Madam Cui, who was well aware of the entanglements between Dou Zhao's birth mother and Wang Yingxue, instantly suspected: Could Miao Ansu and Zhao Zhangru be another pair of Wang Yingxues?
But upon seeing the two concubines not only follow their lord and lady around openly but also dressed as lavishly as the legitimate wife, it was blatantly obvious—the Marquis of Jining was yet another man who favored concubines over his main wife! He even brought his concubines here to the countryside estate to flaunt them in front of her!
At that moment, Madam Cui thought she had figured it all out, and her expression immediately darkened.
"Greetings, Madam Cui! May you be well and in good health!"
Miao Ansu and Zhao Zhangru were naturally respectful—especially since this elder had watched them grow up. The two stepped forward and bowed politely.
"Zhao'er!"
Madam Cui gave the two women a sidelong glance and said coolly, "So your two good girlfriends are married already? Which noble families did they marry into? Why didn't you tell me, so I could at least attend the wedding or give them a red envelope?"
The sarcasm in Madam Cui's tone was painfully obvious, and even Miao Ansu and Zhao Zhangru could tell she was angry.
Luckily, they had already discussed how to handle this on the carriage ride over. Knowing what to expect, neither of them showed any signs of panic.
"Madam," Miao Ansu stepped forward with composure and replied, "Thanks to Sister Zhao's introduction and personal arrangement, we were formally taken into the Marquis's household. We are now his honored concubines."
"What?"
Madam Cui froze on the spot. My granddaughter personally introduced you into the Marquis's residence—as concubines?
Was she forced by Wei Tingyu? The thought flashed in her mind, but she quickly rejected it. She knew her granddaughter well. If Dou Zhao didn't want something, not even a knife to her throat could make her submit.
So… she did it willingly?
She truly couldn't understand what these four young people were up to.
Dou Zhao then stepped forward, gently holding her grandmother's arm and guiding her inside as she said, "The reasons are a bit complicated. I'll explain them in detail once we're inside."
Madam Cui still had many questions, but seeing how many servants were around, it wasn't appropriate to talk about family affairs in the open. So she silently followed Dou Zhao inside.
"So that's how it is!"
Half an hour later, the inner hall was filled with warmth and harmony.
Dou Zhao had explained everything from beginning to end: how she had chosen to bring Miao Ansu and Zhao Zhangru into the household herself, and how Wei Tingyu had even stood up for her at her natal home without hesitation. Every detail was recounted to Madam Cui.
With the two concubines occasionally adding comments to lighten the mood, Madam Cui's impression of her granddaughter's husband improved even further.
After all, any man who would risk offending his in-laws to protect a wife he had only just married three days ago was not just passionate, but also dependable.
Madam Cui had always known the two young women's characters—they had grown up before her very eyes. As long as they posed no threat to her granddaughter's position, she had no objections to them becoming concubines.
In a prestigious family like the Marquis of Jining's, expecting a man to remain faithful to only one woman for life was far too idealistic. Even at her most hopeful, Madam Cui never dared dream of that.
Since there would be concubines anyway, Dou Zhao choosing her own two close friends at least meant she had thought it through carefully.
Having the three women watch each other's backs in the future could be a form of security.
As for Wei Tingyu treating Miao Ansu and Zhao Zhangru with the same material generosity as his main wife, Madam Cui could also understand that.
If anything, it proved he was not the kind of man who belittled or toyed with women.
"Madam," Wei Tingyu then stood up and solemnly bowed, saying, "I vow to protect Zhao'er for life and never allow her to suffer the slightest injustice."
"Good! Good! Good! What a fine young man!"
Seeing him make such a solemn promise in front of all three women, Madam Cui was elated. She had indeed been worried before, but now she truly felt reassured—her precious granddaughter was in good hands.
"Grandmother, it was actually the Marquis's idea to bring the whole family to visit you today."
Seeing her grandmother pleased with her husband, Dou Zhao beamed as she continued, "Dark clouds were gathering, and the Marquis predicted a stormy few days. He knew you'd worry about the tenant farmers going hungry and cold, and that you'd personally go out to inspect the land and distribute supplies. So we all came along to help you."
"Oh? Is that so? Good child, good child! Thank you all!"
Madam Cui's eyes sparkled. She hadn't expected Wei Tingyu's visit to be so thoughtful—it was in perfect alignment with her own worries!
Tears welled up in her eyes. To have such a considerate family—it was the greatest comfort an elder could ask for.
After a day of inspecting the fields, the group retired to a remote estate under Dou Zhao's name.
Servants and guards bustled about in their respective duties.
Inside the master bedroom, Wei Tingyu wasn't in any hurry to rest. He lounged lazily against a cushion beside the screen, with a low table of wine and dishes in front of him.
After finishing their meal, Su Xin and Su Lan cleared away the dishes, and Miao Ansu poured a warm cup of spiced wine for him.
"Marquis, you've had a long day. Please rest soon," Dou Zhao sat behind him, gently massaging his shoulders.
"Yes, Marquis, don't wear yourself out," Zhao Zhangru chimed in as she pounded his legs with practiced strength—she was much more at ease doing physical tasks than delicate ones.
But Wei Tingyu, surrounded by the gentle care of three women, remained silent with his eyes closed.
He was waiting for someone.
And based on how things should unfold—this person was about to arrive!
Suddenly, a series of urgent knocks shattered the peaceful atmosphere.
Wei Tingyu's eyes snapped open. Slowly, he sat upright.
Finally, you're here… Now the real drama begins!