Chunfu gazed deeply at Jicheng and said, “Some words are not appropriate for me to say. I don’t want to put you in a difficult position, and I know you wouldn’t let me suffer. So, what difference does it make whether I speak or not? What about you? Do you have anything you’d like to say to me?”
A wave of guilt washed over Jicheng’s face, and suddenly, his frustration with Chunfu’s silence didn’t feel as painful anymore. He had only been angry because she refused to speak up, knowing full well he couldn’t bear to see her wronged—even if it was his own mother. Yet she endured it all. How dare those servants and maids mock her? Weren’t they all from humble backgrounds themselves? What gave them the right to act superior when they were nothing but servants? Chunfu had built half the family’s wealth with her own wits. Even without the Mu family, the three of them could have lived comfortably. Who were they to judge? The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. If it weren’t so late, he would have confronted them right then and there.
“Only today did I understand Mother’s intentions. I was foolish before, caught up in trivial matters and neglecting you. Tang Xiaoxiao is interested in my elder brother, not me. Even if you don’t say it, I know you’re jealous. Don’t worry, I’ll make things clear to Mother. If she continues to trouble you, we won’t stay here. What does the capital’s glamour have to do with us? We can return to Dongpo Village and live our own peaceful life.” Jicheng’s voice grew fiercer as he spoke, his fists clenching. No one knew the true source of his bitterness—his mother, who claimed to miss him so dearly, yet disregarded his feelings. She knew all he wanted was a quiet life with Chunfu, yet she insisted on creating these obstacles.
Chunfu sighed. “I think I understand her intentions. You were born into a wealthy family but ended up living a humble life. She feels guilty and wants to make it up to you. The Mu family’s vast fortune—most people would be overjoyed. If we’re being honest, my background is beneath you. Though it pains me, I know no mother would willingly give her child less than the best—I’m the same. That’s why I couldn’t bring myself to say anything. I didn’t want to strain your relationship with her, so I chose to compromise. But I’m not someone who can be bullied endlessly. If things go too far, I won’t stay silent. Jicheng, all I’m betting on is that I understand you.”
A faint smile finally appeared on Jicheng’s face. He had worried Chunfu might misunderstand him, grow jealous, and resent him. Now he realized he’d overthought it. Looking down, he saw Niannian staring at him with wide eyes, and his heart softened instantly. He pulled both of them into his arms and whispered, “Spring is here. The weather’s warmer, and the trees are turning green. Let’s go on an outing, just the three of us. If we get the chance, we should visit the southern riverside towns—misty and lush, rich with fish and rice.”
Chunfu chuckled quietly, amused that he’d picked up such poetic descriptions during his travels. She murmured an agreement. As they prepared for bed, she casually remarked, “I heard your mother wanted to arrange a concubine for you, but Miss Tang’s presence stopped her. Were you ever tempted? Yuxia’s always fluttering around in front of me—she’s quite pretty.”
Jicheng’s face darkened. Without a word, he left for the side room to bathe. He’d been careless, sitting beside them while still chilled from the night air—he didn’t want them catching a cold. But he had underestimated his mother’s resolve, and it troubled him deeply.
The next morning, when he went to pay his respects, the pleasant atmosphere turned icy the moment he spoke in Chunfu’s defense. Lady Mu’s expression darkened as she scolded, “Let’s not mince words. That woman is unsuitable—she’s unworthy of being the Mu family’s matriarch. Don’t argue. Once the weather warms, send them away. I’ll provide enough money to ensure they never want for anything.”
Jicheng laughed bitterly. “Is that what you think of me? I didn’t come to the capital to be your puppet. Out of respect, I’ve tried to be filial. My parents died young, and I never got the chance to care for them properly. When fate gave me a second chance, I couldn’t refuse. But if you go behind my back and make decisions that hurt me, don’t blame me for—”
Lady Mu’s eyes reddened as she clutched her skirts and cried, “My precious son still holds a grudge against the person who took you from me. After all my longing and waiting, I curse the heavens for letting this happen. If you’d stayed with me, I’d already be holding my grandchild!”
“Niannian *is* your granddaughter, Mother. Please, stay out of my affairs with Chunfu. She’s not the gold-digger you think she is. Since our marriage, she’s managed our household brilliantly. She’s sharp—quicker than me in business. She’s suffered enough, and we’ve endured scorn together without complaint. But you’re different—we can’t ignore you. Can’t we compromise? Niannian’s old enough to understand things now. She’s affectionate, yet you’d cast them out of the capital? If you insist, then I won’t stay either.”
“Don’t you understand why I’m doing this? The Tangs are a prestigious family—countless suitors vie for their favor, yet your aunt only wants an alliance with us. If you marry Xiaoxiao, she’ll support you in business and beyond. If your father were alive, he’d pave the way for you, but he’s gone. I’m just a woman, and your brother is often away. You deserve better. Listen to me—I only want what’s best for you.” Lady Mu grasped her son’s hands earnestly, unaware that her words only pushed him further away.
Jicheng let out a disappointed chuckle. “You just want to mold me into someone who fits your ideals. A son? I doubt you’ve ever truly seen me as one. My mother—my *real* mother—always asked what *I* wanted, even if it meant disappointing her own child. She was warm and kind, nothing like the villain you make her out to be. I’m grateful for the life I had—free, unburdened by wealth and its coldness. Business isn’t my calling. I’m used to farming and hiking. Playing the part of a gentleman feels like a monkey in human clothes—ridiculous.”
“Our family’s fortune is vast—is it wrong for me to be strict? Must I send them away now for you to give up?”
Jicheng looked at his desperate mother and sighed. “It seems we’ll never understand each other. I won’t argue further. Consider me lost to you again. Since I’ll never meet your expectations, dragging this out will only erode what little affection remains. I’ll take them back home in a few days. Take care of yourself.”
Each clung stubbornly to their own reasoning, neither willing to yield. She forced upon him what she believed was best, while he selfishly clung only to what he valued most. He couldn’t accept her “kindness” without resentment. The road ahead was long, and he couldn’t endure her endless corrections and intrusions—each submission would chip away at his sense of self. He refused to become that person. His life wasn’t just for himself; he bore the weight of two others’ happiness. He regretted his mother’s inability to understand, but more than anything, he longed for the simplicity of his past.
As Yunfu watched Jicheng leave, she asked worriedly, “Can you really let Second Master go? You’ve pinned all your hopes on him. This—”
Lady Mu shut her eyes tightly before hissing, “Let him go. He’s been wild for too long—he’ll learn his lesson soon enough. After so many years of comfort, do you really think they can return to coarse meals and hardship? He’ll come crawling back. That Chunfu—she’ll never set foot in the Mu household again.”
Chunfu was surprised when Jicheng returned early. “What’s wrong? You’re back so soon—isn’t there work? Tuhuan made some sweet cakes. Try one.”
Jicheng set the plate aside and said lightly, “Let’s go back to Dongpo Village in a couple of days, alright?”
Chunfu’s eyes sparkled like fireworks in the night, though she kept her expression neutral. “What happened? Did you and Lady Mu—”
*Lady Mu.* The formal address stung. Hearing Chunfu switch from “Mother” to “Lady Mu” drove home how deeply the old woman’s actions had wounded them—unknowingly. He could endure anything, but not someone hurting Chunfu. Without realizing it, he’d become fiercely protective and unyielding. Shaking his head, he said, “Don’t worry about it. We’ve never been comfortable here. No golden nest compares to our little home. Who knows what state it’s in after all these months? At least it’s warm now—we can enjoy the scenery on the way back.”
Chunfu didn’t press further. Everyone knew the unspoken rules, and Jicheng was sensible. If he’d reached this point, Lady Mu must have said something unforgivable—likely about her. Speaking up now would only make her seem hypocritical. Silence was better.
On the day of their departure, Jicheng went to bid Lady Mu farewell but was turned away at the door. He smiled faintly and called through the wood, “Take care of yourself. I’m leaving now.” His throat tightened with unspoken words—things she’d never accept, so it was better left unsaid.
Chunfu stood nearby. Once Jicheng had walked ahead, she said softly, “You dislike me, and I don’t resent you for it. But Jicheng is filial. He’s lived alone for so long—even when I was ill and slow-witted, he never scorned me. He said he finally had company, that he wouldn’t be lonely anymore. He’s never cared for wealth or ambition. When I spent all his savings, he didn’t even blink. ‘If we have money, we eat well. If not, we endure. I’ll work hard to provide,’ he said. All he wants is a simple life. For someone like him, managing a vast estate is exhausting. Yes, it’s his duty as your son—but have you ever considered whether he *wants* what you force upon him? You’re using responsibility as an excuse. If you truly loved him, you wouldn’t wear him out like this. For you, he endures even the hardest days—it’s the least he can do for the mother who gave him life. Did you ever try the cured fish we brought from Dongpo Village? He caught over a dozen fat ones himself, seasoned and dried them. He claimed it was because the journey would be rough for me and the child, but I knew—he wanted to see you. It’s a shame you dismissed his efforts. He grew up where he did, and this was his way of showing love. He’s done his part. His conscience is clear.”
A sound of shattering porcelain came from inside. Chunfu pressed her lips together and turned away. The road back might not be lined with flowers, but it was lush with greenery—everything coming back to life, even their spirits. Once home, they’d rebuild. This year would bring even greater blessings.
Jicheng was quiet for two days on the journey before finally recovering. Chunfu patted his cheek and smiled. “As long as I understand your goodness, nothing else matters. You’ve done right by her—that’s enough.”
Niannian woke from her nap, her bright eyes tugging at their hearts. Jicheng held her small hand and nodded. “I know. Don’t overthink it either. Let’s just focus on our peaceful life.”
The carriage rolled forward along the unfamiliar road, the once snow-covered landscape now a ribbon of green. The spring breeze was gentle, their hearts lighter with each mile. What did the capital’s splendor matter? It was a world too distant—even when they walked its streets, they’d only ever been passing through.
Years slipped by like flowing water. Eight winters and summers vanished in a blink. Niannian had grown into a lovely young girl in pale green robes, her delicate features mirroring Chunfu’s. Beneath the silk tree, she badgered Jicheng to pick the prettiest blossoms—one after another, though they all looked the same to him.
Chunfu stepped outside, laughing. “Only your father spoils you like this. Enough now—if you keep misbehaving, don’t blame me for scolding you.”
Niannian pouted. “You favor my brother! You’re always criticizing me. If I don’t cling to Father now, what will become of me? When will you take me to see the new baby? Auntie had a little girl—I want to know what she looks like! You didn’t let me see Jiwei, and I’m upset. This time, I *must* go. Father, promise me!”
Jicheng handed the full basket to Chunfu—she planned to make a pillow for their son. They’d waited until midday to gather the flowers. Smiling, he said, “Your uncle’s home is too far. Your mother and I have work to do—we can’t just abandon everything to take you. What would we eat then? Starve?”
Niannian huffed. “You’re lying! Cousin handles things in town. You and Mother have plenty of free time!”
Chunfu sighed in exasperation—the girl always found the weak spot. Sternly, she said, “No more nonsense. Spend time teaching your brother instead. He’s more sensible than you.”
Niannian muttered, “The family fortune will go to him anyway. What does it matter if I’m likable or not? You’ve favored him since he was born. I’m just a burden—you’ve been waiting to marry me off.”
Chunfu’s face darkened. “Who told you that?”
Jicheng, alarmed, took Niannian’s hands. “Sweetheart, who said such things to you? Your mother and I indulge you in everything. How could you think this? Your cousin was apprenticing in business at nine—his life was much harder than yours. Look how well he’s doing now! Why must you latch onto the worst lessons? You love fish—your mother cooks it for you every meal. Have you ever thanked her?”
Niannian hung her head. “It was Xiuhua. She stopped me one day and kept talking even when I didn’t want to listen. Slowly, I started believing her. I’m sorry.”
Chunfu’s jaw clenched. Years ago, Xiuhua had spread rumors after failing to manipulate them. Chunfu had ignored it, never imagining she’d poison her child’s mind. Handing her son to Jicheng, she stormed toward Xiuhua’s home. Dressed in fine clothes that marked their prosperity, her fury was intimidating. Jicheng, torn but resigned, carried their son and followed with Niannian. If Chunfu was determined to settle this, so be it. She’d grown bolder over the years—just as he couldn’t tolerate anyone hurting her, she wouldn’t let anyone harm their children. *This* was the life he’d always wanted.
Chunfu’s wrath drew curious onlookers. Reaching Xiuhua’s yard, she shouted, “Xiuhua! Come out! What nonsense have you been filling my daughter’s head with? If you’ve got a grudge, take it up with me! Spreading poison to a child—have you no shame? I’ve spared your dignity all these years because no one wants to dredge up ugly history, yet you act as though we owe you? You brought this on yourself with your sticky fingers. Let’s see who’s in the right here!”
Niannian, sharp as ever, turned to Jicheng. “Why didn’t you ever tell us about the past? If I’d known what she was like, I’d have ignored her. She’s horrible.”
Jicheng ruffled her hair. “We don’t define people by their mistakes forever. What if they change? But she’s too foolish to understand. Back then, I exposed her theft to the whole village. Later, your mother and I agreed it was too harsh—what if she reformed but couldn’t escape her past? Sadly, she never learned.”
Tiezhu, proudly showing off new stationery to his children, hurried out at the commotion. “What’s going on?”
Chunfu seethed. “Ask your wife what she’s been telling my Niannian.”
A crowd gathered quickly—gossiping women and men eager to curry favor with the prosperous Jicheng household.
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