Chapter 380: Resentment

As it was a minor funeral, everyone in the Zhang family except Mrs. Gu put on their mourning clothes. The brothers of Zhang Yue’s generation were required to observe a five-month period of mourning, while Zhang You, along with his wives from the Feng family and the three granddaughters-in-law—Li Yun, Zhao Fen, and Du Wan—had to observe a three-month mourning period. Zhang Jiu also took leave from the Imperial Academy. Upon hearing the news of the funeral, Mrs. Gu still ordered the whole family to stop eating and drinking that night, and she spent an hour chanting scriptures in the small Buddha hall.

Zhang Yue was given five days of leave for mourning, and the next day he went to pay his respects along with his elders and peers. It was his first time visiting his uncle Zhang Fu’s residence. Inside, everything was covered in white; all the family members and servants were in mourning attire. Zhang Fu, who had just lost his wife, tried to appear sorrowful in front of the relatives and friends who came to offer their condolences, but his expression was forced, even showing signs of anger.

Since their relationship wasn’t very close, after offering incense and prayers, Zhang You said a few words of comfort before taking his leave. The others who came with him naturally didn’t stay long either. But as soon as they left the funeral hall, Zhang Yue heard a sharp clap behind him. Immediately afterward, the crying stopped, replaced by angry shouts.

“Why are you wailing now? What were you doing all this time? You guys always fight like crazy, and now you act pitiful! If not for you… if not for you idiots who only care about clothes and appearance, would this family be going through a funeral? Idiots! Witches! Get lost! Stop being an eyesore here!”

Zhang You turned back to look at the chaotic funeral hall and wanted to go in to calm things down, but seeing Zhang Fu’s furious state and considering their ordinary relationship, he hesitated. Just then, he saw Lady Wang, dressed in mourning clothes, leading people over, so he hurriedly went to greet her.

“Sister-in-law…”

Since Zhang Fu had no wife to manage the household and his children were useless, Lady Wang had been working nonstop all night. She looked exhausted, with bloodshot eyes. After glancing at Zhang You, Zhang Yue, Zhang Chao, and the other brothers, as well as the youngest, Zhang Bi, she sighed and said, “Since you’ve already shown your respect, go back. My second brother loses his temper often. Last night, all the maids and servants who followed his wife were beaten. If I hadn’t stopped them, there wouldn’t even be enough people to handle the funeral. When your wives arrive later, I’ll have to leave one of them to help.”

“Since that’s the case, we should naturally follow my sister-in-law’s advice. They’ll all come over later. My eldest sister-in-law isn’t in good health, and the younger ones are still young. It’s my family member who’s more familiar with these matters. Let her stay then.”
Madam Wang usually had an ordinary relationship with Lady Dongfang. Now that she thought of how this woman’s well-deserved 40th birthday had been disrupted by this sudden tragedy, and she still had to keep her around to help handle things, she hesitated. Only when she saw Zhang You’s sincere expression did she agree, but she proposed keeping Li Yun, the eldest daughter-in-law. However, to her surprise, although this seemed entirely natural, Zhang You frowned slightly, and even the expressions of the younger ones appeared uneasy.
“Chao Ge’s daughter-in-law hasn’t been feeling well lately. If Sister-in-law is worried about not having enough people, we can keep Qi Ge’s daughter-in-law instead.”
But Zhang Qi frowned at Zhang You’s suggestion. His own family knew their own affairs. After learning that Zhao Fen had caused a scene in front of their grandmother, he had been very angry and ignored her for half a month. Now, keeping his mother and daughter-in-law, who got along poorly, to help Madam Wang—who knew what trouble that might cause? But Du Wan was pregnant now; they couldn’t possibly have the concubines take care of all the guests.
Madam Wang was just worried she wouldn’t be able to handle it all and didn’t really care who would come to help. She had no time to delve deeper and simply nodded in agreement. When she saw Zhang You and his group about to leave, she suddenly remembered something Zhang Fu had mentioned the previous day and quickly called out to Zhang Yue, asking him to go to the Duke of Ying’s residence when he had time. As she spoke, she noticed Zhang Jie had also arrived with Zhang Jin, so she sent Zhang Yue back. Unable to avoid it, Zhang Yue had to meet with Zhang Jie and Zhang Jin. A few steps away after they left, he overheard a conversation carried on by the wind.
“Eldest sister-in-law, faced with such an unexpected situation, Second Brother is really in a bad mood this time. Warriors like us are dispensable; there will always be a gap in the mourning period each year. By the time Second Brother’s mourning period ends, it’s uncertain whether the position of Commander of the Shence Guard will still be his. Besides, Ke girl was supposed to get married after the New Year, but now it’s almost certain it will be delayed!”
“Who says it will be delayed? The marriage was arranged when her mother was still alive and was her mother’s greatest wish. According to ancient customs, the marriage can take place during the seven-day mourning period! Eldest sister-in-law, I’m completely at a loss now. I have to ask you to help arrange this marriage. Thank you so much!”

At that moment, Zhang Yue couldn’t help but glance back and saw that Zhang Xuan had recklessly knelt before Lady Wang. Lady Wang hurriedly helped him up, and he immediately lost interest, speeding away. Of course, marriage was possible during the period of mourning, and now that seven days had passed since Lady Wang’s death, it would be acceptable to the emperor. But Lady Deng had died under mysterious circumstances, and if her family pursued matters further, it could lead to serious trouble. At such a time, Zhang Ke was rushing to become the daughter-in-law of Princess Yongping—how would others view that?

Not only Zhang Yue but also Zhang You, who had mounted his horse, let out a long sigh of frustration. He had heard everything Zhang Yue had heard as well, and his frustration was immense. Glancing at Zhang Chao behind him, he said sarcastically, “If you also want chaos to break out in your family, then go ahead and act on your impulses!”

Although Zhang Qi usually followed Zhang Chao’s lead, after witnessing this scene, his thoughts began to change. Though he was somewhat reckless, he wasn’t as careless as Zhang Chao. Considering all the chaotic talk earlier, the only thing that came to mind was eight words—favoring concubines over wives brings one’s own downfall. Thinking of his sister-in-law Li Yun, who was far more virtuous than his own wife yet still suffered such a setback, he felt speechless and simply rode away.

Knowing it was time to let Zhang Chao cool down, Zhang Yue took his younger brother Zhang Zi onto the carriage, instructing the accompanying nurse to take good care of him, then mounted his horse with Zhang Jiu. Seeing Zhang Chao standing there in a daze, he rode over and gently reminded him, “Elder brother, let’s go. If you need to think, wait until we get home.”

Since Lady Gu was an elder and not bound by mourning rules, plus her age and declining health, only the daughters-in-law and granddaughters-in-law came to pay their respects that day. After offering incense and paying their respects, Lady Dongfang and Zhao Fen stayed behind to help, while only Du Wan and Li Yun returned together in the carriage. Xiao Wu, who was in the carriage, kept telling the driver to drive slowly and carefully, while Du Wan kept staring at Li Yun, who sat there in a daze. Realizing this situation wouldn’t resolve itself, she finally mustered the courage to speak harshly to her.

“Sister-in-law, I know that no matter how others try to persuade you, their words won’t reach your heart. But you still have a legitimate daughter. Instead of ruining your health with self-pity, think of her. You saw what happened at Second Uncle’s house just now—although there was crying everywhere, the only one truly heartbroken is probably Miss Ke. With Second Aunt passed away, she can’t even observe mourning before being forced to marry into another family, not even knowing what her future husband will do to her. How pitiful!”
Apart from what Lady Gu said yesterday, only Zhang Qiyue had tried to comfort Li Yun a bit—but as a man, his words naturally weren’t very effective. So for a whole day and night, she didn’t even know how she managed to get through it. Even at the funeral hall earlier, she moved like a zombie, following others mechanically. Yet now, with just a few words from Du Wan, she suddenly woke up, clenching her fists so tightly she didn’t even realize her nails were digging into her flesh.
“Sister-in-law, the old lady is still alive, so she can still show some understanding toward you. But to be honest, the Second Lady isn’t the kind to show concern for her daughter-in-law. All you can do is take good care of yourself. Although Eldest Brother was foolish and reckless this time, he’s still better than Second Uncle. And do you really want to be as weak as Second Aunt? Marriage is arranged by parents and matchmakers—it’s a lifelong commitment. Don’t think you can’t do anything. Unless you want to live a life of despair, you must find a way to turn things around!”
Though they were sisters-in-law, Li Yun usually only knew that Du Wan was experienced and that Zhang Yue got along well with her, so she often envied them. But hearing such direct words that struck deep into her heart felt like being doused in hot water. Her once icy heart suddenly felt a hint of warmth. Instinctively, she grabbed Du Wan’s hand, opened her mouth but didn’t know what to say, while her chest heaved violently.
“Right now, Eldest Brother is in a state of despair. Even scolding him harshly is better than you avoiding him, which is why the old lady asked you to bring him food yesterday. You can avoid him for now, but not for a lifetime. If you have resentment, anger, sorrow, or frustration, just let it out fully. Maybe that way you can get rid of that thorn! If Eldest Brother still realizes he’s wronged you, there’s still a chance. If he doesn’t even realize it, then it’s not too late to feel disheartened later!”
“But that woman…”

“She just happened to have that appearance; my elder brother simply mistook her for someone else!” With things having come to this, Du Wan simply mentioned briefly the incident involving Zhang Chao. Seeing Li Yun’s face turn even paler, she struck again: “Since that girl said she would never be the second wife and would have nothing more to do with him, she would never appear before my elder brother again—it’s a thing of the past! Sister-in-law, ask yourself—are you willing to accept that?”