Love like the Galaxy - V1C10
Author and Editor's Notes
1- Transmigration, Sickness and Recovery
2- Survival
3- Sick again, Gossips and Jealousy
4- Family Reunion
5- Awkward Meeting
6- Drama Spirit
7- Crocodile tears
8- Mother and Son
9- Family Banquet
10- Good News!
11- Mother and Daughter
12- Enough is Enough
13- Madam Xiao's unfairness
14- Siblings' reunion and a moment of reflection
15- Third Uncle and Madam Sang
Chapter 10
Good News!
Before Cheng Shi could speak again, Old Madam interrupted, saying, "This old woman knows. My son has once again distinguished himself, and the Emperor plans to elevate your official rank!" Madam Lu added with a smile, "A promotion is only fitting. Considering your dedication and achievements, you should also receive generous rewards of gold, silver, and land."
Cheng Shi chuckled. "The Emperor is known for his kindness and his habit of rewarding meritorious officials. However, I want to discuss something else." He glanced around the room, his gaze softening as it landed on Shao Shang. "Including Niao Niao, Yuan Yi and myself, we have four sons and one daughter. Fortunately, the four sons are currently with General Wan's family and will join us soon. Otherwise, our small house wouldn't have enough room."
Madam Ge quickly cut in, "Elder Brother, you can’t blame me for this. Your letter said you wouldn’t arrive for another half-month, yet here you are, suddenly and without warning. How could I possibly have prepared rooms for you on such short notice?"
Old Madam snapped, "Enough! If there wasn’t time then, they’ve been back for several days now. Have you prepared the rooms yet? The eldest is the head of this household, yet you’ve taken the largest room for yourself and refuse to budge."
Madam Ge defended herself, "When I moved there, you, my husband's mother, agreed to it. The shaman said that dwelling was auspicious for fertility. And look, not long after, I gave birth to Ou Er..."
"'Not long after'? It’s been years, and only one Ou Er at that," Old Madam retorted, pointing at the chubby boy who was busy stuffing his face. Having been fertile herself with four children, she naturally held her daughters-in-law to the same standard.
Madam Ge was furious. After Cheng Shi and his wife departed for their respective posts, Cheng Cheng accused her of meddling, putting a serious strain on their marriage. Since Ou Er’s birth, he had seldom shared her bed, and over the years their visits had become increasingly infrequent. When he did come to her bed, he was unable to act on it, and so he stopped his bedroom duties several years earlier. How could she possibly expect to have more children? However, this wasn’t something to be discussed openly. It was her obligation to bear children, even if she wasn’t at fault.
Her eyes flickered as she turned to Madam Xiao, tears in her eyes. "I lack the ability, unlike my lucky sister-in-law. But for your second brother’s sake, be compassionate to him; he's past thirty with only one son. The general already has a prosperous lineage. That prophecy, it's better to believe it. Maybe Heaven will take pity."
Old Madam disagreed. "Thriving? The eldest only has four sons. I’ve heard that your eldest brother, Ge Yuhou, has thirteen! Clearly, that’s the sign of a large, prosperous family. If that room truly has good feng shui (good energy), it should be assigned to the eldest and his wife. Obviously, it’s not benefiting you..."
Madam Ge retorted, "Ge Yuhou has a house full of concubines and confident beauties—those thirteen sons weren’t all born to his wife alone!"
Shao Shang thought: Wow, we’ve really gone off-topic.
"Enough!" Cheng Shi shouted. "What nonsense are you all talking about? Don’t you want to hear some good news?" Frustration was evident in his voice as he watched these women, who had started discussing rooms and quickly wandered into the absurd. He looked at Madam Xiao, worried she might be upset, but she remained completely calm and unaffected.
“What do concubines have to do with fertility? My cousin Dong Wai Di, has a few concubines, yet it’s still Madam Lu who bears his children," Cheng Shi said.
Uncle Dong Wai Di quickly hunched his shoulders, while Madam Lu proudly straightened hers.
“Regarding concubines, take them if you want, don’t if you don’t want to. I’m not interested in them, and I already have enough children." Cheng Shi looked at Cheng Cheng, who was quietly drinking. "Second Brother, though, might consider taking a few. Third brother married late but already has a daughter and two sons. Clearly, Madam Ge isn’t capable of the task."
Shao Shang was caught off guard again: Ayio, you've gone off-topic again. What happened to the good news? She had only a limited understanding of how to make a baby, but she had picked up a few basic ideas by watching documentaries about animals during her previous life. So when he claimed she "isn't capable of the task," she felt uncertain whether it was solely Madam Ge's fault. But what do I know about this topic? Almost nothing.
During feudal times, men dominated, and women's main tasks were to please their husbands and bear their children. People obviously failed to realize that having a child requires two people, not just a woman. Looking at Second Uncle Cheng, she wondered if, before marrying Madam Ge, he was a cheerful, gossipy man with a quick tongue, much like his elder brother.
Madam Ge's shrill voice rang out: "Husband's brother, what do you mean by that? How can you speak so ill of…"
"… My lord." Madam Xiao finally couldn't hold back and interrupted. She closed her eyes briefly and said, "Let's get to the main matter." Even after more than a decade, she still hadn't gotten used to this family's tendency to argue.
Cheng Shi stroked his beard, cleared his throat, and said, "Mother, recently Third Brother sent a letter stating he’ll return to the Capital City for his official report. He will be home for New Year's Day this year. Since it’s rare for all three of us brothers to gather under your care, we should make it a grand celebration. I believe that with our expanding family, this house is truly too small."
Old Madam was so happy she almost cried: "Third Son is returning too? That’s truly a blessing from heaven. Finally, my three sons can be together again. For years, with you two living far apart, I worried constantly that something might happen to you. Now, everything is perfect. The house may be small, but it doesn’t matter if we all squeeze in. What matters is that everyone is home."
Shao Shang noticed that when the topic of the third branch returning came up, even the usually listless Cheng Cheng straightened up, his face lighting with joy.
Cheng Shi chuckled, saying, "It’s okay to squeeze now, but what if Second Brother and Third Brother have more children later? Even if the girls marry out, Yang Er and the others are growing up. When they marry and have kids, there will be many little ones crawling around, and you won’t be able to hold them all, Mother. The house will be bursting at the seams."
These words delighted Old Madam, who loved to hear them. She imagined a house filled with lively children playing around her and felt so happy she almost floated on her cloud, nodding eagerly: "Yes, yes."
Cheng Shi mentioned, "That’s why I’ve been considering moving to a larger manor before the new year." He explained, "The problem is, most of the bigger vacant homes are too far from the central offices, and the closer ones are already occupied. Still, for me to attend court or for the children to study at the Imperial Academy, proximity is essential. In earlier days, finances were tight, and every penny counted. After ten years of military campaigns, wealth was abundant, but suitable houses were scarce. Many grand generals, marquises, and imperial relatives who had risen with the Emperor were in their prime, full of vitality; none were inclined to sell their luxurious residences.”
When Cheng Shi mentioned the Imperial Academy, Madam Ge’s expression flickered, but she didn’t dare interrupt.
Old Madam sighed: "Isn’t that the truth? Early birds get the worm. We arrived too late."
Cheng Shi smiled and said, "But now, without even looking, a bigger manor has arrived. Mother, are you familiar with the Bu family from the front street? The one who planned a rebellion earlier this year!"
Shao Shang’s lips slightly curved into a smile: Old Man Cheng, does the Emperor realize how happy you sound when mentioning rebellion?
Old Madam still appeared confused, but Madam Lu promptly added, "Yes, yes! Isn’t that the Bu family who escaped the Capital City with their brothers, wives, and children while His Majesty was engaged in battle at the front? I heard they fled to the sea, gathering their former followers as they went."
Madam Xiao nodded in approval at Madam Lu and said, "That’s the one. From Third Brother’s letter, we learned that the Governor of Langya tracked down their remnants and executed them all." Madam Lu sighed, "Our Emperor is so kind and benevolent towards his people. That family, despite holding such a high noble title… why did they run away? They risked their entire clan's lives for nothing."
Cheng Shaoshang thought: No noble title could compare to the thrill of being emperor.
Cheng Cheng suddenly said, "Lord Bu Wen was a powerful warlord in the land. After being defeated by His Majesty and compelled to surrender, he naturally couldn't accept it."
Cheng Shi was delighted that his second brother was finally willing to talk and said cheerfully, "Surrendering after offering the heads of your own allies—what kind of hero is that? Second Brother, did you hear anything else while you were in the Capital City?"
Cheng Cheng responded, "It wasn't only Lord Bu Wen. A few others also resisted. Some restlessly fidgeted, while others secretly conspired with foreign enemies. Recently, His Majesty commanded the detention of several noble ministers. It hasn't been simple for the Emperor."
This scene was all too familiar: a world in chaos with warlords constantly emerging. Today, someone declared themselves king; tomorrow, someone else was crowned emperor, in a ruthless, calculated battle among venomous insects. In the end, whoever remained was either the strongest, the luckiest, or a mix of both.
The Emperor, whom Old Man Cheng pledged allegiance to, was originally a minor warlord. In the early days of building his state, he faced enemies from all sides. However, Madam Xiao showed exceptional talent, just as skilled at selecting a husband as at choosing a leader. After years of effort, the Emperor began to show signs of unifying the land. Still, some people remained hopeful, ready to take one last gamble.
"But... what does this have to do with the manor?" Old Madam looked completely bewildered. Shao Shang silently admired her: Well done, steering the conversation back on track!
Cheng Shi chuckled. "This time, General Wan was injured in battle, and His Majesty, wanting to show extra kindness, awarded him Lord Bu's magnificent estate. Since we were seeking a bigger residence, General Wan kindly offered us the neighboring mansion."
"Offered?" Old Madam's voice trembled. "Are they giving the house to us? Without spending a single coin?!”
Old Uncle Dong also felt shocked. From above, the Wan and Cheng manors looked like a gourd with a small head and a large body—the Wan estate was about four or five times larger than the Cheng manor, separated only by a single wall. When the Emperor was just one of many warlords with limited power, although he made the capital here, many wealthy and influential families doubted his future and feared military unrest. As a result, they sold their properties and went back to their hometowns to avoid potential disaster.
The wealthy Wan family purchased these two neighboring estates as soon as they arrived in the Capital City. They then sold the smaller estate to the Cheng family at a reduced price to foster a mutually supportive and close relationship. Old Uncle Dong once attempted to ingratiate himself with General Wan, but the general paid him no attention.
Cheng Shi smiled and responded, "Exactly. When I visited Old Madam Wan the day after I returned, she recommended that we move into the new house before New Year's Day to conduct the ancestral and heavenly rites. She also encouraged us to move early for an auspicious start to the new year!"
Overjoyed, Old Madam could only nod repeatedly, too happy to speak.
Madam Ge quickly said, "Old Madam Wan has been so generous. How can we not assist? Husband's Uncle, you should bring your second brother with you when the time comes."
Madam Xiao's eyes flickered. "No need. General Wan is injured and shouldn't be moved. Actually, Old Madam Wan has been moving their belongings for over ten days now, and we haven't been able to help much. Most of it is already finished. When General Wan returns to the city, he can rest in the new residence directly. We'll just attend the housewarming banquet when it's time."
By this time, Old Madam was so delighted she could only repeat, "Good, good." Madam Ge exclaimed in surprise, "They began relocating over ten days ago? Why didn't I hear anything about it?" She had been having servants constantly watch the Wan family's movements.
Madam Xiao looked at her with significance and said, "Old Madam Wan is a true heroine of our era. Running her household is like leading an army: competent but seemingly hesitant, using commands but appearing indifferent. Her orders are as solid as mountains. Although the household moved quickly, it looked calm and still on the surface, with barely any visible activity."
A shiver ran down Madam Ge's spine as she swiftly lowered her head, silently cursing that cursed old woman Wan.
Cheng Shi giggled and said, "Mother, I've made a decision. We'll break through that wall to connect the two homes. You can move into Old Madam Wan's current quarters, while Yuan Yi and I will move into General Wan's former house. Since Second Brother prefers a quiet environment for his studies, there will now be ample space. He can select any spot he prefers!"
Old Madam trembled with excitement. In her later years, she had always envied Old Madam Wan the most. She was so noble and commanding that everyone obeyed her words. General Wan was a devoted son, giving his mother the nicest and most comfortable part of the estate. Could she now live the same kind of life as Old Madam Wan?
Tears gathered in her old eyes, and her heart softened entirely. Despite ten years of arguing, her son still remembered his mother. In that moment, nothing in the world matched the love for her own flesh and blood. Brothers and nephews could step aside; her past foolishness was over, and she vowed never to break her son's heart again for the sake of her Dong brother and son.
Madam Lu, quick-witted, immediately called out loudly, "Congratulations, Aunt! Wishing you endless blessings from now on!"
Everyone at the table stood up to congratulate her. Uncle Dong Wai Di was still a bit confused, but Old Uncle Dong understood that the situation had changed: his nephew was now committed to distancing himself from his sister, ending any further gains he could hope to have.
Madam Ge also smiled and said, "I have always admired the neighboring residence whenever I visited. Who would have imagined that we would someday live there?"
Cheng Shi rolled his eyes and retorted irritably, "No need for you to move, sister-in-law. Didn't you say your current room suits you well? Stay there peacefully, no one will disturb your prospects for offspring."
Cheng Shaoshang nearly burst out laughing: Chess. Mate! Telling the husband he could pick any spot in the Wan residence while telling the wife to stay put? How exactly was that Ge woman supposed to prosper with offspring?
Madam Ge's face turned purple with anger, leaving her momentarily speechless. She wanted to argue that a couple couldn't have children without sharing a room, but shame kept her from speaking. She could only stammer, "You—you—you!" She had previously thought that when Madam Xiao returned, she would demand control of the household and the main residence. While she couldn't outright refuse the household authority, she could make it difficult for her to regain it. Regarding the main residence, she was determined not to give in. If pushed, she would throw a fit. But Madam Xiao hadn't mentioned reclaiming authority or changing quarters since her return. So this was her plan all along! Madam Ge had painstakingly cultivated loyalty among the old residents' servants, yet Madam Xiao bypassed them entirely, not even bothering to ask. Instead, she will fill the new residence with her own trusted aides, leaving Madam Ge with no say at all.
For the first time, Madam Ge's mind cleared completely: after years as sisters-in-law, she realized she had now met the real Madam Xiao and never understood her tactics before. If her guess was right, Old Madam Wan was almost finished moving out, and the gates of the new home were probably already guarded by the family generals Madam Xiao had brought back—people Madam Ge could never command. If she moved to the new residence and tried to force entry with a few maids, Madam Ge would lose all face if she were sent back to the old manor. What would all her efforts over the past decade add up to then? Before Madam Ge could respond, Uncle Dong Wai Di, looking jealous, said with a smile, "Madam Ge, I haven’t visited the Wan family’s mansion yet. Father and Mother have already gone with you. Could I…"
"Could what? No!" Old Madam firmly declined. "I just told you that you're no longer welcome at the Cheng manor. Did you think I was joking? Unless there's a major banquet and you are formally invited, don’t even consider coming."
Madam Xiao’s eyes flashed with disdain. Old Uncle Dong is greedy but clever—knowing how to read the room and devise cunning plans to benefit himself—while Uncle Dong Wai Di has no redeeming qualities. Even at his age, he thought he could continue acting spoiled and shameless before his aunt, relying solely on his thick skin to cling stubbornly. She was determined to find someone to teach him a lesson and make him stop his stubbornness.
Desperate, Madam Ge quickly stepped in with a smile, saying, "As a woman, I don’t meddle in issues outside the home. However, we’re all family here. If Uncle and my cousin made mistakes, as an elder sister, my husband’s mother should correct them. But completely cutting ties… how is that possible?" Old Uncle Dong was her main ally against Madam Xiao. Without him, she wouldn’t have stood a chance.
Madam Xiao smirked and looked at her husband, her expression ironic. Cheng Shi’s face darkened, and Old Hu Ao happily turned to Old Madam, with an expression that clearly said 'See? I knew she would say that, just as I predicted.'
Old Madam slammed the table and shouted, "What does this have to do with you, meddling in our Dong family matters? My eldest son and I have already handled this. Who are you to argue? If you care so much about the Dong family, why don’t you move over there? I won’t stop you from enjoying yourself!"
Ah, the honest simplicity of rural folks—their insults always hit home. Shao Shang watched in wide-eyed surprise, nibbling on a few vegetables here and there. She would have preferred popcorn, which was easier to eat with her hands while watching the show. I wonder if I can get corn here.
At these words, Madam Ge’s face blushed intensely. Despite her rural upbringing, she was cherished as Grandfather Ge’s daughter, constantly attended by maids. She had never endured such crude insults before. With a cry, she pushed the table away, hid her face with her sleeve, and hurried out of the room.
Shao Shang swiftly glanced at Second Uncle Cheng, only to notice his expression was still completely calm as he continued pouring drinks. The others in the room didn’t react either. Old Uncle Dong and Cheng Shi were used to Old Madam’s temper, while Madam Xiao and Madam Lu had expected this scene from the beginning.
The only exceptions were the big-eyed girl sitting next to Shao Shang, who blushed bright red and clenched her fists in embarrassment and shame, and the chubby boy who kept stuffing his face.
Old Madam, still in good spirits after scolding her annoying daughter-in-law, happily refilled her wine and said with a smile, "You’ve been talking a lot, let’s drink a little to wet our throats." She then carved a piece of chicken leg for her with a dagger, adding, "We steamed this ourselves today. See if it tastes like the flavors from our childhood."
Old Madam took a large bite and exclaimed happily, "This is it! So fragrant and tender!" She smiled at Old Hu Ao. "You’ve always enjoyed cooking. It’s been years since I tasted your culinary skills." Then she looked at the stunned Uncle Dong Wai Di and snapped, "What are you staring at? Eat!"
Old Hu Ao chuckled. "Master Dong and the young master Dong were born into wealth; they probably wouldn’t appreciate these rustic dishes."
Shao Shang silently admired how adeptly the old woman wielded words as weapons. The Old Madam listened carefully, watching Cheng Shi enjoy the meat as if he hadn't eaten well in a long time. Recalling the food shortages during wartime at the front, she felt a wave of sympathy for him. Then she declared loudly, "When Father was alive, he worked hard to ensure our family had enough food daily. Since his death, I have taken on that duty. That father and son have never faced true hardships, but my children have endured everything!" Old Madam had no shame in exaggerating to make herself look and feel better.
Uncle Dong, sitting nearby, hesitated about whether to pick up his chopsticks or put them down, and could only offer an awkward smile.
Madam Ge's shrill voice rang out: "Husband's brother, what do you mean by that? How can you speak so ill of…"
"… My lord." Madam Xiao finally couldn't hold back and interrupted. She closed her eyes briefly and said, "Let's get to the main matter." Even after more than a decade, she still hadn't gotten used to this family's tendency to argue.
Cheng Shi stroked his beard, cleared his throat, and said, "Mother, recently Third Brother sent a letter stating he’ll return to the Capital City for his official report. He will be home for New Year's Day this year. Since it’s rare for all three of us brothers to gather under your care, we should make it a grand celebration. I believe that with our expanding family, this house is truly too small."
Old Madam was so happy she almost cried: "Third Son is returning too? That’s truly a blessing from heaven. Finally, my three sons can be together again. For years, with you two living far apart, I worried constantly that something might happen to you. Now, everything is perfect. The house may be small, but it doesn’t matter if we all squeeze in. What matters is that everyone is home."
Shao Shang noticed that when the topic of the third branch returning came up, even the usually listless Cheng Cheng straightened up, his face lighting with joy.
Cheng Shi chuckled, saying, "It’s okay to squeeze now, but what if Second Brother and Third Brother have more children later? Even if the girls marry out, Yang Er and the others are growing up. When they marry and have kids, there will be many little ones crawling around, and you won’t be able to hold them all, Mother. The house will be bursting at the seams."
These words delighted Old Madam, who loved to hear them. She imagined a house filled with lively children playing around her and felt so happy she almost floated on her cloud, nodding eagerly: "Yes, yes."
Cheng Shi mentioned, "That’s why I’ve been considering moving to a larger manor before the new year." He explained, "The problem is, most of the bigger vacant homes are too far from the central offices, and the closer ones are already occupied. Still, for me to attend court or for the children to study at the Imperial Academy, proximity is essential. In earlier days, finances were tight, and every penny counted. After ten years of military campaigns, wealth was abundant, but suitable houses were scarce. Many grand generals, marquises, and imperial relatives who had risen with the Emperor were in their prime, full of vitality; none were inclined to sell their luxurious residences.”
When Cheng Shi mentioned the Imperial Academy, Madam Ge’s expression flickered, but she didn’t dare interrupt.
Old Madam sighed: "Isn’t that the truth? Early birds get the worm. We arrived too late."
Cheng Shi smiled and said, "But now, without even looking, a bigger manor has arrived. Mother, are you familiar with the Bu family from the front street? The one who planned a rebellion earlier this year!"
Shao Shang’s lips slightly curved into a smile: Old Man Cheng, does the Emperor realize how happy you sound when mentioning rebellion?
Old Madam still appeared confused, but Madam Lu promptly added, "Yes, yes! Isn’t that the Bu family who escaped the Capital City with their brothers, wives, and children while His Majesty was engaged in battle at the front? I heard they fled to the sea, gathering their former followers as they went."
Madam Xiao nodded in approval at Madam Lu and said, "That’s the one. From Third Brother’s letter, we learned that the Governor of Langya tracked down their remnants and executed them all." Madam Lu sighed, "Our Emperor is so kind and benevolent towards his people. That family, despite holding such a high noble title… why did they run away? They risked their entire clan's lives for nothing."
Cheng Shaoshang thought: No noble title could compare to the thrill of being emperor.
Cheng Cheng suddenly said, "Lord Bu Wen was a powerful warlord in the land. After being defeated by His Majesty and compelled to surrender, he naturally couldn't accept it."
Cheng Shi was delighted that his second brother was finally willing to talk and said cheerfully, "Surrendering after offering the heads of your own allies—what kind of hero is that? Second Brother, did you hear anything else while you were in the Capital City?"
Cheng Cheng responded, "It wasn't only Lord Bu Wen. A few others also resisted. Some restlessly fidgeted, while others secretly conspired with foreign enemies. Recently, His Majesty commanded the detention of several noble ministers. It hasn't been simple for the Emperor."
This scene was all too familiar: a world in chaos with warlords constantly emerging. Today, someone declared themselves king; tomorrow, someone else was crowned emperor, in a ruthless, calculated battle among venomous insects. In the end, whoever remained was either the strongest, the luckiest, or a mix of both.
The Emperor, whom Old Man Cheng pledged allegiance to, was originally a minor warlord. In the early days of building his state, he faced enemies from all sides. However, Madam Xiao showed exceptional talent, just as skilled at selecting a husband as at choosing a leader. After years of effort, the Emperor began to show signs of unifying the land. Still, some people remained hopeful, ready to take one last gamble.
"But... what does this have to do with the manor?" Old Madam looked completely bewildered. Shao Shang silently admired her: Well done, steering the conversation back on track!
Cheng Shi chuckled. "This time, General Wan was injured in battle, and His Majesty, wanting to show extra kindness, awarded him Lord Bu's magnificent estate. Since we were seeking a bigger residence, General Wan kindly offered us the neighboring mansion."
"Offered?" Old Madam's voice trembled. "Are they giving the house to us? Without spending a single coin?!”
Old Uncle Dong also felt shocked. From above, the Wan and Cheng manors looked like a gourd with a small head and a large body—the Wan estate was about four or five times larger than the Cheng manor, separated only by a single wall. When the Emperor was just one of many warlords with limited power, although he made the capital here, many wealthy and influential families doubted his future and feared military unrest. As a result, they sold their properties and went back to their hometowns to avoid potential disaster.
The wealthy Wan family purchased these two neighboring estates as soon as they arrived in the Capital City. They then sold the smaller estate to the Cheng family at a reduced price to foster a mutually supportive and close relationship. Old Uncle Dong once attempted to ingratiate himself with General Wan, but the general paid him no attention.
Cheng Shi smiled and responded, "Exactly. When I visited Old Madam Wan the day after I returned, she recommended that we move into the new house before New Year's Day to conduct the ancestral and heavenly rites. She also encouraged us to move early for an auspicious start to the new year!"
Overjoyed, Old Madam could only nod repeatedly, too happy to speak.
Madam Ge quickly said, "Old Madam Wan has been so generous. How can we not assist? Husband's Uncle, you should bring your second brother with you when the time comes."
Madam Xiao's eyes flickered. "No need. General Wan is injured and shouldn't be moved. Actually, Old Madam Wan has been moving their belongings for over ten days now, and we haven't been able to help much. Most of it is already finished. When General Wan returns to the city, he can rest in the new residence directly. We'll just attend the housewarming banquet when it's time."
By this time, Old Madam was so delighted she could only repeat, "Good, good." Madam Ge exclaimed in surprise, "They began relocating over ten days ago? Why didn't I hear anything about it?" She had been having servants constantly watch the Wan family's movements.
Madam Xiao looked at her with significance and said, "Old Madam Wan is a true heroine of our era. Running her household is like leading an army: competent but seemingly hesitant, using commands but appearing indifferent. Her orders are as solid as mountains. Although the household moved quickly, it looked calm and still on the surface, with barely any visible activity."
A shiver ran down Madam Ge's spine as she swiftly lowered her head, silently cursing that cursed old woman Wan.
Cheng Shi giggled and said, "Mother, I've made a decision. We'll break through that wall to connect the two homes. You can move into Old Madam Wan's current quarters, while Yuan Yi and I will move into General Wan's former house. Since Second Brother prefers a quiet environment for his studies, there will now be ample space. He can select any spot he prefers!"
Old Madam trembled with excitement. In her later years, she had always envied Old Madam Wan the most. She was so noble and commanding that everyone obeyed her words. General Wan was a devoted son, giving his mother the nicest and most comfortable part of the estate. Could she now live the same kind of life as Old Madam Wan?
Tears gathered in her old eyes, and her heart softened entirely. Despite ten years of arguing, her son still remembered his mother. In that moment, nothing in the world matched the love for her own flesh and blood. Brothers and nephews could step aside; her past foolishness was over, and she vowed never to break her son's heart again for the sake of her Dong brother and son.
Madam Lu, quick-witted, immediately called out loudly, "Congratulations, Aunt! Wishing you endless blessings from now on!"
Everyone at the table stood up to congratulate her. Uncle Dong Wai Di was still a bit confused, but Old Uncle Dong understood that the situation had changed: his nephew was now committed to distancing himself from his sister, ending any further gains he could hope to have.
Madam Ge also smiled and said, "I have always admired the neighboring residence whenever I visited. Who would have imagined that we would someday live there?"
Cheng Shi rolled his eyes and retorted irritably, "No need for you to move, sister-in-law. Didn't you say your current room suits you well? Stay there peacefully, no one will disturb your prospects for offspring."
Cheng Shaoshang nearly burst out laughing: Chess. Mate! Telling the husband he could pick any spot in the Wan residence while telling the wife to stay put? How exactly was that Ge woman supposed to prosper with offspring?
Madam Ge's face turned purple with anger, leaving her momentarily speechless. She wanted to argue that a couple couldn't have children without sharing a room, but shame kept her from speaking. She could only stammer, "You—you—you!" She had previously thought that when Madam Xiao returned, she would demand control of the household and the main residence. While she couldn't outright refuse the household authority, she could make it difficult for her to regain it. Regarding the main residence, she was determined not to give in. If pushed, she would throw a fit. But Madam Xiao hadn't mentioned reclaiming authority or changing quarters since her return. So this was her plan all along! Madam Ge had painstakingly cultivated loyalty among the old residents' servants, yet Madam Xiao bypassed them entirely, not even bothering to ask. Instead, she will fill the new residence with her own trusted aides, leaving Madam Ge with no say at all.
For the first time, Madam Ge's mind cleared completely: after years as sisters-in-law, she realized she had now met the real Madam Xiao and never understood her tactics before. If her guess was right, Old Madam Wan was almost finished moving out, and the gates of the new home were probably already guarded by the family generals Madam Xiao had brought back—people Madam Ge could never command. If she moved to the new residence and tried to force entry with a few maids, Madam Ge would lose all face if she were sent back to the old manor. What would all her efforts over the past decade add up to then? Before Madam Ge could respond, Uncle Dong Wai Di, looking jealous, said with a smile, "Madam Ge, I haven’t visited the Wan family’s mansion yet. Father and Mother have already gone with you. Could I…"
"Could what? No!" Old Madam firmly declined. "I just told you that you're no longer welcome at the Cheng manor. Did you think I was joking? Unless there's a major banquet and you are formally invited, don’t even consider coming."
Madam Xiao’s eyes flashed with disdain. Old Uncle Dong is greedy but clever—knowing how to read the room and devise cunning plans to benefit himself—while Uncle Dong Wai Di has no redeeming qualities. Even at his age, he thought he could continue acting spoiled and shameless before his aunt, relying solely on his thick skin to cling stubbornly. She was determined to find someone to teach him a lesson and make him stop his stubbornness.
Desperate, Madam Ge quickly stepped in with a smile, saying, "As a woman, I don’t meddle in issues outside the home. However, we’re all family here. If Uncle and my cousin made mistakes, as an elder sister, my husband’s mother should correct them. But completely cutting ties… how is that possible?" Old Uncle Dong was her main ally against Madam Xiao. Without him, she wouldn’t have stood a chance.
Madam Xiao smirked and looked at her husband, her expression ironic. Cheng Shi’s face darkened, and Old Hu Ao happily turned to Old Madam, with an expression that clearly said 'See? I knew she would say that, just as I predicted.'
Old Madam slammed the table and shouted, "What does this have to do with you, meddling in our Dong family matters? My eldest son and I have already handled this. Who are you to argue? If you care so much about the Dong family, why don’t you move over there? I won’t stop you from enjoying yourself!"
Ah, the honest simplicity of rural folks—their insults always hit home. Shao Shang watched in wide-eyed surprise, nibbling on a few vegetables here and there. She would have preferred popcorn, which was easier to eat with her hands while watching the show. I wonder if I can get corn here.
At these words, Madam Ge’s face blushed intensely. Despite her rural upbringing, she was cherished as Grandfather Ge’s daughter, constantly attended by maids. She had never endured such crude insults before. With a cry, she pushed the table away, hid her face with her sleeve, and hurried out of the room.
Shao Shang swiftly glanced at Second Uncle Cheng, only to notice his expression was still completely calm as he continued pouring drinks. The others in the room didn’t react either. Old Uncle Dong and Cheng Shi were used to Old Madam’s temper, while Madam Xiao and Madam Lu had expected this scene from the beginning.
The only exceptions were the big-eyed girl sitting next to Shao Shang, who blushed bright red and clenched her fists in embarrassment and shame, and the chubby boy who kept stuffing his face.
Old Madam, still in good spirits after scolding her annoying daughter-in-law, happily refilled her wine and said with a smile, "You’ve been talking a lot, let’s drink a little to wet our throats." She then carved a piece of chicken leg for her with a dagger, adding, "We steamed this ourselves today. See if it tastes like the flavors from our childhood."
Old Madam took a large bite and exclaimed happily, "This is it! So fragrant and tender!" She smiled at Old Hu Ao. "You’ve always enjoyed cooking. It’s been years since I tasted your culinary skills." Then she looked at the stunned Uncle Dong Wai Di and snapped, "What are you staring at? Eat!"
Old Hu Ao chuckled. "Master Dong and the young master Dong were born into wealth; they probably wouldn’t appreciate these rustic dishes."
Shao Shang silently admired how adeptly the old woman wielded words as weapons. The Old Madam listened carefully, watching Cheng Shi enjoy the meat as if he hadn't eaten well in a long time. Recalling the food shortages during wartime at the front, she felt a wave of sympathy for him. Then she declared loudly, "When Father was alive, he worked hard to ensure our family had enough food daily. Since his death, I have taken on that duty. That father and son have never faced true hardships, but my children have endured everything!" Old Madam had no shame in exaggerating to make herself look and feel better.
Uncle Dong, sitting nearby, hesitated about whether to pick up his chopsticks or put them down, and could only offer an awkward smile.
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