Chapter 42: The Cheng Family’s Son-in-law

Chapter 42: The Cheng Family's Son-in-law

Cheng Yian had already considered the housekeepers at Yining Garden to be quite meticulous, but after Cheng Yixin's inspection, she still found some minor issues. For example, what time the courtyard gate was locked at night, how messages were delivered to the outer courtyard, who delivered them, and how the used tea leaves were disposed of—everything was inquired about in detail.

Cheng Yian was also aware of this matter. Wealthy families consumed high-quality tea, which was not even available to commoners or ordinary households. Some servants would collect the tea leaves after the first brew, dry them, and secretly sell them outside, earning a considerable amount of money. Therefore, the job in the tea room was always highly sought after by the maids.

Cheng Yixin was quite astute. After asking, she did not take any action. Her presence served as a warning to the housekeepers, while leaving the handling to Cheng Yian, which also helped Cheng Yian establish authority and show kindness.

The head housekeeper of Yining Garden was the aunt of Ming Saozi, Cheng Yian's personal maid. The servants in the Cheng family also had their own factions and cliques. For example, Ming Saozi's family was almost entirely assigned to Cheng Yian, and they shared in both the triumphs and failures of their master.

After the inspection, Cheng Yian offered tea to her two elder sisters. Cheng Yixin took out a thousand taels in silver certificates and handed them to Cheng Yian.

"This is my gift to you. I know you lack nothing at home, so I thought it would be simpler to give you some silver certificates. It's simpler for me, and more useful for you."

Cheng Yian quickly declined, "Elder Sister, we are sisters by blood. There's no need for such formality. Besides, you've given me too much."

Cheng Yiqiao, sitting across from them, watched them push the notes back and forth and laughed, "Elder Sister is giving it to you, so just take it. She has ample funds to spare." Then, covering her face with a handkerchief, she deliberately blocked Cheng Yixin's view and mischievously whispered to Cheng Yian, "If you really feel it's too much, you can give it to me later."

Cheng Yixin found her second sister's antics amusing.

"Among us three sisters, Father has provided you with the most. Besides your regular allowance, if you fancy something, you always ask Father to sign off on it for you. Why are you now coveting a mere thousand taels?"

Cheng Yiqiao set aside her handkerchief and sulked, "I don't have a private stash like you two. All I have left is the ten thousand taels Father allocated to me during the Winter Solstice banquet."

Cheng Yixin sighed in exasperation, "You'll turn twenty next spring, yet you still lack any sense of financial planning? How will you manage after you get married? I advise you not to touch that ten thousand taels and instead deposit it in a bank."

Cheng Yiqiao pouted, "I don't want to. If I can't go shopping, I'll feel uneasy and won't be able to get through a single day."

Cheng Yixin shook her head in frustration, "I hope you find a wealthy and kind husband who will indulge you throughout your life."

Hearing this, Cheng Yian's brows knitted slightly.

Cheng Yiqiao, oblivious to Cheng Yian's change in expression, continued cheerfully, "No need for that. I'll simply stay with Father. I'll live as long as he lives. After he passes away, I can go to a temple and become a nun..."

Cheng Yian experienced a suffocating pain in her chest and couldn't help but lean on the small table.

Cheng Yixin, fearing her illness had flared up again, quickly held her, "An An, are you still feeling unwell?"

Cheng Yiqiao also panicked and rushed over. Seeing Cheng Yian's pale face, she quickly brought a thin blanket from the couch and draped it over her. "See, you're having another episode. It's because you've been taking random medications!"

Cheng Yiqiao had a sharp tongue but a soft heart.

Cheng Yixin glared at Cheng Yiqiao.

Cheng Yian closed her eyes tightly, gradually regaining her composure, and smiled at the two of them.

"I'm fine. I just felt a bit dizzy for no reason."

Cheng Yixin and Cheng Yiqiao helped her lie down.

Soon, a housekeeper came in and said that Cheng Yixin's daughter had a stomachache. Cheng Yixin had to leave and instructed Cheng Yiqiao to look after Cheng Yian.

After she left, Cheng Yiqiao looked guilty and said, "It's my fault. I shouldn't have scolded you earlier."

To be fair, she also couldn't bear the thought of Father leaving. Cheng Yian had done what she herself dared not do.

"There's a family banquet tonight. Elder Sister has her child to take care of, and Sister-in-law is busy with family affairs. I'll go to the kitchen to check on things. You rest, and I'll come back later to take you to dinner."

Watching her leave, Cheng Yian held the thousand-tael banknote that Cheng Yixin had left behind, feeling a bit overwhelmed. She remembered that she should also prepare a gift for her niece and asked Ru Lan to prepare a gold longevity lock and a bejeweled necklace.

The box didn’t contain a gold longevity lock, so they had to buy one from outside. Cheng Yian instructed Ru Lan to take a thousand-tael banknote to Auntie Ming and have her go to the nearby East Market to buy a twenty-tael gold lock, a pair of gold bracelets, and a bejeweled necklace. The total cost exceeded a thousand taels, and it was delivered before dinner.

Cheng Yixin looked at the generous gift and shook her head, thinking Cheng Yian was being too formal.

At dusk, the Cheng family’s main branch gathered together.

To make Cheng Yian comfortable, the banquet was set up in the Changchun Pavilion on the east side of Yining Garden. It was just a short walk from the main hall of Yining Garden along the covered corridor. Since Cheng Mingyu was attending the banquet, the families of the Second Master and Third Master were not invited, only the children of the main branch.

Cheng Yixin’s daughter, called Cui Jie, was three years old. Her name comes from the line, "Once accompanied by floating clouds returning to the evening emerald, still accompanying the sunset in the autumn sounds." The retired imperial physician really was a miracle worker. The child, who had been suffering from a stomachache earlier, was now running around the room. The child was exceptionally lively and cheerful, not shy at all.

Besides Cheng Yixin’s daughter, there were also Cheng Yiyan and Lu Shi’s two sons.

The eldest son was five years old, and the second son was also three. The eldest son resembled Cheng Yiyan, wearing a fur-trimmed satin robe, standing straight, and well-behaved and not very smiley. The second son, however, was mischievous, playing with Cui Jie and fighting over candies.

Lu Shi occasionally fed Cui Jie some cheese, her eyes full of love.

"When will I have the joy of a daughter? That would be a true blessing for me and your brother," she said.

Cheng Yixin’s gaze rested on the children, gentle as water. "That will happen sooner or later. But raising a daughter is also exhausting, always worrying about her getting hurt. It’s harder than raising a son."

Lu Shi disagreed. "Not at all, sons are harder to raise," she said, pointing at the second son. "You haven’t seen how naughty he is. He never stops, and even three servants can’t keep up with him. If you don’t hear any noise from him for a while, he’s definitely up to no good."

Cheng Yixin was surprised. "Really? I always thought sons were easier to raise. If they fall or get hurt, it doesn’t hurt as much. Raising a daughter is mentally exhausting."

Cheng Yian, sitting at the Eight Immortals table across from them, couldn’t help but interject.

"Alright, sister-in-law and sister, stop complaining. I’d be thrilled with either."

Cheng Yian deeply desired a child. In her past life, she almost went crazy trying to have one.

Whether it was a daughter or a son, she would be content with just one.

Cheng Yixin glared at her. "How old are you? What’s the rush? Having children later would only benefit you."

Cheng Yiqiao, sitting nearby, was puzzled. "Why is having children later better? Isn’t it true that younger women recover faster?"

Cheng Yixin whispered, "What do you know..."

Cheng Yiqiao shrugged and turned to Cheng Yian beside her.

"Do you understand?"

Cheng Yian didn’t understand.

Then they both looked at their sister-in-law, Lu Shi, who seemed to have an idea and teased Cheng Yixin.

"Probably because having children later allows the young couple to enjoy a few more carefree years."

Cheng Yiqiao got it and clicked her tongue.

"Oh, oh, big sister and brother-in-law are the perfect couple, always inseparable. Isn’t that enough?"

Cheng Yixin blushed and gave her a few sharp looks, then turned to Lu Shi. "Sister-in-law, don’t encourage them to tease me."

Cheng Yiqiao, rarely able to catch Cheng Yixin off guard, was feeling quite pleased with herself. "How about this? Since I’m free anyway, let me take care of Cui Jie. You and brother-in-law can move to the He family and live as you please."

Cheng Yixin laughed in frustration, pointing at both her and Cheng Yian.

"Hold her for me, let me tear her mouth to shreds!"

With that, she made to rise.

Cheng Yiqiao, frightened, quickly pulled Cheng Yian up and hid behind her,

"Big sister, you just got back and you're already picking on me. I'll tell father."

"Go ahead, tell him. Even if you go to our ancestors, it won't do any good."

Cheng Yiqiao peeked out from behind Cheng Yian, teasing, "What if I tell your husband? Would that make a difference?"

Cheng Yixin's face flushed, and without a word, she chased after her.

Lu Shi, worried they might hurt Cheng Yian, quickly stepped in to stop them,

"Enough! Father and the others are in the front hall. It's not proper to keep making a scene. What if you trip your sister?"

Only then did Cheng Yixin back off.

She then asked Cheng Yian,

"What, are you and your husband in a rush?"

Cheng Yian let go of Cheng Yiqiao's hand, changed her seat, and sat down in front of Cheng Yixin,

"Yes, we're both hoping for a child."

Her eyes lingered on the three children running around, unable to look away.

Cheng Yixin gazed at her intently, sensing something was amiss.

Cheng Yian had only been married for eight months; the newlyweds were still in their honeymoon phase. How could they already be thinking about kids?

Could it be that the couple's relationship wasn’t good?

At that moment, Cuijie, chased by her second brother, ran toward her mother. Seeing this, Cheng Yian simply hugged her.

"Come here, let Auntie hold you."

She cradled the child on her lap, coaxing her with candy.

Cheng Yixin couldn’t help laughing at her awkwardness.

When Lu Xusheng and the others came in, they saw Cheng Yian fawning over someone else’s child.

She gazed at the child with wide-eyed wonder, her almond-shaped eyes sparkling with childlike innocence. Still a child herself, yet holding another child.

Lu Xusheng couldn’t stand to watch.

At that moment, a maid brought a plate of milk, and Cheng Yian took a cup, intending to feed the child. Cheng Yiyan’s younger son’s rattle was broken, so he grabbed his brother’s instead and eagerly handed it to his cousin.

"Hey, Cuijie, look at this..."

The little one was small and quick, unable to stop in time, and bumped into Cheng Yian’s arm. Caught off guard, Cheng Yian quickly turned, but the cup of milk was about to spill on Cuijie. Cheng Yian’s other hand shot out to cover the lid, but her arm accidentally bumped Cuijie’s forehead, causing the child to burst into tears.

This unexpected scene startled Cheng Yixin, who quickly supported Cheng Yian and the child. Meanwhile, He Qingyun, who had just stepped through the door, saw this and his expression changed. He rushed over in a few strides, seeing Cheng Yian flusteredly holding the child, and scolded the wet nurse.

"Quick, take care of the little one!"

The wet nurse was frightened and hurriedly took the child. Once the child was in the wet nurse's arms, He Qingyun immediately picked her up, turning his back to Cheng Yian and the others, and gently comforted her,

"Cuijie'er is fine now, Papa's here...."

From his skilled movements, it was evident that he often took care of the child himself.

Once the child was by his side, she indeed stopped crying.

Lu Shi shot her son a reproachful look, "Why weren’t you being more careful? You bumped into your aunt."

The second son looked at his mother with a pitiful expression.

The maid took the milk from Cheng Yian and wiped her palms. Cheng Yian felt quite embarrassed, "I'm fine, I just scared Cuijie'er."

She glanced at He Qingyun.

He Qingyun clearly cherished the child very much. Her earlier careless handling of the child must have upset her brother-in-law.

Lu Xusheng also noticed this and strode over, taking his wife by the hand and asking earnestly,

"Did you get burned? Are you hurt?"

His face was usually quite stern, and now with his eyes narrowed, he looked even more intimidating.

The second son was so scared that he hid in his mother's arms.

Cheng Yian gave Lu Xusheng's hand a subtle pinch, signaling him not to make a fuss.

Lu Xusheng took her hand to examine it.

Her hand was red.

He frowned.

Everyone was fiercely protective of their own. He Qingyun protected his daughter, and Lu Xusheng protected his wife.

This was also the first time Cheng Yian had seen Lu Xusheng, the legendary border army commander, who was both heroic and handsome, exuding an intimidating aura that kept people at a distance.

She knew her husband well; he usually doted on the child, but Lu Xusheng's actions took her by surprise.

In most families, adults usually give way to children, but in Lu Xusheng's eyes, it was clear that only Cheng Yian mattered.

She smiled generously and said,

"The child was reckless. General Lu, please don't take it to heart."

Addressing him as "Duke" felt too formal, while "brother-in-law" seemed overly familiar. Uncertain of Lu Xusheng's background and hesitant to assert her seniority, she opted to call him "General."

Meanwhile, He Qingyun had soothed the child and handed her back to the wet nurse. His emotions were fleeting; seeing the child unharmed, he smiled and bowed to Cheng Yian, "Is Third Sister-in-law alright?"

Cheng Yian curtsied in return, "It was my fault for holding the child carelessly. Brother-in-law, please forgive me."

He Qingyun smiled but didn't respond to that. His gaze shifted to Lu Xusheng, and he was about to bow again.

Lu Xusheng, after all, was the brother-in-law, and returning the bow with him was a way to put the matter behind them.

Cheng Yiyan subtly glanced at the two of them and gestured towards the seats, "Pingbu, Shen Zhi, take your seats."

The children were taken to the adjacent heated hall to dine separately.

Shortly after, Cheng Mingyu arrived with the family matriarch, and everyone took their seats according to their seniority.

A large long table was placed in the center, with the matriarch seated at the north end, Cheng Mingyu at the south end, and the rest seated on either side. To Cheng Mingyu's right sat Cheng Yiqiao, and to his left was a seat reserved for Cheng Yian, with Lu Xusheng sitting next to her, respectively. Thus, Cheng Yixin sat to the matriarch's left, while Cheng Yiyan and his wife were seated to her right.

At home, official ranks were disregarded, and only seniority mattered.

Everyone first toasted the matriarch with a cup of wine, then offered a toast to Cheng Mingyu, before the meal began.

As soon as the chopsticks were lifted, He Qingyun stood up and bowed to the matriarch again,

"Last time on your birthday, your grandson-in-law and Yixin couldn't come to congratulate you, it was truly our fault. This cup is to apologize."

The matriarch waved her hand, signaling him to sit down. "Why be so formal among family? Yixin was raised under my care, and you have always been filial. I know that well."

He Qingyun's father was the Minister of Justice, and he was once a classmate of Cheng Mingyu. The two shared similar temperaments, so Marquis He entrusted his eldest son to Cheng Mingyu's tutelage. He Qingyun was, in fact, Cheng Mingyu's disciple, renowned for his painting skills. He grew up with Cheng Yixin, knowing each other very well. After Cheng Yixin came of age, Cheng Mingyu married his eldest daughter to him.

His stepmother had recently passed away, and according to custom, he observed a year of mourning. After the mourning period ended, he hurried to the capital before the New Year, hoping to ask Cheng Mingyu to help him secure a good position.

Ultimately, everyone at the table was quite familiar with each other, except for Lu Xusheng and Cheng Yian, who were still somewhat distant.

He Qingyun toasted the matriarch, then his father-in-law, then his brother-in-law, and finally shared a drink with Lu Xusheng.

Lu Xusheng noticed that this brother-in-law was indeed quite sociable.

He was not one for formalities or socializing. In both lifetimes, he had only bowed to the emperor and never lowered his head to anyone else.

Cheng Mingyu, well understanding his temperament, said to He Qingyun,

"Qingyun, you've just returned to the capital, don't focus on drinking, eat first."

Once he spoke, everyone immediately fell silent.

It was a long table, filled with dishes everywhere, not all dishes were within easy reach. He Qingyun picked a few dishes from his side and placed them on a small plate, pushing it towards Cheng Yixin, who did the same in turn. The couple ate in perfect harmony.

Lu Shi was busy attending to the matriarch's meal, while Cheng Yiyan was occupied with serving his wife, filling her bowl with her favorite dishes.

Cheng Yiqiao, on the other hand, rarely spoke at the dining table. She was picky with her food, and the Cheng family's chef had to constantly rack his brains daily to please her.

Today, there was a dish of roasted eggplant in front of her. The eggplant was cut into pieces and roasted on a stove, the skin charred, the flesh topped with minced meat and garlic. Cheng Yiqiao scooped a spoonful of eggplant into her mouth, chewed, and after a moment, frowned,

"Tsk, the eggplant is too old."

Cheng Mingyu put down his chopsticks and looked at her helplessly, "What season is it now? It's not the time for eggplants. This is wild eggplant they painstakingly found in the mountains, already quite rare."

Cheng Yiqiao pouted at him, "I know, father..."

Cheng Mingyu then glanced at his younger daughter. Cheng Yian and Lu Xusheng were eating on their own, neither paying attention to the other, both taking good care of themselves.

Only a bowl of soup was a bit far, and Cheng Yian, too lazy to reach for it, ignored it.

Cheng Mingyu noticed and personally ladled a small bowl of soup, placing it in front of her, saying gently,

"An An, eat more, you're too thin."

Lu Xusheng's hand paused at the sound, and he glanced at his wife beside him.

Too thin?

Cheng Yian appeared tall and slender, but her delicate yet full figure felt wonderful to hold at night.

Her father said she was thin, so thin she was.

Lu Xusheng wasn’t blind. Seeing He Qingyun serve Cheng Yixin, he scooped a meatball from the dish in front of him and placed it in Cheng Yian’s bowl.

"My dear, have some more."

Cheng Yian stared at the meatball that had suddenly appeared in her bowl, feeling a wave of dismay. She hated greasy foods like this the most. She held back her displeasure and leaned slightly towards Lu Xusheng, whispering in his ear,

"I don’t eat meatballs."

Lu Xusheng: "...."

Cheng Mingyu shook his head, took a pair of serving chopsticks, and moved the meatball to his own bowl.

Cheng Yian: "......"

Cheng Yiqiao nearly burst out laughing. While others respected Lu Xusheng’s status, Cheng Yiqiao couldn’t care less. She bluntly criticized,

"Brother-in-law, you really need to get to know An An’s tastes better. You don’t even know what she likes to eat."

Cheng Yian felt a pang of guilt. She and Lu Xusheng were equally in the dark about each other’s preferences. Not wanting to see her husband lose face, she immediately smiled and replied,

"Not at all. He’s always busy with work and eats whatever I put in front of him. He eats what I like. In the past, I also liked to try new things and had this meatball once, so he thought I liked it."

The matriarch shot Cheng Yiqiao a glare before turning to Lu Xusheng, "Third son-in-law, you don’t often join us for meals here. How do you like today’s meal? If there’s anything you like or dislike, just say so. Don’t be polite."

The matriarch really liked Lu Xusheng.

In the entire court, only Lu Xusheng could take over Cheng Mingyu’s mission to pacify the southern warlords.

Gentleness and consideration are just surface-level traits. What really counts is a man who can hold his ground when it matters most.

Lu Xusheng could sense the old lady’s goodwill and replied with a bow, "Grandmother, you’re overthinking it. When I’m on military campaigns, I don’t have the luxury to be picky. At the border, having any food at all is a blessing, so I find everything here excellent."

The matriarch said with heartfelt concern, "It’s thanks to soldiers like you that we can live in peace."

She then instructed Cheng Yian, "An An, your husband is busy with work. Make sure you look after him well."

Though she cared deeply, as a grandmother, she still had to teach the young lady how to manage a household.

Cheng Yian stood up and bowed,

"I’ll remember your advice, Grandmother."

After the meal, the women went to Yining Garden next door to chat. Cheng Yiyan and Lu Xusheng, tied up with official duties, headed back to the government district that night. Cheng Mingyu, as usual, went to his study. He Qingyun escorted Cheng Yiyan and Lu Xusheng out.

After exiting Chuihua Gate, Cheng Yiyan admonished Lu Xusheng, "Grandmother was just being polite. Don’t read too much into it. Don’t get cocky and expect your sister to wait on you hand and foot."

He then gestured towards He Qingyun, "If you’re unsure how to be a proper Cheng family son-in-law, take notes from your brother-in-law."

Lu Xusheng didn’t fall for his trick, "Not every Cheng family son-in-law has to follow the same mold. With me around, it only highlights Brother-in-law’s capabilities."

He Qingyun, unaware of their private banter, smiled and said, "Brother Shen Zhi is different from us. He’s a general and a statesman. It’s understandable that he can’t pay attention to household matters."

Cheng Yiyan, however, spoke earnestly, "The greater a man’s achievements, the more he should humble himself before his wife at home, showing his magnanimity. Only narrow-minded men vent their frustrations at home after being slighted outside. Shen Zhi, don’t you agree?"

Lu Xusheng gazed at him deeply, "With an elder brother-in-law like Cheng Yiyan, even if I wanted to show off, I couldn't." He then asked He Qingyun,

"How do you put up with his temper, elder brother-in-law?"

He Qingyun was momentarily stunned and replied, "He doesn't treat me that way."

Lu Xusheng: "....."

Cheng Yiyan burst into laughter.

He Qingyun escorted them out and then went back to the ancestral courtyard. Seeing a room full of women, he simply took a few children out to play.

The matriarch watched him leave and then pulled Cheng Yixin aside to ask, "He still has that temperament, always lets you take the lead."

Cheng Yixin looked at her husband's retreating figure with tenderness, "Yes, he worries more about the kids than I do, and we never have any arguments."

The matriarch was pleased, "That's good. You have to bear children and manage the household daily. Don't be shy about asking him to help when you need it. If he's willing to take charge, let him."

Cheng Yian was somewhat shocked by He Qingyun's patience and attentiveness, "Big sister is truly lucky."

Cheng Yiqiao chimed in,

"Indeed, brother-in-law is pretty much perfect in every way. He comes from a good family, is talented and handsome, and has a great temperament. Not only is he considerate towards big sister, but he also takes good care of the children and is an excellent painter. People in the neighborhood call him the Jade-Faced Gentleman."

Back then, he and Cheng Yixin were childhood sweethearts, a perfect match.

Hearing this, Cheng Yixin smiled faintly and slowly lowered her gaze.

Everyone thought her husband was perfect, and even she couldn't find a fault. She wasn't the most patient; she could be demanding, yet he always went along with her. When she cried, he comforted her; when she scolded him, he endured it. Even when her mother-in-law was difficult, he stood up for her, ensuring she wasn't mistreated.

His background was impeccable, being the heir of a prestigious marquisate family.

He seemed perfect, but there was one thing no one knew.

He wasn't great in bed.

In the first two years of their marriage, they got together a few times a month, and she became pregnant smoothly. After their daughter was born, it happened less often, sometimes only once every six months. Despite their good relationship, it was hard to talk about these things. Cheng Yixin put up with it quietly, but she was worried, especially since they still didn't have a boy.

Unfortunately, He Qingyun didn't seem to be in a hurry.

During the past year of mourning, of course, he didn't touch her.

Now that the mourning was over, what would they do?

The matriarch ignored Cheng Yixin and pointed at Cheng Yiqiao, saying,

"You don't have to be jealous of your big sister. I'll find someone just as good for you, so you'll be happy."

Cheng Yixin, hearing this, asked seriously, "Grandmother, hasn't Qiao'er's marriage been settled yet?"

Cheng Yiqiao, who hated people bringing up her marriage, immediately frowned and hung her head in silence.

The matriarch's smile faded, showing a bit of seriousness,

"I was just about to tell you, as the year-end approaches, some of the young men from out of town are returning to the capital, and some soldiers are coming back from the borders. Families are eager to settle their children's marriages and are making the rounds."

"People are asking about our family every day."

Cheng Yixin asked, "Which families are they?"

The matriarch said, "There are many. After much deliberation with your father, we have settled on the Cui family. We plan to arrange a meeting for the two children before the New Year. If they are pleased with each other, we will exchange their horoscopes, finalize the marriage, and hold the wedding next year, which would be ideal."

Upon hearing the name "Cui family," a cold glint flickered in Cheng Yian's eyes.

In her previous life, her second sister had been betrothed to Cui Han, the young master of the Cui family.

Cui Han had always looked up to her father and aimed to turn the Cui family into a second Cheng family. After her father's death, he secretly colluded with the Wang family to challenge her second brother, seizing the opportunity to encroach on the Cheng family's businesses and territories. Cheng Yiqiao, dissatisfied with his actions, frequently quarreled with him, and over time, the couple drifted apart.

Cui Han neglected Cheng Yiqiao, leaving her childless. However, the Cui family committed an even more despicable act. One day, after drinking, Cui Han's father, the family head of the Cui family, seeing his daughter-in-law alone in her room, sneaked into her bedroom.

Her second sister, with her fiery temperament, could not tolerate such an insult. In the ensuing struggle, she grabbed a pair of scissors and killed the Cui family head.

Even though her father's former colleagues in the Censorate later vigorously defended her, her second sister was still sentenced to confinement in the palace. In court, she defiantly cut her hair, refusing to submit. Ultimately, it was her second brother who devised a plan to bring her back to the Cheng family temple, sparing her from imprisonment.

Cui Han, with his wolfish ambitions, was like bringing a wolf into the fold.

Cheng Yian was determined to help her second sister avoid this ill-fated match.