Chapter 217: Madam Xie Looks Down on Zheng Jinxiu

Chapter 217: Madam Xie Looks Down on Zheng Jinxiu

Madam Xie's face had darkened like the bottom of a pot at this point.

Mrs. Zheng had concealed all these matters from her, not divulging the slightest bit of information.

The last time she had heard rumors, she had even gone to ask personally, but Mrs. Zheng had clammed up and said nothing.

So she had been hiding things from her while still trying to get close to her?

That was too much. Madam Xie hadn't even begrudged Zheng Jinxiu for not breaking off her engagement with the Lu family.

If it weren't for her daughter-in-law's final words and that terrifyingly realistic dream, she truly would have looked down on Zheng Jinxiu.

Feeling deceived, Madam Xie harrumphed coldly.

"Since their Zheng family is so unscrupulous, then let's just drop this matter."

"You should remember this: Although I don't live in the Xie residence, I will eventually be enshrined in the Xie family's ancestral hall. I wouldn't want someone like Zheng Jinxiu leading my descendants in paying respects later on."

Madame Xie's lips twitched. She thought to herself that while she was still recovering from the fright of nearly being entangled with an aristocratic relative, Madame Zheng was already contemplating matters concerning the afterlife.

In short, Madame Xie felt that Madame Zheng was insincere and had deceived her, causing her great anger.

She then ignored Madame Zheng, not mentioning the matter again.

Unaware that Madame Xie had already abandoned the idea of marrying her son to Zheng Jinxiu, Madame Zheng was still waiting at home for news from the Xie family.

As long as she received confirmation from the Xies, she would do everything in her power to call off Zheng Jinxiu's engagement with the Lu family.

Regarding the matter of reneging on the engagement with the Lu family, she didn't believe it was her fault.

How could anyone endure the humiliation of being asked to wed both a wife and a concubine?

Thus, she had every right to call off the marriage with confidence.

Zheng Jinxiu grew impatient as she waited. On one hand, there was the potential crisis looming over the Fang family that could erupt at any moment. On the other hand, Lu Shen's persistent harassment was becoming unbearable to her.

When annoyance reached its peak, she would come to Lady Zheng to pour out her grievances in tears.

"Mother, has there been any news from the Xie family?"

What news could there possibly be from the Xie family? If there were, she wouldn't be worrying so much.

But she couldn't say that outright. Instead, she comforted Zheng Jinxiu, "Jinxiu, patience is key here. You must understand that the Xie family has just finished mourning their loss."

"I know, but how long do we have to wait? Lu Shen came again today, and it took all my effort to get rid of him. I don't know if I'll be able to do it next time."

Lady Zheng was also quite annoyed with Lu Shen, but what could she do? There was no rushing such matters.

Besides, if they didn't bring it up first, how could she?

"Don't worry, let's wait a few more days. From the way Madam Xie behaved the other day, I believe this matter is settled," Lady Zheng offered her reassurance.

However, Zheng Jinxiu didn't seem to find solace in her words.

"Sigh!" Zheng Jinxiu sighed, biting her lip. "Then let's wait a little longer, but..."

She paused for a moment before continuing, "Mother, what should I do? Lu Shen is pressing me so hard, as if he fears I might back out of the engagement. I'm worried that even if we propose to break off the engagement, he might refuse."

Madam Zheng reassured, "Don't worry. They were the ones who acted improperly first. Seeking to take both a wife and concubine is an insult to people's dignity. We can use this as a reason to break off the engagement."

"But..." Zheng Jinxiu recalled Lu Shen's determined gaze when he looked at her. It wouldn't be so easy for him to let go.

She said, "What if Lu Shen convinces his family and they decide not to have a simultaneous marriage? Our current reason might not be enough to successfully end the engagement."

Madam Zheng hadn't considered that far. In her mind, the Wang family had already made significant concessions and surely wouldn't compromise further on the matter of taking a wife and concubine simultaneously.

If the Lu family refused to agree to a simultaneous marriage, the Wangs would definitely cause a commotion.

But there was always a chance, however slim. What if?

Madam Zheng pondered and, to ensure absolute certainty, she suggested, "The more I see Lu Shen, the less of a decent man he seems. Mother will find someone to investigate him. We'll surely uncover more flaws in his character. With more leverage in our hands, we'll be absolutely safe."

Zheng Jinxiu nodded, her face clouded with concern. In theory, it sounded good, but they needed evidence to back it up.

If they couldn't find anything, all their talk would be for naught.

Seeing Zheng Jinxiu's slightly haggard expression, Madam Zheng sighed softly. "Leave everything to Mother. Don't worry. I'll definitely find you a good match, ensuring you won't suffer in the latter half of your life."

Zheng Jinxiu's face lit up with a tender smile, deeply touched. She nestled affectionately against her mother's arm, leaning her head on her shoulder.

"Mother, you're the best to me. You're like my second parent; no one loves me more than you. I'll always be your daughter, and I promise to take good care of you."

"Silly child, you're the one I raised with my own hands. Mother never expects anything in return, as long as you're doing well."

Zheng Jinxiu held her mother's arm even tighter, overcome with emotion.

Mrs. Zheng suggested, "I can see that you've been cooped up at home lately. Why not go out for a walk? By leaving, you'll avoid Lu Shen's unwanted attention."

Zheng Jinxiu nodded, "That sounds good. I'm truly tired of him. I'll visit AnGuo Temple tomorrow. Last time, I had planned to go there with Eldest Sister, but instead, I encountered that damned thief, which ended up harming her. I..."

At this point, Zheng Jinxiu broke into sobs, "I only wanted to do something nice for Eldest Sister, and look what happened. It's made it impossible for me to face her."

Mrs. Zheng reassured her, "It was just an unfortunate accident. Don't blame yourself. Your Eldest Sister isn't someone who holds grudges, she won't blame you either."

"Eldest Sister might not blame me, but I can't forgive myself for my poor nephew who never even saw the light of day. Mother, I'll go to AnGuo Temple tomorrow to pray for a protective talisman for Eldest Sister. Could you please help me deliver it to her?"

Mrs. Zheng asked, "Why must Mother deliver it?"

"I'm afraid Sister-in-law won't forgive me."

"Oh dear, I've told you she's not a petty person. She wouldn't hold a grudge."

"Still…" It seemed to take her great effort to whisper to Lady Zheng, "After that accident, Sister-in-law has refused to see me anymore."

"Ah? Really? Could it be a misunderstanding?"

Zheng Jinxiu sounded aggrieved, "During Sister-in-law's postpartum recovery, I visited her a few times, intending to apologize in person. But she seemed reluctant to meet me, always using her health as an excuse. Eventually, she returned to her parents' home, and I haven't seen her since."

Lady Zheng was momentarily speechless. Lately, preoccupied with the marriage arrangements, she hadn't noticed this issue.

Has Eldest Sister-in-law been avoiding Jinxiu since the incident?

She would inquire with the servants later. If it were true, she felt it was necessary to mediate between the two and resolve their conflict.

After all, they were family, and harboring resentment wasn't good for anyone.

"Alright, Mother promises you. Then, tomorrow, bring more silver with you. Ask for an amulet of safety for your Sister-in-law and also a Buddha statue for peace, it will show more sincerity."

"Very well, I'll follow Mother's advice."

...

The next day, Zheng Jinxiu left to visit a temple to pray for Xiao Xuan's well-being.

Not long after she departed, Lu Shen also set off on his journey.

The day before, upon learning that Zheng Jinxiu would be going out the following day, Zhou Bo had discreetly conveyed this information to Lu Shen.