song Wan bowed slightly and was about to go see the old madam, but Mother Jiang stopped her.

“Wan’er, come here. Mother has something to say to you.”

Mother Jiang took Song Wan to the side room. When they were alone, she said, “Actually, Mother guessed why you came today.”

“Mother knows?” Song Wan, holding the gold-threaded powder box, was momentarily stunned.

“Mother was once your age too. What wouldn’t I understand?”

Mother Jiang looked troubled. “I know Yi’er has been close to Concubine Lin, especially with the opening of the ice-making shop and the cosmetics shop in the residence. You’re not happy about it. But don’t worry, Wan’er. No matter what, in Mother’s and the old madam’s eyes, Concubine Lin will never surpass you.”

Song Wan, lost in thought while holding the gold-threaded powder box from Huan Yan Zhai, frowned slightly at these words.

Seeing her reaction, Mother Jiang sighed. “Although Jiang Man and Yi’er opened two shops for Concubine Lin, the money will eventually go into the public funds and has nothing to do with Concubine Lin herself.”

“Mother, I’m not jealous of Concubine Lin.”

Mother Jiang smiled. “Mother knows you’re not shallow and wouldn’t be jealous of someone insignificant. But Mother worries that you’ll overthink and drift apart from Yi’er.”

Mother Jiang’s personal maid came in, holding a red velvet envelope.

Mother Jiang took it and handed it to Song Wan. “This is a pastry shop on Chunfeng Street, part of my dowry. The income is decent, so you take it.”

She stuffed the deed into Song Wan’s hand and continued, “In the end, we women are not as capable as men. We may have read a few more books, but in front of men who have been out in the world for years, we can only quote a few lines from books.”

“But to men, such women are of little use. They may not be as valuable as those who serve them closely. As wives, our primary duty is to bear children and then manage the household so that men have no worries.”

“Look at the old Duke’s wife. She came from an insignificant background, just the daughter of a small border tribe leader, but she was very skilled in medicine. Even now, six out of ten medical shops outside are owned by the old Duke’s family. For over a hundred years, who in the capital dares to look down on her?”

“So, Wan’er, you see, a woman’s background, appearance, and family are important, but what’s more important is what she can bring to her husband.”

“If she can’t help her husband and only knows how to be jealous, what use is she as the main wife?”

“Mother believes that as women, we must have a long-term vision. No matter who it is, as long as they benefit the Marquis’ residence, in the end, we women will benefit too.”

Mother Jiang took the overly luxurious gold-threaded powder box from Song Wan’s hand and opened it with a smile. “Although I don’t like that one from Xiu Yan Pavilion, I have to admit this is a good thing, something that can help the Marquis’ residence turn around.”

“Wan’er, what do you think?”

Song Wan almost laughed out of anger at Mother Jiang’s words. She lowered her head, feeling both amused and a bit sad.

“Mother is right.” Song Wan stood up, said she would go back and reflect, and was about to leave when she heard Mother Jiang say, “Don’t be angry with Mother. It’s just that… Yi’er is fond of her, and as a mother, I can’t go against my child.”

Mother Jiang stood up and walked to Song Wan, speaking each word clearly. “I originally thought Lin Jiayue was just a cheap woman who only knew how to seduce men, but now I see she has some talent.”

“This woman has her own skills and is loved by Yi’er. If you keep being jealous, it will only make Yi’er unhappy and cause unrest in the household.”

“Mother advises you to be flexible as a woman. Don’t always go against Yi’er, and don’t always focus on others. Think more about yourself. You and Yi’er…”

“You haven’t consummated the marriage yet, have you?”

Song Wan’s face turned pale, and her lips lost their color.

Mother Jiang’s words were no different from stripping her naked and throwing her into a crowd. Hearing this, the maids in Fuhe Hall were silent and quietly retreated. However, they couldn’t help but mock Song Wan in their hearts, thinking that she was a very pathetic Marquis’ wife.

“Mother, today’s words…”

“Mother, do you remember that I am still in charge of the household affairs?”

“Of course, why do you suddenly bring this up?”

Song Wan lowered her eyes. “If Mother doesn’t want me to lose my dignity in front of the servants, then let’s not argue here. I understand everything Mother said today. I will reflect on myself and my mistakes.”

After saying this, Song Wan walked out of Fuhe Hall with a pale face.

Seeing her red eyes, Mother Jiang realized that her words might have been too harsh. She wanted to chase after her but could only see Song Wan’s back.

Song Wan walked forward with large strides, her mind blank. She felt a buzzing in her ears, and the path in front of her seemed to twist. It wasn’t until she bumped into a strong chest that she regained a bit of clarity, her eyes red.

With a hoarse voice, Jiang Yan said, “Sister-in-law, are you okay?”

He had been waiting outside Fuhe Hall for a long time. Seeing Song Wan come out, he wanted to find an excuse to approach her, but she walked straight towards him without stopping.

The warmth and fragrance in his arms made Jiang Yan’s mind go blank for a moment. He quickly regained his composure and gently pushed her out of his embrace. His hands briefly touched her arms before he stepped back quickly. Though he was reluctant, he dared not get too close.

“Sister-in-law…” Jiang Yan looked up and saw that Song Wan’s usually calm eyes were now red, and the tears she held back fell down her cheeks when they collided.

Realizing her loss of composure, Song Wan quickly wiped her face and forced a smile. “I’m sorry to have embarrassed you, Second Master.”

“It was I who was presumptuous, Sister-in-law.”

The sight of her flushed cheeks and tear-filled eyes made Jiang Yan’s waist and abdomen tighten, and his back felt hot.

A sudden surge of emotions overwhelmed him, and Jiang Yan felt as if his entire body was burning.

Song Wan nodded to him and was about to leave, but Jiang Yan called out to her.

“Second Master, do you need something?”

Her soft voice conveyed a hint of grievance and sobbing, making Jiang Yan’s heart ache and itch. His hands couldn’t help but tremble slightly. He placed his hands behind his back, clenching them into fists.

“I… I wanted to ask you about my brother’s marriage with Miss Sun.”

Song Wan smiled and said, “I had some interactions with Madam Sun a few days ago. It seems the marriage is settled, so you can rest assured, Second Master.”

Jiang Yan stared at Song Wan’s gradually recovering rosy lips, his ears burning. As for his own marriage with the Sun family, he didn’t care about the progress at all.