Chapter 8

The Deputy Minister of War’s face had turned an ugly shade of green, not only because his concubine had an affair but also because his scandal was now out in the open.

The system enthusiastically continued, “That steward is not even good-looking—he’s sneaky and rat-faced, definitely not as handsome as the Deputy Minister. But the Deputy Minister is always busy with work.”

“He leaves early and comes home late. When he’s home, he spends most of his time in the main wife’s courtyard. Plus, he has three concubines, so the time he spends with each is limited. This concubine was lonely and turned to the steward for comfort.”

“And why hasn’t anyone discovered their affair? It’s because the Deputy Minister is such a workaholic. Even at home, he only discusses work with his wife. They’re a perfect match, two workaholics together.”

Lin Mo mused, “Wow, I didn’t think there were people who actually enjoy work. Maybe I should give him my job. I’d much rather stay at home and relax.”

Everyone thought: … You’ve got quite the imagination!

The Emperor glanced at the Deputy Minister, who looked as pale as a ghost, and felt a pang of guilt. If he hadn’t assigned so much work to the man, maybe this wouldn’t have happened.

Just as the Emperor was reflecting, Lin Mo shattered the mood again.

“If he’s so busy, why did he take so many concubines? He loves his work and his wife shares his passion, so why bother with concubines? I don’t get it, really don’t get it.”

System: “The Deputy Minister didn’t want the concubine. His elderly mother forced it on him. She doesn’t like the main wife, so she’s always causing trouble for her. This concubine used to be her personal maid, and she insisted on making her a secondary wife.”

So, it wasn’t his choice. The officials began to look at the Deputy Minister with even more sympathy.

Having a difficult elder at home was truly a curse.

Lin Mo sighed after hearing the system’s explanation. “The hardest relationship to navigate in the world is that between a mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law.”

Everyone silently agreed, nodding to themselves.

Even the Emperor found himself agreeing. When the Empress Dowager was still alive, she often clashed with the Empress. The Empress Dowager wanted to control the harem, but now it was the Empress in charge. The two women constantly vied for power, leaving the Emperor exhausted.

He was actually quite satisfied with the Empress. She managed the harem well, and although the Empress Dowager wasn’t his biological mother, she always tried to push her nieces and grandnieces into the harem.

It was clear what her intentions were, but the Empress had always managed to block her every time. The Emperor couldn’t help but appreciate how supportive the Empress was.

Lin Mo continued, “Elders really shouldn’t interfere with their children’s marriages. Every generation has its own fortune; meddling only causes trouble.”

“When you’re old, isn’t it better to just take care of your health and enjoy your twilight years? Why create unnecessary problems? A wise elder is a treasure, but a meddling one is a curse to the whole family.”

Everyone silently nodded in agreement. Who would have thought this young girl from the Lin family had such mature thoughts?

System: “The Deputy Minister is really in a tough spot. That concubine is even pregnant, and his mother dotes on her. She doesn’t like the legitimate children, but she loves the product of her son’s humiliation. I just don’t get it.”

The Deputy Minister’s face flushed red with embarrassment. This was utterly humiliating!

Although everyone felt sorry for the Deputy Minister of War, they were thoroughly satisfied with the juicy gossip.

After the court session, the Emperor specifically asked the Deputy Minister to stay behind, along with the Crown Prince and two of the other princes.

Looking at the Deputy Minister, who was visibly distressed, the Xuande Emperor spoke with sympathy, “My loyal subject, I’m not sure how to console you in this matter. However, I think the first thing you need to do is handle your old mother.”

“She’s getting on in years and should focus on enjoying her old age. It’s best if she stays out of household affairs. I remember your wife is quite capable; you should trust her to manage the household.”

The Deputy Minister quickly nodded, “I understand, Your Majesty. I’ll take care of this matter.”

The Emperor, pleased with his response, added, “Let me know once it’s resolved.”

After all, when you start following gossip, you want to know how it ends. The Emperor was keen to learn the fate of that concubine.

After the Deputy Minister left, the Crown Prince and the two other princes looked at their father with a mix of resignation and amusement.

“Father, aren’t you just twisting the knife in the wound? Perhaps you should leave the man’s family issues alone,” the Crown Prince remarked, noting how his father was becoming more mischievous over time.

The second prince, glancing at his more serious older brother, retorted, “How can you say that? Father is simply showing concern for his officials. If a man can’t manage his own household, how can he be trusted to manage state affairs? If you can’t clean your own house, how can you rule the world?”

The third prince chimed in, “Second Brother is absolutely right!”

Watching his father and brothers, the Crown Prince thought: … Great, I’m the only sane one in the family.

But before leaving, the Crown Prince quietly asked Eunuch Li, “If there’s any update, let me know as well.”

Eunuch Li: …

This family really is all the same!

Upon returning home, the Deputy Minister of War immediately had the adulterous pair arrested.

When the old madam saw her favored maid-turned-concubine being taken away, she was furious and tried to strike the Deputy Minister with her cane. “You wretched fool! What do you think you’re doing? Xiao Lian is pregnant!”

The Deputy Minister coldly ordered his mother to be restrained and said, “Mother, from now on, please stay out of household matters. My wife is more than capable of managing things. As for Xiao Lian, she knows very well whose child she’s carrying.”

“I’ve been kept in the dark for so long, and that’s my own foolishness. But to have a concubine and the steward carrying on an affair under my roof? That’s beyond ridiculous!”

“If you hadn’t indulged her, she wouldn’t have dared commit such a disgraceful act!”

The Deputy Minister truly harbored some resentment toward his mother. If it weren’t for her, he wouldn’t have become such a laughingstock.

However, he was somewhat grateful to Lin Mo. Although she had exposed his scandal in front of everyone, it was better to uncover the truth now than to wear that green hat for life and unknowingly raise another man’s child.