Madam Cheng’s eyes were red with anger at her husband's children from his concubines.
Shameless, the lot of them!
With their honeyed words and feigned politeness!
The sight of Madam You and Madam Lin acting like dutiful wives and loving mothers made Madam Cheng’s stomach churn!
They were mere concubines, and though she was the second wife, she was still the principal wife! Yet they dared to scheme and plot right under her nose! Look at how clever these children were, so good at charming people at such a young age!
Madam Cheng had to expend considerable effort to keep her husband's attention focused on her. Otherwise, she feared she would have been completely captivated by these two concubines long ago!
But even so, things were deteriorating day by day. She knew he was growing tired of her.
Madam Cheng found this a great source of distress!
Meanwhile, Madam You and Madam Lin were uncharacteristically pleased. Naturally, they encouraged their children to dote on their father, for only with his protection could they survive! Of course, they had to curry favor with him and show him utmost filial piety.
Recently, with the children constantly calling out for their father and taking care of the ailing Master Cheng, even fetching him tea and washing his feet, they had indeed managed to stir his paternal affection. He became much closer to them, appearing amiable and kind. This situation was a direct result of the instability; when faced with uncertainty, people crave stability.
With his children surrounding him, showing him affection and filial piety, even though the two concubines were no longer young, they seemed more pleasing to his eyes lately.
Their demeanor as devoted wives and mothers greatly pleased Master Cheng.
Consequently,
the two concubines ushered in their spring, filled with joy every day.
Madam Cheng, however, gnashed her teeth until they were ground to powder, tearing up several handkerchiefs in her rage!
Jiang Xiyue observed all of this.
She truly detested the constant scheming within the small room, finding it suffocating and wishing to leave. However, she could not abandon her aunt.
After all, she was timid.
She knew that her aunt was the only one in this world who genuinely cared for her and protected her. Therefore, she had stayed by her aunt's side.
Jiang Xiyue was also aware of her own looks. Without protection, her fate would likely be grim. Thus, she clung tightly to her aunt. Seeing her aunt’s distress, she went to embrace her.
Madam Cheng was feeling heartbroken. When someone suddenly embraced her, she mistook it for Master Cheng. She turned abruptly, only to discover it was her niece. Her heart felt instantly hollow, but she eventually patted Jiang Xiyue's hand and said, "I haven't doted on you in vain! You're the only one who cares about me, Xiyue. My heart truly aches."
Jiang Xiyue could only offer comfort, her own thoughts in a state of flux.
She had, of course, heard whispers recently.
Although she stayed indoors due to the cold, the servants' excited discussions inevitably reached her ears.
She heard about Cheng Hao’s immense prestige, the servants’ deep respect for him, and his formidable capabilities. The more she heard, the more regret filled her heart.
But she still had her pride.
Having been rejected by Cheng Hao like that, she was only thankful that no one had overheard their conversation.
Otherwise,
Jiang Xiyue felt she would have had no face to live on. What she couldn't understand, truly couldn't comprehend, was why he had married a woman he didn't know at all and could dote on her so quickly, even though she, Jiang Xiyue, had met him before Su Miaomiao. Although they had never spoken much when he returned to the Cheng family during his days off to avoid suspicion, they had met a few times. Yet, he was so strange.
She suspected he hadn't even gotten used to calling his new wife's name when they were newly married, yet he was already protecting her so fiercely!
The more Jiang Xiyue thought about it, the angrier she became.
Her unwillingness was one thing,
but she also understood.
Cheng Hao’s refusal was resolute. Because of this, she realized her hopes were dashed.
She could only wish.
That perhaps a more outstanding young master, even more exceptional than Cheng Hao, would fall for her.
Madam Cheng was unaware of Jiang Xiyue's thoughts. Seeing her niece's dazed expression, she assumed it was the recent hardships that were making her feel miserable. Her heart immediately ached with pity, and she gently smoothed Jiang Xiyue’s stray hairs.
She said tenderly, "My poor Xiyue, it is truly my incompetence, making you suffer alongside me. Had our family not faced misfortune, and had the world not been in chaos, you should have been a treasured jewel, adored by all, a young lady of the highest status. But now, you are wandering with me..."
She didn't even have her own room and had to live with her.
In this chaotic world, there was nothing to say. Safety was paramount. Otherwise, how terrible it would sound if word got out? Her reputation would be ruined!
Jiang Xiyue was, of course, eloquent. She merely put on a demure act, softly saying, "It is Xiyue's fortune to be with Aunt. Without Aunt's care, Xiyue would likely not be alive anymore."
Although her mind was still on finding a powerful connection, it did not stop her from appeasing her aunt.
As expected.
Madam Cheng's heart ached even more at her words, and she quickly promised that she would ensure Xiyue had a good life and marry a man of the highest caliber!
Jiang Xiyue could only feign shyness, lowering her head and calling out, "Aunt~"
Seeing her niece's lively reaction, Madam Cheng felt somewhat comforted. "Why are you shy? When a girl reaches a certain age, she should find a good marriage. If not for the unfortunate timing, you would be getting married now."
She herself was strangely unable to bear children, which made her cherish this niece even more. Moreover, Jiang Xiyue was the only blood relative from her maternal family. Naturally, she was concerned for her and felt at ease only when she kept her close.
Madam Cheng did not hide things from Jiang Xiyue. She glanced over at Master Cheng, who was laughing heartily at the antics of his concubines’ children. Madam Cheng’s heart filled with even greater resentment. With a look of disappointment, as if her niece's talent was wasted, she could only pour out her thoughts to Jiang Xiyue and ask for her help in devising a plan!
They absolutely had to sow discord and make the father and son turn against each other!
Although Madam Cheng knew of Cheng Hao’s capabilities and that his presence would greatly enhance the caravan's safety, she simply couldn't stand him. He was the legitimate eldest son of the former principal wife; he would inevitably stand in the way of her future son's path!
She hadn't figured out a way to deal with him before, but now, in this era of chaos, it was the perfect opportunity to make him disappear from this world. Out of sight, out of mind!
Madam Cheng believed that this chaos would eventually end. Having married into the Cheng family, with so many guards and assets, she was sure to survive until the end.
And if she could seize this opportunity to eliminate the legitimate eldest son and his wife, or drive them out of the Cheng family, that would truly be a cause for celebration! It would be a blessing in disguise!
This was also paving the way for her future children!
Jiang Xiyue's eyes flickered as she listened. Finally, she whispered, "Xiyue will naturally stand by Aunt’s side. Without Aunt, there would be no Xiyue. Aunt can ask Xiyue to do anything. I will always protect Aunt!"
Hearing these words, Madam Cheng was deeply moved. She truly felt she had not doted on this child in vain, and she realized that only blood relatives were truly reliable.
Everything else was secondary!
Before, she had eagerly hoped for Master Cheng's affection. Now, she realized that his deep affection was merely an act, all fake. He was selfish, and in the end, he only moved himself.