After finishing the meal with some struggle, General Chen excused himself first. Su Qing’er stood quietly to the side, awaiting her mother-in-law’s instructions.
Lady Chen and Aunt Wang chatted animatedly, paying no attention to Qing’er, as if she didn’t exist.
Chen Jinghan stayed with her for a while, then approached Lady Chen, feigning innocence: “Mother, if there’s nothing else to command, Qing’er and I will take our leave.”
“Really? You can’t even stand for this short time? How delicate you are,” Lady Chen said with a glance at Qing’er, her eyes filled with disapproval.
Qing’er hurriedly explained, “Mother-in-law, I’m fine.”
Seeing his well-intentioned effort backfire, Chen Jinghan regretted it slightly. Yet, unwilling to let Qing’er stand any longer, he continued pleading, “Mother, Qing’er and I have to visit the Su household tomorrow. We need to prepare.”
Hearing this, Lady Chen paused. Indeed, it was customary for newlyweds to make a formal visit three days after the wedding. The Su family had sent word that a maternal aunt was seriously ill, so to avoid inauspicious timing, the visit would be postponed to a more suitable day.
Chen Jinghan didn’t quite believe the excuse, but traditions were traditions. He resignedly arranged for the proper day.
Though Lady Chen disliked Qing’er, this visit concerned the Chen family’s reputation, so she waved them off, letting the young couple leave.
Once they were out of earshot, Aunt Wang tested the waters: “Sister, I see Jinghan really cares for his wife. He doesn’t seem the woman-shy type everyone says he is.”
Lady Chen, frowning, replied, “Who knows? Before marriage, Jinghan was worried, saying he didn’t like delicate, bookish girls. But now… after marriage, he’s utterly smitten with this girl. He follows her everywhere—it’s pathetic!”
Lady Chen herself lacked education and disliked pampered ladies. From the moment she met Qing’er, she feared her son would be stolen away. Events proved her suspicion correct: Jinghan was infatuated, even willing to oppose his mother for her, no longer the obedient son he once was.
She had voiced her concerns to General Chen, who laughed at her small-mindedness. He told her their son was grown and married; it was time to let go. After all, in the future, the young couple would live together and manage their own life.
Lady Chen couldn’t accept this. Seeing him defend Qing’er only fueled her resentment, and Qing’er grew increasingly unpleasant in her eyes.
Lady Chen also had another grievance. She had originally favored her sister-in-law Wang’s eldest daughter, Hu Die.
The girl was beautiful, well-mannered, and sweet-spoken—every word from her warmed the heart.
When Jinghan was away fighting, she was often bored at home, and Wang frequently sent Hu Die to the Chen residence for company.
Lady Chen had hoped to further strengthen ties through marriage. But the imperial edict suddenly decreed a different match. Su Qing’er arrived unexpectedly, not only taking Hu Die’s place but also capturing her son’s heart, leaving Lady Chen feeling neglected.
Aunt Wang noticed Lady Chen’s dislike for Qing’er and added fuel to the fire: “Sister, this daughter-in-law must be handled carefully. If she thinks she can be bullied, life will only be harder for her later.”
In truth, Aunt Wang had her own plans. Seeing the Chen family’s rising official status and Jinghan’s youth and talent, she had long hoped to make him her son-in-law. That was why Hu Die often visited—to establish a bond with the Chen family.
If Jinghan had taken a liking to Hu Die, the two families could have cemented ties through marriage.
But Jinghan, like a block of wood, remained polite yet distant toward Hu Die, never showing any extra interest.
Hu Die had liked him from the first glance: heroic, handsome, well-born, and favored by Lady Chen. She had been certain that marrying him would bring a happy future.
Yet he ignored her overtures, leaving her unsure whether it was deliberate or oblivious.
Hu Die complained to her mother, who scolded her, saying that failing to take advantage of such a close opportunity proved she was unfit. Then she taught her daughter seductive techniques she herself had once used successfully.
Hu Die abandoned her tears, determined to do whatever it took to marry into the Chen family.
The imperial edict shattered their plans. Hu Die locked herself in her room, refusing food. Aunt Wang, disheartened, advised her daughter to secretly gather information from the Chen household before acting.
They had assumed Jinghan would be indifferent, marrying out of duty. Yet now it was clear: Jinghan’s heart belonged entirely to Su Qing’er. He cherished her like a delicate treasure.
The supposedly unyielding Jinghan was a completely different man!
Aunt Wang felt a shadow of despair. With Jinghan so devoted, inserting her daughter into the picture seemed nearly impossible. She decided to start by influencing Lady Chen, exploiting her dislike for Qing’er to work toward her goal.
Meanwhile, Chen Jinghan had returned with Qing’er to their room, preparing items for the upcoming visit while chatting casually.
Biting her lip, Qing’er hesitated before speaking: “Husband, have I done something wrong? Why do Mother-in-law and Aunt dislike me?”
“Huh? Do they?” Chen Jinghan feigned ignorance.
“Of course. It’s so obvious, and I’m not blind.” Qing’er paused, frowning, eyes brimming with tears.
Startled, Chen Jinghan quickly handed her a handkerchief. “Wife, don’t overthink. You just arrived; it takes time to adapt. If you’re wronged, tell me—I’ll set things right for you.”
Expecting to lean into his embrace, Qing’er instead met his gaze steadily, a hint of doubt in her eyes: “Husband… are you hiding something from me?”
“I… I…” Chen Jinghan’s heart raced under her intense stare. He intended to brush it off, but in front of her dark, clear eyes, he couldn’t lie.
“Tell me. Sooner or later, I’ll know anyway,” Qing’er said clearly. She preferred knowing early to prepare, rather than being caught off guard.
Chen Jinghan held her hand, saying, “Wife, promise me you won’t get angry.”
“Alright, I won’t.” Qing’er said it, though her hands clenched slightly, sensing from his expression that it was serious.
He briefly explained the situation regarding his cousin Hu Die, skimming the details.
Qing’er understood instantly—no wonder they had scrutinized her from the moment she entered.
“That’s all?” she asked.
“Yes, wife. There’s nothing else.” Chen Jinghan raised his hand in oath, careful not to upset her.