Zhuang Hui had no interest in looking at the fabrics and jewelry. The first thing she did after getting out of bed was to call Luoluo into the room.
Upon learning from Luoluo that Zhao Changting had sent fabrics and jewelry to all the women in the household—with Old Madam and Zhao Jingzhi receiving the most, while she, Zhuang Mingxiang, and Fourth Madame received equal amounts—her heart, which had nearly leaped out of her throat, finally settled back into her chest.
She had been too nervous and overly concerned, overthinking things.
This was likely just an ancient custom of etiquette. After receiving a reward, especially items like fabrics and jewelry that Zhao Changting himself had no use for, it was normal to distribute them among the women of the household.
However, he probably only intended to give them to Old Madam and Zhao Jingzhi. The others were likely included as an afterthought.
For the heir of the marquisate, such fabrics and jewelry were probably insignificant, so distributing them to everyone made for a good appearance and prevented others from criticizing him as stingy or narrow-minded.
Yes, that must be it, it had to be!
Zhuang Hui quickly reassured herself and calmed down.
Since the gifts had already been delivered, she naturally couldn’t refuse them. Returning them would only draw attention.
Fortunately, they were of the same generation, so accepting the gifts didn’t require a special thank-you.
At most, she could just say something when meeting him later, following the lead of others.
But even such a meeting was something Zhuang Hui wanted to avoid.
Perhaps the heavens had heard her silent prayers. Usually, she would go to Yi’an Hall for dinner to accompany Zhuang Mingxiang, Rui Ge’er, and the rest of the family, but today, before dinner, her monthly cycle arrived early!
Although she typically didn’t suffer from menstrual pain, if she said she did now, then she did!
Pretending to have cramps, Zhuang Hui sent Yingtáo to inform Zhuang Mingxiang that she wouldn’t be joining them for dinner.
Unexpectedly, Zhuang Mingxiang didn’t even bother with dinner and came directly with Yingtáo.
Fortunately, to make the act convincing, Zhuang Hui had not only lain in bed but also placed a hot water bottle on her stomach to warm it.
Still, Zhuang Mingxiang was worried. She approached, checking Zhuang Hui’s complexion and feeling her stomach. “Perhaps because of the hot water bottle, your lower abdomen isn’t too cold, but your complexion looks a bit off.”
“How does it hurt? Is it severe? You’ve never had pain before. I think we should call a physician…”
“Mother, I’m fine!” Zhuang Hui hugged Zhuang Mingxiang’s arm, feeling a bit guilty for pretending to have cramps. “There’s no need to call a physician. It doesn’t really hurt much. I’m just lazy and don’t want to walk back and forth.”
She spoke coquettishly, with a smile on her face, and indeed didn’t seem to be in much discomfort.
Zhuang Mingxiang felt relieved but couldn’t help chiding her, “Then why didn’t you just say so? Between us mother and daughter, you could’ve had the maid quietly tell me. Would I not have covered for you?”
Zhuang Hui hugged her arm and shook it gently. “I know you love me the most, Mother, but I was afraid Liu Mama might find out. Although Father treats me as his own daughter, I shouldn’t take advantage of his favor.”
“You little rascal! Liu Mama wouldn’t gossip about such a small matter. Do you think your mother has no way of managing her subordinates?” Zhuang Mingxiang lightly tapped her daughter’s forehead, then suddenly changed the subject. “Hui Hui, are you a bit afraid now that Zhao Changting has returned?”
Facing Zhuang Mingxiang, whom she had lived with for nine years, Zhuang Hui didn’t dare to lie completely.
After nine years together, Zhuang Mingxiang cherished and loved her. The maternal affection she had missed in her previous life was fully given by Zhuang Mingxiang, who doted on her as if she had truly grown up again from the age of nine. Thus, it could be said that Zhuang Mingxiang understood her very well.
So she nodded, half-truthfully saying, “Yes, I’m a little afraid. I heard he has killed many people…”
Zhuang Mingxiang shook her head. “Don’t be afraid of him because of that. He killed the Xiongnu—those who burned, looted, and committed every evil in the border cities of our Daliang. They deserved to die.”
Zhuang Hui replied, “I know. It’s just that his presence is too imposing. I feel a bit intimidated just looking at him.”
Zhuang Mingxiang thought of Zhao Changting. She had seen him seven years ago—just a prickly young boy back then.
But seven years later, although his attitude today had been relatively good, his expressionless face was indeed somewhat intimidating.
Moreover, as a military general who had repeatedly achieved great feats, the aura of slaughter about him would naturally frighten a young girl.
“Then just avoid him as much as possible,” she said. “Men and women are different. Even as step-siblings, you won’t meet too often. As for the rest of the time, I’ll help you steer clear of him.”
How could her mother in this life be so wonderful!
Zhuang Hui felt a lump in her throat, nearly on the verge of tears. “Mother…”
Zhuang Mingxiang smiled. “Alright now, how old are you? Still crying like a child?”
Zhuang Hui pouted. “No matter how old I am, I’ll always be your daughter!”
Zhuang Mingxiang sighed, both helpless and doting. “Fine, fine. No matter how old you are, you’ll always be my daughter!”
Zhuang Mingxiang hadn’t had dinner yet. Knowing Zhuang Hui was fine, she sat for a while longer before preparing to leave. As she was about to go, she said, “Your monthly cycle has come. Why don’t you just stay in your room these few days? I’ll speak to the Old Madam for you, so you won’t need to go and pay your respects for now.”
Zhuang Hui felt this wasn’t quite appropriate. She said, “Zhao Changting has official duties. He probably won’t go to pay respects to the Old Madam every day, right? Mother, could you find out his schedule for me? I’ll just go at a different time than him.”
Having already admitted her fear of Zhao Changting, Zhuang Hui decided to speak plainly. After all, if she kept avoiding him, even if others didn’t notice her reluctance, her mother surely would.
Zhuang Mingxiang replied, “He just returned. I heard the Emperor gave him a month off. At least for this month, he’ll likely go to pay respects to the Old Madam frequently. It’s fine, I’ll speak to the Old Madam.”
“For now, rest well these few days. Later, I’ll find out when he goes, and you can avoid him then.” Having been the Marquess’s wife for seven years, Zhuang Mingxiang was confident enough to ensure her own daughter could live comfortably within certain limits.
Zhao Changting was already a grown man and an official. Even with time off, he would have many social engagements. He didn’t need to pay respects morning and evening every day like the women and underage sons of the household.
Zhuang Hui knew her mother indeed had the ability to protect her from paying respects for the time being. After thinking it over, she didn’t insist further.
Only when Zhuang Mingxiang was about to leave did she remind her to take care of her health and not exhaust herself because of Zhao Changting’s return.
Assured that she wouldn’t have to leave Lanyuan for the next few days, Zhuang Hui was in high spirits. That night, she even had trouble sleeping.
But it didn’t matter—after all, she didn’t have to wake up early the next day to pay respects to the Old Madam. So she contentedly picked up a new storybook to read, but as she read, she frowned.
What was going on? How did this new batch of storybooks end up including one about sibling romance?
Even more terrifying, it was also about a stepbrother and stepsister!
Zhuang Hui instantly felt goosebumps all over. She quickly got out of bed and threw the book into the deepest corner of her wardrobe.
Under the same sky, Zhao Changting was also sleepless in Jingyuan.
Having been away from home for seven years, even if Jingyuan remained unchanged inside and out, he was no longer the same as before. He was unaccustomed to the high bed, the soft pillow, the weather of Jingcheng, and even the people of Jingcheng.
In truth, he preferred Mobei—the fierce winds, the icy snow, the freedom, and the version of himself who could let go of all thoughts…
But he had no choice but to return.
Apart from the imperial decree summoning him, it was also because his sister was growing older year by year. He had promised his mother to take good care of her, a promise he had failed to keep. Now, he felt it was his duty as an elder brother to return and help her find a good marriage.
Then there was his grandmother. She, too, was aging with each passing year. She had sent him so many letters, so much food, clothing, and necessities over the years. He was not heartless; he remembered all the kindness she had shown him.
Enough. Since he had returned, there was no point dwelling on such thoughts.
He could leave again after seeing his sister married off and after his grandmother passed away.
As for his father… well, he was not his only son, and even his daughters… In the darkness, Zhao Changting opened his eyes. He slept facing outward, and at that moment, he saw moonlight streaming through the window, spilling across the floor like flowing water.
Yet, the familiar figure still surfaced in his mind. Though he had only caught a glimpse at the city gate, his years of martial arts training had endowed him with keen eyesight, so even that brief glance had allowed him to see that face clearly.
The same face, yet the feeling was different.
Later, during lunch, he sat diagonally across from her, and that was when he confirmed his initial impression—it truly was different.
Miss Wang from Mobei, though the daughter of a county magistrate, had grown up climbing mountains, wading through rivers, and had even mastered culinary skills. She was straightforward, capable, and nothing like the delicate, sheltered young ladies of Jingcheng.
This stepdaughter of his father, however, was a genuine delicate and sheltered young lady. Though she shared the same face, she appeared soft and fragile. Forget climbing mountains or wading through rivers—she would likely complain of exhaustion after just a few extra steps.
The only thing that didn’t grate on him was perhaps her lack of pretentiousness during meals, unlike a chick pecking at its food.
At this thought, Zhao Changting suddenly frowned deeply.
Why was he thinking about this?
Whether it was a coincidence that they shared the same face, whether they were two different people, or whether his stepmother had some connection to that Miss Wang—none of it concerned him.
It was probably just the result of sleeplessness, leading to overthinking.
Since he couldn’t sleep, he might as well not force it. After all, he didn’t have to go to battle tomorrow.
Zhao Changting got out of bed, relit the oil lamp, and picked up a booklet compiled by his uncle Tang Shinian’s advisors in Jingcheng. The booklet recorded the life stories of some officials he would soon interact with in the capital. By familiarizing himself with them in advance, he could avoid unintentionally offending anyone or falling into traps.
Jingcheng was not like Mobei; here, people could kill without shedding blood.
…
After nearly seven years of military life, Zhao Changting had long grown accustomed to the routines of the barracks. Though he had slept only about two hours that night, he still rose early the next day. He began with a set of martial arts exercises, then bathed and changed his clothes before heading to Fushou Hall to pay his respects to Old Madam.
He arrived quite early, but Old Madam, being elderly and needing little sleep, had already washed and dressed.
Although they had already met and wept yesterday, seeing him again so early in the morning, Old Madam still took his hand, her eyes reddening once more: “Why are you up so early? You’re still young, you should sleep a little longer.”
Zhao Changting was actually somewhat unaccustomed to being held so affectionately, but… never mind!
He simply said, “I’m used to it. In Mobei, I always woke at this time.”
Old Madam’s tears immediately fell: “You’ve suffered, all these years, you’ve suffered…”
With the elderly lady crying, Zhao Changting found it even more difficult to withdraw his hand.
But he didn’t know how to comfort others, so he only said stiffly, “No, I’ve been fine all these years.”
Old Madam didn’t believe him. How could a pampered young master from Jingcheng possibly be fine in a place like Mobei?
Thus, she ended up weeping again.
After crying, since only the grandmother and grandson were present now, words that couldn’t be spoken yesterday when there were many people could now be said: “Ting Ge’er, do you still blame your father?”
Zhao Changting remained silent. He couldn’t bring himself to say something contrary to his heart.
On one side was her son, on the other her grandson, Old Madam was also in a difficult position.
But her grandson had lost his mother at a young age and had spent so many years in the harsh, cold lands of Mobei. In the end, Old Madam’s heart ached more for her grandson, so she said, “He was indeed wrong!”
“Not only was he wrong to beat you back then, causing you to leave home for so many years, but he also… truly wasn’t good enough to your mother!” Old Madam had two daughters-in-law in her lifetime, and she had to be honest: the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law conflicts common in other households did not exist between her and her two daughters-in-law.
Her former daughter-in-law, Tang Ruyu, came from a noble family. Although her own father was not particularly capable, she had an outstanding elder brother, so her maternal family was illustrious and supportive. She herself was virtuous, sensible, and understanding—truly an excellent person.
It was just a pity that fate was unkind; she fell ill at a young age and passed away.
Her current daughter-in-law, Zhuang Mingxiang, came from a much humbler background, but she was a natural beauty, intelligent and capable, gentle and kind-hearted, skilled in managing the household and accounts—also an excellent person.
If Old Madam were to say, although she was his birth mother, her son was not worthy of either of his two wives!
Now that her grandson had grown up, even if others didn’t tell him certain things, he would eventually come to understand them himself.
Since that was the case, for the sake of family harmony, it was better for her to say some things: “Although your father is my own flesh and blood, if I don’t look at him from a mother’s perspective but from a woman’s perspective, he is simply not a decent man!”
“Your mother was married to him for eleven years. She was gentle and virtuous toward him, filial and respectful toward me, gave birth to two wonderful children like you and A Zhi, and managed the household well. But after she passed… there was nothing wrong with your father wanting to remarry, and I supported it. But even though you were so unwilling, he refused to wait a little longer. He truly let your mother down.”
Yes, in fact, he didn’t blame his father for the beating back then. What he blamed was that despite his strong reluctance, his father refused to consider his mother’s memory and postpone the remarriage for a while.
Zhao Changting felt injustice for his mother!
His heart ached, and he said, “Grandmother, it’s all in the past. Let’s not bring it up again.” But Old Madam insisted on continuing: “Ting Ge’er, let me finish.”
“Do you think your father wasn’t a scoundrel to Madame Zhuang? Actually, back then, Madame Zhuang originally didn’t want to remarry. She was a divorced woman with a daughter, and she had intended to live with her elder brother and sister-in-law at her maternal home.”
“It was your father who saved her, then leveraged that favor and used his power to coerce her, so Madame Zhuang agreed to marry.”
Though he was her own son, and though many years had passed—and now Marquis Changping and Zhuang Mingxiang shared an extremely good relationship—Old Madam still felt ashamed when she recalled these past events. It was her failure, not having raised her son properly.
Zhao Changting, however, had never known that there was such hidden circumstances behind Zhuang Mingxiang’s marriage into the Zhao family back then. At the time, he had believed the slander of his step-grandmother, thinking Zhuang Mingxiang was a vixen who seduced his father to climb the social ladder. Later, although he learned the truth, still… As Zhao Changting was pondering this, he suddenly realized belatedly why Old Madam was telling him all this.
Probably she wanted him to blame his father if he must blame anyone, and not to blame his stepmother, nor the brother born to her, nor any future younger siblings she might bear?
After all, if he were to hold a grudge, the person he was now could easily make their lives difficult.
So his grandmother had such well-intentioned considerations.
Zhao Changting could not help but feel disappointed, but he had already been disappointed seven years ago, and now it was not so bad.
In fact, when he lifted his head and saw Old Madam’s deeply wrinkled face, yet her eyes looking at him with eager hope, he even felt a twinge of pity in his heart.
Forget it, after all, Grandmother is not young anymore.
Besides, he had never intended to do anything to his stepmother and brother anyway.
So Zhao Changting smiled slightly and said, “Grandmother, what are you having for breakfast? I’m a bit hungry.”
This was his way of signaling that he absolutely would not blame Madame Zhuang and the others.
Old Madam turned her head to wipe away a tear, and when she turned back, her face was all smiles. “I gave instructions yesterday—this morning’s meal is all your favorites. I’ll have them set it out right now, and we grandparents and grandchild can eat together.”