Chapter 1357: 1354: Speaking the Truth

Chapter 1357: Chapter 1354: Speaking the Truth

But the mental exhaustion at this moment was incomparable.

Chu Qingxiang suddenly looked up, her eyes filled with unstoppable astonishment. “Mother, why would you ask such a thing? You’re not angry with me, are you?”

“Last night I lost control of my temper. You know how many people in the village talk behind my back, deliberately taunting me. The reason I came back late this time was that the Song family purposely kept it from me. Although someone had sent a letter, they didn’t let me know. How could I not resent them? That’s why I was so sensitive. I thought that by coming back to my parent’s home, my aunt would also take the chance to mock me.” Chu Qingxiang hurriedly explained, seeking Madam Zhang’s support with a probing question.

Madam Zhang looked up at her, “Qingxiang, I’m not angry. You just need to honestly answer the questions I asked.”

Chu Qingxiang felt some resentment because of the question asked by Madam Zhang. “Mother, you’re doubting me, aren’t you? I know you’re dissatisfied with me.”

“Do you think I’m dissatisfied with you?” Madam Zhang was genuinely hurt now. “Qingxiang, ask yourself sincerely, how have I treated you over the years?”

Chu Qingxiang frowned and said nothing. She felt annoyed and loathed anyone asking about her marital affairs, as it seemed like they were mocking her.

Especially now in the Chu family, everyone’s life seemed better than hers. Why should that be!

Chu Qingxiang clenched the hem of her garment tightly, staying silent but her stance was clear.

Madam Zhang’s eyes reddened, and she remained silent for a long time, only wiping away tears. “Then tell me what I should do to help you so you would be satisfied.”

After being stunned, Chu Qingxiang couldn’t help but feel immense joy. She hadn’t expected that over the years, her mother had only secretly given her silver without openly supporting her. She was dissatisfied, unhappy that her parents sided with outsiders against her. Didn’t they owe her more support?

If her parents had supported her, she wouldn’t have been bullied so miserably by her mother-in-law.

“Mother, why do you say that? Look at me now—except for Song Lu passing the first examination, what else can I do but live separately with him? Can you ensure he passes the first examination?” Chu Qingxiang scoffed.

Looking at her resentful expression, Madam Zhang’s heart grew numb.

“You could divorce him and marry a first-place scholar or even an imperial examination champion,” Madam Zhang finally relayed the suggestion from her mother-in-law. She didn’t want to suspect her daughter with the worst intent, but indeed, her guilt had previously blinded her to her daughter’s grievances.

Chu Qingxiang’s expression froze.

She was entirely unprepared for her mother to say that, her emotions fluctuating wildly. “Mother, why would you say that…?”

Her voice grew hoarse, staring at her in shock.

Madam Zhang calmly looked at her. “I just felt that it’s been a long time since we had a heart-to-heart talk, and I wanted to know your true feelings.”

“After all, seeing you suffering like this pains my heart too. Just tell me directly how I can help you,” Madam Zhang carefully observed her expression.

Chu Qingxiang was stunned, and behind her shock, there was a sense of joy that her family was finally ready to support her wholeheartedly.

“Mother, I only wish Song Lu could continue his studies. If he could pass the imperial examination, that would be ideal,” Chu Qingxiang said, her countenance relaxed and very happy.

Seeing her like this, Madam Zhang had long missed seeing her happy like that. Ever since her daughter married, she seemed never to have smiled. Whose fault could that be?

Her expression softened a bit as she reassured her. “Of course, that would be the best outcome. But Qingxiang, have you thought about what if he doesn’t pass?”