The survival rule of a concubine's daughter 126 sequel development, Jiang family affairs

  On the fourth day of pregnancy, Fang Fu also sent a "messenger" to Wang Fu. The old lady, He Shi, Li Shi, and Zhen Ru came together.

  First, she visited the Empress Dowager and then came to Ruxiang's Longxian House. The old lady secretly observed the servants of Longxian House and slightly relaxed her mind, telling Ruxiang many things to pay attention to during pregnancy.

  Ruyue sat intimately on the left side of Ruxin, chatting and laughing with her from time to time. Li Shi, who was sitting next to them, couldn't get a word in edgewise and could only look around at the decorations in the room. The luxurious purple sandalwood furniture, adorned with intricate carvings of good fortune and wealth, shone brightly and emitted a continuous fragrance. Delicate imperial tribute Jun porcelain vases were placed everywhere, and even the purple sandalwood embroidered screen had a large piece of transparent crystal embedded in it. The golden copper beast spit out fragrant Hainan agarwood, which wafted out a faint, elegant scent. On the pillar adorned with cloud-patterned flowers, a fist-sized Tianming pearl was embedded, shining brightly like a star.

  Reclining on the kang, with a golden silk embroidered northern sheep woolen pillow under her waist, she sipped the thick bird's nest congee brought by the maid, while several lively and beautiful maids added tea and snacks before quietly retreating.

  People come and go quietly, without a glance, the house is warm as spring, the charcoal fire in the four-legged stove has a faint scent of sandalwood, not feeling stuffy at all.

  Of course, the decorations here can't be considered luxurious. Like Shanna, she hasn't been there before, but like Mei, she has been there several times. Compared to Mei's house, the Wang Fu doesn't have anything special, it's just that the houses are bigger than the Hou Fu, there are more servants, and the guards are stricter... uh... and there are also more Tian Ming pearls.

  Nothing else is different apart from this.

  After finishing the assessment, Li focused his attention on Ruyi again. He saw that Ruyi had a simple hairstyle with a loose bun on her head, adorned only with a hairpin featuring a bright red gemstone. On her forehead, she wore a forehead band with a red coral bead. Her outfit was also simple: a light-colored peony-patterned robe with a pale pink silk shirt underneath, and nothing else.

  Li saw that Ruqun's clothes were simple and couldn't help but complain, "You're already the princess, why are your clothes still so plain? You should dress more elegantly to show off your wealth and status, in order to suppress those below you."

  She gently placed the white jade porcelain bowl on the wooden stool and said, "Anyway, we're not going out, so there's no need to dress up heavily." Seeing Li's disapproving expression, she quickly asked, "Mother, how has Third Sister been lately?"

  Mentioning Rumei, Li's smile became even more unpleasant as she said in a sarcastic tone, "Thanks to you, this younger sister of mine, Rumei is now really in deep trouble."

  The old lady's face changed slightly, and He Shi also looked at each other, with a hint of heaviness flashing across their faces.

  "Is Madame Yang really going to vent her anger on Third Sister?"

  The old lady said in a low voice, "Qing'er, don't blame yourself. Your mother-in-law is always finding fault with you like looking for bones in an egg. Now that there's a reason, she'll definitely make the most of it. Your father has already sent your brother and sister-in-law to Yang Manor."

  Ru Qing subconsciously looked at He Shi, He Shi nodded and comforted Ru Qing, "Don't worry, with your big brother taking action, it's a sure catch."

  He Shi and Zhi Li worked together, with Zhi Li going to find Yang Qi'an, the Duke of Qingchang, and his brother Yang Qi'tai, to show off their power and influence as a backing for Rumei's family. He Shi, on the other hand, went to the inner quarters to comfort Rumei, and took the opportunity to teach her some tricks to deal with her difficult mother-in-law. Then, together with Zhi Li, she personally went to visit Yang Tai Fu Ren who was "ill".

  Although Zhili is now only a small official of the fourth rank, he has achieved so much before the age of thirty, which is indeed not to be underestimated. The He family may not have any official ranks, but they are a family that influences the core of court politics. Yang Tai's wife is a lady with a first-class imperial decree, but she also doesn't dare to put on airs, pretending to be "ill", and warmly entertains her guests.

  Zhili spoke with neither arrogance nor humility, first expressing his deep concern and solicitude for Tai Furen's health, then proceeding to severely reprimand Rumei for her recent behavior. Rumei was scolded until she couldn't lift her head, deeply aware of her mistakes, and immediately knelt down before her mother-in-law, wailing and crying bitterly.

  She was as sharp-tongued as a knife, and her words cut deep. She had scolded Rumei for being disobedient to her mother-in-law, causing the old lady to fall ill. It was said that the divorce papers were already prepared, and although she was shocked, she wasn't surprised. In front of Taifu's face, she loudly rebuked Rumei: "In the past, when you were in the boudoir, you were willful and reckless, spoiled and disobedient, refusing to listen to advice, putting on airs as a young lady, making things difficult for your elder sister-in-law. I had turned a blind eye to all this, thinking that after marrying into our family, you would change your ways. But it seems that you are still unrepentant, disrespecting your mother-in-law and mistreating your younger sister-in-law. This is truly unforgivable. Even if Taifu is kind-hearted and forgiving, not holding this against you, but Father has been angered by you. That's why he ordered your elder brother and sister-in-law to come visit Taifu, and at the same time, for your sister-in-law to teach you again how to be a proper daughter-in-law."

  Rumei had already been given a preemptive warning by He, so even if she was scolded, she would only meekly respond with a "yes" to indicate that she knew her mistake. She asked her brother and sister-in-law to forgive her and promised not to dare do it again in the future.

  However, Ruzhu suddenly became dejected and tearfully complained that she served her mother-in-law every day at 4 or 5 o'clock. That day was just a bit late, only around 6 or 7 o'clock, but she was blamed for being late. She was forced to stand in the courtyard with a full basin of water as punishment. It was cold and icy outside, and Ruzhu was thinly dressed. Wasn't her mother-in-law intentionally trying to freeze her to death?

  Mrs. Yang's face turned blue with rage, and she shouted, "Shut up!" He pointed at Rumei and scolded loudly, "How dare you be disrespectful to your mother-in-law and still try to argue? Your mother-in-law is your mother-in-law, do you think she's your own mother? You should feel grateful that I let you serve me at 2 o'clock in the morning, even if I made you kneel all night. Don't be resentful, who told you to be a daughter-in-law? You're a legitimate wife of the Yang family, and only then do you have the qualifications to serve your mother-in-law, others don't even have the chance."

  Rumei bit her lip, after all, she was still young and couldn't hold back her temper. She actually brought up the matter of her mother-in-law being angry with her because of Xiaojuzi's affair.

  According to He's account, Mrs. Yang was immediately flustered and angry, but also felt a sense of emptiness in her chest, not daring to confront Rumei directly. Although she was furious, she didn't dare scold Rumei, so she forced herself to say: "You child, when have I ever been unfair to you? It's just that I had a stomachache that day and my temper was a bit worse than usual, how can you blame your sister?"

  As soon as he heard this, he was delighted, "Did she really say that?"

  Mr. He nodded, "In front of her brother, how could she say something so embarrassing?" It can only be said that due to physical discomfort, her mood was a bit worse, and she just vented her anger on her daughter-in-law.

  With a gentle smile, "Third sister, you're too straightforward." However, in this situation, it indeed made Madame Yang feel embarrassed.

  Li's face was unsightly, and she couldn't help but say: "I'm telling you, Ah Yu, can you still smile at this time? Your sister suffered such grievances, wasn't it all because of you?"

  Her face turned red with shame, but the old lady was not pleased. "Do you want to make things difficult for your daughter-in-law? Do you need a reason? However, Qing has already made amends, so don't be dissatisfied. San has suffered some grievances, but she has gained great benefits. Don't always dwell on this."

  Li's anger subsided slightly, but she couldn't help muttering to herself: "If it weren't for her, how would my Rumei have suffered such grievances?"

  The old lady had a temper, and she couldn't help but raise her white eyebrows. Just as she was about to speak, Zhen Lian hurriedly comforted her and scolded Li Shi, "Auntie, I know you're heartbroken for Rumei, but Fourth Sister isn't easy either. She's been wronged without reason and has a whole body of grievances. Although Rumei is now suffering injustice, Brother and Sister-in-law have already stood up for her. Moreover, Fourth Brother-in-law has also communicated with Third Brother-in-law, and Third Brother-in-law said that if Yang Tai Furen continues to act unreasonably, he will request an imperial decree to send him on a distant mission. If it really doesn't work out, then let's just ask the clan elder to mediate this dispute. Auntie, think about it, what kind of person is Fourth Brother-in-law? He's already gone to great lengths for Rumei by personally finding Third Brother-in-law. What more do you want?"

  Mrs. Li's face turned red with anger, and she felt that she had gone too far, but after years of being used to being the high-and-mighty legitimate mother, at this moment she was unwilling to lower her voice and apologize to this concubine-born daughter, so she stiffened, turned her head away, and gazed out the window at the sea peach blossoms in the large vase.

  Although seeing this couldn't help but get angry, Rú Chén asked Hé Shì while pulling him: "And then what? What happened next? Big brother should still have some shocking moves, right?"

  He gazed at Ruoxi with appreciation, and for his own husband, only this little sister understood him the most. He suppressed a smile and said, "Really guessed by my little sister, how do you think your brother will respond?"

  Like a gentle shake of the head, the two brothers who know courtesy and righteousness have such poisonous tongues that others really don't dare to go against them.

  "What a pitiful thing, the hearts of parents all over the world! A proper mistress, although prestigious in name, must still show respect and serve her mother-in-law, without any negligence. If the mother-in-law is being difficult on purpose, she must endure it. But for a concubine, it's the opposite - as long as she serves the man well, why should she serve the mother-in-law? It's all because the old lady is fond of her eldest daughter and wants to spare her from many troubles. With the prestige and power of the Qingchang Marquis Manor, if the eldest daughter were to become a concubine to the fourth sister's husband, would the fourth sister dare to show her face? What an easy thing to do."

  Like being stunned, Zhang's mouth was agape for a long time before he reacted, "Big brother, did you really say that?"

  He sighed and hung his head in shame.

  Ruren was taken aback, then burst out laughing: "Zhili's poisonous tongue is really something, poor Yang Taijun doesn't know what kind of state she'll be driven to." But after laughing wildly, he felt it wasn't quite right, "Zhili's sarcasm is indeed exhilarating, but, but after all, that's Rumei's mother-in-law, Zhili was too, too ruthless."

  As if following suit, the Yang family is after all Ru Mei's in-laws. To mock and ridicule them so mercilessly, considering Mrs. Yang's strict and proud personality, it might even lead to severe retaliation against Ru Mei.

  "What's wrong with him?" "At the time, I also thought that husband was indeed a bit stingy. At the time, Mrs. Yang's face changed color. Afraid of causing trouble, I quickly stood up to mediate, but unexpectedly, your elder brother even scolded me, saying that Fourth Sister is a concubine-born daughter who can marry into the Jing Wang Fu and enjoy unparalleled glory and wealth, which is already a blessing from burning incense in her past life. The legitimate daughter of the Marquis's family voluntarily lowered herself to serve her, but she still wasn't willing? Having been a princess for just a few days, she's already gotten arrogant, really unbecoming."

  As if he was stunned again, he finally thoroughly experienced his brother's poisonous tongue and continued to ask, "And then, and then?"

  "What else can we do? Your brother seems to have ignored Yang Tai's face, which was pale with anger, and seriously told Yang Tai that our family has no rules for girls. One provokes you into a rage, one is jealous and intolerant of others, and yet so slow in sending the young lady here. My father knows he has no face to show to you, so he asked me to come and apologize personally. Please calm down your anger, I will go to the Jing Wang Fu now and order my sister, who is not dignified and arrogant, to choose a day to come and apologize to you, and then have someone bring the sedan chair to take the young lady back to the palace."

  As if she couldn't bear it anymore, Ru Jing burst out laughing and fell onto Ruzhen's body, pounding the soft pillow while laughing wildly. "Oh my, big brother is too formidable, too powerful!" It was simply comparable to a level 12 typhoon! He was really formidable, scolding people had reached its highest realm, not only did he not use any dirty words, but also made it impossible for others to find fault, leaving them so angry they could only force a smile on their face. Exhilarating, truly too exhilarating!

  Although she had already heard a good show, the old lady couldn't help but laugh and said "Brother is so sinister, how can you say such things."

  And as for Zhen, he couldn't help but sigh in amazement, saying it was fortunate that he had never offended Zhili before, otherwise, being scolded by his poisonous tongue would have been enough to kill him.

  He also wiped away tears from the corner of his eyes with a handkerchief, and smiled: "Indeed, that mouth of husband is really merciless when he's in the right."

  She laughed so hard that her stomach hurt, covering her belly and wailing "oh no, oh no", as if she had been really frightened. He hurriedly helped her up, "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

  With a wave of her hand, "I'm fine, nothing's wrong." She finally stopped laughing and said to Madame He, "I think the old lady is so angry she wants to knock her head against the wall."

  "What's wrong with you, you weren't there at the time, so you can't imagine how it was. The old lady's face turned green, black and red all at once. And your brother, that scoundrel, still wouldn't let her off the hook, even pretending to go to the Jing Wang Fu to find fault with you. The old lady was so scared that she repeatedly stopped him, saying 'no need, this matter is their fault, how can they blame you?' Your elder brother even said seriously, 'If the old lady still won't calm down, I absolutely won't forgive her, let her kneel outside the Yang Fu gate until the old lady calms down.'"

  "Like a cold smile: 'If that's really the case, then the Yang family's face has been utterly lost. Big brother, you're indeed impressive.'"

  He smiled and said, "Yes, your elder brother continued to say, 'Outside, they are all saying that because Fourth Sister did not agree to let the young lady be a concubine for Fourth Brother-in-law, she was angry with Rumei. That must be outsiders slandering Old Lady Yang.' Poor Lady Yang, being blocked by your brother, had a belly full of fire and couldn't vent it, so she just kept saying with an old face, 'What nonsense is this? It's all made up! Those people are really too vicious!' She said, 'I'm just not feeling well, that's why I was angry with Rumei. Don't listen to outsiders' idle chatter, Uncle.' Only then did your elder brother let her off."

  What a great feeling! I have to admire my own brother again, he's really a powerful and reliable backer!

  "Isn't it just because she's relying on being the wife of the Marquis and the eldest daughter of the Marquis' family, while our sister is lowly born and has a humble position, thinking that she can easily bully her? But in the end, she got a nose full of ash and ended up with a bloody nose. Since she can't vent her frustrations on anyone else, she can only take it out on Rumei, that foolish girl." Then, looking at He Shi, she smiled and said, "What a pity, she wanted to bully Rumei, but Rumei's maternal uncle and aunt are not easy to bully. Now, she's lost both face and dignity."

  The old lady took over the conversation, "This kind of person needs a villain to grind." But the tone turned around and looked at He Shi with a smile, "However, for a married woman, without the support of her natal family's brothers and sisters-in-law, she can't hold her head up in her husband's family either. Like Mei this time, it's really thanks to you."

  He smiled warmly: "We're all family, no need to be polite. Let's get together, a united and harmonious family can show its strength, outsiders won't dare bully us openly, right?"

  As the saying goes, nodding in agreement, the great power of ancient clans can only be deeply felt after marrying out. When brothers and sisters-in-law stand up for their married-out sisters, they naturally gain respect from others, and the married-out sisters with the support of their natal family's brothers and sisters-in-law also maintain dignity in their husbands' families. In this way, everyone is united, and the power of relatives by marriage becomes stronger, and with the power of relatives by marriage, the power of the clan rises to a higher level.

  The He family thought it through, and the Fang sisters all married well. In their husbands' families, they would have to endure some oppression. If they suffered any grievances, their brothers from their natal family would step in to support them, and they would be extremely grateful. Later on, if the Fang family encountered any difficulties, the married-out daughters would definitely help out as well. This way, relatives would unite together, and outsiders wouldn't dare to bully them openly. Moreover, they would also receive respect from their sisters-in-law, a win-win situation for everyone involved.

  The old lady nodded with satisfaction, "You're a thoughtful one, having you as the legitimate daughter-in-law of the Fang family is indeed our good fortune." Then she smiled at Ruzhen and her sister, "Your father isn't much of a person, but his taste in choosing a daughter-in-law is quite good."

  Ruren smiled and laughed, but He Shi was slightly embarrassed. Li Shi slightly pouted her lips, but the gaze she directed at He Shi also warmed up slightly.

  Next, everyone else discussed what Yang Tai's mother and daughter would do next. Zhen Bu Xu said, "Their reputation has been ruined, which wealthy family would still dare to want them? In my opinion, they can only marry out or into a lower-ranking family. As for those aristocratic families with jade and bronze utensils, forget about it."

  He also deeply felt the same way, but seeing Ruoxi still looking depressed, he couldn't help but ask: "Sister, are you still worried that this person will bother your brother-in-law?"

  "Yang Tai's wife is a proud person, and this time she has lost face completely. I reckon she won't dare to make any more trouble again. But Yang Qining is a stubborn and eccentric person with high standards, and having been left in such an embarrassing situation, I'm afraid she might go all out and make things really difficult."

  People like Yang Qining are neurotic and paranoid, thinking the world revolves around them. If things don't go their way, they harbor resentment in their hearts. They will stop at nothing to get what they want, even if it means going to extremes. It's really necessary to be on guard against such people.

  He thought for a moment, deeply sympathetic. "This kind of person is indeed difficult to deal with. However, little sister doesn't need to worry, big brother has already spoken with the two brothers-in-law all night and they both said that from now on they will definitely send more people to carefully take care of her and marry her off as soon as possible, the farther away the better. If she does something that disgraces the family again, the brothers-in-law will ask the clan leader to personally send her to the nun temple for supervision."

  Alas, as long as mother is around, I reckon even becoming a nun won't bring peace. This kind of person should be drowned in a pond, but it's not dare to say it out loud.

  After talking about the Yang family, the old, middle-aged and young women of the Fang family were all delighted, as if they had gone to a big heart and hidden in their hearts. Only then did they remember that there was still something important to ask, so they asked how Fang Jinglan was doing recently.

  Ru's face was not quite right, he turned his head to one side, while Li's expression fell, and she let out a cold hum.

  The old lady's expression was indifferent, "Your father's two concubines have already had one of them promoted to be a noblewoman."

  "What's going on? When did this happen?"

  The old lady didn't respond, she just turned her head and looked at Mrs. He.

  Mr. He considered Mr. Li's presence and replied in a low voice, "It was the day before yesterday, the servants at home set up several tables to offer tea to the madam and officially welcomed her as an aunt. She lives in the courtyard where Zhang Aunt used to live, and her name sounds pretty good, called Ou Xia, now people call her Xia Aunt."

  As soon as the emotions subsided, I wanted to ask her about Aunt Zhu's current situation. Li Shi quickly took over the conversation and said, "With that young son-in-law of hers, your aunt must have been pushed aside."

  The old lady gave her a sideways glance, soothingly said, "Your aunt is a gentle soul, these years have been quietly keeping to herself. Although she was married off to Xia's family, in your father's heart she still holds a certain weight. You shouldn't think too much about it either."

  She nodded unconsciously, not worried that Fang Jinglan would abuse Zhu Niang, but worried that the young Xia Niang would be spoiled and bully Zhu Niang. Heaven knows, Zhu Niang is indeed a honest person, to put it nicely, she's innocent, to put it badly, she's weak and easily bullied. In recent years, if it weren't for Fang Jinglan's pampering and protection, plus the old lady's and Zhi Li's courtesy, I'm afraid she would have been eaten alive by Zhang Niang long ago.

  As for Fang Jinglan, he has recently married Xia Yiniang and is now embracing a beauty, so he must be delighted beyond compare.

  As if by coincidence, the old man was about to say that he had been unlucky in his official career but lucky in love, when Madame He spoke up and said: "But Father, you have also benefited from your daughter's good fortune. Now that times have changed and luck has turned in our favor, you have already been transferred from the Temple of Imperial Sacrifices to serve as a compiler in the Office of the Censor."

  Ru Qing was taken aback, but soon burst out laughing: "It's really a stroke of good luck, Father has actually been promoted two ranks. What wonderful news!" No wonder he had been so triumphant in the bedroom. It turned out that wealth and career had always been the backbone of men.

  He smiled and said: "Yes, recently the old man is indeed in a great mood." Then he subconsciously glanced at Li, unfortunately someone's mood was severely bad.

  Ruyi asked about the Fang family again and learned that everything was peaceful at the Fang residence. Zhiyi had also written a letter from the border, saying that all was well and there was no need to worry. The three children were healthy and full of energy. Ruyi put her mind at ease and looked at Li's face, which had aged a few more years, and didn't want to stimulate her anymore. She then chatted with Old Lady Jia and others about other things.

  Yu Zhen also mentioned Yu Zhen and his nephew, Yu Zhen smiled and said: "Your brother-in-law is still the same as before, but your nephew has started teething. He's been crying about the pain recently, it's really a waste that his father is a martial artist, he can't even bear this little pain. But he didn't make me angry to death. Your nephew was naughty and scratched himself a few days ago, and he refused to come see you, afraid you would laugh at him for not being handsome."

  He suddenly burst out laughing and said, "This kid is so young, yet he's already so full of himself."

  Talking about her two children, He Shi couldn't help but talk endlessly. Her Wen Ke'er was also five or six years old and was equally mischievous. When it came to talking about kids, He Shi, who usually spoke cautiously, couldn't help but say a few more words. The elderly lady was delighted to have young children around her knees, and she happily chatted about Wen Ke'er's antics. On the other hand, Li Shi looked like she was sitting on pins and needles, and He Shi didn't dare neglect her, so she invited her to drink tea and eat melon seeds.

  Li sat on the cold bench for half a day and saw that Ruxin was still holding on tight, so she slightly relaxed her mind and brought up Rushan's matter again.

  Although I don't like it, but for the sake of sisterly love, I have to ask about you at least.

  Li's lips curled up, unable to express her joy, but instead asked with a hint of emotion: "The Jingwang Fu and the Yu Guo Wang Fu are not far away either. If something good happens, shouldn't there be some rumors?"

  Ru Jing shook her head, "Recently, there have been some things in the mansion, and I haven't heard any news about Second Sister." She paused for a moment, then asked He Shi with a puzzled expression: "What's wrong, did something happen to Second Sister?" Seeing He Shi's face filled with subtle worry, she couldn't help but ask: "What happened to Second Sister after all?"

  "What a sigh! Today, we came for three reasons. First, to visit our fourth sister, second, to remind her not to worry about the Yang family and third sister's affairs, just focus on taking care of herself during pregnancy. And third... is about second sister's matter." She said softly to Ruoqing: "Father asked me to arrange a day for us to go to the Yuanguang Wangfu to pay our respects."

  "What's wrong with Second Sister?" she asked softly, looking puzzled.

  Madam He's expression turned solemn, "It has been three years since the second daughter married into the Wang family, but there is still no sign of pregnancy. The Princess of Yu Prefecture is saying that she wants to find a concubine for her husband."

  "Second house?"

  He nodded, "This is not an ordinary concubine. For a family like my brother-in-law's, who has enjoyed wealth and honor for generations, even the concubine would have a dowry, betrothal gifts, and would be registered in the official records. The children born to her would also be considered legitimate heirs." He paused, then continued, "If that's really the case, then my second sister-in-law is even more pitiful."

  As expected, the Yu Prefecture Wang Fu really married a second wife, not only slapping Ruyi's face but also making Fang Fu lose face. No wonder Fang Jinglan was eager to let his sisters-in-law visit the Yu Prefecture Wang Fu, not to persuade, but rather to intimidate.

  "Dad, what did you say?" Ru Jing really wanted to know how Fang Jinglan, who had always been particular about his dignity, would react.

  "Old Master was naturally very angry. However, it's a fact that Second Sister has been married for three years without any children, and Old Master can't do anything about it." He Shi said out loud Fang Jinglan's plan, "Old Master's intention is also very simple, taking in a second wife is absolutely not possible. Taking in a concubine would be no big deal."

  Taking a concubine is not the same as taking a second wife, and for Ruxian, this is still somewhat acceptable and doesn't completely lose face in front of Fang's family.

  Of course, whether it's taking a concubine or marrying a second wife, neither would be good for Ruxuan. A main mother who can't give birth to a legitimate heir, how can she have status in her husband's family?

  Although she didn't like her, Ru Xing felt a little sympathetic towards her at this time. "Second sister's body has always been good, have you asked the imperial physician to take a look?"

  He said, "I don't know," and continued: "Second sister's body has always been robust, but her husband's house has a large number of concubines. It seems that there is already a gap between the second sister and her husband. I heard that the second sister's husband hasn't entered her room for almost half a year now."

  Speaking of the four sisters of the Fang family, each has their own unique charm. Like Ruo is a standard beauty with a heart-shaped face, clear features, and a bright and elegant appearance. Like Shan is noble and elegant, while Like Mei is like a fiery passion. Overall, all three sisters have their own pride, but Like Zhen's pride is innate, as the eldest daughter of the Fang family, she has married well and her husband is successful, so her pride is recognized by others.

  And Ruo's pride was due to his self-satisfaction with his intelligence and talent, and also because he was favored by his father, this kind of pride made him a bit arrogant and self-indulgent.

  Ru Mei is the legitimate daughter, with Li's family backing her up, this kind of pride can still be accepted. But in general, putting aside her temper, Ru Mei is a rare beauty, how come Li Mou's eyesight is so poor? He doesn't appreciate his wife who has a thousand charms and a hundred allurements, but instead goes to the concubine to seek warmth and intimacy.

  "Ru Shan was indeed pitied by Zhang Niang, but if she were to pretend to be weak and frail, it would only make her brother-in-law take pity on her. Unfortunately, as the legitimate mistress of the house, how could she possibly use such tactics? Even if she wanted to, the Princess of Yu Prefecture wouldn't allow it."

  Li coldly smiled and said, "In the past, you often flaunted your status as the Crown Prince's consort in front of us, dressing lavishly with gold and silver, but it turns out that you're actually a fake, all show and no substance." Her face was full of smugness.

  The old lady gave her a sideways glance, but didn't say anything. She just sighed and said to Ruqing: "Although San Niang has many shortcomings, she is still the daughter of the Fang family after all. If Er Gongye really marries the second wife, it would be a great loss of face for the Fang family. That's why your father wants you sisters to find time to visit the Yu Guo Wangfu and pay respects, so that the Yu Guo Wangfei will take into account the influence of the Fang family and not dare to act rashly."

  As a matter of course, clan power has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, even if you hate someone to the extreme, after all, they share the same surname, so even if you've lost face, you still have to swallow your blood and help each other out.

  He Shi asked Ru Qing when she would go to Yu Jun Wang Fu, and it was good for her to make an appointment with Ru Zhen and Ru Mei at the same time.

  Before Qing could respond, the old lady had already spoken up, "Your father has thought this through thoroughly, but now that Qing is pregnant, how can she possibly move around freely? Moreover, Qing still has her parents-in-law to consider, it's not like she can just go wherever she pleases. I think in this matter, Qing should avoid showing her face for the time being and wait until the fetus is stable before making further plans."

  The old lady's words were exactly what Qing wanted to say, and she didn't want Li Yunai to take a second wife either. This was indeed a provocation by the other family's sisters. However, if she really had to go to Yu Prefecture Wangfu for a visit, her mother-in-law was still pressing down on her head. Even if her mother-in-law agreed to let her take this step, it would not be appropriate.

  So, after thinking for a moment, "Alright, the pomegranates in my estate are about to bloom too. Once they do, I'll have the maid pick a few branches and personally deliver them to the sisters."

  The sea buckthorn flowers presented from the Western Regions, light green and clustered, with delicate red petals like a young maiden, as if they were the dawn's afterglow. Apart from being widely cultivated in the palace, only the Jingwang Fu had dozens of transplanted trees in large pots outside the palace. It was just a subtle way for the Fang sisters to express their deep affection for each other by sending sea buckthorn flowers to the world.

  He thought for a moment, nodded with a smile, "Sister is right too. Alright, let's do it this way, sister take good care of yourself." Then he said some more things that were necessary during pregnancy before leaving with Old Lady and the others to return home.

  However, when she was about to leave, Mrs. He added a few more words, "...Sister is pregnant, that's good news. But you can't serve your brother-in-law anymore, what does sister plan to do?"

  As soon as he finished speaking, he stared into Mrs. He's eyes and asked: "Earlier when you were pregnant, did brother go to the bridal chamber?"

  He's family was taken aback, saying: "Your brother is a good person. But your sister-in-law is different, she is the dignified Wang Ye."

  If he hums a gentle tune, Your Highness will be unable to resist, and everyone will have to attend to his every need, with him as their supreme leader?

  He Shi saw Ru Qing's expression and opened her mouth, but ultimately said nothing. Li Shi couldn't help but say: "I'm telling you, Ru Qing, although you're now a princess, the legitimate wife of our young master, as a woman, you must first be virtuous. Don't rely on our young master's love for you to do whatever you want. Now that you're pregnant, how can you still keep our young master confined in the house? I think it's better to arrange a schedule for the other concubines to serve him in turns. This way, who wouldn't praise your virtuousness? Don't be like those jealous women who tie their men down and become laughing stocks, embarrassing our family's daughters."

  "As it happens, Mother reminded me and I remembered."

  "Li saw her expression and became somewhat angry, raising her voice. 'You think you can just rely on your youth and beauty to be pampered and spoiled? I'll tell you, if you really lose face for our family because of your jealousy, I won't forgive you.'"

  He bowed his head, holding the blue and white porcelain plate with thin slices of pear sent by Rong Yu, and put them in his mouth, as if he was drinking tea, while taking melon seeds from Rong Yu and saying to Ruoxi, "The flavor of these melon seeds is really good."

  The old lady slightly lowered her eyebrows and occasionally fiddled with the thin, pale pink official kiln tea bowl in her hand. She raised her head to Ruqing and said: "This Da Hong Pao is indeed good, worthy of being an imperial gift."

  Ruqun smiled and said: "If grandma likes to eat it, I'll ask Zhou Mama to pack half a catty for you to take back later."

  The old lady smiled and said, "Good, good, good. Having a granddaughter who marries well is good, can enjoy the blessings now."

  "Grandma is really too selfish. She dotes on Fourth Sister because of her good marriage, but treats us like dirt."

  The old lady scolded with a smile: "You should also be content, marrying well also has its own troubles and difficulties. The other day, the Yang family's big show, you also came to wipe it? Your husband is now well-behaved, good to you, don't be discontented."

  As he thought about the actions of Yang Tai's wife and daughter, he couldn't help but sigh endlessly. Looking at Ruoxi, he was very admiring, "You really have your own way, you can actually make them retreat with just one mouthful. If it were me, I wouldn't know what to do."

  As she thought of Mrs. Yang's furious face that day, with her breath coming out more than going in, she also pursed her lips and let out a snort of laughter, "Still have to thank the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law from the Xiang family."

  Outside, the spring chill is steep, but inside the house it's warm as spring. The charcoal fire in the golden three-legged cauldron with the five blessings and longevity characters is burning brightly. On the carved cloud-patterned wall pillar, a bright Tianming pearl reflects a pair of sparkling eyes that are as beautiful as a lover's gaze.

  "After the incident with the Xiang family, I couldn't help but think that if I were to encounter such shameless people again, how would I deal with them. It's been two years now, and every time I think about it, I'm so angry that I wish I could turn back time and have another verbal sparring match with Mrs. Xiang. I want to give those shameless people a good beating.

  Mrs. Xiang also used her cunning tactics to coerce me, leaving me frustrated and helpless, unable to find a way out. I had no choice but to retreat and ask to be excused, just to save what little dignity I had left. But every time I think about it, I'm still so angry that I could cry blood.

  Later, after marrying into the Wang family, I thought that if I were to encounter similar situations again, I couldn't let myself be in a position where I'd get beaten up again. I must give them a painful blow back."

  Fortunately, Mrs. Yang finally ran into the muzzle, and while she was proud of herself, she also vented the depression that her family had brought to her.

  The old lady nodded slightly in approval, "As for the shameless one from the Wang family, it's not necessary to mention him again. Now that you're married into a better family than his, he doesn't dare to do anything to you and instead wants to curry favor with you, I reckon he's so angry that he's about to die."

  As if in a daze, she smiled but didn't speak. The ultimate revenge towards her in-laws was not to strike back at them or hate them, but to live better than them, and be higher than them. For this, she had to thank Li Xiao.

  "What's more, the Jiang family used to look down on my sister because of her illegitimate birth and only treated her as a concubine. Now that my sister has risen to such great heights, while the Jiang family is now in decline, it's truly not like before. It's just a pity about Kai'an County, who died young."

  Thinking of the sinister plan set up by An Guo County after his death, with boundless sympathy for the future of the Jiang family. "The county is dead, and the eldest son is also gone. I don't know if Mrs. Jiang will look at the share of her children and promote Ping's mother to a legitimate wife."

  "He Lao disdainfully said: 'In our dynasty's laws and decrees, for a family of scholars with official rank, once a concubine, always a concubine. However, if it's to give the child a legitimate status, then promoting the concubine is also acceptable, but it's extremely humiliating. Rules are dead, people are alive, if the Jiang family wants to promote Ping Niangniang to give the child a legitimate status, it's also reasonable. But, our dynasty's title inheritance has always been passed down through the eldest son and not the younger sons, the children born by Ping Niangniang whether they are considered as the eldest son or younger sons is no longer important, what's most important is that in the future when inheriting the title, it will depend on whether the Ministry of Rites and the Department of Clan Affairs gives face to the Jiang family.'"

  "Does Sister think that the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Clan Court will give face to the Jiang family?"

  He smiled slightly, stroking the hairpin on his temple, and said in a light tone, "Nowadays, the Minister of Rites is only concerned with the rules of birth order, nothing more. As for the Ministry of Rites, well, it's just following along and picking up what's already been established."

  As if he had understood, he also burst out laughing, "If at that time, Madam Jiang's hundred plans and calculations still end up being a futile effort, I wonder how disappointed she will be."

  "She herself loves to step on black and hold red, so it's no wonder others treat her that way."

  Mr. He smiled lightly and said nothing.

  It's true that after scolding, there is still no solution. "Although our dynasty has established the rule of not establishing a concubine as the heir, but also has the rule of establishing the eldest son without an heir. The legitimate son of the Jiang family is gone, but there are still children of Concubine Ping? Moreover, if Concubine Ping is promoted to the position of wife after being comforted, and then gives birth to a child, wouldn't that be a legitimate heir? At that time, what can the Ministry of Rites say?" He Shi and Ru Qing exchanged a smile, He Shi covered her mouth and sighed softly, "Depending on Concubine Ping's current reputation, the Jiang family would not dare to really promote her as the rightful wife, and besides, Concubine Ping will not have any more children."

  "Ah, is this why?"

  He very much wanted to share the joy of revenge against Ping's wife with her, but after all, he was also considerate of Li and so they tacitly kept silent together.