Chapter 16: The Malicious Sister-in-Law
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
Lu Yuan Ze was swelling with pride, a stark contrast to his earlier days when he aspired to marry Madam Xu from the prestigious Xu family, known for its lineage of high-ranking officials and her brother, renowned for his moral uprightness and deep affection for his sister. She was celebrated for her grace and nobility.
In contrast, Lu Yuan Ze’s family, which held the respected title of Marquis of Zhongyong, faced a decline following the death of the previous Marquis. Coupled with Lu Yuan Ze’s fragile health and his lifelong dedication to scholarly pursuits, his dream of marrying into the Xu family appeared as nothing more than a fanciful hope, dismissed as ludicrous by the public.
Yet, Madam Xu, struck by his appealing appearance, was resolute in her decision to marry no one but him.
After their marriage, when she noticed how demeaned and inferior Lu Yuan Ze felt in the presence of her brother, she severed ties with her family to safeguard his dignity.
Now holding the title of a third-rank lady, a position superior to Lu Yuan Ze’s official rank, she secretly reveled in her higher status.
This was particularly poignant as Lu Yuan Ze’s father had unsuccessfully attempted to secure a royal appointment for his mother, a failure that seemed to mock Lu Yuan Ze in a manner reminiscent of his past humiliations.
This time, Madam Xu, who usually understated her accomplishments to bolster his confidence, refrained from doing so.
“My family has been fortunate; my parents have been exonerated, and my brother has received a promotion. I’m planning to visit them tomorrow,” Madam Xu announced with a sincere smile, eager for the reunion.
Lu Yuan Ze concurred, viewing it as the proper action. He didn’t want to seem uncaring, so he consented.
[Father will be so furious, trying to gain advantage only to end up helping the Xu family, that’s what he gets, that’s what he gets…]
Meanwhile, the subtle amusement of little Chao Chao over her grandfather’s thwarted schemes, which inadvertently benefited the Xu family, alleviated Madam Xu’s concerns.
Upon her return to her quarters, Lu Wan Yi, her sister-in-law, reluctantly relinquished control of the household management to Madam Xu.
“Sister-in-law, you’re back. Regarding the stewardship, it wasn’t my choice; it was my brother who insisted I take it,” she confessed awkwardly, her eyes welling up with tears.
During a past crisis when the old madam of the house was ill and required constant attention, Lu Wan Yi sought refuge and security, staying in Madam Xu’s room. Here, she received daily care and affection. This closeness led Madam Xu to develop a deep fondness for Lu Wan Yi, even more so than for her own sons, as she had practically raised the girl.
“How could I possibly blame you? Our bond is akin to that of a mother and daughter. Don’t I understand you completely?” Madam Xu reassured her, noticing the chill in Lu Wan Yi’s hands. She then brewed a cup of Longjing tea, Lu Wan Yi’s favorite, as a gesture of warmth and care.
Visibly distressed, Lu Wan Yi declared, “My brother’s accusations against you are baseless. I will confront him about this! He won’t be my brother anymore if he mistreats you!” Her display of loyalty unexpectedly warmed Madam Xu’s heart.
Was Lu Wan Yi the only person in the Lu family who genuinely cared about her welfare?
“Do you believe my husband truly cares for me?” Madam Xu pondered aloud.
Lu Wan Yi paused, then tenderly grasped Madam Xu’s hand, offering reassurance.
“Sister-in-law, despite my brother’s occasional poor judgment, his love for you is genuine and profound. He knelt at the doorstep of your home for three days and nights to win your hand, holding you above all others. Has he ever allowed another woman to be by his side? His commitment to you is widely recognized across the capital. If he ever wrongs you, I’ll be the first to defend you. Consider me your little cotton-padded jacket, always here to keep you warm and safe. Rest assured, I won’t let anyone unwelcome come near!” Lu Wan Yi said with a mix of humor and sincerity, seeking solace in Madam Xu’s presence.
Madam Xu felt a profound comfort, only to be briefly disrupted by Chao Chao’s quiet mumbling.
[The notion of being the little cotton-padded jacket is laughable! I am the true guardian of warmth, ensuring the cold never touches Mama! She’s the one who’s actually bringing in the chilly air! A month before Mama was due, she wasn’t at our ancestral home but stayed at the mistress’s house for her confinement period with the new baby! No one can replace me as the true little cotton-padded jacket! Hmph, thinking they can take advantage of me because I can’t speak yet. Just wait until I find my voice, I’ll scold you so fiercely you’ll be soaked in a downpour of shame!]
Holding onto Lu Wan Yi’s hand, Madam Xu suddenly tensed up and then shivered.
“What’s the matter, sister-in-law?” Lu Wan Yi inquired, her smile bright and innocent, looking up at Madam Xu.
Given that the old madam had Lu Wan Yi at a much older age, she was cherished as a late-life child. Thus, Madam Xu took on the role of Lu Wan Yi’s main caregiver, giving her an amount of love and attention that even exceeded what she gave to her own children.
“Sister-in-law, about the top performer in the recent royal examination…” Lu Wan Yi blushed and bit her lip nervously. At nineteen, she felt the pressure to find a suitable marriage match. “You promised to help me learn more about the top scholar…” She had been captivated by the scholar during a public event, and her interest was clearly genuine.
While pondering her next words, Madam Xu might have offered her help more freely if she wasn’t mindful of Lu Chao Chao’s private musings.
Madam Xu gently touched her hair, reflecting, “When I first joined this family as a bride, you were just a little one learning to walk. You stumbled over and hugged my leg, calling me ‘mother.’ I’ve cherished that memory ever since. My affection for you is even stronger than for my own children.”
Lu Wan Yi, moved by the memory, looked away, unable to meet Madam Xu’s gaze due to inner guilt. “I was just a child, making a fool of myself, but I’ve been fortunate to have you treat me like your own daughter.” She thanked Madam Xu for her guidance.
Madam Xu gave her a significant look, “I will pay closer attention to the top scholar for you, but remember, I’m just your sister-in-law. Your mother ultimately has the say in your marriage.”
Lu Wan Yi accepted this, though clearly disappointed.
Previously, Madam Xu would have actively sought out and carefully screened eligible men in the capital, checking their backgrounds and characters, to offer Lu Wan Yi choices. The Xu family’s clout could have guaranteed her a prestigious match. But now, she left this task to Lu Wan Yi’s mother.
Her mother, without significant connections and from a rural background, faced a challenging task in securing a suitable match.
After Lu Wan Yi left, Madam Xu’s mood turned serious.
“Madam, didn’t you say that the old lord’s private student was very talented and might be a good match for Miss Wan Yi?” Deng Zhi, the head maid, asked as she was arranging gifts for the next day.
“I did, but that’s not important anymore. Go check if Wan Yi visited the old family home in Clear Creek Village this February.”
Clear Creek Village was only a three-day trip from the capital, so it was possible to find out about any recent visits.
Albeit surprised by the sudden order, Deng Zhi readily agreed.
At dinner, Lu Yuan Xiao, returning from his studies, looked tired and less defiant than usual.
“Mother, may I join you for dinner?” He tried to smile, sharing how hard he found his studies, feeling the gap between his aspirations and his achievements.
Deng Zhi hoped that the presence of the third son would cheer Madam Xu, noting, “Young Master Yuan Xiao is starting to show maturity.”
Madam Xu sighed, “I wonder when your second brother will return. I miss him…”
“He’s studying elsewhere, but I’m sure he’ll be back by the end of the year,” the chubby boy said quietly before chugging the last bit of the rice in his bowl, “I’m going to see my sister.”
Deng Zhi smiled as the boy bolted into the connecting room, “The siblings really have a strong connection.”