Lady Jin shared the same thoughts as Old Lady Jin, or else she wouldn’t have found Lin Siyu for Li Chang. However, regarding today’s incident, she still couldn’t help feeling that her mother was in the wrong; after all, Lady Hong was the legitimate wife of her elder brother, and without the legitimate wife’s consent, having a mother-in-law cram someone into her son’s chambers would be scandalous if it got out—wouldn’t it make them the laughingstock of others?
Yet, seeing the frustrated and hurt look on the old lady’s face, Lady Jin pondered for a long while before deciding not to bring up the matter. Instead, she chose a few amusing stories to share, hoping to cheer her up.
The household had been in turmoil for so long that everyone was exhausted, probably except for Eldest Jin Family, Jin Xufa, who, upon returning to his room, dove straight into his study, occupied with his collection of inkstones.
Lady Hong felt both resentful and relieved, as she watched her husband’s behavior. It was relieving that at least his mind wasn’t preoccupied with other matters, unlike the second brother, who had so many women in his courtyard, leaving Lady Ruan to deal with those concubines as if she were fighting a battle every day.
But what frustrated her was precisely this: her husband’s disinterest in women was one thing, but he also cared nothing for the family assets! With her, a woman, and Yukyuk, a young girl, having to be at the forefront every day, no wonder Yukyuk had become as cold and distant from others as she was now.
As she was reflecting, Jin Yuyu entered, lifting the curtain, "Mother, I have something to discuss with you."
Knowing how her daughter had been wronged today, Lady Hong, with a pained expression, pulled her close and spoke softly, "Mother knows, you’ve been wronged today; it’s because your father and I failed to protect you."
"Mother, it’s not your fault; don’t overthink it." Jin Yuyu was quite good at doing business, but finding the right words to comfort was a bit difficult for her. Seeing her mother’s distress, she changed the subject, "Mother, I came to you because I wanted to ask if you know about what Xiao Nini mentioned today?"
Lady Hong was taken aback and took a moment to realize what her daughter was talking about.
"How would mother know about it? You’re well aware of your grandmother’s temperament, and moreover, this isn’t the first time." Lady Hong scoffed. When she first entered the Jin family, she was very respectful and filial to Old Lady Jin, but over the years, she had seen through Old Lady Jin’s true colors, especially after she inserted a woman into Jin Xufa’s chambers. Since then, Lady Hong harbored no more expectations of her.
However, she wasn’t someone to be easily tampered with, like soft persimmons. The first time she might tolerate it, but not the second, and now she held significant authority within the Jin family. Old Lady Jin was already on the brink of the grave. Should the two of them come to battle, it was anyone’s guess who would win or lose!
Jin Yuyu took hold of her mother’s hand, about to speak, when suddenly a maid reported from outside, saying the little concubine was ill.
Lady Hong furrowed her brow, "Sick again? Has the doctor been called? Hurry to Shande Hall and summon the doctor to come have a look."
The little maid acknowledged and ran off.
This sickly little concubine was indeed Jin Xufa’s. Old Lady Jin, worrying that her son would have no male heirs after Lady Hong bore only Jin Yuyu, did not discuss with Lady Hong and bought a decent-looking girl from the countryside to be placed in the eldest son’s chambers.
This girl proved her worth by giving birth to a son the year following. However, she hadn’t recuperated properly during her confinement, and being undernourished since childhood, her constitution was weak, causing her frequent illnesses over the years. Even Old Lady Jin couldn’t stand it anymore. If it hadn’t been for the boy the little concubine bore, she probably would have long since been driven out to fend for herself, rather than being taken care of in the residence as an invalid!
After dismissing the little maid, Jin Yuyu suddenly asked, "Mother, Shi Wen is six or seven years old now, right?"