Because Nie Xun had told the truth, Zhu Qingning felt uncomfortable facing Gu Zhen.
In order not to expose herself, she could only reduce the frequency of her visits to the manor. She did not stay for long each time.
Zhu Qingning was also a woman who had been a daughter and a mother. She could tell what a mother who truly loved her child was like from her words and actions. It could not be said that this mother-in-law did not do a good job, but her kindness was only on the surface. It felt unreal.
Gu Zhen did not know Zhu Qingning's thoughts. She had been worrying about Nie Xun's future.
However, Nie Xun had been avoiding her. She could not have a long talk with him to remind him to teach him. She could only relay many things to her daughter-in-law, Zhu Qingning. She brought up the past again today, hoping that Zhu Qingning could persuade Nie Xun to become an official. She more or less understood the knot in Nie Xun's heart. However, Nie Xun was Jiang Pengji's cousin. There were not so many taboos in the family. It would only take a few words to promote him.
Zhu Qingning knew that Gu Zhen meant well, but her words were indescribably harsh to the ear.
She did not think that her husband had to become an official. It was good to be a famous scholar with achievements in education. He could still be famous.
If Nie Xun really wanted to become an official, he did not have to rely on his relatives.
Her mother-in-law, Gu Zhen, spoke matter-of-factly. Not only did she belittle the wise Duke of Lanting, but she also belittled Nie Xun.
Zhu Qingning was also a clever person. She felt uncomfortable, but she did not show it on her face.
She pretended to mention Meng Heng's wife casually.
"Has sister-in-law been here these few days? A few days ago, she said that she had some new designs. She was thinking of embroidering a little dress for Nannan. "
Nannan was her daughter's nickname. Every time she called her, she would look over curiously. She was very cute.
Gu Zhen heard her mention her eldest daughter-in-law. She teased her granddaughter and laughed. "She doesn't like to come. Maybe there are many rules in the manor and she is not used to it."
Zhu Qingning heard some dissatisfaction from her mother-in-law.
Women who knew how to fight in the house were clever. Her words seemed plain, but there was actually a hidden meaning.
Zhu Qingning understood the meaning behind her mother-in-law's words. She despised her sister-in-law for being of low birth and not knowing the rules.
She probed further and came to the conclusion that Nie Xun's words were true. This mother-in-law's attitude towards her eldest son was too cold.
Of course, this indifference could also be brushed off by saying that her daughter-in-law was of low birth and the eldest grandson she gave birth to was not pleasing to her.
Mothers-in-law always had special privileges. It was reasonable for her to vent her anger on her grandson and son because she didn't like her daughter-in-law.
From then on, Zhu Qingning went even less. However, Gu Zhen liked to let her carry the child and chat with her.
Gradually, Zhu Qingning realized that this mother-in-law was becoming more and more like a mother-in-law.
Although he didn't do anything to her, his words and attitude were much more forceful.
This kind of toughness was not conscious, it was completely unintentional.
Nie Xun said, "Go accompany mother-in-law or help father-in-law write the letter, I'll help you send her away. Every day, she goes to pay her respects before dawn. My heart aches for her. "
He had always been a fickle and rational person. If others treated him sincerely, he would return the favor with sincerity.
In the beginning, he was also moved by Gu Zhen. However, after calming down and looking at her attitude towards his elder brother and himself, his warm heart turned cold.
He could treat her as an ordinary elder, but he really couldn't force himself to be a loving mother and a filial son.
Zhu Qingning said, "Mother-in-law won't be angry because of this, right?"
She had been married to Nie Xun for so long, but she had never played the role of a daughter-in-law. However, when she was in the boudoir, she had heard how difficult it was to serve a mother-in-law.
"What's she angry about?" Nie Xun said, "The Duke of Lanting will be back soon. I reckon he won't be in the mood to care about us."
If Nie Xun was a little more stupid, he would probably be moved by Gu Zhen's actions. Unfortunately, he was too perceptive and saw things too clearly.
Jiang Pengji was scheduled to return after the New Year, but the construction work outside was on the right track earlier than expected, so she returned early.
That day happened to be the 25th of the New Year, the day the Golden Scale Academy had a half-year holiday.
It was rare for Nie Xun, the homebody, to go out.
The entire Xiangyang district was immersed in a sea of celebration. Various shops also imitated the Reception House and introduced discount activities.
"Those who don't know would think it's the New Year."
Nie Xun chuckled. His smile didn't reach the bottom of his eyes, but there was a bit of absent-mindedness in them.
"Perhaps, this is what the people want."
Zhu Qingning looked at the young "general" who was riding a horse slowly in the distance. He was like the unruly and unrestrained youth in Langya's Pear Blossom Book.
Jiang Pengji did not change back into her female clothes. She was still in her military attire. She looked mighty and extraordinary. Who knew how many infatuated men and resentful women she had provoked.
Zhu Qingning leaned against the window and rested his chin on his hand as he lamented, "My foresight back then was really not bad …"
Nie Xun felt that something was wrong. "What foresight?"
Zhu Qingning chuckled and joked, "One year during the Flower Festival, my father intended to choose a husband for me. I took a fancy to her at first sight."
Nie Xun, "… Who?"
Which little demon?
Zhu Qingning said, "My father said that the Duke of Lanting and I were not compatible and refused to tell me the reason. Later, I found out that the ideal man was a girl. "
Nie Xun, "…"
"Yiyaya …"
The little girl in his arms spat out a big bubble. When the bubble burst, she secretly rubbed her saliva on her father's clothes.
Zhu Qingning smiled mischievously. "Langjun, are you jealous of this?"
Nie Xun took a deep breath and waved his hand weakly.
"I don't care about women!"
Whether the "woman" referred to Zhu Qingning or Jiang Pengji, it was up to the benevolent and the wise to the wise.
The return of a portion of Jiang Pengji's troops was a major event that shook several prefectures.
Feng Zhen and the others were so angry that they gritted their teeth. She did not even let people celebrate the New Year in peace. Was their lord not sincere?
They cursed in their hearts but smiled on the surface. How infuriating!
"Did anything major happen while I was away in Wanzhou?"
Even though Jiang Pengji's energy was frightening and she had ridden a horse for a long time, she still looked tired. Overall, she was in good spirits.
Naturally, there was nothing. The rear and frontlines had maintained a certain frequency of communication. If something had happened, she would have known long ago.
However …
Xu Ke said, "The First Madam is here. She is now living in her residence in the main city."
The First Madam?
"Aunt Shu is here?"
She called Gu Zhen "Aunt Shu" out of habit. She realized that Meng Heng was also among the welcoming party, so she calmly changed the way she addressed her. "Mother's health isn't good. She can't get used to taking those medicines. Her condition hasn't improved … Why isn't she in Chongzhou under father's care? Why did she come all the way to Xiangyang?"
Xu Ke said, "The First Madam heard news about Nie Chengyun and specially rushed over to meet him."
Xu Ke was also aware of the entanglement between Meng Heng and Nie Xun.
Jiang Pengji calmly replied, "Oh."
"You've met him?"
Xu Ke said with emotion, "The First Madam has a motherly heart. It's just that Nie Chengyun has been avoiding her …"
Jiang Pengji did not even bat an eyelid.
Based on Xu Ke's words, Gu Zhen would not be leaving anytime soon?
Jiang Pengji sighed and said, "All these years, I've been fighting all over the place and haven't had much time to reunite with my family. As a child, I feel very guilty. Since Mother is also in Xiangyang this year, I should organize this year's New Year's banquet well. I can't let Mother make a long trip and leave with regrets. "
In the large Liu residence, if there was anyone Jiang Pengji was most unwilling to act with, it would probably be Gu Zhen.
She did not know how to evaluate this woman.
She was the first to discover that Liu Xi had been possessed. Her reaction was also the calmest.
The System had once asked why the Second Madam could calmly admit her identity when she discovered that something was wrong.
She had also said that it was because the two of them had reached an agreement.
What agreement?
She allowed the Second Madam to enjoy the so-called "great transformation." She would inherit Liu Xi's legal identity.
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