To Marry the Elder Brother of One's Late Husband - Chapter 9

Chapter 9: Sister-in-Law, Wipe Your Tears Clean

Looking at Lu Changji’s profile, Jiang Shu’s body tensed, and her hands began to tremble. In a situation like the one yesterday, anyone would suspect an affair between her and Ye Qian. How could she ever explain it clearly? A woman’s reputation was her life; if rumors spread, she wouldn’t be able to survive.

She endured the pain in her ankle and tried to catch up, but the carriage curtain had already dropped. The blue carriage turned and departed unhurriedly, the rhythmic ringing of its copper bell echoing the frantic pounding of her heart.

The fear lingered the next day like a sword hanging over her head. Jiang Shu was not one to let a knot remain in her heart. Seizing the moment while Lu Changyi napped, she inquired about Lu Changji’s whereabouts. Learning he was at home for a day of rest, she took the borrowed cloak, prepared a fresh batch of jujube blossom cakes, and headed to Jianan Court.

…

The Grand Secretary’s Silence

Jianan Court was vast and austere, decorated only with clusters of bamboo, reflecting a solemn atmosphere. Cheng Yong led her to the parlor, where Lu Changji sat drinking tea. Amidst the swirling steam, he possessed the tranquil, imposing air of a stone Buddha.

Jiang Shu bowed respectfully and presented the cleaned cloak. “Elder Brother-in-law, thank you for your help the other day. I would have been utterly humiliated before Mother if not for you.”

Lu Changji remained silent, his dark eyes downcast. The silence was suffocating. Desperate to avoid the appearance of guilt, Jiang Shu blurted out an explanation about Ye Qian: “Regarding that day… Ye Qian and I were once engaged, but that is in the past. I view him only as an elder brother now. My heart is entirely with the Shizi. I would never do anything shameless. I hope you do not misunderstand.”

Lu Changji did not address her explanation. Instead, he pulled a white porcelain bottle from a small drawer. “This is a special skin-healing salve from the Imperial Pharmacy. It promotes circulation and removes bruising. Apply it twice a day, and your ankle will be healed within three days.”

Jiang Shu froze. He hadn’t misunderstood at all; she had judged a gentleman’s heart by her own narrow fears. Clutched by embarrassment, she took the medicine and fled.

…

The Gilded Cage and the

Back at Xinchun Court, Jiang Shu found the Marchioness Zhao-shi visiting Lu Changyi. Zhao-shi’s usual arrogance softened only for her son. When Jiang Shu tried to ask why she was no longer allowed to learn household management, Zhao-shi dismissed the topic coldly, ordering her to brew tea instead.

Once the door was closed, Zhao-shi questioned her son. “Why won’t you let me teach her to manage the manor? It’s for her own good.”

Lu Changyi leaned back, his voice weary. “I am a dying man, Mother. I don’t care about fame or wealth; I only want happiness. Jiang Shu makes me happy, so I want her by my side at all times. Let her stay with me; I cannot be without her. As for the future… I only care about the present.”

Zhao-shi felt a pang of jealousy. Her son, usually so volatile, was playing a double game just to keep his wife close. She wondered what magic Jiang Shu possessed. Later, she asked him why he had been so insistent on marrying her despite their social gap.

Lu Changyi looked at the sunlight on the floor and murmured, “Jiang Shu makes me feel like I’m still alive.”

He recalled the first time he saw her. He had been in his wheelchair, watching crickets fight to the death—his only source of excitement in a stagnant life. Then, he saw her. She was running through the courtyard, jumping over puddles like a young deer (mìlù) in the sun, overflowing with a vitality he so desperately lacked. At that moment, he decided he had to have her.

…

The Breaking Point

When Jiang Shu returned to the room, Zhao-shi ignored her tea and delivered a harsh ultimatum: “The second daughter-in-law’s belly grows larger by the day, yet you have no news. A woman’s most important duty is to extend the family line. If you cannot conceive, learning to manage the house is a pipe dream. If you don’t fall pregnant soon, you should request a divorce and leave!”

Zhao-shi stormed out, leaving Jiang Shu in a state of quiet despair. Seeing her sorrow, Lu Changyi felt a surge of desire. He pulled her onto the bed, whispering, “Shu’er, I’ve been taking the doctor’s medicine. Let’s try again.”

Jiang Shu wanted to push him away, but the threat of divorce held her back. She embraced him, bracing herself for the pain she had come to associate with their attempts. But as before, it was a failure. Lu Changyi’s strength withered almost instantly.

After he fell asleep, Jiang Shu slipped out of the room. She walked to the lake, sat on a stone bench, and finally broke into heaving sobs. She didn’t blame Lu Changyi, but she was trapped. She had done nothing wrong, yet she was being discarded for a biological failure that wasn’t hers. “Borrowing seed” felt wretched, but it seemed the only way to survive.

As she wept, a well-defined hand appeared before her, holding out a handkerchief.

“Sister-in-law, wipe your tears clean.”