Upon hearing Zhu Xiuxiu’s words, Madam Ji fixed her gaze on Ji Youcheng. "Yes, Third Son, why don’t you tell me how you plan to show your filial piety?"
Ji Youcheng opened his mouth, and after a long pause, he stammered, "Mother, filial piety... its most important aspect is..."
"The gravest of the three unfilial acts is to have no heir. Isn’t that the most important?"
Ji Youcheng nodded vigorously. "Yes, exactly!" He was secretly elated. Oh good, Mother isn’t here to ask for money this time! So, he happily agreed.
However, a moment later, belatedly realizing the implications, Ji Youcheng quickly changed his tune. "AHEM... Mother! This matter isn’t urgent! It can’t be rushed!"
Zhu Xiuxiu chimed in, "Mother! This really can’t be rushed. If you want a grandchild, isn’t Eldest Sister-in-law already four months pregnant?"
Madam Ji turned to her, her expression hardening. "What does your Eldest Sister-in-law’s child have to do with my Third Son?"
Zhu Xiuxiu’s face stiffened; she was rendered speechless.
Madam Ji turned her gaze back to Ji Youcheng.
Ji Youcheng shook his head vehemently. "Nothing at all!"
Good heavens! If Eldest Brother found out, he’d kill me!
"Then whose child *would* have something to do with you?" Madam Ji asked, looking at Ji Youcheng.
Ji Youcheng silently glanced at Zhu Xiuxiu, only to meet her fierce glare. He quickly looked away and said nothing.
Madam Ji sighed inwardly. "If you truly want to show your filial piety, then you two should hurry up and give me some grandchildren! Suisui could use some company too, don’t you think?"
Zhu Xiuxiu lowered her head, staring at her toes. Her fair neck was exposed, and she felt her face burning hot.
Seeing her like this, Ji Youcheng’s heart skipped a beat. It had been years since he’d seen Zhu Xiuxiu this way. He coughed, looked away, and after a moment, said to Madam Ji, "You... you didn’t come all this way just to press us about grandchildren, did you?"
Madam Ji shook her head. "Yes and no!"
Ji Youcheng looked at her, puzzled. "What do you mean?"
"I am indeed here about the matter of your descendants. You and Xiuxiu have been married for three years, and there’s still no news. So, I was thinking of going to Qixia Temple to offer incense and pray to the Bodhisattva to bless you with news soon, and for me to have a big, healthy grandson!"
Ji Youcheng blinked, sensing his mother hadn’t finished speaking.
Zhu Xiuxiu also looked up sharply at Madam Ji and murmured softly, "Mother."
Her voice was sweet and soft; her shyness was evident just from the drawn-out final sound.
Ji Youcheng shivered. Zhu Xiuxiu has a side like this? Bashful? That can’t be right!
"You be quiet. I need to speak with Third Son for a moment."
Hearing this, Ji Youcheng tensed up, bracing himself and going on full alert. Whenever Mother sought him out, it was never for anything good.
"Don’t look like I’m after your family fortune. I’m just telling you that tomorrow I’m taking your wife, Suisui, and your Second Brother’s wife to Qixia Temple to offer incense. You are to go there today to make the necessary arrangements and get things ready!"
Ji Youcheng nodded. That didn’t seem like a big deal. "No problem. I’ll arrange it. I’ll just have one of my men take care of it."
Hearing this, Madam Ji glared at him. "I’m going to pray for children for you and your brothers, and you’re sending a subordinate to handle the preparations? Is that sincere?"
Ji Youcheng’s lips twitched. "I..."
"Hmm?"
"Yes! Your son will definitely go personally and handle it with utmost sincerity."
Ji Youcheng readily agreed, little knowing that this was just the beginning of his financial drain!