The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1545 - 1542: How Did You End Up More Confused?
On one hand, Song Chongjin arranged the work for the Shadow Guards and sent them far away.
Meanwhile, he pulled Jian Huaifeng aside to go over the experiment records on yield increase again, which were to be submitted to the throne. Officials responsible for agriculture at the Ministry of Works would then use these records to conduct a trial planting in the experimental fields outside the Capital City.
During the trial planting, they would follow the Ministry of Works’ usual practices and record everything from the initial planting to harvest, comparing it with their records.
When the crops matured, they would need to be strictly weighed. Only after confirming an increase in yield would it be promoted among the general populace.
Therefore, the experiment records to be submitted were of paramount importance and could not afford any neglect or errors.
Jian Huaifeng, understanding the gravity of the matter, was not comfortable delegating the task to others, so he personally verified each record.
With official matters arranged, Song Chongjin feared Old Granny Zhang would have idle thoughts, so he entrusted Lady Wu and Lady Shen to keep her company and help with the year-end preparations.
At least it diverted Old Granny Zhang’s attention; even if her daughter wasn’t around, the New Year still had to be celebrated, right?
Not to mention that Lady Wu and Lady Shen were new to Chicheng County and unfamiliar with many local customs, which required her guidance.
They already had a good relationship, but now they became even closer.
Lady Wu was feeling stifled lately. Ever since Lady Shen began managing that embroidery shop, she had been so busy that she hardly stayed home, with most of her energy devoted to the shop.
Additionally, Wu Zhongbao was trying to establish himself at the Horse Farm and was often away for three to five days at a time, usually staying at the farm.
Fortunately, Chicheng City’s security was good, and with their residence near the County Yamen, the prominent people in the county were now aware that this family was a confidant of Lord Song, so they often flattered them.
Since the decline of the Wu Family, Lady Wu hadn’t been shown such respect for a long time. Naturally, she was happy, feeling that Wu Zhongbao had finally become successful.
Currently, the only dissatisfaction she felt was with her son and daughter-in-law, who, due to a past misunderstanding, were too polite and distant.
Though they were still in the mourning period and didn’t expect children soon, it was disheartening to see her son finally home, yet the daughter-in-law still busy at the embroidery shop.
By the time the daughter-in-law returned, the son would have to leave again.
If things continued this way, how could they be considered a married couple? There was no warmth between them, and even after the mourning period, she doubted they would have children.
Lady Wu was anxious. She couldn’t blame Lady Shen, as Wang Yongzhu had entrusted her to manage the embroidery shop, a chance others couldn’t even dream of having.
If she complained, she’d lose face, especially when her family gained so much from it.
However, it pained her to see her son trying to become closer to his wife while the wife grew increasingly indifferent.
The affair initially stemmed from her son’s mistakes, so she couldn’t blame Lady Shen. If her own daughter had faced such treatment from a husband, she’d never allow her to return.
But one always worries about their own son, don’t they?
She understood her son used to be irresponsible, but he genuinely repented and was now wholeheartedly devoted to Lady Shen. Shouldn’t he be given a chance?
So, taking this opportunity, she kept Lady Shen by her side. Besides, it was year-end, and with Wu Zhongbao having settled things at the Horse Farm with Song Chongjin’s backing, he now had more time.
Thus, she had Wu Zhongbao tag along every day, ostensibly to help with the year-end shopping and carrying items.
Old Granny Zhang, wise with age, was already aware of the troubles between Wu Family’s young couple and could easily see through Lady Wu’s intentions. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎
In the past, she might have collaborated with Lady Wu to reconcile the couple, but she remembered her daughter’s words to not interfere.
So, she feigned ignorance, agreeing to Lady Wu’s invitations to shop, but if Lady Wu slyly tried to reconcile Lady Shen and Wu Zhongbao, she just watched with indifference.
It didn’t take long for Lady Shen to feel overwhelmed.
She seized an opportunity to see Old Granny Zhang alone, apologizing for the year-end busyness and the shop’s demands. She dared not betray Wang Yongzhu’s trust but found the daily shopping physically draining.
She wanted to request a few days off to focus on the embroidery shop’s affairs.
Old Granny Zhang immediately recognized this as an excuse, seeing how much more composed Lady Shen had become compared to when she first arrived in Chicheng County.
Especially when discussing the shop, she now resembled a younger version of her own daughter.
Her heart softened involuntarily, and she gestured for Lady Shen to sit: "There’s no one else here today, and Yongzhu isn’t around. Aunt would like to have a chat."
Lady Shen’s heart skipped a beat. Could it be her mother-in-law couldn’t resist and asked Aunt Zhang to mediate between her and her husband?
Thinking of this, Lady Shen was both shy and anxious. How could such matters be so openly discussed?
Old Granny Zhang, seeing Lady Shen’s expression, immediately knew her thoughts and said quickly, "Don’t misunderstand, Zhongbao’s wife. Your mother-in-law is wise and cares for you. How could she air such family matters publicly?"
This reassurance eased Lady Shen’s mind.
"I’m just an old woman who can’t bear to see this. Before my daughter, Yongzhu, went to the Capital City, she told me to take good care of you. For her sake and because I see you’re smart and sensible, I can’t help but give you a few pointers."
"If you’re willing to listen, Aunt will speak more; if not, pretend I never mentioned it."
Knowing that Old Granny Zhang was straightforward, Lady Shen trusted her and, despite feeling uneasy, softly replied, "I understand the kindness from Aunt and Yongzhu very well. My mother has been gone for many years; I lack guidance in many things. If Aunt can guide me, it’s because you don’t see me as an outsider. How can I not be appreciative?"
Hearing this, Old Granny Zhang knew Lady Shen was indeed perceptive.
She sighed, "If you understand so much, why are you now confused? Don’t you realize your mother-in-law’s hopes? And Zhongbao’s intentions are obvious. Avoiding him won’t solve anything."
"For now, it’s acceptable since you’re in mourning. But after it ends, do you still plan to keep your distance? Your mother-in-law is understanding and knows her son wronged you initially, so she’s lenient with you. However, if you continue like this after mourning, even the kindest mother-in-law’s patience will wear thin."
"Moreover, you’re aware of the Wu Family’s situation. Your mother-in-law’s only hope now is your husband. She hopes he can have a son to continue the family line. By hesitating, you’re not only holding back the Wu Family but also yourself, aren’t you?"
Lady Shen bit her lip, saying nothing.
Old Granny Zhang waved her hand, "If it weren’t for my daughter’s sake, I wouldn’t say the following."
Lady Shen gritted her teeth, "Please, Aunt—"
"I’ve heard from your mother-in-law that you consummated the marriage after the wedding, didn’t you?"
This comment brought a rush of redness to Lady Shen’s cheeks.
Yet she managed to nod slightly.
