Chapter 8: The So-Called Child Bride (8)
Mrs. Shi always spoke in a gentle manner, and her smile was equally gentle. She was truly an elegant lady from a distinguished family, well-read and tactful, with no trace of arrogance, and never said anything unpleasant that would lower herself. Yet every word she spoke carried immense weight.
Although they were just ordinary, everyday words, each one pressed heavily on Ling Chuxia, suffocating her nearly to the point of breathlessness.
For her, Shi Che was the emperor she must serve and take care of well, and Mrs. Shi was the empress dowager whose orders she must follow.
Sometimes, a word from Mrs. Shi was more effective than a word from Shi Che.
From childhood to adulthood, nearly all her thoughts were instilled by Mrs. Shi, gradually shaping her into a submissive character.
Shi Che would sometimes mockingly tell her that she was a puppet without thoughts, estimating that if Mrs. Shi asked her to die, she'd probably slit her throat without a second thought!
Whether she would really slit her throat if Mrs. Shi told her to die, she herself did not know, but now she dared not disobey Mrs. Shi's words.
When they had been married for one year, Mrs. Shi started bringing up the topic of children from time to time. But back then, it was still a young marriage, so she wasn't very pressing.
However, as one year passed, then two, and now entering the third year, Mrs. Shi went from calm to restless, speaking bluntly.
Despite Mrs. Shi appearing kind and gentle, her tactics were swift and decisive. Those around her were always the obedient and capable ones.
Even if she, the daughter-in-law, were obedient but incompetent, she could be easily replaced without a second thought.
And she definitely couldn't be replaced.