Chapter 48: Illness

Meinang found herself utterly bored. However, she didn’t have the chance to engage in such trivial activities again.

Zheng Mei Yu sent a message to Madam Zheng, informing her that her parents wanted her to stay home for the New Year. She hinted that she wanted Madam Zheng to send someone to bring her back to the (Hou Mansion). To her surprise, Madam Zheng only sent several bundles back with her, but didn’t send anyone to invite her to accompany her at the (Huo Mansion), probably feeling that this niece had already spent enough time by her side. As a child, she should be with her parents during the New Year.

Meinang carefully assisted Madam Zheng in packing the things to send back to the Zheng family. She imagined Zheng Mei Yu’s disappointed expression and felt quite pleased, It’s best if she never comes back again. Maybe the family will find her someone to marry.

Mama He and the maids went out to send the bundles, while Chun Yue and the other servants stepped outside into the corridor. Madam Zheng looked at Meinang and said:

“I know you don’t like Yu’er, but when you were seriously ill, she, an unmarried girl, served both you and your husband in Jun Ying’s room without any concern for propriety. It harmed your reputation. Whether it’s how others see it or how we as elders feel, it reflects poorly. Given our family’s status, Yu’er is willing to accept a secondary wife position, so don’t say anything about it. Heng Ge’er is not neglected by you, I’ve already discussed this with Jun Ying, and it’s settled.”

Meinang was stunned. Madam Zheng was essentially forcing her hand, not caring whether she, as the main wife, approved or not. Her cousin, as a concubine, was certainly going to be taken in.

What did she mean by “damaged reputation”? Wasn’t it more like Yu’er was snatching a man? Her cousin wasn’t even dead, yet she was already clinging to her cousin, not to mention her improper behavior. A girl should avoid being so forward, but it was clearly intentional.

Meinang thought this but didn’t dare to voice it.

After the emotional breakdown during the winter solstice banquet, where Madam Zheng cried in front of everyone, she had distanced herself from Meinang. For two days, Meinang was given the cold shoulder. Not only did Madam Zheng refuse to listen to her reports on family matters, but even her son was kept from her. Meinang had no choice but to be cautious and not contradict her.

After a long pause, she finally spoke with a worried expression:

“Mother, since Heng Ge’er is with you, he will surely become your most cherished grandson. But the Marquis seems indifferent toward Heng Ge’er. If Yu’er enters the family and becomes deeply attached to the Marquis, bearing him another son, wouldn’t that mean… Heng Ge’er, being the eldest, might be overshadowed? I’m concerned that the Marquis, out of love for another son, may neglect Heng Ge’er in the future.”

Madam Zheng’s previously stern face softened slightly. She gestured to the couch and said, “You’ve been busy all morning, you must be tired. Sit down. When Heng Ge’er wakes up, you can see him.”

“Thank you, Mother.”

Meinang sat down with a slight feeling of relief, now able to be closer to her son. Her heart felt lighter as she finally had a chance to interact with Heng Ge’er.

Life as a young wife in ancient times was hard. If one angered the mother in law, it could lead to serious trouble.

Madam Zheng nodded. “You are Heng Ge’er’s mother. You must always keep his interests in mind. Don’t worry. Since I’ve taken Heng Ge’er in, I will take better care of him than you. Yu’er has affection for Jun Ying, and being able to serve him as a wife is already a good position for her. She won’t be able to bear children.”

Meinang was taken aback. “Mother…”

Madam Zheng glanced toward the door and spoke in a calm tone, “No one will take Heng Ge’er’s position. He is the heir, and this family’s fortune will be his. You don’t need to fear. Yu’er is my niece, and I will support her, but she will only care for me. A young girl like her has never seen the world. It’s natural for her to be attracted to a handsome man like Jun Ying. If she becomes infatuated with him, I will put her in your room. She can be of some use help you keep the Zhuang family girls in check. The old lady insists on giving her to Jun Ying. She comes from a prestigious family, and her uncle is a government official, so her status is much higher than Yu’er’s. She can’t be a concubine. She will only be a legitimate wife. If she bears a son, Jun Ying will favor her, and naturally, he will dote on her child. I’ve already made arrangements for all of this.”

Meinang was stunned, her mouth slightly agape as she looked at Madam Zheng with admiration. This was truly a woman of iron determination, the kind of person who could plan ahead and make decisive moves. If she had known this strong defense was in place, no woman would ever threaten Heng Ge’er’s position. Madam Zheng had everything under control without needing to act with unnecessary force.

Feeling a sense of relief, Meinang continued, “As for me, having just recovered from a serious illness, I should focus on my health. There’s no rush to have more children. I can wait until Heng Ge’er is seven or eight years old before trying again.”

Madam Zheng showed a knowing expression and said awkwardly, “No rush. Take your time. Jun Ying is a kind-hearted man, and you are a rare beauty. Even if he marries someone else, he will never abandon you.”

Meinang pondered her words. Was Jun Ying’s reluctance to part with her because he was kind-hearted, or because he was still attached to her?

Whatever the reason, she decided not to worry about who he married from now on. She didn’t care anymore.

After playing with Heng Ge’er for a while, Madam Zheng allowed her to stay for dinner with her son. When Heng Ge’er was taken away, Meinang reluctantly said goodbye to her mother in law and left Qui Hua Courtyard. However, her mood felt considerably lighter, as many small issues had been resolved, she had gained Madam Zheng’s understanding and no longer had to worry about Jun Ying’s affection for anyone else. She had finally seen Heng Ge’er, and Heng Ge’er even remembered the trick she had taught him, greeting his mother with a face-to-face kiss, which made Meinang laugh. She kissed him back, feeling an overwhelming surge of love a mother’s love, despite her soul being long lost elsewhere. The maternal love she still felt was admirable, and it made her appreciate how great mothers truly were.

It was completely dark by the time she left, with the lanterns held by Cui Xi and Cui Jian lighting the way ahead. Cui Si helped her along, reminding her to be careful not to step into snowdrifts.

With a lighthearted conversation, they just reached the entrance of Qui Hua Courtyard when they saw Mama Wang hurriedly coming out to meet them.

“Oh, my lady, why are you only back now? The Marquis… he’s not feeling well.”