Chapter 45

Chapter 45

Two days before her departure, all luggage was packed, but the Gu family's account ledgers remained with Jiang Heng.

As she was unlikely to return from this trip, the accounts had to be handed over.

The new stewards and maidservants selected by Gu Yu were highly efficient. They had already untangled the previously convoluted accounts, and the new records were meticulously kept.

If returned to Xiao Luo Shi, as long as she maintained the current system and refrained from arbitrarily promoting or replacing her favored "capable" individuals, the accounts would no longer be as chaotic and error-ridden as before.

Jiang Heng could think of no one else in the Gu family fit to be the lady of the house.

"Cheng Ping, have someone bring out all the account books. We'll review them once more, then I'll go see the Lady Dowager."

Cheng Ping, understanding Jiang Heng's intention to relinquish authority, said, "Madam, it won’t be a problem even if you’re not in the capital. The stewards and maids each have their duties. You could simply review the accounts once a year—there’s no need to hand them over to someone else."

Without elaborating, Jiang Heng insisted, "Just do as I say."

Cheng Ping had no choice but to comply.

No sooner had she finished speaking than a messenger from Yifang Hall arrived, summoning Jiang Heng.

"You’ll be going south with San Lang to guard the border. It’s far, and you’ll have to take care of his daily needs. You likely won’t have time to manage affairs here. In my opinion, you should let your elder sister-in-law handle the accounts again. That way, you can focus wholeheartedly on taking care of San Lang."

Luo Shi had called her over precisely to demand she hand over the accounts.

Jiang Heng had long been prepared for this and naturally had no intention of clinging to them. She nodded slightly and said, "The accounts are being reviewed. Once everything is clear, I’ll deliver them to Sister-in-law."

Xiao Luo Shi assumed Jiang Heng was making excuses and said discontentedly, "What’s there to review? It’s been over a month of reviewing—still not done? I thought since you came from a prominent family, you’d be more capable than me. But despite all the people you mobilized, making such a grand production about re-recording, reorganizing, and reviewing the accounts, you still have nothing to show for it."

In the past, Jiang Heng would have remained silent, letting her complain until she calmed down, just to keep the peace.

But now… she didn’t need to keep the peace. In fact, it would be better to stir up such a storm that Luo Shi and Xiao Luo Shi would become irreconcilably at odds with her, leaving no possibility of them living under the same roof again.

"Sister-in-law, aren’t you aware of how messy the accounts you kept were?"

Jiang Heng didn’t raise her voice but spoke calmly and gently. "It was my first time seeing such disorderly accounts. We’ve been reviewing them for over a month and still haven’t sorted everything out. I haven’t complained, yet you’re the one acting wronged."

Luo Shi and both daughters-in-law stared wide-eyed, their mouths slightly agape in astonishment. Their shock quickly turned to anger.

"Lady Jiang, she is your elder sister-in-law! Is this how your esteemed Jiang family teaches you to disrespect your elders?" Luo Shi scolded sharply.

Instead of swallowing her anger as usual, Jiang Heng replied softly, "I was merely stating facts. I never intended any disrespect. If you think Sister-in-law has been wronged, you can check the accounts she kept. Not only were they unclear and full of errors, but there were also many discrepancies. If my husband hadn’t said to let it go and not confront Sister-in-law, we might have had to bring her before the magistrate to investigate whether she embezzled funds."

"Embezzlement?" The second daughter-in-law of the Gu family, Lady Qin, seized on this point and muttered while looking at Xiao Luo Shi, clearly already suspecting her.

Luo Shi also stared blankly at her eldest daughter-in-law. "Is this true?"

"No!" Xiao Luo Shi naturally denied it.

But her defense sounded feeble. Even if Luo Shi didn’t trust Jiang Heng, she knew her son’s character. If Jiang Heng were making baseless accusations, she would never dare say such things outright—because if Jiang Heng were truly at fault, Gu Yu would be the first to punish her, even before they could intervene.

Lady Qin didn’t believe it either and deliberately advised, "Elder Sister-in-law, don’t be afraid. Since Younger Sister-in-law says San Lang knows about this, let’s call him back. If she’s falsely accusing you, San Lang can have her divorced!"

At the mention of Gu Yu, Xiao Luo Shi grew nervous but still refused to admit it. She threw herself to her knees before Luo Shi and cried, "Mother, I’ve managed the accounts for so many years, working diligently and frugally, afraid to spend even a single coin unnecessarily. And now, in the end, she leverages her husband’s influence to take away everything I’ve worked for all these years and still finds fault with me!"

Xiao Luo Shi wept bitterly, abandoning all dignity. Seeing that Luo Shi still doubted her and Lady Qin wore a look of anticipation, she even ordered a servant to fetch Gu Yu.

Over the years of managing the accounts, how could she not have kept some for herself? She had secretly embezzled some money, thinking it undetectable. She never expected Jiang Heng to patiently reorganize and review five or six years’ worth of accounts. If Gu Yu were really summoned, she would only be humiliated further.

"What’s the point of living like this? I might as well join my husband rather than suffer such bullying!"

As she spoke, Xiao Luo Shi looked around for a place to throw herself against, determined to end her life.

Maids and older women rushed to stop her. Luo Shi also urged, "Even if what Lady Jiang says is true, it’s not a big deal. Why must you seek death?"

Hearing this, Lady Qin inwardly cursed the old woman for playing favorites, not even investigating such a matter. But knowing that the aunt and niece were united and she was no match for them, she feared that if something really happened to Xiao Luo Shi, her mother-in-law would blame her. So she hurried over to embrace Xiao Luo Shi, preventing her from harming herself, and pleaded earnestly, "Elder Sister-in-law, we all believe you. You must have been wronged!"

Then she turned to blame Jiang Heng. "Younger Sister-in-law, what are you trying to do? Will you only be satisfied if you drive Elder Sister-in-law to her death? San Lang already said to drop the matter. What do you mean by causing trouble here?"

Jiang Heng had never intended to push Xiao Luo Shi to suicide. She had planned to stop there and say nothing more. But hearing Lady Qin accuse her, she thought for a moment and did not hold back. "Second Sister-in-law, I didn’t come here to cause trouble. Mother summoned me to speak. As for the embezzlement, I’ve been clear from the start: my husband said not to pursue it or take it to court. It was you who suggested summoning him back to confront the issue, which is why Elder Sister-in-law felt backed into a corner and thought of ending her life."

Lady Qin had never expected Jiang Heng, who used to endure everything without a word, to change so drastically, now pushing back pointedly without yielding an inch.

Worse still, Jiang Heng had laid bare the sly scheme she’d just devised, making both her mother-in-law and elder sister-in-law glare at her with anger and resentment.

"I suggested calling San Lang back to clear Elder Sister-in-law’s name, not to confront her! Don’t falsely accuse me!" Lady Qin argued frantically.

Then, embracing Xiao Luo Shi, she cried, "Elder Sister-in-law, why are our lives so bitter? Without our husbands, we have to suffer such bullying!"

The situation had escalated beyond control. Jiang Heng feared it might truly lead to death if it continued, so she stopped arguing and prepared to slip away quietly.

"Stop right there!" Luo Shi shouted angrily. "You’ve only been managing the household for a few days, and you’re already this arrogant! Do you plan to step over me next?"

"You’ve turned a peaceful home upside down! What are your intentions?"

Jiang Heng remained calm and replied slowly, "Mother, Elder Sister-in-law asked why the review hadn’t been completed after so many days. I was only telling the truth…"

"Silence! Go kneel in the family temple!" Luo Shi trembled with rage.

Jiang Heng stood her ground and said gently, "Mother, I believe I’ve done nothing wrong and cannot accept this punishment. I take my leave."

Luo Shi was too stunned to react with anger immediately. By the time she collected herself, Jiang Heng had already left Yifang Hall.

"How dare she defy me! How dare she disobey my orders! Go, tie her up and drag her to the family temple!"

Luo Shi was accustomed to Jiang Heng’s respect and obedience. She felt today’s behavior was rebellious and challenging to her authority as mother-in-law.

Soon, people from Yifang Hall arrived at Ninghe Court, saying they were following the Lady Dowager’s orders to bind Jiang Heng and take her to the family temple.

The leader was Chen Fu’s mother, who had resented Jiang Heng ever since Chen Fu was punished. Now, she finally had a chance for revenge. Unafraid of Jiang Heng’s status as lady of the house, she led a group of older servant women into Ninghe Court to seize her.

"You’re utterly lawless! What kind of lady of the house allows herself to be bullied like this?"

Chun Jin ordered the maids of Ninghe Court to block them, shouting loudly.

But the maids in Ninghe Court were young and wary of these older women who attended the Lady Dowager. Afraid of being punished if they injured anyone, they only pushed and tried to dissuade them, not daring to use force.

The older women, however, were emboldened and unrestrained, hitting and scolding the maids who tried to stop them.

"How dare you disobey the Lady Dowager’s orders! Have you forgotten who runs this household?"

"We’ll beat you to death, you disloyal little wenches!"

Jiang Heng ordered Rui Zhu to summon several strong guards to the inner courtyard and said clearly, "Stop."

At her command, the older women fell silent for a moment.

Jiang Heng rarely displayed such an authoritative demeanor when scolding others. The group of older servant women were more surprised than afraid, quickly regaining their composure. The leader, Madam Chen, showed no fear of her and declared loudly, "Third Lady, we are only following the Old Mistress’s orders. Please don’t make things difficult for us. Come quietly with us to the ancestral temple and spare yourself the indignity of being manhandled!"

"You’ve already crossed the line," Jiang Heng said, glancing at the maids of Ninghe Yuan gathered to the side.

They had all suffered injuries, some more severe than others—some slapped, others having their hair pulled. A few were already sobbing quietly in distress, while the stronger ones held back tears, their eyes red.

"I have never heard of any household where the mistress is chased, beaten, and bound by older servant women. While it’s true you act on the Old Mistress’s orders, your behavior is arrogant, unrestrained, and presumptuous. You bully the weak and flaunt your seniority. If you are not punished, you will forget your place and no longer know how to conduct yourselves."

Jiang Heng’s tone was calm, but her expression was stern. After speaking, she ordered the guards to detain the older servant women and deliver ten strokes of the rod to each.

Unlike the young maids, the guards were not easily intimidated. The older servant women dared only to threaten and shove, not resort to serious violence, but they cried out loudly, "Old Mistress, save us! Third Lady is trying to kill us!"

Soon, Ninghe Yuan was filled with cries and wails.

The commotion was too loud for Yifang Tang to ignore. Luo Shi, furious, sent another group to deliver a message, demanding Jiang Heng release her people. In the end, it was futile. The messenger returned crestfallen and reported to Luo Shi, "Third Lady is serious—she’s really having them beaten. Those old bones can’t withstand such punishment."

Upon hearing this, Luo Shi collapsed onto her couch, pounding the table and shouting, "Bring San Lang back! Bring San Lang back!"

······

Gu Yu was in his government bureau meeting with lieutenant generals to discuss southern affairs when he received the news.

The servant who delivered the message was agitated, saying something major had happened at home and urging him to return quickly.

Gu Yu had no choice but to set aside his duties and ride home immediately.

By the time he arrived, the entire estate had fallen silent. Servants and maids bowed their heads, not daring to make a sound.

Gu Yu intended to go straight to Ninghe Yuan but was intercepted by his mother’s people and taken to Yifang Tang.

"Your wife has gone completely out of control! She’s insulted both your first sisters-in-law, and when I ordered her to kneel in the ancestral temple, she even dared to beat my people! You must write her a bill of divorce immediately!"

Luo Shi was pale with rage. The moment she saw Gu Yu, her temper flared uncontrollably. As she spoke, she pounded the table, as if she wished she could tear Jiang Heng apart with her bare hands.

Gu Yu remained silent for a moment, neither comforting his mother nor blaming Jiang Heng. Calmly, he said, "She would not insult or beat people without justification. Once I investigate the details, I will report back to you."

"What is there to investigate? Your first sister-in-law was nearly driven to death by her! Have you forgotten what your brother said before he died? He asked you to take care of his wives. Now your wife is bullying them like this, and you still want to shield her? How will you face your brother in the afterlife?"

Gu Yu said nothing more. After bowing to his mother, he left Yifang Tang and went straight to Ninghe Yuan.

It was already dinnertime, and Ninghe Yuan had returned to its usual tranquility, as if nothing had happened.

Jiang Heng sat alone at the dining table, dining serenely and composedly, her demeanor serene—a stark contrast to the fury in Yifang Tang.

Gu Yu sat down opposite her and said calmly, "Tell me what happened."

Since he asked, Jiang Heng did not hold back. She recounted the entire incident from beginning to end, offering no excuses or pleas for leniency, leaving the judgment entirely to him.

Gu Yu knew she was not an unreasonable person, nor would she act without cause.

In this matter, she was not at fault.

However, her behavior was a far cry from her former temperament and conduct.

In the past, such a conflict would likely never have occurred, let alone escalated to the point where he had to be summoned from his government bureau to resolve it.

Since receiving the bill of divorce, it was as if she had become a different person—bold, fearless, and unyielding.

"Duke Wei, the household accounts have been sorted. You can send someone to deliver them to First Sister-in-law," Jiang Heng said.

Despite the conflict, she still intended to hand over the Gu family’s household accounts.

"Who said First Sister-in-law would manage them?" Gu Yu’s expression was indifferent, seemingly unfazed.

Jiang Heng glanced at him, surprised that despite the uproar at home, he remained so composed and did not accuse her of disrespecting her elders like his mother and sisters-in-law had.

"The household accounts need not be handed over. Everything remains as before."

With that, Gu Yu prepared to leave.

"Duke Wei," Jiang Heng called out, stopping him. "It’s better to give them to Sister-in-law. After today’s events, Mother and the sisters-in-law will surely no longer tolerate me. Handing over the household accounts would be a way to settle the matter."

Gu Yu did not respond. He stood still for a long time, as if considering something. After a moment, he turned back and asked her, "Will you always act this way from now on?"

So resolute, so decisive, so unafraid to speak, act, punish, or confront?

Jiang Heng understood his meaning. Today’s events had made it clear to everyone in the estate how unusual her behavior was.

It was so different from her former self.

"Duke Wei, today’s incident could have been entirely avoided if I had obediently followed Mother’s orders, listened to First Sister-in-law’s complaints, and endured Second Sister-in-law’s taunts. There would have been no conflict, the Gu family would have remained peaceful, and you would not have been called away from your duties to deal with such trivial matters. However, no one can endure forever. Perhaps Mother and the sisters-in-law grew accustomed to my yielding, which is why they felt free to complain, blame, and mock so recklessly. Once I changed and stopped yielding, conflict was inevitable. This household will never know peace."

Jiang Heng sighed softly. "Duke Wei, to be frank with you, my actions today have indeed shattered all decorum. In the future, it would be better if we are not together. If we remain under the same roof, given Mother and the sisters-in-law’s temperaments and their resentment toward me, I fear you will often be drawn into family disputes. Over time, the Gu family may become the laughingstock of the Divine Capital."

Gu Yu fell silent, gazing at her intently for a long time before suddenly giving an unexpected chuckle.

"So, you think that since we are destined to separate anyway, there’s no need to maintain harmony? You’d rather burn all bridges and settle scores openly?"

Jiang Heng’s thoughts were more complex than that, but she did not elaborate, merely saying, "You may think of it that way."

"You want to hand over the household accounts because you believe you’ve completely estranged Mother and the sisters-in-law and can no longer stay in this household?"

At this point, Gu Yu suddenly understood the reason for her sudden change in temperament and bold behavior.

Could it be that she thought by completely alienating his family, there would be no possibility of reconciliation?

He saw Jiang Heng nod, offering a plausible explanation.

"I did not wish for things to escalate like this, but I cannot yield forever."

The implication was clear: it was fortunate she would be journeying southward soon; otherwise, such conflicts would only increase.

Gu Yu turned back, sat down at the table again, and looked at her for a moment. His tone suddenly softened.

"If you don’t yield, others will have to yield instead." Gu Yu picked up his chopsticks and began eating, as if nothing had happened at home, as if no conflict had occurred.

"You need not worry about the household losing its peace. Just like on the battlefield, if you retreat, I advance; if you are weak, I am strong. The opposite is also true: if you advance, others will retreat; if you are strong, others will weaken. In the past, you retreated while they advanced, you were weak while they were strong, and there was peace. From now on, if you advance and they retreat, if you are strong and they are weak, there will also be peace."

Jiang Heng was stunned, staring blankly at Gu Yu.

What did he mean? Was he encouraging her to suppress his mother and sisters-in-law from now on?

How was that possible? How could it be?

He had always been filial—how could he allow her to suppress his mother?

She had pushed things to this extent, yet he showed no anger at all?

"Aren’t you angry with me?" Jiang Heng knew she shouldn’t ask, but she couldn’t help her curiosity.

Gu Yu shook his head slightly. "You are right. No one can yield forever—that is an unreasonable demand."

"You…"

Gu Yu’s reaction was far beyond anything Jiang Heng had expected.