Chapter 16: Lu Jinrong's Good Days Are Coming to an End

Lin Wanqing observed Lu Jinrong’s reaction and shook her head with a smile. This little sister-in-law was truly confused. In her previous life, she had fought bitterly with Lin Qianyun, earning a notorious reputation that spread far and wide. It even affected her marriage prospects, dragging on until she was nearly twenty before hastily marrying someone. Her life thereafter was a complete mess.

Lin Wanqing soaked her hand in the icy water for a while, feeling the pain in her fingertips ease somewhat. “Mother, did my daughter-in-law overstep again? That maid is from your courtyard; I shouldn’t have dealt with her without your permission...” Her face was filled with anxiety and guilt.

Lu’s mother, who now regarded her as more dear than her own daughters, took her hand and said, “You did well, my child. Don’t be afraid, I don’t blame you.”

Lin Wanqing was immensely grateful: “Mother, you’re truly kind. Before marrying in, I worried that my foolishness might not please you. I never had a mother growing up and never knew what it meant to be loved by one. Only today do I realize how fortunate it is to have a mother.”

As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes. Seeing this, Lu’s mother’s heart ached. She pulled her close, calling her her beloved child: “My child, you’ve suffered much. But don’t worry—henceforth, you have a mother’s love. I will cherish you like my own daughter.”

Lin Wanqing took the opportunity to say, “I will surely honor you as my own mother. No, even more so, for I must also carry the part that belongs to the general. Since he is away and cannot show filial respect to you, I will care for you on his behalf.”

Lu’s mother was touched by these words and immediately took off the jade bracelet from her wrist, placing it on Lin Wanqing’s.

Lu Jinrong became agitated: “Mother, are you mad? That’s our Lu family heirloom!”

Lu’s mother said matter-of-factly: “This was originally meant for the eldest daughter-in-law of the Lu family. Your eldest sister-in-law shamelessly remarried; the second followed your second brother. Now only your third sister-in-law remains. If I don’t give it to her, would you carry it when you marry out?”

As soon as she spoke, the faces of the others changed. The three children: the eldest bowed her head in shame, the youngest had tears in her eyes, leaving only the carefree second child. Lu Jinrong was too choked to reply.

Lin Wanqing couldn’t help but laugh wryly. They say Lu’s mother has soft ears, but who ever said her tongue isn’t as sharp as a knife? She always pokes right where it hurts.

Still, Lin Wanqing chose to remain silent.

---

The best way to defeat an enemy isn’t to confront them head-on, but to stir discord among them, letting them fight amongst themselves.

Then, when they’ve worn each other down, she can take them one by one.

Lu’s mother had no idea she’d offended everyone in the room. Holding Lin Wanqing’s hand, she said, “This bracelet was passed down to me by my mother-in-law. Now I pass it to you. Keep it carefully and someday pass it to your daughter-in-law.”

Then suddenly, she remembered, “By the way, I forgot to ask last night—have you and Jin Xiao consummated your marriage?”

Lin Wanqing blushed and quickly answered, “Not yet.”

Before Lu’s mother could change her expression, Lin Wanqing hurried on: “My husband said the war on the frontier is urgent. If the emperor knew he wasn’t rushing off to battle but was instead preoccupied with the bridal chamber, I’m afraid it would not please him. If the war goes well, that’s one thing, but if even a little goes wrong, the emperor might...”

She left the rest unsaid, letting Lu’s mother imagine the consequences.

Sure enough, Lu’s mother’s face turned pale: “How did I not think of that? Heaven above, luckily you two haven’t consummated, or I would have caused a great disaster!”

Lin Wanqing comforted her by gently patting her hand: “Mother, don’t worry. My husband is prudent. Once the war is over and he returns victorious, we will surely give you a whole bunch of strong, healthy grandsons.”

Lu’s mother was so pleased by this that she clapped Lin Wanqing’s hand repeatedly: “Good, good, my child, your sweet words could charm anyone.”

Lu Jinrong scoffed from the side: “Typical of a humble background, talking about having children so shamelessly.”

Lin Wanqing smiled faintly: “What’s wrong? Is the little sister-in-law not going to have children when she marries? For a woman, bearing children to continue the family line is her duty. What’s wrong with saying that?”

Lu Jinrong had nothing to retort; Lin Wanqing’s words were sharp and well-put. She could only glare in frustration.

Lu’s mother shot Lu Jinrong a displeased look: “I think you have no manners! When I’m talking to your sister-in-law, what right do you have to interrupt?”

Lu Jinrong, unaccustomed to being scolded by Lu’s mother, covered her face and ran off crying.

Lu’s mother, worried, prepared to follow.

Lin Wanqing quickly held her back: “Mother, please don’t chase after her.”

---

Lu’s mother was deeply concerned: “But...”

“Mother, listen to me.” Lin Wanqing helped her back into her chair. “Jinrong is still at home; nothing will happen to her. But... Mother, there’s something I don’t know if I should say.”

“Speak freely. We’re mother and daughter; no need for formalities,” Lu’s mother urged.

Lin Wanqing smiled and nodded: “Mother, Jinrong is already sixteen, the right age for marriage. But looking at her nature, she’s still like a child. This nature is pure and sincere at home, which is rare. But she will marry one day.”

“If Jinrong is as lucky as I was to meet a mother as kind-hearted as you, that would be fine. But looking across Yuzhou City, where else can she find a mother like you? You know well, having been through it yourself as a daughter-in-law, how hard it is. Are you willing to let Jinrong walk the same difficult path you did?”

These words struck deeply in Lu’s mother’s heart. She had suffered plenty when she was young. Even though her mother-in-law had died over a decade ago, the resentment still lingered.

She grasped Lin Wanqing’s hand and asked, “But Jinrong’s character has already formed. Can it be changed?”

Lin Wanqing nodded firmly: “Of course it can. As long as you can be resolute in disciplining her.”

Lu’s mother hesitated.

Lin Wanqing quickly added, “Mother, if you don’t discipline her, her future husband’s family will. Do you think they’ll be more lenient? If she can’t get through this hurdle with you, how will she stand in her husband’s family?”

“Mother, in life, some hardships are unavoidable. But the pain given by family can’t be that severe. The pain from a husband’s family, on the other hand, can be truly unbearable. Isn’t that right?”

Lu’s mother nodded vigorously in agreement: “My child, your words have awakened me. I always thought a woman’s youth as a maiden was her only time to be free, so I was reluctant to restrain her. But I never imagined that might harm her.”

Lin Wanqing smiled: “It’s not too late, there’s still time. Honestly, I envy Jinrong. She has you to care for and protect her. Even if her married life is difficult, she’ll have your and my husband’s support. If I hadn’t been fortunate enough to become your daughter-in-law, I might have been worn down by my husband’s family without anyone to care.”