I Transmigrated and Already Had a Wife - Chapter 38

At General Zhao’s Residence in Qingzhou, General Zhao Mao had already been waiting in front of the manor for some time.

The young servant who had been sent out to greet them rushed back with news.

Before long, two carriages stopped one after the other in front of the General’s Residence. Zhao Shigao, who was on horseback, jumped down the moment he saw his father and ran straight over. Jiang Zhou alighted from the rear carriage, walked to the front one, and said gently, “My wife, we have arrived.”

Lin Muwan reached out a delicate hand from inside and hooked the carriage curtain. Looking at the smiling person before her, she pursed her lips. It was all this person’s fault! Now she didn’t know how to face her mother. She couldn’t help but shoot Jiang Zhou a reproachful look before placing her hand in Jiang Zhou’s and stepping down from the carriage.

Jiang Zhou helped Lin Muwan and Madam Lin out of the carriage in turn, and then, supporting Madam Lin with both hands, walked toward the General’s Residence.

Upon seeing them, Zhao Mao quickly stepped forward and asked anxiously, “Little sister, how is your leg?”

Madam Lin smiled, “Brother, there’s no need to worry. It’s almost healed.”

Tears welled up in Zhao Mao’s eyes. “Good, good. Come in quickly. Since receiving your letter the day before yesterday, Mother has been constantly worrying. When she heard about the Lin family’s incident, she couldn’t eat or sleep. She sent people out in many directions to inquire, but the court kept the matter tightly sealed, and those sent to investigate never returned with information. To hear news of you all now has made Mother extremely happy.”

Madam Lin suppressed her sorrow. “I’ve made Mother worry.”

“It’s enough that you’ve returned safely.” Zhao Mao’s gaze flickered to Jiang Zhou beside them, his eyes full of scrutiny. “And this is?”

“This is Wanwan’s husband. We owe our reunion entirely to her.”

Zhao Mao nodded, his eyes sizing up Jiang Zhou. Jiang Zhou did not shy away from his gaze, meeting it and giving a slight nod.

After a moment, Zhao Mao looked away and began to lead them into the hall while speaking with Madam Lin.

As they stepped into the hall, they saw an elderly woman with wisps of white hair sitting in the main seat, with two maidservants standing behind her. Upon seeing them, the old woman looked emotional and stood up from her seat, the maidservants quickly moving to support her.

“Mother.” Madam Lin stepped forward, about to kneel down. Old Madam Zhao quickly freed herself from the maidservants’ support, grasped Madam Lin’s hand, and cried with old tears streaming down her face, “My child, it’s enough that you’ve come back, it’s enough that you’ve come back.”

“Mother, your daughter has been unfilial and made you worry.” Madam Lin wept along with her.

“Seeing you all safe brings me peace of mind,” Old Madam Zhao said, patting Madam Lin’s hand repeatedly, trying to hold back her grief.

Zhao Mao stepped forward. “Mother, little sister’s leg is injured. Let’s sit down and talk.”

At his reminder, Old Madam Zhao finally noticed her daughter’s leg, which caused another wave of heartache. No wonder her daughter had been leaning on someone when she came in. Her daughter had been pampered since childhood; it must have been truly difficult for her to face the Lin family’s disaster.

Jiang Zhou and Lin Muwan helped Madam Lin sit down. Old Madam Zhao immediately spotted Lin Muwan, who had been standing behind her daughter, and waved her over. “Come, let your Grandmother take a good look. We haven’t seen each other for three years. Wanwan has grown into a big girl. It’s a pity…”

She didn’t finish her sentence, sighing instead. Seeing her mother sigh, Madam Lin worried she would again bring up the topic of her daughter marrying Shigao in front of everyone.

That would just be awkward.

In truth, she hadn’t initially hoped for her daughter to marry Zhao Shigao. The Zhao family didn’t have many male heirs; her nephew was the only male in his generation. Even if her daughter married into the Zhao family, her brother and mother would certainly arrange concubines for her nephew. When she married into the Lin family, although her husband only had her as a wife, her husband’s younger brothers all had many wives and concubines. She had seen too much infighting in the back chambers and naturally hoped her daughter and the person she married could be a couple for life.

Alas, her daughter had a cool temperament. Aside from being close to her nephew, she hadn’t taken a liking to any of the suitors who had almost worn out the threshold of the Lin manor. It was only then that she turned her attention to her nephew.

However, things were good now. Her daughter had married into a good family, and Ah Zhou was more or less compliant with her daughter. The only downside was that Ah Zhou wasn’t very considerate in their intimate life.

Sigh! Forget it. She would just have to advise her daughter later.

The worried mother shot a resentful glance at Jiang Zhou, then reached out and pulled the two of them forward. “Quickly, go pay your respects to your Grandmother.”

Old Madam Zhao then noticed the handsome young man behind Madam Lin and asked in confusion, “And this is?”

“Mother, this is Wanwan’s husband,” Zhao Mao quickly interjected.

“Her name is Jiang Zhou,” Madam Lin added. “Quickly, go pay your respects to your Grandmother.”

Lin Muwan led Jiang Zhou forward to greet Old Madam Zhao.

Old Madam Zhao was stunned for a moment. Having experienced much in life, it was only a brief pause before a smile immediately appeared on her face. She said, “Good, good. Come closer, let Grandmother see the husband Wanwan found.”

Lin Muwan stepped forward. Old Madam Zhao laughed heartily, taking her hand while secretly scrutinizing Jiang Zhou.

Madam Lin said, “Mother, we are only able to see each other this time because of Ah Zhou, after Daughter and Wanwan encountered misfortune.”

“Oh?” Old Madam Zhao held Jiang Zhou’s hand, thinking to herself, ‘So, she’s a scoundrel who took advantage of the situation.’

She knew it! Why else would her niece suddenly find a husband? So that was the reason.

But she said, “Then we must thank her properly. However, Wanwan’s marriage…” She paused, not finishing her sentence, but everyone present understood that Old Madam Zhao was dissatisfied with Jiang Zhou.

The atmosphere fell silent for a moment.

Of course, Jiang Zhou, who possessed the golden finger, also understood. She hummed a little internally, but since this was Lin Muwan’s grandmother, she pretended not to have heard.

Madam Lin spoke up to break the awkwardness, “Why haven’t I seen Sister-in-law?”

Zhao Mao sighed, “The border near Qingzhou hasn’t been peaceful lately. There’s been massive flooding in the territory of the Yan Kingdom, and large numbers of Yan people have been flooding into Qingzhou. His Majesty is afraid that spies might be mixed among these people and enter Baisheng, so he dispatched troops to suppress them. Your sister-in-law’s older brother from her maiden family is the general leading this suppression, and your sister-in-law was worried, so she went with him.”

Madam Lin nodded. She had heard a little about her brother’s family affairs. Her sister-in-law often accompanied her brother-in-law on campaigns, so she didn’t doubt Zhao Mao’s words.

Old Madam Zhao’s earlier words were interrupted by Madam Lin, and she didn’t bring it up again. The family sat together, chatting about daily life.

In the blink of an eye, it was time for the evening meal. Old Madam Zhao was old and had a habit of practicing Buddhism, so she didn’t eat dinner and went to the Buddhist hall to recite scriptures.

After dinner, Old Madam Zhao sent people to settle Madam Lin and Lin Muwan in her own courtyard, claiming she missed her daughter and granddaughter. Jiang Zhou was arranged in a guest room in the front courtyard.

The intention was obvious.

That night, Jiang Zhou lay in bed, letting out a long sigh. She had finally confessed her feelings to Lin Muwan, but before they even had a chance to nurture their relationship, they were forced to sleep apart.

Just then, a faint, squeaking sound came from outside the window. Listening closely, it was the sound of Zhou Zhou.

She opened the window, and Zhou Zhou hopped in. It rubbed against her hand, then sat upright on the writing desk, a small sachet visible beneath its neck. Jiang Zhou frowned. Who hung the sachet around Zhou Zhou’s neck? With this question in mind, she took the sachet off. Opening it, she saw it contained Prunella vulgaris (Self-heal) and Cicada slough.

What is this?

Jiang Zhou furrowed her brow. What did Lin Muwan mean by giving her these?

Whatever the meaning, she had to return the gesture. She searched her person, and the most valuable things she had were the silver notes in her chest pocket. She stuffed them all inside, put the sachet back around Zhou Zhou’s neck. Zhou Zhou squeaked twice, turned, and leaped out the window.

Over here, Lin Muwan held the silver notes and let out a chuckle. This fool must have stuffed all the money she had on her into this.

How could there be such a silly person?

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

“Who is it?” Lin Muwan suppressed her smile.

“Miss Biao, I am Chun Tao, Old Madam’s maidservant. The Old Madam requests that Miss Biao come over.”

Grandmother?

“Understood,” she replied, opened the door, and went with Chun Tao to the Buddhist hall.

Upon reaching the Buddhist hall, Old Madam Zhao was kneeling before the Buddha statue. Hearing the sound, she rose with the help of her maidservant and invited Lin Muwan to sit.

Lin Muwan said, “Grandmother.”

Old Madam Zhao waved her hand, pulled Lin Muwan’s hand, and sighed, “You’ve been wronged. If Grandmother could have found you and your mother sooner, perhaps you wouldn’t have had to give yourself to another person. Alas, ultimately, your Grandmother was useless.”

As she spoke, she wiped the corners of her eyes. Her genuine maternal love was heart-wrenching, making anyone who saw it feel the urge to weep.

Lin Muwan pursed her lips, moved by the sentiment. Aside from the matter of Jiang Zhou, her Grandmother had always been loving and protective of her, and she couldn’t bear to make the old woman sad.

“I haven’t been wronged. Jiang Zhou treats me well, and I love her, too.”

Hearing her say this, Old Madam Zhao cried even more sorrowfully. Her niece had been sensible since childhood; this must be what she was saying to comfort her.

Old Madam Zhao said, “Wanwan, don’t worry. Tomorrow, I will personally speak to that Jiang Zhou. There are many ways to express gratitude; there’s no need to sacrifice your marriage.”

Lin Muwan grew anxious and quickly stopped her. “Grandmother, please don’t concern yourself with this matter. This is between her and me.”

“But your Cousin…”

Old Madam Zhao’s words were interrupted by Lin Muwan. “Cousin has always been a wonderful older brother.”

Lin Muwan rubbed her forehead. What a mess. She suddenly recalled Jiang Zhou’s tearful and wronged words from yesterday, ‘Stay away from your cousin in the future.’

It turned out that in other people’s eyes, she and her cousin were meant to be together. That person had also noticed it. At the time, she hadn’t thought much of it, but now it seemed she had wronged her.

Old Madam Zhao opened her mouth but, seeing her reaction, didn’t press the matter further. She held her hand and smiled gently, “Our granddaughter and I haven’t seen each other for three years. Take this opportunity to tell Grandmother about the things that have happened over the past few years.”

Lin Muwan’s expression softened. She picked up the teapot on the table, refilled Old Madam Zhao’s tea, and smiled as she recounted the interesting anecdotes from the past few years.

At the second watch (9 PM – 11 PM), Lin Muwan left the Buddhist hall and, without hesitation, headed for the front courtyard. The General’s Residence was not large. Having walked through it during the day, she knew that past a garden and around the main hall were the guest rooms.

The maidservant on night duty in the front courtyard, seeing who it was, discreetly led her to Jiang Zhou’s room.

“Knock, knock, knock”

“Who is it?” Jiang Zhou’s voice came from inside the room.

“Hmm? Why aren’t you speaking?” Jiang Zhou wondered, getting up to open the door. She froze when she saw the person outside, then a look of joy immediately spread across her face, and she reached out to pull the person into her embrace.

The maidservant on duty, seeing this, lowered her head. After the master went inside, she quickly left, her face flushed.

“Why did you come?” Jiang Zhou held her hand, her eyes clear and sparkling, like they held starlight, staring intently at Lin Muwan.

“Then I’ll leave?” Lin Muwan pretended to turn away, but Jiang Zhou pulled her back with a firm tug. “The dew is heavy at night. Why don’t you rest here tonight, little wife, and go back tomorrow?”

Lin Muwan lowered her head and curved her lips, reaching out to pinch Jiang Zhou’s waist. Jiang Zhou winced. “Hiss~” She covered her waist with one hand and complained mournfully, “Why did you pinch me?”

Lin Muwan slipped out of her embrace, sighed slightly, feeling a bit helpless. She hadn’t used much force; this fool couldn’t even pretend convincingly, calling out so dramatically—it was clearly fake.

Even though it was obviously fake, she cooperated by rubbing Jiang Zhou’s waist.

“Wife.” Jiang Zhou leaned in, preparing to kiss her soft cheek.

Lin Muwan subtly moved back and turned her face away. Jiang Zhou missed the kiss. Unwilling to give up, she boldly bent down and lifted Lin Muwan into her arms, carrying her to the bed before setting her down. “Lie down inside first. I have something to tell you.”

Lin Muwan looked up at her, unsure of what she wanted to say. Seeing her serious expression, Lin Muwan’s own expression grew solemn. She took off her shoes and socks and crawled inside to lie down.

“Is your maternal uncle named Zhao Mao?”

Lin Muwan was stunned. She replied, “Yes. How do you know?”

Just as I thought, Jiang Zhou’s brows furrowed even tighter. The general holding the evidence in her dream was Zhao Mao. No wonder she felt he looked familiar the moment she saw him—he was actually Lin Muwan’s maternal uncle.

In that case, Lin Muwan would definitely fall out with this uncle later, and perhaps this trip to Qingzhou was deliberately set up by Zhao Mao to lure them here.

No, she had to find a way to get Lin Muwan and Madam Lin to leave Qingzhou as soon as possible.

Seeing her lost in thought, Lin Muwan asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Hmm?” Jiang Zhou snapped back to reality, her eyes meeting Lin Muwan’s.

She couldn’t help but wonder how she could get Lin Muwan to believe her words. If Lin Muwan didn’t trust her uncle, why would she have written that letter to Zhao Mao?

This matter required a long-term plan. She decided not to tell Lin Muwan yet, so she changed the topic and smiled, “What did you mean by the things you sent over with Zhou Zhou today?”

Lin Muwan hadn’t expected her to ask that. Her face flushed suddenly, she turned her head away, biting her lip without speaking.

“Hmm?” Jiang Zhou tugged at her sleeve, puzzled. “Is there something you can’t say?”

Can I say it?

Lin Muwan pursed her lips, then looked up. Nine-leaf paris root (Paris polyphylla) two liang, winter solstice cicada slough one qian, when boiled in snow from the previous year, can cure the mutual longing of the world. I am still missing one ingredient, and thus, I have no cure.”

Jiang Zhou’s heart caught in her chest. Her eyes slowly moved to Lin Muwan’s eyes. Their gazes met, filled with deep affection. Her eyes felt a little tearful. After a long pause, she replied to her, “I miss you too. I miss you very much.”

Lin Muwan’s face was scarlet with shyness. She lowered her eyes. “Go blow out the candle.”

Jiang Zhou blew out the candle, quickly shed her outer clothes, lifted the corner of the quilt, and slipped inside. Lin Muwan gasped, and then she was enveloped in an embrace.