RATMOFANF: Chapter 3

 Character Glossary

· Li Ling (李陵): The Heir of the Zhenguo Duke Manor. A heroic but cold and stern general.

· Shen Jingxiu / Lady Shen (沈静姝/沈氏): The female protagonist, Li Ling's wife. She has been reborn to the early days of her marriage.

· Xu Wanning (徐婉宁): The wife of Li Ling's cousin, who helps manage household affairs. She is straightforward and capable.

· Zhao Yuan'er (赵媛儿): The youngest daughter of the Jian Jun Prince, a cousin of the Li family. Known for her sharp tongue and envy.

· Princess Fu Xi (福熹大长公主): Li Ling's mother, a Grand Princess. She lives separately from the Duke Manor and is aloof.

· Old Madam Li (李老夫人): Li Ling's grandmother, the matriarch of the family.

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Chapter 3: Skillfully Retorting Zhao Yuan'er

The Zhenguo Duke Manor stood at the pinnacle of the Great Qi's noble families. Today, for the Old Madam's birthday banquet, the house was filled with distinguished guests. Lavish carriages and fine horses lined up along more than half the street.

Li Ling and his cousin Li Xian received the male guests at the main gate, while Jingxiu assisted Xu Wanning in greeting the female guests at the side gate.

Xu Wanning was the second legitimate daughter of the Yongyi侯府 (Marquis Manor). Dressed in expensive Shu brocade, she appeared grand and elegant, yet she was still overshadowed by the peerless beauty of Jingxiu standing beside her.

Guests entering the manor couldn't help but glance a few extra times at this wife of the Heir.

This new bride of the Duke Manor was not only extremely beautiful but also conducted herself with perfect etiquette and poise, showing none of the shyness expected of a new bride. All the distinguished guests secretly admired Jingxiu. Even those harboring jealousy could only swallow their bitter envy upon seeing her radiant brilliance.

(read @cherrybombbertranslations.blogspot)

In her previous life, she would have followed Li Ling's arrangement, hiding near the Old Madam like a transparent shadow.

It wasn't that she was inherently reserved or poor at socializing. At home, she had been the legitimate eldest daughter. Her birth mother passed away early, and her stepmother came from a humble background and was not skilled in social graces. Therefore, during family banquets, she had always been the one managing the comings and goings.

Back then, who among the noble ladies' circle didn't praise her for her dignity, poise, intelligence, and capability?

But later, during the Dragon Boat Festival, she accidentally fell into the water while boating with her family and was rescued by Li Ling, losing her maidenly reputation. It was like a flawless diamond acquiring a tiny flaw that became glaringly obvious. Those with malicious hearts took endless pleasure in latching onto it.

Back then, she felt as if she had fallen from the clouds to the ground, unable to overcome that psychological hurdle herself.

Having been reborn, she now understood: if she could not treat herself well, how could she expect others to treat her gently?

Just like now, standing openly before everyone as the wife of the Zhenguo Duke Manor's Heir, resplendent and brilliant, who would dare look down on her?

Xu Wanning came from a military family and was a straightforward person. Seeing Jingxiu's composed and graceful demeanor, she took a liking to her. Seizing a gap between receiving guests, she leaned close to Jingxiu's ear and asked, "Are you settling in alright since arriving at the manor?"

Having received much care from this sister-in-law in her past life within the Duke Manor, Jingxiu felt grateful towards her. She smiled and replied, "I'm doing well. Things have been hectic since I just arrived, and I haven't had the chance to formally visit you yet."

"No rush, we have plenty of time together ahead. Before, among the younger generation in the manor, I was the only daughter-in-law, often feeling quite lonely. It's great now that you're here; I finally have a companion."

(read @cherrybombbertranslations.blogspot)

Xu Wanning noticed that Jingxiu's complexion looked much better than when she first entered the household. As a married woman herself, she understood the difficulties of being a new bride. She was surprised Jingxiu had adapted so quickly; presumably, the young couple must be very compatible. "Is Second Brother treating you well?"

Thinking of Li Ling's cold nature, Jingxiu couldn't find much to praise him about. "He's... alright."

"Second Brother is just a bit cold by nature. Please be patient with him," Xu Wanning said, embodying the demeanor of an elder sister-in-law.

As they were speaking, the carriage of Li Ling's mother, the Grand Princess Fu Xi, approached from a distance.

The Grand Princess and the Duke had been estranged for years. She lived alone in her own Princess Manor and rarely returned.

Despite being close family, propriety could not be neglected. Upon seeing the Grand Princess's carriage, the crowd immediately knelt in a dark mass.

Grand Princess Fu Xi was well-preserved. Though over forty, she still retained her charm and carried herself with a dignified grace. Assisted by palace maids, she slowly descended from the carriage, instructed everyone to rise, and then walked straight inside without glancing around.

Passing by Jingxiu, Princess Fu Xi's expression softened slightly. She paused and nodded approvingly, saying, "That attire suits you quite well today."

Jingxiu hurriedly returned the courtesy. "Thank you for the praise, Mother-in-law."

The Grand Princess gave a slight nod, offered no further words, and was escorted inside by her maids.

Her princess mother-in-law was exceptionally aloof. Coupled with her discord with the Duke, she rarely spoke much to anyone, not even to her own children—Li Ling, Third Master, and Third Young Lady—when she visited.

Seeing the Grand Princess praise Jingxiu, Xu Wanning was both surprised and envious.

How wonderful it was to have a mother-in-law who didn't live in the manor, free from her control and suppression!

After receiving the distinguished guests, there was still some time before the banquet. Jingxiu followed Xu Wanning to the Old Madam's quarters to help entertain.

The Old Madam, dressed in a grand red robe embroidered with the "hundred blessings" pattern, looked spirited and hale.

Seeing her two granddaughters-in-law—one brisk and capable, the other serene and dignified—the guests couldn't help but shower the old lady with flattery: "You are truly blessed, Madam. The most outstanding young women in Chang'an have all been married into the Zhenguo Duke Manor! With such excellent granddaughters-in-law attending to you, even the Immortal Old Man of the South Pole would be green with envy."

The Old Madam chuckled modestly to the crowd, "They aren't as perfect as you say. They are still young and have much to learn."

"Sister-in-law, being from a Marquis family, is naturally capable and understands her duties. As for Second Sister-in-law... being so new to the household, it's truly remarkable she carries herself with such propriety and etiquette. Auntie must be a skilled teacher indeed."

The speaker was Zhao Yuan'er, the youngest daughter of the Jian Jun Prince, a cousin of the Li family.

As soon as she spoke, the crowd fell silent. The previously lively hall instantly plunged into an awkward stillness.

Her words superficially praised the Old Madam, but anyone could hear the sarcasm aimed at Jingxiu's lower birth status.

Some disapproved of Zhao Yuan'er's sharp tongue, while others watched covertly, eager to see how the new wife of the Heir would handle this embarrassment.

In her previous life, this Zhao Yuan'er had publicly humiliated her in the same way. Not just once; every time they met afterward, she would make pointed remarks to make Jingxiu feel small.

This time, she needed to teach her a lesson.

The Old Madam was greatly displeased by Zhao Yuan'er's disrespect towards her granddaughter-in-law. Disrespecting her daughter-in-law was akin to disrespecting the Zhenguo Duke Manor itself.

However, she couldn't very well make a scene with a junior. She looked towards Xu Wanning, signaling her eldest granddaughter-in-law to step in.

But before Xu Wanning could speak, Jingxiu replied, "Sister Yuan'er is right. We women receive the nurturing grace of our parents and diligently cultivate ourselves in our maiden homes, all hoping to one day marry into an honorable family, serve our parents-in-law, assist our husbands, and earn the respect and affection of our marital families. Being able to marry into the Zhenguo Duke Manor and receive the guidance and care of a grandmother like the Old Madam is indeed my great fortune."

Jingxiu paused briefly before continuing, "It's truly a blessing others might seek in vain."

Zhao Yuan'er was plain-looking with a dark complexion. Relying solely on her status as a prince's daughter, she had once set her heart on marrying Li Ling and becoming the wife of the Heir. How could Old Madam Li accept such a virtueless and homely girl? When the Princess Consort had barely hinted at the idea, the Old Madam had flatly refused.

Jingxiu looked at Zhao Yuan'er, her face still wearing a pleasant smile, but her final words were laden with meaning.

Those present were all shrewd. Though unaware of the specifics, seeing Zhao Yuan'er publicly embarrass Jingxiu and hearing Jingxiu's subtly pointed response, they could guess eighty to ninety percent of the story.

Li Ling was accomplished in both literary and martial arts, handsome and heroic—once considered the ideal match throughout the noble circles of Chang'an.

In terms of social status, the Shen family daughter had indeed married above her station. But in terms of looks, talent, virtue, and intelligence, a hundred Zhao Yuan'ers couldn't compare to one Shen daughter.

For someone like Zhao Yuan'er, with her lack of virtue, to have even entertained hopes regarding the Zhenguo Duke Manor's Heir was sheer overestimation of herself.

While their faces remained neutral, the guests inwardly heaped scorn upon Zhao Yuan'er.

Zhao Yuan'er was rendered speechless. Her already dark face flushed with shame, making her appear even more unattractive.

It was the Old Madam's birthday banquet, and in front of all the noble ladies and women, Jingxiu didn't want to make the situation too ugly.

After delivering her retort and seeing Zhao Yuan'er's discomfort, she smoothly changed the subject. "Sister Yuan'er, being a prince's daughter and naturally straightforward, is surely destined for even greater prospects than I, her sister-in-law."

Slapping someone then offering a candy date—that was true magnanimity!

Although a new bride, she was the future matriarch of the Zhenguo Duke Manor. Pettiness and vindictiveness were not the qualities of a leader.

With the house full of distinguished guests, at the very least, surface decorum had to be maintained.

The Princess Consort of Jian Jun, Lady Zhao, sitting nearby, was mortified by her daughter's behavior. Seeing Jingxiu offer a way out, she immediately seized it. "This youngest daughter of mine has been utterly spoiled by my husband." She chided her daughter, "You must learn more from your elder and second sisters-in-law in the future. With a temperament like this, how will you manage when you go to your husband's family someday?"

Jingxiu smiled affably. "I've just entered the manor and was just worrying about lacking companions for conversation. I would naturally welcome Sister to visit often."

Lady Zhao subtly nudged her daughter. Zhao Yuan'er stammered awkwardly, "If Second Sister-in-law says so, then I'll be sure to visit the manor often in the future."

Before Jingxiu could respond, Xu Wanning cut in, "I also adore Sister Yuan'er's straightforwardness! Ah, but frequent visits can't compare to being truly family. How wonderful it would be if Sister could marry into our Zhenguo Duke Manor, so we could be together every day."

Hearing Xu Wanning bring this up again, Lady Zhao's face stiffened further. Zhao Yuan'er's expression grew even more mortified.

Xu Wanning detested Zhao Yuan'er's arrogance, which stemmed solely from her birth status. Relentlessly, she continued, "It's just a pity our Second Master is already married. The remaining Third and Fourth Masters haven't yet reached the age of twenty. If their ages matched, and Sister could marry over, wouldn't that be a joyous outcome for all?"

No matter how bold Zhao Yuan'er was, she was still an unmarried maiden. Being repeatedly told about "marrying over" by Xu Wanning, she was on the verge of tears from shame.

Old Madam Li quickly intervened to smooth things over. "Eldest daughter-in-law, stop teasing your sister now."

Only then did Xu Wanning fall silent.

The Old Madam said to those around her with a laugh, "These children... they miss each other when apart, but when they meet, they just fool around. Honestly, aren't they afraid of being laughed at by outsiders?"

The guests chimed in:

"No matter how old they get,they're still children in the eyes of their elders. A lively atmosphere is what makes a family."

"Exactly,the more sisters joke, the closer they become."

"With all this bustle,how could you not stay young, Madam!"

(read @cherrybombbertranslations.blogspot)

The hall returned to its lively chatter and laughter, and the incident was considered closed.

Too ashamed to speak again, Zhao Yuan'er and her mother, the Princess Consort, who was equally disheartened by her daughter, found an excuse to leave before the banquet even began.

The Old Madam didn't press them to stay. After this episode, however, she had formed a new assessment of her two granddaughters-in-law: The eldest granddaughter-in-law was brisk and capable, but too black-and-white in her judgments, and her temperament seemed somewhat flighty. As for this younger granddaughter-in-law, when she first entered the household, she had seemed somewhat timid and restrained. The Old Madam had initially worried she might not be able to handle significant matters and would struggle to shoulder the responsibilities of a matriarch in the future. But today, witnessing her composure and calmness in facing a public challenge, her ability to leave room for maneuver in interpersonal dealings, and her understanding of when to advance and retreat—despite her youth, she clearly possessed both breadth of mind and inner strength.

Old Madam Li was very satisfied with this granddaughter-in-law.

Naturally, she was even more pleased that the two daughters-in-law could present a united front.

(End of Chapter)

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