As Xue Zhi served Yining sliced watermelon, the young girl listened intently to Old Lady Luo and Lin Hai Ru’s conversation.
Old Lady Luo drew Lin Hai Ru aside, inquiring about her relationship with Luo Cheng Zhang.
At the mention of her husband, Lin Hai Ru’s expression darkened. Though she was the principal wife, Luo Cheng Zhang’s old affection for Concubine Qiao meant he often favored the latter.
Observing Lin Hai Ru’s reaction, Old Lady Luo understood the situation. Even Gu Ming Lan, Yining’s birth mother, had struggled against Concubine Qiao in her time.
Old Lady Luo advised Lin Hai Ru to be patient, then began to recount Gu Ming Lan’s story. Yining, curious about her birth mother, listened attentively.
Concubine Qiao was supposedly from a fallen official’s family, according to Luo Cheng Zhang’s official narrative. Whether true or not, only he knew for certain.
At fourteen, Qiao was sold to a wealthy household in Yangzhou as a servant. Luo Cheng Zhang, seeing her weep pitifully after being scolded by her masters, bought her. Initially treating her as a maid, he gradually developed feelings for the delicate, beautiful young girl. When he brought her back, she was already three months pregnant.
Old Lady Luo recalled Gu Ming Lan’s shock upon hearing the news. Betrothed to Luo Cheng Zhang since childhood, Ming Lan had always been dutiful to both her mother-in-law and husband. Seeing Luo Cheng Zhang holding hands with the sixteen-year-old Qiao, as fresh and delicate as morning dew on a lotus, was a painful sight for Ming Lan. That day, she had come to Old Lady Luo, crying like a child.
Later, Qiao’s pregnancy encountered complications. Her maids insinuated that the issues began after consuming a soup sent by the second madam. This aroused Luo Cheng Zhang’s suspicions, though he never directly accused Ming Lan.
Unable to bear such mistrust, Ming Lan, known for her gentle and humble nature, had cared for the pregnant Qiao despite the circumstances. Feeling she had done her utmost, she was devastated by the vile rumors. She proposed moving to a temple to avoid disturbing Qiao’s pregnancy.
Old Lady Luo, initially furious at the idea of a principal wife being driven out by a concubine, adamantly refused. However, after Qiao nearly fell on the stairs, risking another incident, Ming Lan, unable to endure Luo Cheng Zhang’s scrutiny, moved to the temple, intending to return after Qiao gave birth.
This voluntary withdrawal gave Qiao the upper hand. After giving birth to Luo Yi Ling, she gained even more of Luo Cheng Zhang’s favor. Ming Lan grew increasingly unhappy, losing her cheerful demeanor. She later struggled to give birth to Yining before succumbing to illness and passing away.
Lin Hai Ru pondered this story for a long time.
Even Yining marveled at Concubine Qiao’s remarkable rise to power, recognizing the cunning and skill involved.
Old Lady Luo sighed, “Fortunately, you’re not overly sensitive. Ming Lan was too introspective, dwelling on even casual remarks. It ultimately broke her spirit.”
She continued, “Your current predicament with Concubine Qiao is largely due to not having a child of your own. After several years without success, we must consider alternatives.” Lowering her voice, she added, “I had thought of having you raise Xuan’er. He’s young enough to grow close to you, which might also keep Qiao in check.”
Lin Hai Ru felt uncomfortable at the thought of Xuan’er. “Concubine Qiao is still Xuan’er’s birth mother. No matter how I raise him, he’ll always be closer to her,” she replied reluctantly.
Old Lady Luo, anticipating Lin Hai Ru’s reluctance to raise Qiao’s child, glanced at Yining before continuing, “Then there’s only one option left: have Shen Yuan recorded under your name as a legitimate son.”
Lin Hai Ru was startled.
Even Yining was shocked by her grandmother’s suggestion.
While it was common for children born to concubines to be recorded under the principal wife’s name, this usually happened when they were young. Third Brother was nearly sixteen.
Lin Hai Ru also felt uneasy about the idea, having paid little attention to Luo Shen Yuan. Though he was the eldest son born to a concubine, he had been raised by a nanny and only paid his respects to her during festivals.
Old Lady Luo persisted, “This is a decision I’ve carefully considered, though I haven’t discussed it with Er’zi yet. It’s a good plan. Shen Yuan is about to take the provincial examinations. If he passes, you’ll be the mother of a juren. With Shen Yuan’s support, you and Yining will have someone to rely on.”
Lin Hai Ru, coming from a merchant family where even having a xiucai in the family was cause for celebration, was stunned by this sudden proposal. “Old Lady, is… is becoming a ju ren that simple? Shen Yuan doesn’t seem particularly outstanding,” she stammered in disbelief.
Old Lady Luo opened her eyes, her gaze clear despite her age. “Yining is young and has no brothers to support her. You’re currently without a child, and I worry. Consider this proposal. I’m not asking for an immediate answer, but I believe it’s the best solution.”
While Lin Hai Ru remained uneasy, Yining felt reassured. She knew her grandmother must have thoroughly planned this arrangement, and it seemed reasonable.
If Luo Shen Yuan were recorded under Lin Hai Ru’s name, his status would elevate to that of a legitimate son, on par with his elder brothers. Moreover, this arrangement considered both her and Lin Hai Ru’s futures.
Given Luo Shen Yuan’s capabilities, protecting her and Lin Hai Ru would be effortless.
Yining felt excited, wishing Lin Hai Ru would agree immediately. However, Lin Hai Ru appeared hesitant, and unsure about claiming a grown man as her son, especially given their unfamiliarity.
Yining slipped off the luohan bed and approached Lin Hai Ru, taking her hand. “Mother, this is a good idea. Please agree. Third Brother could care for you in your old age!”
Old Lady Luo, who had intentionally spoken within Yining’s earshot, shook her head at the girl’s eagerness.
Lin Hai Ru, noticing Yining’s hopeful expression, considered for a moment before decisively saying, “When it comes to scheming, ten of me couldn’t match Concubine Qiao. You’ve lived decades longer than me, so I’ll defer to your judgment. I dare not dream of being the mother of a ju ren, but having an adopted son would be good.”
Yining nearly laughed at this.
Not only would Lin Hai Ru become the mother of a ju ren, but potentially the mother of a jinshi and even a prime minister. She just hoped Lin Hai Ru wouldn’t be overwhelmed by her future status.
Lin Hai Ru’s decision was entirely based on Old Lady Luo and Yining’s wishes. After agreeing, she appeared lost in thought. Seeing her distracted state, Old Lady Luo suggested she return to her quarters.
The next day, Old Lady Luo summoned Luo Cheng Zhang and Luo Shen Yuan to discuss the matter.
Luo Cheng Zhang was surprised and furrowed his brow in contemplation. While adopting children born to concubines wasn’t uncommon, Shen Yuan was already quite grown. He couldn’t fathom why the old lady suddenly wanted to record him under Lin Hai Ru’s name. Her intentions were unclear, but this move favored Shen Yuan, which was unexpected given her usual dislike for him.
Upon hearing the news, Luo Shen Yuan looked toward Old Lady Luo seated in the hall.
Yining, standing nearby with Xue Zhi, observed the silent exchange between these two cunning individuals. After a moment, Luo Shen Yuan averted his gaze, standing calmly without a word.
What had transpired in that unspoken communication?
Yining was curious but couldn’t ask. She turned her attention to Luo Cheng Zhang.
Her father, possibly the most confused person present aside from Lin Hai Ru, sat down and sipped his tea before speaking. “Mother, is this a sudden whim? This matter, neither trivial nor insignificant, isn’t something to be decided lightly.”
Old Lady Luo replied evenly, “I’ve lived most of my life; this is no whim. Hai Ru has no children, so let Shen Yuan be recorded under her name. Moreover, Shen Yuan is about to take the provincial examinations. If he passes, he’ll be considered a legitimate son of our Luo family, elevating his status.”
Luo Cheng Zhang frowned at her words.
His illegitimate eldest son stood silently in the hall, not uttering a word.
Luo Cheng Zhang had never imagined Luo Shen Yuan passing the provincial examinations. How many could achieve that at fifteen or sixteen? Cheng Lang was a prodigy, already famous throughout the Northern Metropolitan Area, and as Lu Jia Xue’s nephew, no one doubted his success. Among his own three sons, Huai Yuan was the most talented, yet he hadn’t passed. How could Shen Yuan, who showed no exceptional qualities, succeed on his first attempt?
Luo Cheng Zhang suspected his mother had an ulterior motive.
“Mother, if this is truly your intention, I have no objections,” Luo Cheng Zhang said, glancing indifferently at Luo Shen Yuan. “But you should explain your reasoning clearly.”
Old Lady Luo scoffed, “If you’re unwilling to have Shen Yuan recorded under Hai Ru’s name, then we’ll record Xuan’er instead. The Second Branch can’t remain without a legitimate heir.”
Luo Cheng Zhang coughed, even more reluctant to consider this option.
He had plans to educate and nurture Xuan’er himself; how could entrusting him to Lin Hai Ru not ruin the boy?
Noticing Lin Hai Ru’s silence, Luo Cheng Zhang asked her, “Do you agree to this?”
Lin Hai Ru, feeling uneasy in Luo Shen Yuan’s presence and sensing a subtle pressure from him, nodded. “Yes, Mother discussed it with me, and I agree.”
With Lin Hai Ru’s consent, Luo Cheng Zhang had no further objections. Besides, this was a Second Branch matter, not requiring consultation with the First Branch. He instructed a steward to fetch the family genealogy, intending to make the change immediately.
As Yining watched the brush poised over the genealogy, she felt a surge of excitement. Instinctively, she glanced at Luo Shen Yuan and caught him staring at the brush as well.
For a moment, his gaze turned unexpectedly sharp.