Chapter 24

Mrs. Guan grumbled inwardly but maintained a respectful and somewhat fearful demeanor. Everything was unfamiliar in this new household, making her feel like a fledgling bird entering a forest.

Especially after Yan Yingqi and Yan Jingzhao left, Mrs. Guan feared that Lady Xie might assert her authority over her.

Unexpectedly, Lady Xie treated her with great warmth: "How is Jingzhao treating you? There were many people around earlier, so I couldn't ask. If he has done anything wrong, please tell me, and I will speak to him."

"Madam, Master Jingzhao treats your daughter-in-law very well," Mrs. Guan said shyly with a smile.

Lady Xie nodded: "That's good. Your mother told me you excel at embroidery. Looking at what you've brought, Yao Niang, you should learn more from your sister-in-law."

Yao Niang smiled at Mrs. Guan: "Sister-in-law, I am learning embroidery, but I always struggle with it. Please don't hesitate to teach me."

Seeing their kindness, Mrs. Guan felt relieved: "Sister, you flatter me. If there's anything you don't understand, just ask me."

"Thank you, Sister-in-law," Yao Niang said with a smile.

Lady Xie added: "Our third branch doesn't have many people. I only have Jingzhao and his sister under my care. Jingzhao spends most of his time studying, and Yao Niang also studies and does embroidery with her sisters. It's very peaceful here. You don't need to feel burdened in our home; treat it as if it were your own."

Mrs. Guan knew these were formalities, but as a daughter-in-law, she could only nod.

Lady Xie continued: "You've been busy all morning, and the wedding last night must have been tiring. Go back and rest. The kitchen will send lunch later. If it doesn't suit your taste, let us know." She then explained clearly about the servants' arrangements and where they would stay, without any hint of intimidation.

Even more surprisingly, Lady Xie said: "In a few days, the eldest branch's second son is getting married. We'll have to attend. This time, I've prepared the gifts for you. Later, I'll gradually teach you about family etiquette."

"Thank you, Madam," Mrs. Guan said gratefully.

She hadn't expected such kindness from her mother-in-law, feeling a sense of unreality as she pondered on the way back.

After Mrs. Guan left, Yao Niang approached Lady Xie: "Mother, what do you think of my sister-in-law?"

"It's not up to me to judge since I don't live with her. As long as your brother likes her, that's enough. Besides, there's still the matriarch supporting her. Yao Niang, remember what I taught you before—don't interfere in family matters. Now, let me add another piece of advice—never meddle in marital affairs."

Yao Niang nodded emphatically, feeling that her mother truly saw through everything. So she asked: "Mother, do you think I'll ever truly stand out one day?"

"Of course you will. Our Yao Niang is quite remarkable. Many people were amazed by your performance yesterday," Lady Xie smiled.

"I have a little secret, but I can't tell you now. You'll find out later," Yao Niang whispered to Lady Xie.

Lady Xie gently tapped her daughter's forehead: "Still keeping secrets from your mother."

The mother-daughter pair chatted for a while before sending off the relatives. Yao Niang also met Cousin Xie Liulang and lamented: "Cousin, it would be nice if you stayed to play with us. Father promised to take us to the City God Temple during the Lantern Festival."

Xie Liulang, now older, scratched his head: "Next time."

Though they didn't talk much, seeing his cousin still treat him warmly made him happy.

Lady Xie's aunt noticed that the matriarch hadn't come out to see them off and worriedly glanced at her sister. It was said that Yan Jingzhao's wife was chosen by the matriarch, which might make life difficult for her sister!

Lady Xie seemed calm, however, and even went to inform the matriarch after sending off the relatives. The matriarch looked at her and asked: "What do you think of Jingzhao's wife?"

"The person chosen by the matriarch can't be wrong," Lady Xie smiled.

The matriarch continued: "Yesterday, I heard that Lady Xie left early. Why did she leave? She said something and then left. Lady Xie is no ordinary person; we shouldn't offend her."

If it had been before, Lady Xie would have trembled with anger. She never wanted to be a co-wife, having been forced into it years ago when the matriarch wanted both a noble bride and to keep Yan Yingqi's heart. Now, the matriarch was using this to humiliate her, thinking that with a new wife, Lady Xie was no longer needed.

But with her daughter's support, Lady Xie now had the strength to respond: "I don't know why Lady Xie left. Perhaps she thinks our third branch isn't as prestigious as the eldest. She openly called me a concubine, implying Jingzhao is illegitimate. But Father knows better. He said those who visit and then try to correct others' manners are best avoided."

"You—" The matriarch was struck by Lady Xie's words despite her soft tone.

The matriarch had her own motives. She didn't want the third branch's wealth to go to the eldest branch and preferred it to stay with Jingzhao and his wife. She found Mrs. Guan more composed and suitable as a mistress than Lady Xie.

Lady Xie's current status, going out often, made others think she was a concubine acting as a wife, which was improper. If Lady Xie died, Jingzhao would be officially unrelated to the eldest branch and could be considered the grandson of the third branch, perhaps with a note about adoption.

But now, Lady Xie seemed to imply she had Yan Yingqi's support.

"Don't drag Jingzhao into everything," she scolded, angry that Lady Xie used her son as a shield.

Lady Xie touched the tassels on her head: "Jingzhao came from my womb. Insulting me affects him too, unless he disowns his birth mother, which would make him unfaithful and unfilial. Such a person would be despised by society."

Previously, Lady Xie feared the matriarch mistreating Jingzhao and thus endured everything for his sake. The matriarch used Jingzhao to control her, leading to her depression and even thoughts of suicide.

Now, she feared nothing, having faced death. She wasn't afraid of anyone anymore.

The matriarch, enraged, threw a teacup to the ground: "I didn't expect you to slander your own son. Do you really think Yan Yingqi favors you?"

Lady Xie immediately knelt down, crying and bowing: "Matriarch, it's all my fault. Please don't blame Jingzhao. For him, I'd do anything, even die."

The matriarch prepared to berate her further but saw Yan Jingzhao appear, his face filled with concern, looking at his kneeling mother with deep affection.

She instantly realized it was all a setup by Lady Xie, but it was too late.