A Good Country Wife
Chapter 240 - 232: Won’t Leave_2

Chapter 240: Chapter 232: Won’t Leave_2

"Son-in-law, when do you plan to return to the Capital City this time?" Wei Family’s matriarch asked with a sycophantic smile, her usual pretense of pride and dignity gone. She was eager to curry favor with her wealthy son-in-law.

Upon hearing himself addressed as ’son-in-law’ by the Wei matriarch, Wei Xingye felt a wave of disgust. These rural old women truly knew no decorum. His wife was but a concubine of his, and yet she dared to call him son-in-law. What audacity! If she weren’t still of some use to him, he would not wish to set foot in such a poor and sour place. As for Zhao Lingxiang, they had shamelessly imposed her on him, but he had taken her in only because she was young and fair and had a certain beauty. Having another concubine in the house merely meant one more bowl of rice to serve; why refuse what’s willingly offered?

"Leaves return to their roots. I am already beyond the age of confusion, and my son has grown up. It’s time he took a wife and had children. I want to settle down. Xin’an City is my birthplace, and I intend to take up residence here permanently and not leave again. I will gradually transfer all my property from the Capital City here," Wei Xingye said, of course not revealing his true reason for returning and instead pretending as he spoke.

The Wei matriarch had no idea how much Wei Xingye despised her in his heart. When she heard him mention his son, she felt choked and quite uncomfortable.

Wei Xingye had two sons, one from his legitimate wife and one from a favored concubine, both of whom had nothing to do with Zhao Lingxiang. She couldn’t understand why, but Zhao Lingxiang’s belly had been silent these past years. It was odd given that, initially, upon entering the Wei Residence, Zhao Lingxiang had attended to the old Master Wei for quite some time. So why was there not even the slightest hint of a child in her womb? Could it be an issue with her health? That didn’t seem right since her daughter had always been healthy from a young age and should have no trouble bearing sons. Surely, it must be because the ’son-in-law’ did not visit her daughter’s chambers frequently enough.

"Son-in-law, do rest assured. Years ago, a wandering Taoist read my daughter’s face and said she was blessed with fortune and would become wealthy and noble. Lingxiang will certainly bear you a healthy, chubby son. It just wasn’t the right time before, but as long as you visit my daughter’s room more often, you’ll surely hear good news," the Wei matriarch thought anxiously for her own daughter and, misjudging the situation, believed Master Wei was indulging her daughter by agreeing to accompany Zhao Lingxiang on this visit home, so she spoke without restraint.

Was the Wei matriarch indirectly soliciting favor for her daughter? Absurd! Wei Xingye’s patience with her was wearing even thinner.

Zhao Lingxiang’s face turned unnatural when she heard her mother’s words. Instinctively, she glanced towards Wei Xingye and indeed saw his furrowed brow and the warning look in his eyes, causing her to shiver.

"Mother, don’t talk nonsense. The master knows what he’s doing. He decides himself which room to visit, and as a mere concubine, I have no right to interfere. Please don’t create trouble," she said.

Wei Xingye, noting that Zhao Lingxiang was being sensible, softened his expression slightly. At this moment, the Wei matriarch became somewhat embarrassed. Yes, her daughter was only a concubine, and her status was nothing in front of her son-in-law. If she misspoke and displeased the son-in-law, and it affected her daughter, that would be unfortunate. She immediately closed her mouth and smiled awkwardly.

"It’s not often that we return. Please also invite your elder brother-in-law and the rest to come for a meal. I’ve heard that Aunt Zhao has two half-brothers; invite them too. Let’s treat this meal as a celebration. Go make preparations for a decent banquet," Wei Xingye instructed, giving a knowing glance to the servant who had followed. The servant immediately took out a ten-tael silver ingot from his purse and handed it to the Wei matriarch, who joyfully went off to cook.

"Elder sister-in-law, second sister-in-law." Lin Yue and Liu’s were busy pickling duck eggs when Zhao Cheng’s wife, Li Xiaomei, arrived with her children. It was truly a rare occurrence; since Lin Yue had come here, it was the first time she saw Li Xiaomei come over.

"Younger sister-in-law, what a rare guest. What kind of wind has blown you here today? Is there something you need?" said Lin Yue, the hostess of the home, who asked first, her tone neither cold nor warm.

Li Xiaomei was not bothered, knowing the relationship between her mother-in-law and the Lin Family; she couldn’t expect a warm reception from Lin Yue. But seeing how Zhao Erhu’s family was living these days, it was still better to be on their good side. Who knew, after the family division, if there would come a time when she would need their help? She had come to understand that her husband’s two legitimate brothers, although affectionate when asking her husband to do something, would skulk away from real troubles, unlike these two half-brothers who were more reliable; at least they wouldn’t scheme against them behind their backs.

Li Xiaomei thought to herself while her face, looking at Lin Yue, was all smiles. "How can you say that, second sister-in-law? We are sisters-in-law and relatives, after all, so we should visit each other often, right? I’m here on my mother-in-law’s orders to invite your family and the elder sister-in-law’s family to have lunch at our house. Old Master Wei accompanied our younger Miss back here; he’s sitting in our house right now. If you’re not busy, come over earlier to talk with our son-in-law," she said.

Liu’s was taken aback when she heard ’son-in-law’ from Li Xiaomei’s mouth; it certainly wasn’t Lin Genfa from Shanglin Village, so it must be Old Master Wei whose daughter had married into Wei Residence as a concubine. This was quite unexpected. Hadn’t Old Master Wei taken his entire family to the Capital City? When did he return?

Furthermore, with his haughty demeanor, it was normally impossible to even request an audience with him. Back when Old Master Wei was still residing in Xin’an City, Zhao Lingxiang’s brothers, who had attempted to visit him, were chased away by servants from Wei Residence. They were told they were merely relatives of a concubine and couldn’t be considered real relatives of the Wei Residence. Now, to think that Old Master Wei would actually accompany Zhao Lingxiang back home for a family visit was utterly surprising.

"Younger sister-in-law, are you sure you haven’t made a mistake? Is it really that Old Master Wei?" Liu’s said, not wanting to call someone who didn’t acknowledge their kinship her son-in-law.

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