Love like the Galaxy - V1C8
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 8
Mother and Son
Old Madam lifted her gaze, momentarily stunned, as she watched her daughter-in-law leave and securely lock the doors and windows behind her. Only she and her son, Cheng Shi, remained in the dimly lit room, with the fire in the ornate bronze basin—adorned with serpents that had chicken heads—crackling softly.
Cheng Shi loosened his tense arms and politely helped his mother into a folding chair. The coldness in his demeanor softened as he spoke softly, "Mother, it’s been ten years since you last saw your son. Do I look much different?" He had practiced this opening line multiple times under his wife's guidance, feeling assured he had said it effectively.
At his words, Old Madam burst into tears, her trembling fingers reaching out to touch her son's weathered face. A wave of sorrow and resentment welled up inside her. "You... heartless boy!" she exclaimed. Her eyes caught the streaks of gray in his hair, prompting her to recall the young, energetic man in his twenties with bright eyes, who had once left her, now replaced by a serious, unfamiliar middle-aged general. She quickly inquired about his life over the years, worried whether he had suffered any injuries, and they exchanged tender words for a while. But eventually, Old Madam could no longer suppress her feelings of grievance.
"You are my eldest, the flesh of my flesh—how could I not miss you? Yet you’ve given your entire heart to your wife, leaving nothing for this old woman!" The thought pained her further. "In ten years, how many bamboo scrolls[1] have you sent? Always fretting over Fourth Miss[2] or writing cryptic messages I couldn’t decipher... Do you even know how I've managed all this time?"
Cheng Shi smiled softly. "I would have written more, Mother, but you can’t read well." His face then grew serious. "And I didn’t want Madam Ge intercepting my scrolls to you."
Wiping away her tears, Old Madam said, "Must you really feel such contempt for her? Just because of... that name?"
Cheng Shi's voice turned cold. "Chuo’er[3] was barely two when she died. And what does Madam Ge do? The moment Second Miss is born, she names her Chuo and keeps calling her 'Chuo’er, Chuo’er' nonstop. What kind of malice is that?"
Cheng Mu understood his pain and sighed. "Chuo" and "Chuo’er" are almost the same, that’s true. Madam Ge, in her ignorance, had thought men prioritized sons above all else. She only meant to taunt Madam Xiao, never realizing it was Cheng Shi who would feel the most hurt.
That little girl had been as delicate as carved jade, with Madam Xiao’s bright, lovely eyes and Cheng Shi’s smile and broad forehead. Back then, Cheng Shi, a new father, adored her more than anything. With Madam Xiao weakened after childbirth and no extra servants in the household, he would strap the swaddled infant to his chest whenever he had a spare moment, carrying her everywhere. Those were the hardest days for the Cheng family, barely getting by, let alone affording nourishing food or taking care of many things.
Old Madam was straightforward by nature, and it took her years to notice her son’s secret, deep sorrow. However, despite her wit, Madam Xiao never spoke up, allowing Madam ge to stumble into trouble unaware. Indeed, that woman was remarkable in her patience, but Madam Ge was petty.
I spoke with your sister-in-law about it, but she explained that at that time, the name was Grandfather Ge’s wish, and it wasn't right to go against an elder. Old Madam couldn’t help but defend her, even though she didn’t like this daughter-in-law either. After all, she was the one who arranged her own marriage, which wasn’t proper.
Cheng Shi sneered. "She always hides behind her father. If it weren't for Grandfather Ge’s honesty and his past help, I would have already forced Second Brother to divorce her!" "Hmph, this kind of woman causes trouble unnecessarily, spreads discord with her gossip, and seems to enjoy throwing the family into chaos. Such people ruin a perfectly good household!" Cheng Shi's anger grew as he thought it over. "When I visited Second Brother a few days ago, he looked completely lifeless, indifferent to everything, as if he were already an old man…"
Old Madam cut in, saying, "Er’Lang Shen[4] has been quiet ever since he was a child."
Cheng Shi interrupted her. "Being quiet isn’t the same as being lifeless! Even as a quiet child, he climbed trees and shot birds. When I began my ventures, he always accompanied me, making connections. How could he be any less than anyone else?" As the saying goes, the eldest brother is like a father, and his younger siblings are like his own children.”
Marrying that gloomy, sharp-tongued woman who constantly nags him about his failures. How can Second Brother have a happy, fulfilled life?" Cheng Shi slammed his palm on a lacquered side table next to the folding chair, making it creak softly. "We should never have covet the Ge family’s riches; it has ruined Second Brother!"
Old Madam did not care about her second son's misfortune. What truly mattered to her was the slightly wobbling black lacquer side table with a crane pattern. She had commissioned an identical one after seeing it at Old Madam Wan’s house next door. Every time Old Madam Wan slapped her table, even the tall General Wan would shrink down, kneeling and kowtowing, begging his mother. She had seen Old Madam Wan lose her temper several times and envied how easily she could command her son. Sadly, the table she never got to use was now being used by her own son.
“Speaking of which, it’s all Mother’s fault. I hesitated earlier about suggesting we consider the Ge family girl’s character, but Mother eagerly agreed. This memory frustrated Cheng Shi. At that time, he had already upset his mother by marrying Madam Xiao, so he didn’t dare to push hard for the match with the Ge family. His selfishness troubled him.
Old Madam sighed inwardly. Her eldest son had been mature beyond his years, taking on the family’s burdens from a young age and acting as the de facto head of the household after the death of her husband, the Head Master. However, even when her husband was alive, he cared about nothing but his scribbling[5]. Whenever she faced difficulties, she had to seek her son’s advice. How could she ever slap the table and assert her authority like Old Madam Wan?
“I understand. Mother only agreed to the match to help Uncle and was motivated by the bride’s dowry! My sister-in-law believed Yuan Yi would be the one to gain advantages. Hmph! I, Cheng Shi, stand firm between heaven and earth. No matter how dire the circumstances, I would never use my sister-in-law’s dowry to support my new bride! Cheng Shi recounted one grievance after another. "To protect the Dong family’s reputation, I never spoke about it, and now Uncle dares to be so smug!"
At the mention of her brother, Old Madam raised her voice. "Are we just supposed to watch your uncle’s family starve to death?!"
Mother and son shared the same temper, and their roars were equally thunderous.
Cheng Shi responded bluntly: "On the same land, others harvest ten bushels, while Uncle only gets three or four. Farming depends on hard work for good yields. Uncle avoids effort but expects fine food at every meal. After eating wild vegetables or coarse grains, he whines to Mother—and still dares to blame others?"
Old Madam struggled to defend him. "Your uncle has never worked since childhood, and he’s frail. How could he…"
"The world is in chaos out there; people in other provinces are selling children to eat! And Uncle still thinks he’s precious?! How old were we siblings when we started working?" Cheng Shi said coldly. "A-Xu was only four or five when she went up the mountain to gather wild vegetables. Once, she was nearly carried off by a wolf. Not a single one of her ten fingers was unbroken, and at night she had to learn to sew, in so much pain she couldn’t sleep. Yet I don’t recall Mother ever showing her any pity!"In any household facing hardship, the eldest son and daughter inevitably suffer the most. Old Madam could not argue this point, so in her haste, she seized upon another matter: "What about Xiao Feng! He also ate without working, yet you raised him all the same, even paid for his education and marriage!"
Cheng Shi also raised his voice: "How old was A-Feng when the Xiao family fell into ruin? Younger than our third son! By that time, we were no longer starving. I couldn’t bear to make our third son work, let alone A-Feng! But how old was Uncle? And Cousin Yong? Lazy and greedy, they probably couldn’t even recognize a rice seedling!"
Old Madam suppressed her anger and replied, "Fine, let’s set that aside. Still, you helped rebuild the Xiao family! Their estate was in ruins, their grand mansion destroyed by bandits, yet you insisted on restoring it…"
"Mother, enough!" Cheng Shi interrupted her firmly. "This is clearly Madam Ge’s fault again—what a spiteful tongue!"
Old Madam looked away, avoiding her son’s eyes. Cheng Shi scoffed, saying, "I’ll be clear. I not only helped A-Feng rebuild the Xiao family mansion but also purchased many of their sold-off fields during their decline. Additionally, I managed to redeem as many of their former servants as I could find!"
Old Madam jabbed her finger at him, trembling with rage. "You—you—!"
Cheng Shi grimly smiled. "Yuan Yi stated she would only marry a man capable of helping to rebuild the Xiao family, even if it required tireless effort like that of an ox or horse. If I failed, she would find someone else. I accepted this without hesitation." As he remembered his wife’s struggles, his face softened, and his tone grew tender. "Yuan Yi endured so much—once a noble Young Lady of the Xiao family, now faced with such despair."
Old Madam, frustrated, harshly punched her son’s shoulder. "You fool! That twice-married woman, her family ruined, their wealth gone! Why do you cherish her so? Who else would marry her if not a simpleton like you?"
"I love her!" Cheng Shi said, rubbing his aching shoulder without concern. "The first time I saw her at the Xiao family mansion as a young boy, I knew she was the one for me. I never wished to marry anyone else. If it weren't for the chaos of those times, I wouldn't have been so fortunate!"
He then pointed out, "And don’t act as if she had no options, Mother. Even as they declined, men still wanted to marry Yuan Yi. She wasn’t like A-Xi[6], who had to offer dowry after dowry just to secure a match."
At the mention of her youngest daughter, Old Madam’s anger deflated, leaving only a sigh.
Cheng Shi continued, "Yuan Yi is a heroine among women, always loyal to her promises. Over the years, she has stood by me through storms and battles, facing life-and-death situations. More than once, when I was barely hanging on, it was Yuan Yi who pulled me back!"
"Yes, yes, heaven and earth pale in comparison to your precious wife!" Old Madam snapped, stubbornly refusing to admit it even when she knew it was true.
"Yuan Yi truly is amazing!" Cheng Shi declared enthusiastically. "Mother, observe. Among the recently celebrated generals and marquises, seven out of ten came from wealthy landowning or noble families. The remaining three, despite their humble beginnings, dedicated themselves early to His Majesty and achieved success. But where does our family fit in?"
Old Madam realized he was speaking the truth. The Wan family next door had long been a prominent local clan. General Wan’s late father left him substantial wealth, land, and a private army—key factors in his successes. "What does it take to start a rebellion? People and money. Even if I could gather some young men for a call to arms, how would we pay the soldiers? What about supplies? And when soldiers are injured or disabled, they need compensation and care—how can we let their widows and orphans go starving? Wouldn’t that demoralize others? Our family was just a farming household with some surplus grain—where could we even find the resources?" Cheng Shi’s voice trembled with emotion as he remembered those hardships. "Although we managed to obtain some spoils and contributions from the wealthy households after capturing towns, we couldn’t simply loot them all. Once our reputation was damaged, how would we differ from bandits?"
Our hometown lacked any imperial prominence. Neither His Majesty nor the famous heroes of the era were nearby. Cheng Shi also felt frustrated about the town’s remote location. He was not an ambitious person. At that time, his main goal was to quickly find a trustworthy leader to swear loyalty to, serve faithfully, and ensure aStable future for himself. Despite its scenic mountains and rivers, his hometown never seemed to produce a leader.
“From Emperor Li's usurpation of the throne and the subsequent uprising of heroes across the land, to my friendship with General Wan—just over ten years—vital rebel forces vanished without a trace. One day, they celebrated with beautiful women; the next, their heads were displayed at city gates or on flagpoles. Their families—wives, children, elders—were left behind amid chaos or met tragic ends. Yuan Yi advised me that we shouldn’t behave like bandits, seeking only fleeting pleasures. There are proper ways for the powerful to ascend and for the weak to endure.
Cheng Shi stood up and paced around, raising his voice. "All the coins we earned back then had to be used wisely—repairing weapons, fortifying city walls, caring for the injured, and recruiting skilled men from everywhere! Our family lacked a strong reputation—why would heroes or warriors seek us out? It was only our reputation for fairness, compassion for the people, and treating soldiers like family that drew them in. Yuan Yi herself refused luxury—she would trade captured silk and brocade for supplies rather than indulge. Without her, Chuo’er... Chuo’er wouldn’t have..."
Cheng Shi was visibly moved when thinking about his eldest daughter. "Despite fighting off bandits and stray marauders, we had to calm the local villages as well. It was only then that the powerful families and common folk from nearby counties started to recognize my name, allowing me to build a foothold gradually—steering clear of the same fate as those bandits. Mother always believes I have money but refuses to spend it on her, not understanding how hard things have been for me!"
In reality, Old Madam wasn’t avaricious. She felt jealous after witnessing her son hand everything over to Madam Xiao following their marriage. She had heard these reasons before, but always thought her son was making excuses, freely giving money to his new wife while delaying with his own mother, which fueled her anger. This time, seeing tears in her son’s eyes, she trusted him almost completely. Old Madam muttered, "Later on, didn’t a few renowned generals come to recruit you?"
Recruit?! More like scapegoats! Cheng Shi replied coldly. "Before meeting General Wan, I faced many setbacks. Those so-called ‘great generals’ with fancy titles looked down on me because of my humble background. The polite ones offered gold and jewels, claiming they ‘invited me to discuss important matters.’ The arrogant ones merely spouted empty words, not a single grain of provisions, expecting me to obey." Cheng Shi glared at Old Madam and said, "Thankfully, Yuan Yi was cautious and alert. She told me, 'Charging into battle is easy, but choosing a worthy lord is hard.’ We must never blindly trust our family. That's why we kept you hidden in the countryside. If something went wrong, Yuan Yi, the kids, and I could escape quickly on horseback. Yet, you kept complaining day and night that I 'only kept Yuan Yi for my own pleasure while my parents and siblings suffered in the countryside!' Later, when we befriended General Wan, I didn’t hesitate to bring all of you from the countryside here, did I?"
Old Madam’s usually thick-skinned face finally flushed with shame as she muttered awkwardly, "No wonder all these years, you’ve always settled our family near the Wan residence."
“Yuan Yi showed sharp judgment. She quickly identified that the so-called 'Bandit-Suppressing Generals' were either overly boastful incompetents or ruthless tyrants mistreating their subordinates. Only General Wan, though perhaps not the most skilled, is generous, courageous, kind, and forgiving. By supporting him and combining our strengths, we could forge a path through these turbulent times. Without this support, surviving to swear allegiance to His Majesty would have been impossible.”
Highlighting his wife’s virtues, Cheng Shi gained more confidence and justified: "The Wan family is the strongest clan in Sui County. Even without General Wan’s private army, Old Madam Wan alone commands over a hundred family guards and generals. That’s more than enough to keep away ordinary bandits and thieves—suitable to protect the women. Yuan Yi told me that since we pledged brotherhood with General Wan, it’s wise to entrust our family to them. It guarantees safety and shows sincerity—an ideal plan."
Cheng Shi paused and looked directly at Old Madam. "The Cheng family’s current status is mainly thanks to Yuan Yi. I remember swearing in the military tent: if I ever betray Yuan Yi in this life, let me die a miserable death!"
He thought he had expressed his views clearly, but Old Madam, after patiently hearing her son praise his wife for some time, finally couldn't hold back. She had always been stubborn and disliked being lectured on lofty principles. Though she might agree internally, she would never admit it openly.
Now, Old Madam's jealousy flared up, and she completely forgot about Uncle Dong. She bitterly snapped, "Yuan Yi this, Yuan Yi that—what about me, your mother? Have you ever thought about how I’ve been living?!"
"You’ve enjoyed good food, fine clothes, wealth, and honor. What could there possibly be to complain about?" Unfortunately, Cheng Shi had poured all his tenderness and consideration into Xiao Yuan Yi alone and couldn’t understand why his mother was dissatisfied.
Old Madam’s eyes filled with tears. "Out of my five children, I loved Sanlang Shen[7] and you the most. But after your marriage, you and your brother only care for your wives, sharing everything with them while neglecting me. My lap is empty, and my heart feels empty. How can I find happiness?"
Born a peasant woman, she was unafraid of hardship. However, after her son gained prominence, she was kept unaware of everything while Madam Xiao stayed close to him, knowing all the affairs—leaving her feeling like an outsider. She felt abandoned, lonely, and very jealous of the attention she no longer had.
Cheng Shi regarded his mother’s complaints as perplexing. "This is how it is when a man starts a family. Even a hundred years from now, you’ll be buried with Father, while we sons will lie beside our wives." After a pause, Cheng Shi observed Old Madam's bitter expression and 'delicately' misinterpreted it: "Since Father has passed, I understand Mother must have felt lonely. If Mother has someone in mind, why not remarry?" He believed that as long as his mother was happy—and even if it required offering a generous dowry—her happiness in her later years was worth it.
Old Madam's eyes, once as moist as the Amazon rainforest, suddenly dried up like the Sahara, as she glared at her son with fierce anger.
Cheng Shi, still convinced of his own generosity, pressed on, saying, "Mother need not feel shy. You have worked tirelessly for the Cheng family, and all your children recognize this. If you want to remarry, my brothers and I would support you. The Cheng family is small, and if the gods bless us with new siblings in the future, that would be wonderful. I would consider them my own family!"
Finally, unable to endure it any further, Old Madam grabbed the small black lacquered table and threw it forcefully at Cheng Shi: "You wretched boy, get out of my sight! If you die before me, I will make sure your wife finds a good husband to remarry and have a new family!"
…And thus concluded the heartfelt exchange between a mother and son who had been apart for ten years.
Madam Xiao slightly curled her lips. "It’s just the usual complaints. After being firm earlier, now it’s time to show softness. I instructed the master to praise his mother’s past struggles, highlight how they depended on each other to survive, and talk less about the Xiao family and me. What can a mother and son achieve together?"
Qing Cong beamed. "Madam is wise. The master will surely succeed this time."
Cheng Shi loosened his tense arms and politely helped his mother into a folding chair. The coldness in his demeanor softened as he spoke softly, "Mother, it’s been ten years since you last saw your son. Do I look much different?" He had practiced this opening line multiple times under his wife's guidance, feeling assured he had said it effectively.
At his words, Old Madam burst into tears, her trembling fingers reaching out to touch her son's weathered face. A wave of sorrow and resentment welled up inside her. "You... heartless boy!" she exclaimed. Her eyes caught the streaks of gray in his hair, prompting her to recall the young, energetic man in his twenties with bright eyes, who had once left her, now replaced by a serious, unfamiliar middle-aged general. She quickly inquired about his life over the years, worried whether he had suffered any injuries, and they exchanged tender words for a while. But eventually, Old Madam could no longer suppress her feelings of grievance.
"You are my eldest, the flesh of my flesh—how could I not miss you? Yet you’ve given your entire heart to your wife, leaving nothing for this old woman!" The thought pained her further. "In ten years, how many bamboo scrolls[1] have you sent? Always fretting over Fourth Miss[2] or writing cryptic messages I couldn’t decipher... Do you even know how I've managed all this time?"
Cheng Shi smiled softly. "I would have written more, Mother, but you can’t read well." His face then grew serious. "And I didn’t want Madam Ge intercepting my scrolls to you."
Wiping away her tears, Old Madam said, "Must you really feel such contempt for her? Just because of... that name?"
Cheng Shi's voice turned cold. "Chuo’er[3] was barely two when she died. And what does Madam Ge do? The moment Second Miss is born, she names her Chuo and keeps calling her 'Chuo’er, Chuo’er' nonstop. What kind of malice is that?"
Cheng Mu understood his pain and sighed. "Chuo" and "Chuo’er" are almost the same, that’s true. Madam Ge, in her ignorance, had thought men prioritized sons above all else. She only meant to taunt Madam Xiao, never realizing it was Cheng Shi who would feel the most hurt.
That little girl had been as delicate as carved jade, with Madam Xiao’s bright, lovely eyes and Cheng Shi’s smile and broad forehead. Back then, Cheng Shi, a new father, adored her more than anything. With Madam Xiao weakened after childbirth and no extra servants in the household, he would strap the swaddled infant to his chest whenever he had a spare moment, carrying her everywhere. Those were the hardest days for the Cheng family, barely getting by, let alone affording nourishing food or taking care of many things.
Old Madam was straightforward by nature, and it took her years to notice her son’s secret, deep sorrow. However, despite her wit, Madam Xiao never spoke up, allowing Madam ge to stumble into trouble unaware. Indeed, that woman was remarkable in her patience, but Madam Ge was petty.
I spoke with your sister-in-law about it, but she explained that at that time, the name was Grandfather Ge’s wish, and it wasn't right to go against an elder. Old Madam couldn’t help but defend her, even though she didn’t like this daughter-in-law either. After all, she was the one who arranged her own marriage, which wasn’t proper.
Cheng Shi sneered. "She always hides behind her father. If it weren't for Grandfather Ge’s honesty and his past help, I would have already forced Second Brother to divorce her!" "Hmph, this kind of woman causes trouble unnecessarily, spreads discord with her gossip, and seems to enjoy throwing the family into chaos. Such people ruin a perfectly good household!" Cheng Shi's anger grew as he thought it over. "When I visited Second Brother a few days ago, he looked completely lifeless, indifferent to everything, as if he were already an old man…"
Old Madam cut in, saying, "Er’Lang Shen[4] has been quiet ever since he was a child."
Cheng Shi interrupted her. "Being quiet isn’t the same as being lifeless! Even as a quiet child, he climbed trees and shot birds. When I began my ventures, he always accompanied me, making connections. How could he be any less than anyone else?" As the saying goes, the eldest brother is like a father, and his younger siblings are like his own children.”
Marrying that gloomy, sharp-tongued woman who constantly nags him about his failures. How can Second Brother have a happy, fulfilled life?" Cheng Shi slammed his palm on a lacquered side table next to the folding chair, making it creak softly. "We should never have covet the Ge family’s riches; it has ruined Second Brother!"
Old Madam did not care about her second son's misfortune. What truly mattered to her was the slightly wobbling black lacquer side table with a crane pattern. She had commissioned an identical one after seeing it at Old Madam Wan’s house next door. Every time Old Madam Wan slapped her table, even the tall General Wan would shrink down, kneeling and kowtowing, begging his mother. She had seen Old Madam Wan lose her temper several times and envied how easily she could command her son. Sadly, the table she never got to use was now being used by her own son.
“Speaking of which, it’s all Mother’s fault. I hesitated earlier about suggesting we consider the Ge family girl’s character, but Mother eagerly agreed. This memory frustrated Cheng Shi. At that time, he had already upset his mother by marrying Madam Xiao, so he didn’t dare to push hard for the match with the Ge family. His selfishness troubled him.
Old Madam sighed inwardly. Her eldest son had been mature beyond his years, taking on the family’s burdens from a young age and acting as the de facto head of the household after the death of her husband, the Head Master. However, even when her husband was alive, he cared about nothing but his scribbling[5]. Whenever she faced difficulties, she had to seek her son’s advice. How could she ever slap the table and assert her authority like Old Madam Wan?
“I understand. Mother only agreed to the match to help Uncle and was motivated by the bride’s dowry! My sister-in-law believed Yuan Yi would be the one to gain advantages. Hmph! I, Cheng Shi, stand firm between heaven and earth. No matter how dire the circumstances, I would never use my sister-in-law’s dowry to support my new bride! Cheng Shi recounted one grievance after another. "To protect the Dong family’s reputation, I never spoke about it, and now Uncle dares to be so smug!"
At the mention of her brother, Old Madam raised her voice. "Are we just supposed to watch your uncle’s family starve to death?!"
Mother and son shared the same temper, and their roars were equally thunderous.
Cheng Shi responded bluntly: "On the same land, others harvest ten bushels, while Uncle only gets three or four. Farming depends on hard work for good yields. Uncle avoids effort but expects fine food at every meal. After eating wild vegetables or coarse grains, he whines to Mother—and still dares to blame others?"
Old Madam struggled to defend him. "Your uncle has never worked since childhood, and he’s frail. How could he…"
"The world is in chaos out there; people in other provinces are selling children to eat! And Uncle still thinks he’s precious?! How old were we siblings when we started working?" Cheng Shi said coldly. "A-Xu was only four or five when she went up the mountain to gather wild vegetables. Once, she was nearly carried off by a wolf. Not a single one of her ten fingers was unbroken, and at night she had to learn to sew, in so much pain she couldn’t sleep. Yet I don’t recall Mother ever showing her any pity!"In any household facing hardship, the eldest son and daughter inevitably suffer the most. Old Madam could not argue this point, so in her haste, she seized upon another matter: "What about Xiao Feng! He also ate without working, yet you raised him all the same, even paid for his education and marriage!"
Cheng Shi also raised his voice: "How old was A-Feng when the Xiao family fell into ruin? Younger than our third son! By that time, we were no longer starving. I couldn’t bear to make our third son work, let alone A-Feng! But how old was Uncle? And Cousin Yong? Lazy and greedy, they probably couldn’t even recognize a rice seedling!"
Old Madam suppressed her anger and replied, "Fine, let’s set that aside. Still, you helped rebuild the Xiao family! Their estate was in ruins, their grand mansion destroyed by bandits, yet you insisted on restoring it…"
"Mother, enough!" Cheng Shi interrupted her firmly. "This is clearly Madam Ge’s fault again—what a spiteful tongue!"
Old Madam looked away, avoiding her son’s eyes. Cheng Shi scoffed, saying, "I’ll be clear. I not only helped A-Feng rebuild the Xiao family mansion but also purchased many of their sold-off fields during their decline. Additionally, I managed to redeem as many of their former servants as I could find!"
Old Madam jabbed her finger at him, trembling with rage. "You—you—!"
Cheng Shi grimly smiled. "Yuan Yi stated she would only marry a man capable of helping to rebuild the Xiao family, even if it required tireless effort like that of an ox or horse. If I failed, she would find someone else. I accepted this without hesitation." As he remembered his wife’s struggles, his face softened, and his tone grew tender. "Yuan Yi endured so much—once a noble Young Lady of the Xiao family, now faced with such despair."
Old Madam, frustrated, harshly punched her son’s shoulder. "You fool! That twice-married woman, her family ruined, their wealth gone! Why do you cherish her so? Who else would marry her if not a simpleton like you?"
"I love her!" Cheng Shi said, rubbing his aching shoulder without concern. "The first time I saw her at the Xiao family mansion as a young boy, I knew she was the one for me. I never wished to marry anyone else. If it weren't for the chaos of those times, I wouldn't have been so fortunate!"
He then pointed out, "And don’t act as if she had no options, Mother. Even as they declined, men still wanted to marry Yuan Yi. She wasn’t like A-Xi[6], who had to offer dowry after dowry just to secure a match."
At the mention of her youngest daughter, Old Madam’s anger deflated, leaving only a sigh.
Cheng Shi continued, "Yuan Yi is a heroine among women, always loyal to her promises. Over the years, she has stood by me through storms and battles, facing life-and-death situations. More than once, when I was barely hanging on, it was Yuan Yi who pulled me back!"
"Yes, yes, heaven and earth pale in comparison to your precious wife!" Old Madam snapped, stubbornly refusing to admit it even when she knew it was true.
"Yuan Yi truly is amazing!" Cheng Shi declared enthusiastically. "Mother, observe. Among the recently celebrated generals and marquises, seven out of ten came from wealthy landowning or noble families. The remaining three, despite their humble beginnings, dedicated themselves early to His Majesty and achieved success. But where does our family fit in?"
Old Madam realized he was speaking the truth. The Wan family next door had long been a prominent local clan. General Wan’s late father left him substantial wealth, land, and a private army—key factors in his successes. "What does it take to start a rebellion? People and money. Even if I could gather some young men for a call to arms, how would we pay the soldiers? What about supplies? And when soldiers are injured or disabled, they need compensation and care—how can we let their widows and orphans go starving? Wouldn’t that demoralize others? Our family was just a farming household with some surplus grain—where could we even find the resources?" Cheng Shi’s voice trembled with emotion as he remembered those hardships. "Although we managed to obtain some spoils and contributions from the wealthy households after capturing towns, we couldn’t simply loot them all. Once our reputation was damaged, how would we differ from bandits?"
Our hometown lacked any imperial prominence. Neither His Majesty nor the famous heroes of the era were nearby. Cheng Shi also felt frustrated about the town’s remote location. He was not an ambitious person. At that time, his main goal was to quickly find a trustworthy leader to swear loyalty to, serve faithfully, and ensure aStable future for himself. Despite its scenic mountains and rivers, his hometown never seemed to produce a leader.
“From Emperor Li's usurpation of the throne and the subsequent uprising of heroes across the land, to my friendship with General Wan—just over ten years—vital rebel forces vanished without a trace. One day, they celebrated with beautiful women; the next, their heads were displayed at city gates or on flagpoles. Their families—wives, children, elders—were left behind amid chaos or met tragic ends. Yuan Yi advised me that we shouldn’t behave like bandits, seeking only fleeting pleasures. There are proper ways for the powerful to ascend and for the weak to endure.
Cheng Shi stood up and paced around, raising his voice. "All the coins we earned back then had to be used wisely—repairing weapons, fortifying city walls, caring for the injured, and recruiting skilled men from everywhere! Our family lacked a strong reputation—why would heroes or warriors seek us out? It was only our reputation for fairness, compassion for the people, and treating soldiers like family that drew them in. Yuan Yi herself refused luxury—she would trade captured silk and brocade for supplies rather than indulge. Without her, Chuo’er... Chuo’er wouldn’t have..."
Cheng Shi was visibly moved when thinking about his eldest daughter. "Despite fighting off bandits and stray marauders, we had to calm the local villages as well. It was only then that the powerful families and common folk from nearby counties started to recognize my name, allowing me to build a foothold gradually—steering clear of the same fate as those bandits. Mother always believes I have money but refuses to spend it on her, not understanding how hard things have been for me!"
In reality, Old Madam wasn’t avaricious. She felt jealous after witnessing her son hand everything over to Madam Xiao following their marriage. She had heard these reasons before, but always thought her son was making excuses, freely giving money to his new wife while delaying with his own mother, which fueled her anger. This time, seeing tears in her son’s eyes, she trusted him almost completely. Old Madam muttered, "Later on, didn’t a few renowned generals come to recruit you?"
Recruit?! More like scapegoats! Cheng Shi replied coldly. "Before meeting General Wan, I faced many setbacks. Those so-called ‘great generals’ with fancy titles looked down on me because of my humble background. The polite ones offered gold and jewels, claiming they ‘invited me to discuss important matters.’ The arrogant ones merely spouted empty words, not a single grain of provisions, expecting me to obey." Cheng Shi glared at Old Madam and said, "Thankfully, Yuan Yi was cautious and alert. She told me, 'Charging into battle is easy, but choosing a worthy lord is hard.’ We must never blindly trust our family. That's why we kept you hidden in the countryside. If something went wrong, Yuan Yi, the kids, and I could escape quickly on horseback. Yet, you kept complaining day and night that I 'only kept Yuan Yi for my own pleasure while my parents and siblings suffered in the countryside!' Later, when we befriended General Wan, I didn’t hesitate to bring all of you from the countryside here, did I?"
Old Madam’s usually thick-skinned face finally flushed with shame as she muttered awkwardly, "No wonder all these years, you’ve always settled our family near the Wan residence."
“Yuan Yi showed sharp judgment. She quickly identified that the so-called 'Bandit-Suppressing Generals' were either overly boastful incompetents or ruthless tyrants mistreating their subordinates. Only General Wan, though perhaps not the most skilled, is generous, courageous, kind, and forgiving. By supporting him and combining our strengths, we could forge a path through these turbulent times. Without this support, surviving to swear allegiance to His Majesty would have been impossible.”
Highlighting his wife’s virtues, Cheng Shi gained more confidence and justified: "The Wan family is the strongest clan in Sui County. Even without General Wan’s private army, Old Madam Wan alone commands over a hundred family guards and generals. That’s more than enough to keep away ordinary bandits and thieves—suitable to protect the women. Yuan Yi told me that since we pledged brotherhood with General Wan, it’s wise to entrust our family to them. It guarantees safety and shows sincerity—an ideal plan."
Cheng Shi paused and looked directly at Old Madam. "The Cheng family’s current status is mainly thanks to Yuan Yi. I remember swearing in the military tent: if I ever betray Yuan Yi in this life, let me die a miserable death!"
He thought he had expressed his views clearly, but Old Madam, after patiently hearing her son praise his wife for some time, finally couldn't hold back. She had always been stubborn and disliked being lectured on lofty principles. Though she might agree internally, she would never admit it openly.
Now, Old Madam's jealousy flared up, and she completely forgot about Uncle Dong. She bitterly snapped, "Yuan Yi this, Yuan Yi that—what about me, your mother? Have you ever thought about how I’ve been living?!"
"You’ve enjoyed good food, fine clothes, wealth, and honor. What could there possibly be to complain about?" Unfortunately, Cheng Shi had poured all his tenderness and consideration into Xiao Yuan Yi alone and couldn’t understand why his mother was dissatisfied.
Old Madam’s eyes filled with tears. "Out of my five children, I loved Sanlang Shen[7] and you the most. But after your marriage, you and your brother only care for your wives, sharing everything with them while neglecting me. My lap is empty, and my heart feels empty. How can I find happiness?"
Born a peasant woman, she was unafraid of hardship. However, after her son gained prominence, she was kept unaware of everything while Madam Xiao stayed close to him, knowing all the affairs—leaving her feeling like an outsider. She felt abandoned, lonely, and very jealous of the attention she no longer had.
Cheng Shi regarded his mother’s complaints as perplexing. "This is how it is when a man starts a family. Even a hundred years from now, you’ll be buried with Father, while we sons will lie beside our wives." After a pause, Cheng Shi observed Old Madam's bitter expression and 'delicately' misinterpreted it: "Since Father has passed, I understand Mother must have felt lonely. If Mother has someone in mind, why not remarry?" He believed that as long as his mother was happy—and even if it required offering a generous dowry—her happiness in her later years was worth it.
Old Madam's eyes, once as moist as the Amazon rainforest, suddenly dried up like the Sahara, as she glared at her son with fierce anger.
Cheng Shi, still convinced of his own generosity, pressed on, saying, "Mother need not feel shy. You have worked tirelessly for the Cheng family, and all your children recognize this. If you want to remarry, my brothers and I would support you. The Cheng family is small, and if the gods bless us with new siblings in the future, that would be wonderful. I would consider them my own family!"
Finally, unable to endure it any further, Old Madam grabbed the small black lacquered table and threw it forcefully at Cheng Shi: "You wretched boy, get out of my sight! If you die before me, I will make sure your wife finds a good husband to remarry and have a new family!"
…And thus concluded the heartfelt exchange between a mother and son who had been apart for ten years.
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Meanwhile, Qing Cong softly massaged Madam Xiao’s shoulders as distant, faint shouts echoed. She smiled and commented, "The master and the old mistress both have loud voices. I wonder how their conversation is going. I only hope the Old Madam reconsiders. Family harmony is so important."Madam Xiao slightly curled her lips. "It’s just the usual complaints. After being firm earlier, now it’s time to show softness. I instructed the master to praise his mother’s past struggles, highlight how they depended on each other to survive, and talk less about the Xiao family and me. What can a mother and son achieve together?"
Qing Cong beamed. "Madam is wise. The master will surely succeed this time."
[1] Bamboo slips were a primary writing medium in ancient China, consisting of thin, narrow strips of bamboo or wood inscribed with a column of characters. These slips were tied together with string to form portable scrolls, or "bamboo books," which were used for everything from government documents and philosophical texts to legal records, before the widespread invention of paper.
[2] In ancient times, children were named based on their birth order within the family, rather than by their parents.
[2] In ancient times, children were named based on their birth order within the family, rather than by their parents.
- First Miss: First daughter of Cheng Shi (1st son) and Madam Xiao died at 2 (*). Given name Chuo.
- Second Miss: first daughter of Cheng Cheng (2nd son) and Madam Ge - (Given name name 'Chuo', then named 'Chuo Er' and finally called by her courtesy name 'Yang')
- Third Miss: first daughter of Cheng Zhi (3rd son) and Madam Sang. Very young, she has no role in the story. It is assumed she also died.
- Fourth Miss: Cheng Shao Shang, courtesy name Niao.
(*) In ancient China, miscarriage and maternal death in childbirth were common. See 'Ancient Times' top menu to know more.
[3] Madam Ge’s daughter is named Cheng Yang, but she chose the nickname Chuo and later called her Chuo’er. Similar to Cheng Shaoshang, who is affectionately called Niao Niao (she could be called Niao’er), Chuo’er incorporates the suffix ‘er’ to convey endearment. The nickname Chuo is the initial choice. This is similar to the nickname Cheng Shi and Madam Xiao had in mind for the baby girl. It was a time of hunger, cold, and disease all over the country. She died when she was a 2 years old.
[4] Erlang Shen, meaning "Second Young Master. He is the second son of the Cheng family and brother of Cheng Shi.
[5] Old Madam’s late husband was an educated man who married a peasant out of desperation. He dedicated his life to composing music, but his illiterate wife mistook his work for fortune-telling.
[6] This character's parentage is not explained, but she is clearly the daughter of Old Madam and her late Old Cheng Master. It is assumed that she is the third brother's daughter.
[v7] Sanlang shen, meaning “Third Young Master”
[4] Erlang Shen, meaning "Second Young Master. He is the second son of the Cheng family and brother of Cheng Shi.
[5] Old Madam’s late husband was an educated man who married a peasant out of desperation. He dedicated his life to composing music, but his illiterate wife mistook his work for fortune-telling.
[6] This character's parentage is not explained, but she is clearly the daughter of Old Madam and her late Old Cheng Master. It is assumed that she is the third brother's daughter.
[v7] Sanlang shen, meaning “Third Young Master”
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Author's Note:
Do not take the historical setting too literally—this is a work of fiction.
FD proofreader and Editor's note:
- Doubling the courtesy name, like 'Niao Niao' or 'Yang Yang,' is a way to show affection when addressing a close relative.
- Adding 'A' before a given name is also an affectionate form used to refer to close persons or younger individuals, such as A Mei, the young daughter of Nanny Zhu, or A Cong, Madam Xiao calling her sworn sister Qing Cong; any other people would call her Madam Qing or Aunt Qing. (Aunt is a sign of respect from the younger generation calling an elder).
- Adding 'Er' after a given name is a common endearment used by elders to address younger people, especially within families.
- Adding 'Xiao' before a given name means 'Little' and is used to differentiate between two people with the same name. Usually, Xiao indicates the younger person. When used for children, it is a sign of affection, and anyone can use it. Xiao is also a name, but in this story, an honorific like Madam Xiao will be added.
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