Font Size:
The old lady cried and scolded, leaving Chen Shiying feeling ashamed, his face turning purple with embarrassment.
He responded, “Mother, what are you saying! As a seven-foot-tall man, well-versed in the classics, should I rely on a few women to plan my future? Yes, if I had married my sister, perhaps my career wouldn’t have been as smooth, but behind this smooth path, how many hidden dangers did you create? The young girl you brought in to comfort my father was false. Once my father passed away, I entered the civil service, and this young girl, pregnant at the time, was driven out. If I claim ignorance of this, who would believe me? How could I shift all the blame onto you? That would not only be immoral but also unfilial. Without trust, how can anyone believe me, even the young girl brought in as my wife for my father was fake? How could I establish myself in the official circles? Mother, I’d rather rely on my own efforts, step by step, steadily moving forward. Even if the road is winding, it’s far better than the seemingly smooth but treacherous path. I’ve always aspired to benefit the world, to uplift the people, to continue the teachings of the sages, to bring eternal peace. Yet, whenever I think of my father’s early death and my sister’s suffering, my heart cannot find peace, filled with guilt. With my household in disarray, how can I govern and bring peace to the country?”
The old lady wiped her tears, angrily stating, “You’ve reached this position, so you can say all kinds of pretty words. No matter how eloquent you are, your smooth career path is also due to my planning. What grievances did Wang Juan have? If I hadn’t arranged for her to be bought, her life would have been even harder. She should be thankful to me. As a woman of the inner courtyard, I also understand that the Emperor governs with filial piety. Even if the Emperor were to judge, between a mere girl like her and the mother who gave birth and raised you, you should listen to your mother. Don’t lecture me with those grand principles, I don’t want to hear them.”
Chen Shiying glanced at his mother’s cloudy eyes, feeling the futility of this conversation that had occurred countless times. The old lady firmly believed that she had secured a good future for her son, viewing her past actions as correct. He didn’t want to continue this discussion, as it would be futile.
He reluctantly said, “Mother, let’s not bring up the past anymore. Debating right and wrong now serves no purpose. Feng is my dear daughter as well as your legitimate granddaughter. I don’t ask you to be overly kind to her, but please don’t harm her anymore. If what you did before had succeeded, how could I live? The Chu family wouldn’t just let it go, they might harm our entire family.”
The old lady dismissively remarked, “That matter was successful taken care of. Besides you, Jiang, and Yuhui, everyone else who knew about it was taken care of. What’s there to fear?”
Chen Shiying trembled with anger, his face slightly shaking. He pleaded, “Mother, please, stop causing trouble. If you don’t like my sister or Feng, then don’t see them. Out of sight, out of mind.”
The old lady stubbornly insisted, “No, I want that wretched girl to come and show respect to me, fetching water and serving me medicine. If she disrespects me or talks back, have someone slap her and punish her severely in front of me. Otherwise, I won’t eat. I won’t let others know that you prioritize your daughter’s wishes over my well-being.”
Looking at his stubborn mother, Chen Shiying felt utterly powerless. After a moment of contemplation, he said, “Fine, I’ll listen to you. However, after Feng attends the Chu family’s birthday banquet and visits her other father’s brother’s house, tomorrow when she returns, I’ll have her come to you to serve water and deliver medicine.”
The old lady, still somewhat skeptical, asked, “You’re not deceiving me?”
Chen Shiying responded, “Why would I deceive you? It’s true, she will only return tomorrow afternoon.”
The old lady continued, “See, that wretched girl only acknowledges her stepfather, she even showed respect to her stepfather’s brother. No matter how much we care for her, we can’t win her heart. Yuhui grew up in your presence and now lacks a mother. She’s pitiful, you should show her more care. She’s already fourteen, it’s time to discuss a good marriage for her.”
Chen Shiying assured her, “Yuhui is my dear daughter, and I will certainly care for her. Mother, rest assured, I will find a suitable match for her.”
Unable to placate the old lady any longer, Chen Shiying dragged his heavy steps out of Longevity Courtyard.
Before leaving, he instructed the caretaker at Longevity Courtyard, “Watch closely, in these coming days, don’t let the second miss visit the old lady without permission.”
Upon seeing Chen Shiying’s defeated expression, Madam Jiang quickly handed him a bowl of ginseng tea she had prepared and, once he finished it, proceeded to massage his head. The servants all withdrew.
After over two hours, Chen Shiying finally breathed a sigh of relief and regained his composure. With his eyes closed, he said, “Tomorrow, inform Mother that Feng is heading straight back to the countryside from Chen Shi’s place.”
Madam Jiang acknowledged and, still massaging him gently, softly added, “Husband, today I wish to speak some heartfelt words… Please don’t be offended.” After a murmured acknowledgment from Chen Shiying, she hesitated before continuing, “Just relax. If one day that matter surfaces, it might not cost you your official position or lead to demotion, at most slowing down future promotions. In the eyes of me and the children, regardless of your official status, you are a man of great dignity, a father they deeply respect.”
Chen Shiying listened, and tears welled up in his eyes…
In the Rose Courtyard, Chen Yuqing and her siblings had all arrived. Chen Feng chatted with them, pondering why the old lady hadn’t caused any trouble during her stay at the Chen residence. It was unlike her character. She wouldn’t just stay quiet, Chen Shiying must have somehow managed to keep her in check.
Moreover, Chen Yuhui hadn’t appeared, likely restricted by Madam Jiang…
Having dreamless sleep, the next day, Chen Feng dressed neatly and headed to the main courtyard.
At this early hour, aside from Chen Yuhui, all siblings were present.
Seeing them, Chen Shiying’s face softened, and he said, “Family harmony leads to success. May you siblings always get along well.”
Chen Yulan immediately expressed determination, “Father, rest assured, my sisters and I will get along well.”
Chen Shiying’s gaze turned to Chen Feng, concerned about her attitude. Chen Feng smiled, “Father, as the eldest sister, I will take care of my younger siblings.”
After breakfast, a servant from the front yard reported that Mr. Chu had arrived. Chen Feng bid farewell to Madam Jiang and her siblings before joining Chen Shiying and Chen Yulan in the front yard.