Chunfu smiled faintly upon hearing this and said softly, “If you feel it’s inappropriate, just explain it clearly to your mother. No need to tarnish someone else’s reputation. After all, the path ahead is yours alone to walk—how long can others truly help you?”
Chunfu was merely stating the facts without any ulterior motive, and Jicheng was not the type to be easily swayed by others. The last of his reservations dissipated, and he pulled Chunfu into his arms, kissing her forehead with a sigh. “I’ve been so busy lately, hardly spending any time with you and our daughter. It feels like I’m deliberately making life harder for myself when we could be enjoying better days.”
Chunfu nestled into his embrace. The bed was spacious enough, with Niannian sleeping soundly at the far end, occasionally smiling in her sleep, melting the couple’s hearts. “We don’t mind. Your work is important. This place feels just like home to us. When you’re less busy and the weather warms up, take us out to see the city. They say the capital is splendid—I’d love to experience it.”
Jicheng’s heart ached even more. This life was far from what he had envisioned. It felt as though he wasn’t living for himself anymore. Though he longed to refuse, the earnest look on his mother’s face always made him relent. He was exhausted. If only he could rest properly. “I’ll take you out the day after tomorrow. Let’s leave the child with Mother for the day, alright?”
Chunfu thought that while Madam Mu might dislike her, she surely wouldn’t hold any animosity toward her granddaughter, so she nodded in agreement. That night, despite holding his beloved wife, Jicheng had no room for other thoughts. Countless things raced through his mind, something struggling to surface, yet he couldn’t quite grasp it.
Early the next morning, Jicheng didn’t rush to the shop but went straight to his mother’s courtyard. Madam Mu was surprised to see her son, assuming he had come to join her for breakfast. Her face lit up with joy. “Are you not busy these days? After the New Year, everything returns to normal. Life is like a spinning top—it never stops turning.”
Jicheng sat on a nearby stool and shook his head. “Mother, I’d like to discuss something with you. Please don’t invite Miss Tang anymore. There are plenty of skilled craftsmen at the shop who can teach me. I might learn slower, but I don’t want to risk damaging her reputation. I’ve already sent Mingkan to inform her family.”
Madam Mu’s smile faltered, her face paling before she asked seriously, “Did she do something to displease you? She’s always been well-mannered and knowledgeable about business. How could—”
Jicheng chuckled lightly. “It’s nothing to do with her, Mother. Tomorrow, I’d like to take Chunfu out for a stroll. Could you look after Niannian for a while? She’s very well-behaved and won’t fuss without reason. I’ll head to the shop now.”
Madam Mu gestured to the table laden with food. “Won’t you eat something before you go? It’s not good for your health to leave on an empty stomach so early.”
Jicheng stood up. “Chunfu already prepared breakfast for me. Please enjoy your meal, Mother.”
As his figure disappeared into the distance, Madam Mu slammed her hand on the table. “Chunfu, Chunfu—that’s all he ever thinks about! I swear, unless we get rid of her, Jicheng’s heart will never return. What’s wrong with Xiaoxiao? She’s a proper young lady from a respectable family, a perfect match for our Mu household. I don’t understand his taste—how can he be so blind to that village woman’s flaws?”
Yunfu, who was serving soup, smiled and consoled her. “The Second Master and his wife are still newlyweds, and she’s given him a child. Their bond is naturally strong. Miss Tang is wonderful, but the Second Master hasn’t had the chance to see her virtues. They need more time together. If he dislikes meeting her for business, perhaps you could arrange a family banquet instead—something more casual. Business affairs are best left to men; it’s inconvenient for women to meddle. No matter how capable a woman is, men generally dislike those who are too domineering.”
Madam Mu sighed. “You’re right, as always. Fine, let him have his way. Later, summon that village woman to me. I have words for her.”
Yunfu sighed but obeyed.
Meanwhile, Chunfu was in her room playing with Niannian while chatting with Tuhuan. After several overtures of goodwill, Tuhuan had finally let her guard down and was now happily sharing amusing anecdotes about the Mu household. She spilled every detail she knew, big and small, though when it came to Madam Mu, she hesitated. “When the Second Master first arrived, the Old Madam intended to have Yuxia serve him. Later, because of Miss Tang, the plan was abandoned. We all thought she’d be elevated to concubine. Now, the mistress’s position in this household is truly awkward. Everyone knows the Old Madam favors Miss Tang as the Second Master’s rightful wife.”
Chunfu smiled faintly but said nothing. Just as she had suspected—Madam Mu looked down on her, believing only a proper young lady was worthy of her son.
“Aren’t you upset, Mistress? This is too unfair. You should tell the Second Master and let him know how many people in this household are mistreating you,” Tuhuan said worriedly, studying Chunfu. Despite her humble origins, Chunfu carried herself with the grace of a noblewoman, exuding an air of quiet dignity.
Chunfu stroked Niannian’s cheek. “I’m not upset. The only thing that could hurt me is if the Second Master’s feelings for me change. If that happens, what else is there to say?”
No sooner had she spoken than a servant from the Old Madam arrived. This was the first time since coming to the Mu household that Chunfu had been summoned by its matriarch. Handing the child to Tuhuan, she chuckled softly. “Thankfully, she’s grown fond of you these past few days. It gives me some freedom.”
The Old Madam’s courtyard was the grandest in the Mu residence. As Chunfu walked in step by step, the stern expression on the elderly woman’s face made her realize that the treatment she’d received before had been relatively polite.
Chunfu greeted respectfully, “Mother.”
Madam Mu motioned for her to sit and spoke gravely, “I won’t mince words. Did you say something to dissuade Erlang from accepting Xiaoxiao’s help? Our Mu family is a respected household in the capital, with ties to many powerful and wealthy families. We cannot accept someone of your standing. I know this is unfair to you, but I cannot tolerate you stirring up trouble under my roof. If you’re willing to leave my son, I’ll give you everything in Dongpo Village and enough silver to last a lifetime. As for the child, take her with you. Our Mu family needs sons who can uphold the family’s legacy.”
Chunfu nearly laughed at the absurdity of the situation. With a derisive smile, she replied coolly, “Since you’ve never treated me as a daughter-in-law, I won’t pretend otherwise. But a married woman follows her husband. If you have anything to say, speak to Jicheng. If he ever utters a single word of rejection toward me or our daughter, I won’t cling to him.”
Madam Mu, furious, retorted with a cold laugh, “If I could persuade my foolish son, would I be talking to you? I advise you to be sensible, lest I make things difficult for you. In the capital, our Mu family isn’t afraid of causing a scene.”
Chunfu remained unfazed. “I’ll be waiting. You’re welcome to try. I believe you understand what’s at stake—my life is hardly worth jeopardizing your son’s respect for you.” With that, she turned and left, her back straight as a pine in the winter wind, unyielding to anyone’s pressure.
Madam Mu, seething at having her weakness exposed, clenched her fists and spat through gritted teeth, “That insolent wretch! How dare she speak to me like that!”
Though Chunfu felt a pang of bitterness, she had never held high hopes for her relationship with her mother-in-law. Still, facing such hostility was disheartening. A wry smile touched her lips as the cold wind lifted the hem of her skirt, adding to her air of detachment. A passing maid stole a glance at her before scurrying away. Chunfu had no intention of retreating or burdening Jicheng with this. Some things required time to resolve.
Unable to sway Chunfu, Madam Mu followed Yunfu’s advice and invited Tang Xiaoxiao over, scheming to create opportunities for her and Jicheng to grow closer. At first, Jicheng didn’t notice, but during a rare moment of leisure, he overheard gossip among the shop assistants—particularly the remark that Miss Tang was the true future mistress, while the village wife would soon be cast aside. Fury surged within him.
The next time he saw Tang Xiaoxiao, his previous politeness vanished. His expression icy, he said, “You must be aware of my mother’s intentions, Miss Tang. You come from a noble family and are highly accomplished—why waste your time on me? I have a wife and daughter and no interest in other women. You’re a sensible person; don’t indulge my mother’s delusions. My filial piety is the only reason I remain in the capital, but if anything disrupts my peace, don’t blame me for severing ties. If my mother tries this again, I hope you’ll refuse.”
To his surprise, Tang Xiaoxiao covered her mouth and laughed. “I wondered how long you’d endure this. Rest assured, I have no interest in meddling in your affairs. I only wanted to use you to provoke Mu Hong, but that fool pretended not to notice. This charade has gone on long enough. However, your aunt takes it seriously—she might truly make life difficult for your wife. Strange, though—your wife endures everything. If it were me, I’d have raised hell by now.”
Jicheng rubbed his forehead and chuckled. “She knows everything but wants me to discover it myself. She’s considerate, afraid of damaging the bond between mother and son. I had no idea she could endure so much. Since you’re not interested either, I can rest easy.”
He stayed out until the moon hung high in the sky before returning home. Chunfu was still awake, playing with their daughter. When he entered, his expression was dark as he sat at the round table by the bed, pouring himself tea. Perhaps he was destined to remain a pauper—even the finest tea tasted no different to him.
Chunfu, holding their child, smiled gently. “Did something trouble you outside? Don’t drink tea now—you might not sleep later.”
“Chunfu… is there anything you want to tell me?”
She paused, then shook her head with a soft laugh. “No, what should I say?”
Jicheng stood and walked over to them, his voice tight with emotion. “You’re determined to make me suffer, aren’t you? To make me feel guilty. You wicked girl.”
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