Chapter 863: Chapter 862: Doomed to Disappointment
Madam Zhou truly felt disheartened; her own relatives would actually encourage her younger sister to become a concubine for someone else. Didnât he feel ashamed?
Zhou Xuennian would not feel ashamed; face and dignity could never compare to tangible benefits. He even thought that Zhou Yingmei was naĂŻve and foolish. As a mere farmerâs daughter, did she dare to dream of becoming the wife of a prominent household?
In his view, considering the situation of someone like Madam Zhou, where she already had a daughter, being granted the status of a consort was already a matter of magnanimity on their part.
Zhou Xuennian made no attempt to conceal his thoughts and plainly stated: "If youâre hoping he has eyes for you alone or will remain faithful, I urge you to wake up soon. Moreover, Wu Lihongâs legitimate wife is the Legitimate Daughter of a Marquis; how can a scholar familyâs daughter like you compare to her?"
Madam Zhouâs face turned pale.
"Donât talk about how he first loved you or the Marriage Certificate between you; his legitimate marriage was publicly accepted, with the acknowledgment of both parents. But you? To be blunt, it was merely a private agreement," Zhou Xuennian sneered. "If you really fantasize about that position, I fear it will be worse than death, seeking nothing but disappointment."
"Stop talking!" Madam Zhou trembled slightly. "Enough is enough!"
"Listen to me. Take this opportunity to have him offer you more for your security... If our Zhou family has a promising future, should you eventually go to the Wu Family, youâll have something to rely on!" Zhou Xuennian finally revealed his true intention.
Qiu Xiang rolled her eyes in secret, finding the ultimate aim to be self-serving after all.
"So this is your real motive!" Madam Zhou also understood and laughed mockingly.
Zhou Xuennian looked a bit embarrassed but did not hide, saying, "If thatâs how you see it, Iâll accept it. But isnât this a win-win? What good is a woman without her family for support?"
"I havenât seen what kind of support the Old Zhou family has offered to us mother and daughter!"
Facing her mockery, Zhou Xuennian calmly replied, "Even if there was none, youâve lived safely in Wozi Village for fourteen years, right? Without the Old Zhou family, could you still be living in the village and raising Wufu?"
Madam Zhou said, "Thatâs because Father protected us."
"Father also bears the Zhou surname; you canât deny it!"
Madam Zhou pursed her lips and said, "You should leave. I have nothing to say to you. Qiu Xiang, letâs go back!"
"Yes!"
Qiu Xiang supported Madam Zhou, and behind them, Zhou Xuennian said unwillingly, "Ying Mei, reality is reality. Wu Lihong can never disown his legitimate wife to marry you, not to mention he has a few children. What do you have? Wake up already!"
Madam Zhou paused in her steps and walked on without looking back.
Zhou Xuennian watched her disappear with a sullen face, truly a naĂŻve and pitiable fool.
As for Madam Zhou, she returned to the room and leaned weakly against the beauty couch, looking as if she had lost her soul, with tears welling up in her eyes.
"Qiu Xiang, what he said was true, wasnât it?" Madam Zhou said with a bitter smile.
Qiu Xiang tugged at the corners of her mouth, and after a long moment, reluctantly nodded, saying, "Madam, whether for personal prospects or for this relationship, Lord Wu canât possibly divorce his wife and remarry; otherwise, he would be bombarded with accusations by the Imperial Censor. The Wu Family also would not risk offending the Marquis Yonganâs Mansion just for..."
Madam Zhouâs bitter smile grew more desolate as she said despairingly, "For the sake of his feelings, where do we mother and daughter stand? Ha ha."
Qiu Xiang remained silent, thinking, where do they indeed stand?
In truth, from the very beginning, Madam Zhou was destined to be the one betrayed; her chances of winning were never there.