Chapter 5.1

Happy times always fly by! The ten-day holiday had come to an end, and before returning, the three of them went to the Shu residence to bid farewell.

While the three men were drinking heavily, Yuhu noticed with amusement that Shu Dahong had different bruises on his face and body every day. When Shu Lianhong’s husband was around, her usual bold and carefree demeanor was replaced with a gentle, loving smile as she sat beside him, holding their daughter. Though she would still occasionally pinch her husband’s waist when displeased, the happiness radiating from her face was unmistakable.

Qi Xiubo was absent from the farewell banquet. Sensing that they needed to have a conversation, Yuhu followed her when she saw a corner of a green dress passing through a side door.

Standing by the curtain, facing a sea of flowers, Qi Xiubo’s face appeared even paler amidst the vibrant colors. She was aware that Yuhu had followed her.

“I can never compare to you,” she said hoarsely and sadly.

“Gratitude and love shouldn’t be mixed. It’s not about who is better; you are not less fortunate than anyone else. Why share a husband with someone else?”

“In terms of who came first, you are two years behind me! Maybe I’m not as beautiful as you, but Qi Dage won’t take any concubines for you. He is a devoted and broad-minded man; I knew that long ago! For two years, I’ve been trying to get his attention, but then you appeared and ruined everything,” she lamented, blaming Yuhu for stealing her man. Her face, turned towards Yuhu, was full of deep incomprehension and resentment.

Yuhu sighed. From Xiubo’s perspective, they were rivals. No matter what Yuhu said, it would seem hypocritical and schadenfreude to her. Just as Liu Ruoqian had said, women who are single-mindedly devoted to their handsome benefactors are always determined to repay them with their bodies. If her savior had been an old or unattractive man, would she still be so eager to marry him? Honestly, Yuhu doubted it.

“If Tianlei had feelings for you, he would have shown it two years ago. Why would he wait until now to marry me? You can blame me for Tianlei not taking you as a concubine, because I would never allow my husband to have divided affections. I’m not as generous as you, willing to share a husband. Since I’ve decided to spend my life with him, he must be entirely devoted to me. Otherwise, I’d rather end his life with one stroke.”

“You’re too selfish!” Qi Xiubo exclaimed in disbelief. She couldn’t believe this noble-born lady was so crude and jealous, thinking men and women are equal. She must be mad! “If you can’t bear children, will you let the Qi family die out?”

Yuhu laughed, deftly jumping onto the railing, ignoring Xiubo’s disapproving glance.

“Just having that thought makes you unfit to be Tianlei’s partner! Is being devoted to love selfish? A man with multiple wives and concubines is insulting love. I’m not more beautiful than you. In fact, beauty means nothing. The only difference between us is our mindset.” She wouldn’t understand! Yuhu knew Xiubo only saw more disagreement. But as long as Tianlei liked her, it was enough.

On their way home in the carriage, Yuhu told her husband, “Marrying me is your good fortune!”

Such arrogance made the two men sigh, and Qi Tianlei responded, “Having me as your husband is the result of your five hundred years of good deeds!”

Then Liu Ruoqian concluded, “You two are indeed a match made in heaven, tied together after countless lifetimes. Congratulations! May you quickly have children combining your arrogance, so I can witness it firsthand!”

The ten-day honeymoon with a third wheel had flown by, coming to an end. The light-hearted banter was just a respite before returning to the Qi household and facing the chaos ahead. Yuhu felt more settled after these ten days. She no longer felt entirely ignorant about business. She was eager to see what Ke Shizhao, that scoundrel, had in store for her!

If it had been Bingyan who married into the family, she, being so weak, would have been bullied endlessly. Yuhu’s sense of guilt was easing. Qi Tianlei, a rare devoted man, didn’t seem likely to die young. It seemed her “chivalrous” intentions had been misplaced, making her feel like she was taking advantage. But there was no turning back! The only thing left was to reveal her true identity. She couldn’t live her whole life pretending to be Bingyan as the third lady of the Qi family. Tianlei must have some inkling, and as for the others, it would have to wait. At least until the “cleaning of the house” was done. She believed Tianlei had some plans to implement.

A light rain fell overnight into the morning! The sound of raindrops falling had its own charm. In the early, slightly chilly morning, Yuhu wrapped herself in a robe, rolled up the bamboo curtain, and watched the rain. She had a general grasp of the current situation. Tianlei wasn’t talkative or one to gossip; he let her see and understand for herself. Especially after returning from their trip, her perspective was more objective.

The Qi household, with all the servants leaning towards the Ke family trio, made it clear that the future would be unfavorable for Tianlei, making it understandable why he would start his own business. The power struggles in such a wealthy and grand family opened her eyes. Outsiders had taken over, and the rightful heir was sentenced to death, with no alternative but death.

Such a strange situation! The second wife of the Qi family, with no power, lived quietly with her daughter in a side room, unable to participate in anything, with no status. They only appeared during major events and were mostly forgotten.

The large house was cold and unfeeling. She sighed, starting to miss the days in Daiyun County and the time before her marriage! If it weren’t for Tianlei and Liu Ruoqian, she might have already been bored to death in the Qi household!

How fortunate! Qi Tianlei could “fall ill” as soon as he returned, hiding in the courtyard without seeing anyone; but she couldn’t. Starting today, she had to join the power struggle. Who knew what the future held?

“What are you thinking about?” Qi Tianlei, who had woken up at some point, came over and hugged her, sitting with her on the chaise lounge.

“Troublesome matters.” She frowned at him. “The life of wealthy people is too complicated. Even if I find it interesting, once I return here, it’s hard to be happy.”

“Don’t think about it! Do what you want. Don’t let those etiquettes bind you. I want you to be happy. Soon, everything will change! Trust me.” He kissed her neck lightly.

She pushed him away, laughing and feeling ticklish. “Stop! You’re going to leave marks all over me, and I’m already wearing spring clothes. It’s embarrassing! People might think I’ve been stealing men! A sickly and weak Qi Tianlei wouldn’t have the strength to flirt with me!”

Qi Tianlei snorted through his nose and continued to kiss and nibble at her neck, making her beg for mercy!

“You forget that my duty is to make you pregnant? I must work hard! At least let Ke Shizhao know that my wife is not his and he doesn’t need to help with the task!”

So he did care? She laughed softly as his kisses moved deeper into her clothes. She said breathlessly, “You must believe I can protect myself! At least I can easily handle scoundrels.”

“Your ability to protect yourself is one thing, but a man with a beautiful wife can’t help but worry about others coveting her!”

“Am I beautiful? Only you would say that! You treat me like a treasure! There are countless beauties in the world. Either your eyes have a problem, or you’re just flattering me!” Maybe she was outstanding back home, but here, there were beauties everywhere. Even Shu Lianhong made her feel inferior!

Qi Tianlei looked at her, his fingers tracing her smooth, pink cheek. “Don’t you know the saying, ‘Beauty is in the eye of the beholder’? Twenty years from now, when your hair turns gray, I’ll still think you’re the most beautiful.”

Though exaggerated, sweet words between lovers were always appreciated! Yuhu’s cheeks turned rosy with happiness.

“No wonder people say flattery never gets old. I love hearing exaggerated sweet talk too! Tell me, have you said nice things to anyone else?” She started interrogating him. Ever since marrying Qi Tianlei, her jealous nature had become apparent!

“Dear wife, think about it. Your husband was raised as a girl and has been bedridden for years. How could I have the chance to sweet-talk anyone else? Even if I wanted to, no one would listen! Do you think your husband is as popular as Liu Ge?” He mischievously winked at her, enjoying her jealousy.

Yuhu pointed at his nose. “I don’t care about the past, but in the future, you can only sweet-talk me. Otherwise, I’ll make sure you have no descendants!”

He grabbed her hands and kissed them. “Yes, yes, I’ll remember to make the next batch of plums in a new flavor this year!”

“New flavor? What new flavor?”

“Replace the sugar with vinegar so you can eat your fill!” He laughed heartily, hugging her tightly, preventing her from hitting him.

“Qi Tianlei! You’re bullying me again!”

Yuhu’s complaints were silenced by her husband’s kisses.

Even as she felt lightheaded, Yuhu still didn’t understand. She was so strong and robust, while her husband was gentle and frail. Why did she always end up being bullied by him?

Taking the sheepskin scroll that Grandmother instructed her to review carefully, Yuhu intended to return to the New Garden to discuss it with Tianlei. In the afternoon, she had to accompany Grandmother and her mother-in-law on a carriage ride to inspect all the properties. However, she could see that what really concerned Grandmother and her mother-in-law was her belly, constantly asking if there was any news. Ideally, she would give birth to a son and provide a capable assistant. Grandmother was indeed a shrewd person, planning to tie Ke Shizhao to the family by marrying Yuhu to him after Tianlei’s death and hoping that she would give birth to Qi family’s heir to maintain the lineage. This way, even if the assets were transferred to Ke Shizhao, they would still belong to the Qi family after twenty years. She was so astute that it was frightening.