Chapter Thirty-Three: Two Freeloader Arrivals (Part Two)

“This, this, it’s not that I think you’re old enough and want you to marry just so you’ll have someone to warm your bed at night,” stammered Madam Liu, attempting to explain herself as she looked at her eldest son’s smiling face. Yet the more she tried, the more flustered she became. “Your father said he wanted you to carry on the family line, and I simply considered his wishes.”

The curve at the corner of Chu Chengjin’s lips gradually flattened. He gazed at Madam Liu and replied slowly, “Mother, you’re truly thoughtful, willing to consider my future. Since you’ve helped me bring Xiao Yao into the family, I hope you can treat her kindly. Don’t you think so?”

Madam Liu’s lips twitched. Hearing her eldest son’s words and pressured by her usual fear of him, she grudgingly agreed. Had she not harbored such unease toward him, she would have asserted her authority as a mother and made them both kneel in the courtyard.

“I understand what you’re saying, but she’s really gone too far. Your younger brother was tied to a tree all night by her. If I hadn’t found him early, something terrible might have happened. Your youngest brother and I only said a few words to her, but she has such a strong temper—she tied us both to the tree. Look at my wrist, it’s bruised from the rope.” Madam Liu extended her wrist for them to see, proving she was not lying, and that Gu Xiao Yao had indeed acted wrongly.

All the while, Madam Li, who had been quietly listening, grew increasingly anxious upon learning what her daughter had done.

She tugged at her daughter’s sleeve, uncertain how to approach the matter. “Mother-in-law, you haven’t explained why I tied you to the tree. Don’t you want to discuss last night’s incident with Chu Chengjin?” If Madam Liu claimed ignorance about Chu Qingsong sneaking into her room the previous night, Gu Xiao Yao would not believe it. Clearly, they had planned it together; why else would they help him marry a wife while Chu Chengjin was away? Three sons sharing one wife—a cunning plan indeed!

“No, no, I won’t pursue it further. You’re young and new here, so I’ll let yesterday and today’s events pass.” Madam Liu was feeling guilty, knowing that what happened last night was wrong, so she quickly backed down.

“Mother-in-law, as long as you understand your mistake. This is my mother and my brother; they’ll be staying here from now on. You needn’t worry about their meals—I will take care of them.” Gu Xiao Yao didn’t want to mention last night’s events, as it would only make Madam Li and her brother anxious. Besides, she had already taught those responsible a lesson. Now, her only concern was settling Madam Li and Gu Xiao Shu comfortably.

“What? You want your mother and brother to stay here?” Before Madam Liu could protest, Chu Qingbai shouted out.

“How can our family afford to feed two freeloaders? Do you think the Chu family is wealthy? We can barely feed ourselves!” The thought of these two eating their food filled Chu Qingbai with rage, making him want to slap the table. This winter, their own family was on the brink of starvation—how could they spare anything for outsiders?

“That’s right! You think we’re some rich household? Bringing your mother and brother along—it’s already hard enough with one extra mouth to feed.” “You say you’ll take care of their meals, but how? You’re still eating our food!” “No, I won’t allow them to stay here. Don’t even think about it.”

Madam Liu was equally vehement in her opposition. The family was already penniless after arranging Gu Xiao Yao’s marriage. There was little left in the kitchen; with two more mouths to feed, they’d be left hungry.

“I’m merely informing you, not asking for your opinion. Their meals are my responsibility.” Gu Xiao Yao had anticipated their objections. As long as Chu Chengjin agreed, nothing else mattered. She led Madam Li and Gu Xiao Shu into the room where she slept.