Once settled, the sisters continued their old business of running a fabric shop. Third Brother, relying on his connections in the court through Brother-in-law, gathered his former subordinates to revive a Money House. Fifth Brother-in-law was often away from home, so Sister Five's two children were raised alongside your five kids, providing mutual support.
Under your guidance, Sister-in-law became quite ambitious and looked down on the men in the capital, quietly entering the palace to become a lady-in-waiting. A few years later, your eldest son, full of passion, secretly followed Fifth Uncle to join the army. Fifth Sister's Eldest Son and your Second Son also enlisted within a few months, while your two daughters were not idle either; they entered the palace to become ladies-in-waiting and sought refuge with their aunt.
You hugged your youngest son tightly, while Fifth Sister held her little daughter close. This child, born when you were thirty-two, was spoiled beyond reason. You didn't mind; you would rather he be a dandy or a good-for-nothing than go off to war.
In the eastern part of the city, Uncle San provided loans, and no one dared to provoke Little Tyrant Liang Wu. You let him be until an ambitious girl climbed into your son's bed, wanting to be his Primary Wife just like you once did. You called her in for a talk. Upon seeing the dark brown medicine cup on the table, she raised her noble head and declared, "We are truly in love. I want to have his child; you can't break us apart!"
"What are you thinking? This is my medicine for treating imbalances," you replied.
In her astonished gaze, you drank the medicine and pressed a handkerchief to your lips before leisurely saying, "So you become his Primary Wife, and then what?"
She pouted defiantly, "Naturally, it means we will be together forever!"
You laughed, "But there is more to it than that, Primary Wife. Is that all there is to your life?"
She frowned, "What else could there be?"
You let her go back to the courtyard; let her wait for the child. Later, you heard that your son had slept with another girl. She cried and made a scene until your son slapped her unconscious; she nearly lost the child.
You brought your good son and this girl together. The girl thought you wanted a grandchild and would help her secure her position; she cried pitifully and begged you to intercede on her behalf. You asked your son what he thought.
The little tyrant was born and raised in feudalism, benefiting from it; what did he know?
He thought his mother was concerned about him hitting people, fearing it would tarnish the reputation of his aunt and two sisters in the palace, and hinder his uncle-in-law and three brothers' careers in the military.
In front of his mother, he lowered his head and promised not to mistreat the servants anymore. She was taken aback; servants...
You smiled and said, "It's not a big deal that the girl is pregnant. Once the child is born, we can feed and raise them. A boy will be a Long-term Laborer, and a girl will be a Girl; there's no need to get angry. If you're worried that her pregnancy will hinder her ability to serve, we can send a few more Girls to assist you tomorrow."
A girl who wasn't even a concubine would still give birth to a child who would naturally remain a servant.
The Girl felt as if struck by lightning, screaming as she ran out, tripping and falling, leaving a pool of blood beneath her. Fortunately, being young, she recovered quickly and continued to serve in your courtyard.
You watched as she gradually calmed down, thinking that perhaps one day you could share your story with her.
You are a Concubine Maid who, through hard work, has gained a certain social status. Having experienced many ups and downs, you have become an independent woman. By chance, in this long journey of life, you encountered true love and became his Primary Wife.
Of course, a Concubine Maid can become a Primary Wife. However, becoming a Primary Wife should never be the ultimate goal in life. Because becoming a Primary Wife is merely the beginning of another chapter in life.
In your lifetime, there are endless tasks and countless obstacles to overcome. That night, you dreamed of Liang Feng again. He had a buzz cut and wore a T-shirt, his strong arms holding a basketball: "Sister, why do I keep dreaming about you? Who are you?"
Your nose tinged with emotion: "I am your wife! I raised five children for you!"
You thought he might be waiting for you in the next life. When that time comes, you will definitely settle this score with him.
- The End -
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