Chapter 8: The Appearance of All Beings

When Mr. and Mrs. Shang Ji entered the room, the eyes of the Duke of Shang Guo were still filled with tears.

However, he didn't know how to start a conversation with his son.

After all, in front of him, as a father, he had never been very assertive, so he suppressed his emotions and smiled excitedly, saying, "You're here."

Shang Ji nodded and simply responded with a "Hmm," then greeted his father with a respectful fist gesture, saying, "Father, peace be with you."

As for the others, he didn't even glance at them.

Such a cold attitude naturally made the people present feel uncomfortable, but they could only endure it.

After all, the one who returned was not just the young master of the Duke's residence, but also the renowned war god in the imperial court.

He had even registered under the title of the General of the Valiant Cavalry.

They were all well aware of this.

They also knew very well the woman sitting next to the Duke of Shang Guo.

Now, the mistress of the Duke's residence was Lady Wei.

She was only a year younger than the Duke of Shang Guo, but she looked a bit younger than him, indicating that she took excellent care of herself.

Despite being over fifty years old, she showed no signs of aging.

Wearing a dark red embroidered silk jacket with a pattern of auspicious clouds, she added a touch of grace to her appearance. Her face was gentle and kind, like a Bodhisattva in a temple, with a benevolent and kind expression.

Unlike her husband Shang Ji, who had the reputation of a general, she could do as she pleased.

She was still a woman who had to make a living in the inner courtyard, and although she had some hidden conflicts with Lady Wei, she naturally had to maintain a good relationship on the surface.

So, she put on a proper smile, bowed slightly, and said to the Duke and Duchess of Shang, "Your daughter-in-law, Du Shi Jingyi, pays her respects to the Duke and Lady Wei."

Since she entered the residence, she had not yet addressed Lady Wei as her mother-in-law.

The reason for calling her Lady Wei was entirely in line with the words of her sister-in-law, Mrs. Liu.

Shang Ji felt relieved when he heard this.

When he looked at Lady Wei again, there was a hint of mockery in his eyes.

Lady Wei, who could elevate her status from a concubine to a wife, was naturally not a simple role.

Because even when she heard the words "Lady Wei," she did not feel that she had been insulted. Instead, she kindly said, "Good, good child, please rise, there's no need for formality among family members."

"Thank you, Lady Wei."

With just these two sentences, others could sense the tension between them.

However, today's protagonist was not Du Shi Jingyi, so Lady Wei's criticism did not target her.

She quickly explained, "I thought the sixth son would not arrive in Suian City for another two days, so the household was still preparing. Who knew that yesterday we suddenly received an imperial decree, and the master and I hurried to the palace for the welcoming banquet. It was too late when we returned, so we didn't inform the elders."

As she spoke, she looked apologetically at the elders sitting beside her.

Seeing her act this way, the third and fifth branches, who were originally somewhat weak, straightened their backs.

Sitting on the left side below the Duke and Duchess were the third and fifth elders of the Shang family, who had been living in the Duke's residence with their families.

One was a thin Daoist who seemed to have achieved immortality, and the other was a fat pig waiting to be slaughtered.

Both were over seventy years old.

However, years of wealth and prosperity had not dimmed their eyes.

Sitting beside them were their respective wives, the third and fifth elder ladies, whose figures were the opposite of their husbands.

The third elder lady had a round figure with a full face, while the fifth elder lady was thin and calculating.

They did not look like kind-hearted people at all.

As soon as they entered, Shang Ji couldn't help but look at the golden hairpin of the third elder lady. She was too eye-catching, and he couldn't help but notice her. Moreover, she was the one who had just spoken disrespectfully, so when Shang Ji's cold gaze swept over, she couldn't help but shrink her neck, looking even more fat and foolish.

Her previously straightened back slouched again.

The eldest third elder quickly spoke up, "A family should be able to speak freely. With such great favor bestowed upon the sixth son, it is natural for him to first pay his respects to the emperor in the palace. We old bones are not indispensable, and it's the same today."

Although the words were polite, Du Shi Jingyi didn't interpret them that way.

It seemed like a veiled criticism of her husband's lack of manners.

It should have been that he went to visit the elders in the North Garden late last night, but now he had made them wait in the Cloud Brocade Courtyard for so long.

She even emphasized "old bones."

It seemed like she wanted to further discredit Shang Ji.

For these parasites who were accustomed to sucking blood from others, Du Shi Jingyi looked down on them in her heart.

But Shang Ji was standing next to her, so she had to show a calm and humble demeanor.

Unfortunately, the third elder's behavior did not escape Shang Ji's eyes, and he didn't even spare her a glance.

"If Uncle Sanzu feels underappreciated, you can go and guard the ancestral hall yourself. After all, you always talk about how the ancestors cherish you as if you were a treasure in their palms, so even at your age, you're still a baby that everyone should pamper."

This was much harsher than what the third elder lady had said earlier.

Even though the third elder wanted to appear considerate, he now had a very displeased expression on his face.

Seeing her husband lose face, the third elder lady became a little unhappy and was about to say something to reprimand the younger generation. However, Shang Ji, who had just been arguing with someone, spoke first.

He looked at the Duke and said.

"The military situation was urgent that day, so my son hurriedly left Beijing without completing the traditional tea ceremony and returning the gifts. That's why I brought my wife today specifically to serve tea to my father, to fulfill the proper etiquette."

The words were few, but the meaning was clear.

Although the two of them had not yet consummated their marriage, they had been married for three years in public.

It may not be a deep affection, but showing mutual respect is not difficult.

Giving face to Du Jingyi was also giving face to himself, so after saying this, he glanced at the person behind him.

Du Jingyi was first stunned by his husband's sudden defense, but then he straightened his posture.

The maid, Ying Tao, brought a red lacquered tray from somewhere, with two cups of hot tea inside.

Madam Wei's complexion became slightly rosier at the sight.

Back at home, Shang Ji had never paid her any attention, but now that he had married her, he remembered the proper etiquette.

She was quite concerned about being able to drink the tea of a general's wife.

It's not that she wanted to pay more attention to Shang Ji as a stepson, but in this way, her position in the Duke's mansion would be more secure.

So her lips also curved up quite a bit.

As for the Duke of Shang, it was clear that he had not expected his son to act in this way.