Chapter 180 - 168: The Wu Family
Chapter 180: Chapter 168: The Wu Family
"Mom, what do you think? Should we let Dad know about this? Qingyun and I have kept it a tight secret from the family in Beijing. My father-in-law is easier to talk to, but that old woman has always been looking for trouble with me. Even though she’s too sick to move now, as long as she’s not dead, I’m still scared of her!" Wu Xiaowen complained to Mother Wu.
Mother Wu considered this for a moment. "I’ll handle your father. After we get back to Beijing and settle in, I’ll break it to him gently. You’ve always been the child we’re proudest of, and he dotes on you the most. He’ll be understanding. As for your mother-in-law, keep it from her if you can. If you can’t, what can she do? She’s a dying woman. Does she have the energy to worry about it? Fang Qinglan has been overbearing her whole life, a truly formidable woman. In her youth, she was tyrannical and unreasonable, always had to put others down, with none of the grace of a high-society lady. She was even less qualified to be the wife in a prestigious family! I don’t know what good deeds her Fang family ancestors did for her to marry Tang Renqian. After joining the Tang family, she didn’t have children for years and was almost divorced by her mother-in-law. But Tang Renqian protected her, so she’s lived a comfortable, peaceful life... She should be content to die like this!"
Wu Xiaowen sighed, her face etched with worry. "She’s still hanging on. They only sent Hao Hao to us because it’s a contagious disease. Qingyun called Beijing and spoke to the doctor, who said she could live for another year or so."
"A year or so will pass in a flash. Your son and daughter are grown now, so you don’t need to fear her. Besides, she’s dying. She can’t do anything to you! Tang Qingshan is forty and still not married; he’s destined to be a bachelor for life. Once Fang Qinglan dies, the Tang family will be yours to manage. What you need to do now is be even more gentle and virtuous, a good wife and mother. Be respectful and filial toward your father-in-law, and be friendly to Tang Qingshan. He’s the eldest son of the main branch, so everything he has will be passed down to Hao Hao... What a perfect family, isn’t it? So few people, no conflicts. As the matriarch, your life will be incredibly smooth and pleasant. In a few years, when Xuanxuan and Hao Hao grow up, get married, and start their careers, it’ll be the icing on the cake—even more wonderful!"
"Mm, that’s what I was thinking too." A smile spread across Wu Xiaowen’s face as she listened to her mother’s counsel. "Now we just have to wait for my father-in-law to make the arrangements to transfer us back."
"Really? That’s wonderful!" Mother Wu was delighted. "He’s finally arranging for you and your husband to be brought back to Beijing?"
Wu Xiaowen nodded. "Because the old... I mean, Grandma Xuanxuan, isn’t she on her deathbed? My father-in-law said I should go back to Beijing first with the two children, so she can at least see her grandson and granddaughter a few more times. It’ll probably be around May or June, right when the kids start summer vacation. We’ll head to Beijing then. Qingyun has to stay in Wancheng for another year before being transferred to the provincial city. He’ll be in the provincial city for a few more years, but traveling to and from Beijing will be very convenient."
"Your father-in-law’s arrangements are sound. Qingyun needs to advance step-by-step and build up his seniority for stable career growth later on. But Fang Qinglan has a contagious disease. Will it really be safe for you and the children to go back now?"
"It’s fine. She’s properly isolated, and they disinfect everything daily. There are doctors and nurses at the house around the clock. Don’t worry, it’s safe."
"That’s good. Just be careful. You only need to make an appearance. After all, your health and safety are no joke. Don’t get too close."
"I know. I’m terrified of her, too."
Mother Wu took her daughter’s hand. "It’s such wonderful news that you can return to Beijing soon! Because of the trouble your father and I were in, everyone was dragged down. You were the only one who escaped by marrying Qingyun; your brothers, sisters-in-law, and sister were all implicated. Our family has been scattered for all these years. Your younger brother is better off since he studied medicine—at least he has a post at a village clinic. But your older brother and his wife have had it the hardest, farming in the countryside, doing the most back-breaking labor. Your sister-in-law never recovered properly after childbirth and her health is ruined. For now, your father and I can only bring your brother and his family back to Beijing first. We’ll slowly bring your younger brother and sister over later. But we’re both academics. Our network was already limited, and we’ve been away from Beijing for so many years. Now that we’re suddenly going back, things won’t be the same. If we just accept whatever jobs the higher-ups assign them, I’m afraid they won’t get anything good... When you go back, please ask your father-in-law for a favor. Try to get them placed in good positions! Your brothers are capable, and your sisters-in-law and your sister all have degrees. They shouldn’t be given lowly roles! Whatever it takes to make arrangements, just tell us. Our family can afford it; there’s no need for your father-in-law to spend his own money!"
"Mom, I know. I’ll do my best!"
"You’re a good daughter. I’m counting on you!"
After a pause, Wu Xiaowen asked, "About Xiao Rui, can she get a divorce?"
"A divorce? What for? Those country folk have no concept of such things; they never even registered the marriage! If Xiao Rui wants to leave, she can just walk away!"
Mother Wu said nonchalantly, "Besides, they practically forced her into it back then. It’s generous of me not to press charges! They showed up here with the children, crying and causing a scene. For the moment, there’s nothing we can do about those kids. Xiao Rui will go lie low somewhere else for a bit, and when we leave for Beijing, she’ll come with us. No matter how capable the Huang Family is, can they follow her to Beijing? It’s a huge city. I doubt they’d ever be able to find her!"
Wu Xiaowen lowered her gaze and sighed. "I never thought it would turn out like this. Back then... it was my oversight! But I went looking for her later, and she refused to see me! I actually thought she had developed feelings for that Huang Dazhi over time and was content to be his wife."
Mother Wu patted her hand. "You can’t be blamed for this! I spoiled Xiao Rui rotten since she was a child. She’s willful, immature, young, and doesn’t think things through. If she had really ruined your relationship with Qingyun, the loss would have been far greater than the gain—that would have been unforgivable! I understand. It was her fate. We’ll just make it up to her in the future. Don’t take it to heart, alright?"
Wu Xiaowen wiped her eyes and sniffled. "How many children does she have there? Is she going to take them with her?"
Mother Wu sighed. "Two boys and a girl. The oldest is five, and the youngest is just over a year old. Xiao Rui was forced by the Huang Family; she didn’t have those children willingly. How could she possibly take them? She’s still young. She’ll have another family in the future, with a husband she loves and children she wants."
Wu Xiaowen nodded. "Alright, then. Once I’m back in Beijing, I’ll keep an eye out and see if I can arrange a suitable job for her."
"Yes, that’s right. You’ve always been a good big sister, the one who dotes on Xiao Rui the most!" Mother Wu said, deeply gratified.
Just then, Qingyun knocked on the door from outside, reminding Wu Xiaowen to check their luggage and get ready to leave for the station. Wu Xiaowen called out in affirmation and stood up. Mother Wu went to a cabinet, took out three envelopes, and handed them to her daughter. "This is some spending money for Xuanxuan and Hao Hao. As for that other child... even though she can’t make an appearance yet, she is Tang family flesh and blood. Since Qingyun knows about her and wants to bring her back, it means he cares. You need to show your concern as well. Don’t short her on anything she’s supposed to have! That way, he’ll be reassured, and the two of you won’t end up quarreling over the child."
"I’ll keep that in mind." Wu Xiaowen pushed the three envelopes back. "Mom, you and Dad have a lot of expenses right now. You already gave them lucky money for the new year, so this isn’t necessary!"
"Take them. Your father and I have enough. Your uncle is still around; he won’t abandon us. Now that the policies have relaxed a little, he’s finding all sorts of ways to send us money and supplies... Things will get better for us!"