Chapter 19: Marrying into a Pit of Fire
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
Madam Xu spoke with evident exasperation, “I haven’t visited my parents for seventeen years, all because of your insecurities. My father is getting older, and my mother’s hair is turning gray. I have already sacrificed so much for you,” she said, pinching their daughter Lu Chao Chao’s cheek gently. “Besides, career promotions are so challenging to secure. Why not seek some help from my brother and father? They would certainly be willing to assist you.”
Lu Yuan Ze was deeply troubled by these words, his emotions stirred. He desired the influential connections of the Xu family, but only under the condition that his reliance on them remained a secret. He struggled with the idea that his achievements might be overshadowed by his wife’s family’s aid.
“A true man should never have to beg! And aren’t I doing all this to make you proud?” Lu Yuan Ze responded, his voice tinged with frustration. He tenderly held his wife’s hand, his affection palpable despite his annoyance.
Madam Xu, feeling uneasy, instinctively withdrew her hand.
“My father is a distinguished teacher to the King, my brother holds a high-ranking office, and I possess a title of my own. I don’t need additional status. I simply wish for you not to exhaust yourself chasing it,” she explained calmly, her face composed, revealing nothing of her internal struggle.
These words struck at the core of Lu Yuan Ze’s pride. He sensed a shift in his wife, though her concern for his well-being appeared as sincere as ever, reflecting her deep love for him.
Trying to mask his irritation, Lu Yuan Ze broached another subject, “I have some matters at court that might require funds to settle smoothly. If you could spare any valuable items, that would be immensely helpful.”
Over the years, Madam Xu had allocated a considerable portion of her substantial dowry to support Lu Yuan Ze’s financially modest family, significantly improving their lifestyle.
“Here are the keys to our storeroom,” she said, handing over the key, but firmly added, “However, I will not grant you access to my private treasury. It contains my dowry, and I know you would feel uncomfortable using my family’s resources.”
Lu Yuan Ze felt a mix of desire for access to her private treasury and hope that she might offer it without him asking. His patience thinning, he soon found a pretext to leave.
As Madam Xu returned to their mansion, she noticed people delivering gifts to the Jiang family’s residence. The Jiang family’s eldest daughter was celebrating her engagement, and the festive atmosphere was palpable with candies being distributed to the gathered crowd.
“Is this the Jiang girl who was originally to marry the disabled man from the Lu family?” someone inquired.
A maid, holding a large basket and smiling broadly, announced, “Today, our young lady has been matched with a wonderful partner, forming a union as perfect as the one between heaven and earth. Please, take these red envelopes as a celebration token for our young lady,” and she proceeded to distribute coins to the enthusiastic crowd.
“The man from the Lu family, how could he ever be suitable for Miss Jiang? It’s better this way,” the crowd agreed, cheering.
Madam Xu, overhearing this, felt a surge of anger, her eyes tearing up, her breathing heavy. “Who is Jiang Yun Jin engaged to?” she demanded.
Lu Chao Chao looked shocked as Deng Zhi returned with troubling news.
“It’s Lu Jing Huai, who excelled in the royal examination last month! And the match was orchestrated by the Marquis himself, who claims they are distant relatives,” the head maid informed after some investigation.
Madam Xu felt a profound sense of betrayal, her anger palpable. “He did this deliberately; he’s trying to undermine my son’s position and attack me personally, trying to break Yan Shu’s heart by matching his intended wife with a son born from a mistress!” Her feelings bordered on hatred, considering his recent need for money and the significant expenses involved with engagements.
Trying to hold back her tears, Madam Xu asked, “What about Lu Wan Yi? Did you find out if she returned to Clear Creek Village?” Her tone was icy, her anger evident.
Deng Zhi hesitated before speaking.
“Out with it!” demanded Madam Xu.
“I-I couldn’t find any information about her returning to Clear Creek Village. She’s been in the capital the whole time, never leaving. She’s been purchasing items for a baby, even visiting a goldsmith to order a gold bracelet, necklace, and a protective amulet for an infant,” Deng Zhi reported, his concern evident.
Madam Xu felt utterly forsaken. Initially, she suspected only her husband and mother-in-law of deceit, but it became clear that the entire Lu family was complicit. This felt like the ultimate act of betrayal to her. Even the child she had raised, the one who used to cling to her leg and call her “mother,” seemed to have turned against her…
“Momma, don’t cry… Momma, Chao Chao loves you. Chao Chao will make everything right. Chao Chao is amazing, right?!” With her lips pouted, Lu Chao Chao earnestly tried to comfort Madam Xu in her sweet, childish voice.
Cradling her daughter’s face, Madam Xu found solace in the baby’s presence.
“Momma, the new top scholar is notorious for abusing his wife. He had a child wife in the countryside whom he beat to death. In your previous life, you tried to warn Lu Wan Yi about him, but she thought you were just jealous and ended up despising you for it. She was so angry that she slashed your face.” Little Chao Chao was visibly distressed as she recounted the story.
Madam Xu shuddered over the last bit, wanting to know more. However, the details ended there, especially the part about her being slashed in the face.
Then, as if by a twist of fate, she was confronted by Lu Wan Yi as soon as she returned to the mansion, who approached her with hesitation.
“Sister-in-law, have you sought out the top scholar’s family yet…?” Lu Wan Yi was noticeably embarrassed, her interest in the top scholar having become apparent.
After sending the servants away, Madam Xu asked, “Wan Yi, have you really taken a liking to him?”
Lu Wan Yi, blushing, looked up at her sister-in-law and then stomped her foot in a mix of embarrassment and frustration.
Madam Xu observed her silently, thinking to herself.
In your last life, I saved you from disaster, yet you repaid me with violence? Then, in this life, proceed with your choice.
“I’ve discovered that the new top scholar was previously betrothed to a girl who was illiterate and quite young,” Madam Xu began, watching Lu Wan Yi’s reaction closely. “Unfortunately, that young girl was not fortunate and passed away from an illness last year. However, there are rumors from the countryside that the scholar is quick to anger and is abusive towards her. Wan Yi, it could be hard on you. Perhaps you should think it over? As your sister-in-law, I couldn’t stand to see you in such a situation. The capital is full of respectable men; surely, we can find someone suitable for you.”
Lu Wan Yi’s eyes lit up with enthusiasm as she eagerly grasped Madam Xu’s hand. “Sister-in-law, dear sister-in-law, a man showing his temper is just a sign of his manliness. The child bride had no skills, no family connections, and couldn’t even read. If she couldn’t earn the man’s respect, it was her own failing. She brought it upon herself. If a man resorts to violence, it must be the woman’s fault!”
“I, on the other hand, am capable and confident!” Lu Wan Yi stated proudly, her demeanor reflecting a self-assurance that she believed set her apart from any child bride. “A woman’s inability to manage a man is never the man’s fault.”
Madam Xu bit back her frustration. “Still, we should consider other suitors. A man’s worth isn’t just in his talents or status, but in his character,” she countered, deliberately challenging the girl.
“It doesn’t matter. I’ve made up my mind. I’m going to speak with Mother. If Sister-in-law won’t support me, Mother definitely will!” Lu Wan Yi declared triumphantly.
With that, the girl quickly stomped out of the room, heading straight for Deshan Hall.
“Oh, she’s willingly walking into a disaster,” Lu Chao Chao observed, babbling playfully.