Phoenix in the Moonlight - Chapter 3: Lit up the Wangfu

“Your father has so many servants and makes enough money. We won’t do poorly without you,” she said. “Tell me, does the wangfu have any other consorts?” she asked in a low tone. Jia Lixue tucked her head down and shook her head. “Is something the matter?” she asked, suddenly sensing the change in her daughter’s behavior.

“Mother, this daughter is scared. My lord husband is yet to ask me to serve him and he stays in his courtyard at night.” She found the words rush out of her mouth. Once the daughter was married, she should not talk about such matters with her paternal family, but how could she repress the grievances in her heart?

“You suspect that he has a woman outside?” Mother Jia asked, her voice raising a little. Jia Lixue looked around, startled by the loudness. She could see that none of the servants from the wangfu were there and her paternal house’s servants had tucked their heads down as if they had not heard anything.

Wouldn’t everyone laugh if they found out that she was untouched even after so many days of being married?

“He is a powerful man and such men are never satisfied with one woman. If he has another woman, he will not stop himself from bringing her into his household. Rest assured, it must be something else.” This son-in-law was sensible. What was it that troubled him enough to not touch his newly-wed wife? Could it be that he had some unspeakable problems? That should not be the case. “Don’t worry, daughter. I will speak to your father about this. He will surely help you get justice.”

Lixue nodded and said nothing further.

Leaving Lixue to get a short nap, Mother Jia ventured towards where her husband and the prince played chess and discussed the matters of the world.

“I know that I have spoiled my daughter too much. I apologize for her disobedience,” Father Jia said as they played chess. Wang Yifeng didn’t look up but put on a gentle expression on his face, knowing that his father-in-law was watching him closely.

“Rest assured, she has lit up my wangfu since she entered. Your daughter has brought great joy to my life.” The father-in-law let out an involuntary smile. Indeed, the prince was good to her daughter; he had done good on accepting this marriage.

By no means was this a love marriage, but neither was it arranged. Qinwang had heard of Lixue’s proficiency in the four arts, her virtues and her beauty and came knocking on their door to propose marriage. Father Jia had been hesitant at first, knowing that marrying into the royal family could be disastrous, but when he considered that this prince only wanted a carefree life away from politics, he was reassured and quickly arranged for the marriage.

This son-in-law had even come with his daughter to visit the paternal family. Even though she was not the official wife, she received such favor and her whims were followed.

He noticed a servant waiting to gain his attention and excused himself.

“Master, the Mistress wishes to speak to you,” the servant said softly.

“Tell her to wait, I am busy,” he replied gruffly. This wife of his was too willful. He could only hope that his daughter wasn’t the same. It would bring the house great dishonor.

“She asked me to tell you that it is urgent and about the young miss.” Father Jia’s brow rose in alarm. About his daughter? He nodded at the servant and followed him out.

“Wife, what is the matter?” he asked. Mother Jia told him about Lixue’s concerns and Father Jia felt his anger rise. This son-in-law, what was he intending to do?

“I will take care of it,” he told her. “You go back and accompany Lixue. I will take care of this.”

“Be careful. Don’t make the situation worse,” she warned. Father Jia threw her a scathing look before turning to leave. She sighed and headed for the kitchen to ask them to prepare snacks for the men.

He didn’t say anything at first, knowing that it would sound suspicious if he brought on the topic immediately after stepping out of the room. So, he waited until lunch was served. As the family congregated and sat in their respective positions, Wang Yifeng looked around and felt uneasy.

Everything had gone smoothly so far, but the tension radiating from Mother and Father Jia told him that something uncomfortable would be thrown at him.

The servants came in with platter after platter of food, going beyond to show the appreciation and generosity of the Jia household. Wang Yifeng hid his sneer. So, they wanted to show him that they could take care of his daughter even if he didn’t.

He had even asked Jia Lixue to dress in robes and jewelry he had bought for her, so that they don’t think that she was treated poorly and had to resort to using the dowry sent by her family, but it seemed that her in-laws wanted to drive the point in.

He glanced at Mother Jia, who was staring at him with an expectant expression. Sighing, he put his chopstick in a random dish and tasted it.

“Mother-in-law, the dishes of this household are delicious. Please allow me to reward the cook,” he said. There was nothing special about the food, but it was common courtesy.

“No need, no need. It is an honor for the cook to be appreciated by wangye. If wangye wants, we can send some dishes that you like back to the wangfu with you.” Mother Jia smiled and looked at Lixue in assurance. Her spirits lifted when she realized that her mother had done something to help her.