Xu Tao was to return to her parents' home three days later, and her family had prepared everything well in advance.

Madam Yao was waiting in the old lady's courtyard early in the morning, her eager anticipation earning her a few teasing remarks from her sisters-in-law.

Madam Yao said, "You'll know how I feel right now when you marry off your daughters."

It wasn't until the old woman from the front yard came to report that the second young lady and her husband had entered the house and were walking towards the back yard that Yao Shi immediately stood up and followed the old woman outside.

The old lady chuckled and said, "Yiyi, you're worried about our second young lady. I wonder if she'll be the same after she gets married."

Ning said, "Even if she gets married, she's still our family's daughter."

The old lady sighed and said, "I've watched the children in our family grow up little by little, and then watched them get married one by one. It's hard not to feel heartbroken. I have no other wish but that my children can live a good life."

As they were talking, a maidservant came in to report that the second young lady and her husband had entered the courtyard and were coming to kowtow to the old lady. The old lady quickly invited them to sit down, and then saw Granny Shen leading the newlyweds, who were dressed in bright red clothes, into the courtyard.

Zhang Zhaoci carefully observed Xu Tao and noticed that Xu Tao's expression was not like that of many married girls returning home, which was three parts shyness, three parts anticipation, and four parts joy of returning home. On the other hand, the eldest young master of the Feng family, who was accompanying her, looked very gentle and refined, and was also considerate and caring towards Xu Tao.

The two men kowtowed to the old lady and then paid their respects to the aunts and uncles. The old lady then arranged for someone to take the second son-in-law to the front yard, where the Marquis and the men of the manor were waiting to entertain this newly arrived son-in-law.

After the eldest son of the Feng family left, everyone in the room immediately surrounded Xu Tao.

The old lady said, "What are you doing? Tao'er, go inside and talk to your mother. She's been worried about you these past few days."

After Xu Tao thanked her, Yao led her into a side hall in the old lady's backyard, where there were tables and chairs, and usually no one came here.

Madam Yao carefully examined her daughter. She hadn't seen her for only two days, but she already missed her terribly.

Holding Xu Tao's hand, Yao asked, "Tao'er, is your husband good to you? How is your mother-in-law?"

Xu Tao said, "My husband is very good, and my mother-in-law is good too."

Yao asked, "Is there anyone in your husband's room?"

Xu Tao blushed and lowered her head, saying, "There used to be two maids serving in my husband's room. They were said to have served him since childhood and had always been his concubines. But because I was going to marry into his family, they were sent to the estate. My husband said that after three months of our marriage, he would bring them back."

Upon hearing this, Yao said in surprise, "No one in their family has mentioned this."

Xu Tao said, "I only found out yesterday. It was when I went to visit my mother-in-law that she told me. She said that my husband is a sentimental person and can't let go of the affection he has for me since I was a child. He specifically went to talk to my mother-in-law and asked her to make the decision. That's when my mother-in-law told me."

Yao said, "Then what do you mean? You're a new bride, and they're using this to disgust you."

Xu Tao said nonchalantly, "That's their business. Let them do what they want. I can have them come back whether I want them to or not. Why should I get angry with them over this?"

Upon hearing Xu Tao's reply, Yao was at a loss for words. She hadn't expected that her daughter, who had only been married for three days, could be so open-minded. If it were a girl from an ordinary family, wouldn't she have cried and run back to her parents' home long ago if she were treated so badly by her husband's family?

Madam Yao composed herself and said, "Tao'er, tell your mother the truth, were you bullied by your husband's family?"

Xu Tao looked at Yao Shi in surprise and said, "Mother, how can you think like that? Look at me, I come from a noble family and have a generous dowry. No matter which family I marry into, I will be pampered and coaxed by my in-laws. I listened to what you and Grandmother said. As long as I have my dowry in my own hands, no one can bully me. Besides, you and Grandmother have arranged the dowry attendants for me, so I feel at ease. I think other families are different from ours. Take the Feng family for example. My father-in-law is an upright official, but he also has two concubines. Since my husband values ​​those two concubines and wants to bring them back, then let him bring them back. I'll just see them less in the future."

Madam Yao never expected that her daughter, who had just gotten married, would encounter such a thing. Overwhelmed with grief, her eyes reddened.

Xu Tao quickly took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears and said, "Mother, what are you doing? Please don't do this. If you do this, who knows what others will think? I've thought it through. Anyway, I have to get married. Although my father-in-law's official position is higher than my father's, I still come from a noble family. I also have my third uncle, and my eldest brother and his brothers will all be pillars of society in the future. With such a family behind me, what is there to be afraid of in my husband's family?"

Hearing these words, Yao's tears flowed even faster. Parents all hope that their children can be sensible and independent, but when their children are really sensible and independent, they feel heartbroken. No matter how old their children are, they are still their children. They still hope that their children can hide behind them and be well protected by their parents. This is probably the contradiction of many parents.

Madam Yao wiped away her tears and said, "My child, I never imagined you would grow up so quickly. Seeing how capable you are makes me both sad and heartbroken."

Xu Tao immediately understood Yao's thoughts. She hugged Yao and said, "Mother, now that I'm married, I understand your worries all along. Don't worry, I will always be able to live a good life."

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