Chapter 183
After the banquet, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law sat in the carriage on their way home.
Yingxiang had little idea of what the real private life of a large family was like. She could only guess and imagine. Although she had read some novels in modern times, many of them were based on the author's imagination.
The relationship between a stepmother and stepdaughter is somewhat suggestive, but today she saw Madam Shen and Shen Chu getting along very intimately, and outsiders couldn't see anything wrong with it. If they didn't know better, they would think they were mother and daughter.
The two of them praised each other, just as they had done on previous occasions when they met at banquets.
Despite holding the title of the eldest legitimate daughter, Shen Chu grew up peacefully. Whether the Madam was truly kind and loving, or the specific details, she did not know.
Recalling the children she had seen at the banquet earlier that day, who greeted everyone respectfully, Yingxiang asked, "Were your younger brothers also raised by your mother?"
The Shen family had quite a few offspring: three legitimate daughters, two sons, and several illegitimate sons.
Yingxiang was naturally referring to the younger ones. Before, when the Madam went out to socialize, her three daughters would take turns looking after her. After Chenchu got married, she only took care of her two daughters.
Yingxiang was a little curious.
"My father's concubines were all taken in by my mother, and my younger brothers were also raised by my mother. They would be brought to her at birth. I could not see my aunts except during festivals."
The difference between illegitimate daughters and illegitimate sons is huge. At most, the former are treated well with good food and drink on a daily basis, and given a dowry when they go out.
The latter will be entitled to a share of the family property in the future, and being raised by the legal mother will naturally be beneficial to the children.
The aunt came from a good family and had become quite well-known in the social circles of the capital over the years.
Yingxiang nodded. The Shen family's rules seemed quite strict.
Chen Chu was a little unsure of Yingxiang's meaning. She thought for a moment and then said, "I do have a maidservant by my side, who is quite lovely. I've been thinking about whether to elevate her to the rank of concubine for my husband, so that we can continue our lineage in the future. Mother, what do you think?"
Upon hearing this, Yingxiang subconsciously shook her head, but after a moment's reaction, she immediately sat up straight.
"You two should discuss your own affairs. We don't do that in our family."
Upon hearing Yingxiang's last sentence, Shen Chu subconsciously breathed a sigh of relief; this was for the best.
Even after being married into the family for so long, her mother-in-law never put anyone in their room. She has always been very tolerant of her, never asking her to pay her respects morning and night or serve her, and never putting on airs or making her suffer. This was something that Shen Chu never dared to imagine before she got married.
“Leqian is about to go back to take the exam. There will be some time between the exam and the results being released. During this time, he will go back to his hometown. You have been married for quite some time now, and he will also have things to do when he goes back. Would you like to go back with him to visit?”
Shen Chu was taken aback. She knew that the Wen family had no connection with the capital.
My husband must have something to do when he goes back. If he could take the opportunity to pay respects to our ancestors, that would be good. But is that alright?
She felt a little uncertain.
"Just think of it as going back for a stroll and paying respects to the elders in the family. Your father asked Leqian to go back firstly to find someone to repair the original courtyard of the house, and secondly to donate some money to the ancestral hall."
Yingxiang decided to be frank, explaining that while she had come up through the village step by step, Chen Chu was quite different.
Furthermore, this time we're using the family's carriage, so there's nothing inconvenient about it. It's just a matter of having an extra carriage, and the family isn't short of money.
The couple has been married for quite some time, but the time they spend together is always short. After their son finishes his exams, he will feel much more relaxed. Spending time together before the results are released might even strengthen their relationship.
Wasn't it the same with Wen Shi back then? They were introduced by a matchmaker. When it comes to living together, love is useless; it's all about character. The former will fade away, while the latter is the main reason why you can stay together for a lifetime.
After thinking it over for a moment, Shen Chu nodded and agreed.
It would be good to go back and visit the Wen family relatives, since she has already married into the Wen family and is now a member of the Wen family.
In the evening, Yingxiang told Wenshi about it.
"It's good for the couple to be together."
Wen Shi did not object. Shen Chu seemed to be a reliable and good child who knew what was important.
Chen Chu had nothing to do at home anyway, so going back would be a good opportunity to visit some of the elders who were still there, prepare some gifts, and pay a formal visit.
Two weeks later
Wen Shixiu and Le Qianxun took a day off together, so the family of five, including Xin Xin and Chen Chu, went to Huguo Temple in the suburbs of Beijing.
This temple is quite prestigious, and its interior is magnificent and luxurious, several times larger than any temple Yingxiang had visited before. Only officials of a certain rank are qualified to enter.
Before we even arrived at the destination, a rich aroma of incense wafted towards us.
Yingxiang, dressed in light spring clothes and looking quite presentable, led her youngest son and the family off the carriage, walking along the bluestone path towards the mountain.
Wen Shi was ahead, while she lagged behind.
A gentle breeze rustled through the babbling brook, the weather was perfect, and Yingxiang occasionally glanced at the blue sky and white clouds, feeling completely at ease. The surrounding area was shaded by green trees, with people going uphill and others coming downhill. Various unnamed wildflowers were in full bloom, making for a beautiful scene.
Upon arriving at the entrance of Huguo Temple, Yingxiang stopped in her tracks upon seeing the enormous plaque. The most eye-catching feature was the large incense burner placed in the courtyard, which was gilded.
Looking at my youngest son, he has clearly made a lot of progress. I can only say that it was a good choice to switch schools.
"Go in."
Leqian and Shen Chu walked behind. The couple looked like a perfect match.
Sometimes, when Yingxiang looked at the two of them, she would think back to when she was their age. Back then, she had just gotten married and went to town with Wenshi. She even sold things at the market back then, all to make a living and earn money.
In the blink of an eye, twenty years have passed.
Her current life is something she never imagined before. Back then, the best life she could have was one where she had no worries about food and drink. Now, not only is that true, but she is also very happy, and there are many surprises that she never expected before.
The family walked to the center of the main hall and looked at the imposing and tall pillars around them. Yingxiang respectfully offered incense and donated some money for incense.
She asked for little, only that her family be healthy.
After offering incense, the family headed towards the back of the mountain.
When they reached the middle of the mountain, Wen Shi slowed down and waited for Ying Xiang to come over, gesturing for her to come to his side.
"What's wrong?"
Yingxiang looked at him with some curiosity, took a step up, the weather was clear, and the sun was about to rise. She hadn't run into any acquaintances along the way.
The next second, Wen Shi moved to the side, and Ying Xiang raised her head and looked in the direction Wen Shi was looking. Not far away, it seemed to be Madam Luo, Chen Chu's aunt.
She subconsciously glanced back at her daughter-in-law, and saw her walking towards them with a smile. Yingxiang greeted her with a smile, showing great enthusiasm.
"Lord Wen, Madam Wen, it is fate that we meet here today. The whole family has come to worship Buddha."
"Yes, the weather is nice today. Since everyone in the family is free, I brought them out for a spring outing and to visit the Buddha. It's a good way for them to relax."
Wen Shi nodded slightly as a greeting.
Shen Chu was also taken aback when she saw her aunt, but she wasn't too surprised. She knew that her aunt liked Buddhism.
She was a regular here, just like her grandmother in her later years.
"Chu'er, you haven't seen your aunt for a long time. Since you've met today, why don't you go and have a chat together?"
The temple wasn't so new to Shen Chu; she had lived with her grandmother for quite some time before. Hearing her mother-in-law's words, she subconsciously looked at her aunt.
Before long, she will be going back to her hometown with Leqian.
By the time we come back, it will definitely be winter.
She didn't refuse; she cherished these relatives who genuinely cared for her.
"Mrs. Luo, let's go upstairs first."
Le Qian didn't object. He cupped his hands in greeting, called her "Aunt," and then followed Wen Shi and the others upstairs.
Shen Chu let her aunt lead her, and the two walked with smiles toward the meditation room not far away.
It was an hour later when they reached the summit.
Yingxiang felt a bit weak because she hadn't been out for a long time, and her legs ached a little. As for her two sons and husband, they still looked energetic and not tired at all.
No, she needs to exercise more in the future and can't just sit at home all the time.
Yingxiang looked at her husband standing to the side. He was tall and straight, and looked very mature and steady. Time may take its toll, but compared to his peers, he was outstanding in both appearance and figure.
He never overeats or drinks, and he never gains weight.
Yingxiang looked into the distance and saw breathtaking scenery in the mountains. The birdsong was melodious and clear. She was so engrossed in the view that she felt happy.
Leqian carried Xinxin to the waterfall not far away. The two brothers were laughing and doing something.
Inside the cleaned meditation room, the servants were waiting outside. Madam Luo looked at her niece with a gentle smile.
She had no daughter and adored her eldest niece. Unfortunately, this good girl was ultimately implicated by her mother, causing her brother to fear her and insist on marrying her off to someone of lower status, believing that this would bring her stability.
"Aunt, there's no need to worry about Chu'er. Chu'er is doing very well."
Shen Chu told her aunt about her life in the Wen family. She was brief in her words, and Madam Luo breathed a sigh of relief after listening.
"I didn't expect your in-laws to be so good. But they must be extraordinary people to have come this far. As long as your husband is ambitious, you will be just as good in the future."
"Yes, Chu'er spent three thousand taels to buy a farm a few days ago. She thought that she would have more income by the end of the year, and it would be useless to leave the money lying around."
"Your mother is just a big shot."
When the topic of her stepmother came up, Shen Chu remained silent. She always put on a good show, even though her father didn't care about her at all.
"I can't give you shops and estates directly, but money is no problem. If you need anything, just send someone to let me know."
"Thank you, Aunt."
Shen Chu wasn't naive. She was already married and living a good life. There was no need for her to ask her aunt for money. She had more than enough on her own.
Zhuangzi Shop has a stable income every year, and her current expenses are not high. Shen Chu has already planned to gradually acquire some properties so that she can leave them to her children in the future.
"You look great, so your husband must be a good man. Even if he doesn't have a wealthy family, he's a good person. You won't be mistreated, and you'll live a comfortable life."
“When my aunt was young, she didn’t have it easy working under her mother-in-law either.”
Even though her father held a title and had military achievements, and her mother was a royal princess, filial piety was paramount.
Recalling the past, Mrs. Luo couldn't help but sigh. Although it's all in the past, and she herself has gone from being a daughter-in-law to a mother-in-law, she still doesn't feel so comfortable when she thinks about it now.
"Aunt, don't think about those things. It won't be long before you hold your grandson."
Having said that, Mrs. Luo smiled, looking very happy.
"Your offspring are equally important."
Even if your in-laws don't urge you, you still need to pay attention. If it goes on for too long and you still don't get pregnant, it won't work. You still need to take good care of your health.
"yes."
The aunt and niece talked for more than half an hour before Madam Luo went back first, as she had other matters to attend to. Shen Chu also left not long after, waiting for her at the foot of the mountain.
Wen Shi and Ying Xiang soon followed.
On the way home, there were two horse-drawn carriages.
In the next carriage, Shen Chu sat beside Le Qian. The couple were very close to each other in the small carriage.
"My husband, I'll start packing as soon as I get back so we can prepare in advance. There aren't many days left."
Le Qian glanced at his wife with his clear black and white eyes, nodded, and decided it was better to be early than late. He was about to go on stage, and he wasn't as nervous as he had expected.
Looking at his wife's hands resting on her knees, her posture proper, he reached out and took her small hand in his. Shen Chu was taken aback, her face slightly flushed.
There are now only two people inside the carriage.
"It will take quite a while to get back, so get some sleep, relax, and don't always be so tense."
After Le Qian finished speaking, he immediately pulled her close.
Inside the carriage in front, Xinxin sat upright without saying a word, while Yingxiang sat to one side, slowly sipping her tea.
Wen Shi held a book in his hand, reading it intently.
Life was peaceful and uneventful, but it was also quite comfortable.
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