Chang Yuncheng entered the room and saw Madam Xie applying a face mask.

“Mother, did you go out?” he asked.

Madam Xie made a sound of acknowledgment and sat properly on the kang, taking the hand warmer handed to her by a maid, her face full of smiles.

“Mother, what’s making you so happy?” Chang Yuncheng rarely saw his mother this happy and hurried to ask, sitting down.

Madam Xie smiled.

“Where is that woman?” she thought of something and asked.

“Don’t know, probably reading in her room?” Chang Yuncheng said with some indifference.

“Is she bad-mouthing me behind my back again?” Madam Xie snorted.

“No, she said she was very sad that Mother wouldn’t let her pay respects and serve you,” Chang Yuncheng said.

“Really? She would be sad? She’d be too happy to be sad, wouldn’t she?” Madam Xie asked doubtfully.

Chang Yuncheng concealed himself by drinking tea and vaguely said it was true.

“Did Mother call me here today to ask about her?” he put down his teacup.

Madam Xie laughed and indeed dropped the topic.

“Exactly, why mention her and spoil the mood,” she said. “From now on, whatever she wants to do, she can do. I won’t pay any attention to her.”

Although this kind of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship was ultimately not good, given time it might slowly improve. At least it was better than quarreling every time they met.

Chang Yuncheng made a sound of agreement and let it pass vaguely.

“Yuncheng, you have great joy coming,” Madam Xie suddenly said.

Chang Yuncheng was somewhat distracted, thinking about what that woman was doing in his study, when he was startled by Madam Xie’s sudden mention of “great joy.”

“What?” he asked, confused.

Madam Xie was beaming.

“You’re getting married,” she smiled.

Chang Yuncheng’s eyes widened. Had Mother gone mad from anger?

He was so frightened he stood up, about to go find a doctor. Madam Xie was both laughing and annoyed as she made him sit down.

“Other people’s wives are all young ladies from distinguished families. Only you, harmed by that old woman, are stuck with this lowly servant, laughed at wherever you go,” Madam Xie sighed.

Actually, no one was laughing. When men got together, who talked about such things? They’d rather discuss whose woman was beautiful. On that topic, taking Yueniang out wouldn’t be laughed at—she’d be envied instead…

Thinking this, he couldn’t help feeling somewhat smug. His woman, hehe…

“What are you smiling about?” Madam Xie was speaking sadly when she looked up to see Chang Yuncheng grinning. She paused and asked.

Chang Yuncheng quickly stopped smiling.

“Yes, no, I was…” he didn’t know how to answer appropriately for a moment, but knew the truth definitely wouldn’t be appropriate, “Mother still cares about me…”

Hearing him say this, Madam Xie smiled.

“If I don’t care about you, who will?” she sighed, ordering someone to bring the osmanthus cakes that Second Madam had brought for the Lord to eat.

Chang Yuncheng breathed a sigh of relief, secretly wiping away sweat.

“Where was I just now?” Madam Xie had forgotten what she was going to say after this interruption, then remembered and hurried to continue, “You’re getting married.”

Chang Yuncheng tasted the osmanthus cake—it was sweet. That woman loved eating these. He was about to tell Madam Xie to bring some back for a late-night snack when he heard this again.

“Mother, what exactly are you saying?” he asked with a smile. “I’m already married.”

“That doesn’t count. I want you to marry a real wife, a good wife I’ve carefully chosen, a good wife who will be in harmony with you,” Madam Xie said solemnly.

Chang Yuncheng put down the osmanthus cake, knowing this was no ordinary matter…

Madam Xie picked up the memorial from beside her and handed it to Chang Yuncheng.

“Look at this. Your father has finally done something a father should do,” she said slowly.

Chang Yuncheng reached out to take it, and after reading it, his expression was complex.

“Mother means that I’m going to…” he looked up hesitantly.

“You’re going to marry another wife,” Madam Xie said.

Chang Yuncheng held the memorial without speaking. Logically, it was normal for a man to have multiple women, especially for someone of his status. But somehow, he felt somewhat… uneasy.

“Mother, is this… is this appropriate?” he said hesitantly.

Madam Xie hadn’t seen her son’s expression of wild joy and was somewhat surprised, feeling uncomfortable.

“How is it inappropriate? Is it only appropriate to have that woman as the only wife?” she said with a stern face.

“No, that’s not what I meant,” Chang Yuncheng forced a smile.

“Don’t worry, I’ve already chosen a suitable girl—the Miss Rao I mentioned to you before. You remember, don’t you?” Madam Xie smiled slightly. Although her son had been married for so long, what kind of marriage was that? Speaking of real marriage, this would count. He was probably so happy he didn’t know what to do.

“Ah?” Chang Yuncheng looked up somewhat bewildered.

Indeed stunned, Madam Xie smiled.

“The one you personally escorted to the post station,” she said, then frowned again at this memory. If that woman hadn’t insisted on following, Yuncheng would definitely have had a deep impression.

Chang Yuncheng made a sound of understanding without responding, unsure whether he knew or not.

“Anyway, don’t worry about it. Just wait peacefully to be a groom,” Madam Xie leaned back against the cushions and sighed with satisfaction.

“But, Mother,” Chang Yuncheng couldn’t help speaking up, “what about Yueniang…”

“Her? What about her?” Madam Xie sat up abruptly. Her good mood was always spoiled by this woman. “What business is it of hers? Could she be unwilling?”

“No, no,” Chang Yuncheng quickly smiled apologetically. “How could she be unwilling? She listens to whatever you say, Mother.”

Madam Xie pursed her lips and slowly leaned back again.

“I don’t care whether she listens or not,” she said. “As long as I have this daughter-in-law who listens. As for her, she can do whatever she wants. Even if she raises hell, I’ll pretend not to see it. Everyone can mind their own business—that’s good for me, good for her, good for everyone.”

Of course, my being good is really good, while her being good—not a chance!

A daughter-in-law loved by her mother-in-law versus one not loved by her mother-in-law—over time, who could have it easy?

Chang Yuncheng, hearing her say this, gradually suppressed what he was going to say.

If it were really like this…

With Mother having someone she liked, she wouldn’t look for fault with Yueniang anymore…

This way, it would truly be everyone happy…

He gradually relaxed his brow and smiled.

Seeing him smile, Madam Xie was even happier.

“Don’t publicize this matter. Your father was thinking of making a big announcement, but I managed to suppress it. When things are almost ready, we’ll announce it publicly. I guarantee you’ll be a groom in grand style,” she smiled.

“Thank you for your trouble, Mother,” Chang Yuncheng bowed respectfully.

Madam Xie nodded and looked at him with emotion.

Finally, this day had come.

When Chang Yuncheng reached the study, the servants were about to bow when he waved them off. He walked over quietly and through the window lattice saw that woman lying in a rocking chair, actually with her legs crossed, holding a book in one hand and grabbing a fruit to eat with the other.

What kind of posture was that…

Chang Yuncheng couldn’t help laughing. He stepped inside.

Qi Yue heard the sound and moved her face out from behind the book, smiling at him with fruit bits still at the corner of her mouth.

Chang Yuncheng stepped forward and bent down to kiss her.

“What are you doing? We’re in the study,” Qi Yue quickly pushed him away with a laugh.

“Helping you wipe your mouth,” Chang Yuncheng smiled while reaching out to embrace her.

“Go on, go on. You said you’d play the qin for me, I’ve been waiting forever,” Qi Yue pushed him away.

Chang Yuncheng produced the osmanthus cakes from his chest like presenting a treasure.

“Mother sent these for you to eat,” he said with a grin.

Qi Yue laughed heartily.

Chang Yuncheng felt embarrassed by her laughter, his face reddening. Just as he was about to say something, Qi Yue reached out to take them.

“Thank Mother,” she smiled, picking one up and throwing her head back to put it in her mouth.

What kind of eating style was that! Chang Yuncheng stared. She wasn’t drinking wine! No, even when drinking wine, women couldn’t eat like that!

Where did this woman learn such movements? She always seemed somewhat bold, but it felt quite nice…

“I should also thank my husband,” Qi Yue smiled at him again and formally bowed with mock seriousness. “If not for husband’s thoughtfulness, how would Mother give me face?”

“Smooth talker!” Chang Yuncheng said with feigned disdain, but couldn’t help smiling.

Qi Yue winked at him.

“Smooth talker?” she said, pointing at her own mouth. “I didn’t know that. Are you sure?”

Chang Yuncheng threw back his head and laughed, reaching out to pull this woman into his arms.

This shameless woman—he simply couldn’t let her go…

“Let me check if it’s smooth talking,” he laughed heartily, lowering his head to kiss her.

After a good while of passion, they separated. Qi Yue was panting and leaning against his chest.

“You lured me here—are you playing the qin or playing with a person?” she said, reaching out to flick the thing pressing against her body that was faintly bouncing.

Chang Yuncheng laughed heartily again and hugged this woman tightly.

“Yueniang, I’ll be good to you for the rest of my life,” he couldn’t help saying softly.

Qi Yue snorted.

“Try not being good to me,” she said with feigned coldness. “This lady will divorce you!”

Chang Yuncheng reached out and slapped her bottom, laughing quietly.

“Go play the qin quickly. If you don’t serve me well, don’t expect this lady to dote on you,” Qi Yue said with a snort, breaking free from him.

“Nonsense!” Chang Yuncheng laughed and slapped her bottom again before walking toward the qin table.

Clear qin music flowed from the study, light and smooth, spreading in all directions.

The passing maids and women on the road couldn’t help stopping to listen.

“The Lord hasn’t been this happy in a long time.”

“Oh, how do you know whether the Lord is happy or not?”

“Of course I know. Before, when the Lord played the qin, it made people feel heavy-hearted. This time it sounds very light and cheerful, making my heart happy too, which shows the Lord is also happy…”

“You little hussy, you sure talk a good game…”

The maids laughed and talked. Wherever they passed, even the flowers and plants seemed to become light and joyful.

After eating, Chang Yuncheng personally escorted Qi Yue to Qianjin Hall.

“After you finish your lecture, it’ll be just dinner time, then we’ll go eat at Qingfeng Restaurant…” Chang Yuncheng said.

Qi Yue nodded, got up and kissed his forehead, then smiled as she got out of the carriage.

Chang Yuncheng followed behind, and the couple entered Qianjin Hall one after the other.

At this time, in the Lord’s courtyard of Marquis Dingxi’s mansion, Chang Yinglan hurried over.

“Miss Yinglan,” the maid outside the door quickly bowed.

“Miss Yinglan, why are you here?” Qiu Xiang hurried out to ask. Seeing this young lady’s anxious expression and panicked demeanor, she was startled.

Second Madam’s health had never been good—could it be…

“Is sister-in-law here?” Chang Yinglan asked.

Indeed… Qiu Xiang was also frightened and panicked.

“No, no, she went out, but, Miss, don’t worry, I’ll go get… first, first find another doctor…” she said in a fluster.

Chang Yinglan was stunned instead.

“What are you talking about? Find what doctor? I’m looking for sister-in-law,” she said.

Qiu Xiang was stunned.

“Second Madam… she’s… she’s fine?” she probed.

Only then did Chang Yinglan understand what she was thinking and glared at her.

“She’s fine. I’m looking for sister-in-law about something,” she said.

Qiu Xiang quickly knelt to apologize.

“Alright, alright,” Chang Yinglan said impatiently. “Where is sister-in-law?”

“She went out with the Lord,” Qiu Xiang said.

Chang Yinglan was stunned, looking uneasy.

“They’ll probably eat out tonight…” Qiu Xiang added.

I see, so the couple is fine…

“They… didn’t quarrel, did they?” Chang Yinglan asked quietly.

Qiu Xiang was made to laugh by her question, not knowing how to respond.

“No, they’re doing well. At noon he was even playing the qin for the Young Madam in the study,” she smiled. Although it wasn’t appropriate to discuss the Lord and his wife’s private matters with others, she still very much wanted everyone to know this couple was harmonious.

Eating together and playing music—it seemed the Lord was comforting the Young Madam. It appeared the Young Madam already knew about this matter…

Chang Yinglan made a sound of understanding, sighed, and left dejectedly. Qiu Xiang asked if there was anything she could pass along, but Chang Yinglan didn’t respond. Qiu Xiang stood there bewildered for a while, then dismissed it from her mind.