Chapter 107: Where is the slightest trace of marital affection?

Chapter 107: Where is the slightest trace of marital affection?

Pei Chong's expression darkened: "There were matters at the camp tonight, so I was busy until now."

Upon hearing this, Ruan Xiaoyue was utterly disappointed. She pushed him away and decided to go to bed alone.

Seeing this, Pei Chong's patience ran out: "Ruan Xiaoyue, I came back to give you a way out. This is not the Ruan family; don't keep giving me that sour look."

Ruan Xiaoyue looked up coldly: "Yes, this is the Pei family. My husband not only has me as his main wife and a pregnant concubine but also a questionable sister-in-law."

A sharp slap landed, and Ruan Xiaoyue fell onto the bed. She covered her burning cheek, staring at Pei Chong in disbelief: "You dare to hit me?"

Pei Chong sneered: "If you dare to speak nonsense again and disgrace the Pei family, next time, it won't be just a slap."

Outside, the sound of thunder rumbled. Ruan Xiaoyue had never seen Pei Chong like this before; the coldness in his eyes was almost murderous. Where was the slightest trace of marital affection?

In this situation, despite trembling with anger, she dared not retort.

Pei Chong threw the silver note at her face: "From today on, do what a mistress should do, cause less trouble. If I'm pleased, I might even grant you a child. If you continue to be ungrateful, be careful I divorce you."

Ruan Xiaoyue: "..."

**

The Jiang family's engagement banquet arrived in no time. Recently, the talk of the town was the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court's deep affection, who, despite knowing the precarious situation of the Qi family, overcame all obstacles to marry the Qi family's daughter.

This version of the story was the most widely circulated and most enjoyed by people, mainly because people always liked to create a tender image opposite to Jiang Jie's cold and sinister demeanor.

Such stories were far more captivating, and storytellers were more willing to tell them.

Early in the morning, Ruan Qinghuan was awakened by the restless He An. As soon as she opened her eyes, she was greeted by a large face, which then pecked her lips, coaxing: "Madam, it's time to get up. Today we are going to the Jiang residence."

Ruan Qinghuan's eyes were filled with reproach: "I'm not going."

Knowing they had to go out today, he had kept her up half the night. Now she was utterly exhausted and just wanted to sleep.

He An massaged her shoulders and legs, looking extremely comical: "Good madam, if you don't come with me, won't your lord be the laughingstock?"

"Why?" Ruan Qinghuan was puzzled.

He An raised his voice: "Your lord is a first-rank minister in the court, with only one wife who refuses to accompany him. People will think the madam doesn't care about me."

Ruan Qinghuan pursed her lips, pretending to be stubborn: "Let others think whatever they want. I'm tired and just don't want to get up."

He An wasn't angry. He took off the simple attire he had just donned and snuggled up to Ruan Qinghuan. If the madam wasn't going, then the minister wouldn't go either, taking the opportunity to spend more time with her.

As he spoke, he became restless.

Ruan Qinghuan was utterly defeated. He always knew how to get his way, so she had to get up and wash.

Outside, the voices of children were heard. It must be Zimo and Qingchi. Ruan Qinghuan opened the door, and the two children walked in.

The two little ones were dressed smartly, like young masters from a noble family, but their silly expressions were downright amusing.

Zimo threw himself into Ruan Qinghuan's arms: "Mother, Uncle said you and Father are taking us to the engagement feast. Is it true?"

Qingchi, as the little uncle, immediately ran to He An's side: "It was the brother-in-law who said it."

Ruan Qinghuan looked at He An in confusion, completely unaware that he intended to take the children along.

He An beckoned to the two children: "Of course, it's true. But you must behave yourselves when you go. Aunt Xia Lian will take care of you, understand?"

Ruan Qinghuan felt it was inappropriate: "We don't have much of a relationship with the Jiang family. We'll just drop off the gift, stay for a bit, and then head back. Since we're not family or close friends, it's best not to bring them along."

Upon hearing this, the two children immediately looked disappointed. The younger one, Zimo, even teared up, his little mouth pouting, which immediately touched Ruan Qinghuan's soft spot. She had to relent: "Alright, alright, you and your uncle can both come."

**

The usually quiet Jiang residence was bustling today, with banquets set up in both the courtyard and the hall. Nearly all the capital's officials had come, though some lower-ranking ones slipped away quietly after dropping off their gifts.

Just the title of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court was enough to make people nervous, wary of saying the wrong thing and bringing trouble upon themselves.

At the banquet, Qi Yuanchang, who had previously been nervous, was now chatting and laughing with the officials. The Deputy Minister of Revenue, sitting at a distant table, occasionally glanced at him out of the corner of his eye.

After the incident at the Crown Prince's estate, the two had become bitter enemies.

When He An and Ruan Qinghuan arrived, the chatting officials stood up to greet them. Jiang Jie, who had come from the backyard, stepped forward: "Having the Prime Minister and his wife here truly honors my humble home."

He An smiled faintly: "Congratulations to Minister Jiang on his auspicious union. I've brought my wife to join in the celebration."

Qingchi, acting like a little grown-up, led Zimo forward and politely greeted Jiang Jie. The two little ones said in unison: "Congratulations, Uncle Jiang."

The sight of the two little ones, speaking in their tiny voices, immediately charmed everyone.

Someone asked curiously, "Whose kids are these two little gentlemen?"

Qingchi spoke up first: "I'm from the Ruan family; my name is Ruan Qingchi."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded. They had heard there was a little one in the Ruan family, from the second branch. But who's the other kid?

The other one, who was he?

Zimo, a bit shy, clung tightly to Ruan Qinghuan. Qingchi helped introduce him: "His name is He Zimo; he's the son of my cousin and her husband."

Everyone: "..."

Some who were sipping tea choked and spat it out upon hearing this.

The Prime Minister had been married for less than a year; how could he already have such a big son?

He An didn't explain, just signaled Xia Lian to look after the two kids, then led Ruan Qinghuan to the women's seating area. After settling her in, he headed to the men's area.

Ruan Xiaoyue was also there today, seated at another table. Unlike He An's attentive care, Pei Chong hadn't paid her any mind since arriving at the Jiang estate.

In contrast, she felt like a thorn was stuck in her throat, making her really uncomfortable.

Ruan Qinghuan, as the Prime Minister's wife, had also been bestowed the title of First Rank Lady by the Emperor.

Not only did the Prime Minister personally escort her, but even if Ruan Qinghuan weren't favored at home, no one would dare to slight her.

So, as soon as she sat down, someone started buttering her up: "When it comes to women, you can tell how well they're doing by their demeanor and complexion. Look at the Prime Minister's wife, her complexion is radiant, her bearing graceful. It's clear she's cherished by the Prime Minister."

"Indeed, Lady He is truly fortunate. She made a great contribution during the relief efforts in Lu City and was granted the title of First Rank Lady. It's truly enviable."

Ruan Qinghuan could easily discern the insincerity in their words, but since it was all part of the social game, she didn't want to spoil the mood: "You ladies are too kind. The Prime Minister is busy with state affairs; it's hard to even see him most days. How could he possibly have time to cherish me?"

Her modest response was well-received.

Envy in words, jealousy in hearts—this was the common ailment of most women, especially in an era of polygamy. Among the official wives present, who didn't have to deal with multiple concubines?

They were merely comforting themselves with the title of "main wife."