Unparalleled Beauty

Chapter C099

Indeed, they returned to visit her, for she was nearing her end.

The Old Madam exhaled a mouthful of turbid air, struggling as she called out, 'Wuxia, Wuxia...'

Cao shi could not help but weep, saying, "Wuxia will return shortly."

After a while, Mei Wuxia returned.

Her expression was hurried, and upon entering, she threw herself upon the Old Madam, weeping bitterly. It was clear that this granddaughter was far more sincere towards the Old Madam than Wushuang and the others, who merely put on a show, their sorrow appearing less than genuine.

The Old Madam then had Wushuang summoned before her, her aged eyes glaring at her. "You must... you must help Wuxia... help her…" Her words were muddled, but if one listened closely, they could still be understood. "...This is what you owe her, and also... also Jiang Yan... Jiang Yan owes me... This is what you owe us…"

What was she even saying?

Not only did Wushuang frown, but Mei E and Mei Chang also exchanged bewildered glances.

"This is... this is what your grandmother and granddaughter... owe our grandmother and granddaughter... If not for Jiang Yan... why would I have had to live... live through such bitter days…"

How cold were the days of guarding an empty chamber alone?

Qi Pei had already forgotten.

At first, she was defiant, refusing to admit defeat. Even though her family did not wish her to marry into the family, she still plunged headfirst into this mire. The initial defiance withered under the repeated blows of the days that followed. In truth, she had long regretted it, but her nature was such that she could not learn to show weakness before anyone.

And so, she endured each day, and then she had Zong'er, and began to live for Zong'er.

Her Zong'er only had a mother, unlike that bastard, who had his doting affection.

All the affection, no matter how deep, was worn away by the years until it disappeared completely. On the day he died, she found herself finally relieved, realizing that she had not valued him as much as she thought.

Then why had she plunged headfirst into this pit of bitterness in the first place?

After he died, and her son also died, her days finally became easier. Qi Pei realized that she had lived most of her life, and only now was she finally able to be unrestrained for once.

But life always demanded retribution, what was not yours would ultimately not be yours... No! It was the Mei family who owed her, he and she and she, they all owed her!

"...This is what you owe us... This is what your entire family owes me…"

The Old Madam's emotions grew increasingly agitated, and she began to ramble incoherently. Third Miss was no longer who she once was, but the Princess Consort Wei, and now she carried Prince Wei's only heir within her womb.

Sun shi, quick-witted as she was, hastily said to Cao shi, "Second Sister-in-law, quickly check on Mother! Something seems amiss to me. Hurry and fetch a physician to take a look."

She then turned to Mei Wushuang and said, "It's chaotic here. You are with child; quickly, do not stand here, lest a servant accidentally bump into you."

Aunt He hurriedly jumped forward, saying, "All of you married daughters, do not linger here. Second Miss and Fifth Miss, help Third Miss to leave and find a place to rest."

Mei Chang and Mei E hastily helped Wushuang out.

Once outside, they all breathed a sigh of relief.

Wushuang sighed with some emotion, "How did she become like this?"

She no longer wished to judge whether Old Madam's words just now were reasonable or not. Different positions naturally led to different views. Be it hatred or resentment, each person's hatred and resentment were unique. Others might not agree, but there was no need to interfere.

It was as if she, too, had once hated Old Madam, hated her for treating her that way, hated her for involving the younger generation in the grudges of their elders. This hatred still lingered, so much so that even now, seeing the other party in such a miserable state, she could not muster any sympathy. But from Old Madam's perspective, she naturally only saw her own unfortunate life. She believed she was right, and she still harbored hatred.

Therefore, there was simply no way to argue about who was right and who was wrong in this matter.

"You wouldn't know, but Grandmother was almost well. Father went to see her once, and she became like this," Mei Chang whispered.

Wushuang looked over.

"I only heard it from Aunt just now. You know the family has never been well-off. When Mei E and I got married, Mother was unwilling to provide any dowry. Father was angry with her for a long time. Later, Father took several treasures he had collected for many years and sold them. It still wasn't enough, so he went to Grandmother again…"

Old Madam did indeed hold a sum of money, which was her dowry, but after so many years, little remained. To put it in an old saying, it was Old Madam's coffin money.

Now, the daughter-in-law wouldn't give her son money, forcing the son to ask his mother for her coffin money. No wonder Old Madam was so angered that her wind illness flared up again.

But how could a mother blame her son? Naturally, she blamed Cao shi. This was also the reason why Cao shi had been so diligently serving Old Madam recently. If she truly caused her mother-in-law to suffer any misfortune, Mei Zong could directly divorce her and send her back to her maiden home.

And this matter was somewhat related to Mei Chang and Mei E, so Aunt He and Aunt Chen had been concealing it from them, only telling them after they were married.

Besides sighing, Wushuang didn't know what else to say.

After a while, Sun shi came out.

She briefly explained Old Madam's condition. Old Madam was indeed not well, but she wouldn't die anytime soon. The physician said it would only be these few days.

"You are all married daughters; staying here won't help much. You should all return home. When there are further developments, someone will be sent to deliver a message to you."

It seemed the next missive would likely bear news of mourning.

Chen shi appeared to have other matters occupying her, and departed in haste.

Wushuang and the others also walked out. It was through Mei E, as they walked, that she learned what kept Chen shi so occupied.

The reason the Third Branch had been able to remain in the Marquis's mansion all those years ago was because the Old Madam, mindful that her son had just inherited the peerage, feared being criticized behind her back. Thus, she deliberately kept the Third Branch as a facade. Now that the Old Madam was clearly failing, once she passed, the Third Branch would inevitably be unable to reside in the Marquis's mansion any longer.

Before, there was still the excuse of the Eldest Madam. Now, with one being a daughter of the main wife and the other a daughter of a concubine, and having already separated the household long ago, the Third Branch had been busy searching for a house to move into.

This outing had exhausted Wushuang's spirit. After bidding farewell to Mei E, she returned to the Prince's mansion.

Another six or seven days passed, and then the messengers bearing news of mourning from the Marquis Changyang's mansion arrived.

Because Wushuang was a married daughter and with child, the Old Madam's funeral did not bring her too much disturbance. As joyous and mournful events should not clash, she did not make an appearance. Prince Wei went to the Marquis Changyang's mansion on her behalf to show his face.

Even that single appearance brought exceptional honor to the Marquis Changyang's mansion, which was in the midst of mourning.

What defined relatives? Relatives were those who exchanged visits, those who were present at weddings and funerals. Since Prince Wei had appeared at the Old Madam's funeral rites, it indicated that Prince Wei still acknowledged this kinship.

One truly couldn't blame Mei Zong for dwelling on this point. It was simply that with the Old Madam's death, the greatest connection between the Marquis Changyang's mansion and the Marquis Rongchang's mansion was gone. Moreover, his maternal uncle had never liked him, this nephew.

What did the Marquis Changyang's mansion have left now? Leaving aside the eldest daughter, judging from the Sun family's behavior to this day, they had never regarded the Mei family as in-laws. Mei Zong also cared about face; naturally, he would treat them as they treated him.

Apart from this, only the families into which the daughters of the household had married could be counted. The most significant, without a doubt, was Wushuang, the Princess Consort Wei.

Mei Zong, though mediocre, was impeccable in his handling of appearances and affairs. Except for Mei Wushuang's wedding, where the imperial family's grandeur was such that he didn't need to offer those paltry few coins as dowry, he had not mistreated the two daughters of concubines, Mei E and Mei Chang. Whatever was given as dowry to daughters of concubines outside, he gave the same, if not more.

Whenever the sons-in-law visited, he would always provide a warm welcome with good wine, good tea, and a good meal. Therefore, this time, for the mourning rites, Mei E and Mei Chang had both brought back Li Xin and Chen Jin, and they had provided a great deal of help.

Returning after a day of busyness, Mei E and Li Xin were both quite exhausted.

After resting for a while, the two went to bathe and change, planning to have dinner after their bath.

Because his wife's family was in mourning, Li Xin had been suppressing himself greatly recently. During the bath, he couldn't restrain himself any longer. Mei E, flushed crimson, softly told him to wait until they were back in bed.

Li Xin embraced her and kissed her, carrying her towards the bed. The maids, hearing the unusual sounds, had long since slipped away.

For a time, the bedcovers billowed in waves, a scene of captivating beauty.

Mei E's cheeks were flushed crimson, and she was breathing softly. Li Xin was a martial artist, while she was still young; how could she endure it? Yet, he seemed to relish her inability to bear it each time.

She was so ashamed that she tightly closed her eyes. Suddenly, a strange sensation made her subconsciously look towards the bathroom door diagonally across from them.

Li Xin sensed his little wife's stiffness and looked at her face, noticing her gaze fixed on a certain spot. Following her line of sight, he saw a pair of eyes. Although they vanished quickly, Li Xin instantly exploded with anger.

He pulled on his trousers and strode over, only to find He Niang squatting there, wiping the water from the floor.

The water had splashed from the bathing tub when he and Mei E were bathing. His heart, initially filled with rage eager to erupt, suddenly paused.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice taut.

"If this water isn't cleaned up, what if you come in later and slip and fall?"

Li Xin considered it and said, "Don't come to the main house anymore. You don't need to do these things."

He Niang's movements stiffened. "Anyway, I'm idle."

Li Xin had rarely felt so helpless in his life, but every encounter with He Niang left him feeling powerless and unsure of what to say. If he spoke harshly, she was a pitiful person; Madam had been seen to her death by her back then. If he spoke lightly, he would only be creating trouble for himself.

"She's timid and easily embarrassed. What kind of impression does it give for you to enter and exit our bedroom at inappropriate times like this!"

He Niang forced a smile. "Is Madam afraid I'll see her? We're all women... As for you, Xinzi, which older sister hasn't seen you before?"

Indeed, she had seen him before, but they were both young then. He Niang was two years older than Li Xin and had even bathed him when he was a child.

Not only had she bathed him, but she had also washed his clothes, socks, and even his soiled trousers when he was a teenager. So why couldn't he fancy her?

Did he think she was unattractive, or did he dislike her age?

Yes, she was not as fresh and tender as that little Madam, such a delicate person, whose voice was soft and gentle. No wonder he cherished her, embracing her tightly and showering her with affection as soon as he returned.

But what about her? She had nothing. Her bed was cold day after day. Why couldn't he come and cherish her?

Gazing at his sturdy and robust chest, He Niang's eyes momentarily became intoxicated. She couldn't help but reach out, but on her face she said, "Xinzi, you're usually so busy. Madam is young and doesn't understand things, but you must also tell her. What kind of woman clings to her man so tightly all day long, draining your body dry?"

Just before her hand touched his chest, Li Xin felt his hackles rise and took a step back. At that moment, he heard a sob from behind him.

It was Mei E, who had dressed and come looking for him. She had intended to make things clear today and have Li Xin send He Niang away, but she hadn't expected to hear those words and witness this scene.

She felt utterly disgusted. How could a person be so vile, so utterly repulsive?! Consequently, she even transferred her anger to Li Xin. Without another word, she turned and left.

Li Xin attempted to pursue her, but as he was still disrobed, he had no choice but to turn back to dress. By the time he was properly attired, she had already departed by carriage.

Mei E sought out Mei Chang.

Upon hearing her account, Mei Chang immediately raised her eyebrows, ready to demand an explanation from the Li family. Only Chen Jin's restraint managed to hold her back.

"Why must you have such a volatile temper, acting on every whim?"

"What do you mean, volatile temper? Chen Ziming, how long have you had me through your doors? Now you find fault with my temper? You men are all the same…"

"How are we men all the same?"

They bickered from one end of the house to the other. One would resort to physical action when words failed, while the other, hesitant to strike, relied on verbal sparring. Eventually, they ended up embracing and kissing.

Finally, he had subdued her with kisses! Chen Jin, momentarily pleased and triumphant, reached out and pinched the tip of her nose, saying, "As the saying goes, a couple's quarrel at the head of the bed is resolved by the foot of the bed. If your sisters were to hear about our constant bickering and come to our home to discipline me, would you allow it?"

"What reason would I have to object?!" Mei Chang rolled her eyes at him.

But upon closer reflection, it seemed she truly would object.

"Just calm down for now. I'm telling you, someone will be chasing after soon. We'll see what the situation is then."

And so, the couple reconciled and went outside. In any case, it was Mei E's first time witnessing the couple's interactions, and she watched, utterly dumbfounded.

Compared to them, her and Li Xin's quarrel didn't even qualify as a spat.

After a while, as expected, Li Xin arrived in pursuit.

However, Li Xin did not possess Chen Jin's thick skin, and he found it difficult to say anything in front of outsiders. Seeing this, Chen Jin quickly pulled Mei Chang away, leaving the young couple to be alone.

"Once we return, I will send her back to her old home. I had no idea she was like this!" The last sentence he spoke with particular awkwardness and helplessness.

Mei E, seeing his tall stature and valiant appearance, now humbled and speaking kindly to her, found her heart softening by half.

It truly wasn't his fault. Who could have imagined that such a pitiful person was actually like that?

"I'm usually busy and rarely even see her. She came to our home when she was eight years old. Her father was a Little Banner Officer, under my father's command. After her father and my father died in battle, her family was wiped out, leaving only her. My mother, feeling a kinship in their shared misfortune, took her in and raised her…"

Li Xin recounted the origins of He Niang, including the bullying she suffered in her husband's family after their marriage, how his mother was uneasy about him taking her as a concubine before she passed, and his own feelings towards her, in complete detail.

Actually, he had mentioned these things before, just not in such detail. Men were not like women, not so meticulous; perhaps in their eyes, things that seemed insignificant might be remembered by women.

Mei E listened to him say so much, listened to him analyze himself to her, and the remaining half of her heart softened as well.

"Don't just talk about sending her away and then abandon her. If there's a suitable match in her hometown, and she's willing, then let her marry. It's not good for her to be alone for too long."

Li Xin nodded and pulled her into his arms.

His little wife was a kind person.

After the two left, Chen Jin said to Mei Chang, "See if I was right? Isn't it true that quarrels at the head of the bed are reconciled at the foot?"

It was some time later that Wushuang learned of this matter.

After hearing it, she also felt somewhat moved.

But now that the person had been sent away, Mei E finally had one less worry weighing on her heart.

The passing of Old Madam Mei did not seem to bring any impact to the others. The only change, perhaps, was on the Marquis Changyang's side.

Originally, the Third Branch wanted to move out, but they couldn't find a suitable house. Later, they simply discussed it with Cao shi and Mei Zong. They still lived in their own courtyard, but paid rent to the First Branch each month. From then on, the public funds were completely separated, and each branch bore their own expenses.

Since the other party had spoken so frankly, how could Mei Zong bring himself to ask his half-brother for rent? The Mei family had declined to this point; together they gathered, separated they scattered. Mei Zong was also particularly sentimental, naturally wanting to huddle together for warmth.

Leaving aside these matters, time quickly entered the eighth month, and it was clear that Wushuang was about to give birth.