Crossing the Mountains

Chapter 10 Already planned
The six-day Qinglu ceremony passed peacefully.

Shentu Zhuo only came to cause trouble once and never showed up again. I wonder what he was planning.

And the old lady Liao, who was supposed to be taking care of him but was actually causing trouble, obviously wanted Tan Huaike to live a hard life. It would be best if he appeared frail and with a sad face, so that he would look more like a widowed bride.

Unfortunately, Tan Huaike didn't buy it at all.

Soon Liao discovered that the more she withheld the meals of the bride and her servants, the more unscrupulously Tan Huaike wasted the offerings of the eldest son. The altar was a mess every day. If there was something that tasted bad or she didn't like, she would simply throw it out of the bridal chamber and cry loudly, saying that death is like the extinguishing of a lamp, and she didn't expect that her husband would sacrifice his life for the country and his body was still warm, but the servants in the house no longer regarded him as their master and even withheld the offerings.

When word of this spread out of the courtyard, the old lady became unhappy. She ordered them to add more fruits and snacks every day to fill up the altar and not to treat the eldest son badly.

Old Lady Liao explained, "It's obvious that the bride was deliberately making things difficult for him. All the offerings made to the eldest young master went into her belly. If we're talking about disrespect, she was the one who showed the most disrespect to him!"

Madam Shentu asked, "Then why didn't you dissuade him?"

Old Lady Liao said, "I tried to persuade her, but the bride was sharp-tongued. She said that she and the eldest young master were already a married couple, so there was no need to separate their food. Moreover, these fruits and snacks had good intentions. Since she and the eldest young master had no fate in this life, sharing some dates and peanuts with him might help them prosper in the next life and pray for a son soon. My lord, tell me, isn't this just nonsense? It's just that this old servant cannot enter the Qinglu, otherwise I would definitely discipline her!"

After a moment's thought, Madam Shentu said, "She has a point. It's just some small snacks, so there's no need to argue with her. We still can't let Heng'er suffer. However, this bride doesn't seem to be a soft-hearted person. I should make plans for Heng'er's funeral as soon as possible."

Old Lady Liao nodded repeatedly, "That's exactly what should happen. My Lord, you can test her a little during the marriage ceremony. If she really acts recklessly and covets the eldest son's property, it would be better to end the relationship forever..."

Old Madam Shentu glanced at her indifferently. Old Lady Liao knew that she had said something wrong and did not dare to say anything more.

So when Tan Huaike came out of Qinglu, he not only did not become thinner, but his complexion became even more rosy.

Shentu Heng has been buried, and today is her coming-of-age ceremony.

Since the head of the Shentu Mansion had passed away early, Tan Huaike only had to pay her respects to Aunt Jun. Kneeling on the ground, she thought, "Qinglu has allowed me to spend my days with my husband's tablet, so why doesn't Aunt Jun place Uncle Jun's tablet beside her to keep her in check? That would be considered proper etiquette." Of course, she only dared to criticize this inwardly, her face remaining demure and respectful.

Madam Shentu's every move radiated the grace and elegance of a woman from an aristocratic family. Even after experiencing the pain of losing her son, she hadn't been completely depressed. Now, she had regained her spirits and continued to manage all matters in the palace. The old lady presented Tan Huaike with a cup of wine, which she rubbed for a long time in her hands. She then gave her a jade pendant and asked her to sit down.

The other children of the Shentu family were also present today. Tan Huaike's seat was at the upper right, with his half-sister Shentu Ji sitting next to him, and opposite him was Shentu Zhuo, whom he had met once in Qinglu.

According to the information Pei'er had gathered recently, the former head of the family, Shentu Jianzhi, was convicted of some unknown crime and demoted to this position. His glory was shattered overnight, and he was also targeted by his colleagues at court, leading to a truly difficult life in Zhangye County. The two Shentu brothers, both sons of the Empress Fu Lingjun, had at least become officials. However, Shentu Ji was born to the head of the family's concubine in Zhangye County. He had only heard of his family's past glory, never experiencing the blessings of a young lady.

Tan Huaike had observed this aunt when he entered the room, and seeing the contempt she held in her eyes, he figured she wasn't someone he could get along with. As for Shen Tuzhuo, that was beyond words; he had already completely offended her.

Oh, it seems that I, a widowed bride, am really not welcome.

Holding the jade pendant carefully, Tan Huaike asked, "Aunt Jun, what is this jade pendant..."

The old lady said, "This was given to Heng'er by his grandfather when he was born. After he joined the army, he refused to wear it, saying that he was afraid it would get bumped or scratched. I'm giving it to you now, as a keepsake." Tan Huaike carefully accepted it and said, "Thank you, Aunt Jun."

The old lady lowered her eyes and took a sip of tea, then said, "There is something else I want to explain to you today."

Here it comes, Tan Huaike thought, first give him a piece of jade as a sweet treat, then the real show of force is coming.

The old lady said bluntly, "Although you are Heng'er's legal wife, you are too young and unsophisticated. I am still uneasy about handing over the family business that Heng'er risked his life to you, so I will take charge of the household expenses. Of course, as long as you live a peaceful and honest life, the family will not treat you unfairly, nor will they use any dirty tricks to get rid of you. You can rest assured."

Well, this is a warning to her, so that she can stay at home and be just a decoration.

Most of the Shentu family's current wealth was earned through Shentu Heng's military exploits. If he had married a virtuous wife, he would have at least taken control of half of the family's finances. But in the current situation, without a living husband to support him, it would be extremely difficult for her, a nominal bride, to take charge. In the eyes of Old Lady Shentu, it was like a child holding a willow branch as a token and saying he wanted to rob.

In reality, Tan Huaike hadn't originally intended to fight them for their wealth and power at this moment. As a Hu woman who had been married off as a replacement, how could she dare act so aggressively? That would be too presumptuous. But she also couldn't let herself be a mere decoration. To her, the Shentu family was a lonely and deserted inner chamber, but it was also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

She was unwilling to be manipulated by fate. She wanted to avenge her father and brother, and fulfill Alan's wish. Although her strength was still limited at the moment, she could not be trapped.

Tan Huaike stroked the jade pendant carved with bamboo and said softly, "Aunt Jun, I don't ask for much. Obtaining this jade pendant is like accepting a token of love, and I have no regrets. I just..."

Before she could finish her words, Shen Tuzhuo shouted, "Tsk!"

Tan Huaike: “…”

Shen Tu Zhuo's face was full of disdain: "Speak up, I want to see what other hypocritical words you can come up with."

Accustomed to her youngest son's erratic behavior, the old lady didn't take it seriously. She just thought he was in a bad mood and was making things difficult for his new bride. She scolded him, "Zhuo'er, how can you talk to your sister-in-law like that?"

Shentu Zhuo curled his lips and stared at Tan Huaike warily.

Tan Huaike ignored him and said, "I just have a question in my mind and want to ask Jungu."

The old lady picked up the cup and drank the tea: "You say."

Tan Huaike asked, "Are you and your husband choosing to marry into the Tan family in preparation for Daxuan's new decree to select imperial merchants?"

As soon as these words came out, the old lady paused.

Shentu Zhuo also looked up suddenly and looked at her in surprise.
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　Next chapter: Overt means.

　　Thanks to Universe Group Pet, Jiang Jiang Jiang Jiang Han, Book Friend 3295, Xia Xi Chan Ming, and Book Friend 2806 for their recommendations~
　　Thanks to book friend 2806 for the reward~
　　
　
(End of this chapter)