Love like the Galaxy - V1C12
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 12
Enough is Enough: I divorce you!
The residence was small and close to the guest quarters where Cheng Shi and his wife were staying temporarily—just two corridors and three turns away. Madam Xiao, along with Qing Cong and a group of martial maids, arrived quickly. As anticipated, they heard Madam Ge's loud cries and curses from inside the room.
"...You call yourself a man? Watching your wife suffer such humiliation and not saying a word—why don’t I give you my skirt to wear outside and let everyone see? You can’t succeed in studies, can’t become an official, and you’re a cripple on top of that! Tell me, what else can you do?! My life is so bitter, married to a coward like you..."
This room was originally Cheng Cheng’s study. When Madam Xiao approached, several maids standing guard at the door quickly moved to block her entry. The leader among them was Li Zhui, a confidante of Madam Ge. Li Zhui was the same woman who had once left the real Shao Shang unattended for days in a damp room, and who had cursed and disrespected Shao Shang on their way back from Nanny Zhu's house, despite being merely an attendant.
When Li Zhui saw Madam Xiao accompanied by martial maids in tight outfits, armed with swords and bows, her tension increased. She had avoided Madam Xiao so far, fearing retaliation because her daughter had nearly died due to her own carelessness.
But she was Madam Ge’s attendant, and she hurried forward, bowing with a forced smile. "Commander, you—" Before she could finish, Cheng Cheng’s voice came from inside.
"Enough! If you’re so resentful, you can return to the Ge family. My elder brother will give you plenty of gold and silver..."
Don’t even think about it! When I married you, the Cheng family was struggling. Now that your brothers have gained influence, you want to abandon me? Never! If you had told me to leave earlier, I might have respected you for having some backbone. What, now that your elder brother is back, you’ve grown some guts and dare to talk back? You’ve been a useless, spineless coward your whole life, relying on your brother...
Madam Xiao reached her limit. Several martial maids advanced quickly, seizing and binding Madam Ge’s maids. Qing Cong swiftly took hold of Li Zhui’s arm, pushing her into the group behind. The courtyard echoed with cries of pain. Before Li Zhui and the others could scream, a loud "bang!" resounded as Madam Xiao forcefully kicked open the main residence door.
Li Zhui, her arm still twisted, was completely shocked. After more than ten years working with Madam Ge in the Cheng household, she had never seen the normally gentle and elegant Madam Xiao break into such a forceful act as kicking down a door. The shock was so overwhelming that she forgot to resist.
Madam Xiao entered the room confidently. Cheng Cheng was half-reclining against the bed, still smelling of alcohol and trembling with anger. Madam Ge stood across from him, stomping and yelling. As Madam Xiao arrived, Cheng Cheng looked up, his face showing shame and a hint of grievance, tears welling in his eyes. "... Sister-in-law..."
Madam Xiao felt a heavy burden in her heart. Since marrying into the Cheng family, she had regarded Cheng Shi’s younger brothers as her own siblings. With Cheng Xu and Cheng Xi married and living far away, and Cheng Zhi studying elsewhere, only Cheng Cheng truly helped her with household chores. Seeing him so exhausted and dispirited, despite being only a few years younger than Cheng Shi, made her furious, as he looked much older than his age.
Without saying a word, Madam Xiao signaled Qing Cong to help Cheng Cheng leave. Madam Ge tried to intervene, but Madam Xiao stepped forward, her fist hidden in her sleeve, and hit Madam Ge in the stomach with a powerful strike, followed by a sharp backhand slap. The force was so intense that Madam Ge fell to the ground, stunned. By then, Qing Cong had already led everyone out and quickly closed the remaining door behind them.
"You... you...!" Madam Ge clutched her aching stomach with one hand and her stinging cheek with the other, disbelief in her voice. "You dare hit me!"
Madam Xiao was quite different from Old Madam. She was raised in a truly noble and scholarly family. Throughout all these years as sisters-in-law, she never once raised her voice or resorted to violence. However, she has now done so. Madam Xiao's eyes turned icy as she sharply declared, "Not only will I beat you, but I will also divorce you!"
Madam Ge endured the pain and scrambled up abruptly, cursing, "I won't leave! Back when the Cheng family was poor—"
Madam Xiao replied calmly, "I heard everything you said earlier. So what? The Cheng family is now powerful, while the Ge family is weak. I can defeat you if I want, or divorce you if I choose. What can you do about it?"
She took a cautious step forward. Madam Ge involuntarily backed away several steps, fearing she might strike again, and exclaimed, "How dare you?! My father has shown great kindness to the Cheng family!"
"What kindness? Donating supplies? Which wealthy family in the village or county hasn't contributed?" Madam Xiao sneered. "The lord safeguarded the village's safety, preventing chaos from war and saving many families. Offering some provisions and wealth isn't truly a great act of kindness. I doubt even Grandfather Ge would dare say he showed the Cheng family such favor."
Madam Ge looked at Madam Xiao with shock and confusion. "You... you've... totally transformed." The kindly, elegant Madam Xiao from her memories—the one who spoke with grace and refinement, never engaging in arguments—was unrecognizable. Her expression, words, and demeanor had all changed.
Madam Xiao observed her coldly without saying a word.
Madam Ge started to realize the truth and clenched her teeth. "All those years, you pretended to be meek and humble so convincingly that my husband's mother couldn't find any faults in you. My father-in-law admired your kindness and virtue so much that he praised you until his last breath, calling you a blessing to the Cheng family. Even on his deathbed, in front of many people, he reprimanded my husband's mother for not letting her cause you trouble. You... you're such a talented actress!"
Madam Xiao let out a gentle laugh, suddenly appearing unhurried. She calmly said, "Did you think I was as foolish as you? Back then, I was vulnerable, and my family was trying to survive. How could I have the courage to confront my husband's mother? I endured everything. It didn't matter how many years I bore it. I kept going. And now, I will settle the score with you properly."
Madam Ge was both scared and angry, gathering her courage to reply, "What can you do? You can only divorce me at most."
"Nothing much," Madam Xiao said, walking slowly toward Madam Ge. "Actually, many years ago, you already considered remarrying, didn't you?"
Madam Ge stiffened in shock.
Madam Xiao seemed to speak to herself: "Less than two months after your wedding, you tried to persuade Second Brother to leave and form his own faction, using your dowry as military funds to establish his own venture, didn't you? But Second Brother refused outright. Furious, you stayed at your family home for more than two months, insisting that they find you a different husband to marry. Am I right?"
Madam Ge was terrified and blurted out, "How did you know…" before quickly clamping her mouth shut.
Madam Xiao smiled. "You always said I was lucky to marry a hero. If you're so capable, why didn't you marry one yourself? If you'd truly found a good match, Grandfather Ge wouldn't have stopped you. But look at the trash you selected. That 'Mountain-Quelling Overlord,' that 'Precious Blessing Surpassing Heaven Great Emperor'. Didn't you secretly send servants to inquire about them? Hmph, what worthless men. They were all beheaded within months, their ragtag followers scattering like birds and beasts. Their concubines and female relatives were divided among the victors. The pretty ones at least found takers, but the plain-faced ones? Who knows if they were used as provisions or camp whores. And then there was that Magistrate Chen…"
"Enough!" Madam Ge shouted, her face flushed with shame and anger. The long-buried secrets, nearly forgotten even by herself, were exposed today, leaving her feeling as if she had been stripped completely. Madam Xiao, however, wasn’t ready to let her go. She continued, “After that incident, you behaved for a while, finally realizing that warfare and conquest are serious matters, not for children. But soon after giving birth to Second Miss, your restless thoughts resurfaced. Hmm, let me think… Your earlier submission was probably because you feared you couldn’t conceive, wasn’t it…?
Madam Ge’s anger surged, yet she dared not speak back. She had been married into the Cheng family for years without bearing a child, and by then, Old Madam’s face darkened. Meanwhile, Madam Xiao continued to bear children. Aside from the eldest daughter, who died young, the next two were strong, healthy boys. Others praised Madam Xiao as the family’s blessing, which only heightened Madam Ge's humiliation. She feared her body was flawed, thinking that even if she remarried, she wouldn’t succeed. Therefore, she was only able to maintain a low profile.
Madam Xiao continued with a smirk, “Not long after the Second Miss was born, you said you needed time to recover and went back to the Ge family. This time, you learned your lesson. You stopped bossing others around. Instead, you kept pressing your father and brothers to find you a suitable husband for remarriage. I see what you really wanted: you just aimed to surpass me. But tell me, did you finally get what you desired?"
Of course, she hadn’t. Otherwise, Madam Ge wouldn’t be standing here now.
Madam Ge burned with hatred. By the time she had Second Miss, the realm's heroes had already gained influence—no longer like the early days when anyone could ascend by occupying a mountain and causing a little commotion. Where in the countryside could she find an exceptional hero to marry? Noble and powerful families existed, but they would only take her as a concubine. Madam Ge, of course, refused out of her pride. Marrying a simple man seemed worse than staying with Cheng Cheng, at least Cheng Shi was on the verge of rising. After half a year of waiting in vain at her family home, Madam Ge returned to the Cheng household, filled with resentment and reluctance.
Madam Xiao glared at Madam Ge with evident disdain. “A fickle, foolish woman like you. Second Brother only puts up with you because of his kind nature. Did you honestly think you could manipulate him with your so-called skills?!... We will relocate to a new home in three days. You are remaining here and waiting for your family to pick you up.”
Madam Ge jolted, her lips trembling. “C-come fetch me…? You’ve already contacted my family…?”
The idea that Madam Xiao had been secretly watching her for years, silently noting every move, sent a shiver down her spine. Hearing these words now, her fear intensified. She realized that Cheng Shi and his wife were genuinely about to take action against her.
Madam Ge was completely panicked and at a loss for words, unsure of what she should do or say next. Should she divorce Cheng Cheng? What would happen if she returned to her family in disgrace?
Madam Xiao paid no attention to Madam Ge’s distress, merely letting out soft, mocking laughs before calmly walking to the door. Midway there, she suddenly stopped and turned around. “Every time you attempted to remarry, you failed. Let me assure you: the day Second Brother divorces you, I will have a virtuous and beautiful new wife for him within a month… someone who will never let him suffer any hardship again.” With that, she continued her departure.
Madam Ge was now genuinely frightened. Overcome with panic, she suddenly yelled, “I never mistreated Fourth Miss!” Her loud voice caused the door to shake slightly.
Madam Xiao glanced back again, her expression icy as she looked at Madam Ge with apathy. Caught under that stare, Madam Ge instinctively recoiled.
After a long silence, Madam Xiao finally gave a faint smile. “It’s quite cold today, and Qingzhou is a long way. Do you think Mother Fu has already set out?” The words seemed to come out of the blue, leaving Madam Ge puzzled at first. When she looked up and saw the teasing smile on Madam Xiao's face, a chill ran down her spine, and suddenly she had a realization. “Is it possible that Mother Fu has already allied with you...”
Madam Xiao smiled and said, "Your elder brother was very ambitious and didn't want an ordinary life. From a young age, he dreamed of making a name for himself on the battlefield. However, childhood illness prevented him from riding horses. Later, he pursued commerce and land cultivation to help the family prosper. Since we are family, I naturally had to support him."
Madam Ge shivered, unsure whether it was from anger or fear. As she reflected on the events of the past few years, she thought, 'No wonder.'
Madam Xiao's face showed a touch of self-satisfaction. "Otherwise, why would Old Madam Wan always 'coincidentally' visit the Cheng family at just the right time?"
Madam Ge sank to the floor, stunned that her own Mother Fu could betray her in such a way. A freezing chill swept over her. No wonder Old Madam Wan constantly scolded her whenever she decided to act.
Madam Xiao said, "She watched over you for ten years, managing things with skill. Unfortunately, a month before I came back, she was occupied with the family's move and briefly neglected her responsibilities. During that time, you almost harmed Niao Niao with your cruelty!" Her tone turned icy cold as she finished.
Madam Ge jumped in alarm. "No, no! I didn’t—I never intended... I truly didn’t realize Fourth Miss would become so seriously ill. I—I didn’t do it intentionally..."
Madam Xiao flicked her sleeve dismissively and said indifferently, "Whether it was intentional or not, if something had really happened to Niao Niao, do you think you’d still be here alive?"
Madam Ge stubbornly replied, "What can you do to me? At worst, I’ll cease to be a wife of the Cheng family!"
Madam Xiao looked at her silently, causing Madam Ge’s skin to crawl until she awkwardly closed her mouth. Madam Ge understood that Madam Xiao was different from her. She had been accompanying Cheng Shi on campaigns for more than ten years, dealing with rebels and uncovering spies, her hands undeniably stained with blood.
Madam Xiao gazed at her with a cold stare and said slowly, "It’s not that simple. You still have children, right? Even if you don’t care about them, the Ge family is full of people you care for. There must be someone in this world you love. And I will repay their kindness in return."
She then turned and left without looking back, ignoring Madam Ge’s curses behind her.
"...You call yourself a man? Watching your wife suffer such humiliation and not saying a word—why don’t I give you my skirt to wear outside and let everyone see? You can’t succeed in studies, can’t become an official, and you’re a cripple on top of that! Tell me, what else can you do?! My life is so bitter, married to a coward like you..."
This room was originally Cheng Cheng’s study. When Madam Xiao approached, several maids standing guard at the door quickly moved to block her entry. The leader among them was Li Zhui, a confidante of Madam Ge. Li Zhui was the same woman who had once left the real Shao Shang unattended for days in a damp room, and who had cursed and disrespected Shao Shang on their way back from Nanny Zhu's house, despite being merely an attendant.
When Li Zhui saw Madam Xiao accompanied by martial maids in tight outfits, armed with swords and bows, her tension increased. She had avoided Madam Xiao so far, fearing retaliation because her daughter had nearly died due to her own carelessness.
But she was Madam Ge’s attendant, and she hurried forward, bowing with a forced smile. "Commander, you—" Before she could finish, Cheng Cheng’s voice came from inside.
"Enough! If you’re so resentful, you can return to the Ge family. My elder brother will give you plenty of gold and silver..."
Don’t even think about it! When I married you, the Cheng family was struggling. Now that your brothers have gained influence, you want to abandon me? Never! If you had told me to leave earlier, I might have respected you for having some backbone. What, now that your elder brother is back, you’ve grown some guts and dare to talk back? You’ve been a useless, spineless coward your whole life, relying on your brother...
Madam Xiao reached her limit. Several martial maids advanced quickly, seizing and binding Madam Ge’s maids. Qing Cong swiftly took hold of Li Zhui’s arm, pushing her into the group behind. The courtyard echoed with cries of pain. Before Li Zhui and the others could scream, a loud "bang!" resounded as Madam Xiao forcefully kicked open the main residence door.
Li Zhui, her arm still twisted, was completely shocked. After more than ten years working with Madam Ge in the Cheng household, she had never seen the normally gentle and elegant Madam Xiao break into such a forceful act as kicking down a door. The shock was so overwhelming that she forgot to resist.
Madam Xiao entered the room confidently. Cheng Cheng was half-reclining against the bed, still smelling of alcohol and trembling with anger. Madam Ge stood across from him, stomping and yelling. As Madam Xiao arrived, Cheng Cheng looked up, his face showing shame and a hint of grievance, tears welling in his eyes. "... Sister-in-law..."
Madam Xiao felt a heavy burden in her heart. Since marrying into the Cheng family, she had regarded Cheng Shi’s younger brothers as her own siblings. With Cheng Xu and Cheng Xi married and living far away, and Cheng Zhi studying elsewhere, only Cheng Cheng truly helped her with household chores. Seeing him so exhausted and dispirited, despite being only a few years younger than Cheng Shi, made her furious, as he looked much older than his age.
Without saying a word, Madam Xiao signaled Qing Cong to help Cheng Cheng leave. Madam Ge tried to intervene, but Madam Xiao stepped forward, her fist hidden in her sleeve, and hit Madam Ge in the stomach with a powerful strike, followed by a sharp backhand slap. The force was so intense that Madam Ge fell to the ground, stunned. By then, Qing Cong had already led everyone out and quickly closed the remaining door behind them.
"You... you...!" Madam Ge clutched her aching stomach with one hand and her stinging cheek with the other, disbelief in her voice. "You dare hit me!"
Madam Xiao was quite different from Old Madam. She was raised in a truly noble and scholarly family. Throughout all these years as sisters-in-law, she never once raised her voice or resorted to violence. However, she has now done so. Madam Xiao's eyes turned icy as she sharply declared, "Not only will I beat you, but I will also divorce you!"
Madam Ge endured the pain and scrambled up abruptly, cursing, "I won't leave! Back when the Cheng family was poor—"
Madam Xiao replied calmly, "I heard everything you said earlier. So what? The Cheng family is now powerful, while the Ge family is weak. I can defeat you if I want, or divorce you if I choose. What can you do about it?"
She took a cautious step forward. Madam Ge involuntarily backed away several steps, fearing she might strike again, and exclaimed, "How dare you?! My father has shown great kindness to the Cheng family!"
"What kindness? Donating supplies? Which wealthy family in the village or county hasn't contributed?" Madam Xiao sneered. "The lord safeguarded the village's safety, preventing chaos from war and saving many families. Offering some provisions and wealth isn't truly a great act of kindness. I doubt even Grandfather Ge would dare say he showed the Cheng family such favor."
Madam Ge looked at Madam Xiao with shock and confusion. "You... you've... totally transformed." The kindly, elegant Madam Xiao from her memories—the one who spoke with grace and refinement, never engaging in arguments—was unrecognizable. Her expression, words, and demeanor had all changed.
Madam Xiao observed her coldly without saying a word.
Madam Ge started to realize the truth and clenched her teeth. "All those years, you pretended to be meek and humble so convincingly that my husband's mother couldn't find any faults in you. My father-in-law admired your kindness and virtue so much that he praised you until his last breath, calling you a blessing to the Cheng family. Even on his deathbed, in front of many people, he reprimanded my husband's mother for not letting her cause you trouble. You... you're such a talented actress!"
Madam Xiao let out a gentle laugh, suddenly appearing unhurried. She calmly said, "Did you think I was as foolish as you? Back then, I was vulnerable, and my family was trying to survive. How could I have the courage to confront my husband's mother? I endured everything. It didn't matter how many years I bore it. I kept going. And now, I will settle the score with you properly."
Madam Ge was both scared and angry, gathering her courage to reply, "What can you do? You can only divorce me at most."
"Nothing much," Madam Xiao said, walking slowly toward Madam Ge. "Actually, many years ago, you already considered remarrying, didn't you?"
Madam Ge stiffened in shock.
Madam Xiao seemed to speak to herself: "Less than two months after your wedding, you tried to persuade Second Brother to leave and form his own faction, using your dowry as military funds to establish his own venture, didn't you? But Second Brother refused outright. Furious, you stayed at your family home for more than two months, insisting that they find you a different husband to marry. Am I right?"
Madam Ge was terrified and blurted out, "How did you know…" before quickly clamping her mouth shut.
Madam Xiao smiled. "You always said I was lucky to marry a hero. If you're so capable, why didn't you marry one yourself? If you'd truly found a good match, Grandfather Ge wouldn't have stopped you. But look at the trash you selected. That 'Mountain-Quelling Overlord,' that 'Precious Blessing Surpassing Heaven Great Emperor'. Didn't you secretly send servants to inquire about them? Hmph, what worthless men. They were all beheaded within months, their ragtag followers scattering like birds and beasts. Their concubines and female relatives were divided among the victors. The pretty ones at least found takers, but the plain-faced ones? Who knows if they were used as provisions or camp whores. And then there was that Magistrate Chen…"
"Enough!" Madam Ge shouted, her face flushed with shame and anger. The long-buried secrets, nearly forgotten even by herself, were exposed today, leaving her feeling as if she had been stripped completely. Madam Xiao, however, wasn’t ready to let her go. She continued, “After that incident, you behaved for a while, finally realizing that warfare and conquest are serious matters, not for children. But soon after giving birth to Second Miss, your restless thoughts resurfaced. Hmm, let me think… Your earlier submission was probably because you feared you couldn’t conceive, wasn’t it…?
Madam Ge’s anger surged, yet she dared not speak back. She had been married into the Cheng family for years without bearing a child, and by then, Old Madam’s face darkened. Meanwhile, Madam Xiao continued to bear children. Aside from the eldest daughter, who died young, the next two were strong, healthy boys. Others praised Madam Xiao as the family’s blessing, which only heightened Madam Ge's humiliation. She feared her body was flawed, thinking that even if she remarried, she wouldn’t succeed. Therefore, she was only able to maintain a low profile.
Madam Xiao continued with a smirk, “Not long after the Second Miss was born, you said you needed time to recover and went back to the Ge family. This time, you learned your lesson. You stopped bossing others around. Instead, you kept pressing your father and brothers to find you a suitable husband for remarriage. I see what you really wanted: you just aimed to surpass me. But tell me, did you finally get what you desired?"
Of course, she hadn’t. Otherwise, Madam Ge wouldn’t be standing here now.
Madam Ge burned with hatred. By the time she had Second Miss, the realm's heroes had already gained influence—no longer like the early days when anyone could ascend by occupying a mountain and causing a little commotion. Where in the countryside could she find an exceptional hero to marry? Noble and powerful families existed, but they would only take her as a concubine. Madam Ge, of course, refused out of her pride. Marrying a simple man seemed worse than staying with Cheng Cheng, at least Cheng Shi was on the verge of rising. After half a year of waiting in vain at her family home, Madam Ge returned to the Cheng household, filled with resentment and reluctance.
Madam Xiao glared at Madam Ge with evident disdain. “A fickle, foolish woman like you. Second Brother only puts up with you because of his kind nature. Did you honestly think you could manipulate him with your so-called skills?!... We will relocate to a new home in three days. You are remaining here and waiting for your family to pick you up.”
Madam Ge jolted, her lips trembling. “C-come fetch me…? You’ve already contacted my family…?”
The idea that Madam Xiao had been secretly watching her for years, silently noting every move, sent a shiver down her spine. Hearing these words now, her fear intensified. She realized that Cheng Shi and his wife were genuinely about to take action against her.
Madam Ge was completely panicked and at a loss for words, unsure of what she should do or say next. Should she divorce Cheng Cheng? What would happen if she returned to her family in disgrace?
Madam Xiao paid no attention to Madam Ge’s distress, merely letting out soft, mocking laughs before calmly walking to the door. Midway there, she suddenly stopped and turned around. “Every time you attempted to remarry, you failed. Let me assure you: the day Second Brother divorces you, I will have a virtuous and beautiful new wife for him within a month… someone who will never let him suffer any hardship again.” With that, she continued her departure.
Madam Ge was now genuinely frightened. Overcome with panic, she suddenly yelled, “I never mistreated Fourth Miss!” Her loud voice caused the door to shake slightly.
Madam Xiao glanced back again, her expression icy as she looked at Madam Ge with apathy. Caught under that stare, Madam Ge instinctively recoiled.
After a long silence, Madam Xiao finally gave a faint smile. “It’s quite cold today, and Qingzhou is a long way. Do you think Mother Fu has already set out?” The words seemed to come out of the blue, leaving Madam Ge puzzled at first. When she looked up and saw the teasing smile on Madam Xiao's face, a chill ran down her spine, and suddenly she had a realization. “Is it possible that Mother Fu has already allied with you...”
Madam Xiao smiled and said, "Your elder brother was very ambitious and didn't want an ordinary life. From a young age, he dreamed of making a name for himself on the battlefield. However, childhood illness prevented him from riding horses. Later, he pursued commerce and land cultivation to help the family prosper. Since we are family, I naturally had to support him."
Madam Ge shivered, unsure whether it was from anger or fear. As she reflected on the events of the past few years, she thought, 'No wonder.'
Madam Xiao's face showed a touch of self-satisfaction. "Otherwise, why would Old Madam Wan always 'coincidentally' visit the Cheng family at just the right time?"
Madam Ge sank to the floor, stunned that her own Mother Fu could betray her in such a way. A freezing chill swept over her. No wonder Old Madam Wan constantly scolded her whenever she decided to act.
Madam Xiao said, "She watched over you for ten years, managing things with skill. Unfortunately, a month before I came back, she was occupied with the family's move and briefly neglected her responsibilities. During that time, you almost harmed Niao Niao with your cruelty!" Her tone turned icy cold as she finished.
Madam Ge jumped in alarm. "No, no! I didn’t—I never intended... I truly didn’t realize Fourth Miss would become so seriously ill. I—I didn’t do it intentionally..."
Madam Xiao flicked her sleeve dismissively and said indifferently, "Whether it was intentional or not, if something had really happened to Niao Niao, do you think you’d still be here alive?"
Madam Ge stubbornly replied, "What can you do to me? At worst, I’ll cease to be a wife of the Cheng family!"
Madam Xiao looked at her silently, causing Madam Ge’s skin to crawl until she awkwardly closed her mouth. Madam Ge understood that Madam Xiao was different from her. She had been accompanying Cheng Shi on campaigns for more than ten years, dealing with rebels and uncovering spies, her hands undeniably stained with blood.
Madam Xiao gazed at her with a cold stare and said slowly, "It’s not that simple. You still have children, right? Even if you don’t care about them, the Ge family is full of people you care for. There must be someone in this world you love. And I will repay their kindness in return."
She then turned and left without looking back, ignoring Madam Ge’s curses behind her.
━━━━༻❁༺━━━━
The courtyard was bathed in soft winter moonlight. The maidservants who previously served Madam Ge were no longer there, replaced by two rows of servants standing respectfully along the hallways. Madam Xiao stood under the eaves and instructed Qing Cong, who stepped closer, "Watch over her. We’re about to move, and her bad omens shouldn’t ruin such a happy occasion."She started to walk, then stopped and added, "Take this Li Zhui, and have her disciplined thirty times before isolating her in the same damp room where Niao Niao was held. Provide her with the same conditions: no fresh water, the same cold food in the same quantity, no heating, minimal clothing, and no blanket. Guards should be posted at her door to prevent anyone from entering or leaving."
Qing Cong understood her meaning and smiled. "Commander, rest assured. It’s not that I look down on Madam Ge, but even if you gave her a knife, she wouldn’t have the courage to take her own life. As for Li Zhui, my hand itched for days to use a bamboo cane on her."
After years of bottled-up resentment, Qing Cong finally experienced a feeling of revenge and fulfillment. Madam Xiao glanced at her and cautioned, "Family misfortune is not something to rejoice over. Keep your happiness subtle." Qing Cong swiftly stifled her laughter and replied, "You’re right, Commander."
After a pause, Madam Xiao couldn’t help but laugh, but once her laughter faded, she sighed. "Back then, my hatred burned fiercely in my heart, but after ten years of following the general on campaigns and witnessing so much suffering, these feelings no longer seem so important." She shook her head, amused by her own thoughts. As she headed back down the corridor to the room, Cheng Shi had already sobered from his drunkenness. His large figure was hunched as he rummaged through chests and cabinets, searching for something unknown. Madam Xiao didn’t ask him anything and sat on the bed. Qing Cong quickly helped her remove her brocade-lined cotton robe, then stepped outside to fetch hot water for washing and removing her makeup.
Cheng Shi adjusted his sleeveless robe, which was open, and looked up in surprise. “Back so soon?”
Madam Xiao shot him a glare, saying haughtily, “It was just a few words. Why delay? It’s not like negotiating on a battlefield. I’ve already had her confined. In a few days, Second Brother and the children will move in with us. Let’s see what the Ge family has to say when she’s locked up.” After a pause, she sighed. “...I tested her while reprimanding Madam Ge just now. She still doesn’t know.”
Cheng Shi was again shocked and asked, “The Ge family hasn’t informed her to this day?”
He ceased his search and sat down next to Madam Xiao. After a long pause, he said, “Grandfather Ge is a good man. That leg of his was broken while saving me...” He paused again. 'He probably concealed it from her intentionally, worried that if Madam Ge found out, she would become even more uncontrollable around Second Brother.”
Madam Xiao lowered her head, staring at the polished wooden floor, and murmured, “It’s all my fault.”
Cheng Shi sighed. “Don’t blame yourself; this was your only mistake in judging someone. The bandit surnamed Chen was such a skilled actor that we all fell for his deception and nearly paid with our lives.”
Madam Xiao sighed softly and said, “We’re both selfish. Out of gratitude, we chose to keep Madam Ge despite her flaws, causing Second Brother to suffer.”
Cheng Shi hit the edge of the bed with his fist and said bitterly, “When we were nearby, Madam Ge wasn’t so overbearing. It’s only because we weren’t home, leaving everything to her, and with Mother protecting her, that she became so haughty.”
As he spoke, he stood up and continued rummaging through the chests, murmuring, “We can repay the debt of gratitude in other ways. We shouldn’t sacrifice Second Brother’s entire life for it. Grandfather Ge has more than just this one daughter—many children and grandchildren. Surely, there will be ways to help them in the future, and we won’t refuse when the time comes. Don’t take it too hard. Second Brother isn’t a child anymore. A man between heaven and earth, if a woman bullies him, it’s partly his own fault. A good beating could have solved it, but he’s too soft-hearted... Hmm, it’s because of his leg injury that he feels so inferior. Maybe this setback will be good for him. I’ll speak to him properly later, then send him out to gain experience and broaden his horizons. That’ll toughen him up... Hey, I’m sure I kept it close by. Where did it go...?”
“This isn’t the first time I’ve misjudged someone.”Madam Xiao seemed to recall something from the past.
Cheng Shi turned to look at her and saw her smiling faintly as she said, “The first time was when I chose my own husband. That was a huge misjudgment.”
Cheng Shi smiled confidently and said, “In that regard, my judgment was much better than yours. I chose the right person immediately; I was really sharp-eyed and attentive to the finest details.”
Madam Xiao burst out laughing, her sleeve brushing gently against her slightly flushed cheek, enhancing her jade-like appearance. Softly, she said, “It’s in the brocade pouch inside your arrow case.”
Cheng Shi blinked in surprise. “How did you know what I was searching for?”
"Is that the jade pendant you wanted to give for Niao Niao?” Madam Xiao asked with a deliberately stern expression. "You're only thinking of your daughter. Have you thought about what to say when you meet Grandfather Ge later?" Cheng Shi paused as if to consider, then replied, "Hmm, how about this? I'll say that since Madam Ge has been causing trouble in the household all these years, she should have both her legs broken before being divorced. But out of respect for you, old man, we'll settle for divorcing her."
"You reckless brute! Stop talking nonsense!" Madam Xiao laughed in exasperation as she grabbed a hidden cushion nearby and threw it at him.
Qing Cong understood her meaning and smiled. "Commander, rest assured. It’s not that I look down on Madam Ge, but even if you gave her a knife, she wouldn’t have the courage to take her own life. As for Li Zhui, my hand itched for days to use a bamboo cane on her."
After years of bottled-up resentment, Qing Cong finally experienced a feeling of revenge and fulfillment. Madam Xiao glanced at her and cautioned, "Family misfortune is not something to rejoice over. Keep your happiness subtle." Qing Cong swiftly stifled her laughter and replied, "You’re right, Commander."
After a pause, Madam Xiao couldn’t help but laugh, but once her laughter faded, she sighed. "Back then, my hatred burned fiercely in my heart, but after ten years of following the general on campaigns and witnessing so much suffering, these feelings no longer seem so important." She shook her head, amused by her own thoughts. As she headed back down the corridor to the room, Cheng Shi had already sobered from his drunkenness. His large figure was hunched as he rummaged through chests and cabinets, searching for something unknown. Madam Xiao didn’t ask him anything and sat on the bed. Qing Cong quickly helped her remove her brocade-lined cotton robe, then stepped outside to fetch hot water for washing and removing her makeup.
Cheng Shi adjusted his sleeveless robe, which was open, and looked up in surprise. “Back so soon?”
Madam Xiao shot him a glare, saying haughtily, “It was just a few words. Why delay? It’s not like negotiating on a battlefield. I’ve already had her confined. In a few days, Second Brother and the children will move in with us. Let’s see what the Ge family has to say when she’s locked up.” After a pause, she sighed. “...I tested her while reprimanding Madam Ge just now. She still doesn’t know.”
Cheng Shi was again shocked and asked, “The Ge family hasn’t informed her to this day?”
He ceased his search and sat down next to Madam Xiao. After a long pause, he said, “Grandfather Ge is a good man. That leg of his was broken while saving me...” He paused again. 'He probably concealed it from her intentionally, worried that if Madam Ge found out, she would become even more uncontrollable around Second Brother.”
Madam Xiao lowered her head, staring at the polished wooden floor, and murmured, “It’s all my fault.”
Cheng Shi sighed. “Don’t blame yourself; this was your only mistake in judging someone. The bandit surnamed Chen was such a skilled actor that we all fell for his deception and nearly paid with our lives.”
Madam Xiao sighed softly and said, “We’re both selfish. Out of gratitude, we chose to keep Madam Ge despite her flaws, causing Second Brother to suffer.”
Cheng Shi hit the edge of the bed with his fist and said bitterly, “When we were nearby, Madam Ge wasn’t so overbearing. It’s only because we weren’t home, leaving everything to her, and with Mother protecting her, that she became so haughty.”
As he spoke, he stood up and continued rummaging through the chests, murmuring, “We can repay the debt of gratitude in other ways. We shouldn’t sacrifice Second Brother’s entire life for it. Grandfather Ge has more than just this one daughter—many children and grandchildren. Surely, there will be ways to help them in the future, and we won’t refuse when the time comes. Don’t take it too hard. Second Brother isn’t a child anymore. A man between heaven and earth, if a woman bullies him, it’s partly his own fault. A good beating could have solved it, but he’s too soft-hearted... Hmm, it’s because of his leg injury that he feels so inferior. Maybe this setback will be good for him. I’ll speak to him properly later, then send him out to gain experience and broaden his horizons. That’ll toughen him up... Hey, I’m sure I kept it close by. Where did it go...?”
“This isn’t the first time I’ve misjudged someone.”Madam Xiao seemed to recall something from the past.
Cheng Shi turned to look at her and saw her smiling faintly as she said, “The first time was when I chose my own husband. That was a huge misjudgment.”
Cheng Shi smiled confidently and said, “In that regard, my judgment was much better than yours. I chose the right person immediately; I was really sharp-eyed and attentive to the finest details.”
Madam Xiao burst out laughing, her sleeve brushing gently against her slightly flushed cheek, enhancing her jade-like appearance. Softly, she said, “It’s in the brocade pouch inside your arrow case.”
Cheng Shi blinked in surprise. “How did you know what I was searching for?”
"Is that the jade pendant you wanted to give for Niao Niao?” Madam Xiao asked with a deliberately stern expression. "You're only thinking of your daughter. Have you thought about what to say when you meet Grandfather Ge later?" Cheng Shi paused as if to consider, then replied, "Hmm, how about this? I'll say that since Madam Ge has been causing trouble in the household all these years, she should have both her legs broken before being divorced. But out of respect for you, old man, we'll settle for divorcing her."
"You reckless brute! Stop talking nonsense!" Madam Xiao laughed in exasperation as she grabbed a hidden cushion nearby and threw it at him.
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