Chapter 142 Extra Chapter 1 (4): The two maids who came in were part of Jing Shao's dowry, brought from her maiden home. While Jing Shao was sleeping, they...

The two maids who came in were part of Jing Shao's dowry, brought from her maiden home. They didn't stop working while Jing Shao was sleeping.

First, the matrons of the mansion led them to a row of back rooms behind the small courtyard to unpack their belongings. Then, they were led around the entire courtyard, starting from Yi'an's small courtyard, from the east courtyard to the main courtyard and then to the west courtyard.

This was something Shen Wanqing had specifically instructed her to do. The young lady was marrying into the country alone, bringing several maids and servants with her. Although they were all in the same capital, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that she was completely unfamiliar with the place.

Therefore, Shen Wanqing didn't need Jing Shao's people to figure things out little by little, getting close to this person today and building relationships with that person tomorrow to become familiar with the Hesheli family. She took the initiative to do this first, which was also her responsibility as a mother-in-law.

A special person led them through all the courtyards, kitchens, storerooms, and even the stables, as well as the special doors for purchasing. This made Jing Shao's dowry maids and servants quite happy, and they felt that the legendary Madam Shen was not so formidable after all.

But their joy vanished when they saw their new son-in-law personally open the door and let them into the inner room to serve him.

When Yi An returned after lunch, his expression and eyes still held a hint of the joy of a newlywed, but now all of that was gone. Standing in the room was Jing Shao, a strong and composed man, but also somewhat uneasy.

The maid who came in to serve her secretly gave Jing Shao a look while combing her hair. Jing Shao pursed her lips and shook her head slightly. She didn't know what was wrong with her. Everything was fine before, and she hadn't done anything.

"Grandpa, today is our first day of marriage. Why don't we go to Father and Mother's courtyard for dinner?"

While combing her hair, Jing Shao had already recalled every word they had said when they were alone. She couldn't find anything wrong with it. The only thing that could be considered a valid point was that Yi An had offered to not go to the East Courtyard for greetings and dinner that evening.

Jing Shao secretly wondered if he still wanted to go back. After all, there were only the two of them at home, him and Sui Ning. How could he just close the door and live his own little life after getting married?

The two were officially betrothed by the Emperor. Before the marriage, Yi'an had only seen Jing Shao once from afar, thanks to his position as a guard in Yuqing Palace.

That time, it was the old lady of the Tong family who brought Jing Shao and her mother to the palace to pay their respects to the Noble Consort.

A figure could be seen from afar; Jing Shao was wearing a striking silver-red cloak that day. Yi An watched her walk along the palace path to the end, around the corner, until her shadow disappeared from sight, before turning back to Yuqing Palace.

Yi An always felt that a very mysterious law his mother had told him was very true: never underestimate your intuition.

Sometimes, something may not seem like a big deal, but after hearing about it, you instinctively resist it, or an answer immediately pops into your head. In that case, it's best not to hesitate any longer. Either stay away from what you resist, or stop tossing and turning and hesitating, and just do the method you initially thought of.

The same applies to people. Some people, you can tell at a glance that they're not meant for you. Others, you can tell at a glance that you might be destined to be with them. If you do meet them, don't force it, whether you're destined or not.

Yi An thought this was absolutely right; he felt that Hong Xi had a bit of that feeling towards him. He was naturally happy to play with him; otherwise, how could someone as wild as him possibly please Hong Xi, the eldest prince?

The second time I felt this principle was truly a universal truth was when I saw Jing Shao from afar. I couldn't say whether I was happy or unhappy, but everyone in Yuqing Palace and Hongxi could tell that Yi An was in a good mood that day.

Only now, looking at Tong Jingshao who thought he had kept a perfect facade of composure but whose probing was blatantly obvious, did he truly understand the meaning behind his mother's words. It was truly strange that he wasn't annoyed by her probing.

“Grandma, there’s no need to test me. Mother said we’ll go tomorrow, and that’s what we’ll do. Today is our first day of marriage, so let’s just relax in this courtyard.”

"Then we'll do whatever the master says."

He had been radiating displeasure when he got up to open the door, but somehow that displeasure had vanished. Jing Shao even noticed a hint of relief and lightness in his expression, but she couldn't quite put her finger on what he was so happy about.

Jing Shao had always been well-behaved. Even with other people coming and going in the house, she wouldn't voice her questions, no matter how many she didn't understand. After all, it was their first day of marriage, and everything else should wait. They had a lifetime ahead of them; what couldn't they say?

Yi An had no one in his room. Shen Wanqing had already warned all the maids and servants who served him, and even the young and tender wives in the mansion, not to have any improper thoughts.

Similarly, Yi'an had also been repeatedly warned by his mother that he was not allowed to take concubines or maids before marriage. There was no reason, no explanation, no cause for concern. Since this household was under her control, everyone had to follow her rules.

As for what happens after you get married, that's for you two to discuss. You can't take care of your son for the rest of your lives.

Because of this, the newlyweds, who almost had a disagreement in the afternoon for some unknown reason, were quite harmonious that night. At least when they came to the east courtyard to pay their respects the next day, they both had smiles on their faces.

"The winter solstice is just around the corner. After the winter solstice, the whole household will be bustling with activity, and with that activity comes busy work."

"Don't worry, Mother. Your daughter-in-law will definitely watch and learn well and won't cause you any trouble."

Tong Jingshao can be said to have grown up hearing the name "Grandma Shen" since he was a child. When he was just old enough to understand things, his elders and mother always said that the Hesheli family was lucky, because even though they had fallen on hard times, they were still able to get back on their feet.

I don't know what kind of background the Shen family has, how they managed to raise such a capable person, who can hold her own in public and also be humble. Even the empresses in the palace say she is a good person.

I've only met her a few times in the palace, and I've never seen her bully others. Even towards a concubine like her who has no son to rely on, she is neither servile nor arrogant, which is pleasing to the eye.

Sometimes, being a good person isn't that important. After all, everyone in this industry is a shrewd old fox. What's more important is making people feel comfortable, and making your act genuine so you can fool those cunning people.

At the time, the Dowager Consort said that this matter was meant to reassure Jing Shao that it was a good thing that she was marrying into such a family. But Jing Shao felt very afraid of having such a legendary figure as her mother-in-law.

She was chatting and laughing with Yi'an when she came out of her own yard in the morning, but when she got to the gate of the east courtyard, her expression became serious involuntarily. Her back was straight, which made Yi'an laugh. His own mother wasn't a tiger, she wasn't that scary.

"That's not what I wanted to talk about. What do you want me to learn from you about housekeeping? How could a girl raised by the Tong family not know how to manage a household? We've just arrived in a new place and haven't gotten used to the people and customs yet."

"I will learn everything I need to know in the manor as soon as possible. If my wife asks me anything she doesn't understand, please don't find me annoying."

Shen Wanqing originally said this to reassure her and tell her not to be nervous. She wasn't a man-eating tiger and didn't want to tell her how to live her life every day. She said, "You know everything, so just do it your way. If there's anything that doesn't work out, we can work it out later."

But Jing Shao heard it as Shen Wanqing wanting her to take charge of the household affairs as soon as possible. She was a little unsure, but she still braced herself and accepted the offer. Her mother-in-law was willing to let her manage the household, so how could she be so ungrateful as to refuse?

Shen Wanqing sometimes felt that getting a wife for her son was not a good thing. It wasn't that she was reluctant to part with her son, but as a new mother-in-law, she couldn't very well appear too unruly in front of others.

These past few days, Shen Wanqing has been getting up early every morning, sitting in front of her dressing table while Qiuwen and the maids wash her hair, comb her hair, and put on makeup, while she herself gradually nods off.

Yu Lang found it amusing and suggested that they shouldn't come to pay their respects every day. They lived in the same household, so why couldn't they see each other anytime? Why did they have to come so early in the morning?

It was quite novel for Yu Lang to say this, since in the first few years after their marriage, Yu Lang had always taken the morning greetings for granted.

Even though he spent most of the month working in the palace, whenever he was resting at home, he would always get up early every day to go to the main courtyard and then to Lady Niohuru's quarters to pay his respects. He could go without saying anything, but he couldn't not go.

It wasn't until later, when more things happened in the mansion, that Niohuru moved to the west courtyard, and then Tongjia became confused and Niohuru became a Buddhist nun. In recent years, the rule of paying respects to the emperor was gradually established on the fifth day of each month, and at other times it was entirely up to the individual's mood.

Shen Wanqing shook her head at Yu Lang's words, refusing. "The Tong family has strict rules. It would be unpleasant for a girl raised by such a family not to follow them."

If I hadn't called her to come and pay her respects this morning, no matter how sweet my words were, she would have couldn't help but wonder if her mother-in-law didn't like her. Like I said, a new bride has to be careful with every word and action when she enters the family; at this time, it's best to remain calm and composed.

Yu Lang initially thought Shen Wanqing was overthinking things, but now it seems that's not true. It's just that Madam Shen is very self-aware and knows that she is the most frightening tiger.

"Why are you in such a hurry, child? I want to tell you that after you and Yi'an return to your parents' home tomorrow, your father and I plan to go out of the city to stay on the estate for a while. During this time, you and Yi'an can stay at home and enjoy your peaceful life."

“You don’t need to go to pay your respects to the old lady every day. She doesn’t even remember you anymore. If you go, she’ll be confused, and it won’t make you feel good. You can go together when Yi’an comes back from his holiday from the palace.”

"The old lady in the west courtyard is a devout Buddhist. You can go there every morning or not. If you don't see her in the Buddhist hall, don't worry too much. It's the same for me. I see her about three or four times out of ten."

"We'll be back before the winter solstice. By then, you'll be familiar with everyone in the manor and you'll have to help me when things get busy."

"Mother……"

Jing Shao has two sisters-in-law, and she has seen how her mother sets rules for them.

Before she left home, her mother repeatedly told her that she must be sensible and well-behaved in other people's homes, and never disobey her mother-in-law. She must not let outsiders say behind her back that the Tong family is ill-mannered and cannot raise a good daughter.

But now, looking at her mother-in-law, who was speaking to her in such a friendly and approachable manner, she felt as if something was particularly different.

“Going to the estate was something your father and I had planned a long time ago. This marriage has been exhausting not only for you and Yi’an, but also for us. A couple of years ago, the Emperor bestowed a small estate upon us, and there’s a hot spring pool in the estate, but we haven’t had time to go and stay there yet.”

"Now that Yi'an is married, and there's a new grandma in the house, they'll have someone to help them with any daily chores, even if I'm not there. Just think of it as me taking a break from work?"

Living under the same roof as her mother-in-law, especially with her well-known mother-in-law, would require some effort to help Jing Shao relax and get used to the family as quickly as possible. Otherwise, with such a rigid and proper girl, by the time she's familiar with the family, Yi An might already be away on a post outside the capital.

If the couple becomes distant and rushes off to take up their posts, it's uncertain how their relationship will develop.

"Mother, aren't you afraid that I've done something wrong by taking matters into my own hands?"

"With such a small mansion and so few people in it, how big of a mistake could you possibly make?"

"Besides, if you make a mistake, you make a mistake. If you make a mistake this time, you can just do it right next time."

Looking at her daughter-in-law, who was staring wide-eyed and seemed a little dazed but also adorable, Shen Wanqing finally felt that the conversation was about over, and then waved her hand to settle the matter. Then she got up and led Jing Shao and Sui Ning to the side room, making room for Yu Lang and Yi An.

The room was filled with things that Jing Shao would take back when he returned to his parents' home tomorrow. There were also two sets of jewelry that had been prepared in advance for Jing Shao and Sui Ning, one set for each of them, showing the master's demeanor of being fair and impartial.

"Mother, are you and Father going to the estate? Will Sui Ning go too? If my sister isn't going, can I let Sui Ning stay in my courtyard for a few days?"

Jing Shao is a very observant person. She noticed as soon as she entered the East Courtyard that this family raised their daughter differently from the Tong family.

Before I even entered the house, my sister-in-law, Sui Ning, practically clung to her father's back. When I arrived, she didn't put on any airs. It was clear at a glance that this girl was truly a precious jewel, pampered yet not arrogant or domineering.

“Sister-in-law, don’t worry about me. My mother just said so much in circles, but it all boils down to one thing: she’s worried that you’re not comfortable since you’ve just married into the family, so she wants you to go stay at the estate with Father for a while. Now that the mountain bandit is gone, you and my brother can do whatever you want in the manor. As long as you’re comfortable, everything will be fine.”

There were some things that Shen Wanqing couldn't say, but Sui Ning could say just right. After saying that, she ignored Jing Shao's pale face and continued to talk to her while showing her the things they would take to the Tong family the next day.

“Mother and Father have gone to the estate, and I won’t stay in the manor either. Sister-in-law, you must have heard of the Taoist priestess Lan. She is my master.”

“A few days ago, she set up a caravan to travel to the southwest. Although I can’t go with her to the southwest from Beijing yet, I can stay with her for a few days. I’ll go and see how it goes first. If it’s fun there, I’ll come back and pick up my sister-in-law to come and visit.”

"Okay, then we won't worry about the situation. We'll go together after your brother goes to the palace to start his duties. If it's fun, we can stay for two days. If it's not fun, you can come back with me."

While Sui Ning was saying these things, Shen Wanqing was checking the list. Seeing that the two of them were exchanging ideas quite well, she felt somewhat relieved.

Originally a family bound by blood, now there's a daughter-in-law. They say, "From now on, we're all one family," but without the title of daughter-in-law, she's basically a complete stranger who suddenly entered the household.

How Jing Shao should integrate, and how his family should accept him—that's truly a skill. Shen Wanqing didn't want to cause any unpleasantness in this matter, so she could only proceed more cautiously and meticulously at every step.

Meanwhile, Yu Lang, who also sensed something was amiss, was far less polite to his son. As soon as Shen Wanqing led her daughter and daughter-in-law out, he took his son to the small study in the side room and asked him directly.

"What, you don't like you as your wife?"

"No, Father, what are you talking about? My relationship with Tongjia is fine."

"Be alright..."

Yu Lang watched his son repeat what he had said, and then his expression became completely serious. Shen Wanqing really had no idea what the father and son were like when they were alone.

"I'll ask you one more time, what is it about the Tongjia clan that you are dissatisfied with?"

"I'm not dissatisfied, it just feels a bit strange."

When Yi'an saw his father's expression, he knew that if he didn't tell the truth, his father would get serious. So he didn't dare to hide it anymore and told Yulang everything that had happened yesterday.

“I told her there was no rush to get up, but she insisted. I said she didn’t need to come over, and she’s using this to test me again. Father, I know she hasn’t done anything wrong, but it’s just… it’s just…”

"It's different from ours, isn't it?"

Yu Lang understood. His son felt that his wife was distant from him, unlike the couples he had seen since childhood. He knew in his heart that Jing Shao hadn't done anything wrong; it was just that Jing Shao hadn't touched Yi An's most comfortable spot in their initial interactions.

“Have you ever thought that Madam Tongjia also feels that you are different from the men in her family, and that our household is different from the Tong family? You have someone to talk to, and as your father, I can immediately ask if something is wrong. But she has nowhere to talk to.”

“I know what Father meant. I told him it was nothing. How could I be so unreasonable as to argue with her over such a small thing?”

“You can’t keep thinking that my relationship with Tongjia Shi is as good as yours and my mother’s. You can’t find anyone as good as her in the whole capital. My little knot in my heart is just a tiny thing, it will be gone in a couple of days.”

Yi An had long understood that very few people in this world could live a life like his father and mother. Of course, he had also wished he could have a life like that with his wife, but such a thing was impossible. Jing Shao was already very good; he could adjust his own mindset.

"Please don't ask me how I get along with Tongjia anymore. After we come back from the Tong family, you should take my mother to the estate for a visit."

After saying that, Yi'an quickly turned around and left the study, leaving Yu Lang speechless for a long time.

Before long, Shen Wanqing came in alone. Her son had already led his wife to the west courtyard to pay their respects. Sui Ning didn't like going to Niohuru's place, so she found an excuse to go to the main courtyard to see the old lady.

Only Shen Wanqing was left to find Yu Lang. The couple looked at each other for a moment, then burst out laughing. They'd gone around worrying about everything; it seemed they'd worried too much.