Chapter 6: The Matrilocal Son-in-Law

Jiang Wu first sought out Mo Yangzhou as an outlet for her frustrations. She felt as though she were being driven mad by Chu Ling and that cold, oppressive mansion. She felt the crushing weight of power pressing down upon her at every turn. Because Chu Ling was the Chancellor, he stood while she knelt; when he commanded her to go east, she dared not head west. Her dignity, her emotions, and her feelings were all worthless in his eyes.

Jiang Wu had wanted to find someone with whom she could experience the thrill of towering over another and trampling on their dignity. But the truth was, not everyone could be a master. Chu Ling might be inhuman, but she could not discard the conscience that made her human. When she witnessed the humiliation of others, Jiang Wu felt no pleasure—only guilt. That guilt was heavy enough to suffocate her. Perhaps only someone like Chu Ling, who had completely abandoned his humanity, could derive joy from such things.

So, Jiang Wu gave up. With a lack of interest, she withdrew the foot she had been prepared to press upon someone on the ground. There was no point in doing things that did not bring her happiness.

"You may leave," she had said to Mo Yangzhou at the time. Yet, as she turned to depart, the hem of her skirt was tugged.

Jiang Wu looked back, her gaze falling to the hand clutching her. He had only exposed two fingers, perhaps to hide the roughness of his hand, which seemed out of place for him. Yet, Jiang Wu could read a sense of inferiority and caution in that gesture. And yet, the man’s expression remained so composed and unyielding.

He looked up at her and spoke softly, "My Lady, I can give you what you desire."

What she desired? Jiang Wu almost wanted to laugh. She did not even know what she wanted herself, nor did she see any hope in this hollow, listless life. But looking at Mo Yangzhou’s handsome face, with its sharp brows and bright eyes, she did not know what exactly touched her. Just as she had picked him out from the crowd at first sight, she found herself inexplicably agreeing.

Because she could not bring herself to be heartless, Jiang Wu did not make things too difficult for him. Her status was special; though she used Princess Qingyang’s residence for their trysts, she never intended to truly restrict his freedom. Mo Yangzhou made Jiang Wu happy, so she decided to let him choose the life—and the person—he wanted. The title of "Princess Qingyang’s lover" would only bring him endless trouble.

Now, retribution had arrived. Jiang Wu felt uneasy. Qingyang told her to return home and that they could meet another time, but Jiang Wu refused to leave.

She rose from her seat, pacing about in agitation. That Miss Gao was known for her promiscuity; surely she didn't have designs on Yangzhou, did she? The more Jiang Wu thought about it, the more stifled she felt. Her demeanor made Qingyang laugh, and she offered advice in the tone of someone who had seen it all.

"Oh, people—men or women—are all stubborn creatures. You have to stay high above them, keep them at a distance, only then will they be truly devoted to you."

Jiang Wu couldn't be bothered to listen. "Are you fond of Chu Ling?"

That was high and mighty enough, wasn't it?

Qingyang was choked by the question and waved her hand dismissively. "Fine, I can't win an argument with you."

***

By midday, Mo Yangzhou still had not arrived. The servants came to urge Jiang Wu to return, saying that Chu Ling intended to dine at the mansion.

Jiang Wu’s face turned cold. "The Princess and I are in the middle of a pleasant conversation; I will not be returning for lunch."

She was holding onto a stubborn breath, determined to wait for Mo Yangzhou—a rare moment of steel in her character. The servant looked troubled, but perhaps sensing Jiang Wu’s foul mood, they dared not defy her and withdrew.

Once they were gone, Qingyang gave a bitter smile. "I think you’re trying to get me killed." She laughed again. "But you two are truly interesting. Last time you didn't show up, Master Mo waited all day, refusing to leave for fear you might suddenly appear. Today, it seems you are the one waiting for him."

Jiang Wu knew she was referring to the time she had failed to come after meeting Ah Ye. Had he really waited all day? She recalled seeing the eldest daughter of the Gao family before; as the only daughter, she had been spoiled rotten, and her reputation for absurdity was on par with Qingyang’s. A heavy weight settled in Jiang Wu's chest.

"If she lays a hand on Yangzhou, you must deal with her!" she said indignantly.

Qingyang found this amusing. "And why should I be the one to deal with her?"

"Do you expect me to do it?"

"Uh..."

True enough. If it got out that the Chancellor's wife was fighting over a man, the capital would be running red with blood by tomorrow.

***

Later in the evening, the Chancellor’s mansion sent for her again. This time, it was Chuyi who arrived.

"My Lady, the Chancellor is waiting for you to dine."

The man’s tone was respectful, but his words left absolutely no room for negotiation. He shared the same temperament as his master. But this time, Jiang Wu truly dared not argue. She could only say she understood and prepared to leave.

Yet, after walking two steps, she suddenly stopped.

"You go out first; I have a few words for the Princess."

Upon hearing this, Chuyi said nothing and stepped out as instructed.

Jiang Wu turned to Qingyang. "I want him."

"Huh?" The abrupt, nonsensical statement left Qingyang stunned. She subconsciously glanced down at her own lap, as if wishing she were equipped to satisfy her.

Jiang Wu was speechless at the woman’s preoccupation with lewdness, but she straightened her expression. "I’m talking about Yangzhou. I want him."

She took a deep breath. Mo Yangzhou had been with her for several years, and she was confident in his feelings for her. Regardless of his initial motives—even if he were only after her money—a gentleman judges by actions, not intentions. He had been nothing but kind to her, and she felt relaxed and happy in his company.

With her divorce not far off, there was nothing wrong with planning for her future.

"Once I am divorced, I intend for him to become my live-in husband. Besides, that child Mingzhu is sensible, and I will treat her as my own."

Mo Mingzhu was Mo Yangzhou’s daughter; Jiang Wu had spent time with her and truly liked the girl. She continued to arrange her plans, ignoring Qingyang’s look of utter shock.

"Are you playing for real?"

Jiang Wu corrected her sternly: "It is real, and I am not playing."

Qingyang was still dumbfounded. "What’s this about a divorce? Did Chu Ling say so?" Her voice turned sharp at the sheer improbability of it.

Jiang Wu looked as if it were a matter of course, though she soon recalled something and offered an explanation: "I forgot, you aren't close with Chu Yan, so you might not know. That woman is quite unique; she said long ago that she would never be a concubine. But even if she were willing, Chu Ling wouldn't wrong her. This divorce is only a matter of time."

Qingyang’s mouth hung open, but in the end, she closed it without a word. She picked up her tea and took a sip.

Seeing her expression, Jiang Wu felt as though she had something to say, but she was in a hurry to leave and had no time to press further. She only offered one final instruction: "Remember what you said—even if the heavens themselves descend, you must not let anyone take Yangzhou away."

Qingyang glanced at her, waved her hand to signify she understood, and shooed her away.