Chapter 103

Chapter 103

Four male members returned to the household at once. While Third Master Song Shimian was nothing out of the ordinary, the three senior masters, who were all officials, were the backbone of each branch. With their return, each branch seemed to regain its strength.

The courtyards were filled with laughter and joy.

Even the usually stern and strict Old Lady Zhou had a rare smile on her face.

Of course, this did not include the main branch.

In the main branch, after learning from Madame Zhuang the reason behind the marriages of his eldest and second sons, Song Zhenting sighed deeply. "This is the only way it could be."

Their Song family had a scholarly tradition for generations and valued face. How could they possibly do something as despicable as casting aside a wife who had shared their hardships?

Moreover, even if they were willing to throw away their dignity, they still had to consider the face of their son-in-law, Crown Prince Li Xing.

Otherwise, his political enemies, the Third Prince, might find a reason to attack him, and even lodge a complaint with the old emperor.

This was what they called "fear of collateral damage."

Madame Zhuang personally handed a cup of hot tea to Song Zhenting and snorted with a smile. "That's secondary. What you don't know, my lord, is that your two fine sons are completely enchanted by their wives.

If you dare ask them to divorce their wives, they might just cause a commotion."

Song Zhenting sipped the tea and waved his hand. "Rui might cause a commotion, but Shian, with his steady nature, would never do something so immature."

Madame Zhuang said coldly, "It’s not that he wouldn’t, but that he doesn’t see the need.

After all, he is a son-in-law of the Jiang family. Only the wife can initiate a divorce, not the son-in-law."

Song Zhenting: "..."

Incredulously, he said, "Shian has become a son-in-law of another family?"

Song Shian, his eldest son, had been meticulously groomed to be the next clan leader of the Song family.

Now, he has become a son-in-law for another family.

Would he have to entrust the responsibility of the clan leader to his straightforward second son, Song Shirui?

The mere thought of it made Song Zhenting feel short of breath, his vision darkening as he nearly fainted.

Seeing her husband’s complexion change, Madame Zhuang quickly helped him calm down.

She comforted him, "My lord, don’t worry too much. Although Shian is technically a son-in-law, he isn’t entirely one."

The father-in-law is reasonable and has agreed with Shian that only the first child born to Chunniang will carry the Jiang family name, and any subsequent children will carry the Song family name.

For this reason, Chunniang feels comfortable living in the Song family and didn’t insist on Shian moving back to her family’s home.

Madame Zhuang’s expression became somewhat complex as she spoke the latter part.

She was clearly putting a good face on Jiang Chunniang’s behavior.

This was someone who never missed an opportunity to take advantage. Living in the Song family, she could enjoy free meals and occasionally gain some benefits. She would be foolish to move back to her family's home.

Hearing this, Song Zhenting felt slightly relieved.

Whether he is a son-in-law or not, Shian is merely providing an heir for the Jiang family. This does not interfere with him being the future clan leader of the Song family.

Song Zhen Ting said with a sharp tongue, "As long as we don't let Rui Ge'er replace him as the clan head, our Song family still stands a chance."

Madame Zhuang chided, "Sir, how can you speak like that? If Rui Ge'er hears you, he will surely say you favor others."

Song Zhen Ting dismissed her concern, "I'm just being realistic for his own good. One should only take on responsibilities they can handle. He doesn't have the brains for it. Forcing him into the position of clan head would only harm everyone involved."

"Even if he were here, I'd still say the same thing."

Madame Zhuang couldn't argue and changed the subject, "That you all survived in a place like the West Mountain Mine is largely thanks to the Fourth Prince's care, according to what Shian Ge'er said."

"Now that you're back in the capital, I thought about preparing a gift of gratitude to send to the Fourth Prince through Shian Ge'er. What do you think, Sir?"

Song Zhen Ting nodded, "That's appropriate. Without the Fourth Prince's people protecting us, we wouldn't be alive to return."

Even so, they encountered attacks several times, each one extremely perilous. Once, Song Zhen Ping was severely injured and ran a high fever, nearly not making it.

However, before returning home, the brothers had agreed not to tell the women of the family about these incidents.

Since they were past events, there was no need to cause them unnecessary worry.

As they spoke, Coral brought in a bowl of bird's nest and placed it on the table in front of Song Zhen Ting, smiling, "Sir, Madam, this is the blood bird's nest sent by the First Lady, saying it's for Sir to nourish your body."

In Jiang Chun's possession, apart from the pound she gave to Madame Zhuang, there were still ten pounds left.

Of these ten pounds, she had Song Shian check them, and found that only two pounds were ordinary bird's nest, while the remaining eight pounds were blood bird's nest.

Although both she and Song Shian were in good health, she felt that since they were planning to conceive, they should properly nourish their bodies.

Perhaps this way, they could conceive a little one sooner.

So ever since she started practicing martial arts, she ordered Gui Zhi to prepare two bowls of blood bird's nest daily, to be stewed as a late-night snack for her and Song Shian.

Since Father has returned today, she had Mother Li stew her portion earlier and had Gui Zhi deliver it to the main house.

This was also a way to win Father’s favor.

One feels indebted when accepting others' gifts. Even if Father had reservations about her, his daughter-in-law who joined the family without his explicit consent, he wouldn’t dare say much.

Of course, that was the ideal situation.

If Father still disapproved of her despite eating her blood bird's nest...

It wouldn’t be a big deal.

If he disapproved of her, so be it. As a father-in-law, he rarely spent time in the inner courtyard, usually either working at the government office or staying in the outer study.

He wasn’t the kind of unreasonable person who would criticize his daughter-in-law to her face.

In the original story, he initially disapproved of his two daughters-in-law but only complained about them to Madame Zhuang in private and never said anything harsh to their faces.

In the main courtyard, Song Zhen Ting raised his eyebrows, surprised: "I heard she's from a rural butcher's family, how did she come by such a precious item as blood bird's nest?"

Before Madame Zhuang could respond, he nodded in understanding: "It must have been arranged by An-ge. You’re right, An-ge really cares about her."

Madame Zhuang shook her head, saying, "It wasn’t An-ge who found it; she got it from some unknown source.

Yesterday, she sent someone to give me a full jin of it, which really surprised me. That was a full jin of premium blood bird's nest."

Although both the Zhuang and Song families were top-tier prominent families in Yanjing City, blood bird’s nest was valuable, and high-quality blood bird’s nest was a rare treasure. At forty-six, this was the first time she had seen someone gift a full jin of premium blood bird’s nest.

"At this point, she pursed her lips and said with some embarrassment, 'It's just that the old lady doesn't care for her and said a few harsh words, so she's harboring resentment.

When she had the blood bird’s nest delivered, she specifically instructed me to eat it in secret and not offer any to the old lady.

Sigh, I originally planned to offer half to the old lady and keep the other half for you to strengthen your health, but with her words, I didn't dare to act recklessly.

You don't know, your daughter-in-law has a temper like gunpowder, ready to explode at the slightest provocation.

That day when I took her to the Marquis of Jinxiang's residence for a banquet, Lady Zhang, the cousin-in-law of Eldest Miss Cheng, said some bad things about Shian. She overheard and immediately gave Lady Zhang a beating, leaving her crying and fleeing the banquet without finishing her meal.

As her mother-in-law, I have to give her some slack and don't dare to provoke her.'

Madame Zhuang found that Jiang Chun's fiery temper sometimes came in handy, like now.

She wasn't willing to offer the valuable blood bird’s nest to her demanding mother-in-law.

Even if she were to show filial respect, she only wanted to do so to her own mother, Madame Zhuang's mother.

But her husband was a filial son, and if he knew she had such fine blood bird’s nest but didn't offer it to his mother, he would definitely feel uneasy.

Given Jiang Chun's prior instructions, her husband couldn't say much.

Indeed, Song Zhen Ting could only say, 'Since it's a gift from Shian's wife, dear wife, don't give it away, keep it for yourself to strengthen your health.'

Madame Zhuang said softly, 'Let’s share it and enjoy it together.'

Song Zhen Ting took Madame Zhuang's hand and a faint smile appeared on his lips, 'Thanks to you, my dear, I get to taste the fine blood bird's nest that my daughter-in-law has filially offered.'

He had tasted fine blood bird's nest before, but never one filially offered by his daughter-in-law. Perhaps it would taste different?

*

Song Shian had already learned from his brother-in-law, the Crown Prince consort, about his father's return to the capital. After work, he hurried home on horseback.

Upon arriving, he first went back to Dan Gui Courtyard to change his clothes.

Jiang Chun stood by with her arms crossed, enjoying the view of her handsome husband undressing, and bragged, 'Oh dear, I was so distressed seeing Father looking so dark and thin.

I quickly asked Mother Li to prepare and serve the blood bird’s nest I had soaked, and told Gui Zhi to send it over to Father to help him regain his strength.'

Song Shian was aware that Jiang Chun had sent a catty of fine blood bird’s nest to her mother and had praised her warmly at the time.

Now that she was offering her own blood bird’s nest to Father, how could he not be touched?

He immediately praised her, 'Having a filial daughter-in-law like you, Father will surely be very pleased.'

He also reciprocated, 'Dear wife, eat my portion of the bird's nest. My body is strong, so it's fine if I don't eat it for a day.'

Jiang Chun gave him a sideways glance and asked with her hands on her hips, 'Is your body stronger or mine?'

Song Shian answered truthfully, 'Of course, dear wife, your body is stronger.'

This wasn't just flattery, but the truth.

Jiang Chun's body wasn't just strong, she was as robust as an ox, with unending energy.

After changing his clothes, the young couple held hands and headed to the main courtyard for dinner.

To celebrate the return of the men in the family, Madame Zhuang had the main kitchen prepare two tables of banquet dishes, set up in the main hall of the main courtyard.

She even personally went to Pine Crane Courtyard to invite her mother-in-law, Lady Zhou, to join the feast."

Since it was all family members with no outsiders present, Madame Zhuang didn’t have anyone place a screen in the middle.

Originally, they had planned to seat the men and women separately at different tables, but Jiang Chun insisted on sitting with Shian, and Zhong Wenjin followed suit.

Madame Zhuang had no choice but to rearrange the seating. The main family branch had more people, including Madame Zhou, and they sat at one table.

The second and third branches sat at another table.

However, Song Shiying, the young lady from the second branch, insisted on sitting between Jiang Chun and Zhong Wenjin, refusing to sit next to her own parents and brother.

Madame Zhuang was speechless and finally said, “We’re all family, sit wherever you like.”

As soon as she said that, Song Shiqian immediately ran over and sat next to Song Shian, his elder brother.

Ignoring everyone else, he started talking to him, “Brother, I’ve missed you so much over the past two years!

Mother told me you married a sister-in-law who can punch the Southern Mountains and kick the Northern Sea. I’m so envious.

If I could marry someone as strong as her in the future, I wouldn’t be afraid of anyone bullying me at the Guozijian. Whoever dares to bully me, I’ll just let my wife deal with it!”

Song Shian was already accustomed to his eccentric younger cousin, but Jiang Chun was almost speechless.

She knew that Song Shiqian was a bit silly and tactless, after all, she had crafted his persona herself. How would she, his own mother, not know this?

But knowing was one thing; hearing and seeing it play out in front of her was another.

It was just too much…

“Hahaha...” She couldn’t help bursting out laughing.

Song Shiqian also laughed along.

At the next table, Madame Li heard her son’s bold statement and immediately turned as black as a pot bottom with anger.

She had competed with her elder sister-in-law her entire life and had never come out on top in anything. The only area where she had an advantage was in her daughter-in-law.

Given the Song family’s current power and status, and Song Shiqian’s looks and character, marrying a lady from a ducal family or a prominent family would be easy.

Wouldn’t that be much better than Shian’s wife and Rui’s wife, both of whom are from the countryside?

But now her son seemed to have lost his mind and was shouting about wanting to marry someone like the rough-mannered Jiang Chun.

Was he trying to drive her to anger?

Hmph, maybe it would be better to be driven to anger. If he actually married such a daughter-in-law, who would throw punches at her mother-in-law whenever they argued, where would her dignity be?

At that point, it wouldn’t be her mocking her elder sister-in-law, but the opposite.

She turned her head and scolded sharply, “Shiqian, don’t talk nonsense.

Since ancient times, marriages have been arranged by the parents and matchmakers. Your father and I will carefully consider your marriage. There’s no need for you to speak.”

Song Shiqian, who was naturally lively, had been bottled up at the Xishan mines for two years and had since turned into a chatterbox.

He immediately replied, “Mother, traditionally that’s true, but there are always exceptions. Don’t we have two examples right in front of us?

Both Elder Brother and Second Brother found their wives themselves. Both sisters-in-law have great personalities, are straightforward, know how to care for family members, and are generous with their money.

Even if you, mother, went to find wives for them, you might not find anyone as good.”

It seems that nothing is absolute. What if I’m lucky enough that one day, while walking casually on the street, an excellent young woman is willing to marry me?

Before Madame Li could speak, Jiang Chun said with a laugh, “Third Brother, you can eat casually, but don’t dream randomly.

A well-bred young lady from a good family wouldn’t just agree to marry any random man she meets on the street. Her family would beat her severely.

Only someone with ulterior motives would do such a thing.

Of course, these people aren’t stupid. Instead of pretending to bump into you and insisting on marrying you, they might pretend to be a poor girl. As you pass by, they’ll call out to you, their eyes filled with tears, appearing pitiful and helpless.

If it were Eldest Brother, he’d just walk away without saying a word.

But Third Brother, you’re innocent and might actually feel pity, buy her, and bring her back to the mansion...”

Before she could finish, Madame Li stood up abruptly and said coldly, “He wouldn’t dare!”

Jiang Chun said with a smile, “Second Aunt, I think Third Brother really might dare.

Once someone enters the Song family’s door, things become unclear.

If you forcefully drive the girl away, people outside will say that Third Brother abandoned her after taking advantage of her. If you take her life, people will say that the Song family is a den of man-eaters where no one dares to marry into. It would be hard for Third Brother to find a good match.

Oh dear, it’s really a dilemma. Poor young master.”

Madame Li couldn’t help shivering as she imagined the scenario Jiang Chun described, nearly bursting with anger!

Her son, Qian-ge, was indeed innocent and had been buried in work with his father at the Xishan mines for the past two years, unable to think much. Though he had aged, his maturity hadn’t increased.

If what Jiang Chun said were true and someone used the ‘selling herself to bury her father’ trick in front of him, and if the person was beautiful, her son with a sympathetic heart would definitely fall for it.

It seemed that she would have to strictly discipline Qian-ge and assign two reliable attendants to watch over him closely to prevent him from doing something foolish.

Jiang Chun glanced at Madame Li and saw her face turn dark as she clenched her teeth in anger, clearly taking her words seriously and planning to strictly discipline Qian-ge.

In her heart, Jiang Chun mourned for Qian-ge and approved of Madame Li's decision.

It was indeed time to strictly discipline Qian-ge.

Jiang Chun wasn’t talking nonsense. Everything she said would happen in the original story.

After encountering the girl who pretended to sell herself to bury her father, Qian-ge was manipulated by her and not only bought her but also intended to marry her.

Madame Li, of course, disagreed.

The mother and son constantly argued, and with Song Shiying’s involvement, the three of them caused chaos in the Song family.

In the end, Qian-ge even insisted on leaving the Song family and going to Jiangnan with the girl to live a carefree life.

Madame Li was so angry that she went from feigning illness to truly falling ill.

Finally, Zhong Wenjin couldn’t stand it anymore and used a bugging device to let Qian-ge hear the truth about his true love and the mastermind behind it, Xue Qidun, the Third Prince’s companion, which made him come to his senses.

At this moment, Qian-ge still didn’t know that he would do something foolish in the future and, after hearing Jiang Chun’s words, didn’t get angry. He just laughed and said, “Big Sister, you’re just scaring me. I’m not stupid. How could I possibly feel sympathy for every woman selling herself to bury her father on the street?

There are many women selling themselves to bury their fathers on the street. If I felt sympathy for each of them, how could I manage?

Even if I could manage, my finances wouldn’t allow it.”

"My mother is extremely stingy. She won’t even give me extra pocket money, so how could I have the money to buy so many people?"

Jiang Chun sneered and said, "Third Young Master, you must remember what you said today. If you ever go back on your word, I’ll slap you in the face without waiting for others to say anything.

And I mean it with my fist.

Yu Ancheng, Coach Yu, said that I have great strength and have mastered the angle of throwing punches. With one punch, I’ll have to immediately kneel down and beg the other person not to die."

Song Shi Qian looked astonished and said, "Big Sister-in-law, you are truly terrifying."

He then turned to Song Shi An and asked, "Big Brother, aren’t you afraid that one day if you make a mistake, Big Sister-in-law will send you to see Grandfather with one punch?"

Upon hearing the third grandson mention her deceased husband, Zhou Shi immediately coldly rebuked, "Don’t talk rubbish. Do you think you can speak about your grandfather that way?"

Song Shi Qian was truly afraid of his grandmother, so he immediately stood up, bowed his head, and admitted his mistake, "Grandmother, I was out of line. Please forgive me this time."

Brother Qian was the only young master born to her niece, Madame Li, and among the three grandsons, she liked him the most.

Seeing his sincere apology, she didn’t press the issue further but just snorted, "Don’t let it happen again. If you dare to speak nonsense again, I’ll have you kneel in the ancestral hall overnight and make you reflect on your mistakes."

Song Shi Qian, being timid, was most afraid of the eerie ancestral hall, so he immediately nodded frantically, "It won’t happen again, I swear. I won’t dare to talk nonsense again."

The farce finally came to an end.

Song Zhen Ting, who had been forced to sit through the drama, only then remembered something after finishing a bowl of fragrant rice.

"No talking during meals or sleep"—unless there was an important matter, the Song family ate in silence.

This time, however, the dining table had become a stage, with one act after another, continuously.

When did the Song family become so unruly?

He looked at Lady Zhuang in disbelief.

He saw that Lady Zhuang was smiling, her lips curled up in contentment, happily chewing her food as if nothing unusual had happened.

Even his own mother, the Song family matriarch known for her strict adherence to rules, only scolded Qian Ge'er for bringing up his late grandfather but did not rebuke the others for their laughter and conversation during the meal.

Something was amiss, truly amiss.

While Song Zhen Ting was contemplating this, he heard his daughter-in-law, Shian, speak in a playful tone, "Husband, Father is only eating plain white rice and not touching the other dishes. Could it be that he feels out of place now that he's back?

Why don’t you serve Father more of his favorite dishes, a good mix of meat and vegetables, not just meat, it’s too greasy and may upset his stomach."

Song Zhen Ting was speechless.

Feeling out of place?

As the head of the Song family, why would I feel out of place eating at my own home?

Was she trying to mock me?!

At that moment, his unreliable third brother, Song Zhen Sheng, chimed in, "Brother, you’re feeling out of place? I’m not, should I help you with some dishes?"

Song Zhen Ting couldn’t scold his daughter-in-law, but surely he could scold his younger brother?

He shot him a glare and snapped, "Just eat your food!"

Seeing this, Song Zhen Ping also joined in, laughing heartily, "Since Brother looks down on Third Brother, how about I serve you some dishes instead, Second Brother?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Li Shi elbowed Song Zhenping in the arm.

Li Shi snorted. "They are a loving father and filial son. What right do you have to interfere, outsider?"

This was not something Song Zhenping liked to hear, and he retorted, "What are you saying, wife? Outsider?

My eldest brother and I share the same father and mother. Even if our bones were broken, we would still be connected. How could I be considered an outsider?"

Zhou Shi gave Li Shi a disapproving glance and said with annoyance, "If you can’t speak properly, then speak less and don’t try to show off."

Li Shi’s face turned red and she muttered, "Yes."

Zhou Shi scanned the room and finally focused on Jiang Chun, coldly saying, "Eat properly, all of you. It’s a joyous day, so don’t stir up trouble."

Jiang Chun nudged Song Shian with her elbow and murmured, "Did you hear that? She’s telling you to eat properly and not cause any trouble."

Song Shian smirked and obediently replied, "I heard, Grandma."

Everyone: ‘...’

Was this a real-life case of pointing to a deer and calling it a horse?

The first meal with the Song family men back home concluded in such a ‘harmonious’ atmosphere.