Tianliangyuan

Chapter 248 Why Hate Her?

With the Jiang family temporarily unable to cause trouble for others, Xu Zhaozhao was finally able to stay home and relax.

She had delivered all the necessary medicines, and she didn't have to worry about food or anything else. She had confidence in her father and brothers' abilities, so she didn't think much of it at all.

The problem is, there will always be people who are worried.

For example, the second sister-in-law, Princess Anhe.

Xu Zhaozhao was instructed by her mother that whenever her second sister-in-law was in the mansion, she should visit her second sister-in-law's courtyard more often, and sometimes she would invite her second sister-in-law to her own courtyard to tinker with some new and interesting things.

Fortunately, Princess Anhe has many things to manage these days, so Xu Zhaozhao doesn't need to be with her all the time.

"Miss, the Li family has sent you an invitation."

"Ok?"

Xu Zhaozhao took it and saw that it was Madam Li's birthday banquet.

Li Mingya and Xu Junting are engaged and will get married this year, so she can attend Mrs. Li's birthday banquet.

Wang Ruolan will definitely be going too, since she will be related to the Li family by marriage in the future, so she can't give anyone something to talk about.

Of the Xu family, only Zhang did not go, because she had to take care of her child.

Wang Ruolan and Li, the two elders, took the younger members of their family to join in the fun.

Madam Li's birthday banquet was only for female relatives. After all, it was originally an opportunity for the women of the inner quarters to meet and chat with each other, so why let those men who only talked about serious matters get involved?

Li Mingshu always stayed by Li Mingya's side, something Xu Zhaozhao couldn't understand.

All guests are welcome, so why should Li Mingshu always follow her sister around? Couldn't she go and help greet the younger women?

Hearing her doubts, Princess Anhe laughed and said, "Don't you understand? This Li Mingshu is very shrewd. By following Li Mingya, she comes into contact with noble ladies from high-ranking families, and most importantly, they are all legitimate daughters."

Upon hearing this, Xu Zhaozhao realized what was going on.

Given Li Mingshu's status, she could only associate with legitimate daughters of slightly lower social standing, or other illegitimate daughters.

This shows that Li Mingshu has high aspirations.

However, Xu Zhaozhao noticed that Li Mingya didn't find her half-sister annoying at all, and would occasionally introduce her to her about which family she came from.

Xu Zhaozhao pursed her lips; she genuinely admired Li Mingya.

In any case, if it were her, she wouldn't be able to be so calm and collected towards her half-sister.

The reason she could treat Xu Tingting and Xu Wanwan the same was because they were daughters of the second branch of the family, and they were the only unmarried daughters of the second branch. Both of these younger sisters were the kind of people who didn't like to compete or show off, so Xu Zhaozhao could play with them.

But she always felt uncomfortable if the child was born to her father's concubine.

But she also knew that this idea was wrong.

After all, it's the way things are these days. The distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children is a matter of etiquette and law, but it can't be taken too far.

Moreover, there are very few couples from noble families like Father and Mother in the capital. At least seven out of ten men have concubines or maids.

Xu Zhaozhao immediately misunderstood.

Princess Anhe patted the back of her hand, which brought her back to her senses.

"What's wrong, Second Sister-in-law?"

"You didn't hear me talking to you just now. I noticed that our second aunt doesn't look too good, over there."

Xu Zhaozhao followed her gaze, but didn't understand for a moment.

Dingxiang stepped forward to explain: "That is the third wife of the Li family, Li Biyao's mother. It seems that she had something to ask our second wife for, but the second wife refused, so the two had a dispute."

Upon hearing that it was her, Xu Zhaozhao immediately lost interest.

Princess Anhe knew Li Biyao; after all, it was rare to see a girl so eager to become a concubine.

Ordinary people with a modicum of sense and reasonable elders would never allow their daughters to become concubines; it would be too shameful.

But Li Biyao was proud of this.

Now that the heir has changed, I wonder if Li Biyao regrets it.

"Dingxiang, go and tell your mother to keep a close eye on your second aunt and make sure she's not bullied anymore."

Li's personality was too soft, and besides, this was her maternal home, so there were some things she couldn't say.

A short while later, Dingxiang returned and reported, "Madam said it's nothing, and Second Madam knows what's going on. Besides, this is the General's Mansion, not Li Biyao's home."

Xu Zhaozhao nodded: "That's good."

Princess Anhe laughed from the side, "You've really set yourself up as a little housekeeper. You're so young, but you have so many things to worry about."

Xu Zhaozhao raised an eyebrow: "Second sister-in-law seems to be criticizing me, right? Humph, when we get back to the manor, I'll definitely go to Mother and complain about you!"

Princess Anhe knew she was doing it on purpose, but she still played along, saying, "Oh dear, Zhao Zhao, don't be angry. How about I coax you?"

Xu Zhaozhao wasn't buying it: "Hmph! Is that all you're going to do, just talk?"

"I recently acquired a few pots of orchids; how about I send them to your Ziyuan Garden later?"

orchid?

Xu Zhaozhao was delighted: "Then it's a deal, you can't go back on your word."

Seeing the harmonious relationship between the two women, Li Mingya couldn't help but think that she would have a similar life after marrying into the Marquis's family. She felt both ashamed and happy, and once again thanked her parents for their good judgment.

Today is Li Mingya's birthday, so she can't stay and talk with them all the time. After a few words, she went to greet the other guests.

Before leaving, Xu Zhaozhao jokingly said, "Don't worry, Third Sister-in-law, we're all family. You should go and greet the outsiders first."

As soon as she finished speaking, Princess Anhe, who was standing to the side, also laughed, which made Li Mingya so angry that she reached out and lightly pinched her arm before leaving.

Seeing how well they got along, there were naturally quite a few people who were unhappy.

For example, Jiang Fu.

She's now a laughingstock in the entire high society!

She went to great lengths to marry into the Duke's mansion, only to find that her husband was not only a playboy, but now he has also lost his position as heir apparent and is unable to serve the court due to his disability.

If it weren't for the Emperor's kindness in granting him a nominal position, Jiang Fu would probably risk her life to get a divorce!

Jiang Fu harbored resentment, but she never knew who to direct it at.

Standing in the garden now, looking at the scene in the pavilion, all her resentment seemed to find an outlet all at once.

It’s Xu Zhaozhao!

If she hadn't made a big fuss about the dog biting incident, her life wouldn't have become such a mess afterward.

It was because of that incident that her father-in-law and mother-in-law became increasingly hostile towards her, and the prince became even more disappointed in her, refusing to set foot in his own courtyard for ten days or half a month at a time.

It's Xu Zhaozhao!

The root of all this trouble lies with her; it's all her fault!

At this moment, Jiang Fu wished she could devour Xu Zhaozhao alive.