“Ah Ji, it’s not that your mother is greedy, it’s just that our lives are too difficult.”
The middle-aged woman noticed her son's resistance, softened her tone, and said softly, "I'm not doing this for myself, I'm just worried about you."
As she spoke, the middle-aged woman's gaze fell on her son's face.
Tears welled up in her eyes. "My son, you're eighteen years old now, and you still aren't even married!"
Having no clan, losing his father, and being an illegitimate son, it was truly an awkward situation.
If Xie Jiwen is exceptionally talented and knowledgeable, perhaps the Xie clan might allow him to be included in the clan genealogy, considering his talent.
Unfortunately, Xie Ji did not inherit the good genes of his biological father, Xie Yuan; instead, he resembled his mother very much.
He has a handsome appearance but mediocre abilities, and is even somewhat dull-witted.
When it comes to reading, Xie Ji was completely clueless.
He was not proficient in any of the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.
Xie Yuan forbade Xie Ji from acknowledging his ancestors and returning to his clan, not only because what happened back then was too disgusting and because he was unwilling to wrong his wife, but also because Xie Ji and his mother were too despicable.
“Let’s go to Lingnan and find your sister. Even if she’s unwilling to help you, at least she might agree to let you be recognized as a member of your family.”
The middle-aged woman wiped away her tears with a handkerchief.
Yes, she was wrong back then; she got pregnant with Xie Ji through deception and trickery.
But she has also been punished over the years.
She was forbidden from entering the Xie family; she could only be a lowly concubine.
Although they achieved the wealthy and luxurious life they had always dreamed of, this wealth did not last.
After only fourteen or fifteen years of good times, their dream was shattered.
The middle-aged beauty had become accustomed to a life of luxury and was unwilling to endure hardship.
Well, actually, their lives right now can't really be described as "hard"—
They have houses, fields, and some gold and silver.
In addition, although Xie Ji was not included in the family genealogy, he was the son of the famous scholar Xie Yuan.
Neither Xie Yuan's old friends nor the Xie clan could stand by and watch Xie Ji be humiliated.
At most, he just couldn't live as noblely and freely as a true scion of a noble family.
But compared to ordinary people, no, compared to ordinary poor families or official families, they are still better off.
However, the middle-aged beauty was not satisfied.
She didn't sacrifice so much back then just to be a landlady with plenty of food and drink.
She wanted to be a noblewoman in a prestigious family, even if it meant being just a concubine or mistress.
"I saved your father back then, and I stayed by his side to take care of him for half a year..."
"Even if I haven't made any great contributions, I have certainly worked hard. But how has the Xie family treated me?"
"Xie Yuan is the eldest daughter of the Xie family. She is now in control of the Xie family, so she can't just ignore me, her 'savior'."
The middle-aged woman knew that her son's status was awkward and he lacked confidence in front of Xie Yuan, the eldest daughter of the legitimate wife.
But she was different; she had done the Xie family a great favor.
Xie Ji's expression was somewhat subtle.
As a son, he shouldn't despise his own mother.
However, my mother's actions back then were hardly honorable.
A-niang was originally just a country girl who unexpectedly met Xie Yuan, who was injured while traveling.
His mother rescued Xie Yuan and took him in with great care. She even used the last of the family's money and food to treat and recuperate Xie Yuan.
If things had come to this point, Mother would definitely be a hero to the Xie family.
The Xie family will certainly reciprocate with generous gifts.
Unfortunately, her mother, relying on her good looks, developed an inappropriate greed.
She actually—
In a moment of confusion, Xie Yuan became pregnant, leaving him filled with regret and helplessness.
However, the deed was already done, and he couldn't back out.
However, Xie Yuan was unwilling to let this woman enter the household as a concubine.
He's cunning, opportunistic, and fundamentally a restless individual.
If a woman like that were to enter the Xie family, she would only bring trouble to them.
Needless to say, Xie Yuan and his wife were not only husband and wife, but also cousins.
Besides love, the two also share a bond of kinship, having grown up together since childhood.
Xie Yuan once made a vow: he would not take concubines, keep maids, or have any children born out of wedlock.
He and his wife were determined to be together for life.
And he was indeed prepared to do so.
An unexpected event shattered all of this, making Xie Yuan a treacherous person.
Xie Yuan was a scholar, not a saint.
He blamed himself, and also the scheming woman.
Therefore, Xie Yuan absolutely forbade her to enter the family, and her son was also forbidden from being included in the family genealogy.
The mother and son were raised outside the home, becoming the only stain on the reputation of the scholar Xie Yuan.
Xie Ji was neither smart nor talented.
But he did read books and understood some principles.
He knew that his mother's tragedy, and his own, stemmed from greed.
His life has already come to this, and he doesn't dare to hope for a life that isn't meant for him.
“Mother, the past is the past, let’s not bring it up again.”
Xie Ji sighed helplessly and continued to persuade him.
The middle-aged beauty, Liu, who was Xie Yuan's mistress, simply wouldn't listen to her son.
"How can you say it's over? You can't! You can't marry a good wife, you have no future, how can you get over it?"
“My son, just listen to your mother. Let’s go to Lingnan and find Xie Yuan.”
"Hmph, you are Xie Yuan's son, the eldest son. Even if you can't inherit the family business, you should still get a share of the property."
“In the past, we were unsure of ourselves, but now it’s different. Xie Ze, the clan chief, has spoken up, saying that as long as you go to Lingnan, he will allow you to be included in the Xie family’s genealogy!”
A glint of light flashed in Liu's eyes.
Actually, this is the most important thing.
The suggestion to find Xie Yuan and divide the Xie family's assets was just a casual remark.
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