Zhao Jing’s home was located right in the center of Zhao Family Village. To the east of his gate stood an old camphor tree that remained green throughout the year.
It was said that this camphor tree had been planted when Scholar Zhao first began his studies.
Now, after more than thirty years, the camphor tree had grown lush and verdant, becoming even more robust and flourishing with age. From a distance, it appeared grand and deeply elegant.
The old lady knew nothing about camphor trees, nor did she understand the scholarly admiration for enduring vitality and unwavering resilience.
She only felt that the tree’s dense foliage blocked the warm sunlight, and even before approaching, the place felt gloomy and eerie. Could it be that Scholar Zhao, aware of her intentions today, had come out to frighten her?
Amitabha Buddha.
Though she had her own selfish motives, marrying Wanqing into the Zhao family was far better than marrying Wanyue.
If Scholar Zhao’s spirit were watching from above, he ought to thank her.
“Oh, isn’t this Grandma In-law? You’re a rare visitor indeed. What brings you here? Could it be that with Jing-ge’er’s mourning period nearly over, you’ve come to discuss the wedding date with my aunt?”
On a stone bench nearby, several women were gathered. Some were sewing shoe soles while basking in the sun, others were watching their grandchildren and chatting with neighbors.
Among them was a young wife with large eyes, thick lips, slightly dark skin, and a face dotted with freckles.
In the old lady’s memory, this young wife had recently married into the Zhao family’s seventh branch this year.
What was her name again? Miao Hua’er or Cui Hua’er?
“Miao Hua’er, keep your voice down. Your Ninth Aunt lives right next door. She’s frail and timid, and your sudden outburst might startle her.”
Miao Hua’er’s maternal aunt had married into Zhao Family Village.
Her aunt had given birth to three sons in quick succession but had longed for a daughter without success, so she had taken Miao Hua’er in to raise as her own.
Later, Miao Hua’er married into the Zhao family’s seventh branch and lived a harmonious life.
The old lady’s own daughter had married into the Zhao family’s third branch, making her, in name, this young woman’s sister-in-law.
Moreover, since Wanyue was engaged to Zhao Jing of the Zhao family’s ninth branch, they were connected by marriage in a roundabout way.
Living in the same village, Miao Hua’er was always warm and enthusiastic. After her marriage, she would greet the old lady as “Grandma In-law” every time they met.
Hearing this, the old lady quickly forced a stiff smile and greeted Miao Hua’er and the other women chatting there.
Then, pointing to the basket in her hand, she vaguely explained, “Well, the persimmons at home have ripened, so I picked some good ones to bring to Zhao Jing’s mother. It’s been a while since I last saw her, and I was wondering how she’s been lately.”
“My Ninth Aunt’s health is about the same—neither better nor worse. But with a happy occasion coming up soon, my aunt now has something to look forward to, so I’m sure her health will improve right away.”
“That makes sense. Once Jing-ge’er gets married and has children, with a grandchild to fuss over, your Ninth Aunt won’t even have the chance to fall ill.”
The old lady responded with a polite smile while quickening her steps toward Zhao Jing’s home.
Seeing this, Miao Hua’er quickly stood up and walked to the base of a wall, raising her voice to call out, “Ninth Aunt, Xiang’er, Grandma In-law is here! Come out and greet her!”
“No need for greetings, we’re practically family. You all continue chatting. I’ll go have a word with Jing-ge’er’s mother.”
The old lady’s figure soon disappeared through the gate. Only when faint sounds of greeting drifted from the courtyard did Miao Hua’er return to the group.
"When your Ninth Uncle was still around, the old lady used to come to the house every day. After he passed, she hardly ever shows up for three or five months at a time."
"The family is in mourning—what would the old lady come for? She doesn’t know how to speak tactfully, and might only upset Auntie further."
"Is she here this time to discuss the marriage arrangement? Jing-ge’er will soon be out of mourning, and this marriage can’t be delayed any longer."
"Most likely she’s here for that. Ah, doesn’t that mean we’ll be celebrating another wedding soon?"
Outside, there was cheerful chatter and laughter, but inside the Zhao family’s room, the atmosphere was much more somber.
Lady Zhao was the most sensitive by nature. When she saw the old lady forcing a smile to greet her, her heart couldn’t help but sink, fearing something unpleasant was about to happen.
She patted her daughter’s hand. "Go and make tea for your grandmother-in-law. I’ll keep the old lady company for a while."
"Yes, I’ll go right away."
After Xiang’er left, full of worry, the old lady took Lady Zhao’s hand and sat down at the table.
While exchanging pleasantries, the old lady subtly observed Lady Zhao before her.
Lady Zhao had never been particularly robust. During her daughter’s birth, she had a difficult labor but was fortunate to survive. However, her health had never fully recovered since then.
When Scholar Zhao was still alive, she had been well cared for. But now, Lady Zhao’s once delicate and beautiful face had grown thin and gaunt, her appearance weary and worn, with none of the gentle grace she once possessed.
Her complexion was sallow, and after speaking just a few words, she would need to pause and catch her breath. Anyone could see she was not destined for a long life.
The old lady thought to herself, "What a pity."
It was a shame that such a good family was not to Wanyue’s liking.
Otherwise, if she married into it, she wouldn’t have to serve her mother-in-law for long before living a comfortable life. Wouldn’t that be a hundred times better than enduring strict rules under a mother-in-law day after day?
But no matter how you look at it, nothing in this world is perfect.
If you want a husband with prospects, you must endure a strong-willed mother-in-law. If you only seek a peaceful life… then a man without wealth or influence, who repeatedly fails the imperial examinations, will be discontent himself—what kind of good life could a woman expect by his side?
After much thought, the old lady still believed that a promising grandson-in-law was the most important. As for those whose prospects remained uncertain, it was best to sever ties with them as soon as possible.
"Jing-ge’er’s mother…"
"Old lady, why did you bring gifts when you came? As the elder, it should be us visiting you. I haven’t even gone to see you yet, and here you are, troubling yourself to come to me first."
Lady Zhao spoke a few polite words first, then flattered the old lady, "You’re getting on in years too. It must have been exhausting for you to make this trip."
The old lady paused for a moment, waving her hand dismissively. "It’s not that far—I just came over on a whim. What I brought isn’t anything special, just some persimmons from our own tree. I remember you like them, so I brought a few for you to try."
"How could I accept…"
"Take them. They’re nothing valuable anyway… Jing-ge’er’s mother, I won’t beat around the bush. To be honest with you, I came today because I have an important matter to ask of you."
Lady Zhao was already uneasy, and hearing the old lady use the word "ask," her thin, bony fingers couldn’t help but tremble slightly.
She forced a faint smile. "You're being too polite. We're family by marriage, and you saved my life. There's no need to talk about 'asking for help.' Just tell me what you need. If I can help, I will. If I can't, I'll have Jing-ge'er take you to see the village chief."
The "village chief" Lady Zhao referred to was the head of Zhao Family Village.
The old man was already over sixty, but he remained sharp-minded and in good health, and everyone in Zhao Family Village obeyed him without question.
As for the "life-saving favor" Lady Zhao mentioned, that was another story from the past.