Liu Ying and the children were all shocked. They had finally reconnected with their kin—weren’t they planning to settle in the manor? Why leave so suddenly? Liu Ying turned to her husband, who was clutching his head and making faces at her. She didn’t understand what he meant, but still followed his lead.
“Dear, what’s wrong? Are you not feeling well?”
Tian Linwen said, “I don’t know what’s come over me—my whole body feels weak. I must have caught something in the rain. Let’s go back and not trouble our good nephew further.”
He pretended to rise, and Liu Ying hurried over to support him.
Xing Muzheng stood. “Aunt, Uncle, now that you’re at the Marquis Manor, there’s no reason for you to be staying in an inn.”
Qian Jiaoniang quickly added, “Yes, yes! We’re all family—it’s only right for you to stay here at the manor.”
Tian Linwen protested repeatedly, but Xing Muzheng had made up his mind. “Please rest at ease here,” he said, then turned to Qian Jiaoniang. “Jiaoniang, have someone prepare a courtyard, clean it thoroughly so Aunt can move in. And send for a physician to look at Uncle.”
That “Jiaoniang” took her by surprise. She paused before standing and twisting her handkerchief awkwardly. “My lord, the manor is so large. I’m so foolish—I wouldn’t know which courtyard would suit Aunt best…”
If she were truly the lady of the house, how could she not even know where to place guests? But then why had Nephew Xing instructed Madam Qian to make arrangements? Had he really divorced her or not? The more Tian Linwen thought, the more confused he became. Holding his head, he groaned louder and louder.
Of course Xing Muzheng knew Qian Jiaoniang was doing it on purpose. He went along with her and said, “How could you forget? There’s a courtyard in the southeast corner that’s been vacant for some time. Go have the maids clean it up. Since Uncle isn’t feeling well, he can rest in the side room for now. Aunt must also be tired from the journey. Let her rest first—we’ll hold a welcome banquet tonight.”
Once arrangements were made, he had the maids lead Liu Ying and her family to the side room to rest. As he turned his head, he saw Xing Pingchun buried in Qian Jiaoniang’s arms, crying softly, saying he missed his grandmother. Qian Jiaoniang gently held him, whispering comfort.
This child cried far too much. But even if he cried, why always in Jiaoniang’s arms? Xing Muzheng frowned. “A real man doesn’t shed tears lightly—why are you always crying?”
Startled, Xing Pingchun quickly wiped his tears and leapt out of her embrace.
Xing Muzheng said, “Now that you’re awake, go eat. After that, thank your teacher at the academy. When you return, properly greet your great-aunt.”
Xing Pingchun sniffled, gave a quick “yes,” and ran off.
Qian Jiaoniang looked after his rabbit-like figure and muttered, “A small child missing his grandmother—he can’t even cry about that?” The implication was clear: she disapproved of his rebuke.
“What kind of boy cries all day long? Over-indulgent mothers ruin sons. Don’t spoil him too much,” Xing Muzheng said. If she had such patience, why not share a little with him?
“You—” Qian Jiaoniang realized she couldn’t stand the way Xing Muzheng spoke. Every word from him seemed to provoke her. She took a deep breath and turned to leave.
Xing Muzheng grabbed her arm. “I have something to ask you.”
Qian Jiaoniang flung his hand off and turned back with a sweet, smiling face. “Marquis, we no longer have any relation. Why are you still grabbing at a respectable woman like me? If this gets out, where would your reputation go?”
“Speak to me properly!” Xing Muzheng growled. Why did she always wear that fake smile?
Still smiling, Qian Jiaoniang replied, “Marquis, I was born foolish—clearly I don’t even know how to speak properly. Please teach me, then—how should I ‘properly’ speak to you?”
At that, his gaze turned even colder. Xing Muzheng laughed bitterly to himself. When he spoke gently, she ignored him; when he tried to be stern, she got even colder. What was he supposed to do with her? Should he truly follow her wishes, send her off in a wedding sedan to marry that Wang Tieniu? Would that make her happy? Of course it would—why else would she have been so eager to don the phoenix coronet and red wedding robes and rush off to get married?
The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. He ground his teeth and blurted out,
“What’s so good about that Wang Tieniu!”
Qian Jiaoniang was stunned. When had Brother Tieniu come into this?
Xing Muzheng was also dumbfounded. What had he just said? Was he… acting like a resentful husband?
Realizing he had made a fool of himself, Xing Muzheng turned to leave. But Qian Jiaoniang grabbed his arm. “Where are you going?”
Xing Muzheng turned back with a cold, sinister look, staring at her hand. Wasn’t she always avoiding him like a hedgehog? Why was she daring to touch him now? So worried he might hurt Wang Tieniu?
He had thought about it. But every time he remembered how she had nearly died from his madness that day, he couldn’t go through with it. He glanced at the scar still faintly visible on her forehead, then pried her hand off without hurting her and strode away.
Qian Jiaoniang took two steps after him but suddenly realized she was being ridiculous. In Xing Muzheng’s eyes, what did she and Brother Tieniu even count for? Would he really harm Tieniu just because of her?
Now that she’d figured it out, she stopped chasing. She turned to leave through the side gate. Ding Zhang had just come out from where Liu Ying’s family was resting and quickly came over to her, asking how to arrange the aunt’s courtyard—what kind of window screens to use, what decorations to place.
Qian Jiaoniang said, “The marquis’s own aunt has come—of course, everything must be the best. You handle it.”
Hearing the words “the best,” Ding Zhang knew what to do. He agreed repeatedly and followed her a few more steps. Qian Jiaoniang gave him a curious look. “Aren’t you supposed to be working? Why are you following me? Don’t tell me you’re short on staff and want me to help sweep too?”
Ding Zhang gave a dry laugh. “Madam, you jest! How would a lowly servant dare ask that? It’s just… just now the uncle pulled me aside and asked whether you and the marquis have officially divorced. He heard some rumors and was afraid he might say something wrong…”
“And what did you say?”
Ding Zhang immediately replied, “I didn’t dare say a word.”
Qian Jiaoniang gave him a glance. He grinned sheepishly.
After a moment’s silence, she gave a bitter laugh. “This is something the elders will find out sooner or later. No need to hide it. When the time’s right, tell them—better they hear it from you than from me, which would just be more awkward.”
“…Yes, madam. Understood.”
“But since they just arrived today, let’s wait until they’re settled. No need to burden the elders with our troubles. Oh, and it’s hot—boil some mung bean soup for them, and send for a good physician to treat uncle. Better yet, have him examine all of them. I worry they might have caught some heat illness from the long journey.”
“I’ll go at once.”
Qian Jiaoniang strolled leisurely back toward her courtyard, even humming a little tune as she walked.
Over the years, Qian Jiaoniang often recalled that day—her aunt, who looked exactly like her mother, standing in the snow, broom in hand, driving the three of them out of the house. That ever-false-smiling uncle, staring at them coldly from the corridor. Her cousins clapping and cheering, laughing as they yelled “freeloaders out!”
Her mother had nearly passed out from rage, while little Chou’er wailed loudly in her arms.
That day had been so cold. Cold to the bones. Cold to the heart.
Qian Jiaoniang would never forget the snow from that day.
She’d always told herself: one day, she would repay the favor—with a grand ceremony.
She just hadn’t expected… they’d deliver themselves right to her door.
Her eyes shone with joy, but deep within her gaze was a streak of icy cruelty.
Want to show your support? Go donate at Paypal or Ko-fi to show your appreciation! Want to get early access to at least 10+ chapters in advance? Go to my Patreon to join now! :)
