The story of the bride's family "turning against her" on her third-day return visit.
On the day of his return visit three days after his parents' wedding, Prince Yi, Zhao Jingyi, was well-prepared. He was determined to demonstrate his "virtuous son-in-law" demeanor at the Qin residence and, incidentally, to provoke the princess who always gave him the cold shoulder.
As soon as the carriage arrived at the Qin residence, Minister Qin and his wife, along with the entire household, were already waiting respectfully. Zhao Jingyi jumped off the carriage first, and contrary to his usual behavior, he turned around and reached out to help Qin Yuti.
Qin Yuti looked at the forced, seemingly "kind" smile on his face, and alarm bells rang in her mind. What kind of trouble was this scoundrel up to now? She wanted to ignore the hand, but under the watchful eyes of everyone, she had no choice but to gently place her hand on his and give him a warning look.
Zhao Jingyi received the look in his eyes, but instead of being annoyed, he smiled even more brightly and lowered his voice: "My dear concubine, today is your homecoming, so you must give your husband some face."
As soon as they entered the main hall, Zhao Jingyi's performance began.
"Father-in-law, you have been busy with official duties lately, so I have specially found a fine Duan inkstone for you. I hope you will accept it."
"My dear mother-in-law, your complexion is becoming more and more radiant. This set of jade jewelry perfectly complements your elegant demeanor."
He even prepared a generous gift for Qin Yuti's unmarried older sister, Qin Shuhua: "Miss Qin is intelligent and kind-hearted. This box of Huzhou brushes and Huizhou ink is just a token of my appreciation."
His humble demeanor and polite words, coupled with the thoughtful gift, delighted Minister Qin and his wife, who repeatedly praised the prince for his meticulous attention to detail and thoughtfulness. Qin Shuhua also chuckled softly, finding that this supposedly纨绔 (playboy/spoiled brat) prince wasn't so bad after all.
Qin Yuti sat to the side, watching her parents and sister fawn over Zhao Jingyi, as if he were their biological son and she were an outsider. She couldn't help but speak softly, "Father, Mother, I've only been gone for three days, why does it seem like I have no place in this house? Who is your biological daughter anyway?"
Madam Qin gave her a reproachful look: "You child, how can you talk like that? The prince treats you so well, it's your good fortune."
Qin Shuhua chimed in with a smile, "Little sister, I think the prince treats you quite well, showing you care and concern. Don't be too willful, be content."
Qin Yuti immediately put on her dramatic act, putting on a tearful look and clutching her chest: "Sister! How come even you are siding with him? Sure enough, love can disappear, right? It's only been three days, and our sisterly bond of over ten years can't even compare to a few gifts from the prince?" Her performance was so lifelike that Qin Shuhua laughed until she bent over.
Seeing this, Zhao Jingyi was so smug he was practically floating on air! He pressed his advantage and began to "casually" reveal Qin Yuti's "misdeeds" in the Prince's mansion: "Father-in-law and mother-in-law, don't worry, Yuti is doing well in the Prince's mansion, except... she's a bit impatient sometimes. The other night she even wanted to spar with me, but luckily I'm quick..." He spoke vaguely, but it was enough to leave room for imagination.
Minister Qin immediately put on a stern face and reprimanded his daughter: "Yu Ti! Now that you are married, you should be gentle and obedient. How can you be so disrespectful to the Prince!"
Qin Yuti's teeth practically ground down at Zhao Jingyi's smug, taunting face. This scoundrel, relying on his parents' backing, dared to preemptively accuse others!
The homecoming banquet left Qin Yuti feeling incredibly resentful. Zhao Jingyi, on the other hand, was beaming with joy, receiving unprecedented warmth and recognition from his in-laws.
On the carriage back to the Prince's mansion, Zhao Jingyi was still savoring his victory. With his legs crossed, he leisurely teased, "My dear consort, it seems that your father-in-law, mother-in-law, and eldest daughter are all very sensible. You should learn to be more gentle in the mansion from now on, understand?"
Qin Yuti closed her eyes to rest, too lazy to pay him any attention.
Upon returning to Prince Yi's residence and stepping into their own courtyard, Qin Yuti immediately dismissed all the servants.
Zhao Jingyi, oblivious to the danger, was still smug: "What? Your husband guessed right? Speechless now?"
Qin Yuti slowly turned around, her face no longer showing any trace of the submissiveness she had shown at her parents' home. A cold smile curled at the corner of her lips as she approached Zhao Jingyi step by step.
Zhao Jingyi was so intimidated by her imposing manner that he took a step back: "You... what do you want to do? In broad daylight, you dare to..."
"Dare?" Qin Yuti interrupted him, casually picking up a jade ruler used for cutting paper from the table. "Didn't Your Highness complain quite freely at my family home? Didn't you say I was impatient and wanted to spar?"
"I was... I was just telling the truth!" Zhao Jingyi said stubbornly, but his eyes were fixed on the jade ruler.
"Very well!" Qin Yuti flicked her wrist, the jade ruler whistling through the air. "Then today, I'll prove my reputation! I'll show you what true 'impatient temper' really means!"
For the next quarter of an hour, Prince Yi's inner chamber was filled with the prince's wailing and pleading, along with the sounds of tables and chairs clattering.
"Ouch! Qin Yuti! How dare you hit me, the king!"
"I was wrong! My lady! Your Highness! I was wrong!"
"Don't hit me in the face! I still have to meet people tomorrow!"
"Father-in-law and mother-in-law! Miss! Help—!"
On the other side, at the Prince Rui's residence, the scene upon returning home was quite different.
Although Prince Rui, Zhao Jingming, was not truly present, he maintained impeccable decorum. Accompanying Su Wanqing back to the Duke of Anguo's residence, he presented gifts that were no less numerous than those given to Prince Yi, displaying dignified bearing and courteous speech, ensuring Su Wanqing and the Duke of Anguo's family received ample respect. To outsiders, they appeared to be a perfect couple, a match made in heaven.
However, only the person involved truly understands the ingrained sense of alienation. After playing along with the act, Su Wanqing returned to the carriage and, gazing at the bustling street scene outside the window, felt utterly exhausted.
In contrast to the chaotic yet vibrant "lesson" at Prince Yi's Mansion, the respectful demeanor at Prince Rui's Mansion feels more like a lavish yet cold performance. Which is more suffocating? Only those involved can truly judge.
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