Wang Yongzhu, who had been wavering between leaving and staying, finally made her decision at this mont.
She would stay, accompany Old Granny Zhang, and truly be filial to her, making sure her remaining days are filled with happiness.
If Song Chongjin remained true, she would also stay with him and live out their lives well together.
Now that she had made her decision, Wang Yongzhu felt entirely at ease.
The mother and daughter shared heartfelt conversations for half the day, and Wang Yongzhu released the heavy weight in her heart, unknowingly falling into a deep sleep in Old Granny Zhang’s arms.
Not hearing Wang Yongzhu’s voice for a long while, Old Granny Zhang looked down, seeing her daughter’s lips turned slightly upwards, cheeks rosy, sleeping soundly.
Her heart couldn’t help but soften, almost dripping with tenderness.
Carefully and quietly, she laid her daughter flat on the bed, covering her with a thin blanket, and sat beside her for half the day before quietly leaving.
Upon stepping outside, she saw Song Chongjin approaching with a gift list, and hurried forward to support her: "Mother, why aren’t you resting in the room? The sun is quite strong outside, be careful not to catch too much heat—"
Old Granny Zhang raised a finger: "Keep it down, Yongzhu just fell asleep; don’t disturb her."
Upon hearing this, Song Chongjin quickly lowered his voice: "What’s wrong with Yongzhu? Is she feeling unwell or didn’t sleep well?" He appeared anxious and was about to go into the room to check.
Old Granny Zhang grabbed Song Chongjin’s arm: "She’s fine; co in with —" and she pulled him into her own room.
Li Xia, who was standing by the door, saw this and attentively brought them tea before retreating.
Though Song Chongjin was worried about Wang Yongzhu, seeing Old Granny Zhang’s deanor ant she had sothing to say, so he subdued his anxiety, sitting dutifully on a chair.
After a mont of introspection, Old Granny Zhang began: "Chongjin, in reasoning, this shouldn’t be spoken by a mother-in-law, but I don’t consider you an outsider in my heart. I view you as my own son, even more doting on you than your older brothers—"
Understanding imdiately, Song Chongjin sat upright, earnest expression on his face: "Mother, you are like my actual mother. Please feel free to speak, and if I’ve done anything wrong, don’t hesitate to scold or correct !"
Hearing Song Chongjin’s words, Old Granny Zhang couldn’t help but smile: "I always knew you’re the most obedient and sensible! In my heart, Yongzhu and you are whom I treasure the most, my greatest hope is for you two to live harmoniously together, to give two plump grandsons, so I can die peacefully with closed eyes."
"Mother, rest assured, you will definitely live a long life, not only will you see grandsons, but great-grandsons as well! By then, we will have four generations under one roof, now that’s true fortune," Song Chongjin replied swiftly.
Old Granny Zhang glanced at Song Chongjin, seeing his sincere words relieved her slightly before she spoke again: "Here’s the thing, earlier Yongzhu ntioned sothing to , though jokingly, it left feeling uneasy."
Imdiately, Song Chongjin understood what Old Granny Zhang was about to discuss and was about to stand to defend himself.
Old Granny Zhang halted him with a wave: "Don’t speak, I believe in your character. You’re a good child, never harboring such thoughts; I’m fully aware. Yongzhu is also aware, otherwise she wouldn’t ntion it jokingly to , dismissively."
"But as a mother, I still feel uneasy. Not just for Yongzhu, but also out of concern for you. There are only so many precautions one can take; it’s hard to guard against those who covet wealth and take crooked paths, pulling others down with them," she said.
"When you’re in Chicheng County, as the county head, people will inevitably want to curry favor, trying to place individuals around you, right?"
"Of course, your father and eldest uncle must have advised you, but it’s hard to fathom people’s hearts, which ans we can’t be complacent. Otherwise, what if one slips into a trap? Our family relies on you right now, not asking for wealth, just peace," she further explained.
...
If soone else spoke to him this way, Song Chongjin would have likely stord off.
However, hearing Old Granny Zhang’s words, he listened attentively, feeling genuinely appreciated.
He wasn’t foolish; had Old Granny Zhang only expressed concern for him, it seed less sincere, which might have saddened him.
But Old Granny Zhang clearly stated the concern wasn’t only for Yongzhu but also for him, and instead of displeasure, he felt truly content.
This proved that, in his mother-in-law’s heart, Yongzhu was the most important, followed by him, even above several brother-in-laws, wasn’t he?
With this thought, Song Chongjin felt no resentnt.
Listening to Old Granny Zhang’s earnest talk for half the day, not only did he not grow impatient, but with smiling eyes, he listened intently, occasionally echoing her sentints.
Seeing Song Chongjin’s attitude, Old Granny Zhang was also satisfied, realizing that while she couldn’t comnt on future matters, presently he held deep respect for his mother-in-law, with his heart only for her daughter.
Thus, she put her mind at ease.
After inquiring about Song Chongjin’s health, noticing his mind was restless, frequently glancing towards the adjoining room, she understood he was concerned for her daughter and smiled, letting him go back.
Song Chongjin returned to the cabin shared with Wang Yongzhu, who was already awake.
Leaned lazily against the bed, gazing at the scenery outside daydreaming.
Upon hearing movent, she turned to see Song Chongjin had returned, she smiled but made no intention to rise.
Song Chongjin’s eyes lit up uncontrollably; he had never seen this side of Yongzhu before, lazily reclining on the pillow, cheeks still flushed from sleep, eyes slightly dazed, filled with misty haze and lingering sleepiness.
Strands of hair spilled by her ears, lips plump and pursed, resembling the tenderest petals of spring.
In the warm weather, Wang Yongzhu wore thin clothes, adding to the allure with a slightly loosened neckline, exuding an indescribable charm.
Unable to resist, he walked to the bedside, his voice hoarse: "Did you sleep well?"
His hand instinctively grasped Wang Yongzhu’s.
Wang Yongzhu felt the surprising warmth from Song Chongjin, especially his fiery hand holding hers, soon both palms intertwined with sweat.
Looking up, she t Song Chongjin’s fervent gaze, suddenly startled, she pushed him: "I slept well, now move aside, I want to get up—"
Her pushing hand was tightly held by Song Chongjin, then her entire body was gently pressed back, his murky voice murmuring by her ear: "I’m tired too, lay with for a while—"
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