After Zhao Tang returned to the courtyard, he went straight to the point, "Mother’s head ailment flared up, why weren’t you there to attend to her?" As for other matters, he didn’t mention a word, because he knew that if he brought them up, Mistress Li would definitely argue back, and he would have to waste his breath trying to reason with her, which might not even succeed. Using filial piety as an argument, Mistress Li would have no way to refute. Mistress Yu was already prepared to face her husband’s questioning, and she had thought of how to respond. In the end, he didn’t mention Du Ruyi at all. Moreover, Mistress Yu felt aggrieved; she really didn’t know her mother-in-law’s head ailment had acted up. In truth, it was indeed her dereliction of duty as a daughter-in-law for not fulfilling her filial piety. "Husband, when I left Mother, she was fine." "Are you implying that it’s Mother’s fault for not telling you? Mother’s head ailment hasn’t flared up for a long time, and the doctor also said that as long as she doesn’t worry excessively or brood, it generally won’t act up." Zhao Tang said meaningfully, "Did something happen today that worried Mother? Or did you upset her?" Mistress Yu forced a smile, "How could that be, Husband? You know that I have always been dutiful, always obeying Mother’s instructions. Perhaps, it was the rebellious words that Younger Sister-in-law said that caused Mother’s anger." Besides, those words were indeed spoken by the younger sister-in-law. "Oh?" Zhao Tang raised an eyebrow. Mistress Yu sighed and repeated what Mistress Xie had said, "Although the words were said by Younger Sister-in-law, I dare not say I have no responsibility. Since Eldest Brother is not yet married, though I’m the Second Sister-in-law, I should also act as if I’m the Eldest Sister-in-law and watch over the younger siblings." See, his wife has always been excellent with words. In just a few sentences, she managed to absolve herself. Mistress Yu fully thought that by saying this, even if Zhao Tang was angry, this matter would pass. She never imagined that Zhao Tang was determined to stand up for his mother. "Yes, as a sister-in-law, you indeed haven’t been competent. So, even if the younger sister-in-law upset Mother, you can’t escape responsibility." Zhao Tang continued along Mistress Yu’s line, "I wouldn’t have known about this incident, but now that I do, I can’t pretend it didn’t happen." After a pause, Zhao Tang continued, "When Third Brother returns, he will certainly talk to the younger sister-in-law, and it sounds like punishment will follow." Mistress Yu understood, she too would have to be punished. Otherwise, it would seem unfair. "I am willing to copy the Diamond Sutra to pray for Mother’s blessing," Mistress Yu offered. "In addition to being confined for half a month," Zhao Tang said. "Being confined is as it should be, but the household affairs still need management. Mother’s getting older; how can we, as her children, trouble her over trivial matters?" Mistress Yu said. Copying the Diamond Sutra already demonstrated her utmost sincerity. As the head mistress of the family, how could she be confined? Wouldn’t that be a loss of face? Indeed, Mistress Yu had long regarded herself as the principal wife managing the household. Though she managed affairs together with Mistress Xie, Mistress Xie’s impulsive nature wasn’t suited for the role of head mistress. "No problem," Zhao Tang said, "The household has stewards, and there’s usually nothing major. If there’s something that needs a decision, they will come to Third Brother and me." "How can household trivialities trouble my husband?" Mistress Yu said softly. "If I can’t manage the household trivialities, what face do I have to say I can be a good official? I might as well resign and come home," Zhao Tang said with a serious face. With one sentence, he silenced Mistress Yu. If Third Brother said such things, she would listen and laugh it off. But with her husband? He takes everything seriously. If she continued, he indeed might resign from office. "Husband is right, I should be confined," Mistress Yu said, feeling wronged but still displaying magnanimity. "The Diamond Sutra should not be copied by another," Zhao Tang reminded. "Yes." Since she would be confined, she might as well copy. Zhao Tang earnestly instructed the people working in their courtyard to guard it well, and if anyone defied orders, they would be dismissed and sold off. Zhao Tang usually did not manage affairs, but when he did, it was with a thunderous approach, and everyone expressed their intent to strictly adhere to his instructions. Only then did Zhao Tang nod satisfactorily. "Second Master, Second Mistress, the kitchen just made some Cloud Cakes, and the old lady specially instructed me to bring them to you," said the kitchen staff cautiously. She arrived at an inconvenient time, just as Second Master was reprimanding the courtyard staff. Moreover, Second Mistress appeared to be forcing a smile. Mistress Yu quickly took the food box, "Mother is considerate." "The old lady instructed that I must watch you and Second Master enjoy some before leaving," the kitchen staff said. Mistress Yu felt stifled and had no appetite. Besides, this Cloud Cake had clearly been modified as per that little maid’s suggestions. Mother’s insistence that she must eat it was somewhat a slap in the face. So, no matter how delicious it was, Mistress Yu wouldn’t really enjoy it. New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹•𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑒•𝙣𝙚𝙩 But glancing at her husband, who had already eaten a piece. He not only ate but also praised it as particularly delicious. If she didn’t eat, who knows what he might say! Mistress Yu begrudgingly ate a piece. It was just a piece of cake, and it did go down well, but she wasn’t feeling happy. Mistress Yu thought, from now on, she would never eat Cloud Cake again. "How is it? Delicious?" Zhao Tang deliberately asked. "Delicious." Mistress Yu forced a stiff smile. "I’ll report back to the old lady in a moment, and then take some to Third Master and Third Mistress," said the kitchen staff before leaving. The kitchen staff left to deliver the food box to Zhao Lu and the Xie family’s courtyard. Over there, things weren’t as harmonious as in Zhao Tang’s courtyard. Zhao Lu was naive and straightforward. And Mistress Xie had an impulsive temperament. As soon as Zhao Lu started, Mistress Xie was already complaining incessantly. The couple directly started arguing. The kitchen staff didn’t know whether to leave or stay. "Cloud Cake, right? Just leave it there, I’ll eat later," Zhao Lu said. He was busy now, needing to educate this unruly wife who had upset his mother to illness. With the two masters arguing fiercely, how could the kitchen staff dare to say more? They hastily left behind the old lady’s instructions and hurriedly departed. But it was tough for the courtyard staff tasked with serving the masters. Both were volatile, impossible to persuade or separate. They didn’t dare to disturb the old lady, so in the end, they went to find Zhao Tang. Mistress Yu wanted to accompany them, but Zhao Tang dismissed her with a simple reminder that she was still confined. As soon as Zhao Tang arrived at Zhao Lu’s courtyard, with just one sentence, he managed to make the feisty Mistress Xie immediately back down. Zhao Tang said that the Zhao Family did not keep unfilial daughters-in-law, and with the eldest brother not being around, he, as the second brother, could make decisions. He immediately sent someone to the Xie Family to ask about the teachings they bestowed upon their daughter. If there was no apology, she would be sent back to her family. Being sent back would be a huge disgrace. Her siblings weren’t friendly at all. So Mistress Xie backed down in humility.