Mi esposa se sube al muro

Capítulo 47

Xu Shirong was somewhat surprised. According to her original plan, since Madam Xu was seriously ill, everyone in the household, even if not looking grief-stricken, should at least be keeping quiet. But now, not only the steward, but even the servants nearby, all wore smiles; where was there any trace of sorrow? And judging from his words just now, Madam Xu seemed perfectly fine. Could it be that the medicine had worked well during her month-long journey back, and her health had improved considerably? Without saying anything more, she hurried inside.

The courtyards of the Lu family mansion were all square and regular in layout, and because the houses in Tokyo were expensive, and unlike the second branch of the Grand Commandant's mansion which had been in business for many years, they were not very large. I had been here once before, so I still remembered the way. I had just hurried through the outer hall when I saw my three sisters-in-law coming to greet me. They were all smiling and surrounded me, calling me "little sister-in-law" this and "little sister-in-law" that, acting very affectionately.

Xu Shirong suppressed her doubts and managed a few words of reply. Just as she was about to inquire about Madam Xu's situation, she heard hurried footsteps coming from the outer corridor. Looking up, she saw that it was her mother approaching. Without the help of the two maids behind her, she walked briskly. As soon as she reached her, she grabbed her hand, her eyes reddened, and her voice choked with sobs: "My poor, beautiful mother, she went to that place, and in just over half a year, she has lost so much weight. It's good that she's back, it's good that she's back, she won't have to go to that awful place to suffer anymore!"

Seeing that she looked nothing like someone seriously ill, Xu Shirong wanted to ask her some questions, but Madam Xu had already taken her hand tightly and led her inside. Several of her sisters-in-law followed behind, saying happily as they went, "I've already prepared your old room for you. Now that you're back, just settle in comfortably. Your parents will take care of everything for you!"

Xu Shirong stopped and looked at Madam Xu, saying, "Mother, when I received that letter earlier, I thought you really... that's why I rushed back in such a hurry. Now that I see you are safe and sound, I'm relieved. But what exactly is it that you tricked me into coming back like this?"

Madam Xu paused, and the sisters-in-law around Xu Shirong also stopped smiling, exchanging glances. Zhenniang, the third sister-in-law who used to get along best with Xu Jiaoniang, then smiled and said, "Little sister, you've just come back from a long journey, you must be exhausted. This is a long story, and it's hard to explain in a short time. Let's go and rest and have dinner first, and I'll tell you slowly later tonight. It's all for your own good."

After Zhenniang finished speaking, Madam Xu and her two other sisters-in-law all nodded. Xu Shirong had no choice but to follow her to the former boudoir of the beautiful woman. Upon entering, he saw that it was indeed filled with incense and incense burners, and was decorated in an elegant and pleasant manner.

"Mother, when I returned, all the lodging and food along the way were arranged in advance. When I asked the innkeepers, they didn't answer at first, but later they all said it was at Father's request. Is that true?"

Seeing Madam Xu repeatedly calling for the maids behind her to inquire whether dinner was ready, Xu Shirong recalled the situation on the way and immediately asked.

It turned out that on the journey, she had noticed this happening for several days in a row. Whenever she sought lodging in a market town, she deliberately avoided the large inns, only asking at the few small shops nearby, only to be told without exception that they were all full. A slight annoyance arose in her heart, a feeling of being secretly watched and schemed against. If it were up to her, she would rather sleep in the carriage. However, her companions had nowhere to stay, so she had no choice but to endure it and was too lazy to bother anymore. A few days later, the innkeepers unanimously claimed that they were acting on orders from the Xu family of Hanlin in the capital. Xu Shirong was naturally skeptical. Regardless of who was making such an excuse, they wouldn't go to such lengths without a reason; they must have some ulterior motive. Although she didn't yet know what their motive was, she would find out eventually. She would accept the favor if she could, and if not, she would simply charge them money later; she figured they wouldn't dare do anything about it. So she put the matter out of her mind. Upon seeing Madam Xu, he began to inquire.

Madam Xu was indeed taken aback. She exchanged glances with her daughters-in-law before exclaiming in surprise, "Is that so? I've never heard your father mention it."

Xu Shirong frowned slightly and said, "I just arrived, and the gate was already open to welcome me. I suppose someone informed me in advance. Mother, do you know who came to inform me?"

Madam Xu looked bewildered again, while Zhenniang smiled and said, "I do know about that. The steward said that someone knocked on the door to inform us that you would be arriving soon, so I hurriedly went out to greet you. The person left after delivering the message, and for a moment I forgot to ask whose family it was."

Before Xu Shirong could ask any more questions, a maid came in to say that dinner had been prepared. Zhenniang pulled her up and said with a smile, "Whoever arranged it, as long as my aunt is back safely, that's all that matters. Father now enjoys great prestige in court and is highly regarded by the Emperor. There are plenty of people who want to flatter him, but they just don't have the connections. Who knows who might have found out and is trying to curry favor with him? They'll come up in a couple of days. Why think so much?"

After listening, Madam Xu and the others nodded in agreement. Xu Shirong had no choice but to suppress her doubts and was ushered to dinner. The meal consisted entirely of delicacies, and Madam Xu kept piling food into her bowl, repeatedly saying, "My poor daughter is suffering there," as if the coastal area was not a place fit for human habitation. Knowing that Madam Xu loved her daughter dearly, Xu Shirong didn't say much, but simply ate all the food Madam Xu put on her plate. Remembering that she hadn't seen Xu Hanlin and his three elder brothers since entering the house, she casually asked about them.

Madam Xu smiled and said, "Your father and the others went out for a banquet today at the invitation of the newly appointed Minister of Works, Lord Xu. We don't know when they will be back yet, so don't worry about them."

Xu Shirong simply grunted an "oh," not taking it to heart. His sister-in-law, Liu, however, laughed and said, "Speaking of this Lord Xu, although he's only a fifth-rank official in the Ministry of Works, he's truly a prominent figure in the capital lately. I heard from my eldest son that when he met the Emperor, he offered advice on opening a new canal, which greatly pleased the Emperor. That's why he was promoted from a sixth-rank military officer to a fifth-rank official in the capital, and he'll likely be given an important position in the future. He's really had a stroke of good luck."

As soon as Liu finished speaking, Zhenniang sneered, "Sister-in-law, do you not know? If it weren't for Father's introduction, how could a mere cavalry captain in Tongzhou Prefecture have the opportunity to meet the Emperor? No matter how illustrious he is, he should know that he must be grateful for what he has gained."

Although Liu usually helped Madam Xu manage the household, Zhenniang was clever and quick-witted. Relying on her family's high-ranking official status, she was adept at flattering Madam Xu, and thus often spoke to her with a bit of sarcasm. Seeing that her unintentional remark had been met with a sharp retort, she felt a surge of annoyance. Seeing that Madam Xu didn't seem to care much, she could only force a smile.

The second sister-in-law, He, who was sitting in the middle, didn't get along with Zhenniang very much. Seeing Liu's embarrassment, she quickly changed the subject and said with a smile, "Speaking of Lord Xu, not only is his official career going very well, but his love life is also in great shape. I don't know who spread the rumor, but it's said that he is very wealthy, but he is a widower. His first wife died a few years ago. Although she is a bit older, she is still in her prime. Now, there are quite a few wealthy families in the capital who are eyeing him."

He's words piqued the interest of Madam Xu and the others. It seemed that this was the nature of women, and that they had been unable to avoid it throughout history. They all started talking at once.

While they spoke without thinking, Xu Shirong was somewhat surprised: the Flying Cavalry Captain of Tongzhou Prefecture, the Waterway Commissioner, Lord Xu…

"Mother, how did this Lord Xu gain Father's favor and get recommended to the Emperor?"

Xu Shirong wiped her mouth with a handkerchief and asked casually.

Madam Xu smiled and said, "It all comes down to your aunt and uncle from the Lu family in Tongzhou Prefecture. A while ago, I received a letter from them praising that person highly, saying that he was a man of great ability, and that it was a waste for him to be relegated to a sinecure. They told your father to recommend him to the Emperor. Your father is also a lover of talent. After seeing him, he examined him himself and found that he was indeed capable of taking on great responsibilities, so he recommended him to the Emperor. The Emperor was very impressed and promoted him despite the usual restrictions."

Upon hearing this, Xu Shirong was speechless for a long time. This newly appointed official in the Ministry of Works, Master Xu, was most likely Xu Jinrong. She never expected that Xu Jinrong would connect with her own father, Hanlin Xu, through the Lu family in Tongzhou Prefecture. Suddenly remembering the strange occurrences on the road and the riders following her, she inexplicably connected them to Xu Jinrong. Recalling the man's piercing gaze during their previous encounters, a wave of unease washed over her, a feeling of being constantly watched from the shadows without her even realizing it. For a moment, she paid little attention to what Madam Xu and the others were saying.

While speaking, Madam Xu was observing Xu Shirong's expression. Seeing her sitting there silently and somewhat lost in thought, she assumed she was tired and quickly stood up, saying, "Why keep talking about a man from outside? If you're tired, go back to your room and rest. You don't need to wait for your father and the others tonight; you can pay your respects tomorrow." After saying this, she personally accompanied her back to her room, muttering things like, "Just tell me if you're missing anything." Seeing that Xu Shirong remained silent, she told her to rest early and was about to leave when Xu Shirong finally couldn't help but ask, "Mother, why did you and Father specifically coax me back?"

Madam Xu hesitated for a moment, then turned around and saw her daughter staring intently at her, determined to get the reason. Knowing that her daughter had always been stubborn, she returned to the bed and pressed her down to sit beside her. She sighed and said, "If I had told you the truth and asked you to come back, I'm afraid Yang Huan would have stopped me. That's why I had no choice but to trick you into coming back. Daughter, now that you're home, everything is easier to discuss. Tomorrow, I'll have someone send word to the Grand Commandant's residence that our in-law relationship is over and we must divorce!"

Xu Shirong was greatly surprised and blurted out, "Why would you want a divorce when everything is going well?"

Madam Xu sneered and snorted, "It's been bad for a long time, how can it be good? It's all my fault for not thinking things through back then, thinking that the Grand Commandant's mansion was a good place, and that's why I married you off so carelessly. I don't even need to mention how much you've suffered these past few years. I heard some time ago that your mother-in-law in the Grand Commandant's mansion was making trouble for you because you can't have children. Who knows, maybe it's because her own son is useless! This is a good opportunity to sever ties with their family, so that they won't drag you down and my Xu family down in the future!"

Chapter Fifty-Nine

Xu Shirong frowned and asked, "What exactly happened?"

Madam Xu grasped her hand, then said resentfully, "Didn't Li Yuanhao in the Northwest rebel and declare himself emperor? A few months ago, he even marched on Yanzhou. The court has been embroiled in endless disputes for months. I'm just a woman and don't understand these things, but I heard your father say the other day that the Grand Commandant Yang originally, like him, advocated peace, but later, for some reason, he became increasingly close to people like Han Qi, Ouyang Xiu, and Fan Zhongyan, and was constantly urging the Emperor to send troops to conquer him. How can a conquest be an easy task? Just..." "Just look at the Khitan barbarians; if the Khitans are tigers, then Li Yuanhao is a wolf. What good can come of fighting a tiger and a wolf? Your father, out of good intentions, privately tried to persuade him several times, but he was only met with accusations of being cowardly and afraid of death, which angered him so much that he couldn't sleep well for several days. Last month, the Emperor was persuaded by this group and ordered an expedition to the Northwest. They are currently preparing military supplies and provisions, and I heard that Xia Song has been appointed commander-in-chief, with Han Qi and Fan Zhongyan as deputy commanders. They will be setting off to attack Li Yuanhao in a few days!"

"Even among court officials, it's normal for them to have differing opinions, so why do my parents want me to get a divorce?"

Madam Xu shook her head and sighed, "You silly child, you're usually so clever, how come you've become so muddle-headed? The Emperor has been swayed by them and ordered a campaign, but it's just empty words. Later, when he suffers defeat and demands peace, he'll lose face and will surely take his anger out on those who instigated him. I don't know about the previous dynasty, but during the reign of Emperor Taizong of this dynasty, when Li Yuanhao's grandfather's generation conquered Yinzhou and Huizhou, our Great Song Dynasty was repeatedly embroiled in war..." After their defeat, they ceded considerable territory to the enemy, barely managing to calm things down. Didn't Emperor Taizong, in his anger, execute several of the defeated generals? Those involved in the court also suffered misfortune, their fates unknown, having been banished to some unknown place. Now, this Li Yuanhao, I heard from your father, is even more ambitious than his ancestors, with a powerful army. What good will come of entanglement with him? Rather than waiting for the Yang family to suffer and implicate you, it's better to divorce him sooner rather than later!”

Xu Shirong finally understood. So this was the reason the Xu family had sent people from afar to trick her into returning for a divorce. Thanks to her grandfather in her previous life and through Fan Zhongyan, she vaguely knew something about the war between the Song Dynasty and Li Yuanhao. Although both sides had their victories and defeats, it was ultimately the Western Xia who first sought peace and signed a treaty, thus temporarily maintaining peace for the next few decades. She didn't know what happened to others, but Fan Zhongyan was greatly impressed by this war. Even among the Western Xia army, in private discussions, they praised him for having the strategic brilliance of tens of thousands of soldiers. Later, he was transferred back to the capital, appointed Deputy Privy Councilor, and began his new reforms.

Seeing her hesitate and remain silent, Madam Xu advised, "Jiaonian, your father and I have no choice but to make this decision. If the Yang family treated you kindly in the past, then our actions are certainly wrong. But from the old to the young, who in their family has ever given you a moment's peace these past few years? You can't blame us for doing this. Although divorce will damage your reputation, it's not a big deal. Once things have calmed down, your father and I will find you a good family and give you a generous dowry. Who would dare to say a word against you? It's better than being dragged down by the Yang family in the future. Just stay home and rest easy. Don't worry about anything else. Your father and I will take care of all the messy things outside!"

Seeing that she was talking to herself, Xu Shirong hurriedly said, "Mother, I thought you were unwell, which is why I rushed back. Now that you are alright, I will go back tomorrow."

Madam Xu seemed not to have reacted yet, looking at her curiously and asking, "Where are you going back to?"

“Naturally, it’s Qingmen County in Tongzhou Prefecture,” Xu Shirong replied readily.

Madam Xu reached out and touched her forehead before exclaiming, "You child, what nonsense are you spouting? We finally managed to get you back, and this time we're definitely not letting you go back. I've told you that you and the Yang family are definitely getting a divorce, so why are you rushing back?"

Xu Shirong shook her head and said, "Mother, even if the war breaks out, no matter how fierce Li Yuanhao is, our dynasty has people. In the end, he may not be as easily defeated as you think. You can rest assured, it will not involve our family. Besides, if you really want a divorce because you feel sorry for me, then you are even more wrong. To be honest, although my husband and I had some disagreements in the past, he seems to have turned over a new leaf now, and he is doing a good job as a county magistrate. I do not want a divorce."

Madam Xu was taken aback for a moment, then looked Xu Shirong up and down for a long time before sighing, "Jiaoniang, I never expected you to speak up for the Yang family like this. Very well, since you are so inclined to this, I will discuss it with your father before making a decision. However, you cannot return to Qingmen County for the time being."

Seeing that Madam Xu had softened her stance and wasn't pressuring her to agree, Xu Shirong breathed a slight sigh of relief. After chatting for a while, Madam Xu, worried about tiring her daughter, got up and told her to rest. Xu Shirong saw her off without further ado. The next morning, she paid her respects to Hanlin Xu. He seemed somewhat displeased, likely due to Madam Xu's words the previous night. She had to suppress her anger, saying only a few words before storming off to court. This worried Madam Xu greatly, and Liu and the other women took turns trying to persuade her not to act impulsively and upset her parents. They all secretly hoped she would listen to their advice and divorce sooner, lest she jeopardize her husband's future. Xu Shirong knew this perfectly well, and when they spoke to her, she merely gave them perfunctory replies.

Several days passed, and Xu Shirong, seeing that although the Xu family hadn't immediately made a scene, showed no sign of backing down, grew increasingly anxious. She wanted to send a message to the Grand Commandant's residence, but couldn't find a suitable person, and didn't know their intentions. Sending a message to Qingmen County was equally fruitless. It turned out that the constables who had escorted her had only eaten and drunk some tea outside, received some reward money, and immediately returned to report, knowing nothing of what was happening in the inner courtyard. As for Xiaodie, because she came from the Grand Commandant's residence, she had been transferred to the outer room by Madam Xu, and with Madam Xu and her sisters-in-law taking turns trying to persuade her, she hadn't even seen her for days.

Several days passed in the blink of an eye, and a rare guest arrived at the Xu residence—none other than Madam Lu from Tongzhou Prefecture. Madam Xu and Madam Lu hadn't seen each other for many years, only exchanging letters and gifts during holidays. These past few days, Madam Lu had been troubled by her daughter's stubbornness, so she was overjoyed by Madam Lu's sudden visit. They took each other's hands and chatted for a while, lamenting how time flies. Madam Lu smiled and said, "Elder sister, you look quite well. Why did you suddenly write saying you were seriously ill and call your daughter back? I was quite frightened when I heard the news. Now that you're alright, I'm relieved. Is something the matter?"

Madam Xu glanced at Madam Lu and sighed, "You're so lucky. You only have a few sons and no daughters, so you have fewer worries."

Madam Lu exclaimed in surprise, "What are you saying? Your daughter is such a sensible and considerate person. Last time she came to my place, she liked me so much that she wished she could keep her as her own daughter."

Madam Xu shook her head and said, "Sister, you don't know the truth." After hesitating for a moment, she finally recounted how she had feigned illness to trick her daughter into divorcing her, but the daughter had refused to agree. She then sighed and said, "Sister, tell me, how did my family end up with such a temperamental daughter? Before, she and Yang Huan argued every day, causing me so much trouble. Now, for her own good, I've asked her to divorce me, but she absolutely refuses. No matter how much I try to persuade her, she's as determined as if she's swallowed a heavy weight and is determined to go against me. It makes her father so angry that he's practically fuming, wishing he could give her a good beating to wake her up."

Madam Lu slapped her thigh, glanced around, and looked hesitant to speak. Madam Xu, knowing she had something to say, quickly dismissed the servants. Once only the two of them were in the room, Madam Lu sighed, leaned closer, and whispered, "Elder sister, to be honest, I came here for two reasons. First, I knew you weren't feeling well and wanted to check on you. Second, I witnessed something a while ago. If I hadn't known, it would have been fine, but I found out anyway, and if I didn't tell you, it would have been like a lump in my throat that I couldn't swallow. I thought it best to let you know. Coincidentally, I also learned that Lord Xu's household had a carriage going to the capital, so I shamelessly took it with me."