Chapter 7: Serene Without Blemish (7)

Chapter 7: Serene Without Blemish (7)

Zhe Wan was indeed no longer saddened by such trifles. He Chun had a point – regardless of others or other matters, it was enough to know what one was doing.

She now knew exactly what she wanted.

She wanted to be good to herself and to Su Shan. She wished for a long and happy life with Su Shan, to savor the beauty of their years instead of being bogged down by meager existence.

First and foremost, they needed to eat well. They hadn't had many meals with dishes they truly enjoyed. They had always catered to the tastes of her elder sister – Mama Tang said that He Chun also preferred light and savory food, and it was best not to alter his habits.

Zhe Wan had always followed He Chun's preferences in her diet. Later, with the birth of Chuan Ge, a child who couldn't handle spicy food, she continued with the light meals.

She seldom indulged in rich, spicy dishes, only picking at them occasionally during banquets. Years of a bland diet made her stomach sensitive to spicier and heavier foods.

Fearful of being ridiculed for overeating and falling ill, she constantly held back. When she remained barren, the list of forbidden foods prescribed by doctors grew even longer. To conceive, her diet was limited to just a few options, along with daily medication.

She felt as if her entire being exuded the scent of medicine.

In this lifetime, she would no longer strive for upheaval, nor would she endure more medication to bear a child. All she desired was to live her life to the fullest.

Even with a child, how could she, who hadn't figured out her own life, teach her offspring anything?

Zhe Wan simply wanted to enjoy her meal. She intended to savor all the dishes she missed in her previous life.

When He Chun arrived in the evening, he took a deep breath at the sight of the plates filled with spicy beef and braised beef.

Fortunately, there was a pot of braised beef brisket. Surprisingly, it was also laced with plenty of chili peppers.

He picked at his food carefully and, after enduring for a while, finally said when he saw that she wasn't paying attention to what he was eating, "It might be better if we don't have any spicy ingredients in our dishes next time."

Zhe Wan replied, "I like spicy food."

She looked up at him. "If you don't like it, just ask someone to order new dishes."

Her refusal was straightforward, but He Chun didn't get angry. It had to do with her natural gentle tone of voice—her refusals sounded polite even when they were firm.

Nonetheless, He Chun still felt somewhat displeased.

He used to dine with Ayan. They shared similar tastes, and their meals were always harmonious. Such trivial matters had never been an issue before, requiring him to bring them up himself.

He sighed, feeling that the Zhe family had indeed not given their concubine-born daughter proper upbringing. The difference between Ayan and Zhe Wan was like heaven and earth.

But when it came time to rest at night, after fulfilling their conjugal duties, he held his young wife in his arms and thought that although she lacked knowledge, her youth allowed for room to learn and grow with proper guidance.

Eventually, the family's affairs would fall into her hands. Once the three households returned from their visit tomorrow, he would discuss with his mother the matter of Chuan Ge and managing the household.

As for Zhe Wan's concern about being scolded, he considered it a trivial issue.

In officialdom, one couldn't always have everything go as planned. Being reprimanded by superiors was an everyday occurrence.

No one could have a smooth sailing life. If she were to be submissive and indifferent, not taking charge, that would truly be disdainful.

After such contemplation, he looked up only to find that Zhe Wan had already fallen asleep.

She... was rather carefree.

The next morning, he woke up early. Zhe Wan was still yawning, while Su Shan and Chan Yue had already discussed what hairstyle to create for her.

"Peony bun suits you best, Madam. You have a lovely face and a slender waist, like a lotus flower and willow branches. With a peony from Flower and Bird House adorned on your bun and complemented by jade accessories, it'll surely be stunning."

Zhe Wan nodded. "Sure."

She smiled and said, "Your skills are excellent, so you decide."

Chan Yue greatly appreciated her gentleness and put all her efforts into showcasing her abilities. She added, "Mistress, Chef Li from the kitchen even mentioned he wants to come and express his gratitude."

She was envious. "With just a few dishes, he actually received five taels of silver from Young Master."

Sushan replied, "Yes, he was the one who prepared that stir-fried beef with yellow onions yesterday."

At this point, she paused and, after Chan Yue left, whispered to Zhe Wan, "Yesterday, Chan Yue told me that Young Master likes vegetarian dishes. Didn't Mother Tang mention that before…?"

Zhe Wan found it amusing and asked, "If you were still worried, why didn't you stop me?"

Sushan spoke sincerely, "Miss, I can tell that those are the foods you enjoy. Since you like them and dare to eat them, I'm happy for you."

Deeply touched, Zhe Wan handed her a small pouch filled with pork jerky. She whispered, "When we return to the Zhe residence later, it might not be as carefree as here. Eat this to fill your stomach."

Sushan nodded. "Alright."

Zhe Wan continued, "I'll retrieve your indenture today."

She didn't even have Su Shan's indenture.

But Su Shan replied, "We've already offended Mother Tang. She's been unusually quiet these past two days, but I'm sure she's brewing trouble. She'll surely badmouth us to Madam when we return. Madam won't give you my indenture at this time."

Zhe Wan pinched Su Shan's palm. "Then wait and see. If I manage to get it back, you must promise me one thing."

Su Shan was overjoyed. "I'll promise you even if I can't get it back."

She always obeyed Miss.

When He Chun entered the room, he saw the mistress and servant grinning foolishly. It seemed she only had a few words for this person.

Clearing his throat, he noticed Su Shan cowering in fear. Zhe Wan, on the other hand, remained composed as she approached him. "Are you leaving?"

He Chun simply acknowledged her with a faint "Mm," adding, "I'll pay my respects to Mother first and pick up Chuan-ge along the way."

Zhe Wan nodded. They walked in silence to the Mountain Sea Courtyard. As soon as they sat down, Third Madam rushed in anxiously.

She said, "Mother, my family just sent word that my sister-in-law has given birth. I need to go back for a while."

Madam Zhao adored this daughter-in-law and promptly replied, "That's wonderful news. Hurry on your way."

The Third Young Lady rushed off again, and Madam Zhao efficiently took care of the aftermath. Addressing the maid by her side, she said, "Yueniang tends to forget things when she's in a hurry. Go prepare a set of our ginseng and other medicinal herbs usually consumed during confinement and send them over to the Song residence."

The Third Young Lady was named Song and had the maiden name Yueniang.

After settling matters, Madam Zhao spoke to He Chun, "I'm entrusting Chuan-ge to you. There must be no mistakes."

He Chun responded, "Yes, Madam."

Madam Zhao turned to Zhe Wan next and discovered that she was like a soft cotton ball. No matter how hard she hit, there wasn't even a muffled groan. It was as if all her sharpness and acidity were useless, causing her to grumble, "You too, don't always remain silent. As the eldest son and daughter-in-law, it's up to you to hold the family together. It's not proper to have such... an appearance! After Yueniang spoke, you should have congratulated her as well."

She wanted to scold her for being foolish but held back since her son was present. Instead, she could only complain, "Buddha, I implore you, let her be more sensible!"

Zhe Wan simply answered with a "Yes."

She didn't utter another word.

Madam Zhao sneered. "I wonder how your mother taught you."

Before, she only mentioned honesty, obedience, diligence, and perseverance. With some guidance, these qualities would naturally emerge. But after three days of marriage, all she did was eat; none of the expected virtues were visible. It was as if a completely different person had been swapped in!

Perhaps it was a pig spirit that had taken over!

Madam Zhao regretted her decision but knew there was no way to undo it. She pulled Li Hechun away from the main hall and into a private room. "I've met her before. She seemed honest and obedient, someone who would submit to us and work hard for Little Brother Chuan. I thought we could make it work. But now, watching her these past few days, something seems off..."

It was as if she cared only about food and had no shame in it.

Madam Zhao couldn't help but complain again. "I said from the beginning that a concubine's daughter wasn't suitable for you. She's raised by a concubine and lacks refinement. Yet you and your father insisted. If I may say so..."

Seeing his mother ready to launch into another lengthy speech, Li Hechun quickly interrupted. "She's young and newly married, still ignorant of many things. Naturally, she needs Mother's guidance. And regarding Little Brother Chuan, didn't Mother agree to this because she is his aunt, and might take good care of him in the future? If we keep them apart, we would be going against our original intention."

Recalling Zhe Wan's words from the previous day, he continued, "She's young and fears being scolded by Mother for saying or doing the wrong thing. That's why she doesn't dare do anything. Mother, you should also give her some face..."

Madam Zhao raised an eyebrow. "Scold her? I never...?"

Li Hechun understood what she was implying without her finishing the sentence. He waved his hand in resignation. "Let me take her to the Zhe family first, or we'll be late."

Lady Zhao harrumphed. "Go ahead. I won't be seeing her."

He Chun returned to the main hall alone. Zhe Wan was whispering with Su Shan. Upon noticing his arrival, the two fell silent.

He Chun strode out, and Zhe Wan followed with Su Shan in tow. Mother Tang and Mother Yu were already waiting by the carriage, along with Chuan-ge who had been carried over.

He sat calmly in Mother Yu's arms but grew agitated at the sight of He Chun, attempting to approach but also showing signs of fear. A hint of confusion appeared on his face upon seeing her.

It was a reaction to an unfamiliar stranger.

Zhe Wan concealed her emotions and didn't go to hug him. Instead, she asked, "Which carriage is Chuan-ge going with?"

Intent on letting them spend time together, He Chun replied, "Of course he'll be with us."

Zhe Wan nodded. "Then let Mother Yu take him along with our carriage."

The Duke's carriage was spacious enough to accommodate three adults and one child comfortably.

Mother Yu was more than willing. After climbing into the carriage with Chuan-ge, she cooed, "Young Master, Chuan-ge's eyes resemble yours more and more."

He Chun didn't respond. He valued his speech, and thus, he had no intention of conversing with a nursemaid. Instead, he stretched out his hand to take Little Chuan into his arms, then paused before addressing Zhe Wan, "Little Chuan, this is your mother."

Little Chuan obediently called out, "Mother."

Zhe Wan's hand trembled slightly as she nodded gently, "Mm."

Then, she lowered her gaze, remaining silent.

At that moment, He Chun's dissatisfaction with her reached its peak. With a touch of helpless anger, he asked, "Do you want to hold him?"

Zhe Wan replied, "Let the nursemaid hold him. I've never held him before and I'm afraid I might drop him."

She maintained her unshakable composure, seemingly oblivious to his anger and unconvinced that there was anything wrong with her decision.

It seemed as though she was simply telling him straightforwardly that she couldn't hold the child, for fear of dropping him. Therefore, she dared not attempt it.

He Chun found himself at a loss on how to react to her.

In the end, he merely acknowledged with a soft "mm" and suppressed his anger, saying, "Then you should hold him more often in the future."