Madam Wu had never dreamed that one day she would return to the capital. She lifted the curtain of the carriage and peered through the gap. The swaying signboards in the breeze, the bustling crowds, the rising and falling calls of vendors—chaotic and noisy, yet exuding the liveliness of a prosperous era—made one can’t help but gaze around in admiration.

Her husband, who was driving the cart, suddenly reined in the mule and called to a fried pancake vendor, “Two pancakes, please!”

“Coming right up!” The vendor responded loudly, “Two copper coins, here you go!”

Her husband carefully took out his money pouch from the cloth wrapped around his waist, gave the vendor two copper coins, then meticulously tucked the pouch back into his waistband before accepting the pancakes. He turned and handed them to Madam Wu, “You must be hungry, right? You only had a bowl of thin porridge at dawn. When we entered the city, I had already asked for directions. The Bureau of Construction and Repairs of the Ministry of Works is in Jiuer Hutong, east of the city gate, still about an hour’s journey from here. Once we reach the bureau, I’ll need to submit my credentials, which might take another hour or two… Have these two pancakes to tide you over. After I’ve finished my business and we get to the inn, I’ll get you some hot soup.”

Madam Wu’s gaze at her husband was filled with tenderness. She didn’t refuse, accepting the pancakes and eating them gracefully in small bites.

Her husband gazed at Madam Wu, smiling foolishly, his expression showing pride and affection. After a moment, he jumped back onto the carriage shaft and drove toward Jiuer Hutong.

Her husband was a renowned carpenter from Zhejiang. This time, he had been summoned to repair the Qianqing Palace for the Emperor. The Ministry of Works had recruited skilled craftsmen from across the country, and her husband was among them. Knowing she had once lived in the capital but never had the chance to explore its streets and alleys, he had been thoughtful enough to forgo the free transportation provided by the officials and bring her along, arriving in the capital a month early.

Her husband was concerned that she had only drunk a bowl of thin porridge at dawn, but how could she not worry about him, who had also only had a bowl of thin porridge at the same early hour!

But Madam Wu knew her husband’s temperament well. Before they had children, he would always let her eat the best things first. After they had children, he would share the food between her and the children, while he always ate what they left.

Thinking of this, Madam Wu’s eyes grew moist.

She lifted the carriage curtain and called to her husband, passing him the remaining one and a half pancakes, “I’m full now, you have the rest!”

Her husband wasn’t fooled and chuckled, “I’m not hungry yet. When I get hungry, I’ll buy two hot steamed buns. It would be a waste of the two copper coins not to eat them. You should finish them!”

Madam Wu wasn’t deceived either and kept her hand extended without withdrawing it. “You know they cost two copper coins. Hurry and eat them while they’re hot so the money isn’t wasted.”

Her husband couldn’t win against Madam Wu and secretly regretted his decision. Had he known this would happen, he should have bought three pancakes—two for his wife and one for himself… Looking up, he spotted a bun seller nearby.

He immediately went and bought two buns, then handed them to Madam Wu. “You eat the buns, and I’ll eat the pancakes.”

Before she could object, he snatched the pancakes and began eating them in large bites.

Madam Wu knew her husband had made up his mind and that further argument would be futile. Thinking of his good intentions and not wanting to disappoint him, she took a bite of a bun in front of him.

Her husband’s face immediately lit up with joy.

Madam Wu lowered the carriage curtain, wrapped the barely-touched buns in oiled paper, and tucked them into her bosom.

The carriage moved in fits and starts, and after an hour, they finally reached Jiuer Hutong.

After submitting his credentials, they found a clean small inn and settled in. Her husband ordered hot soup and water.

After the couple had dinner, soaked their feet, and leaned against the bed headboard, they talked.

“There are still twenty-five days before I start work. Where would you like to go play tomorrow?” he asked.

Madam Wu pondered and said, “I’d like to first go to Tantuo Temple to burn some incense, and then visit Lady Zhao in Shijia Hutong to pay my respects.”

She had enshrined an eternal lamp at Tantuo Temple for her child who had passed away. When she left, that eternal lamp naturally went out. But in her heart, she still thought about that child, always feeling as if she had left him at Tantuo Temple. Since she had come to the capital, she naturally wanted to see that child and greet him.

Her husband knew her background and smiled kindly, “Good! Tomorrow I’ll drive you to Tantuo Temple, and then we’ll visit Lady Zhao.”

Madam Wu smiled gratefully at her husband.

Her husband scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly, “Let’s rest early. We need to leave the city tomorrow.” Then he went to blow out the lamp.

Madam Wu lay quietly under the blanket, gently holding her husband’s hand.

After returning from Tantuo Temple, Madam Wu went to the market and bought two fashionable bolts of cloth, using her own private money.

When she remarried, her father had given her one hundred taels of silver as a dowry, while her younger sister had secretly given her four hundred taels in bank notes. Her husband said this was her dowry and told her to keep it for her use.

Knowing she wanted to buy some gifts for the Zhao family, her husband gave her ten taels of silver. However, things in the capital were far more expensive than her husband had imagined. They hadn’t divided the family property, and all earnings were supposed to go to the common fund. Her husband was an honest man, and these ten taels of silver must have been tips from villagers whom he had done work for, saved up over who knows how long. With the expenses of coming to the capital, he had probably spent all his private savings.

Madam Wu felt sorry for her husband and didn’t want to trouble him. In front of him, she only said that the two bolts of cloth cost ten taels of silver.

Ten taels for cloth was already very expensive to her husband. He didn’t suspect anything and drove the carriage to Shijia Hutong.

Shijia Hutong was just as quiet as she remembered, though the locust trees in front of each house had grown taller and more lush. Standing before the Zhao family gate gave her a sense of peace and tranquility, as if time had stood still.

Her husband stepped forward and knocked on the door.

A servant boy about ten years old answered. He wore blue clothes and a small hat, dressed very properly. His face was clean and his eyes lively—a clever child.

The boy looked over Madam Wu’s husband in his short coat and politely asked whom they were looking for.

Madam Wu thought that Lord Zhao was now a Commander of the Central Military Command. It was said that when troops were training in Datong and Xuanfu, the Emperor would send Lord Zhao to supervise. If Lord Zhao said it was good, it was good; if he said it wasn’t good, it wasn’t good. For over a decade, he had maintained the Emperor’s favor. Even officials from the Ministry of War would bow respectfully when they saw him. If she directly asked to see Lady Zhao, no matter how polite the servant was, seeing their attire, he probably wouldn’t announce them. Of the Zhao family servants, she was most familiar with Yu Wei, but after more than ten years, who knew if Yu Wei had married or not?

After thinking for a moment, Madam Wu smiled and said, “I’ve come from Jiangnan to see Third Madam Zheng.”

The servant boy smiled and said, “Wait a moment, I’ll go and announce you.”

Madam Wu breathed a sigh of relief.

Soon, the boy returned and, since she was a female visitor, led only Madam Wu to a side room.

After sitting for a while, Third Madam Zheng arrived.

She was much plumper than before, wearing an official green Lu silk padded gown. Her black hair was neatly coiled into a round bun with gilt hairpins and small velvet flowers. Her complexion was ruddy, and she looked quite imposing.

Seeing Madam Wu, Third Madam Zheng showed confusion in her eyes, “You are…” she spoke in the official dialect.

Madam Wu couldn’t help but marvel at Third Madam Zheng’s transformation.

“My surname is Wu. The Lord Wu who used to live next door to your house was my clan uncle,” she carefully introduced herself, “I’m the one from the Yu family…”

Third Madam Zheng suddenly understood.

An acquaintance from over a decade ago, though they had little connection, still made her happy. She smiled and took Madam Wu’s hand, “So it’s you! I was wondering why such a beautiful woman seemed unfamiliar to me!” As she spoke, she looked Madam Wu up and down, unable to hide her surprise, “Looking at you now, you…”

Madam Wu was accustomed to such surprise and smiled, “I’ve married.”

Third Madam Zheng widened her eyes and awkwardly offered a couple of “congratulations” before asking about her purpose for visiting.

“…My husband is a craftsman who was summoned by the Ministry of Works to help repair the inner palace, so he brought me along. I thought since I’ve come to the capital, I should pay my respects to Lady Zhao, and also bring some local specialties for the Lady, you, and Miss Yu Wei to taste.”

“Oh my, how kind of you to remember us.” Third Madam Zheng exchanged a few polite words, then smiled, “But you’ve come to the wrong place! Our Lady moved to live in Jiangmi Hutong six years ago.”

Madam Wu was stunned.

Third Madam Zheng smiled and explained, “Our Lady later gave birth to three more young masters, and the house became too crowded. Just when our Lord was transferred back to the capital, all those high officials in the capital were buying houses at Shichahai. After discussing with the Lady, he bought three adjacent houses in Jiangmi Hutong nearby and connected them to form a compound with three rows and nine courtyards. Our Lord, Lady, and the young masters all live there now. Shijia Hutong only has me, my husband, and a few servant boys our Lord brought back from Guizhou.”

As she said this, she couldn’t help but show some pride, “Our Linchun, thanks to our Lord’s favor, made great achievements following our Lord in Guizhou, and now he’s a Captain there!” Her boastfulness was evident.

Madam Wu was surprised. It seemed Lord Zhao was indeed a kind-hearted person.

She quickly congratulated Third Madam Zheng.

Third Madam Zheng’s expression showed undisguised joy. After chatting about her son for a bit, she asked where Madam Wu and her husband were staying: “In a few days, it will be the Empress’s birthday celebration. Recently, the Lady has been frequently summoned to the palace by the Empress. I’ll send someone to Jiangmi Hutong to ask, and if the Lady is free, I’ll have someone send you a message.”

Madam Wu told her the location. When Third Madam Zheng heard the inn was in the west of the city, she frowned slightly, “That area is quite disorderly, and the inns might not be very clean. Since your husband brought you to the capital, he doesn’t want to leave you to stay in the Ministry’s free workers’ quarters. Firewood and rice cost money, but not as much as staying at an inn. I think you should rent a quiet place to stay, which would save money and allow you to take care of your husband’s meals.” She spoke with authority, no longer the meek Third Mistress Zheng of years past.

Madam Wu smiled slightly, “Thank you for your advice, Third Madam. I’ll look for a place after I return.”

Third Madam Zheng was pleased with her receptiveness and nodded with a smile.

A young maid came in and reported, “Third Madam, Miss Yu Wei is here.”

Hearing this, Third Madam Zheng’s smile broadened. She said to Madam Wu, “Better early than lucky! Miss Yu Wei works in Jiangmi Hutong, and I rarely see her. Who would have thought you’d meet her just as you sat down! I wonder what brought her here today. You two must be fated to meet. Why don’t you come with me to see Miss Yu Wei?”

Madam Wu was shocked by her manner of addressing Yu Wei, and as she followed Third Madam Zheng out, she hesitantly asked, “Miss Yu Wei, has she continued to serve in the household all these years?”

“Yes!” Third Madam Zheng sighed, “The Lady has been very concerned about this matter and spent some time trying to arrange matches for Miss Yu Wei. But no matter how good the family, she would never agree. She even started practicing ‘self-combing’ like people from Guangdong and Fujian. Seeing her determination, the Lady had no choice but to let her be. However, the Lady still cares for her deeply. After discussing with the Lord, they bought two hundred mu of land next to the estate in Chang’an County and gifted it to Yu Wei…”

As they spoke, the two arrived at the entrance screen wall and met Yu Wei, who was surrounded by maids and matrons.

Yu Wei wore a scallion-green Hangzhou silk jacket and had her hair styled in the “three-girl” hairstyle of unmarried maidens. Although she was still strikingly beautiful, she was, after all, over thirty years old, with fine laugh lines at the corners of her eyes, giving people a somewhat strange feeling when they looked at her.

Seeing Madam Wu, a flash of surprise crossed her eyes.

Third Madam Zheng introduced Madam Wu to her.

Yu Wei immediately remembered—thanks to this woman, Yu Jingxiu had ended up in disgrace. She became enthusiastic, smiling as she stepped forward to take Madam Wu’s hand, calling her “Sister Wu.”

Third Madam Zheng then explained Madam Wu’s purpose to Yu Wei.

Whether Fu Tingyun would see Madam Wu was not for Yu Wei to decide, even though she now held the second-highest position in the inner household after the Lady.

“I’m afraid Sister Wu will have to wait a few days,” she said with a covered smile. “Our Third Young Master is getting engaged to the Third Miss of the Marquis of Longping. Both families have hired matchmakers and are discussing the betrothal gifts.”

Who would have expected to arrive just as the Zhao family’s third son was getting engaged!

Before Madam Wu could speak, Third Madam Zheng had already exclaimed in surprise, “So this matter has been settled?”

“Yes!” Yu Wei also felt somewhat emotional, “That Thirteenth Prince Li, I don’t know what got into him. After failing to marry our eldest Miss, he was determined to have his sister marry into our family. Fortunately, Minister Li didn’t allow Thirteenth Prince Li to have his way. Otherwise, it would have been truly troublesome.”

She feared Madam Wu might not understand the significance, so she explained, “Minister Li is now a Grand Secretary of the Hanlin Academy and Minister of Rites!”

Madam Wu’s mouth fell open in astonishment.

Yu Wei sighed, “Anyway, let’s not talk about that thirteenth fool. Sister Wu rarely visits, so why not stay for lunch today?”

“No need, no need,” Madam Wu quickly declined. “My husband is still waiting for me outside!”

“Is it the mule cart outside?” Yu Wei smiled. “I was wondering who had parked outside our gate. So it’s Brother-in-law Wu! Why didn’t you say so earlier?”

She turned and instructed a maid beside her, “Go tell Third Master Zheng to help receive him.”

“There’s no need,” Madam Wu stopped the maid. “He’s a rough man and might feel uncomfortable…”

“Aren’t we all rough folk?” Yu Wei smiled, interrupting Madam Wu’s words. “If not for meeting our Lady, if not for serving in the Zhao household, who would smile at us?”

Hearing Yu Wei say this, the maid smiled and walked past Madam Wu, heading to the servants’ quarters where Third Master Zheng lived.

At this point, further protest would seem petty, so Madam Wu thanked them with a smile and returned to the side room with Yu Wei to sit down again.

Yu Wei then asked about Madam Wu’s circumstances in recent years.

“…I was helping care for abandoned children and elderly widows at the temple, and my husband was doing carpentry work there. That’s how we met. I didn’t hide my past from him, but he didn’t mind, so we got married. Now we have a son and a daughter. Our son is nine this year, and our daughter is six. The children are still young, and I couldn’t bear to leave them. My father-in-law and mother-in-law wouldn’t agree either. But my husband said that although I had lived in the capital for several years, I had never properly explored it, and he might not have another chance to come to the capital. He told his parents that many craftsmen had been summoned to the capital, and if I came with him, besides helping him with cooking and laundry, I could also sell some snacks at the construction site to earn money to bring back. Only then did my in-laws agree, so I had no choice but to come!”

Yu Wei and Third Madam Zheng laughed, “Your husband truly has deep feelings for you.”

Those words made Madam Wu blush deeply. She quickly changed the subject and asked about Youyou: “…The eldest Miss must be married by now, right?”

“Of course,” Yu Wei said, sitting up straighter. “Her husband is the eldest son of Third Concubine’s family, who just passed the provincial examinations last year. They grew up together, and Third Concubine treats the eldest Miss like her own daughter. The eldest Miss is even more comfortable there than in her maiden home, making even our Lady shake her head.”

Yu Wei continued, “Our eldest young master is also getting married this autumn. His bride is from the Mo family of Luyi, the youngest daughter of Lord Mo Shang.” She then giggled, “By generation, General Mo is one generation below our Lord. Because of this, General Mo has argued quite a bit with our Lord!”

Madam Wu knew nothing about the Mo family of Luyi, but from Yu Wei’s tone, she could tell they were a prominent family. She was happy for Fu Tingyun.

After lunch, Madam Wu discussed renting a house with her husband.

“People say ‘at a prime minister’s gate stands an official of the seventh rank,’ yet Lord Zhao, as distinguished as he is, and people like Third Master Zheng are so kind. This shows the Zhao family is truly virtuous, and they genuinely have our best interests at heart,” her husband mused. “Let’s go find a real estate agent and rent a quiet little courtyard.”

Madam Wu happily agreed.

In the following days, instead of sightseeing, the couple found a real estate agent and looked at houses.

By the seventh house they viewed, both were very satisfied.

Two single-story houses with a small courtyard, the best part being that it was a private, separate unit, and the price was reasonable.

Madam Wu asked the agent to invite the landlord to sign the contract, while they wandered around the courtyard.

Soon, the agent brought in a woman wearing a parrot-green Lu silk padded jacket.

Madam Wu’s husband was startled and whispered, “There are all kinds of people in this big world. Imagine a woman acting as a landlord to sign contracts.”

“You’re just inexperienced!” Madam Wu smiled with pursed lips. “In Songjiang, many merchant families have men who sail boats and transport goods while their wives manage the shops…”

Before she could finish her sentence, her gaze at the courtyard became somewhat dazed, and the smile gradually faded from her face.

“What’s wrong?” her husband asked with concern.

“No-nothing!” Madam Wu bit her lip and murmured, “I’ve run into an old acquaintance.”

An acquaintance? Then why so nervous?

Her husband looked questioningly at the woman.

At some point, the woman had stopped in her tracks. The Lu silk jacket tightly wrapped her plump figure, and her gold earrings framed her sallow and plain face, which bore signs of hardship and appeared somewhat haggard.

She was just an ordinary woman who seemed to have lost her luster due to the hardships of life.

The woman looked at them with a somewhat confused gaze, but it quickly cleared. She approached with slight hesitation and asked softly, uncertain, “A-are you Concubine Wu?”

Concubine Wu!

Only someone who knew about the past would address his wife this way. The Zhao family, though aware of the past events, had kindly referred to his wife as “Madam Wu,” showing this woman lacked respect for his wife.

Madam Wu’s husband pulled her behind him, staring vigilantly at the woman, “Who are you?”

Madam Wu felt a warmth in her heart and tightly gripped her husband’s collar, saying, “This is Concubine Fei from the Yu household.”

Hearing this, her husband not only didn’t relax but added a measure of solemnity to his demeanor.

Concubine Fei’s mouth fell open, showing a mixture of shock and joy, “You-you are Concubine Wu! How did you get to the capital?” Then she looked at the man standing in front of her, “And this is?”

Madam Wu stood tall and proud, “This is my husband.”

Concubine Fei stared at Madam Wu in shock, her heart suddenly churning like water droplets in hot oil, crackling and sputtering.

How was this Wu woman better than herself in any way except for her beauty?

After leaving the Yu family and Yu Jingxiu, she not only had gained a sense of composure in her expression that made her appearance outstanding, elegant, and serene, but she had also married a decent-looking husband who treasured her despite knowing her background… When meeting an old acquaintance, she didn’t even ask a single question.

Concubine Fei thought of Yu Jingxiu. Even though she had fallen to such a state, even though she had remained utterly loyal to him, his gaze toward her still carried a hint of disdain.

As these thoughts flashed through her mind, Concubine Fei couldn’t help but feel a pang of heartache.

The agent, being astute, smiled and said, “So you know each other! That makes things easier. You can discuss anything between yourselves. You talk while I go write up the contract.”

But Madam Wu said, “We won’t be renting this house anymore!”

She never wanted to hear Yu Jingxiu’s name again, never wanted to see anyone from the Yu family again.

Her husband supported her, pulling her toward the exit, “We won’t be renting this house anymore!”

So they weren’t old acquaintances but enemies! The agent inwardly cursed his bad luck and hurried after them.

Madam Wu had lost all interest in viewing houses.

Her husband apologized to the agent and asked him to come to the inn early the next morning.

The agent didn’t stand on ceremony, agreed on a time, and left riding his donkey.

Madam Wu and her husband returned to the inn.

Seeing Madam Wu in low spirits, her husband consoled her, “Different people are raised by the same rice. Aren’t there still good people like Lady Zhao?”

Hearing this, Madam Wu immediately shook off her gloom and smiled happily.

Her husband then took her to a small eatery next to the inn, where they ate the famous zhajiang noodles of the capital.

Upon returning to the inn, they found Concubine Fei waiting at the entrance, accompanied by a young maid.

“How did you find us?” Madam Wu was startled.

“I asked the agent,” Concubine Fei smiled, looking around and examining the inn. “Although it’s small, it’s quite clean.”

Her husband frowned and tried to chase her away, “What are you doing here? We’re about to rest.”

Concubine Fei hurriedly said, “I just want to say a few words to Concubine Wu. I mean no harm!”

Madam Wu knew her character—once she had made up her mind, she would see it through no matter what. If they sent her away now, she would likely find another way to come back in a few days. Rather than that, it was better to clear things up today.

Madam Wu reassuringly patted the back of her husband’s hand and whispered, “With you by my side, what do I have to fear?”

Her husband couldn’t help but laugh, scratching his head embarrassedly and saying softly, “Then I’ll wait outside the door. If she misbehaves, just call me, and I’ll drag her out immediately.” As he spoke, he glanced at Concubine Fei.

Madam Wu could barely contain her laughter, and she and her husband shared a secret smile. After a while, she composed herself and invited Concubine Fei inside.

Concubine Fei looked at them with red eyes and said, “Your husband treats you very well, doesn’t he?”

“He’s alright!” Madam Wu answered, the corners of her mouth involuntarily turning upward.

She poured a cup of tea for Concubine Fei, then sat beside her and straightforwardly asked, “What did you want to tell me?”

Concubine Fei turned the teacup in her hands and, after a while, said, “Do you know what happened to the Yu family after you left?”

“I know,” Madam Wu frankly replied. “When I left the Yu family, I essentially offended everyone there. My brother-in-law, fearing retaliation from the Yu family, would inquire about their affairs now and then.”

Hearing this, Concubine Fei let out a long breath and said, “The day after the old master passed away, Madam Yu also departed. Seeing that the master no longer had any prospects of advancement, his eldest brother and third brother decided to divide the family property with him and adopted two very intelligent children from the Yu clan relatives. All the servants in the household were opportunistic; seeing that the master’s side was finished, they flocked to the eldest and third brothers. Only I remained with the master. When the Lady asked me, I didn’t abandon the master…”

“I know all this,” Madam Wu interrupted her and said, “What exactly do you want to say?”

Concubine Fei’s tears fell unexpectedly, “I… who knows how hard my life has been!”

Madam Wu remained unmoved. The path was chosen by oneself; however bitter and tiring, one couldn’t blame others!

“The master knew nothing about managing household affairs and had to learn bit by bit from the stewards, busy from dawn to dusk. Yet the mistress couldn’t even maintain good relationships with uncles, aunts, and sisters-in-law, and needed me to guide her on the side. She didn’t care much for Zhen’er either, and as a result, a snowstorm took that child’s life.” Concubine Fei continued, regardless of whether Madam Wu was listening, shedding tears and wiping her eyes, speaking of her own volition, “The mistress then took the opportunity to take to her bed, and she has been bedridden for over a decade. All household matters, big and small, fell to me to decide. But as a concubine, how could I make decisions on certain matters? When I asked the mistress, she would say nothing. I wasn’t asking her to do anything, just to say a word, but she would still oppose me…” Her tone was full of resentment.

“There’s something you certainly don’t know. When the mistress first returned to Nanjing, she desperately wanted to return to her maiden home. But her situation had already been spread by gossip, even affecting her cousin’s marriage prospects. The Fan family treated her like a plague; how could they agree to let her return? The Fan family patriarch even sent a message to her, saying if she couldn’t stay in the Yu family, she might as well go to a nunnery to cultivate.” At this point, Concubine Fei’s brow showed a trace of sharpness, “As a result, she couldn’t return to her Fan family and offended the Yu family. Madam Yu died of anger because of this… She killed Madam Yu!” Her voice became shrill and high-pitched.

Madam Wu felt only weariness, “What use is telling me all this? I’m just a farmer’s wife. I can neither speak for you to the Yu family nor help you accuse the mistress.” She was growing impatient, “If you only wanted to tell me these things, I already know them. It’s getting late, you should head back to rest!”

“I can’t accept it!” Concubine Fei said through gritted teeth, her face contorted, “The eldest brother’s adopted son became a xiucai at thirteen. The master couldn’t stay in Nanjing anymore, sold most of his properties, and moved to live in the capital. In recent years, he’s been depleting his resources and has had to rely on renting out houses to make a living. Why doesn’t the master abandon Fan Shi? She hasn’t even given him a child, while I have given the Yu family descendants, bearing two sons. Even the son born to Min Shi, whom the master gets irritated just by looking at, I help care for without holding grudges. Why can’t the master see my contributions? It’s hateful that he still blames me for not educating the children well, saying how clever and accomplished the Fu family’s children are. He doesn’t think about how he hates Min Shi for ruining him, and either beats or scolds that child. The child is as afraid of him as a mouse is of a cat, not even daring to speak loudly. How could he learn anything studying with him? My two sons are clever indeed, but Fan Shi often calls them over and speaks ill of me in front of them. Influenced by her, the two boys don’t respect me at all. At such a young age, they already act obedient on the surface but disobey in private…”

That was because Yu Jingxiu was very selfish; he only cared about himself and would blame others when things went wrong. No matter how much others sacrificed for him, he saw it as his due.

Like father, like son. With such a father, how could he raise good children?

Fortunately, she had escaped that quagmire! Madam Wu thought silently, absentmindedly listening to Concubine Fei’s complaints while slowly sipping her tea.

Looking at Concubine Fei, who had become bitter and harsh due to resentment, Madam Wu thought of her husband waiting outside and suddenly remembered Lady Zhao—Lady Zhao must also have known that hatred makes people ugly, which was why she didn’t want to deal with the Yu family!

Suddenly, she couldn’t sit still a moment longer. No longer bothering to entertain Concubine Fei, she stood up and opened the door, smiling brightly at her husband, “Let’s quickly find a place to settle down tomorrow! Even if we can’t see Lady Zhao, being able to chat with Yu Wei and Third Madam Zheng during our days in the capital is good too.”

Her husband nodded with a smile.

Madam Wu narrowed her eyes, her expression joyful, leaving Concubine Fei’s grievances behind her.

<The End>