Chapter Thirty-Four: Completely Disregarding Me

Mrs. Liu watched as Gu Xiaoyao led the others into the house, not even bothering to turn her head, and trembled with anger from head to toe. Such things had only ever been done by her to others; she had never seen anyone treat her this way!

"Chengjin, look at your new bride—such a temper! A woman like her shouldn't be kept in our family!"

"I know you dislike others making decisions for you, and I admit my fault. I'll send her down the mountain right now..."

As she spoke, Mrs. Liu was utterly confident, certain that her eldest son was equally stubborn. He never liked others meddling in his affairs; if someone ignored his wishes and took charge, they'd suffer for days.

"Mother, you're being too harsh. The wife you helped me marry pleases me greatly. If she wants to settle you and my brother here, let her remain."

With these words, Chu Chengjin shattered all of Mrs. Liu's calculations. Her face twisted, and she nearly spat in disgust. What was wrong with her eldest son? Had he been bewitched by Gu Xiaoyao after just one trip down the mountain?

"Chengjin, your health isn't good, and I see this woman is quite capable. If she stays here, you’ll surely suffer in the future."

Mrs. Liu refused to give up, earnestly advising Chu Chengjin not to fall into such a deep pit. With such a formidable woman in the house, her own status would plummet.

Listening nearby, Chu Qingbai nodded vigorously in agreement. Indeed, such a strong woman shouldn’t remain here!

"That’s right, big brother, you must think carefully. Second brother is still bedridden and can't move!"

Chu Qingsong had been energetic in the morning but by noon was back under the covers, lifeless.

"I’ve thought it through. You needn’t say more. I find Xiaoyao excellent. I’m not feeling well and wish to rest."

Chu Chengjin looked at their anxious faces, coughed lightly to stop their protests, then entered the house. Mrs. Liu and Chu Qingbai exchanged glances, their despair nearly spilling over.

"What should we do, Mother?" Chu Qingbai asked urgently.

"How would I know? If your big brother refuses, how can I force him?"

Mrs. Liu hated herself for fearing her eldest son so much. If only she wasn’t so timid, she’d surely give both of them a proper lesson.

"Mother, you’re really useless—what kind of mother are you!" Chu Qingbai shot her a piercing look.

"Nonsense! You’re as timid as a mouse, and dare to speak to me that way."

Not daring to lay a hand on her eldest, Mrs. Liu had no such qualms with the younger. She slapped the back of his head.

Inside, Chu Chengjin entered, and Gu Xiaoyao turned to see him come in, asking,

"Are you alright?"

He looked so breathless with every step—his health appeared fragile.

Chu Chengjin met her candid gaze and smiled.

"Wife, I’m feeling unwell. Would you help me to the bed for a moment’s rest?"

His room had two chambers—a small study with a bed, and a larger kang room, their marital chamber.

"Xiaoyao, look after Chu son-in-law, I’m fine here. I have Xiao Shu to take care of me," Mrs. Li, resting on her bed, quickly raised her head when she heard the commotion outside.

Hearing Mrs. Li’s words, Gu Xiaoyao gently took Chu Chengjin’s wrist, maintaining just the right touch. She helped him into the small study, felt the cold surface of the kang, and after settling him, went to the kitchen to start the fire.

"Oh heavens, do you think firewood grows on trees? Why are you burning so much? Are you trying to freeze yourselves to death?" Mrs. Liu saw her stuffing firewood in as if it cost nothing, so distressed she nearly wanted to bang her head against the wall.