Being a second wife is difficult

On the seventh day of the hammering, Jiang Wan's knees changed from bruises to pale yellow, and a thin callus formed on the palm of her right hand, which was clenched into a fist.

On the morning of the seventh day, when she went to Songhetang, she met Granny Gui at the courtyard gate.

Granny Gui stood by the door, seemingly waiting for her. When she saw her arrive, she didn't say much, but stepped aside and whispered, "Madam, please be more assertive today. There are people watching in the courtyard."

Jiang Wan was stunned for a moment, then she understood.

It's not about making her wait on her hand and foot, it's about making her more outgoing and letting others see her.

When she stepped across the threshold, she no longer walked with her shoulders hunched over, but straightened her back a bit.

The room was full of people. Madam Fang sat on a stool, this time sitting properly. Aunt Zhou stood behind her mother-in-law, massaging her shoulders with the usual rhythm, without even lifting her eyelids.

There were also a few faces that Jiang Wan rarely saw.

Granny Wu, who was in charge of the sewing room, was wiping the corner of the table. Granny Ding, who was in charge of purchasing, was standing in the corner. Granny Zhou from the kitchen also came, carrying a tray with several small dishes on it. Several stewardesses were also there.

Jiang Wan glanced around and understood immediately; everyone had arrived.

The mother-in-law leaned against the pillow, not even lifting her eyelids: "You're here? Go ahead and massage me."

Jiang Wan squatted down in front of the footstool, and Granny Gui handed her the Beauty Fist.

Unlike the previous days, she didn't hunch over; her movements were more relaxed. When she squatted down, her back was straight, and her beautiful fists landed on her mother-in-law's calves, once, twice, three times, with a steady rhythm.

No one spoke in the room except for the muffled thud of the beauty's fist hitting her leg, and the crisp sound of Fang picking up a few peanuts from a plate and slowly cracking them open.

Jiang Wan knew why all these people were here today.

They weren't there to see her make a fool of herself, but to see how her mother-in-law would "teach" her.

After the lesson, they realized that this second wife had her mother-in-law's backing.

After teaching for so many days, my mother-in-law still hasn't stopped. She's just telling these people, "I acknowledge this person."

After pounding for most of the hour, the mother-in-law finally spoke: "That's enough."

Jiang Wan stopped and stood up; her legs were numb but she didn't sway.

Her mother-in-law opened her eyes, glanced at her, then looked at everyone in the room and said, "You've been learning well these past few days, you don't need to come tomorrow."

The room fell silent for a moment. Fang paused for a moment, then continued cracking peanuts in her hand.

Jiang Wan lowered her head: "Yes, Grandma."

As she left, she passed by Madam Fang. Madam Fang looked up and smiled at her, her lips curving upwards, but she didn't say anything.

As they exited Songhe Hall, Qinghe greeted them, her eyes reddening again. Jiang Wan squeezed her hand and said, "Don't cry here."

The two returned to the courtyard one after the other. Qinghe closed the door and finally blurted out what she had been holding back all the way: "Madam, what's wrong with the old lady—"

"This is for my face."

Jiang Wan sat down on the couch. "Didn't you see that the head maid was here today? The old lady said in front of them that I've learned well and don't need to come anymore. That's to tell them that I'm someone she taught and recognized. From now on, anyone who wants to look down on me will have to think twice."

Qinghe thought for a moment, then said "Oh," and added, "So, does that mean Madam's knees weren't kneeled in vain?"

"It wasn't a wasted effort to kneel."

Qinghe squatted down to help her roll up her trouser legs. The bruises on her knees had mostly faded, leaving only a faint yellow mark.

Qinghe went to get the medicated oil and said while rubbing it on, "Madam, there's something I've always wanted to ask you."

"ask."

"You've been married into the family for almost a month now. According to custom, you should be going back to your parents' home for the traditional wedding ceremony. Why hasn't the Jiang family made a single move?"

Jiang Wan paused for a moment.

Returning to one's parents' home.

She had considered that it was customary for a newlywed to return to her parents' home on the seventh day after the wedding, and wealthy families paid particular attention to this.

But she didn't.

On the third day, Lu Huaijin set off for another city. She sat alone in the house, waiting all morning, but no one came to pick her up.

The stepmother, Madam Sun, sent a message saying that her father, Jiang Huaiyuan, was busy with official duties and that they would talk about it in a few days.

After a while, it was never mentioned again.

Jiang Wan understood.

Her father gritted his teeth and scraped together seventeen loads of dowry to send her to the Earl's mansion. He wasn't concerned about her well-being, but rather about having more support after marrying into the family. Her stepmother, Madam Sun, was not warm towards her and wouldn't take the initiative to arrange things for her.

No one came to urge her to return to her parents' home, because they simply didn't care about the dignity of this second wife's daughter.

"The Jiang family is probably busy," Jiang Wan said. "My father was promoted half a rank, so he has a lot to do."

Qinghe opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but Jiang Wan interrupted her: "Besides, the master isn't in the manor. What would it look like if I went back to my parents' home alone? It would be even more inappropriate for my family to see me like this. Let's wait until the master comes back before we talk about it."

Qinghe stopped talking and continued to rub her knees.

In the afternoon, Jiang Wan asked Qinghe to grind ink and wrote a letter to the Jiang family.

The letter was short. It first inquired about the father's health, then about the health of the stepmother, Madam Sun, and then about whether all the branches of the family were at peace.

Finally, he said: "Everything is fine at the Earl's residence. The master is away on business and has not yet returned. We will discuss the matter of his return home when he comes back. There is no need for the family to send someone to pick him up."

She paused for a moment when writing the last sentence before continuing.

After drying and folding it, I handed it to Qinghe: "Have someone send it back."

Qinghe took the letter and was about to leave when Jiang Wan called her back, "Wait a minute."

She walked to the cabinet, rummaged through it, and pulled out a piece of fabric—the Shu brocade that Lu Huaijin had someone bring back last time. It was dark red with cloud patterns, and she hadn't touched it. After thinking for a moment, she pulled out a box of tea and handed it to Qinghe along with the fabric.

"The fabric is for my father, and the tea is for my stepmother. It's just a small token of my own appreciation."

Qinghe took it, responded, and went out.

Jiang Wan sat alone in the room, the sunlight streaming in from the window casting a warm glow.

She looked down at her knees; the bruises had faded, and the yellowing was almost gone. In a few more days, there wouldn't be any trace left.

She pulled down her trouser legs, stood up, and walked to the window.

Less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Qinghe returned, followed by a string of people.

She lifted the curtain and came in with a strange expression, then stepped aside to let them pass: "Madam, Aunt Zhou and the others have arrived."

Before the words were even finished, Aunt Zhou had already led Lu Hui into the courtyard, followed by Aunt Liu and Lu Shan. Concubine Zhao also arrived, walking at the very back, still looking as if she wanted to shrink into a crack in the wall.

Aunt Zhou had changed into a sandalwood-colored jacket today, her hair was neatly combed, and she was holding Lu Hui's hand.

Lu Hui was wearing a royal blue robe. His features resembled Lu Huaijin's, but he was rounder than his father, with a chubby face and a sturdy appearance.

When Jiang Wan turned back from the window, Aunt Zhou had already led the child to the corridor and stood still, as if waiting for her to speak.

"Madam," Aunt Zhou's voice was neither loud nor soft, "I've brought Hui-ge'er to thank you. Last time he had a fever in the middle of the night, and you called a doctor right away. I've always remembered this kindness."

After she finished speaking, she turned her head and glanced at Lu Hui. Lu Hui took a step forward, cupped his hands in a proper bow, and said in a slightly childish voice, "Lu Hui thanks Mother for saving my life."

The manners were impeccable, clearly indicating that the person had practiced.

Jiang Wan stood at the door, looking at Lu Hui's small face, and her heart softened.

She beckoned him over: "Get up quickly. Is Hui-ge'er fully recovered yet?"

"I'm all better now, I can eat now." Lu Hui looked up, his eyes wide and round. "Mother, Dr. Tian said I can't eat cold food, I haven't had iced food for many days."

Aunt Zhou chimed in from the side, "He's been craving iced bowls for days, and when I refused, he threw a tantrum."

There was a hint of reproach in her tone, but you could tell she was spoiling him.

Jiang Wan smiled and said, "Let's eat it when it gets hotter. Eating it too early now can easily hurt your spleen and stomach. I'll make you a bowl to try when you're a bit stronger."

Lu Hui's eyes lit up: "Really?"

"Seriously, the ice bowls I make taste even better than the ones you buy outside."

Aunt Zhou stood aside without saying a word, but the corners of her mouth twitched slightly. She had come today not only to express her gratitude to Lu Hui, but also probably to see how Jiang Wan treated Hui-ge'er.

Seeing that she accepted the gift and the child, Aunt Zhou's expression relaxed a bit.

Aunt Liu and Lu Shan squeezed together by the door, with Concubine Zhao standing next to her. Neither of them spoke; one dared not speak, and the other did not know how to speak.

Jiang Wanchao waved to them, "Come in and sit down, don't stand at the door."

Aunt Liu then pulled Lu Shan across the threshold, and Zhao Tongfang followed behind. Lu Shan already recognized Jiang Wan, and as soon as she entered, she moved closer to her, tilting her little face up and calling out "Mother."

Aunt Liu quickly tugged at her arm: "Call her Mother."

"Mother," Lu Shan changed her address again, her voice sweet.

Jiang Wan patted her head and had Qinghe bring out some snacks.

Several adults sat down, and the children gathered around the low table to share osmanthus cakes, chattering away, and the room suddenly became lively.

Seeing that Lu Shan's hands were covered in cake crumbs, Aunt Liu wiped them with a handkerchief and said, "Madam, I made a few summer shirts a few days ago, and I still have some fabric left. I was thinking of making one for the eldest young lady as well—"

"You're skillful; the clothes you make are better than those in the sewing room," Jiang Wan said. "You probably know Wan'er's size; she's about the same size as Shan'er."

Aunt Liu nodded, her ears turning slightly red: "I've measured it, and it's almost accurate."

Zhao Tongfang remained silent, sitting in the corner with her head down. Jiang Wan glanced at her and asked, "What have you been busy with lately, Sister Zhao?"

Zhao Tongfang was startled when her name was called. She raised her head and opened her mouth, "This concubine... this concubine doesn't have anything to do, it's just..."

"She just stays in the house all day doing needlework." Aunt Zhou picked up where she left off. "Sister Zhao is very good at embroidery. A few days ago, she embroidered a headband for the old lady, and the old lady said it was comfortable to wear."

Jiang Wan chimed in, "That's wonderful! I was just wondering what to give the old lady for her birthday, which is coming up soon. If you have some free time, Sister Zhao, could you give me some pointers?"

Zhao Tongfang's face flushed red, and she waved her hands repeatedly, saying, "How dare I, a mere concubine, instruct you, Madam, with such limited skills?"

"I'm serious," Jiang Wan's tone softened a bit. "I saw that headband you made once from afar. The stitches were tight, and the pattern was simple—just the style the old lady likes. If you won't give me some pointers, are you going to make me figure it out on my own?"

Zhao Tongfang hesitated for a long while, fiddling with the hem of her clothes, before whispering, "Then... shall I bring a few patterns for Madam to see tomorrow?"

"Okay, it's settled then."

Aunt Zhou took a sip of tea, her gaze shifting from Concubine Zhao to Jiang Wan's face. Her smile faded slightly, but she said nothing.

She could roughly tell that Jiang Wan was gathering people one by one.

First it was the eldest young lady, then Lu Zhao, and now it's Aunt Liu and Concubine Zhao. Quietly and slowly, they've gathered people around them.

Aunt Zhou put down her teacup and stood up: "Madam must be tired, so we won't bother you any longer."

Jiang Wan stood up to see the guest off.

Aunt Zhou led Lu Hui to the courtyard gate. Lu Hui turned around and waved to Jiang Wan, smiling and revealing a small gap tooth. Aunt Zhou glanced down at her son, paused for a moment, and then resumed her normal pace.

Aunt Liu pulled Lu Shan along behind, and when Zhao Tongfang came out of the door, she glanced at Jiang Wan again, as if she wanted to say something but hesitated. Jiang Wan nodded to her, and only then did she seem to have received some permission, and quickly followed the people in front.

After seeing the guests off, Qinghe returned and let out a long sigh: "Madam, why did you keep Zhao Tongfang with you again?"

"Her embroidery skills are excellent, which is perfect for her." Jiang Wan sat down on the couch. "Besides, she's a concubine and has no children. She's practically invisible in this mansion. If I don't ask her to do something, she'll truly become invisible."

Qinghe thought for a moment, then nodded as if she understood.

The gatekeeper sent a message back.

Jiang Wan took the letter and opened it. The letter was in the handwriting of her stepmother, Madam Sun: "The letter has been received. The materials and tea are all ready. Your father has been busy lately. We will discuss the matter of your return to your parents' home after he has spoken. You are all alone outside, so take good care of yourself."

A smaller line was added below: "It's getting cold, so please wear more clothes. I had someone send you a pair of shoes at the beginning of the month; please check if you received them."

Jiang Wan looked at the paper for a while, then folded the letter and put it into her dressing case.

Sun was never warm-hearted in words, but every time she wrote a letter, she would urge her to wear more clothes, eat well, and not to be frugal. There were not many words, and not a single nice word, but every word was practical.

Qinghe brought in tea: "Madam, why aren't the Jiang family members coming into the mansion?"

"They probably didn't want to make things difficult for me."

Jiang Wan took the tea and took a sip. "I didn't go back to my parents' home. If my family members stayed too long after they came to visit, Fang Shi and the others would gossip again. I left my things and left without giving anyone anything to say. It's for my own good."

Qinghe then realized what was happening and said "Oh".

Jiang Wan sat by the window and took out the letter again to read it. She had been married to Lu Huaijin for almost a month, but had not returned home yet, and her family had not made a formal visit.

Although the stepmother, Madam Sun, said, "We'll talk about it when it's convenient for you," she never missed sending the shoes and letters.

So far, there hasn't been a single written message from the father, Jiang Huaiyuan. He's probably really busy, or he probably feels that the marriage is settled and the rest is no longer his concern.

She remembered what Lu had said before he left: "Take a step back and wait, wait for someone to beg you to come out."

Her family is probably waiting too, waiting for her to establish herself in the family before her return visit will make sense.

She went back when she was too weak to stand, but that only showed her family what kind of life she was living in the Earl's mansion, causing them unnecessary distress.

She didn't want to add to the trouble.

"Madam," Qinghe came over after packing her things, "Grandma said you don't need to go for the leg massage tomorrow. What are you planning to do?"

"First, sort out those bolts of fabric and start making the clothes that need to be made." Jiang Wan put down the letter. "Then, check on Zhao'er's homework. I've been so busy these past few days that I haven't had time to do it."

"What about the second young master..."

"He hasn't come back since he aired out his books last time, probably because he didn't want to bother me," Jiang Wan said. "I'll go see him tomorrow."

She stood up and walked to the window. The eaves were low, and it was getting dark earlier than in the past few days. It would probably rain the day after tomorrow.