Zhao Jiaqi shook her head. She knew her husband's character and temperament like the back of her hand. For him to say such things today, she must have displeased him greatly in his heart!
She also wished she could be selfish and live for herself, caring about nothing else, but she couldn't. The reasons for this were impossible to explain, and who could understand her heartache?
News of their quarrel quickly spread throughout the Wangfu. It was the first time in years that the servants had heard the Prince actually yell at the Princess!
However, such matters as quarrels were not something the subordinates dared to spread. They all kept it from the old madam and the master, as well as the young ladies and young masters!
But no secret could be kept forever. Upon hearing the news, Yu Meng raised her eyebrows and smiled, "My father is finally being a man! I'll make him an extra special dinner tonight. Bring on the bear paws and bird's nests!"
Seeing her elder sister so happy, Sen Sen felt she was gloating. "Sister, Mom and Dad are fighting, shouldn't you go try to mediate?"
"Yes, sister! Why are you so happy when Mom and Dad are fighting? Aren't you afraid Mom will find out and spank you?" Yao Yao joined his elder brother in chiding Yu Meng.
Conversely, Yu Meng was not afraid of her mother's slaps at all. She wagged her index finger and began to lecture them, "Haven't you heard? The more they argue, the stronger their bond becomes. Besides, have you ever seen Mom and Dad fight in all these years? Don't you know that couples who don't argue are abnormal!"
Yao Yao's mind was in a muddle. "Sister, if you say that, doesn't that mean Mom and Dad are abnormal?"
What kind of logic was this!
Twisted reasoning!
Sen Sen also felt his elder sister was wrong. "Sister, instead of always practicing your martial arts, why not learn some poetry? There's a saying, 'lifting the bowl of rice, eyebrows raised in respect.' If Mom and Dad love each other so much, how can arguing be normal?"
It's abnormal not to argue!
Yao Yao shook his head and sighed to the heavens, "I wonder which poor soul will become our brother-in-law. I imagine his home will be in chaos after marriage, with dogs chasing rabbits!"
Even now, he felt sorry for the future brother-in-law, marrying a wife like this, who was surely one in ten thousand!
Yu Meng: "......"
Dogs chasing rabbits?
Chaos?
Even if she wasn't well-educated, she knew that neither of those phrases described a person!
She unfastened her soft whip from her waist, grasped it with both hands, and pulled it hard twice. The crisp sound echoed in her ears!
Gritting her teeth, she said, "Chaos? Dogs chasing rabbits? Since you dare to say I'm not human, then all of you follow along. Today, I'll turn you into dogs jumping and rabbits running!"
Her martial arts were superb, and her whip skills were honed to perfection. Seeing the row of sharp, white teeth bared by their elder sister, Sen Sen and Yao Yao trembled all over!
Just as they were about to beg for mercy, a whip flew towards them. Dodging and weaving, they truly became like the two phrases Yao Yao had mentioned!
The maids and servants attending them now felt that the Wangfu was in an abnormal state, and they all proceeded with utmost caution!
At noon, during lunch, Zhao Jiaqi directly had the food sent to her room. She was angry with him, but she wasn't going to starve herself!
In the afternoon, Fan Zehao left the manor without saying where he was going. He didn't return until night, nor did he send anyone to report.
After dinner, Zhang Cuihua, not seeing her son, turned to her daughter-in-law and asked, "Qiqi, where is Hao'er?"
"He has a business engagement tonight and won't be back for dinner!"
Zhang Cuihua softly hummed and then ordered dinner to be served. At the dinner table, the children were all well-behaved, and even the usually playful Yu Meng was quiet.
Her eyes darted constantly to her mother, secretly wondering if Mom and Dad's argument was serious this time!
If Dad wasn't back this late, could it be that he was so angry he was finding them a second wife?
That wouldn't do! If Dad dared to find them concubines, she would definitely whip those vixen-like women and throw them into a brothel!
"Qiqi, Da Zhuang told me today that he wants to ask for Chunfen, who is by your side, to be his wife. He just doesn't know how to ask. This is a good thing, and they both have feelings for each other. Why not fulfill their wishes!"
Da Zhuang and Chunfen?
Zhao Jiaqi was genuinely unaware of this matter. However, since both were willing and not young, she had no reason to object.
"There are quite a few young men and maids in our manor who are of marriageable age. I'll have Su Ya compile a list tonight. If there are any who are mutually in love, then let them get married. We'll also issue their contracts of indenture to them, so their children won't become born servants, burdened by this title their entire lives!"
For unborn children, the status of being born servants meant that their parents were subordinates, a disgrace they were born with!
Zhang Cuihua saw that her daughter-in-law's mood was low and her words lacked joy, which was the opposite of her usual demeanor.
"Qiqi, what's wrong with you today? You seem so unhappy. Did Hao'er upset you?"
She put down her chopsticks and looked at Zhao Jiaqi. If she said even one word about her son bullying her, she would certainly uphold justice for her daughter-in-law!
Unfortunately, Zhao Jiaqi didn't mention him at all. She said, "Mother, Jun Jun sent a letter today saying she's encountered some trouble. I'm just worried about her. It has nothing to do with Fan Zehao!"
Fan Zehao!
Calling him by his given name, not her usual "husband," and she claimed they weren't fighting?
She was getting old, but her eyes were not blind. Since she wouldn't say, she wouldn't ask. When Fan Zehao returned, she would definitely scold him!
Why couldn't he live a good life and had to stir up trouble before he was satisfied!
After dinner, Zhao Jiaqi returned to her courtyard, asking Su Ya as she walked, "Do you know about Da Zhuang and Chunfen's matter?"
"Yes. Originally, Da Zhuang planned to speak to Madam today, but... the old madam happened to go out today, and Da Zhuang was driving the carriage. Afterwards, the old madam asked Da Zhuang if he was married yet, and Da Zhuang mentioned his situation with Chunfen, so the old madam remembered."
Because her husband and wife were arguing, Da Zhuang dared not speak up!
Zhao Jiaqi nodded. These people had been with her for many years. Their marriage was naturally something she wouldn't neglect.
At night, after Su Ya helped Madam to rest, she noticed that it was late and the master had still not returned.
She sighed. While compiling the list of those who wanted to get married, she also asked Wang Cai to go out and look for the master. Such marital disputes were usually resolved easily.
Sleepless night!
The next morning!
Just after breakfast, Da Zhuang and Chunfen, Sixi and Xiaoman, Gou'er and Xiaohan, followed behind Su Ya and came before Madam.
Seeing them as pairs, Zhao Jiaqi felt a sense of relief. The young men and maids who had been with her for years had found their own partners, which was a great joy.
"I will ask you all, are you willingly together? Is anyone forcing you? You know my temperament. I never arrange marriages for you casually. My intention is for you to find the one you love. If anyone is being forced, you can speak up, and I will ensure justice for you!"
Whether male or female, Zhao Jiaqi treated them equally and would absolutely not permit arranged marriages!