Sister-in-law Liu’s eyes suddenly welled with tears at Shang Ji’s harsh words. The breath that had sustained her collapsed in an instant. She saw her son’s timidity, but felt utterly helpless, caught between harsh discipline and gentle persuasion. She couldn’t help but fall onto the embroided stool, sobbing. “Alright, alright, the General of our family, it seems, dislikes us mother and son, eager to be rid of us!” She cried and laughed in tandem, a desperate, broken sound.
Her anguish rendered Shang Ji speechless, the words he meant to say caught in his throat. That was not his intention. Absolutely not. His gratitude to his sister-in-law Liu was etched deep in his heart. If asked to trade his own life for his elder brother’s safe return, to spare his sister-in-law from young widowhood, to prevent Ping’er from losing his father so young, he would have done so a thousand times over. But sometimes, human communication was a cruel trick; thoughts meant one thing, but spoken words twisted into another. Seeing his sister-in-law Liu’s uncontrollable tears, Shang Ji felt a profound sadness. He longed to comfort her, but found himself at a loss. He had come today intending to reassure her, to entrust matters to his wife, Du Jingyi. Yet, somehow, their conversation had veered wildly off course, escalating into a bitter confrontation.
Outside the door, Shang Zhiping stood, utterly terrified. His hands nervously kneaded his clothes, tears brimming in his eyes, but he dared not let them fall. He was not well acquainted with this Sixth Uncle, and though he had always feared him, today’s exchange deepened that resentment. Yet, even so, he lacked the courage to burst through the door, to shield his mother, or to confront his Sixth Uncle head-on. He could only stand there, consumed by unease and self-reproach for his own cowardice.
Inside, Shang Ji and Sister-in-law Liu were oblivious to Shang Zhiping’s presence. Their bitter words flowed freely, heedless of any listening child. Sister-in-law Liu’s sobs were incessant, but her stubborn spirit resurfaced. She continued to provoke Shang Ji, deliberately twisting her words. “Alright, you don’t have to worry about it. Don’t you just think our mother and son are an eyesore, fearing we’ll hinder your inheritance of the Duke’s position? In two days, I will move out with Ping’er. The sky is vast, the sea wide; we’ll go far away. I will never compete with you, just ask General Shang to show his noble hand and let us mother and son survive, alright?”
Her words were meant to sting Shang Ji’s heart, but they also unleashed years of suppressed sorrow. In the beginning, for the sake of her son’s life, she had been forced to relinquish her position as the young prince’s wife to Shang Ji, and a part of her had always resented it. But there was nothing she could do. Living in the inner court for so many years with a young son and a frail sister, she had no time for such thoughts. Yet, Shang Ji had returned, not only healthy but also a favored figure before His Majesty and a divine general in the eyes of the people. She was naturally happy for him, but a hidden corner of her heart harbored jealousy. Jealous of his newfound glory, and of the good fortune of his younger brother and sister-in-law, Du Jingyi. If her husband were still alive, she would have been in charge of this vast estate. Her son would have grown up showered with love, free from such constant caution. That’s why her reaction was so extreme, her anger flaring from seemingly nowhere.
Shang Ji saw it all, understanding her heart as clearly as a mirror. He had already made certain decisions, but the time was not yet right to make them public. However, his sister-in-law’s attitude truly chilled him. To prevent the situation from escalating further, he had no choice but to leave. As he departed, he left a single sentence hanging in the air. “Today, I shouldn’t have spoken so rudely. I see all the sacrifices my sister-in-law has made for our family and the Gu family. You deserve it, you deserve it, and I will eventually repay you. Please, sister-in-law, do not say such words again, lest those outside hear and rejoice.”
With that, he turned and left the main room of Fuqiu Courtyard. As he stepped out, he saw Shang Zhiping standing in the corridor, tears glistening in his eyes. He longed to comfort him, but when he took a step forward, Shang Zhiping recoiled. Hurt once more, Shang Ji left Fuqiuyuan without another word or glance.
After he left, Shang Zhiping rushed into the house. Seeing his mother, he knelt down and wept bitterly. Madam. Liu, witnessing this, found her emotions even harder to control. Mother and son clung to each other once again, crying, a truly heartbreaking sight. Through her sobs, Madam Liu murmured to herself, “No, that’s not what I meant, no…” These words were clearly for Shang Ji, who was already gone. But he couldn’t hear. This realization only deepened her sorrow. Her hidden bitterness had violently wounded the brother-in-law who had always protected them. Looking up, her tears flowed anew.
Shang Ji returned to his study with heavy steps. As he entered the courtyard, he saw Butler He and Mama Dou, who had been waiting for him. Both were anxious, seeing his troubled expression. Mama Dou, especially, still worried about Du Jingyi and hastened to ask, “General, where is the Young Lady…?”
Shang Ji waved a hand, not wanting to elaborate. But reflecting on his quarrel with his sister-in-law, he decided it was best to make things clear as soon as possible. He straightened his face and spoke, “I know the affairs of the Fifth House have worried you and my sister-in-law. But since the Young Lady has become the person in charge of Dongyuan, she should not be bypassed in matters she needs to know and handle in the future. Especially my sister-in-law. She now needs to concentrate on teaching Ping’er. Don’t bother her with these mundane matters constantly. If the Young Lady cannot resolve something, report it directly to me, do you understand?” His words were direct and unequivocal.
Steward He and Mama Dou were not fools; they understood his meaning perfectly. Mama Dou, in particular, had just been thinking about how to still let the Eldest Young Lady handle the Third and Fifth Houses in the future. But now, the General’s words made her realize her mistake. She had intended to say more, but Butler He, standing beside her, subtly tugged at her sleeve, urging her to remain silent. Having no other choice, Mama Dou could only nod in agreement with Butler He.
“The key to the General’s Mansion will be delivered to you shortly. If you have nothing else to do after lunch, you two can accompany us. Staying here for too long will cause more trouble. It’s better to move out as soon as possible.”
“Yes, this old slave (servant) understands.”