Chapter 34: Playing with the Worthless Father Every Morning

This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation

After Lu Wan Yi’s marriage, the mansion’s atmosphere became noticeably calmer and more peaceful, a stark contrast to the previous hustle and bustle. This tranquility was only briefly interrupted when she returned to honor her family elders with her presence.

Standing beside her husband, the recent top scholar, the bride exuded a shy modesty. Together, they looked like an idyllic couple, harmonious and beautiful, as if they were elegant jade sculptures brought to life.

With a mischievous smirk, Lu Wan Yi addressed her sister-in-law, “My dear sister-in-law, how fortunate I am that I ignored your advice back then. Ling is a remarkable man, despite your initial criticisms.”

Puzzled and slightly hurt, Gu Ling asked, “Have I somehow displeased you, Madam?”

Madame Xu responded calmly, “Though Wan Yi isn’t my biological daughter, I raised her with love and dedication, perhaps more diligently than my own sons. Her happiness has always been my priority, so I spoiled her. I feared she might regret her life choices, so I intervened,” she explained, her voice tinged with sadness at the misunderstanding. “The notion that I want her unhappy is unfounded gossip. My love for her is well-known. My objections came from concern, seeing how enamored she was with you during the parade. It’s natural to protect those we love.”

Contrary to Madame Xu’s belief, Lu Wan Yi’s affection for Gu Ling didn’t blossom during the parade. It was during a visit to Pei Jiao Jiao’s residence, where she first saw Gu Ling and felt an instant connection.

The day was marked by Lu Yuan Ze’s early return to the mansion, eagerly anticipating a family luncheon to celebrate Lu Wan Yi’s homecoming. During the meal, young Lu Chao Chao, delighted, managed to secure a piece of minced meat, visibly joyful as she wriggled in Deng Zhi’s embrace. “If only Auntie could get married more often, then maybe we could eat such yummy meat more often,” she mused innocently, making Madame Xu smile.

“Sister-in-law, it’s been a while since my brother was home. Perhaps you should reflect on the reasons?” Lu Wan Yi asked Madame Xu, her voice edged with seriousness.

Lu Wan Yi initially sought Madame Xu’s help, hoping for a favorable marriage proposal. Astonishingly, Madame Xu declined and even imprisoned Pei Jiao Jiao. To secure her release, Lu Wan Yi had to liquidate a significant portion of her dowry, a painful sacrifice.

Content as she nestled closer to Gu Ling, Lu Wan Yi remarked, “Men are destined for greatness, and if that means women must endure hardship, so be it.” She seemed genuinely happy despite the weight of her words. Meanwhile, Madame Xu tended to Lu Chao Chao, wiping smudges from her mouth.

“Yes, indeed. If you’re suffering, think about why,” Lu Chao Chao babbled, looking forward to seeing the girl’s reaction when it backfires.

With a deeper understanding, Madame Xu responded, “Indeed, Wan Yi.” Her eyes flicked towards Gu Ling with an expression that seemed to caution, “Remember these words when hardship finds you.”

As the celebration wound down, Deng Zhi, the head maid, mentioned her plans to start sewing winter garments for the young mistress, noting the arrival of autumn rain.

Encouraging Lu Chao Chao to speak, Madame Xu coaxed, “Say mama.” The little one tried, managing “Ma…ma…” with her baby voice, revealing a tiny tooth, much to Madame Xu’s delight.

Lu Yuan Ze entered, remarking, “Chao Chao still isn’t speaking clearly? Other children her age are already forming words.” His comment reflected a tendency to compare developmental milestones among his daughters.

Madame Xu, caught off guard by the mention of “two thousand years,” diverted her gaze.

“Whose daughter are you speaking of?” she asked, curious.

Trying to diffuse his trap, Lu Yuan Ze replied, “A colleague’s daughter. She began speaking at seven months. Quite the prodigy.” He subtly signaled Deng Zhi to leave. Deng Zhi sought Madame Xu’s confirmation before exiting.

“Chao Chao, can you say ‘papa’? Try saying ‘papa,’” Lu Yuan Ze coaxed, his voice warm with hope. “Say papa…say papa…” Chao Chao mimicked, sweetly melting her mother’s heart. But Lu Yuan Ze, struggling with patience, corrected her, “No, it’s ‘papa,’ like this, ‘papa…papa…’” He pointed at himself, emphasizing the word.

In a playful twist, Chao Chao giggled “Ah!” as if teasing him. Madame Xu, amused, laughed, covering her mouth to stifle her chuckles. The light-hearted moment soured for Lu Yuan Ze, who struggled to hide his irritation. Despite his efforts, his daughter’s reluctance to embrace him as his other daughter did deepened his frustration. Jing Yao would hug him, while Chao Chao turned away.

He gently reminded her, “Chao Chao, you know I’m your father, right?” His voice hopeful but disappointed. Yet, Chao Chao’s innocent reply, “Dog…dog…” as she pointed at him, edged him closer to exasperation.

“Why let a child affect you so deeply?” Madame Xu asked, hinting at a broader perspective.

Seeking connection, Lu Yuan Ze shifted Chao Chao aside, addressing his wife, hinting at a longing for closeness, “Shi Yun, it’s been ages since we spent quality time together, especially since Chao Chao’s arrival.” He reached out to touch Madame Xu Shi Yun’s shoulder, a gesture she shrank from, though her discomfort was masked by patience.

“Wait, Chao Chao is watching. I understand your frustration, but children lean towards where they feel warmth. While I’m here with our daughter, you’re often absent. Are you feeling left out?”

Momentarily caught off guard, Lu Yuan Ze faltered, his urgency dissipating under his family’s scrutiny. He tried to reassure his wife, saying, “Don’t worry, I’m not lonely. You and Chao Chao matter most.” Yet, a lingering hesitation betrayed his true feelings, prompting him to add, “However…”

Sensing the shift, Madame Xu probed, “Is something on your mind?” Faced with her inquiry, Lu Yuan Ze was at a loss. Traditionally, Madame Xu allowed him access to her private funds, a safety net. Now, with the mansion’s financial stability in jeopardy, he grappled with disclosing the troubling news.

“Could it be finances? If you need anything, please, ask. Haven’t we reached a point where the line between what’s yours and mine becomes irrelevant?” Madame Xu’s words, laden with concern and support, deeply touched Lu Yuan Ze, stirring complex emotions.

Her words aimed to dissolve pride or ego, but ignited a conflict within him. He wished she’d insist on offering support, a desire stemming from his ego and male pride.

“If our finances are strained, using my dowry is logical. I see no issue with a husband relying on his wife’s assets. There’s no room for hesitation, Husband. Remember, we’re united in marriage,” Madame Xu asserted, testing his pride and challenging traditional gender roles.

Reacting as expected, Lu Yuan Ze’s frustration was palpable, his fists clenched in agitation. “We don’t need financial aid. Your funds should stay with you. I refuse to be the man who depends on his wife’s dowry,” he retorted with defiance and pride. “I propose we involve Yan Shu in mediating with the public. Have him explain that his termination of his engagement with Miss Jiang spares others from scandal.”

He outlined his rationale, “The rumors about Lu Jing Huai and the alleged theft of Yan Shu’s betrothed are distasteful. We must not tarnish his prospects, especially given Lu Jing Huai’s potential to excel in the academic realm,” he added, satisfied with this course of action.

However, Madame Xu’s reaction was swift and severe. The calm facade shattered as she forcefully slammed her teacup against the table, the sound echoing through the room, a clear indication of her sudden displeasure.

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