“Sixth brother, you wouldn’t believe it, but that woman’s tongue is sharper than any sword!” Xue Niang scoffed, with a venomous glint in her eyes. “My sister-in-law comes from a respectable family; she’s not accustomed to such vicious insults and did’t now how to retort !”
Then, Xue Niang’s voice dropped, laced with bitter hatred. “They even said that all of us in Dongyuan are cursed with bad luck. That my elder sister-in-law was a disastour to her husband, and you, Sixth Brother, would be a disastour to your wife. And me? That I might end up became a widow at young age just like my siter-in law spending my whole life alone … And all of this, they claimed, was because the Gu family has shed too much blood, and that’s why none of us, the children of Madam Gu, will ever have a good life…”
As Xue Niang finished her words , her composure shattered completly and she collapsed onto the table, sobbing, her body wracked with aggrieved tears.
Shang Ji listened in silence, betraying no outward emotion, but a murderous glint flashed in his eyes. If Guan shi from the third household stood before him right now, her head would surely be separated from her bodies. To merely hurl insults was one thing, but to dare to slander the loyal and brave Gu family? They were clearly inviting their own demise. Now that he was back, he would ensure these people knew no peace. Dirty water would be poured upon them alos , and an entire household would be forced to endure it. In the past, without a strong backing, his sister-in-law had endured years of torment for the sake of Ping’er and Xue Niang’s safety . Now, he had returned. If a house full of women and children were still allowed to be bullied, then he, as their uncle and brother, was utterly useless. A scarlet tinge appeared in the corners of his eyes. All his years in the military camp had taught him nothing of petty schemesAs they are constantly railing against the Gu family’s taboos? Then he would give them a grand spectacle. He would show the world what it truly meant to be a poisonous, widowed woman!
Xue Niang wept so uncontrollably that Shang Ji found himself at a loss for how to comfort her. As of now he could only pat her shoulder, But his voice firm and unwavering he said . “It won’t happen again. Sixth Brother will handle everything for you!”It’s the last time you cry like this .Iwon’t let it happen ever agian .
He then surveyed her house. The main room of Hanyi Courtyard was undeniably modest compared to Xitang Courtyard, yet it was perfectly adequate, merely a little smaller. “In a few days,” he began, “I’ll have your Sixth Sister-in-law take you to the general’s mansion. See if there’s a yard you like. If not, your Sixth Brother will build one for you.” His arrogant tone stunned Xue Niang.
But then, she remembered the reward of ten thousand taels of gold. To use that for building a house… how luxurious could it be? Yet, mindful of her sister-in-law Liu’s teachings, she immediately shook her head. “Brother Six, you’ve just returned. Don’t be too ostentatious. Otherwise, the people in the next courtyard will harass you, and you won’t be able to live in peace.”
“Hmph, are they even worthy?” he scoffed. The entire mansion felt like a nest of insects to him . If he hadn’t cared so deeply for his father, Shang Guogong, he wouldn’t even have bothered to return here . His continued residence in in this mansion was solely to arrange for all those he cherished to move out. But he didn’t intend to reveal this to Xue Niang. He composed himself and spoke again. “In a few days, it will be your coming of age ceremony, and since Mother isn’t here, your Sixth Brother will have Grandmother, Elder Sister-in-law, and your Sixth Sister-in-law host a grand ceremony for you. I will not let any outsiders look down on our Eighth Lady.” His tone was firm, brooking no argument.
Though Xue Niang was worried for his sake , she reasoned that Sixth Brother was nearly thirty now and had been away for so long.He Surely Missed these lively family gatherings in the times of war . Since he was so determined, it was better not to dampen his spirits. She cared little for the extravagance of the ceremony. What mattered most was that her family could live a stable life. So, she nodded, saying nothing more.
The visit to Hanyi Courtyard left Shang Ji’s mood at its lowest. As he walked back, he recalled countless scenes from when his mother and elder brother were still alive. Back then, their family was filled with joy. It was a pity that everything had ended ten years ago. The thought weighed heavily, making his steps heavier, and his body exuded an aura that pushed strangers away.
Meanwhile, the residents of the third and fifth houses in Beiyuan remained blissfully unaware of the impending disaster. At this very moment, they were still in their courtyard, hurling vicious curses.
On the other hand In Xitang Courtyard there was a person completly oblivius to the turmoil brewing within the mansion ,she sat in her room lesiurley , She was waiting for Shang Ji’s return as the sun hung high and after a long morning of arduous work, it was time for lunch. In the past, Du Jingyi would never have neglected herself. She was disciplined about her meals and sleep. But things were different now. With a general in the courtyard, even if her stomach growled, she had to wait for her husband to return and share a meal with him . So, when Shang Ji returned and about to head to his study, he was intercepted by momo Dou. She was a woman of about fifty years old , meticulously organized and orderly, and once an indispensable assistant to Madam Gu. Since Madam Gu’s departure, she had remained in this courtyard, never leaving. From serving the masters to disciplining the servants, she handled everything herself. Years had passed, and apart from a few more silver hairs at her temples, her overall demeanor remained as impeccable as ever.
Seeing her, Shang Ji’s emotions had mostly settled. He spoke, “Is there something you want to say , Mama Dou?”
Mama Dou smiled, while bowing and said . “General, the young madam is still waiting for you in the main room. It’s time for lunch.”
Shang Ji remembered only when she mentioned it. He was a man of war, accustomed to irregular meals, but Du Jingyi was a woman raised in a refined boudoir; her needs were different. He nodded immediately. “Is the food ready?”
“It has been ready for a long time.”
“Then send word for the food to be brought in .”
“Yes.” He took a few steps, then paused. “In the future, you tell her not to worry about me. Just eat the food when it’s time to eat. I’ll find something if I’m hungry.”
Mother Dou was momentarily stunned, then her smile widened, growing warmer. It was truly heartwarming to see her general show such concern for his wife. “Yes,” she answered loudly.
Du Jingyi sat in the room, having already eaten two pieces of cake. She had woken late that morning and rushed to serve tea to the Duke of Guo, skipping breakfast. After such a long, troubling morning, her stomach was completely empty. She had only stepped out to fetch a bowl of pear water, but when she returned, her husband was gone. The scattered debris in the house had also been cleared. In desperation, she planned to drink the pear juice herself, but Li Zhu stopped her, explaining that one shouldn’t drink pear water on an empty stomach. Li Zhu then produced two of Du Jingyi’s favorite pastries. Du Jingyi, delighted, completely forgot about lunch, devouring the pastries and half a bowl of pear water. Meanwhile, Shang Ji, believing his wife to be famished, had quickened his pace. Du Jingyi, however, felt no hunger now, as she leisurely enjoying a book lying on the beauty bed .