Chapter 240 - 232: Won’t Leave_2
"Son-in-law, when do you plan to return to the Capital City this time?" Wei Family’s matriarch asked with a sycophantic smile, her usual pretense of pride and dignity gone. She was eager to curry favor with her wealthy son-in-law.
Upon hearing himself addressed as ’son-in-law’ by the Wei matriarch, Wei Xingye felt a wave of disgust. These rural old women truly knew no decorum. His wife was but a concubine of his, and yet she dared to call him son-in-law. What audacity! If she weren’t still of some use to him, he would not wish to set foot in such a poor and sour place. As for Zhao Lingxiang, they had shamelessly imposed her on him, but he had taken her in only because she was young and fair and had a certain beauty. Having another concubine in the house merely meant one more bowl of rice to serve; why refuse what’s willingly offered?
"Leaves return to their roots. I am already beyond the age of confusion, and my son has grown up. It’s time he took a wife and had children. I want to settle down. Xin’an City is my birthplace, and I intend to take up residence here permanently and not leave again. I will gradually transfer all my property from the Capital City here," Wei Xingye said, of course not revealing his true reason for returning and instead pretending as he spoke.
The Wei matriarch had no idea how much Wei Xingye despised her in his heart. When she heard him mention his son, she felt choked and quite uncomfortable.
Wei Xingye had two sons, one from his legitimate wife and one from a favored concubine, both of whom had nothing to do with Zhao Lingxiang. She couldn’t understand why, but Zhao Lingxiang’s belly had been silent these past years. It was odd given that, initially, upon entering the Wei Residence, Zhao Lingxiang had attended to the old Master Wei for quite some time. So why was there not even the slightest hint of a child in her womb? Could it be an issue with her health? That didn’t seem right since her daughter had always been healthy from a young age and should have no trouble bearing sons. Surely, it must be because the ’son-in-law’ did not visit her daughter’s chambers frequently enough.
"Son-in-law, do rest assured. Years ago, a wandering Taoist read my daughter’s face and said she was blessed with fortune and would become wealthy and noble. Lingxiang will certainly bear you a healthy, chubby son. It just wasn’t the right time before, but as long as you visit my daughter’s room more often, you’ll surely hear good news," the Wei matriarch thought anxiously for her own daughter and, misjudging the situation, believed Master Wei was indulging her daughter by agreeing to accompany Zhao Lingxiang on this visit home, so she spoke without restraint.
Was the Wei matriarch indirectly soliciting favor for her daughter? Absurd! Wei Xingye’s patience with her was wearing even thinner.
Zhao Lingxiang’s face turned unnatural when she heard her mother’s words. Instinctively, she glanced towards Wei Xingye and indeed saw his furrowed brow and the warning look in his eyes, causing her to shiver.