The Mute Wife Who Brings Prosperity-Chapter 581 - 548: If They Dare Entrust Him, I Dare Discipline Him (Part 1)
Tang Yuan’s feelings for Jiang Qingyu were simply those of a man for a woman, and not driven by a pursuit of some forbidden thrill. Therefore, he was especially sensitive about their status as uncle and sister-in-law, seeing it as a form of disgrace. Anyone who dared to speak of it would surely touch his deepest nerve.
But in Xu Jia’s eyes, their status was a double-edged sword, like a wasp’s sting. Just revealing it at the right moment, pricking here and there, could bring a delightful expression to Tang Yuan’s face.
Her previous ambiguous words undoubtedly struck a blow at Tang Yuan’s Achilles’ heel, tearing down his facade and trampling on his dignity, which he had long tried to maintain.
Tang Yuan’s temple throbbed fiercely, yet the current situation did not allow him to explode in anger.
He knew clearly that regardless of whether his little nephew had let something slip, the Xu Family had already sensed the budding relationship between him and Qingyu. At such a time, he had no choice but to comply with the Xu Family’s wishes, lest provoking them bring unimaginable consequences.
With this in mind, Tang Yuan took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down.
Xu Jia, satisfied with the man’s reaction, said no more and turned to walk towards the inner chamber. Seeing quite a bit of Tang Yuan’s belongings inside, she furrowed her eyebrows slightly and said, "For the next couple of days, Second Master should rest on the small couch outside."
Tang Yuan lifted the curtain of the inner room and followed inside.
Xu Jia was on tiptoe, intending to place a box containing rare books onto the treasure cabinet, but she couldn’t quite reach it.
Just as she was about to get a stool to stand on, Tang Yuan suddenly approached, took the box from her hands, and easily placed it up there.
Xu Jia offered no thanks; as long as they were still nominally husband and wife, such was Tang Yuan’s rightful duty.
After placing the box, Tang Yuan casually sat down and looked up at her, "I’ve already moved back as you requested. When does Second Madam plan to consummate our marriage?"
Xu Jia casually replied, "I’m not feeling well these past couple of days, you’ll just have to be patient, Second Master."
"Alright," Tang Yuan said, "Just let me know when it’s convenient."
This mode of conversation resembled a negotiation between a detached client and a low-class Yao Jie.
Xu Jia felt a chill down her spine, quickly shaking her head to dispel the chaotic thoughts.
Having learned that the Xu Family could be a thorn, Tang Yuan was unwilling to stay longer and risk being pricked again. Seeing nothing much else to do, he excused himself to go see Tang Yong and left.
Xu Jia, feeling bored, leaned on the couch and flipped through a storybook.
Before long, Mo Xiang came in from outside, excitedly saying, "Great, the Master-in-law has finally reconciled with the Miss."
Seeing Xu Jia untouched by the news, Mo Xiang looked puzzled, "Why, Miss, are you not happy?"
Without lifting her eyelids, Xu Jia replied faintly, "Husband and wife living in harmony is what should be expected. If I were to celebrate so easily just because he moved back for such a minor matter, how insignificant would my previous life have been?"
Mo Xiang was stunned.
Indeed, her Miss was not only the Second Madam of the Tang Family but also a daughter of a military family, harboring her own pride. When the Master-in-law moved out, Miss didn’t even furrow a brow, so now that he’s moved back, what’s there to be grateful for? It would only make people think she was chasing him eagerly.
Thinking of this, Mo Xiang sniffed and said flatteringly, "Miss, it was short-sighted of this servant."
Xu Jia smiled gently, "You, just serve me in the future, there’s no need to curry favor or bow to Second Master. Even if there’s no affection between us, there’s no need to beg for pity. Such sought-after mercy will only make one more humble and worthless."
Mo Xiang picked up the Beauty Hammer and gently tapped her leg, saying, "Miss is the best Miss in my heart, whatever the Miss says is right."
...
During the visit to the Song family’s banquet, although Tang Yuan lost face due to Tang Yong’s misbehavior, the gift of the rare book from Song Wei greatly enhanced the Tang family’s reputation in their social circle. Recently, Mrs. Qiao had been receiving many invitations, and noble ladies visited frequently.
Almost all of them were here for Xu Jia, exchanging pleasantries with Mrs. Qiao before inquiring about Second Madam.
The family still had many unmarried girls, and Mrs. Qiao, more than anyone, understood the benefits of social interaction with these noble families.
And all of this was thanks to Xu Jia, something Mrs. Qiao was fully aware of.
This daughter-in-law, whom she initially disliked for being uncontrollable, was now increasingly likable.
That day, taking advantage of Xu Jia’s visit to pay her respects, Mrs. Qiao called her over to sit by her side, holding her hand affectionately, "You truly are General Chang Wei’s daughter; the Second Son is fortunate to marry you. I’ve heard he’s already moved back to Zilan Courtyard; you two should live harmoniously. He dedicates himself to the court, while you handle social engagements and manage the household. United as one, the Tang family will prosper. I believe that if you both are willing to join hands, the Tang Family will surely return to its pinnacle one day."
Xu Jia smiled lightly. Mrs. Qiao might not actually like her from the bottom of her heart; she likely valued her for what she brought to the Tang Family.
But that’s fine too, a facade of affection was better than daily bickering between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.
While her mind wandered, Mrs. Qiao spoke again, "Yongyong has been fatherless from a young age, and his birth mother has long been living in an outlying estate, rarely returning. Even though he’s raised under the Second Son’s wing, this child still lacks maternal love, so it’s only natural for him to be a bit mischievous. Nowadays, the Second Son is busy at the Hanlin Academy during the day and has no time for Yongyong. I’m thinking of handing him over to you, for you to guide him well. When he grows up, he may indeed appreciate your motherly love."
Not likely.
Xu Jia recalled the past life when Mrs. Qiao was preoccupied with arranging marriages for her relatives and handed Tang Yong over to her. She and Tang Yuan had never been intimate, much less deal with a child. Yet Tang Yong was so troublesome, constantly asking for treats or toys, and if not given, he would cry, throw tantrums, or roll on the ground. Upon seeing this, both Mrs. Qiao and Tang Yuan would inevitably dish out reproaches.
Tang Yong appeared to have grasped her weakness, frequently running to tattle, claiming how Second Aunt bullied him.
Over time, Mrs. Qiao lost heart towards her, and Tang Yuan thought fondly of Jiang Qingyu’s gentle nature during such moments.
Xu Jia, back then, was young and unaware of the ways of marriage, not thinking to assert herself. She believed perhaps that if she worked harder and treated him well enough, he’d turn back to her, oblivious that the more submissive she became, the less respect she received, with Tang Yuan unwilling to spare her even a glance.
Even the servants in the courtyard would openly insult her.
After hearing Mrs. Qiao’s words, Xu Jia calmly said, "We military daughters are straightforward by nature. I might say something you won’t like, but since you wish to hand Tang Yong over to me, I must speak up."
Mrs. Qiao, willing to indulge her, kept her smile, "Say whatever you need to."
Xu Jia said, "No matter who taught Tang Yong in the past, his habit of throwing tantrums and crying to manipulate others shows a lack of upbringing."
Mrs. Qiao’s expression stiffened, yet she did not hurry to retort, waiting for Xu Jia to continue.
"Though I am an only child, my father was very strict with me as a child. If I did something wrong, I was punished by the standards of military training, albeit slightly eased due to my age. Either, mother, you retract what you said earlier, and I will consider it unheard, leaving Tang Yong to his devices hereafter. But if you are determined to place him in my care, I will naturally fulfill my responsibility to discipline him, and during this time, punishment will be unavoidable.
These days, no one is willing to work hard for no reward, correct? It’s best I do not end up covered in fishy accusations for his benefit. Better not hand him over to me, saving us both trouble."
The forthrightness was indeed daring.
Thinking of her saying "ill-bred," Mrs. Qiao was at a loss.
Xu Jia did not rush her, leisurely sipping warm tea, feeling utterly comfortable.
The realization of not living for a man, not bowing to elders just because they are in-laws and easily compromising, was incredibly satisfying.
Mrs. Qiao seemed to still be hesitating, remaining silent for some time.
Xu Jia drank another sip of tea, then stood up and said, "There’s no rush, mother, take your time considering. Meanwhile, I will take my leave, as the stewards are waiting for me to manage today’s affairs."
Mrs. Qiao could only wave her off.
As Xu Jia left the main courtyard, Mo Xiang stood waiting outside, her long stay causing concern, "Miss, what did Lady Qiao say to you?"
Xu Jia didn’t conceal, "She wants to place Tang Yong under my tutelage."
"Ah?" Mo Xiang, remembering the troublesome child, felt a twinge of fear, "Since his birth mother is still alive, why would Lady Qiao hand him over to Miss? Isn’t this making you a scapegoat?"
Raise him well, and Young Master Yong would align with Miss, displeasing Mrs. Jiang; raise him poorly, and the whole family wouldn’t be happy.
Xu Jia said, "No worry, if they dare hand him over, I naturally dare to teach him."
