The Mute Wife Who Brings Prosperity-Chapter 704 - 666: A Family of Double Generals (Part 1)
"Enough." Mrs. Xiao Liu glanced at Hong Xiang, "Stop your incessant chattering, go and do your work."
Hong Xiang responded and withdrew.
Wen Wan was utterly surprised. She had thought that the Mrs. Liu mentioned earlier was referring to Aunt Wen, Mr. Song’s concubine, but it turned out she was talking about Lu Yanbin’s concubine.
"Does the Lu Family actually have a concubine who came from the Su Family?"
Isn’t one Su Yi enough of a disaster for the Lu Family? And now they bring in another one.
Mrs. Xiao Liu said, "She is a concubine’s daughter from the Su Family, considered my mother-in-law’s niece, who entered the family before I did. I’m not very clear on the specifics, only that the young master is quite fond of her."
Not to mention that a concubine entering the family before the wife disgraces the family reputation, but with Lu Yanbin’s behavior—marrying a wife and then neglecting her, what is the difference with making her live like a widow?
To this, Wen Wan felt a bit resentful, "And so you just endure this grievance?"
Mrs. Xiao Liu could only sigh, "Last year, Aunt Su accidentally had a miscarriage, likely injuring her body; recently, with the cold weather, she is often in pain. If the young master wants to pamper her, it’s understandable. Besides, I’m from the old lady’s family, as the saying goes, ’respect the monk that respects the Buddha,’ I can’t possibly go and embarrass her grandson in front of her."
Wen Wan said, "Being married means spending a lifetime together. You have to think of a way to win his heart back; continuing like this won’t benefit you."
Mrs. Xiao Liu simply nodded, having much she could not express to Wen Wan.
During the first few days after Aunt Su’s miscarriage, she felt sorry for Aunt Su and sent some blood-nourishing gelatin over, only for it to be intercepted halfway by Lu Yanbin who angrily brought it back to her, telling her not to be hypocritical.
Later, seeing his depressed mood from losing the child, she even cooked a bowl of invigorating soup for him, which he didn’t even glance at before slamming the door and leaving.
Allowing Mrs. Liu to scold others outside earlier and letting Hong Xiang finish her words was just her attempt to get a chance to share her grievances with Wen Wan, but when the words reached her lips, she didn’t know where to start; indeed, one’s own pain is best understood by oneself.
After the two chatted for a while, Hong Xiang, who had been sent out earlier, came in saying the old lady had already ordered the feast to begin and invited the Commandery Princess and Young Madam to join.
Mrs. Xiao Liu quickly stood up, leading Wen Wan toward the dining table.
After the meal, Mrs. Xiao Liu arranged for everyone to go to the theater to watch a show, not dispersing until the afternoon.
On the way home, Jinbao leaned on Wen Wan’s shoulder and fell asleep, Song Wei asked softly, "When you were at the old lady’s courtyard earlier, did they say anything?"
Wen Wan laughed, "I am now a Commandery Princess, the Emperor’s niece, so even if anything was said, it was only pleasant words. Who would dare speak a word against me to my face?"
"That’s good."
"What about you?" Wen Wan looked at him expectantly, "This is your first time returning to the Lu Family as a grandson-in-law, did my uncle and grandfather admonish you, telling you to treat me well, or they would take me back to the Lu Family, leaving you on your own?"
Song Wei nodded, "The master became the grandfather, naturally there was a fair bit of admonishing."
Wen Wan’s lips curled up, "Since you’ve been admonished, what does Mr. Song plan to do in the future?"
Song Wei turned his head, looking at her with tender, affectionate eyes, "If all else fails, I’ll have to chain you at home."
The indulgent tone made Wen Wan’s heart both sweet and warm.
The couple found out upon arriving home that the Xie Family and the Xu Family had come to pay a New Year’s visit.
The Xie Family’s visitors were Mrs. Yang and her two sisters-in-law, with four children in tow.
From the Xu Family, it was Song Fang and her sister-in-law, with Xu Jingbo and Xu Jingyi, the pair of twin brother and sister.
Though a son and a daughter, Song Fang had festive New Year clothes specially made for the siblings, embroidered with the character for blessing, making them look like the golden boy and jade girl from a New Year’s painting.
Upon seeing Jinbao, the little twin pair clung to him, asking for his treats and toys.
During the festive season, Jinbao was unexpectedly generous, taking the little twin pair to his room, showing them all his treats and toys.
The Xie Family’s children, all around ten years old, couldn’t really play with these little ones, mainly visiting the Song Mansion to find Song Yuanbao, who turned out not to be there, so the four of them sat idly by watching the children play.
Meanwhile, Wen Wan brought Yang, Xie Tao’s wife, Song Fang, and Xu Jia into the east room of the Qingteng Residence.
After sitting down, Wen Wan had someone bring fruits and hot tea, "I didn’t expect you to come, had I known earlier, I would have returned sooner, saving you from waiting so long."
"We didn’t wait long." Yang smiled, "Earlier, we were at the old lady’s courtyard, keeping her company for a chat."
The conversation naturally turned to Song Yuanbao’s marriage.
Yang said, "Jiaojiao is about to get married, how come he, the elder brother, hasn’t settled down yet?"
"Exactly, cousin-in-law should find him a wife, right?" Xie Tao’s wife echoed.
Song Fang laughed, "There are so many wanting to marry him, our Yuanbao has plenty of choices."
Xu Jia, having experience, said lukewarmly, "He must pick someone with a family background that fits well."
Wen Wan agreed, "I think so too. He must first be satisfied, otherwise, forcing him to marry someone he doesn’t like puts us seniors in a difficult spot."
"And you?" Wen Wan asked, looking at Xu Jia, "Haven’t considered remarrying someone suitable?"
Referring to her awkward past, Xu Jia was unfazed, smiling openly, "I’m planning to join the military after the New Year and follow my father’s path."
"What?"
Her words left everyone dumbfounded.
Yang could hardly believe a young lady would say this, "This... isn’t the young madam joking? How can a girl join the military?"
"Indeed, that’s a place for men. Are you sure your parents would agree?" Song Fang also remarked.
"I’m currently figuring out how to convince them." Xu Jia popped a candied fruit into her mouth, seeming confident about joining the military.
"Give up that idea!" Song Fang scoffed, "We refuse you for your own good. You’re a young lady, what’s to gain being among men? If it gets out, how will you marry?"
Xu Jia was indifferent.
Everyone around her believed she should get married and find a man to rely on for the rest of her life, but she didn’t want to live like that.
Marriage had already left a shadow on her.
In both past and present lives, Tang Yuan was equally despicable, so much so that she felt sickened. Having blinded herself once, how could she repeat the mistake?
Moreover, human nature is hard to discern; even if someone sincerely cares for her at first, who can guarantee they won’t become another Tang Yuan over time?
She wasn’t fit to stay in the back courtyard playing the calculating lady with concubines all day, she had trained in martial arts since young, and needed a place to put it to use.
In Great Chu, there were precedents of women joining the army, Ye Rong’s mother was one, Ye Rong’s biological father, Ye Hongjiang, and his wife, Mrs. Yu, both led troops into battle and were both generals. As a couple and as comrades, their story of being Double Generals is still fondly talked about.
Xu Jia’s mindset was something not even Yang, Song Fang, or Wen Wan could understand; even Wen Wan found it too unconventional.
What will become of a girl who doesn’t marry?
The saying goes, one should have support and care in old age.
Without marriage, there’d be no offspring; who would care for her in old age, who would perform her funeral rites?
After thinking, Wen Wan also advised Xu Jia to think clearly.
Xu Jia firmly stated, "I’m very clear-headed, I know what I want, so don’t try persuading me further. Once I convince my parents, I’ll head to the battlefield like Mrs. Ye to fight for peace for the people."
Song Fang was rendered speechless, "You should think about having peace at home first!"
Pausing, she continued, "Even if you wish to join the army, at least first marry a husband. If nothing else, pick a young man from a military family, then your husband’s support will lessen your parents’ concerns."
Song Fang became more excited, "I think the young fellow from the Ye Family is nice, he seems fond of you. Their family has precedence, if you marry into the Ye Family, no one would dare oppose you joining the army."
Ye Family?
Wen Wan felt her heart tighten, as Yuanbao and Xu Jia were of different seniority. If Xu Jia agreed to marry into the Ye Family, then Yuanbao and Miss Ye’s marriage was likely off.
With this thought, Wen Wan anxiously looked at Xu Jia, asking what she thought.
Xu Jia frowned slightly, remained silent for a long time, and then said, "Whether he’s from a military family or already a general, I won’t marry anyone; I’ll think of another way to convince my parents."
