Chapter 18: Uncle Listens to the Heart
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
Filled with deep regret and sorrow, Madam Xu knelt solemnly in the main room of her ancestral home, openly confessing her shortcomings as a daughter and recognizing her past mistakes. The burden of her actions weighed heavily on her heart.
Her sisters-in-law from the Xu family, moved by her distress, approached to offer their support and counsel. They encouraged her to rise, gently reminding her of their mother’s enduring affection, “Shi Yun, please stand. Our mother holds you dear; she constantly thinks about you.”
Mrs. Li, the second sister-in-law, came forward with comforting stories about the ginseng chicken soup they prepared annually, which was Madam Xu’s favorite. She spoke of how they had preserved her other beloved dishes, like red bean cakes, for the past seventeen years since her marriage into the Lu family, hoping she would one day return to savor them again.
The third sister-in-law, speaking firmly yet with concern, reproached Madam Xu for her past rash decisions. She recounted a visit to Madam Xu at the Lu family’s residence meant to show respect, which Madam Xu had rejected. Speaking in a measured yet firm tone, this sister-in-law, who was also 33 years old, expressed her disappointment in Madam Xu’s actions.
The narrative then reflects on how Madam Xu’s demeanor shifted from a confident young woman to a timid and submissive figure after her marriage, intimidated by her mother-in-law to the extent of performing demeaning tasks such as carrying water for foot baths, tasks unworthy of her status.
Outraged by Madam Xu’s treatment and her siding with the Lu family during disputes, her sisters-in-law ceased communication with her. Living in the capital, Madam Xu regretted severing ties with her family.
In a heartfelt act of remorse, Shi Yun performed a formal kowtow to her family, startling them given her previous status as a beloved and esteemed daughter of the Xu family, cherished and admired before her marriage.
The story also reminisces about happier times when the Xu family enjoyed each other’s company, a scene brimming with joy and unity. Old Madam Xu, particularly close to her youngest daughter, relished the family’s togetherness, contrasting with other families who might dine separately. This joyful gathering included everyone except the children, who were away at school.
Reflecting on Madam Xu’s marriage to the Lu family, driven by love to the extent of fasting in protest, her mother was relieved to learn that her son-in-law had remained faithful, never taking a concubine.
Madam Xu’s tension was palpable as she pressed her lips tightly together, signaling her distress.
Deng Zhi, the head maid, gave her a sympathetic look, understanding that Madam Xu was striving not to burden her family with her worries.
The room, previously filled with laughter and familial warmth, was suddenly overshadowed by tension following Chao Chao’s silent but damning revelations.
[“Liar! Liar! My father is a complete fraud! My mother was completely deceived by him.”]
[“My father has had a mistress for years. The mistress’s son is seventeen, the same age as my elder brother. She also has a daughter born on the same day as me! That man is going to ruin the Xu family! Oh, the horror…”]
A pair of chopsticks clattered to the floor, breaking the tense silence.
[“My maternal grandfather died tragically in the royal study, killing himself by crashing into a pillar.”]
[“My eldest uncle was executed in public over a witchcraft scandal.”]
[“My second uncle tried to help during the floods in Linluo Province but was falsely accused of negligence, leading to a dam failure and his violent death by the people he tried to save.”]
[“My third uncle was caught in political deceit, accused of treason, and died in exile.”]
[“In a profound display of love and loyalty, my third aunt faced unimaginable humiliations to retrieve my third uncle’s body. In her ultimate act of mourning, she committed suicide by fire, pregnant with their child. Ah, the sorrow…”]
Upon hearing these statements, Third Uncle Xu began to cough violently, his hands trembling, barely able to grasp his chopsticks. His wife, once a strong-willed woman who had entered the marriage full of determination, sat beside him, never anticipating the dramatic turn their lives would take.
This story of his wife’s grueling journey to recover his body, her tragic embrace of his lifeless form, and her suicide by fire, especially while pregnant, deeply affected Third Uncle Xu. He found himself engulfed in a narrative of profound tragedy.
Mrs. Xu, observing her husband’s unusual demeanor, regarded him with a puzzled look, unused to receiving any notice from him after enduring years of emotional detachment. “What’s wrong?” she asked, her voice tinged with both concern and surprise, reflecting their typically tense relationship.
Mr. Third Xu, struggling to maintain his composure and mask his inner unrest, hesitated before replying in a voice heavy with emotion, “It’s nothing, I just choked on my food.” His attempt to downplay his reaction barely hid the profound impact of the revelations he had just encountered.
In a moment of wordless understanding, his wife silently poured him a glass of water, choosing to communicate through actions rather than words.
Meanwhile, the Xu family’s three uncles quickly shifted their focus to Lu Chao Chao, their expressions filled with disbelief and concern over the startling revelations.
Could it really be that the Xu family was on the verge of a crisis?
And was the rumor true that Lu Yuan Ze was secretly keeping a mistress?
The uncles shared a glance that communicated their shock and worry without the need for words.
Xu Yi Ting, the eldest brother, remained notably silent, his response being merely a solemn shake of the head and a clenched fist, indicative of his internal struggle.
After the meal, the brothers promptly retired to their father’s study, aware that the matter demanded immediate discussion.
“Did everyone grasp what Chao Chao was implying?” they collectively inquired, demonstrating a rare moment of unity.
Their father, the former royal tutor, appeared visibly troubled, wiping sweat from his forehead and exhaling a deep sigh, “It seems we’re the only ones who could understand her.”
“Regardless of the truth,” murmured Mr. Third Xu, his thoughts drifting back to his wife and the emotional strain it caused him.
Xu Yi Ting, feeling a profound sense of responsibility, was indeed prepared to handle any scandal that might affect the family within the palace walls, a duty he had silently assumed. “We might have an opportunity to advance our family’s standing,” he asserted, recognizing the gravity of their situation. “But we must keep this matter confidential.”
“Chao Chao is remarkable,” Old Lord Xu speculated, pondering the unusual circumstances. He surmised that perhaps only blood relatives were able to hear the young girl’s voice, noting that the wives seemed oblivious to it.
“We must conduct a thorough investigation into Lu Yuan Ze. He vowed fidelity to your sister Shi Yun. If he has deceived my daughter, I will make sure he regrets his actions,” Old Lord Xu declared with resolve. The family then spent several hours planning their next steps.
When Lu Yuan Ze arrived at the Xu estate later that evening, he was oblivious to the unrest he was walking into. He anticipated that his customary excuses for his absences would be sufficient.
However, he was met with a frosty reception. “We wouldn’t want to disturb your busy schedule. You’re free to return home,” the old royal tutor stated coldly, his tone laden with disapproval.
Caught off guard, Lu Yuan Ze quickly swapped his arrogance for humility. “Father-in-law, I admit I’ve failed in my duties by not visiting earlier. It was my responsibility to facilitate my wife’s reconnection with her family sooner,” he said.
He then knelt, performing a deep kowtow in a gesture of apology. Yet, the disdainful look he cast while bowing his head betrayed his true sentiments, revealing his resentment towards making such a display.
Typically, Mrs. Xu’s instinct would prompt her to defend her husband. However, this time, she hesitated.
[If only my parents could divorce. Life would be so much better without this unworthy father of mine.]
Despite her youth, Chao Chao was keenly aware of the complex dynamics within her family. She recognized that Mrs. Xu had suffered manipulation and emotional abuse for nearly two decades, and that any significant change would require the right circumstances and a catalyst to prompt her mother to act.
Reflecting on her daughter’s understanding, Mrs. Xu’s expression shifted to one of sadness and resignation. The idea of divorce, while potentially a solution, was fraught with complexities and concerns for the futures of her three sons.
As evening approached, a frustrated Lu Yuan Ze finally managed to bring his wife and daughter back towards their home.
Shortly after boarding their carriage, his demeanor sharply shifted. “Wife, hadn’t we agreed to avoid the Xu family for now?” he reminded her of their wedding night, recounting how the Xu family’s scorn had left him feeling inadequate and resentful, which subsequently led him to isolate Mrs. Xu from her relatives.
Witnessing her father’s manipulative tactics once again, Lu Chao Chao felt a rush of frustration and anger.
[Mom, he’s trying to brainwash you again!!] she silently exclaimed, desperate to protect her mother from further negative influence by her father.