"Mother, I have not abandoned you. Whether you wish to travel with your maternal family or with us, the choice is yours. No matter what you decide, you will always be my mother."
Upon hearing this, Chen Wenqiao remained unwilling to relent and angrily rebuked him.
"You have been bewitched by a seductress. Now you refuse to listen to your mother at all, even going so far as to turn your back on your own family. This is unfilial!"
Su Hanchu truly felt she could no longer bear to listen. How could Jun Moye have a mother like this?
"Enough, Madam Jun. Jun Moye is, after all, your son. There is no need to label him as unfilial. Since you disapprove of me, I will travel with the Su Family from now on.
I know you prefer Chen Siyu as your daughter-in-law. If you truly cannot accept me, Jun Moye can write a letter of separation."
Upon hearing this, Jun Moye frowned, his gaze toward Su Hanchu carrying a hint of sternness.
"Su Hanchu."
Yet, in the end, he could say nothing. She had done nothing wrong in this matter, but this was the second time she had mentioned separation. Indeed, the Jun Family was no longer the Qin Prince's Mansion. Even though he had always stood by her side, perhaps she still wished to leave.
Jun Moye's expression turned frighteningly cold. Seeing the disappointment and chill in his eyes, Su Hanchu lowered her gaze and remained silent.
She was not from this world. She could not uphold the principles of treating one's husband as heaven or the three obediences and four virtues. When faced with conflicts with her in-laws, she naturally chose to cut her losses in time.
Suddenly, a deep and resonant voice rang out.
"Chu girl, your temper truly resembles your father's in his youth."
It was Prince Qin, Jun Linfeng, who had awakened. Supported by his two concubines, he walked toward them with great difficulty.
A glimmer of light appeared in Jun Moye's eyes as he hurriedly clasped his hands in salute.
"Father, you have finally awakened."
Jun Linfeng raised his hand and waved dismissively.
Then, he turned his gaze toward Chen Wenqiao.
"Wen Qiao, back when my mother repeatedly urged me to take concubines for the sake of expanding the royal lineage, I withstood the pressure and waited until you gave birth to Ye'er and your position as principal wife was secure before allowing Mother to arrange for concubines to enter the mansion. Why are you now causing trouble for your own child?"
There was not a hint of anger in his tone; Jun Linfeng's voice remained gentle. Yet, Chen Wenqiao sensed his disappointment in her.
"Linfeng, I only… I only thought that traveling with the Chen Family would allow us to look out for each other."
Jun Linfeng did not respond to her words. Instead, he raised his hands and bowed respectfully toward Chen Laofuren.
"Mother-in-law, I thank the Chen Family for looking after the Jun Family while I was unconscious. However, the Jun Family has many members, and this journey is, after all, one of exile.
If our two families travel together, conflicts among the younger generation are inevitable. I also have two concubines and several children on my side. It would be best if we each managed our own affairs. Once we reach the northwest, we can make further plans."
Chen Laofuren understood her son-in-law's temperament. Though he appeared gentle, he was decisive in his actions. Now that he was awake, Wen Qiao likely no longer held authority in the Jun Family.
"Linfeng, a son-in-law is half a son. You know how I have treated you. This matter is merely a conflict between the two children. A few words of reprimand to each would suffice. There is no need to drive our two families to such a state."
But what you said also makes sense. In that case, our two families will still travel together, but we'll each manage our own food and rest. I'll go back and scold that girl Siyu later.
Now that both you and Ye'er are injured, if anything happens on the road, we can still look out for each other."
Given the deep-rooted friendship between the two families over many years, it was naturally impossible to let such a minor matter cause a rift. Hearing this, Jun Linfeng compromised.
"Then let's follow Mother-in-law's suggestion."
Chen Laofuren glanced at Chen Siyu and her mother.
"Useless things, come back with me now."
With Chen Laofuren's command, the Chen family members also left together.
Only then did Jun Linfeng turn to Wei Furong and Su Lichuan, who had somehow appeared behind Wei Furong at some point, and spoke apologetically.
"Brother Su, Madam Su, I'm sorry for letting Chu girl suffer. Originally, it was I who implicated the Su family, and now…"
Su Lichuan immediately spoke up upon hearing this.
"Brother Jun, what are you saying? Between you and me, what talk of implication is there? In the past, when you were prosperous, didn't the Su family also benefit from your glory?"
Lady Li of the Jun Family, Jun Linfeng's concubine, spoke up.
"Master, Master Su, Madam Su, why don't we go over there and sit while we talk? Master, you and the young master shouldn't stand for too long."
Seeing beads of sweat on Jun Linfeng's forehead, Su Lichuan also hurriedly said.
"Let's go, let's sit down and talk. You, I always told you to practice martial arts more, but you wouldn't listen. Now you see, right? Look at me, I can walk on my own now."
Wei Furong nudged Su Hanchu, signaling her to go support Jun Moye.
Seeing her mother's meaningful look, Su Hanchu pursed her lips and walked over, reaching out to help Jun Moye.
But Jun Moye avoided her hand and walked back in an awkward posture.
What's wrong with him again? Su Hanchu was full of confusion.
Wei Furong came over and took Su Hanchu's arm, speaking softly.
"You, since your husband is willing to protect you, why did you bring up the divorce agreement? Jun Moye is probably angry now. Find a chance later to properly coax him."
Su Hanchu pursed her lips and whispered.
"But his mother really doesn't like me, Mother. A hard life is one thing, but I'm not willing to live under someone's disapproving gaze.
Moreover, his mother is determined to bring Chen Siyu into the household. Even if I end up alone in my old age, I'd rather not eat a bowl of half-cooked rice.
Besides, we're not in the imperial city anymore. The days ahead will be difficult. My mind is filled with thoughts of how to get by in the coming days. I can't possibly waste time every day fighting with Chen Siyu."
The men of the Su family had no concubines, so Wei Furong actually agreed with her daughter's view. With more women in the household, there would be more trouble.
"You have a mind of your own. Whatever you do, Mother supports your choice. Our Su family never had concubines or the like to begin with.
But you're living with Jun Moye, not his mother. Your father-in-law is also reasonable. Don't mention the word 'divorce' again from now on. Jun Moye is still injured!
When we reach the northwest, if his family really insists on marrying Chen Siyu, then you can bring it up again. Anyway, your father and I still have strength left. We can farm and support you."
Jun Moye leaned halfway against the wall, watching Su Hanchu whispering with her mother, then lowered his gaze to look at the ground.
Jun Linfeng, also leaning against the wall, was saying something to Su Lichuan.
Meanwhile, Ping'er and the others returned with a good amount of firewood, and Cui Mama was starting the fire.
Liu Guanshi and Liu Shan brought back a cleaned wild chicken.
Su Lichuan also stood up and said,
"Brother Jun, we'll head back to the Su Family now. There are elders and children over there who need looking after. If there's anything, just have Chuchu come back and let us know. That girl takes after me—stubborn and headstrong. Please be patient with her in your household."