Love like the Galaxy - V1C7
Chapter 7
Crocodile tears
After Madam Ge left, Madam Xiao quietly moved aside. At the same time, Madam Lu, Old Aunt Dong's daughter-in-law, who had been comforting Aunt Dong's tears, looked up quickly and met Madam Xiao's gaze.
To Madam Lu's surprise, Madam Xiao seemed to be looking at her intently, turning to face her directly with an expression that felt very meaningful. Madam Lu was greatly shocked and quickly lowered her head.
Cheng Shi remained kneeling in front of his mother and explained, “I mentioned in my letter that Old Uncle Dong has a questionable reputation. Fortunately, since I was there with him, I could manage the situation and keep certain things hidden. However, during the Battle of Yi Yang six months ago, General Wan was injured, and I was transferred to lead troops under General Han’s command. I couldn't take Uncle Dong with me, so I asked him to handle the weapons for General Han. Before I left, I expressed my concerns, but to my dismay, Uncle Dong couldn't stay out of trouble and got caught stealing the weapons! What does Mother want me to do? Should I forfeit this great opportunity and disregard my chances for wealth and fame to help my uncle get out of jail?”
Old Madam, upon hearing this, immediately stopped wailing and fell motionless. She was speechless for a moment. She knew her younger brother was stealing, but she relied on her son’s cover to stay safe. She recomposed herself and said, “So what is going to happen to your uncle now? Is he going to die? Will his property be confiscated?” Upon hearing the word ‘confiscated,’ Old Aunt Dong cried even louder, and two thick yellow boogers dripped from her nostrils, making Yu Cailing feel utterly disgusted. Aya, those long sleeves are meant to store useless items. Don't they have enough space for a handkerchief?
Cheng Shi expressed his embarrassment in a diplomatic tone, “I really do not want to, but the matter is beyond my control.”
Hearing this, Old Madam loosened her son’s firm hold and kicked the small table with Yu Cailing’s soup bowls and snacks, knocking over the furniture in chaos. She seized Cheng Shi’s front like iron tongs, foaming at the mouth, shouting and cursing, “You ungrateful son! If you let your uncle die like this... I— I’ll report you for disobedience!”
This was a serious matter. If a child showed unfilial behavior, they could be reported to authorities for disobedience, risking penalties such as fines, beatings, or loss of official status. The Ge family endorsed this strict method for its results, and ten years ago, Old Madam Cheng often used it to blackmail her son and daughter-in-law, thereby gaining significant influence.
Cheng Shi struggled to pull at his collar and said angrily, “Mother, go ahead and sue me. What’s more important – national affairs or family affairs? The theft by my uncle has already been reported. Because I refuse to follow my mother’s orders to cover up the crime, I am not afraid of such ‘unfilial acts’ even if they are reported to the emperor.”
Old Madam, a rural woman, couldn't grasp it all. Born a peasant, she was an adult when her son brought honor and wealth to the Cheng family. She only learned to read and write, never pursuing further education. Her simple mind retained only what was necessary, dismissing everything else like bothersome flies. When Old Madam Ge used this method, she initially thought that ‘disobedience’ equated to ‘unfilial,’ and that being unfilial could be prosecuted. It now seemed as if the country was larger than filial piety. She had no choice but to cry and flop onto the bed, rolling around like a spoiled child.
Yu Cailing watched the show with fascination. She felt the bowl in her hands growing cold, so she quickly finished the rest of the medicine before continuing to watch. She was so absorbed that she didn’t notice the bitterness this time. Unexpectedly, she was unaware that Madam Xiao looked at her with a cold stare. Qing Cong, observing her, followed her gaze and saw Yu Cailing’s actions.
What would normally be an amusing sight to watch, Yu Cailing swallowing this bitter bowl when she was crying earlier because of it, was not seen that way by Madam Xiao, as the implications of today’s conversation could determine their future authority in the family and get rid of the Dong's leeches. She didn’t want her daughter to accidentally ruin anything.
Madam Xiao's real disapproval stemmed from her attitude, typical of all unmarried and underage girls: shy, avoiding eye contact, not openly engaging in elders' matters, and focusing solely on studies and filial responsibilities. Such behavior was inappropriate. It exposed a side of Yu Cailing that Madam Xiao had long suspected: rebellious and clever, using her beauty and slender figure to mask her true nature and achieve her goals—much like her own mother.
Madam Xiao naturally couldn't understand Yu Cailing, who was born centuries ago when most girls watched dramas and read historical novels, and was thrilled to see one in real life. Madam Xiao, having never raised a teenage daughter, only sons, and with a domineering personality, couldn't bend her principles. She was great in theory, but struggled highly in practice. Sadly, she would later regret it...
Madam Xiao said in a deep voice, “Nanny Zhu, cover Niao Niao tightly and lead her to my room to rest.”
Yu Cailing was disappointed but didn’t dare to resist. Nanny Zhu quickly grabbed a fur robe and wrapped her in it. Lian Fang and Qiao Guo hurriedly picked up several boxes of snacks with hidden bags and cushions. The three of them hugged Yu Cailing and swiftly walked out of the room, bypassing about ten steps down the corridor before entering another room. Yu Cailing saw nothing of the manor because her head was completely covered.
The room had been hurriedly tidied, minimal like her own. Yu Cailing nibbled on a piece of candied fruit while listening carefully to the faint cries and curses from her room, imagining how the fight might be going. It's a shame I cannot see a live broadcast like this.
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For the next few days, Yu Cailing kept eating, taking bitter medicine, sleeping, and walking around the room a few times. Cheng Shi and Madam Xiao were very busy, often away from home most of the day, and she didn’t know what they were doing. Only Qing Cong came every day to sit in Yu Cailing’s room and chat, asking about her recovery.
Qing Cong’s appearance was simple, with gentle eyebrows, soft eyes, and a smile that lingered even when she wasn’t smiling, making others feel close. Yu Cailing knew she was there to assert herself, but she was surprised to find Qing Cong was quite the gossip. Sometimes, she brought delicious snacks that Yu Cailing had never seen before, and other times, small items like jade, gold, or silver hairpins and earrings. After a few days, Yu Cailing finally felt comfortable enough to relax and lower her guard a bit around her.
Qing Cong smiled, folded her hands in her lap, and sat down, explaining that “Madam Xiao and General Cheng brought many items for the Young Miss, but they were stuck at the back of the carriage, which wasn't unpacked immediately upon their arrival. In the first days, we were overwhelmed with minor tasks and could only open the box later after settling in.'
Yu Cailing nodded and said, “Well, it’s nearly New Year’s Day. Father and Mother are probably busy.”
Qing Cong’s eyes flickered; she could not deny it.
Through her daily conversations, Yu Cailing discovered that her true name was ‘Cheng Shao Shang[1],’ and she had a twin brother named ‘Cheng Shao Gong.’ It was said that her grandfather, Old Master Cheng, had been ill for several months before her birth. He was ecstatic when he learned Madam Xiao had given birth to twins, coughed up a mouthful of blood, and survived for another half year. Although he eventually passed away, it was considered a great blessing for Cheng Shi, who was facing a critical battle early in the year.
Everyone knew that twins were fortunate. When Old Master Cheng, the musician, began to feel better, he wrote a letter that stated, “I don’t expect to see these two children. The Shennong Qin has five strings, and Emperor Wen added two more, which he named Shao Gong and Shao Shang. Those will be their names.”
Certainly, apart from Third Uncle Cheng, who was away studying at the time, only Madam Xiao in the family knew what Old Master Cheng was talking about. So, the given name ‘Niao’, initially planned for the newborn girl, became a courtesy name.
Shao Shang asked with a smile, "When will my brothers come home?" as she accepted her new name, happily letting go of the nickname ‘Niao Niao' that her father had given her before, without any regrets.
“Young Miss, don't worry. Many carriages, horses, and other miscellaneous items remain behind us to be handled by several young men. Madam Xiao and General Cheng hurried back ahead," Qing Cong said.
Shao Shang smiled at the word ‘miscellaneous’ and understood; at the same time, she found it odd that the Cheng family liked to call her ‘Young Miss’, despite being the only daughter. If all three of the Cheng sons’ houses were combined, the Third Uncle actually had an even younger daughter.
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Shao Shang’s health gradually improved, but her days remained long and dull. She couldn’t help but ask with hope every day, “How is the Dong family’s situation?”
Nanny Zhu didn’t hide it from Shao Shang, but she wasn’t skilled at gossiping. Her typical responses were, “I won’t say,” or “I still won’t say.” Sometimes, if she was feeling lucky, Nanny Zhu might also reply, “I refuse to say.”
Unlike the loyal and quiet Nanny Zhu, Lian Fang was more thoughtful. Observing the Young Miss’s bright eyes and her unwillingness to stay indoors, she grew more tender. In the days afterwards, Lian Fang would sometimes share with Shao Shang some of the ‘family gossip’ she had come across outside.
Qiao Guo was upset when she heard this and asked privately, “Madam Qing advised us to speak less, listen more, and act more. Sister, why do you constantly tell the Young Miss about other matters?"
Lian Fang smiled and said, “The Young Miss and Madam haven’t seen each other in ten years. How can they become close? We must follow the Young Miss from now on. If she doesn’t trust us or become close to us, it would be a waste of Madam Qing’s teachings. Also, what I tell her is known to the entire family, and it’s equally important to teach the Young Miss to pass the time and relieve her boredom.”
Qiao Guo listened and thanked Lian Fang for her guidance.
A few days later, Nanny Zhu observed that Lian Fang was speaking excessively. Nonetheless, Lian Fang smiled and explained, “Sharing information is akin to creating a story, twisting it to satisfy the Young Miss, but what I said is not untrue.”
Seeing Nanny Zhu's continued dissatisfaction, she persisted, “Madam Qing often praises Madam Xiao as wise and accomplished, not inferior to men. She mentioned that Madam Xiao has managed family affairs since she was six or seven. Do we want to keep the Young Miss in ignorance all her life so that she won’t understand the world outside? If I am wrong, scold me. Whether right or wrong, shouldn’t we let the Young Miss learn to tell the difference?"
After watching Lian Fang for a moment, Nanny Zhu whispered to herself, ‘While this is a good statement, this maid is not cautious enough.’
However, she also considered telling the Young Miss about the elders' complaints to avoid alienating her parents after ten years of upbringing. Afterwards, Nanny Zhu stopped speaking and only listened in secretly.
Lian Fang's eloquence was quite distinct from Nanny Zhu's. When discussing rumors, Lian Fang expressed herself eloquently and emotionally. Only then did Shao Shang feel that life had become more meaningful.
After the confrontation between mother and son, Old Madam cursed and lamented that she would have to personally pay Old Uncle Dong’s debt. However, her savings were only half full, leading her to doubt she could cover the full amount. Instead, she sent someone to observe Old Uncle Dong being taken away in the prison carriage. Servants who witnessed the scene reported that Old Uncle Dong appeared humiliated and exhausted.
Old Madam caused her son extra trouble, but when her efforts failed, she resorted to a hunger strike. Historically, women in the previous dynasty used such steps to oppose the emperor’s son. However, having lived a life of hunger and fear, Old Madam was hesitant to repeat it. Her hunger strike only lasted two missed meals. Servants from the kitchens reported that her first meal after ending the strike included smoked chicken, half a roast goose, two pickled hooves, and three large bowls of rice. She also had a doctor prescribe digestive medicine in advance.
Old Madam faced hardships, but the Dong family's troubles were even greater. Dong’s son was also detained, and their farm and shop had been sealed. Madam Lu acted bravely. To show she wouldn’t let Old Madam face everything alone, she quickly sold about twenty maidservants and concubines from her husband’s household. She gathered a substantial amount of money to support Old Madam. She immediately saw that this was a truly thoughtful niece. Recently, the news was that Old Aunt Dong was crying loudly and continuously every day.
After dinner, Old Madam had two cups of wine, which emboldened her. She then grabbed a cloth-cutting knife to threaten her son again, claiming that if he didn't save his uncle, she would die for him and sue him for disobedience. Shao Shang sensed that something was seriously off about this situation.
Cheng Shi, unable to tolerate any more disturbances, told his mother that he would either save Old Uncle Dong or take the blame himself, claiming Old Uncle Dong had stolen under his authority. He said he would be executed in exchange for Old Uncle Dong, with all their property confiscated and handed over to the Dong family. Afterwards, their family would return to farming. Would his mother be satisfied with this plan?
Old Madam immediately went quiet. Though she loved her younger brother, she never thought about trading her son for him. Unexpectedly, Old Aunt Dong suddenly had a great idea and said, “My nephew is a high-ranking official, and even if he’s guilty, it’s not a big deal. He might just be fined. Why not ask my nephew to admit to this crime?” As soon as she said that, both the mother and son of the Cheng family looked angry and pale.
Cheng Shi was instantly furious. Whether anyone heard him or not, he called out to Old Madam in the hall, saying, "Fine! Filial piety comes first. If Mother commands, I will report to the Northern Army Prison! From now on, Mother will live with my second and third brothers!”
Many people, both inside and outside, heard this, and the servants and stewards all thought that the Old Madam was insane. Madam Xiao stayed in her room, sneering. Once the conflict started, even the strongest bonds could be damaged.
At this moment, Old Madam was abruptly awakened from her bias and forcefully slapped Old Aunt Dong, then kicked her out of the room. Cheng Shi instructed the servants to keep Old Aunt Dong out of the Cheng household and to break the legs of anyone who tried to let her in. Old Madam did not dare to protest. The issue remained unresolved until Madam Lu came to apologize three days later.
Lian Fang informed Shao Shang that the Dong family’s father and son were driven by greed and yearning, respectively, and described Old Aunt Dong as an idiot. Madam Lu was the only family member who truly understood this, but her insight came with great sacrifice and suffering.
The Dong and Lu families were initially wealthy farmers. Their grandparents had already arranged a marriage for their grandchildren. Tragically, Old Master Dong died young, and war tore their world apart. As a result, the family’s wealth steadily declined, while the Lu family remained stable. To honor his promise, Old Master Lu married his youngest granddaughter to the impoverished Dong family. Initially, Aunt and Uncle Dong treated the bride well. However, within a few years, Cheng Shi gained influence and fame, and the situation changed. Observing the bride marry the eldest Cheng brother, the Dong family thought their daughter-in-law’s features didn't match her face. If Madam Lu hadn’t had several children and been skilled at flattery, she might have been divorced long ago.
Shao Shang was unaware of what Madam Lu and Old Madam discussed. Throughout the morning, Old Madam’s temper softened completely. By evening, hesitant messengers sent someone to summon Cheng Shi and Madam Xiao so she could express her regret.
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Before Old Madam’s summons, Cheng Shi and Madam Xiao invited Shao Shang to dine with them to strengthen their mother-daughter bond. However, before they even started the dinner, it was interrupted by Old Madam's summons. When Qing Cong saw Old Madam’s maid kneeling by the door, she smiled and said, “It’s a bit earlier than Madam expected. It seems Madam Lu is quite persuasive.”
Madam Xiao smiled quietly and was about to get up and leave. Cheng Shi called out to his daughter, “Niao Niao, make sure to finish your meal and eat more meat!”
Shao Shang paused with her arms raised before saying, “Yes. Respectfully sending off my father and mother.” The girl’s voice was gentle, as if kneading dough. Cheng Shi liked this and nodded with a smile.
Shao Shang kept sitting on her knees, her head lowered over her meal. Next to her, Nanny Zhu noticed this seemed a bit unusual. Qing Cong looked at her and smiled, “Don’t be upset, Young Miss. Madam and Master will eat with you more often in the future. Something really came up today.”
Shao Shang responded in a low voice, ‘Yes’.
Unfortunately, even the elegant Qing Cong was mistaken. Shao Shang wasn't concerned with that – she hated being called Niao Niao because her courtesy name in her previous life was Lingan, even though the one who called her, her uncle who raised her, had long since passed away.
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Whenever she entered Old Madam’s room, Madam Xiao felt overwhelmed. Old Madam’s idea of luxury was straightforward: rich, richer, and the richest. From the floor to the table, bed, and chairs, anything that could be adorned with gold was decorated with gold thread and silk. The more costly, the more desirable.
Initially, Old Madam felt a bit shy to speak, but once she began, her speech became smoother. She held Cheng Shi’s hand, tears and a runny nose evident, and said, “Madam Lu’s words are true. When I’m old, who else can I depend on if not my son? You’ve been working so hard, risking your life all these years, so I can enjoy a life of eating meat and drinking alcohol. I naturally treasure your life more than anyone else’s.”
Cheng Shi and Madam Xiao exchanged glances but said nothing.
Old Madam kept crying and said, "My father asked me to care for the family before he passed away, but I couldn't manage it. Your other uncles have died, leaving only me. I feel sad for my parents who passed away too soon. I wanted to support the Dong family and my last brother. If you're unhappy later, I will never interfere again.”
Madam Xiao looked at Madam Lu with admiration, impressed that she had convinced Old Madam Cheng in just half a day. She then looked at her husband, and Cheng Shi took the hint. “Mother, what else did Sister Lu mention?”
Old Madam vividly recalled Madam Lu’s advice: to appear weak, one must also demonstrate weakness. She sighed and said, “Her words were, as long as you achieve a promotion to a meritorious rank, the Dong family will gain benefits. Asking you to join the military was a way to steal your advantage and undermine you.” Her tone then shifted, and she clenched her teeth. “It turns out the Dong family hasn't accumulated much savings over the years. It’s either your cousin asking to find women for his harem, or your vicious and heartless Old Aunt using it to aid her maiden family!”
Old Madam loved assisting her own maiden family but despised others doing the same. She frequently scolded Madam Xiao for supporting her side of the family. However, learning that much of the money she had given to her younger brother and his wife’s family was now in her hands made her furious. If she ever got the chance, she would pull Old Aunt Dong’s hair and beat her senseless.
“Son,” Old Madam gently patted Cheng Shi’s arm. “Just help your uncle this once. They have land and a house, so they won’t go hungry or cold. I won’t bother you about this again!" She then turned to Madam Xiao and added, “From now on, you’ll handle all the family's affairs. I am now old, I wish for a peaceful life.”
Madam Xiao’s look was calm and steady, like a deep pool. After a long period in the room, she finally said, “It seems Mother understands the household situation; however, Uncle is beyond repair…”
Old Madam Cheng was wiping tears from her eyes with her handkerchief, her crocodile tears[2] visible. However, before Madam Xiao could finish speaking, she suddenly leapt three feet into the air. She snapped angrily, “Your Uncle was definitely framed by those two heartless people, just to accuse me! I am your Mother! How dare you do this? I want – I want…”
“What does Mother want me to do?” Madam Xiao asked sharply. “What can Mother actually do to me?”
Old Madam Cheng was briefly speechless, while Cheng Shi remained still, leaving the room enveloped in silence.
Madam Xiao slowly rose, drew the door curtain more firmly, turned around, and said, “Expel me. I believe you’ve heard some rumors that I have made minor contributions in the city and beyond the battlefield over the years. Besides, can you really force my husband to divorce me? I’m still alive…”
She smiled faintly, a strange, sarcastic curve at the corner of her mouth, and said exactly, “…I’m still alive, but others may not be.”
Old Madam froze as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over her.
Madam Xiao looked at her silently for a moment and then asked, “Madam Lu said so much, but didn’t mention this?”
Old Madam Cheng started to tremble as her son manipulated her using her younger brother. Though she had considered leveraging Madam Xiao to influence her son, Madam Lu's words echoed clearly in her mind.
“I heard from outside that Xiao Sister-in-law cared for wounded and sick people before the battle and comforted others during the war. Many praised her highly. The court commended her, but you plan to force General Cheng to divorce her. So what? She might still die of hunger and cold in shame, but people will see you as stupid and cruel. The general’s anger hasn’t yet affected the Dong family. Can your brother and nephews still survive? In a hundred years, the general may welcome her back, and she will remain with her children and grandchildren. But what about the Dong family?”
Seeing Madam Xiao’s cold and composed expression, Old Madam’s voice grew hoarse. Her fingers shook as she looked at Cheng Shi and asked, “My son, are you just going to let her bully me like this?”
Cheng Shi spoke softly, saying, “I know Mother always thinks I am favoring Yuan Yi. But can Mother believe I started this attitude right after marriage? Over the past ten years, I have witnessed everything Yuan Yi and Mother have done, one after another.” He glanced at his wife and then at his mother. “Yuan Yi’s words are my words as well. The Dong family can no longer be tolerated. Mother, you should also rest; it’s not your duty to oversee this anymore, and you shouldn’t take it on in the future.”
Old Madam collapsed to the floor, overwhelmed and unable to speak or scold. Cheng Shi felt a surge of pity and glanced at Madam Xiao. She nodded slightly, and Cheng Shi instructed, “Go back to the room first and ask someone to shut the door securely.”
Madam Xiao glanced at Cheng Shi with a gentle smile and replied, “All right.”
Characters: Dong family
- Old Uncle Dong: brother of Old Madam, Uncle of Cheng Shi
- Old Aunt Dond: first wife of Old Uncle Dong, sister-in-law of Old Madam
- Uncle Dong Wai Di: Son of Old Uncle Dong, nephew of Old Madam
- Madam Lu: First wife of Uncle Dong Wai Di
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