That night, Qiao Jingjing barely slept.

On the other side, let's not even mention the long nights that Mrs. Hougu endured.

Her family demanded that she be a substitute for a traditional woman, adhering to the three obediences and four virtues. She was personally chosen by her mother-in-law, Madam Wu, as the eldest daughter-in-law in the family.

Her every move outwardly represents the dignity of this family, and she bears a heavy responsibility.

She had to pretend to be virtuous and kind, because there was a more virtuous and kind Gu Shi who died young before her.

If she doesn't continue pretending, people will say she's disgracing the Gu family.

At this moment, her husband is in the bridal chamber with another woman.

She only exchanged a few words with her so-called husband, glancing at him a few more times in between, and taking the opportunity to tug at his sleeve.

Before she married into this family.

They just thought she got a great deal this time.

My cousin, who died young, left behind a son. She became his mother without any trouble, enjoying a high status and simply serving her mother-in-law and husband well.

As a result, a pretty girl moved in across the street. She could also grill meat and won over her sister-in-law.

Even if the vase made her smell like smoke and was suffocating, her husband would still go to her room.

Afterwards, Madam Gu tossed and turned, her mind filled with images of Qiao Jingjing.

They each have two eyes, one mouth, and one pair of hands.

How could she so easily win her husband's favor?

Lady Gu seemed to hear what was coming from the other side.

The man's satisfaction, the woman's soft moans.

Madam Gu blushed and her heart pounded as she covered herself completely under the covers.

I stayed on edge until dawn.

Early the next morning, Madam Gu went to pay her respects to her mother-in-law, Madam Wu.

Madam Wu held a cup of hot tea and looked at her three daughters-in-law in front of her.

After the eldest daughter-in-law, Gu Shi.

Second daughter-in-law, Xie.

Third daughter-in-law, Xu.

Anyone who's been through it will understand immediately.

Apart from the third daughter-in-law, Xu, who was in good spirits and had a shy smile, the eldest and second daughters-in-law, despite their careful dressing and attempts to conceal their exhaustion, could not hide it.

Madam Wu waved her hand, telling her daughters-in-law to go back to their own courtyards for breakfast.

Let the daughters-in-law spend more time with their sons.

She believes that freshness can never compete with rich aroma.

Madam Wu heard from Zhang Zhao early this morning that her eldest son had made up his mind last night to attack Huang Zu of Jiangxia this winter.

After returning from Lujiang, we settled the population, organized the army, and prepared supplies. In less than half a month, we were to set off again.

“You lot have been separated from your husbands for most of the year, and I know the pain you feel.”

But now the world is in chaos, the overall situation is uncertain, and everyone is facing difficulties.

"You all shouldn't waste your time on this old woman. These days, you don't need to wake me up at the usual time of day, and you can just come and talk to me and have lunch at noon. Go back now!"

Of Lady Wu's three sons, only her third son, Sun Yi, was still sleeping in; her eldest son, Sun Ce, and second son, Sun Quan, had already gotten up.

Sun Ce practiced his spear technique in the courtyard, and then read books after finishing his practice.

Sun Quan first read a passage from Sun Tzu's Art of War, Lüshi Chunqiu, and Han Feizi, and then asked Zhou Tai and Jiang Xin to practice wrestling with him.

Of course, there's another person who sleeps in late and can't get up.

Qiao Jingjing was lying in bed when Yu Mei had urged her to get up several times.

Qiao Jingjing couldn't open her eyes at all, and her whole body ached, even her neck.

With her eyes half-open, she saw only circles moving around all over the bed.

"Let me sleep a little longer, just two more minutes, just two minutes, just a quick nap, okay?"

Sun Ce had been reading in his study for a long time.

Qiao Jingjing was finally dragged and pulled away by Yu Mei and Zhenzhu.

She squinted as she washed her face and combed her hair.

Yu Mei said, "Madam, if you don't open your eyes soon, you'll miss breakfast today."

Qiao Jingjing said she didn't want to eat breakfast; she just wanted to sleep.

Pearl looked at Qiao Jingjing's appearance.

She recalled the wedding night when she served Lady Gu and Marquis Wu. Lady Gu got up very early, even earlier than Marquis Wu.

"Madam, this is not right of you. Although it is said that there is no need to be respectful to elders in the first three days of marriage, open your eyes and look, it is already late."

Qiao Jingjing then opened her eyes.

She saw herself in the bronze mirror.

Hmm, those eyes clearly had dark circles, but why did that look in them seem to be carrying a certain awkwardness that they were trying to hide?

ah!

Qiao Jingjing covered her face with her hands.

She's already in this state, are these two maids really going to push her out to see people?

How can she ever face anyone again?!

"Sister-in-law, sister-in-law, are you still not up?"

Oh, sister-in-law, you're already up?

Yesterday, I ate barbecue, drank sugarcane juice, and fell asleep at your place, but when I woke up this morning, I was back in my own room.

I know it was you who didn't want me to bother you and my older brother, so you sent me back.

It was Sun Ce who sent Sun Shangxiang back.

Qiao Jingjing pulled Sun Shangxiang's hand and sat down on the couch.

"Why did you come looking for me so early in the morning? What brings you here?"

"How can it be early? Eldest sister-in-law, all three of you have already paid your respects to Mother. How can it be early? I heard Mother say that eldest brother and several other brothers are going to war again, so she told you sisters-in-law not to come and pay your respects to her these days, so that you and your husbands can spend more time together."

Sun Shangxiang spent all her time in this inner courtyard.

The little girl's mind was filled with images of her brothers and sisters-in-law reuniting.

Many tender moments.

Not suitable for children.

"I know you came to see me so early in the morning because you're bored, right? Tell me, what do you want me to do with you?" Qiao Jingjing asked, resting her chin on her hand.

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