Chapter 9: Every Family Has Its Own Troubles

Chapter 9 Every Family Has a Hard Nut to Crack

Chen Yuhu came from a literati family and valued refinement, placing great importance on education.

The current Chen Yuhu clearly prefers good looks.

So this child's presence doesn't stand out much; he probably knows himself that he isn't particularly favored.

Chen Yuhu called him over early in the morning, which surprised him.

Chen Yuhu didn't waste any words and told him to eat quickly.

The child wasn't talkative either; when told to eat, he hurried to do so.

Nanny Fang came in with a list, and Chen Yuhu took it and glanced at it. "Is everything prepared?"

Chen Yuhu took the list and checked it over.

Then she turned to ask Lin Qingtong, "Are you finished eating?"

Lin Qingtong ate quickly, wolfing down his food without any regard for manners, making Chen Yuhu frown.

Lin Qingtong was unruly; he noticed his mother's displeasure but didn't care.

Chen Yuhu didn't bother scolding him either, knowing he wouldn't listen. With his father away, she would find someone to discipline him.

The Mistress had matters to attend to outside the manor, and the carriage had long been prepared.

The others only learned after the Mistress had left that she had taken the Second Young Master out with her.

Concubine Hu showed no reaction upon hearing this; she had known all along.

All were her sons. The eldest young master and Qing Zhuo were sent away to study.

When the Second Young Master wasn't mentioned, she knew the Mistress must have other plans.

Chen Yuhu and her son got into the carriage.

Sitting inside, Chen Yuhu looked at Lin Qingtong, who was sitting far away from her.

She asked, "Why are you sitting so far away from me?"

"Come closer."

"Yes!"

Lin Qingtong reluctantly moved a bit closer to Chen Yuhu.

Chen Yuhu was dressed elaborately today, unlike her usual simple and comfortable attire at home.

Lin Qingtong hadn't seen his mother so dressed up in a long time and couldn't help but sneak a few more glances.

Chen Yuhu noticed Lin Qingtong sneaking glances at her.

She said bluntly, "Hmph! I might as well tell you, today I've arranged for the other brothers at home to learn horseback riding and sword fighting with the military instructor."

Lin Qingtong's eyes lit up briefly before dimming again.

He knew his mother always wanted him to focus on studying.

So while the other brothers could go riding today, it was likely just to make him give up, which was why she specifically brought him along.

He envied both his brothers' ability to study easily and their chance to learn horseback riding.

Lin Qingtong cautiously glanced at his mother but ultimately said nothing.

Though he was burly and shared the same twin birth, he was a head taller and much sturdier than Lin Qingbai.

Wearing a pitiful, cautious expression, he made Chen Yuhu feel somewhat uncomfortable.

When the carriage stopped, Lin Qingtong jumped down first—Mighty General's estate.

Lin Qingtong suddenly turned to look at his mother.

Although his father was a military general, his mother didn't seem close to the women of military families.

So why were they here today?

Lin Qingtong quickly composed himself, his mind racing.

Chen Yuhu handed the calling card to the gatekeeper, and soon someone came to welcome them.

It was the mistress of Mighty General's estate, the Marchioness.

The Marchioness was both surprised and not surprised by their visit.

Chen Yuhu smiled and exchanged greetings with the Marchioness.

The two made small talk, while Lin Qingtong followed behind Chen Yuhu with clear, innocent eyes.

The Marchioness was a few years older than Chen Yuhu, née Feng Chunyi.

Chen Yuhu addressed her as Sister Feng.

Invited by the Marchioness to sit in the main reception hall, the two engaged in small talk, mostly about children.

After all, Chen Yuhu and the Marchioness weren't acquainted.

When mentioning other children, Chen Yuhu only briefly touched on them, but when it came to Lin Qingtong, she talked at length to the Marchioness.

"I have many children under my care. The girls are mostly obedient, and the boys are quite diligent—except this troublemaker."

"If it weren't for his father repeatedly coming to propose marriage, even invoking the Emperor's authority to pressure my father, I would never have married a military general."

"After marriage, my perspective changed—military men have their virtues too."

"Yes, yes, absolutely!"

The Marchioness resonated deeply with this; her family also came from a scholarly background—her father was a censor.

Who didn't yearn for a graceful young gentleman in their youth? Certainly not some sun-tanned, sweaty military general.

The young love refinement.

Chen Yuhu's words struck a chord with the Marchioness.

Chen Yuhu continued, "The Marquis is responsible. I do think he's better than those good-for-nothing dandies who only rely on their family inheritance."

"Until I had this one."

Chen Yuhu said, poking Lin Qingtong’s head with her finger, with a look of exasperated fondness.

"He takes entirely after his father—a perfect ten out of ten, stubborn and unruly. He never talks back to what I say, but he never takes it in either. All he knows is how to infuriate me."

"His father is away from home all year round. I want to find someone who can keep him in check."

Chen Yuhu looked so exasperated that Lady Hou couldn't help but laugh.

Holding a handkerchief, Lady Hou laughed uncontrollably, though she also understood how difficult life must be for Chen Yuhu without a man of the house.

Pointing at Lin Qingtong, Lady Hou said, "Entrust him to my general, and you can rest assured."

"All the young men in our household are afraid of my general. I can't promise he’ll become outstanding, but we’ll definitely temper his character."

Hearing this, Chen Yuhu immediately stood up.

She bowed to Lady Hou and said, "Oh! With those words, sister, I’m deeply grateful."

Chen Yuhu deliberately hammed it up, making Lady Hou laugh even more.

Just then, a teenager suddenly rushed in—tall ponytail, martial robes, fine features with sharp, striking eyebrows that arched dramatically.

"My! Which of your sons is this? Such a fine-looking youth!"

Chen Yuhu’s eyes instantly lit up.

Lady Hou, however, did not smile. She frowned at the newcomer and said, "Can’t you see I have guests? Who said you could come in?"

Chen Yuhu was startled. Should she intervene or not?

Lady Hou held her tongue out of politeness for Chen Yuhu and said to her, "Take a closer look. This isn’t a son—it’s my youngest daughter."

"Oh!"

Chen Yuhu’s eyes widened with even greater surprise.

"A daughter!"

Now without any reservations, Chen Yuhu took the girl’s hand and looked her over admiringly.

Lady Hou sighed helplessly. "You see, every family has its own troubles."

"You’re running around for your son, while I’m constantly vexed about my daughter at home."

Chen Yuhu and Lady Hou exchanged a look and laughed together.

The girl who had been mistaken for a boy bowed to Chen Yuhu and called her "Auntie."

"My name is Yizheng."

"What a wonderful name—grand and imposing! Just the kind of name a general’s daughter should have. And you look so sharp-looking in this outfit!"

"Do you enjoy martial arts? Would you like to train with my girls?"

Yizheng scratched her head.

Many people disliked her for not acting like a typical girl, calling her unladylike.

This was the first time a lady from another family had shown her such warmth.

Lady Hou also seemed pleasantly surprised. "She’s always swordfighting and spear training. Even her female cousins don’t enjoy playing with her. If she could befriend your daughters, that would be wonderful."

"Of course! I like her. Who says girls have to be quiet and gentle? There’s nothing wrong with being bold and dynamic."

Chen Yuhu searched her accessories—today she was only wearing bracelets and pendants.

After searching for a while, she clapped her hands.

"You probably don’t like these things, do you? Your uncle has an ivory dagger at home—small and exquisitely made."

"He said he gave it to me for cutting meat, but I scolded him and stored it away properly."

"When I return home, Auntie will have it sent to you as a welcoming gift."

"Thank you, Auntie."

Yizheng beamed happily at Chen Yuhu, making Lady Hou couldn't help smiling.

This was Lady Hou’s first time interacting with Chen Yuhu, and so far, she seemed quite proper.

At the very least, she knew that many people outside disapproved of her daughter and often lectured Yizheng upon seeing her.

Perhaps, being from military families themselves, they shared more understanding.

After some laughter and conversation, Lady Hou took Chen Yuhu and Lin Qingtong to the family’s training ground.

Their training ground was bustling with activity.

There were many people—four direct sons of the family alone, plus nephews from side branches of the family.

As far as Chen Yuhu knew, the family had no illegitimate children.

General Hou had been expecting them and was surprised that his wife and Mrs. Lin had hit it off so well.

Few people got along with his wife this well.

Chen Yuhu followed Lady Hou and saw the people on the training ground—all young men in their prime years.

Chen Yuhu averted her eyes.

She reminded herself: This isn’t the modern era. This isn’t the modern era. Don’t look around freely. Don’t look around freely. My daughter still needs to marry well!

General Hou gave a slight nod at Chen Yuhu.

Chen Yuhu returned a bow in greeting to General Hou.