Chapter 131

Chapter 131

Truly, only the ignorant are fearless.

The onlookers couldn’t help but feel sorry for the clueless young lady who had just arrived in the capital.

It wasn’t just those from out of town; anyone with half a brain could guess who this young and handsome gentleman in crimson official robes was. How could they dare to provoke him?

The "River East Lion" at his home wasn’t just any lioness; she was a mighty lioness who dared to rub even a dignified princess into the mud.

In any case, the young ladies of Yanjing City didn’t have the guts to stir up trouble in front of such a figure.

Song Shian’s mouth twitched, and he spoke in an even colder tone, “Please show some respect, my lady.”

With that, he raised his horsewhip and lashed it across the back of his sweat-blood steed, galloping away from the scene.

After he left, Jiang Chun continued her act, “Ah, my lord, don’t leave yet, you haven’t told me your name and address.”

Some busybodies who loved to stir up trouble “kindly” reminded her, “This gentleman is Song Shian, the lord of the Song family from Osmanthus Lane. If you’re brave enough, young lady, feel free to knock on the Song family’s door.”

Jiang Chun said confidently, “Thank you, old man, for letting me know. I’m busy today, but I’ll definitely visit the Song family another day.”

The crowd: “……”

Was this young lady really not afraid of dying?!

Jiang Chun leisurely finished visiting the rest of the shops she had planned to check in at, before returning to the Song family.

Song Shian had arrived home a little earlier and had already changed into casual clothes, lounging against a bolster on the Luohan bed, drinking tea and reading a book.

Jiang Chun changed her clothes, washed her hands and face, and after tidying up, immediately ordered Gui Zhi, “Set the table! I’ve been running around all day and I’m starving!”

Song Shian glanced at her sideways and said calmly, “Killing a working ox is illegal, so you might as well stick to eating lamb.”

Jiang Chun rolled her eyes. “What about an old, worn-out ox that the owner has already gotten permission to slaughter?”

Song Shian choked on his words and nodded. “That can be eaten, as long as you don’t mind breaking your teeth.”

Such beef was tough and dry, and the big families wouldn’t eat it. Back when they were hiding in the countryside, if Jiang Chun heard that someone was slaughtering an ox, she would run fast, making sure to bring back a few pounds to stew.

Things were different now. With all the delicious food available in the Song family, she no longer craved that tough, dry beef. But she still had to keep up her tough front. “I don’t mind, my teeth are strong.”

Neither of them mentioned what had happened earlier in the East Market.

Later that night, after Jiang Chun had finished bathing, she came out to find Song Shian wearing a black nightgown, leaning against the head of the bed reading a book. His long, ink-black hair was spread half across the bed.

His skin was already fair, but the black nightgown made him appear even fairer, glowing under the candlelight like jade.

Jiang Chun walked over, placed her hand on his shoulder, and grinned. “My lord, can a humble woman like me still catch your eye?

I don’t care about titles; I just want to stay by your side and serve you.”

Song Shian didn’t even lift his head as he turned a page.

Jiang Chun changed her approach and said humbly, “I’ve heard that my lord has a River East Lion at home, so it might be inconvenient to bring me into the household…”

I am willing to be your external wife, and only wish that you can spare some time to accompany me when you are free. That would be enough to satisfy me."

Song Shian closed the book in his hand and placed it on the bedside table, then looked up at her, raising an eyebrow. "Wouldn't that be a little hard on you?"

Jiang Chun immediately placed her other hand on his shoulder, first timidly looking up at him, then dropping her head like a startled fawn.

"I don’t mind. I truly love you, my husband. As long as I can see you every now and then, that would be enough to satisfy me."

Song Shian used a slender, lily-white finger to lift her chin, his cold phoenix eyes examining her face.

Then he said indifferently, "You have some charm."

His hand then moved to her waist, and he pulled her into his arms.

"Oh!" Jiang Chun playfully exclaimed, tightening her arms around his neck.

She tilted her head and looked at him with silk-like seductive eyes, smiling. "How do I compare to your wife?"

Song Shian said calmly, "Of course, you’re better."

Jiang Chun: "..."

The answer left her unsure whether to be happy or not.

Before she could decide, Song Shian lowered his head and kissed her lips.

Carefully, patiently, he kissed her with skill, making Jiang Chun breathless, instinctively hugging him tighter.

Song Shian lifted her up, continuing to kiss her as he laid her on the bed. His lips moved downward, kissing her chest.

Jiang Chun let out a long moan, enjoying his service while smiling. "You’re really good at pleasing people."

Before Song Shian could respond, she smugly added, "You’re enjoying the fruits of someone else’s labor, aren’t you?"

Song Shian lifted his head from her chest, letting out a soft hum as his hand moved downward. "There’s no way around it. As a man who married into her family, if I don’t please her, I’d definitely be kicked out."

Jiang Chun immediately sympathized, "She is too domineering. My poor husband. But never mind, now that you have me, even if she doesn’t care for you, I do."

"Oh?" Song Shian raised an eyebrow at her words.

Then he released her sensitive area, both hands moving to her waist. With a roll, he flipped Jiang Chun on top of him.

He placed his hands behind his head and looked at her with a teasing smile. "I’ll give you the chance. Feel free to ‘care for me’ as much as you like."

Jiang Chun's mouth twitched.

This guy really knows how to take advantage of the situation.

But she couldn’t afford to back down.

So she smiled and said, "Watch closely, my husband."

Then she leaned down, kissing his Adam’s apple.

Song Shian sucked in a breath, a shiver running down his spine.

She really knows how to seduce.

Hmph? Why didn't I see her use this before?

Is someone else's husband more fragrant?

Jiang Chun lingered at his neck for quite some time before slowly moving down to stand in front of him.

Song Shian bit his lip tightly, barely managing to hold back any sound.

But when she moved down again and kissed him there, he couldn't resist anymore and let out a soft moan.

Jiang Chun felt a surge of satisfaction.

She immediately used both lips and tongue, as if she wanted to employ all eighteen weapons on him.

Song Shian half-closed his phoenix eyes in pleasure, moaning even louder.

To avoid choking herself again, Jiang Chun wisely retreated just before he reached the peak.

She looked up at Song Shian, whose face was flushed with desire, and said with a grin, "My lord, how does my mouth compare to that of your river east lioness?"

Song Shian, caught halfway, couldn't help but gently push her arm, urging her in a hoarse voice, "Of course you are better. Please continue."

"Thank you for your praise, my lord." Jiang Chun smiled, then directly took over, sitting down forcefully.

Song Shian nearly ascended to heaven.

This woman, launching a sudden attack with such ferocity, did she want to force his surrender?

He closed his eyes and took a while to recover, finally regaining his composure.

Jiang Chun took control of the rhythm with all her might, and both of them enjoyed an intense and satisfying battle.

Jiang Chun lay on his chest for a moment to catch her breath, then turned around and started to act as if she didn't recognize him: "My lord, you have taken my body. If you don't divorce that shrew at home and marry me as your official wife, I will go to the yamen and accuse you of forcing yourself on a civilian, ruining your reputation and sending you to jail."

Song Shian: "..."

Was this meant to teach him not to pick wildflowers by the roadside, as it would only bring trouble?

He chuckled, "It was clearly you who forced yourself on me, and now you want to turn the tables? Go ahead and file a complaint; I'll file one against you too, and let's see how the righteous magistrate rules."

Jiang Chun feigned surprise, her almond eyes wide open: "My lord, how can you be so shameless? Indeed, one cannot judge a person solely by their appearance; I was mistaken!"

She then covered her face and pretended to sob: "Woe is me, officials protect each other. How can a common woman like me win against a high-ranking official like you?

Am I to let you take my body without any consequences? In that case, what face do I have left to live in this world? I might as well hang myself with a white silk rope."

Song Shian laughed lightly, "There's no need to talk about suicide. You have some beauty and are quite skilled at serving others. You're qualified to be my concubine.

In the house outside, you will be the official wife, and we will be equal heads of the household.

I, your lord, will enjoy the blessings of having two wives!"

Jiang Chun couldn't keep up the act anymore. She grabbed Song Shian's neck and said coldly, "Enjoy the blessings of having two wives? Do you believe I won't snap your neck with just a twist of my wrist?"

Seeing her switch roles, Song Shian quickly changed his tone: "Heaven and earth as my witnesses, my lady, I only have you in my heart. I will never be unfaithful in this life. Please don't slander me."

"Is that so?" Jiang Chun reached out and hooked her finger, presenting the evidence before him, and sneered, "Then what is this?"

Song Shian remained calm, "With my lady away, I missed you so much that even this part of me cried."

Jiang Chun: “……”

She couldn’t hold it in any longer and burst out laughing with a “pfft.”

He had such a calm and composed face, yet he spoke these improper words so seriously. The contrast was too much for her to handle.

Song Shian couldn’t help but laugh too, then asked Jiang Chun, "Want to continue the act?"

Jiang Chun gave him a side-eye and scolded, "What are we continuing? It’s getting late, let’s settle down."

*

After all the commotion, they embraced and slept soundly.

Outside, however, there was quite a stir due to the drama they had acted out in the East Market that evening.

Within a few days, even Crown Prince Li Junxing had heard about it.

After finishing their official business that day, Li Junxing asked Song Shian with a smile, "I heard a young lady from out of town offered herself to you on the street?"

Song Shian gave him a side-eye and said, unamused, "Aren’t you busy enough with your official duties? And you still have time to care about gossip?"

Li Junxing replied, "That’s exactly why I need to care about this, because I’m busy."

Song Shian raised his eyebrow.

Li Junxing curled his lips and revealed a rare sly smile, "I’m afraid you’ll chase after women outside, and when my sister-in-law finds out, she’ll break your legs. Then where would I find someone as reliable as you to handle matters for me?"

Is this supposed to be advice?

Song Shian hummed lightly, "Brother-in-law, get your facts straight. It was the young lady who offered herself, and I firmly rejected her. My wife is such a kind person, how could she possibly break my legs without a good reason?"

Li Junxing’s mouth twitched.

Your wife is kind?

He laughed, "Even though she punched a noblewoman and kicked Princess Anyuan, she’s still a good person, right?"

Song Shian nodded, "Exactly. She never hits people for no reason. Those who get beaten all have a reason. They should really reflect on why my wife only hits them and not others."

Pausing for a moment, he added, "If one day she really breaks my leg, it’ll be my own fault, and I’ll have got what I deserved, so I won’t blame her."

Li Junxing: “……”

He was both annoyed and amused, "You’re hopeless, a henpecked husband!"

Song Shian retorted, "As if you’re any better. How about you try taking a concubine?"

Li Junxing said decisively, "I can’t."

Song Shian: “……”

No need to reject so quickly; I wasn’t planning to run to your wife and gossip.

But...

If he dared show even the slightest hesitation, I’d have Jiang Chun go to my sister and stir up trouble, letting my sister deal with him properly!

Back at the main courtyard of the Song family, Jiang Chun was snacking on sunflower seeds while discussing the situation of her new estate with Zhong Wenjin.

*

Madame Zhuang stole several glances at her.

After learning martial arts, Jiang Chun had been sparring with Yu Ancheng every day and getting schooled by him, which greatly improved her awareness. She had already noticed that something was off with Madame Zhuang.

When Madame Zhuang stole another glance, Jiang Chun decisively met her gaze and said with a smile, "Mother, you've been scrutinizing me five times since this morning. Is there something you're finding hard to talk about?

Just say it. I'm your dear daughter-in-law. There's no need to hesitate."

Madame Zhuang pursed her lips and, after a moment of hesitation, finally spoke, "Don't take the rumors outside seriously. Shian is a proper man and definitely won't pay attention to those frivolous women out there."

"Pfft," Jiang Chun burst out laughing, "So that's what this is about, Mother."

If even Madame Zhuang had heard about it, the rumors must have spread far and wide.

Seeing Jiang Chun still laughing, Madame Zhuang felt relieved, glad that she hadn't quarreled with her eldest son over this.

Then Jiang Chun dropped a bombshell, saying, "There wasn't any woman offering herself to my husband on the street—it was just a joke between us."

Madame Zhuang: "???"

Seeing her confused expression, Jiang Chun added, "The legitimate wife is me. The woman who offered herself to my husband on the street was also me. Surprise, surprise!"

Madame Zhuang almost choked.

She pointed at Jiang Chun with trembling fingers, "You, you... you're just being unreasonable!"

Jiang Chun sipped her tea and said calmly, "It's just some fun between us young couples. It's all the fault of those people in the East Market for making a big fuss over such a small matter."

Let them talk. Anyway, Song Shian had firmly rejected it at the time, so his reputation wouldn't be tarnished.

As for that woman who offered herself...

She was just an out-of-town girl who had recently arrived in the capital. What did she have to do with Jiang Chun?

Jiang Chun put her finger to her lips, made a "shh" sound, and said with a smile, "This secret, I'm only sharing with you and Second Sister-in-law. You have to keep it a secret for me, okay?"

Thinking for a moment, she leaned back in her chair and smiled indifferently, "But even if you spill the beans, no one will believe it. It's too crazy!"

Madame Zhuang patted her chest and said with annoyance, "You know it's outrageous and yet you still did it!"

Jiang Chun said with a grin, "Life was too boring, and there aren't always people like Princess Anyuan jumping out looking for a beating. I had to find some fun myself."

Zhong Wenjin chuckled, "Big sister-in-law, you've become famous. Now everyone knows you even dare to beat up a princess. Who would be foolish enough to provoke you?"

Jiang Chun shook her head, not quite agreeing, "You can never tell. There are plenty of people in this world who don't know their limits. Someone might just jump out again at any moment."

Zhong Wenjin rubbed her chin and said, "I’m actually kind of excited to see what happens next!"

This immediately earned her a scornful look from Madame Zhuang, "You, a pregnant woman, should behave yourself and don’t go corrupting my grandchild!"

Zhong Wenjin disagreed and pouted, "It might be a granddaughter, so you shouldn't set your hopes too high."

"Ptooey! Ptooey! Ptooey!"

Madame Zhuang, forgetting all about propriety and dignity, quickly turned her head and "ptooeyed" three times, then scolded Zhong Wenjin, "Don't jinx it!"

Zhong Wenjin fell silent.

She knew better than to argue with her traditional mother-in-law, who clearly favored boys.

At the end of the day, a mother's love for her daughter is natural.

Besides, Song Shirui will love her too.

If he ever favors boys over girls, well, let's just say he'll have a lot to answer for!

Seeing the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law bickering, Jiang Chun grinned and said, "With my sharp eyes, I can tell at a glance that second sister-in-law is carrying a baby boy."

Zhong Wenjin thought she was just saying auspicious words and didn't take it seriously, laughing, "Then I'll take your auspicious words, big sister."

Madame Zhuang's anger at Jiang Chun's antics lessened when she saw how tactful she was being.

But she still warned her, "Don't pull any more stunts like that, okay?"

Jiang Chun replied loudly, "Didn't hear!"

Madame Zhuang: "..."

She covered her chest in frustration, "Are you trying to deliberately anger me to death?"

Jiang Chun grinned, "Mother, you must hold on! If you fall, I, as the eldest daughter-in-law, will have to run the Song family."

As a country girl, I wouldn't have a clue about running a household. I'll just mess things up, and the Song family's reputation will be ruined.

Madame Zhuang: "..."

Just imagining the scenario made her feel suffocated, wishing she could rise from the coffin and shoo away this embarrassing woman.

She decided immediately, "Starting tomorrow, you'll come to the main courtyard every afternoon and learn household management from me."

The heavens have unpredictable weather, and people have unforeseen misfortunes. What if one day I suddenly fall ill? If Jiang Chun, the eldest daughter-in-law, can't shoulder the responsibilities of the Song family, what then?

We can't let the household authority fall into the hands of Madame Li from the second branch or Madame Qiu from the third branch, can we?

Jiang Chun immediately placed her hand on her forehead, "I can't. My head hurts."

Seeing Madame Zhuang's cold glare, she switched from holding her forehead to her stomach, groaning, "My stomach hurts. I need to rest properly; I can't exert myself."

Madame Zhuang wasn't buying it, "Stop pretending. You're as strong as an ox."

Jiang Chun continued to hold her stomach, unwilling to compromise easily, "Mother, you're only forty-seven and still in your prime. Capable people should take on more work. You can manage the household affairs perfectly on your own, so there's no need for me.

Once I have kids and they're grown, I'll learn from you."

Madame Zhuang glared at her and said coldly, "Don't think I don't know what you're planning. Even then, you won't learn. You'll just pass the work to your daughter-in-law and make her do the job."

Jiang Chun grinned, "Mother is indeed brilliant and sees through everything.

I think it's a great plan. Isn't it an honor for young ladies from noble families to become the head of a well-matched household?

As a mother-in-law, if I don't interfere, my daughter-in-law can take over the household affairs as soon as she enters the family. It's a dream come true, isn't it?"

Then, she had a sudden epiphany, "Oh no!" she exclaimed, "This is certainly a strong selling point. When my child is of marriageable age, I'll spread the word, and we won't have trouble finding the best bride."

She wants to spend time with her husband, learn martial arts from Yu Ancheng, and run her shops and estates. Where would she find the time to learn household management?

Moreover, having read *Dream of the Red Chamber* several times, she knew all too well that managing a household is a thankless and exhausting task.

Since she had ways to make money, she didn't need to siphon off money from the Song family's coffers. Why would she want to burden herself with that?

Madame Zhuang was both angry and amused: "You shamelessly slack off and even want to use this as bait to hook someone else's daughter as a bride?"

Jiang Chun said smugly, "Isn't this offer tempting enough?"

Madame Zhuang fell silent.

As Jiang Chun said, girls from such families—who wouldn't want to marry the eldest son of a well-matched family and become the mistress of the household?

But the reality is, this wish is hard to fulfill.

There's only one eldest son in each family, but several daughters. The competition is brutal.

And even if you're lucky enough to win and marry the eldest son, becoming the eldest daughter-in-law, if the mother-in-law holds onto the household authority and doesn't let go, you might not get a chance to manage the household until you're in your forties or fifties.

If Jiang Chun were to spread the word that her daughter-in-law could manage the Song family's household affairs as soon as she entered the family, she could pick from all the young ladies in the Imperial City, no, in the entire Great Zhou.

This was truly…

Taking shortcuts to an extreme.

However…

Madame Zhuang's eyes fixed on her belly as she sneered, "You've already figured out how to get a daughter-in-law, but where is your son?"

Jiang Chun remained unfazed by the question and smiled calmly, "A son will come, don't be anxious.

If not, a daughter is also good. We can always bring in a son-in-law.

I'm familiar with this, and I'll definitely help her pick a son-in-law as excellent as my husband."

Madame Zhuang couldn't help but "Ptooey!" three times and scolded angrily, "Shut that cursed mouth of yours."

Leaning back on the Luohan bed's pillow, she stroked her chest and said angrily, "You two troublesome daughters-in-law will be the death of me!"

Jiang Chun and Zhong Wenjin exchanged a glance.

Jiang Chun said with a smile, "Mother, you're working hard. I'll have someone send you a catty of blood bird's nest to nourish you, alright?"

Zhong Wenjin also smiled and said, "Mother, you're working hard. I'll have someone send you a catty of Dong'e Ejiao to nourish you, alright?"

Madame Zhuang: "..."

Trying to bribe me with gifts?

Hmph, am I that shallow?

She snorted lightly, "Don't just talk big, let’s see if you actually follow through."

The value of the gifts wasn’t what mattered. As their mother-in-law, she couldn't possibly deny her daughters-in-law the chance to show their filial piety, could she?