Dinner was set up in Song Jinyao’s courtyard.
Shen Shi arrived, twisting her handkerchief nervously, her face full of anxiety.
All along the way, she had been wondering: Was the meal her mother-in-law had summoned her for a farewell dinner?
It wasn’t until she entered the main hall and Song Jinyao called her over affectionately to sit beside her that Shen Shi felt her hanging heart settle slightly.
But only slightly.
“Mother?” Shen Shi spoke hesitantly in a small voice, “Once Second Master’s injuries have healed a bit more, we will pack our belongings and move out as quickly as possible.”
One couldn’t be shameless. Since Lu Xiao had committed such an unfilial act, Shen Shi also felt deeply ashamed. How could she wait to be driven out? It was better to state her position first.
At the moment, no one else had arrived yet, making it the perfect time for her to express her stance.
Song Jinyao looked at her cautious second daughter-in-law and sighed inwardly.
This Shen Shi was also a woman with a bitter fate.
Thinking back, it was she who had gone to the Shen family to propose the marriage. In a way, she had been the one to pull Shen Shi into this pit of fire.
“Shen Shi, Mother won’t beat around the bush with you.”
Halfway through these words, Shen Shi’s face instantly turned pale.
Her hands trembled slightly.
So this meal really was a farewell dinner after all.
Seeing this, Song Jinyao soothingly took Shen Shi’s hand and said, “What Mother wants to discuss with you isn’t about moving out. Instead, Mother wants to ask you: Are you willing to divorce Second Son?”
Huh??
Shen Shi’s eyes widened in shock.
This was what Mother wanted to say? This?
“Mother, do you really dislike your daughter-in-law so much?” As she spoke, Shen Shi began to choke up. When Lu Xiao misbehaved outside, her mother-in-law would scold her for failing to keep her husband’s heart. Now that they were cutting ties, could it be that Mother still couldn’t tolerate her?
Seeing Shen Shi’s tearful expression, Song Jinyao knew the young woman had misunderstood.
She patted Shen Shi’s head and continued softly, “Mother has never disliked you, never. You have always been more sensible and well-behaved than Second Son. In the past, Mother was angry at Second Son’s lack of ambition and took it out on you.”
“But now, Mother has come to understand: Second Son’s flawed nature cannot be changed. I’m only afraid that after you move out, that beast will grow even worse. When that happens, you will suffer, and Mother fears you won’t be able to endure it.”
In her previous life, Shen Shi had endured hardship her entire life, only to end up demoted from wife to concubine, childless, and meeting a tragic end. Having been reborn, Song Jinyao wanted to change Shen Shi’s fate.
“Mother? What do you mean?” Song Jinyao’s words made Shen Shi feel deeply touched—after all these years, she had finally received Mother’s approval.
Still, she didn’t fully grasp Song Jinyao’s meaning.
They say that even when bones are broken, the tendons remain connected. Although they were cutting ties, she understood a loving mother’s heart. How could Mother not consider her own son?
Could it be that Mother was afraid she would abandon Lu Xiao?
“Mother, you’re overthinking it. Your daughter-in-law would never abandon her husband. Don’t worry, I will take good care of him.”
Song Jinyao rolled her eyes inwardly. How was she the one overthinking it?
Clearly, it was this foolish daughter-in-law who was overthinking—and misunderstanding at that!
Her thoughts were all over the place, just not hitting the mark.
Helpless, Song Jinyao had to speak more plainly: “That’s not what Mother meant.”
She sighed and continued, “To put it bluntly, Mother hopes you will divorce Second Son.”
Uh——
This was something Shen Shi hadn’t anticipated.
Her mother-in-law was advising her to divorce?
“You’re a good woman, it’s just that Second Son doesn’t know how to cherish you. While you’re still young, it would be better to divorce. Later, you can find someone better.”
Shen Shi blinked but remained silent.
Song Jinyao continued, “Mother wants to ask you something. Be honest with me.”
“Please ask, Mother-in-law. Your daughter-in-law will certainly tell the truth.”
“Have you and Second Son still not consummated the marriage?”
Shen Shi’s face instantly flushed red, both from embarrassment and humiliation.
After three years of marriage, her husband hadn’t even touched her. Speaking of this made her feel deeply ashamed.
“Yes,” she nodded with a soft hum, her face burning hotly.
She expected her mother-in-law to mock her, but instead, she heard Song Jinyao say, “This is a good thing. Your pure body hasn’t been tainted by that beast. It’ll be easier for you to remarry in the future.”
As she spoke, Song Jinyao carefully observed Shen Shi’s features.
Actually, Shen Shi was quite beautiful, just a bit quiet and reserved, and she didn’t care much for dressing up. It was said that back in her maiden home, she had been a lively and cheerful girl. It was only after entering this household these past few years that she had been worn down and lost her true nature.
Lu Xiao’s mistress, Wanyue Tao—Song Jinyao had seen her in her previous life. She was indeed very beautiful, with peach blossom eyes that seemed capable of captivating souls.
But Song Jinyao didn’t care for that type. There was too strong a scent of the pleasure quarters about her; one look and you could tell she wasn’t the steady kind.
Hearing Song Jinyao speak so bluntly, Shen Shi finally understood.
But—
“Mother-in-law, your daughter-in-law thanks you for your concern. However… my maiden family has no one left. If I divorce, I’m afraid I truly have nowhere to go.” The thought of managing such a large estate alone, as a woman with no strength to even tie up a chicken, filled Shen Shi with fear.
She didn’t dare imagine it. She didn’t have her mother-in-law’s courage.
“Mother understands what worries you. Take these next few days to carefully consider my suggestion. If you decide to divorce, Mother will help you. There’s no rush.”
There was still a month before the second and third branches would move out. There was enough time for Shen Shi to hesitate a few more days. However, Song Jinyao knew she needed to address the root of Shen Shi’s concerns.
After thinking for a moment, Song Jinyao added, “If you’re willing, you can stay by Mother’s side in the future. When a suitable match is found, you can marry from here. If you feel your status is improper, Mother can also adopt you as a sworn daughter.”
This promise carried significant weight. At this moment, Shen Shi no longer doubted Song Jinyao’s sincerity toward her.
Tears welling in her eyes, she nodded. “May your daughter-in-law have three days to consider it before giving you an answer?”
“Very well.”
As they reached this point, footsteps sounded outside—likely the other children had arrived.
The conversation between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law thus came to an end.
Shen Shi hurriedly wiped her tears, stood up straight, and prepared to greet the newcomers with proper decorum.
Actually, apart from Lu Yuan, who was considered an elder, Lu Wenyin and Lu Wenhui were her sisters-in-law. Shen Shi didn’t need to be so cautious.
Over the years, which of those three ungrateful wretches had ever shown Lu Yuan any respect?
Forget standing to greet him—not spitting in his direction was considered mild.
But Shen Shi hadn’t followed their example; she had always shown Lu Yuan considerable respect.
“Mother, we’re here.” The voices arrived with the people—the four children entered the room together.
Behind them followed the maids Baizhi and Baishuang.
The youngest son, Lu Chen, was carried in by the eldest, Lu Yuan.
An eight or nine-year-old child was quite heavy, yet surprisingly, the eldest brother was strong enough to carry him all the way from the side courtyard to here.
“Chen’er?” Song Jinyao’s eyes grew warm, her gaze fixed unwaveringly on her youngest son’s face.
This was the first time she had seen this little son since her rebirth.
“——” The little one also noticed Song Jinyao, opening his mouth toward her but making no sound.
Judging by the lip movement, he seemed to be calling “Mother.”
Song Jinyao froze for a moment—had Chen’er responded to someone?
An uncontrollable surge of joy welled up in her heart: “Chen’er, quick, come to Mother.”
She beckoned to her youngest son and opened her arms.
Lu Yuan obediently set Lu Chen down on the ground. Everyone expected the fifth younger brother to remain unresponsive to Song Jinyao as before, unwilling to approach her on his own.
But in the next moment, something astonishing happened.
The little one’s short legs pattered swiftly, and in an instant, he threw himself into Song Jinyao’s embrace.
Though he still couldn’t speak and his expression remained somewhat vacant, such a significant change was enough to make their hearts race again and again.
Lu Wenyin, who had always felt deep compassion for this younger brother and had a tender, tearful disposition, immediately began to sob.
“Mother, look, Fifth Younger Brother responded to you. He must know you’re his mother.”
Song Jinyao’s heart swelled with both warmth and astonishment. She nodded repeatedly, tears glistening in her eyes.
Then, holding the little one’s hand, she led him into the dining hall connected to the flower hall and seated him beside her.
There weren’t many servants in the residence. Baishuang and Baizhi helped Old Mother Fang serve the dishes in the flower hall.
Midway through serving, it was announced that Lord Pei had arrived.
Everyone was taken aback for a moment—why would such an important figure visit their home?
Without time to ponder further, they could only rise to greet him.
Unexpectedly, the gatekeeper servants, upon hearing he was a high official from Jing City, didn’t dare to stop him and directly escorted him inside.
Entering the flower hall, Pei Jingzhe glanced at the half-served meal on the left-side dining table and paused in surprise.
So, he had arrived right at their mealtime?
Yan Qing: Didn’t you time it exactly for this?
“Lord Pei, we were unaware of your visit and failed to welcome you properly. Please do not take offense.” Song Jinyao led the others in a bow and exchanged a few polite words.
She then invited him to the seat of honor and instructed Baishuang to serve tea.
She asked, “Might Lord Pei have business here?”
“Ah, yes. I came to inform Madam Song of the verdict in the matricide case——”
“You’ve gone to great trouble, Lord Pei.”
Eighty cane strikes and a lifelong ban from holding office—Song Jinyao had already known this outcome.
The unfilial son had just been sent back to the residence, and the Third Branch’s courtyard was filled with heart-wrenching cries, making it impossible for her not to know.
Song Jinyao was quite satisfied with this result. That beast being barred from officialdom truly spared many common people from suffering.
Pei Jingzhe discussed the case with her in an official, businesslike tone. But if it were truly just official business, would such a minor matter require the personal attention of the high-ranking Minister of the Court of Judicial Review?
Song Jinyao suspected this fellow had other reasons for coming. Yet, after finishing his remarks, he stood up to leave.
This left Song Jinyao somewhat bewildered.
Just as she rose dizzily to see him out, she saw the seemingly idle Lord Pei suddenly halt and refuse to move.
His gaze drifted toward the dining hall on the left as he remarked casually, “So you were about to have a meal. It seems I failed to consider the timing properly. My visit was ill-timed and has disturbed you.”
“Very well, no need to see me out. Please continue your meal. I shall return to have mine as well.”
Hearing this, anyone with basic manners would instinctively extend a polite invitation. Lu Yuan reflexively said, “Since Your Excellency hasn’t eaten yet, if you don’t mind, why not… join us?”
“Hmm, very well.” With that, the dignitary had already strode ahead into the dining hall.
Watching the composed figure take a seat, Lu Yuan nearly bit off his own tongue: “…” He had truly meant it as a mere formality.