War of words
Taishi Zheng stood up, and Xiaoyu was handed to Cang Yi again. "Sister-in-law, please take care of our Xiaoyu."
When Xiaoyu saw her aunt in front of her, she winked happily at Cangyi in Zheng's arms.
But Cang Yi's eyes were fixed on Cuo Cuo, and he had no intention of picking up the sweet and docile Xiao Yu. Cui Zhijian reluctantly stood up and tried to take it for Cang Yi. But the moment the little girl saw her uncle's furious expression, she hid in fear in Zheng's arms.
"No uncle, no uncle."
Cui Zhijian frowned, seeing that he had absolutely no patience for the child. "Heyu, do you want to stay here and play with the puppy, or do you want to go to your great-grandmother's house to look for your mother?"
Although Xiaoyu is a small girl, she is quite clever.
She turned to look at the old lady in the shed, then at the fierce uncle and the cute little dog. Although reluctant, she still timidly extended her hand to Cui Zhijian, "...I want uncle."
"That's right. Okay, you two go." Cui Zhijian took the person over smoothly and signaled the two sisters-in-law to go ahead without worry.
Zheng nodded in thanks and handed the leash to Xiaoyu before leaving. "Xiaoyu, keep the dog on a tight leash and don't let it wander off. Remember?"
Xiaoyu nodded, holding the dog leash tightly with both hands without moving.
Zheng was amused by her expression and happily turned to Song Mingyue. But once the two sisters-in-law joined their elders, Zheng's bright smile vanished completely. Beneath the shed, Song Mingyue and Taishi Zheng huddled together, their faces stern, neither wanting to be the first to stand out.
The old lady still sat in the middle with dignity, but her face did not look as good as it had been a month ago when they met in the hall. Meanwhile, the third aunt and Zou Shuangtong beside the old lady were trying to be more filial to her, serving her tea and asking about her well-being.
Zheng had never done this kind of work of bowing and serving others at home or even in Kunning Palace.
So, after she finished her greetings, she didn't say anything else. Instead, the old lady spoke first and asked, "Daughter-in-law Zhijun, after just over a month of marriage, are you getting used to life in our mansion? Is your father doing well?"
These words sound like polite greetings.
Although Zheng knew the answer, she still answered respectfully, "To answer the old lady, the uncle's family is very good, and my granddaughter-in-law is used to everything. My father is also doing well. He also said that he would see you someday, and asked my granddaughter-in-law to send his greetings to you."
"The governor is very thoughtful." The old lady leaned back on the couch, with the warm brazier beside her burning brightly.
When Zheng lowered her eyes, she saw a hint of sharpness in the old lady's eyes. From her eyes to her heart, Zheng knew that she seemed to have something to say...
The next second, the old lady turned to look at Song Mingyue.
She rarely gave him a lecture today, but instead asked him with a purposeful look, "Wife Zhichou, you've been married here for almost two years, right?"
Song Mingyue said yes.
The old lady nodded, then sighed and changed the subject.
She said, "I am truly old. I used to only hope that my children and grandchildren would all get married and start their own families, so that I could finally fulfill my wish and leave this world in peace. But now, seeing that my descendants are dwindling, I am filled with anxiety. I think it will be difficult for me to close my eyes. And I see that my health is getting worse day by day..."
"What should I do..."
Well, it's the same old trick to induce labor. Song Mingyue's ears were callused by the old lady's words.
She turned and exchanged glances with Taishi Zheng, implying that she should just listen and not take it seriously. However, except for the two sisters-in-law, everyone present hurriedly urged the old lady to stop saying unlucky things, saying that she would definitely be blessed with good fortune.
However, Tai Shi Zheng, who was standing in the middle, always felt that something was wrong. She knew that the old lady had not finished speaking.
But who should say what comes next is a science.
Zheng secretly guessed in her heart.
Was it the mother-in-law? Zheng shook her head slightly. The mother-in-law and the old lady had always been at odds. Even when they agreed, it was difficult for them to make peace. Was it the eldest sister? Zheng rejected her idea. The eldest sister looked taciturn and rarely asked about family matters. It would be difficult for her to reach a consensus with the old lady so quickly.
So, it can only be...
Zheng fixed her gaze firmly on Third Aunt.
As expected, Cui Banqin took over the old lady's words at this moment, "Old lady, don't worry. Don't worry too much. Just calm down. Your children and grandchildren will have their own blessings. Why worry so much? Just accept their filial piety, isn't that enough? But if you are really worried, this matter can be easily handled -"
The important words are in the second half of the sentence. Cui Banqin deliberately glanced at her two sisters-in-law before speaking.
Tai Shi Zheng looked back and thought that her guess was correct. The old lady and the third aunt were singing the same tune and were both coming for them.
"Easy? Third girl, you say it so easily, how can it be easy?"
The old lady pretended to glance at Cui Banqin.
Cui Banqin seemed to have received instructions and finally said the second half of the sentence: "Then let my nephews take more concubines, so that they can have more children and expand their family. Then the old lady's wish will be fulfilled. Sister-in-law, what do you think, am I right?"
Cui Banqin suddenly passed the message to Yu Yuelan, but Yu Yuelan frowned and gave her a blank look.
Right? Bullshit.
Yu Yuelan couldn't stand her expression the most.
Even though her daughter-in-law had been married for just over a month, she was still dissatisfied with everything she said and did. But no matter how dissatisfied she was, Tai Shi Zheng was still her son's legitimate wife, so why would Yu Yuelan side with an outsider? If she had anything to say, she could just scold her. Why would an outsider get involved? Should she take a concubine? Should she take a concubine? She wasn't even dead yet, so why would she care?
What did they take her daughter for?
Yu Yuelan was trying to formulate her words, thinking about how to politely retort Cui Banqin in front of the old lady. She was still trying to avoid getting reprimanded by her master.
Zou Shuangtong, however, brought in some more firewood at this moment. She pinched the old lady's shoulder and agreed, "I think Third Aunt is right. Expanding the family is a major issue for our uncle's mansion, and it's also a source of worry for our old lady. Let's not talk about anything else, just take our brother Yun as an example. He's the future master of our uncle's mansion. If he has few children, wouldn't it be a laughing stock if the news got out? I think you, Yun's wife, should put the overall situation first and find a few good concubines for him to show your magnanimity. Old lady, my sister from my natal family is still unmarried. Why don't we bring her over before the New Year and let Yun meet her?"
Seeing that Zou Shuangtong hadn't been humiliated enough by Yu Yuelan before, she still hadn't given up on that idea, and her calculations were about to fall in everyone's faces. She seemed to think that by marrying her sister to Cui Zhijun as a concubine, she would be able to dominate the Earl's Mansion and easily control Tai Shi Zheng.
What an idiot.
As the one who played the villain, the old lady didn't rush to respond to Zou Shuangtong's words. She was observing the reactions of her two sisters-in-law.
But who is Ke Zheng? She is not someone who will be bullied.
Taishi Zheng watched as these people bullied others. But now that she was here, she couldn't let them do whatever they wanted. Zheng raised her eyes and stared at Zou Shuangtong and retorted, "The overall situation is important? I don't have the broad mind of you, Mrs. Zhisong. If that's the case, Mrs. Zhisong, why don't you give me a head start?"
"You." Zou Shuangtong stepped back behind the old lady when he saw that things were not going well. "This is just about your business, why are you mentioning me?"
Taishi Zheng replied logically, "Why should I mention you? You're also the daughter-in-law of the Earl's Mansion, and you'll have a role in the family's expansion. Why can't I be mentioned? If today is really as Third Aunt said, then we two shouldn't be the only ones called here. Third Aunt, do you think I should invite the Princess of Lingshan County to discuss this as well? I just wonder what the Prince's Mansion would think if they found out about this?"
Zheng's words were powerful.
At that time, Yu Yuelan, who was always making a fuss, raised her eyebrows and became silent after hearing the argument between her daughter-in-law and them.
Seeing the criticism pointed back at her, Third Aunt no longer tried to hide her feelings and spoke frankly to Taishi Zheng, "Wife Zhijun, you've been beating around the bush, isn't it just because you don't want to follow the old lady's wishes and let Brother Jun take a concubine? But if each of you could fight for your own loyalty, we elders wouldn't have to worry about it. Why don't you understand your elders' good intentions?"
"No, I don't want to. I don't think anyone else would."
Zheng answered without hesitation.
Cui Banqin is unkind, so there is no need for her to give her face.
Her determination was not only to defend her own happiness, but also to protect her own dignity. Today, she wanted to make them understand some truths that they had not understood before.
"Third Aunt, you've said all these good intentions yourself. But can good intentions that others can't feel still be called good intentions? Have you ever thought that these will become a burden to others? I don't believe that someone would be so magnanimous and understanding if they heard that their husband's in-laws wanted to take a concubine just one month after getting married. Anyway, there is no such rule in my family."
"Grandmother, from the beginning to the end, you have never mentioned anything about letting the younger generations take concubines. How can you represent Grandmother's wishes? In this case, I would like to ask you, Grandmother, do you really want the younger generations to do this?"
Zheng was sure that the old lady was going to continue singing about her red face, so she dared to ask such a bold question.
Song Mingyue was stunned and wanted to applaud. She just said that it was good to live a tough life.
Yu Yuelan also felt very happy. This was the first time in her life that someone refuted Cui Banqin in front of the old lady. She thought that after so many years, someone had finally vented her anger, so she covered her eyes with the teacup and laughed secretly.
But who is the old lady?
If she wins, she gains; if she loses, she retreats. Regardless of the circumstances, Cui Banqin is just a knife in her hand, ready to strike wherever she points. Having tested the limits of her new bride today, knowing both herself and her enemy will ensure victory in future battles.
At that moment, Cui Banqin had just risen up in anger, ready to have a talk with Taishi Zheng, but the old lady seized the opportunity to calm her down. Her red face began to sing again, "Alright, Third Girl. Why bother arguing with the younger generation? It's enough for them to understand these things. Don't force them, it will only hurt the relationship. I'm tired, tell everyone to go back."
"Let's have a good Snow Feast, don't let these things ruin the fun."
"mother."
Cui Banqin felt a little unwilling and reached out to push the old lady's leg. The old lady then closed her eyes and said nothing. Seeing this, Yu Yuelan put down her teacup and said to the younger generation in a serious tone, "Go, Sister Qing, you should go back too."
Taishi Zheng nodded and said no more.
This matter has come to an end. If there is any trouble in the future, she will just deal with it as it comes.
The other wives and the eldest sister-in-law walked out of the shed. Cui Jianqing looked at her brother's wife tenderly and burst out laughing. She seemed to think that Cui Zhijun was a worthwhile wife. She spoke calmly and neither servilely nor arrogantly. She was reasonable and had a temper.
Third Aunt has been suffering in this uncle's house for a long time.
But after the people walked away, the angry voice of the third aunt could still be vaguely heard from under the shed.
"No, mother! Look at what she's saying. Is it such a big deal to have a young lady come to make the bed for her? She's not even our daughter-in-law! You can't just let it go like this. You have to set some rules for her—you have to make the decision for me, mother~"
-
As soon as Tai Shi Zheng returned to Cang Yi and the others, Cui Zhijian asked, "The atmosphere seems a little off. What did you say?"
Zheng glanced at Song Mingyue beside her. She had said everything she needed to say, and now things were fine. But Song Mingyue was filled with rage and slammed her fist on the table. "Brother! Third Auntie is actually instigating us to take concubines for Second Brother and Third Brother."
"What?" Hearing this, the usually silent Cang Yi became no longer silent. "Third Aunt, why do you say that?"
Of course, someone arranged it, and Zheng was very secretive about it.
Song Mingyue nodded angrily, hurting the innocent as soon as she spoke, "It's absolutely true. Sister-in-law, you have to keep an eye on big brother. The old lady dotes on him so much. Maybe there will be something good, and I will arrange it for big brother first--"
As he spoke, Cui Jianqing silently took Xiaoyu from Cui Zhijian's hands. Cui Zhijian looked at Song Mingyue in astonishment. He still hated her bad mouth as usual.
The speaker may not be unintentional, but the listener may be intentional.
Just look, as soon as Song Mingyue finished speaking, several sisters-in-law turned their eyes to Cui Zhijian.
Cui Zhijian, a six-foot-tall man, was visibly panicked, but he sat up straight, raised his head to the sky, and swore confidently, "Don't worry, I don't have that habit for anyone other than your sister-in-law."
As soon as these words were spoken, Cui Jianqing silently covered Xiaoyu's ears, while Cang Yi blushed and pushed the stone beside him.
"Cui Dalang, what are you talking about..."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
