Chapter 3: Upholding Justice

“What did you say?” Shen Yishu was momentarily stunned, clearly not expecting Dou Hongyan to agree so readily. In his eyes, his mother would undoubtedly stand on his side. Therefore, Dou Hongyan’s demand was nothing short of self-humiliation.

Liu Xiner’s feelings were a mix of delight and disdain.

At first, she had felt uneasy upon seeing Dou Hongyan because she had imagined her either as a vulgar, money-minded, corpulent woman or as a sorrowful, ghostly wife confined to her chambers, who would cling to her resurrected husband and weep until fainting.

But neither was true.

She was even so beautiful as to inspire envy.

Yet, once they confronted each other, Liu Xiner’s worries vanished. No matter how beautiful a woman was, if she failed to win her husband’s favor, she was no better than a shrew.

Moreover, she was a merchant’s daughter—ignorant of etiquette, lacking in insight, and utterly foolish! Did the Dou family really think the matriarch would side with her?

After all, she had borne the Shen family three sons and a daughter, a great achievement, and the pregnancy check had shown a male fetus. Even if the matriarch didn’t consider her son, she would care about her grandsons.

Dou Hongyan observed their reactions with a quiet sneer.

Two fools.

Even children know that relationships between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law are complicated.

Did they not wonder what confidence she had to let the matriarch decide?

It must be that she held leverage over the matriarch.

“Then have mother come and settle this fairly,” Shen Yishu said, a smile creeping to the corners of his mouth, as if already picturing himself divorcing and remarrying, happily reunited with his new wife and children under one roof.

“Husband, these are difficult times. It’s not easy for women. Sister has stayed loyal to you all these years. If you divorce her...” Liu Xiner hesitated, glancing at Dou Hongyan with concern.

Shen Yishu’s affection deepened. “Don’t mind her. She’s jealous and can’t tolerate you and Shunge’er and the others. I should have divorced her long ago.”

Liu Xiner, understanding his feelings, advised gently, “Sister, why not yield to husband for now? At least you can stay in the Marquis’s residence.”

Dou Hongyan didn’t even glance at her, simply saying coldly, “Go fetch the matriarch.”

Repeatedly ignored, Liu Xiner’s delicate expression faltered utterly.

If you won’t accept a toast, then you’ll have to drink the penalty wine!

Just wait until I become the Marchioness; I’ll show you how to deal with her!

Soon, footsteps echoed outside the main hall, and an elderly woman dressed in fine silks entered.

Liu Xiner was overjoyed. On the way here, she had heard that the emperor would grant the title of Marquis to the Cheng’en family, in recognition of her father-in-law’s military merits and this widow’s exemplary thirty years of chastity—a model for women across the realm.

Therefore, for her children to inherit the Marquis’s estate, they must curry favor with this matriarch.

Liu Xiner hastily bowed, her tone soft and sweet: “Madam Liu greets the matriarch. Shunge’er, Erya, Qige’er, and Ange’er, quickly call out ‘Grandmother.’”

The children chimed in unison, “Grandmother.”

Shen Yishu strode forward and grasped the elderly woman’s hand firmly. “Mother, it’s been years since we last met. You look so worn and haggard, with so many calluses on your hands. Where are your maids? Has Dou treated you harshly?”

Seeing this, Liu Xiner’s eyes reddened as she said, “Sister, I can bear your disdain, but how can you bully the matriarch? Were I in your place, I would be more than filial.”

Shen Yishu’s anger flared. “Dou Hongyan, not only are you jealous, but you’re also disrespectful to your parents. You didn’t even rise to greet the matriarch! Such behavior is unworthy of a daughter-in-law. Do you believe I won’t report this to the authorities?”

The current emperor ruled the realm by enforcing filial piety.

Disrespecting one’s parents was a punishable offense.

Dou Hongyan faced the accusations with a strange expression.

Shen Yishu assumed she was scared. “Hurry and kneel before my mother, or I’ll have you taken to the officials!”

Dou Hongyan remained unmoved, a trace of amusement flickering in her eyes as she asked the elderly woman, “Do you want me to pay my respects to you?”