The Noblewoman's Carp

Chapter 6

her review had no oversight, Cheng Jin Yue finally came to the conclusion that there was no affection between the original owner and Xu Mingzhi, and they even seemed to dislike each other.

But wasn't it true? The original owner despised everything about the Xu family, including her husband Xu Mingzhi, without realizing how indifferent he was to her, the wife arranged by Grandma Xu.

Strictly speaking, in the past ten months, the original owner and Xu Mingzhi had never had a real verbal conversation. The original owner disdained to speak to Xu Mingzhi, so what about him?

Because he studied in town, Xu Mingzhi was rarely at home, only returning for two days at the end of each month. During those two days, he spent more time reviewing his studies, ignoring the original owner's antics, and never had any arguments or conflicts with her.

To say that Xu Mingzhi was tolerant and indulgent of the original owner was definitely non-existent. At least, the original owner didn't feel that way, and Cheng Jin Yue couldn't see it either.

On the contrary, in front of the original owner, Xu Mingzhi seemed to have an unbreakable defense. He wouldn't come out on his own, and the original owner couldn't get close.

It seemed that the only time Xu Mingzhi had allowed the original owner to approach was on their wedding night?

Suddenly understanding the nuances, Cheng Jin Yue felt truly helpless.

The original owner, who prided herself on her intelligence, hadn't even noticed her husband's alienation and indifference? Or did she notice but didn't care?

Did Xu Mingzhi know about the original owner's feelings? Was he aware of them?

For some reason, Cheng Jin Yue had the answer: Xu Mingzhi knew, he was fully aware.

Thinking of this, Cheng Jin Yue felt even more overwhelmed.

At least before her marriage, the original owner was indeed satisfied with her husband Xu Mingzhi and had high expectations. It was just the poverty of the Xu family after the marriage that frightened her into regret.

Although Cheng Jin Yue couldn't know Xu Mingzhi's feelings before and after the wedding, she could clearly sense all the emotional fluctuations when he entered the room just now.

Recalling Xu Mingzhi's particularly indifferent attitude, Cheng Jin Yue sighed softly. Her husband only showed restrained delight in his eyes when he saw the two children, but when facing her, it was like still waters without a ripple.

In this moment, how did she feel that her desire to stay with the Xu family was so distant, long and endless, with no horizon in sight?

Just as Cheng Jin Yue had anticipated, the fine rice that Xu Mingzhi brought back was meant exclusively for her. Watching Grandma Xu carefully place a large bowl of thick rice porridge in front of her, Cheng Jin Yue felt embarrassed to accept it.

"What's the matter? Don't you like porridge? It's the best for your body right now. In a few days, I'll make you some fine rice." Thinking Cheng Jin Yue was simply not in the mood for porridge, Grandma Xu coaxed, "Just bear with it, even if it doesn't taste good, eat a little. You still need to feed the children; you can't not eat. By the way, I'm also simmering some fish soup for you! Your father had good luck today and caught three crucian carps. I killed two, one for you and one for Old Four. The last one, well, Old Four won't get a share. I'm keeping it for you, and I'll cook it for your lunch tomorrow."

Since Xu's daughter-in-law entered the family, Grandma Xu rarely cooked. As the other daughters-in-law successively married into the Xu family, unless it was to make a special meal for Xu Mingzhi, Grandma Xu basically stayed out of the kitchen. However, the special meals for Cheng Jin Yue during her pregnancy were all prepared by Grandma Xu herself.

It wasn't that Grandma Xu valued Cheng Jin Yue as a daughter-in-law so much; it was that Cheng Jin Yue was too good at causing trouble. Seeing the child in Cheng Jin Yue's belly, Grandma Xu had no choice but to prioritize all the good things for Cheng Jin Yue first.

As a result, it was inevitable that this would easily cause conflicts. The family wasn't just Cheng Jin Yue, a daughter-in-law. Even if Xu's eldest daughter-in-law was soft-spoken and had no objections, what about the others?

Grandma Xu herself had been a daughter-in-law for many years and deeply understood the dissatisfaction in the hearts of the daughters-in-law. Therefore, under normal circumstances, Grandma Xu would make the delicious food herself and bring it to Cheng Jin Yue to avoid the others getting envious. Otherwise, they might be tempted to sneak and eat it.

Like today's fine rice brought back by Xu Mingzhi, Grandma Xu hid it very securely, not allowing the other daughters-in-law to touch it, not even Xu's eldest daughter-in-law.

The crucian carps caught by Grandpa Xu were originally intended only for Cheng Jin Yue. However, since Xu Mingzhi was back, he would naturally have a bowl of fish soup. This was an unwritten rule in the Xu family, and there was no need for Grandma Xu to say more; everyone in the family knew it.

Cheng Jin Yue knew that the fine rice Xu Mingzhi brought back couldn't be much, so she felt embarrassed to eat it all by herself. But to share it generously with everyone in the family, not only was there the question of whether there was enough, Grandma Xu would definitely be the first to object.

However, Grandpa Xu only caught three crucian carps? She really needed to face-to-face and personally give blessings. Just silently wishing in her heart was far from enough.

But she was currently in confinement, so she definitely wouldn't be able to see Grandpa Xu for now. According to Grandma Xu's intention, she was supposed to rest for forty days before she could go out? Then she could only wait until forty days later.

Mentally noting this matter, Cheng Jin Yue finally accepted the porridge brought in by Grandma Xu. Otherwise, with the bad impression the original owner had left on the Xu family, who knew what kind of misunderstanding Grandma Xu would have of her!

"Mother, does my husband also have porridge?" It was actually white rice porridge, but everyone here called it "fine rice," so Cheng Jin Yue went along with the custom.

"No! I wanted him to have a small bowl, but he refused, insisting on leaving it all for you." In the entire Xu family, Grandma Xu's favorite was undoubtedly Xu Mingzhi. Before, it was because Xu Mingzhi was the only scholar in the family, and now there was another reason: Xu Mingzhi was the father of her only two grandchildren.

It was well known that Grandma Xu now tolerated Cheng Jin Yue, who was known for causing trouble, without limit. Let alone her own son, Xu Mingzhi?

"That won't do. My husband has to study, which is the most exhausting and mentally draining. With the upcoming academy exams, we must ensure he gets proper nourishment so we can be at ease. Otherwise, Mother, shall I divide this large bowl of porridge and give half to my husband? I know my appetite is small; I can't finish such a large bowl anyway."

Cheng Jin Yue was more than willing to share half of the fine rice porridge with Xu Mingzhi. The feeling of eating alone wasn't very pleasant.

"Then eat as much as you can first. If there's any left, I'll take it out for Old Four." Hearing Cheng Jin Yue's concern for Xu Mingzhi, Grandma Xu was, of course, very pleased. In return, Grandma Xu also considered Cheng Jin Yue's feelings.

Let Xu Mingzhi eat her leftovers? The cold gaze of Xu Mingzhi flashed through her mind, and Cheng Jin Yue shuddered, quickly shaking her head at Grandma Xu: "No, no, let's divide it now. It will be cold by the time I finish eating. My husband is a scholar; eating cold food is not good for his health. If he accidentally falls ill and it affects the upcoming academy exams, it would not be worth it."

Although she was timid, Cheng Jin Yue really dared not serve Xu Mingzhi the leftover porridge. Even if she didn't serve it herself, she dared not.

She had no doubt that if Grandma Xu took the bowl of leftover porridge out, it would definitely be her fault. No matter how she explained, she wouldn't be able to clear her name from the accusation of causing trouble again!

Although the original owner was already as black as could be and couldn't be washed white, Cheng Jin Yue was determined not to take the blame for this. Please give her a way out! She really wanted to live peacefully in the Xu family and enjoy a harmonious life.

Grandma Xu had never heard Cheng Jin Yue speak so reasonably before. She nodded repeatedly and didn't hesitate to agree with Cheng Jin Yue, saying directly: "Old Four's wife is right. We can't let Old Four eat bad food and ruin his health."

"Absolutely, absolutely." Hearing Grandma Xu agree with her plan, Cheng Jin Yue was overjoyed and handed the porridge back to Grandma Xu without a word. "Mother, just take the porridge out and divide it for my husband. I've already eaten some noodles brought by my sister-in-law and I'm not hungry."

"Old Four's wife, you know the situation at home. There's only this much fine rice. Are you sure you want me to take it out?" Grandma Xu did agree with Cheng Jin Yue's words, but once she took it out, Cheng Jin Yue's coveted food would be reduced by half. When Cheng Jin Yue called out hungry again, there would only be the family's coarse grains left.

Grandma Xu didn't want to see Cheng Jin Yue pretend to be generous now, only to regret it later and even make a fuss. At that time, she would not agree.

"I'm sure." Cheng Jin Yue nodded firmly, almost raising her hands and feet to express her sincerity.

"Alright, I'll listen to you." Grandma Xu still had doubts about Cheng Jin Yue's sincerity, but the porridge was for her son to eat. Grandma Xu didn't want to miss this rare opportunity. Heaven knows when Cheng Jin Yue would pretend to be generous again!

So, catching one opportunity was one, and Grandma Xu considered it a good deal.

Finally, after sending away the bowl of porridge that had been sticking in her throat, Cheng Jin Yue let out a long sigh. She had to admit that causing trouble was a skill, and the original owner's ability to cause trouble continuously for so long proved her extraordinary talent. However, Cheng Jin Yue couldn't adapt to it and couldn't learn it.

At the Xu family's dining table, when they saw Grandma Xu bring out a large bowl of fine rice porridge, still intact, the family members' faces changed immediately.

"Mother, is Fourth Sister-in-law making a fuss again and refusing to eat? This is fine rice, and she's still not satisfied?" Xu's third sister-in-law had a straightforward personality and always spoke her mind. At this moment, she was as outspoken as ever.

"She doesn't want to eat, let us eat it! Does she really think of herself as an ancestor to be worshipped? Just because she gave birth to two sons, what's there to be proud of?" Xu's second sister-in-law's voice wasn't loud, but she didn't hide the jealousy and sourness in her words.

"Yes, I want to eat fine rice porridge too! The family isn't just Fourth Sister-in-law who can give birth. Maybe I'm carrying a big, fat boy right now!" Xu's fifth sister-in-law, Qian Xiang Xiang, felt really unlucky. When she married into the Xu family, there were no sons in the four rooms above. She was full of energy, planning to become the most prestigious and influential daughter-in-lawzhi suddenly put down his book, stood up, and walked over to the redwood chest.

Watching Xu Mingzhi, Cheng Jin Yue's lips curled up, not at all surprised. The person who could earn money by copying books to buy fine rice for her was undoubtedly responsible. Cheng Jin Yue had no doubt about Xu Mingzhi's character.

Seeing Xu Mingzhi open the chest, Cheng Jin Yue quickly added, "Underneath the clothes on top, there's a small locked vanity box at the bottom. The key is in the pink pouch next to it. Please help me bring it over."

Xu Mingzhi's face was cold throughout the process. Cheng Jin Yue said one sentence, and he made one move, not even glancing at the other things in the chest. He took out the small box and the key and walked towards Cheng Jin Yue, placing them both on... Cheng Jin Yue's bedside.

Cheng Jin Yue's smile froze on her face. Although the bedside was indeed within her reach, her hands were already stretched out, both of them, reaching out very long. Xu Mingzhi clearly intended to ignore her!

However, Cheng Jin Yue, who had been continuously hit since she met Xu Mingzhi, had now quickly improved her resilience.

Pretending not to notice Xu Mingzhi's indifference, Cheng Jin Yue opened the vanity box herself.

She had to admit that the original owner was not good at much else, but her ability to accumulate wealth was excellent. Raised by her stepmother since childhood, she had managed to save a total of over two hundred taels of silver, including her dowry and years of savings. Cheng Jin Yue even wondered if the original owner had secretly robbed her stepmother's private treasury before getting married. After all, the original owner's scholar father was not very wealthy, but her stepmother's family background was good, and her private treasury was quite rich.

Anyway, the original owner was so wealthy. It's just that after marrying into the Xu family, she had been stingy and refused to take it out.

Cheng Jin Yue was different. Compared to the original owner, Cheng Jin Yue was better at making money and more generous: "Husband, do you have enough money for your journey to Yuzhou Prefecture for the academy exams? I was going to talk to my mother about this during the day, thinking of sending more money for your journey through someone. Since you're back, there's no need to send someone else."

As Cheng Jin Yue spoke, she took out a fifty-tael silver note and handed it to Xu Mingzhi.

Xu Mingzhi did not accept the silver note, his cold, emotionless gaze fixed on Cheng Jin Yue's face.

Finally, he was willing to look at her directly. Cheng Jin Yue's smile deepened, and she continued to express her goodwill: "I know my actions before were very**, but things are different now. I have given birth to two sons for my husband, and we are now an inseparable family. Even for the sake of our two sons, I can't let my husband have too difficult a time on the road to the imperial exams, can I?"

Through her brief contact with Xu Mingzhi, Cheng Jin Yue could be sure that apologizing to him was useless. Instead, she might as well take the opposite approach and talk to Xu Mingzhi about their interests. Perhaps she could achieve unexpected results.

As it turned out, Cheng Jin Yue's new tactic was quite good. When she mentioned their two sons, Xu Mingzhi's gaze changed noticeably. By the time she finished speaking, his attention had shifted to the two sons, and his eyes were much warmer than when he looked at Cheng Jin Yue just now.

Cheng Jin Yue wouldn't be jealous of her own two little buns. Seeing that Xu Mingzhi really liked the children, she immediately pressed her advantage and suggested, "Husband, would you like to hold the two children? They haven't been named yet! Have you thought about it? If you haven't, then I'll choose..."

"Xu Chang'an, Xu Changning." Xu Mingzhi interrupted Cheng Jin Yue's words directly.

Finally, he was willing to speak to her, which was progress. Encouraged, Cheng Jin Yue continued, "Chang'an and Changning are indeed nice names. What about their nicknames? How about Fubao and Lubao, symbolizing happiness and prosperity? If we have a third child in the future, regardless of gender, we can call them Xbao."

This time, Cheng Jin Yue was smart and didn't give Xu Mingzhi a chance to interrupt her. She had figured out that as long as she didn't give a specific name, Xu Mingzhi would be able to come up with dozens of nicknames in a blink of an eye to compete with her.

Originally, during the day, Cheng Jin Yue had wanted to discuss the children's nicknames with Grandma Xu. Of course, she never thought of competing for the given names; not only Xu Mingzhi but also Grandpa Xu would be eyeing that. Unfortunately, she hadn't found a suitable opportunity during the day, and Xu Mingzhi's sudden return had distracted her thoughts, so she had postponed the matter until the evening.

After hearing the nicknames Cheng Jin Yue came up with, Xu Mingzhi looked at her deeply but did not speak.

Not objecting meant agreeing, right? Cheng Jin Yue immediately put on a big smile, leaned down, and kissed her two sons: "Mommy's Fubao and Lubao, grow up nicely!"