Upon hearing Zhu Xiuxiuās words, Madam Ji fixed her gaze on Ji Youcheng. "Yes, Third Son, why donāt you tell me how you plan to show your filial piety?"
Ji Youcheng opened his mouth, and after a long pause, he stammered, "Mother, filial piety... its most important aspect is..."
"The gravest of the three unfilial acts is to have no heir. Isnāt that the most important?"
Ji Youcheng nodded vigorously. "Yes, exactly!" He was secretly elated.
Oh good, Mother isnāt here to ask for money this time!
So, he happily agreed.
However, a moment later, belatedly realizing the implications, Ji Youcheng quickly changed his tune. "AHEM... Mother! This matter isnāt urgent! It canāt be rushed!"
Zhu Xiuxiu chimed in, "Mother! This really canāt be rushed. If you want a grandchild, isnāt Eldest Sister-in-law already four months pregnant?"
Madam Ji turned to her, her expression hardening. "What does your Eldest Sister-in-lawās child have to do with my Third Son?"
Zhu Xiuxiuās face stiffened; she was rendered speechless.
Madam Ji turned her gaze back to Ji Youcheng.
Ji Youcheng shook his head vehemently. "Nothing at all!"
Good heavens! If Eldest Brother found out, heād kill me!
"Then whose child *would* have something to do with you?" Madam Ji asked, looking at Ji Youcheng.
Ji Youcheng silently glanced at Zhu Xiuxiu, only to meet her fierce glare. He quickly looked away and said nothing.
Madam Ji sighed inwardly. "If you truly want to show your filial piety, then you two should hurry up and give me some grandchildren! Suisui could use some company too, donāt you think?"
Zhu Xiuxiu lowered her head, staring at her toes. Her fair neck was exposed, and she felt her face burning hot.
Seeing her like this, Ji Youchengās heart skipped a beat. It had been years since heād seen Zhu Xiuxiu this way. He coughed, looked away, and after a moment, said to Madam Ji, "You... you didnāt come all this way just to press us about grandchildren, did you?"
Madam Ji shook her head. "Yes and no!"
Ji Youcheng looked at her, puzzled. "What do you mean?"
"I am indeed here about the matter of your descendants. You and Xiuxiu have been married for three years, and thereās still no news. So, I was thinking of going to Qixia Temple to offer incense and pray to the Bodhisattva to bless you with news soon, and for me to have a big, healthy grandson!"
Ji Youcheng blinked, sensing his mother hadnāt finished speaking.
Zhu Xiuxiu also looked up sharply at Madam Ji and murmured softly, "Mother."
Her voice was sweet and soft; her shyness was evident just from the drawn-out final sound.
Ji Youcheng shivered.
Zhu Xiuxiu has a side like this? Bashful? That canāt be right!
"You be quiet. I need to speak with Third Son for a moment."
Hearing this, Ji Youcheng tensed up, bracing himself and going on full alert.
Whenever Mother sought him out, it was never for anything good.
"Donāt look like Iām after your family fortune. Iām just telling you that tomorrow Iām taking your wife, Suisui, and your Second Brotherās wife to Qixia Temple to offer incense. You are to go there today to make the necessary arrangements and get things ready!"
Ji Youcheng nodded. That didnāt seem like a big deal. "No problem. Iāll arrange it. Iāll just have one of my men take care of it."
Hearing this, Madam Ji glared at him. "Iām going to pray for children for you and your brothers, and youāre sending a subordinate to handle the preparations? Is that sincere?"
Ji Youchengās lips twitched. "I..."
"Hmm?"
"Yes! Your son will definitely go personally and handle it with utmost sincerity."
Ji Youcheng readily agreed, little knowing that this was just the beginning of his financial drain!