Chapter 1318: Chapter 1316: Shameless Decision
Madam Zhou was assisted to the main seat, while Wu Lihong watched with a bitter warmth in his eyes. He had been here for quite a while, yet he was seated in the guest position.
They really treated him like a guest!
Wu Lihong looked at Madam Zhouâs gaunt face and frowned, asking, "Meiniang, why have you lost so much weight?"
Madam Zhou looked at him and replied, "The journey was somewhat arduous, and the discomfort of adjusting to the local conditions took a toll." She then glanced at Wufu, saying, "Wufu, you may leave."
Wufu looked over.
"Go on," Madam Zhouâs gaze carried a hint of plea.
Wufu lowered her eyes, gave a slight bow, cast a warning glance at Wu Lihong, and then departed.
Whether it was an illusion or something else, as soon as Wufu left, Wu Lihong felt all pressure dissipate, and he felt considerably more relaxed.
After taking two sips of tea, considering Wufuâs rudeness, he darkened his expression and said, "Meiniang, Wufuâs temperament is far too headstrong. She shows no virtue or filial duty expected of a child, her nature is unruly, and she shows no respect for her biological father."
Once he started speaking, Wu Lihong became like a gossiping woman, listing complaints about how Wufu shut him out, how she ignored him, and how she just acted out.
"Enough!" Madam Zhou interrupted him.
Wu Lihong was startled: "Meiniang, you..."
"She never saw her father from birth. For over a decade, sheâs relied solely on me. As I raised her alone, how could I find time to teach her respect for her father? She doesnât favor mentioning her biological father either! Her unruly nature has its causes, and you canât entirely blame her!" Madam Zhou said calmly.
Wu Lihong frowned, "Meiniang, is this your way of blaming me? I already mentioned, back then I didnât know..."
"The past is past, letâs not bring it up!"
Seeing her indifferent demeanor, Wu Lihong suddenly felt unsure and said, "Yes, the past is past. Now our family is reunited. I promised that I would treat you and your daughter well from now on."
"As for Wufu, what do you plan to do?" Madam Zhou looked at him, "I know you cannot divorce and remarry. My background destined me to be a concubine. So what would such a procedure be? Even though Iâm from an honest family, a daughter from a scholar family, even as a consort, I would be second wife, wouldnât disgrace you, right?"
Wu Lihong stiffened and forced a smile, "This..."
Madam Zhou felt her heart sink, said, "What? Is this difficult for you?"
"Meiniang, I will treat you well," Wu Lihong said, "In Huayang, didnât we talk things through well?"
He glanced at her sharply pointed, slim belly, said, "The child is already this big; in a few months itâll be born. Do you really want him to be born as an illegitimate child? Once you enter the Wu Family, youâll be my concubine, the child will be born legitimate, far better than being illegitimate."
Avoiding any mention regarding making her a second wife, sidestepping the issue entirely.
Madam Zhou lowered her eyes, concealing her disappointment, gently asked, "Then what about Wufu? What have you decided for her?"
Wu Lihong believed she understood, hastily said, "Wufu is my daughter, naturally she should return too. However, she might suffer a bit; you know, with my position of fifth rank and working with the Ministry of Rites, etiquette and rules are held in high regard. Wufu she..."
He hesitated for a while, said, "Wufu ran off far away to get here; reputation-wise, itâs not the best. If the Imperial Censor finds out, my career might end, and the Wu Family would no longer face people! So, externally, let her pretend to be your personal maidservant and return with you. Rest assured, Iâll have the people below treat her like a proper young lady!"