Chapter 5
“Oh, my! A brief separation really does make sweeter newlyweds!”
A tinkling laugh interrupted my thoughts.
In the reception room, my stepmother’s second sister-in-law held her arm, grinning broadly.
“Our Hui used to be such a brisk, capable girl. Who knew she could blush like this?”
A maid led me inside.
Everyone fell silent. Even my second aunt, who had been the liveliest, shut her mouth.
Silent disregard was humiliating. Every moment reminded the ignored person how little she belonged.
I had once longed desperately to escape it.
So when my stepmother promised in my former life to treat me as her own child, I foolishly believed her.
Under her relatives’ cold stares, I had gone over, bent my knees, and called her “Mama” in a coaxing voice.
All I received was contempt.
“Hui is so young. How could she possibly have a daughter that age?”
“Poor Hui, saddled with such a great burden.”
My stepmother sat beside them examining an embroidered purse, as though she heard nothing.
Later she looked troubled and told me her family took legitimacy very seriously. If her sisters-in-law told her brothers, even she would be scolded.
Years later I learned she had married best of all her sisters. Even her brothers’ appointments depended on Father’s help.
Who dared scold her?
She had only wanted to use other people’s words to put me in my place.
I bowed. “My respects, Mother.”
Her face stiffened slightly. She took my hand.
“Such a reserved child. Can’t you relax before your own aunts?”
“I am grateful for Mother’s kindness, but courtesy cannot be neglected,” I insisted.
Sure enough, those prim hypocrites nodded approvingly.
Once I finished, I retreated to a corner and shelled fox nuts for my stepmother.
The relatives resumed their lively talk.
“Look how His Lordship kept sending letters while you were hurt. He must have wished he could fly home!”
That was her second sister. Her husband had reportedly just taken another concubine.
“Indeed! Your third brother was terribly worried too. Those hateful guards!”
Her third sister-in-law sounded indignant.
Hatred flashed in my stepmother’s eyes before she smiled decorously again.
“His Lordship said there is no place in this household for people who fail in their duty.
“I’m softhearted and useless. Fortunately, he is dealing with it. It saves me the trouble.”
Her relatives sighed in admiration.
“His Lordship is so considerate. He truly values Hui.”
“When he married her, he said she was the only woman he wanted in this life. No concubines, noble or lowborn.”
Her second sister-in-law linked arms with her, half joking. “Share a little of that good fortune with me!”
My stepmother shook with laughter. “You may share it, but don’t tickle me!”
I finished a small plate of fox nuts and found a chance to offer them.
“Please, Mother.”
“You should serve the guests first,” she chided, reaching out to take a large handful.
Just then a page arrived.
“My lady, an edict has come from the palace.”
“His Lordship has rendered such great service. Her Majesty must be rewarding Hui!” Her eldest sister-in-law spoke first.
“His Majesty values the Marquis so highly. Naturally the Empress will be generous to his wife,” her fourth sister said with an ingratiating smile.
“If it’s something new, let us have a look.”
Her second sister-in-law patted her shoulder affectionately.
Surrounded by compliments, my stepmother touched her hair with restrained pride, excused herself, and went to change.