Chapter 61: Being a Cheng Family Girl Once Again…

Chapter 61: Being a Cheng Family Girl Once Again...

From the moment Lu Xusheng entered the palace, Cheng Yian and her sister, who were waiting outside Donghua Gate, got the news.

When Cheng Yixin learned that the Cui and Li families were about to be wiped out, the resentment in her heart faded, and she felt completely drained. She leaned weakly in Cheng Yian's arms without a word. Cheng Yian immediately instructed the coachman to take her back to the family home.

As they rode, Cheng Yian held Cheng Yixin and comforted her,

"Out with the old, in with the new. I've heard that men's ailments are incurable. Even if your brother-in-law truly cared for you, you'd have been stuck in this situation for life. Now that everything's out in the open, it's better to move on and start fresh. Live freely, and a world of opportunities awaits you in the future. Don't let marriage hold you back."

Cheng Yixin knew she was trying to console her.

Outside the carriage, the rain poured heavily, shutting out the world. With her beloved sister beside her, she let it all out. She clung to Cheng Yian and sobbed uncontrollably.

Cheng Yian's heart ached. In her past life, her sister had suffered endlessly, living like a widow even with a man by her side. What a miserable life that must have been. "Every cloud has a silver lining, sister. You've endured so much in the He family. Now that you're back with the Cheng family, take it easy."

As the carriage neared the Cheng family home, Cheng Yixin finally pulled herself together. She looked at Cheng Yian and said, "Help me fix my makeup."

She was too proud to let others see her looking disheveled.

Cheng Yian nodded, opened a small box in the carriage, and pulled out some lipstick and blush. She carefully applied it, adding a bit of makeup to the corners of her eyes to cover the redness.

Cheng Yixin smiled at herself in the small mirror. "Good." Then she looked straight at her sister. "An An, I'm so grateful you were with me today. I was supposed to be there for you, but instead, you were there for me."

Cheng Yian was at a loss for words.

When the carriage stopped, the curtain was lifted, and a group of matrons came forward with an open sedan chair to carry her. The rain was completely blocked out, and from the carriage steps to the corridor of the Cheng family's main gate, everything was tightly covered, not a drop of rain getting through.

Cheng Yixin's eyes welled up with tears.

This was her family home.

It would never let her down.

Cheng Yian helped her out of the carriage. When she looked up, she saw the matriarch standing there, supported by the Second Mistress and the third mistress. Everyone from the main branch had come out to wait. This was likely the first time the matriarch had come out to greet someone since she became a widow. Her eyes were dry, and she smiled as she opened her arms,

"My child, you've finally returned. A little setback means nothing. The Cheng family will always be your home. You've turned misfortune into fortune, and smooth roads lie ahead."

How could she not feel sad? But the matriarch had the ability to turn grief into strength.

Her words eased everyone's sorrow.

Cheng Yixin's mind was still a bit foggy. She slowly walked to the matriarch's side and hugged her,

"Grandmother..."

In another family, this might have been a moment of despair, but the main branch of the Cheng family was different. The matriarch turned this into a joyous homecoming, and everyone kept saying,

"It's good to be back, it's good to be back."

They surrounded Cheng Yixin and took her to the matriarch's courtyard. As soon as she entered, she looked for her children. Cheng Yiqiao held her and said,

"Just rest here peacefully. The three children are together and happy. I'll go keep an eye on them for you."

The children were still young and used to staying at the Cheng family. A few candies and toys were enough to keep them content. Cuijie, as usual, ran after her brother, and when she cried for her father and mother, Cheng Yiqiao's embrace and soothing words quickly calmed her down.

The matriarch was concerned about Cheng Yixin's health and called for the retired imperial physician to examine her. She personally watched as Cheng Yixin ate and took her medicine, then instructed Lu Shi to take her to rest.

"First, get some good rest for a few days, and don't worry about anything else."

Cheng Yian was about to leave when the matriarch stopped her.

"Today, we owe it all to you. You should rest as well; don't overexert yourself."

The matriarch pulled her to sit beside her and asked, "It's raining heavily tonight. Will you stay here to rest?"

Cheng Yian blushed and said, "My husband has returned to the capital. I'm worried, so I must go back."

"Oh..." The matriarch understood and smiled, "It's good that he's back." She then called a few female servants to carefully escort Cheng Yian back.

Cheng Yixin was personally escorted back to her room by her sister-in-law, Lu Shi, who comforted her for a long time.

"The children are all in the matriarch's courtyard. Don't worry about them; just rest tonight. I'll stay with you."

Cheng Yixin forced a smile, "I'm not a child anymore. Why would I need my sister-in-law to stay with me?"

Lu Shi gave her a reproachful look, sat down with her, and caressed her swollen eyes and cheeks.

"Xin'er, mother is no longer here. It's often said that an elder sister-in-law is like a mother. I am your closest person." Although Lu Shi and Cheng Yiyan have always treated the three sisters equally well, Cheng Yixin is still somewhat different. She is Cheng Yiyan's full sister, the closest flesh and blood.

Lu Shi told her, word by word, "As long as I am here, I will not let you suffer any grievances."

At this time, returning to her maiden home, her sister-in-law's words carry more weight than anyone else's.

Cheng Yixin choked up, "Sister-in-law..."

Lu Shi hugged her, "Don't be afraid, Xin'er. You've always taken on too much, and it pains me to see. It's time to rest. From now on, you are not the Young Madam of the He family; you are Cheng Yixin. Be yourself, be our Cheng family's girl again."

Cheng Yixin was finally comforted by her words, hugged her, and closed her eyes.

The Cheng family is really good. Every time she comes back, she doesn't have to worry about anything. Hot water and food are ready, the children are taken care of, and she is like a tired bird returning to its nest, extremely comfortable and at ease. But in the He family, it's different. Everything requires her attention, and she can't rest.

Now, without the burden, she slept deeply.

While she slept, the lights were still on in the matriarch's courtyard.

Not long after, Cheng Yiyan returned with the divorce agreement to show the matriarch.

The matriarch glanced at it and sighed, "Did He Qingyun say anything?"

When Cheng Mingyu entered the palace, he informed Cheng Yiyan to handle the divorce proceedings. Cheng Yiyan went straight from the palace to the He family. Upon learning that his sister had suffered such a great grievance, he was furious.

"He refused to divorce and begged me for a long time. I told him that if he didn't sign, I would go to the capital's court to sue. To avoid affecting the children, he finally agreed."

The matriarch also felt very regretful but ultimately said nothing.

"It's late tonight. Don't disturb her. Go visit your sister personally tomorrow. This is the time for you, as her brother, to take responsibility. Don't let her have any worries."

Cheng Yiyan smiled bitterly, "I wish I could support her for a lifetime. Why would I need grandmother's instructions?"

"I'm just afraid I won't have the chance to support her for a lifetime. Before, when she was with He Qingyun, there were classmates who asked about her, saying that he fell in love with our sister at first sight when he came to our Cheng family. If the He family didn't treat her well, just tell him, and so on. If He Qingyun doesn't work out, I can find her ten or eight more without a problem."

The matriarch laughed at his words, "Stop talking nonsense. Be careful your father hears."

Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.

Cheng Mingyu came back drenched from the rain and immediately asked Cheng Yiyan if the matter of the separation had been properly handled. In front of his father, Cheng Yiyan became much more serious and respectfully replied.

Cheng Mingyu nodded and then inquired about Cheng Yixin. The matriarch said she was doing well.

Cheng Yiyan added, "I have already arranged for Nanny Chen and Nanny Zhang to pack up the dowry. It will all be moved back within three days."

Cheng Mingyu thought for a moment and said, "Move the everyday items back to her bedroom, and store the rest in the house in the northeast district, which is a private residence of the Cheng family."

That house had been rented out to others until the beginning of this year when it became vacant. Cheng Mingyu had already decided to keep his daughter close, and this house was near the Cheng estate, just a short walk away.

Cheng Yixin's personality was quite different from Cheng Yiqiao's; she was introverted, steady, and proud, not one to bow her head to others. By providing her with an additional residence, she would have her own independent residence, free from anyone's influence or control, and would feel at ease. Living in the Cheng family wouldn't make her feel like she was living under someone else's roof; it would be like returning to her parents' home as a guest, beneficial for both parties.

Cheng Yiyan was displeased upon hearing this.

"Father, what are you suggesting? I only have a few sisters, and I would never resent them. I would support any of them for their entire lives. Do you doubt my intentions?"

Cheng Mingyu indeed had this thought, "You are good, and that is your responsibility as an older brother. But as a sister, she will have her own concerns. As a father, I must ensure you all are worry-free, which is the path to lasting harmony."

Cheng Yiyan frowned and pouted at the matriarch, very unwilling.

The matriarch smiled, "You should adhere to your father's wishes."

"There is one more matter I must clarify with you in advance," Cheng Mingyu said seriously to Cheng Yiyan. At this point, he decided to lay everything out.

Cheng Yiyan, still resentful from the earlier matter, muttered, "Go ahead, I'm listening."

"After this incident, I have to consider the long-term future for your sisters. No man, no matter how good, is as reliable as oneself. Therefore, in the future, each of your sisters will receive a portion of the Cheng family's estate."

Cheng Yiyan nodded repeatedly.

"I shall abide by your directives, Father."

Seeing him agree so readily, the matriarch teased him, "Does this not pain you? In other households, it is customary for the eldest son to inherit the entirety, especially for sisters who have married into other families."

Cheng Yiyan said, "When Grandfather was alive, the family's fortune was significantly smaller than it is now under Father's stewardship. As the future head of the Cheng family, I must demonstrate my abilities and establish a legacy akin to Father's. The future of the Cheng family depends on me. If I remain dependent, upon whom shall the Cheng family rely in the future?"

The matriarch nodded, "That is a sound reasoning. I was confident that our Cheng family would not err in raising its children."

Cheng Mingyu's propensity for guiding his son resurfaced, "Then, enlighten me, how do you intend to forge this legacy?"

Cheng Yiyan had something to say about this. He pointed to the east, "Father, the powerful local factions in Jiangnan have been pacified, and the population has been released. Commerce is bound to flourish. With my uncle's help, the seas have been calmed, and maritime routes are open. We should focus on the sea. In the Ministry of Revenue, I often review the archives of various tax bureaus. The number of foreign merchants coming to China is increasing daily. The maritime trade has great potential in the future."

"I intend to establish a shipyard at the coastal port of Tongzhou, develop the port, and expand maritime trade."

Cheng Mingyu said with satisfaction, "Very good. As for me, I am getting older, and the family's industries will gradually be handed over to you."

Cheng Yiyan bowed to him, "I accept your command."

After Cheng Yiyan left, the matriarch asked Cheng Mingyu, "What do you plan to do about the He family?"

Cheng Mingyu wearily pressed his temples.

"Let Lu Xusheng handle it."

The matriarch, exhausted from the night's events, sent Cheng Mingyu to rest. It was already past midnight, a time when Cheng Mingyu would usually be asleep. But today, with so many things happening and the late hour, he found himself unable to sleep. After bathing and changing, he went to the music room.

He gently plucked the strings of the qin, not forming any melody, immersed in the momentary peace.

At his age, his body still responded in the morning. How could He Qingyun, so young, be incapable? His daughter had been married for nearly eight years. He couldn't imagine how she had endured it. Well, in the future, he would find her a handsome and capable husband.

With this thought, Cheng Mingyu's fingers moved over the qin, the music flowing like a stream, gradually merging into the depths of the night.