Favoring a concubine and destroying the wife? I'll abandon my husband and children and wipe out

Cheng Nanzhi returned to the Zhao residence and, together with Zhao Shize and Zhao Huaiyu, informed Old Madam Zhao of the results of the poetry gathering.

Madam Zhao was overjoyed, "I knew it would work!"

"Of course! I'm amazing!"

Zhao Shize spoke with great pride about the praise others had given him at the poetry gathering, which made Old Madam Zhao beam with delight.

Her eyes were full of expectation and hope: "After you study under Mr. Zhou, you must work harder and strive to pass the imperial examinations and become an official, bringing glory to our Zhao family!"

Having been praised so much, Zhao Shize subconsciously began to believe that he also possessed such talent.

"Grandmother, don't worry, I'm sure I'll come back as the top scholar!"

"Oh, good, good!" Old Madam Zhao was even happier, looking at Zhao Shize as if he were a treasure, which made Zhao Huaiyu, who was standing to the side, extremely envious.

Cheng Nanzhi took a sip of tea unhurriedly and said, "Mother-in-law, you're speaking too soon. Even if Zege'er can become the top scholar, it will be the Zhao family's collateral branch that brings glory to him and his relatives. We'll just benefit from it."

Old Madam Zhao's face fell as she was splashed with cold water, but she couldn't refute it, since she had told Cheng Nanzhi that the two of them were from a collateral branch.

Zhao Shize said aggrievedly, "Mother, aren't we just your and Father's children now?"

Zhao Shize had seen what kind of life the collateral branches of the Zhao family lived, and it was far worse than that of the main household. He had no intention of going to live such a poor and miserable life with the collateral branches!

Zhao Huaiyu kept his eyes down and remained silent.

Madam Zhao immediately said, "That's right, Nanzhi. Now that Zege'er and Yujie'er have been taken under your and Ye'er's names, they belong only to our branch. You must not say that again."

Cheng Nanzhi put down her teacup. “Mother, you are mistaken. The imperial family has always governed the country with filial piety. If someone enters officialdom but does not acknowledge his relatives and only talks about his adoptive parents, it will inevitably make outsiders think that Zege’er despises his poor relatives and damages his reputation.”

Madam Zhao's expression changed slightly.

"In my opinion, Zege and Yujie should still solemnly commemorate their deceased parents and regularly set up memorial tablets so that outsiders will think that they are filial."

Cheng Nanzhi argued logically, "Besides, do they really not miss their biological parents? It's only human nature, and my husband and I will understand and won't mind."

As Cheng Nanzhi spoke, she looked at Zhao Shize and Zhao Huaiyu.

Their gazes seemed to question whether they were truly so cold-blooded, making the two men feel extremely uneasy.

They immediately replied, "Of course not! We...we do sometimes think about it, but we don't want to hurt our mothers and fathers' feelings, so we haven't brought it up!"

The two had long since forgotten their biological parents, considering themselves only as the proper young masters and ladies of the Zhao family. But obviously, they couldn't say that.

“Mother-in-law, you see, your daughter-in-law is not wrong. So from now on, let them set up a memorial tablet.” Cheng Nanzhi said generously and considerately.

Madam Zhao's face turned a little green.

It must be said that Cheng Nanzhi's words made sense and were for the child's good; there was no fault in her at all.

But the problem is... their biological parents are Zhao Ye and Ye Ruyue, and they're not dead yet!

If we were to actually make Zege'er and Yujie'er offer memorial tablets, what difference would that be from cursing them to die? They would be furious if they saw it!

Besides, Zege and Yujie are her own grandsons, and they will be included in their family's genealogy in the future. If they were to be recognized by a collateral branch, wouldn't they nominally become someone else's grandchildren?!

No, no, she won't allow it!

Old Madam Zhao racked her brains but couldn't come up with a rebuttal to Cheng Nanzhi's words. In the end, she could only say, "This matter is not urgent. We can discuss it after Zege'er takes the imperial examination."

By then, Cheng Nanzhi would definitely be gone, and Ze Ge'er and Yu Jie'er would definitely be able to openly and legitimately become her direct descendants in the Zhao family!

Madam Zhao nodded secretly, deciding to stall for time.

Cheng Nanzhi heard it clearly.

If she wants to drag it out, we'll see if she'll allow it to drag on for so many years!

With them keeping a close eye on her status as the legitimate heir, it seems unlikely that she can gradually remove Zhao Shize and Zhao Huaiyu from her name through gentle means. Then don't blame her for being ruthless!

"Ze-ge'er's tutor has been decided," Old Madam Zhao said, fearing that Cheng Nanzhi would continue to say that she wanted to set up a memorial tablet now, so she quickly changed the subject. "But Yu-jie'er's tutor hasn't been decided yet. Nanzhi, do you have someone in mind?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Huaiyu immediately forgot what had just happened and stared longingly at Cheng Nanzhi.

Her brother has a good teacher, and she wants one too!

Zhao Shize also looked on curiously.

Just as Cheng Nanzhi was about to say that someone had been chosen, she thought of something and said instead, "My daughter-in-law was busy with Ze Ge'er and hasn't had time to introduce Yu Jie'er to anyone yet."

Zhao Huaiyu lowered his head, unable to hide his disappointment.

Old Madam Zhao, who loved her dearly, said with displeasure, "Nanzhi, how come you're becoming more and more careless in your work? And didn't you say before that you were considering Yu'er's well-being?"

“Mother-in-law, the choice of husband is of utmost importance. We must be very careful, which is why the choice of daughter-in-law has been delayed.” After Cheng Nanzhi finished speaking, she saw Zhao Huaiyu look up again.

Hearing how much she valued it, her eyes were practically overflowing with anticipation.

Cheng Nanzhi's resolve grew stronger, and she said, "However, there is still an important matter in the manor right now. We must finish this first so that I can focus on thinking about Yu Jie'er."

She mentioned the apprenticeship banquet, emphasizing the benefits of holding it.

Madam Zhao's eyes lit up: "You're right, that's what we should do!"

Cheng Nanzhi said, "Mother-in-law, your daughter-in-law has recovered well after these days of rest. Why don't you leave this matter to your daughter-in-law? Your daughter-in-law will definitely hold a grand and magnificent apprenticeship banquet, so as not to lose face for the Zhao family."

Madam Zhao frowned. She was in charge of the household now, so this was something she should handle. This was a big matter for her precious grandson, and she felt she should take care of it herself.

But then I thought, it would definitely cost a lot of money to actually do it. So let Cheng Nanzhi handle it.

She locked the storeroom, making it difficult for others to take things. But when it was her turn, she couldn't very well refuse to pay, could she?

If she were to issue the invitations, many prominent figures would surely attend!

Madam Zhao laughed and said, "I have complete confidence in you handling this!"

Cheng Nanzhi smiled and said, "Don't worry, Mother-in-law. Now that I'm better, of course the housekeeper will help you out and tell you not to overwork yourself..."

Upon hearing this, Madam Zhao's smile vanished.

So what they really wanted was to take back control of the household management.

“Nanzhi, you are frail, so just focus on resting. However, the apprenticeship banquet is indeed important, and since you are more meticulous than your mother, only you can organize it. But it will only be tiring for you for a few days, after which you should rest well and recover.”

So you absolutely refuse to hand over the housekeeper, huh?

Cheng Nanzhi twitched the corner of her mouth, "I'll listen to you, Mother. As long as you don't regret all the hard work later."

Madam Zhao waved her hand: "How could I regret this? As long as you are healthy, I'm happy no matter how tired I am."

Cheng Nanzhi gave a half-smile.

Her greatest virtue is that she is obedient. Since her mother-in-law has spoken, then no matter how chaotic things get in the Zhao household, it will be her mother-in-law's problem.