Chapter 42: We’ll Go Tomorrow
What if she gets angry and returns to her maternal home? Who else could control her own eldest son? Wouldn’t that just be asking for trouble?
Today, because of Lin Tingting’s matter, she was rebuked by her, and she was also very depressed and uncomfortable.
“Mother, I never thought of provoking Elder Sister-in-law at all. I clearly asked Jiang Ruanxi to do something for me, but who knew she would drag Elder Sister-in-law into it. I think she did it on purpose.”
Even knowing she did it on purpose, she still had no way to deal with her.
Madam Zhou had the same thought, but Jiang Ruanxi’s words were flawless, so even if she wanted to reprimand her, she couldn’t find a reason.
“Hmph, does she think she can rest easy like this? I’ll settle this score with her. When the time comes, I’ll make her pay.”
“Mother, don’t get angry first. I have something to discuss with you.”
Compared to how to deal with Jiang Ruanxi, Lin Tingting cared more about her own marriage.
She was very confident in her beauty. As long as the Heir Apparent of Yongning Marquis Manor saw her once, he would surely be captivated by her beauty.
“What matter?”
“I heard that the Bodhisattva at Guangming Temple is particularly efficacious. I want to go make a wish. You’ve been annoyed by Elder Sister-in-law lately, but since Elder Sister-in-law is pregnant now, why not go pray to the Bodhisattva? Maybe Elder Sister-in-law will give birth to a fair and chubby son.”
These words undoubtedly struck her heart. After Lin Xiao left, she couldn’t see her grandson all the time, and she was sad about it.
If Madam He could give her a grandson, wouldn’t that fill this gap?
“Good, we’ll go tomorrow.”
Lin Tingting succeeded and was quite happy in her heart.
**
That afternoon, Madam Zhou summoned Jiang Ruanxi and directly ordered, “I’m going to Guangming Temple tomorrow. Prepare.”
Jiang Ruanxi’s lips curved up. “Mother, what a coincidence. Elder Sister-in-law and I are also going. Why don’t we go together?”
“What are you going for?” Madam Zhou said discontentedly.
Jiang Ruanxi was in a good mood and didn’t mind her attitude.
“Mother, Elder Sister-in-law has been feeling uncomfortable lately. She took several doses of medicine but saw no effect. Hearing that Guangming Temple is very efficacious, Elder Sister-in-law wants to pray for a peace talisman, but she’s never been there before, so she wants me to accompany her.”
Upon hearing that Madam He was not well, Madam Zhou looked tense.
“When did she feel uncomfortable? Why didn’t she say so earlier?”
“It seems it started yesterday. She originally wanted to tell you this morning, but because of Third Sister, she didn’t say it.”
Madam Zhou thought of the morning’s events—one side her daughter, the other her grandson—and suddenly didn’t know what to say, just giving an awkward smile.
“Alright, since she wants to go, we’ll all go together.”
Jiang Ruanxi nodded and curtsied. “If Mother has nothing else, I’ll go busy myself.”
Madam Zhou naturally wished for that. After she left, Lin Tingting immediately stomped her foot. “Mother, I think Elder Sister-in-law did it on purpose. It’s just a pregnancy—how is she so delicate?”
Feeling uncomfortable at any time but precisely when she was speaking?
Clearly on purpose.
“Enough. No matter what, don’t provoke her lately. After she gives birth, Mother will stand up for you.”
Lin Tingting was finally satisfied and went happily to prepare new clothes and new jewelry. She was determined to dress up beautifully and leave a good impression on the Heir Apparent of Yongning Marquis Manor.
She had just left when Lin Ningkun entered the room.
“Mother, I heard you’re going to Guangming Temple tomorrow.”
“Yes, there have been many things at home lately. I heard Guangming Temple is the most efficacious, so I want to worship Buddha.”
“Mother, I’ll go with you.”
Generally, those who go to burn incense and worship Buddha are womenfolk. It’s not unheard of for men to go along, but Lin Ningkun never went. What was he going for this time?
Madam Zhou looked at him full of doubt.
“Mother, I just got news that Crown Prince will go to Guangming Temple this time. The matter I asked Second Uncle about still has no progress. I need to prepare early. If Crown Prince speaks up, even if it doesn’t work out, I’ll have a fallback.”
Madam Zhou thought of how she had sold most of her dowry, plus borrowed tens of thousands of silver from Lin Qingxu, to fill Lin Feng’s deficit and the money for Lin Ningkun’s official career, and her face ached with distress.
And after spending so much money, the matter still wasn’t settled.
She felt Lin Ningkun was right.
“In that case, go with me.”
When Hong Ye told Jiang Ruanxi that Lin Ningkun was also going, she just sneered.
He was going to Guangming Temple because of Crown Prince? It had just been too long since seeing Jiang Xuerou; he probably heard she was going too and found this excuse.
But that was fine. She wanted to see if Lin Ningkun’s toad-like appearance that day left a shadow in Jiang Xuerou’s heart, and whether their love was true.
She originally thought they would smoothly get to the next day, but that evening, Lin Tingting caused trouble again.
“Mother, what is wrong with Second Sister-in-law usually? I don’t even have a decent piece of jewelry. Look at this clothes—it’s long outdated. If I wear this to Guangming Temple tomorrow, won’t it be too shabby?”
Jiang Ruanxi and Madam He reached the door and happened to hear this.
Madam He glanced at her, and Jiang Ruanxi looked at the clothes in her hand, giving an awkward smile.
“Second Brother’s Wife, it seems your good intentions can’t be understood by others.”
“If they can’t be understood, so be it.” Jiang Ruanxi seemed very calm. “I’m not silver—how can I make everyone like me?”
Jiang Ruanxi walked inside.
“I just do what I should do, and as for the rest, I only seek a clear conscience.”
Madam He watched her back and felt Jiang Ruanxi seemed a bit foolish. This sister-in-law was clearly picking a fight, but she didn’t know how to counterattack. A legitimate daughter of a marquis manor, bullied like this.
Her instinct to protect the weak was instantly aroused.
“Third Sister, we’re going to the temple to make a wish and worship Bodhisattva, not to go on a blind date. Bringing jewelry and wearing fancy clothes—aren’t you afraid of offending Bodhisattva?”
Jiang Ruanxi had just entered the door when Madam He followed in, deliberately quickening her pace to walk side by side with her.
Lin Tingting’s voice stopped abruptly. Looking at Madam He, she didn’t dare utter a word and could only glare dryly.
Madam Zhou spoke up for her. “Your Third Sister is ignorant and has never worshiped Bodhisattva before, so how would she know these rules?”
This was better left unsaid; saying it only made Madam He’s anger rise again.
“Mother, I’m not speaking ill of you, but Third Sister has already had her coming-of-age ceremony and isn’t young anymore. As her mother, you must properly teach her the rules she needs to learn.”
