Chapter 1346: Chapter 1344: That Girl Has a Bit of a Temper
In the Chunhui Hall, Wu Lihong was sitting on the Arhat bed with Old Madam Wu, discussing private matters.
"Mother, why did you stop me just now? Are we really not bringing Madam Zhou back? If she gives birth to that child outside, it will bear the reputation of a child from concubinage!" Wu Lihong couldnāt understand why his mother stopped him.
Old Madam Wu said, "Eldest son, all these years, you only have Yuyu, and just one concubine-born daughter. Have you never wondered why?"
Wu Lihong was taken aback and said, "Mother, do you mean Madam Wang has been up to something?"
Old Madam Wu didnāt answer him directly and said, "The inner chambers are far more filthy than you imagine. I wonāt speak of her, but women all have personal motives. The past is the past, and the future is the future. In your main household, having only Yuyu is insufficient. You should give him a brother to support one another in the future."
"I understand." Wu Lihong said sheepishly, "These years, there hasnāt been any good news from my courtyard, causing you worry."
"Yet when you took a trip to Huayang, Madam Zhou conceived!" Old Madam Wu said with meaning.
Wu Lihongās expression changed drastically, and he pounded the small table heavily, saying viciously, "It must be that malicious woman, Madam Wang, that meddled. Otherwise, why has no one conceived! This woman is truly vicious!"
"Do you have evidence?" Old Madam Wu asked. "Donāt speak recklessly about things without evidence. She has borne you three legitimate children at least. Were she to have none, I wouldnāt tolerate her either. But youāre not short of legitimate daughters or sons."
Without waiting for Wu Lihong to speak, she continued, "Through these years, she might have been jealous. But in managing household affairs and raising children, you canāt deny or ignore her contributions."
Wu Lihong snorted.
"I stopped you from interrupting because I fear Madam Zhou coming in at this moment, having not gone through storms, might fall into someoneās trap. Thus, itās better for her to give birth outside, at least she can have the child, which will be alive. We can bring it back later!" Old Madam Wu said, "You and Madam Wang have been young couples for over ten years. This year, the Wang Family has had troubles and fallen; you canāt do anything rash towards Madam Wang! Otherwise, outsiders will say you forget your roots, which is detrimental to your reputation."
Wu Lihong listened to this, his expression softened, and he said, "Exactly why I havenāt been too harsh on her, but she canāt keep pushing. Mother, we were so close to the fourth-rank, but it flew away like a bird. I canāt accept this!"
Old Madam Wu also felt regret; who doesnāt wish their honor were a bit greater?
"Itās fate," she sighed and asked, "What about that daughter Madam Zhou raised? Why is her behavior so violent?"
Wu Lihongās face darkened further and he said, "That girlās temperament is somewhat explosive!"
Old Madam Wu sneered, "I think itās not explosive but arrogant! A mere young girl, so malicious. Thankfully Yuyu is unharmed, otherwise Iād risk my old life to seek justice! Iām telling you, this girl, do not recognize her back into the family, cannot enter the clan. Donāt bring trouble to the family."
"I doubt she even wants to acknowledge me." Wu Lihong said gloomily.
"What?"
Wu Lihong replied, "Never mind. Mother, rest easy, Iāll go to the Capital Office for a while; matters of the house still need sorting."
Old Madam Wu waved her hand, "Go!"
After her son left, she pondered deeply, then called in her attendant, Nanny Liu, and whispered a few words to her.