Chapter 34: Encountering Filth

The air hung heavy and still.

All eyes fell on Yu Tingwan.

She was a striking young woman—her face bare yet seemingly adorned, a natural beauty that needed no enhancement. Though layers of cotton clothing concealed her figure, her porcelain-white skin, expressive autumn-like eyes, and delicately arched features were captivating. Below her eye, a small tear mole added an unconscious allure to her already remarkable appearance.

Moreover, her voice remained soft and gentle—pure and untainted.

Madam Chen had been watching her intently since entering the courtyard.

This was far beyond the common beauty she usually dealt in. With proper training, who knew how many men’s souls such a woman could capture?

She had assumed Yu Tingwan belonged to the Wei family, but she was wrong.

Yu Tingwan waited for Hui Niang’s response.

Her initial suggestion had been impulsive, but the more she considered it, the more feasible it seemed.

Trustworthy men were rare in these times. Yu Tingwan knew better than anyone that Butcher Wu’s agreeability had stemmed from her beauty alone.

For a woman, relying on looks was the most dangerous path.

Sometimes, depending on in-laws was safer than depending on a husband.

Men like Butcher Wu, whose parents had passed early, were rare. In most households, the presence of elders meant her background would forever be a flaw.

Even with Li Lian’s current endorsement and people’s tolerance, conflicts would inevitably arise after marriage.

Yu Tingwan wasn’t afraid of hardship. What she feared was enduring hardship while facing a critical mother-in-law, hostile sisters-in-law, and a husband’s cold indifference during disputes.

She had no desire to spend her life fighting these battles. If married life would be harder than her current situation, what was the point? All she sought was peace. Wei Shen couldn’t provide that, but she saw it in Hui Niang.

During their time together, Hui Niang had observed Yu Tingwan’s composure firsthand. She knew such words wouldn’t be spoken in jest.

Hui Niang was stunned.

Even Wei Shouzhong was taken aback.

Yet among all the women they had spoken to, only Yu Tingwan had truly grasped what marriage meant.

Yu Tingwan’s expression was earnest—she genuinely believed this could work.

Before Hui Niang could respond, another voice cut in with disapproval.

Madam Chen slammed her teabowl down. “What is the meaning of this? Girl, have you no shame?”

She turned to Hui Niang, her face dark. “Sister, surely you haven’t brought me here for nothing?”

Yu Tingwan frowned, glancing at her with a mocking smile. “Why are you so agitated over something mutually agreed upon?”

“This is merely a meeting. If auntie finds it suitable, she’ll agree. If not, can you force the matter? Why put on such airs?”

She cast an indifferent look at Madam Chen. “A trafficker like you might pay silver and get official stamps on your contracts, but it’s still a vile trade.”

Her tone turned ice-cold. “I’m not one of your girls to be traded at your whim.”

“I know I’m blocking your path to the Wei household. But what of it? Is Wei Shen not allowed to be sought after? If you’re uncomfortable, just endure it. What right does an outsider like you have to act as if this were your home?”

She smirked. “If you truly can’t stand it, take your people and leave.”

That way, she’d have no competition!

The young woman showed two faces—infuriating Madam Chen to choking point, then turning to Hui Niang with honeyed words.

“Auntie, I live independently now. My marriage is my own to decide.”

Madam Chen was livid, her face black with rage.

But she couldn’t force a sale.

*

At the Hu household.

The baby’s cries had been relentless, its voice hoarse from wailing.

Xiao Xu lay weakened in bed, unable to soothe the child no matter what she tried. Her eyes were heavy with exhaustion; childbirth had aged her years in a single day.

“Mother.”

Having no choice, she called out.

“Mother, are you there?”

Bang! The door was kicked open.

A bitter wind rushed in, and Xiao Xu hurriedly wrapped the baby tighter in its blankets.

Madam Wang entered scowling. “What are you yelling about!”

She glanced at the baby in Xiao Xu’s arms. With hopes for a grandson dashed, how could she feel joy?

“When Dalang was born, he barely made a sound—so easy to care for. Look at her, crying so much that I can’t even sleep at night. How could she be Dalang’s child!”

The words cut to the bone.

Xiao Xu’s tears burst forth.

“Mother, how can you say such things? Could this child be from anyone but Dalang?”

She truly despised Madam Wang! But with her weak maternal family, she could only bow her head. Xiao Xu turned away, hastily wiping her tears.

“The child is starving. I have no choice.”

How could a hungry child not cry?

Madam Wang snapped impatiently. “You’re nothing but trouble. Your body is worthless!”

“Have I ever denied you food or drink? Yet you can’t even nurse a child?”

Grumbling, she prepared to fetch some goat’s milk.

“Mother.”

Xiao Xu called timidly.

“I haven’t slept in days. I can’t manage alone. Could you…”

Madam Wang glared. “You expect me to help?”

Since it wasn’t a grandson, why should she care! What could Xiao Xu do but bite her lip?

“Mother, then let Wan’er return.”

She carefully watched Madam Wang’s expression, afraid of provoking her. “She was stubborn before, always opposing us. But now, living outside, she must have suffered enough to regret it.”

“Mother, haven’t you been saying you’re tired? If she returns, someone can handle the housework, and things will be easier for me too.”

Madam Wang frowned.

That wretch had a terrible temper, but she was certainly capable.

Seeing her waver, Xiao Xu quickly added, “If Father returns and doesn’t see Wan’er, he’ll surely be furious. We won’t have a peaceful New Year.”

“Better to give her a way back now.”

“Otherwise, with Father backing her, she might grow arrogant, play the victim, and force you to personally apologize and beg her to come back.”

Madam Wang found this reasoning sound.

When Yu Tingwan left, she hadn’t given her a single grain of rice. Surely upon seeing her, the girl would come crying, begging forgiveness.

Madam Wang set out, walking far until she neared the old house.

From a distance, she saw Madam Chen leading five young women from the neighboring Wei house.

Madam Wang didn’t recognize them.

But she recognized Yu Tingwan, walking slowly several steps behind.

As if sensing something, Yu Tingwan looked up in her direction.

Madam Wang raised her head high. “Wan—”

She had barely spoken one word when Yu Tingwan’s expression turned cold.

She walked toward the old house with visible disgust.

Madam Wang hurried after her.

“Enough, I’ve come to fetch you—that’s giving you face enough. Why keep up this pretense?”

Yu Tingwan stepped over the threshold.

Madam Wang followed closely, but couldn’t enter—

Bang!

Yu Tingwan slammed the door shut.

Had Madam Wang not dodged quickly, it would have struck her face.

She staggered back, frightened yet furious.

“You—”

She managed only one word.

Then came the cold voice from inside.

“Get lost.”

Next door, Hui Niang heard the commotion and hurried out.

She saw Madam Wang pounding angrily on the old house’s door.

Worried for Yu Tingwan, she called out.

“Wan’er, are you alright?”

The reply came swiftly from inside.

“I’m fine.”

“Just encountered some filth.”