Chapter 19: Cesarean Delivery

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Mrs. Li spoke rapidly. Mr. Li was stunned by her sudden outburst. Once he recovered, he did not doubt Aicao but scolded, “Nonsense! Aicao has been a widow for many years. She usually stays home as much as possible, dresses plainly, and rarely wears makeup. How could she be involved with other men? Even if she has had contact with me over the years, it was purely by chance... At first, when she wanted to sever ties and refused my help, it was I who begged her…”

Mrs. Li’s expression was hard to read. So, the man’s money couldn’t be spent, yet he had to beg to hand it over?

“This is not something I made up; I investigated it myself,” Mrs. Li said seriously. “The gatekeepers opposite and diagonally across the street—they see more than anyone. You seldom go over there, maybe a few times a month. Do you think you know more than those who guard the gates every day?”

Mr. Li frowned. “They say a widow’s doorstep invites trouble. Those servants are lowly and vulgar; their gossip can’t be trusted.”

Mrs. Li was speechless.

In his eyes, Aicao was loyal and faithful. But he didn’t consider that if she truly were, after being with him, she would have ended it completely—either by dying or by cutting off all ties and never seeing him again. Instead, she refused him but calmly accepted money from the Li family and even bore him a child.

Yao’s father was handsome, and it was said that the couple had a good relationship. Why would Li Yuan think that Aicao cared for him more than for her husband?

Men are like stubborn blocks of elm wood—no matter how hard you try, you can’t change them. Mrs. Li’s face was complicated. “Even if I bring those gatekeepers here in person, you wouldn’t believe their words, right?”

“Yes!” Mr. Li said disdainfully. “Why would I run to ask lowly servants? They want money and know what you want to hear, so they flatter you. And you actually believe them!”

Mrs. Li shook her head and turned to give instructions, “Go bring Master Wang here. Tell him the master has urgent business to discuss.”

Mr. Li frowned deeply. “Our families have no business dealings, and we’re mere acquaintances. There’s no reason for me to see him. The most important thing now is to find a way to rescue Qiushan—and Hualin.”

Hearing this, Mrs. Li was angry again. He mentioned rescuing Qiushan without hesitation, but only added Hualin after noticing her angry glare.

So the youngest son was just a burden in his eyes?

Having been angry too many times recently, Mrs. Li was too tired to argue and waved her hand wearily. “You’ll understand when he arrives.”

Mr. Li was unwilling to waste time there and was about to leave without even saying goodbye.

Mrs. Li angrily shouted, “You stop right there!”

“I don’t have time to chat with you here,” Mr. Li turned back, looking as if he was forced to endure her unreasonable behavior. “I have many important matters to attend to. Do you think I’m like you, fussing over a tiny backyard?”

“If you take Aicao back into the household and let me handle the backyard, I wouldn’t argue with you,” Mrs. Li said, looking at the impatient man with growing disappointment. “Li Yuan, you weren’t like this before. You’ve changed.”

Mr. Li immediately replied, “You’ve changed too, become unreasonable.”

He had no right to criticize her.

Mrs. Li’s anger flared. “If you insist on leaving, I’ll go to the authorities and demand a thorough investigation.”

Many cases filed with the government get buried and remain unresolved for years. But if the victims keep pressing, they usually speed up the process. Hearing this, Mr. Li’s expression instantly changed.

Mrs. Li taunted, “Go ahead, leave!”

Mr. Li sat down in frustration. “I want to see what kind of fuss you’ll make!”

Mrs. Li snorted coldly. The couple sat opposite each other, but there was no warmth or sweetness. Occasionally, they exchanged glances filled only with impatience.

After about half an hour, the person sent to fetch Master Wang returned, looking troubled. “Master Wang said he has urgent matters and can’t come today.”

Mr. Li lost patience, stood up, and left. “I must be mad to waste time with you here.”

Seeing him leave without a backward glance, Mrs. Li gritted her teeth. “Go tell Master Wang if he doesn’t come, I will reveal his dealings with Aicao to his wife.”

Hearing this, the messenger froze, while Mr. Li stopped in his tracks and turned sharply. “What did you say?”

Mrs. Li looked at him with disdain. “You’re busy, but you can spare a little time. Wait another half hour and see if Master Wang comes!”

Mr. Li angrily threw off his sleeve. “You crazy woman!”

Mrs. Li was deeply disappointed in him. Watching him leave, her heart sank further, and she sighed softly, “You can’t face the truth, can you?”

Seeing he wouldn’t look back, she continued, “If you insist on leaving, I’ll expose every man that woman has seduced!”

Mr. Li’s steps faltered. He turned back fiercely. “Why must a woman torment another woman? You’re a woman yourself. You should know what consequences there will be if such things spread. Why be so cruel?”

“When she seduces men shamelessly, she deserves no mercy. Now she asks for it—it’s too late,” Mrs. Li said sadly, seeing he was frightened by her threat. “You worry about preserving her face, afraid these matters will spread. How do you know she even cares about her reputation? If she truly valued chastity, she wouldn’t have done those things.”

Mr. Li snapped, “Say one more word and I’ll tear your mouth apart!”

When couples fight, the woman is naturally weaker. If it came to blows, she would suffer.

Mrs. Li was deeply disappointed and didn’t want to be hit, so she stopped talking when he grew truly angry. But she wasn’t willing to let go of either him or Aicao, so she quietly sent someone with low voice instructions.

No one outside knew about the couple’s quarrel, but the servants did. Some clever ones even reported it to Li Huaping and his wife.

Recently, Mr. Li had been busy trying to rescue someone, so the family business was managed by Li Huaping. He had taken over the joint tasks the father and son used to do together but was still struggling to organize things. Thus, Li Huaping was not at the manor.

Upon hearing the news, Li Huaping immediately dropped what he was doing and hurried back. His parents quarreling, especially with another woman and child involved, was very disadvantageous for him if they fought too fiercely, separated, or if his mother’s health deteriorated.

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He needed his mother to remain the lady of the house—only with her in charge could Aicao have no chance of entering the household!

Meanwhile, Lady Yang in the manor knew about the quarrel but did not intervene—not because she didn’t want to, but because when in-law parents quarrel, a daughter-in-law speaking up is always wrong. So she kept out of it.

At the gate, Li Huaping encountered Master Wang.

The messenger who had reported the quarrel had explained the reason for summoning Master Wang, though no one knew exactly why. Li Huaping naturally had no idea either, but it was certainly related to Aicao.

Master Wang had married into the family, which was considered a social climb. Over the years, his in-laws’ business had flourished. The couple was well known for their deep affection. Li Huaping himself was not as devoted to his wife but respected such devotion. Master Wang, in his forties, was regarded as an elder, so Li Huaping politely invited him inside.

Master Wang was very polite, perhaps overly so, which made Li Huaping suspicious.

Upon entering, they immediately saw the couple fiercely quarrelling like a pair of pleading chickens. Li Huaping was helpless. His father was wrong, but as a son, he had no right to blame him. His mother, however, should not show such a sour face in front of guests.

Mrs. Li’s icy heart finally thawed a little upon seeing her son return, and her expression softened.

Master Wang looked back and forth and suggested, “Elders’ matters should not involve the children.” He turned to Li Huaping and said, “Huaping, you should leave.”

Li Huaping, a father himself, would not obey an outsider’s command, especially not when it concerned his own parents.

Seeing Master Wang insist, his curiosity grew. He grabbed a pot of tea and poured for everyone. “I’m not an outsider. Go ahead and talk; I just won’t listen.”

Master Wang was speechless.

Mr. Li lowered his head and sipped his tea, no longer in a hurry.

Mrs. Li’s hatred for Aicao was clear; she wouldn’t hide anything and asked directly, “Master Wang, how long have you been secretly involved with Aicao?”

Master Wang was embarrassed. “It was just by chance that I met her. She helped me, and I thanked her several times. There’s nothing more between us... I came today to explain. She’s a woman and a widow; her reputation must not be ruined. I’m in the same boat—my wife is fierce. If she heard any rumors, she’d cause a scene.” He cupped his hands and pleaded, “Please, Lady Li, be merciful.”

He spoke partly jokingly but with some seriousness, showing he cared about his wife’s feelings.

Mr. Li’s tense face relaxed. “See? I said it was a misunderstanding.”

Mrs. Li smiled faintly. “Master Wang, I didn’t invite you here just to repeat hearsay. If you don’t admit it, I’ll have to let Mrs. Wang investigate.”

Upon hearing this, Master Wang’s face changed drastically. “No!”

Though he insisted nothing happened, his dread of his wife finding out spoke volumes.

Mr. Li’s heart sank deeply.

Chu Yunli, who had been monitoring the Li family’s movements, quickly heard that several masters were being summoned at Lady Li’s request. She immediately understood Mrs. Li’s intentions.

Curious about such a rare event, she dragged Hu Yi’an to visit again.

They were stopped at the gate, but Chu Yunli pushed through. This wasn’t a place she couldn’t enter. The Li family owed Luo Mei-niang plenty; breaking in was nothing.

When the servants reported her arrival, Mrs. Li’s irritation surged.

Mr. Li was also full of impatience, while Master Wang looked terrified.

If two people know a secret, it’s not really a secret—but the fewer who know, the better. Luo Mei-niang had fallen out with the Li family. If she found out, there’d be no good outcome.

“Don’t let her in!”

Chu Yunli pushed the door open with a smile. “I’m already here.”

Master Wang was speechless.

“Master Luo, don’t listen to what you shouldn’t!” Chu Yunli sneered. “It’s just that thing between you and Lady Yao. I’ve known for a while.”

Master Wang’s face changed dramatically.

When did she find out? How much does she know? Has she told anyone?

Mr. Li rubbed his temples wearily. “Aicao is a good woman, Mei-niang. Don’t harm her! If she loses hope and dies, could you live with that?”

Chu Yunli replied calmly, “Why should I be at peace? Those men weren’t sent by me. If she couldn’t bear it, she shouldn’t have acted recklessly.”

Mrs. Li nodded approvingly. “Exactly!”

As soon as she spoke, she met her husband’s furious gaze.

Mrs. Li stiffened her neck. “I stand for justice, not for kin!”

Mr. Li was speechless.

Master Wang tried to keep things in control and cautiously said, “I heard Master Luo recently got engaged. Congratulations on your good fortune.” He bowed politely.

Chu Yunli smiled, “Congratulations indeed. When we have our wedding, please come and have a drink.”

“I definitely will.” Even without today’s events, Master Wang would have visited, especially since the engaged couple had created some new novelties attracting many merchants. He was interested in two items, so he should go.

“You made those dragon and phoenix candles nicely.” Master Wang complimented, “My brother-in-law makes candles and wants to buy some for his shop. Luo Master, would you be willing to give a discount?”

Talking business made Chu Yunli serious. “There’s a wholesale price—the more you buy, the cheaper it gets.”

Master Wang nodded solemnly.

Chu Yunli continued, “After being betrayed by men, I especially admire those who are devoted to their wives. I’ve heard about your deep affection with Lady Wang and truly envy it. If you buy from me, I’ll give you an extra ten percent discount. May you and Lady Wang be loving until old age... But since you and Lady Yao betrayed your wife, I hate men like that. If you buy candles, you’ll pay an extra ten percent.”

Master Wang looked embarrassed.

The Li family members nearby were growing impatient. They weren’t there to watch a business negotiation.

Mr. Li frowned. “This is no place for business. Could you be more discreet?”

Chu Yunli was serious. “I refuse to sell any of the Luo family’s goods to the Li family. Jealous?”

Mr. Li was speechless. Jealous? Of what!

He was running his own business and didn’t want to help competitors.

“You’re imagining things,” Chu Yunli said with a puzzled look. “Wasn’t it your son who sent someone to inquire about my new designs and wanted to offer a high price? Did I get it wrong?”

The last remark was directed at Hu Yi’an, who looked businesslike. “You didn’t forget. Maybe the Li family did.”

Mr. Li turned to his eldest son with a stern look.

Li Huaping felt helpless. He didn’t want to deal with the Luo family either. But their exquisite designs—a series of sixteen styles—made good clothes and accessories. The new batch sold out almost instantly.

Businessmen follow profits. He was no different. He even offered a higher price, hoping to get a share. Who knew the Luo family was so stubborn they wouldn’t even take money offered on a silver platter?

Mrs. Li, still distracted, hadn’t achieved her goal with Master Wang and had quietly sent someone to urge him.

The atmosphere in the room was awkward. Master Wang wanted to take his leave. As for his secret dealings with Aicao, he planned to discuss them with Luo Mei-niang another time. Just as he stood and was about to speak, someone came to the door with news.

“Madam, Master Zhang has arrived, Master Zhou is at the gate, Master Yang is on the way, Master Chen is out of town and will return in half a month, and Master Yu says he has family matters and cannot come…”

Mrs. Li immediately stood up. “Quick, invite them in!”

Compared to her excitement, Mr. Li’s face darkened. Master Wang’s expression also shifted as he realized why he had been summoned. He must leave now.

No one paid attention to Chu Yunli and Hu Yi’an, who sat quietly in a corner from where the entire room could be observed.

The masters met at the gate, knowing the situation was unpleasant. Men having affairs outside was common and often forgiven, but who would expect it to be exposed?

They understood why they were summoned and guessed each other’s intentions. Aicao was truly careless.

And Mrs. Li—using such matters as threats—they couldn’t believe it.

The two men said nothing on the way but both began plotting. Upon entering, Master Zhang spoke first.

“I’m busy, so Lady Li, just say what you want!”

He looked very displeased at being summoned for such a matter.

Master Zhou glared at Mr. Li. “Li, don’t drag us into your backyard troubles! If this reaches my wife’s ears, I’ll blame you two, and don’t expect any favors from me.”

Master Zhou’s family owned large mulberry groves and produced much silk—one of the Li family’s most important resources. The two families had maintained good relations for years.

Seeing him there, Mr. Li was upset and angry at his wife for disturbing the business over a scandal.

He shouted, “You’re crazy!”

Mrs. Li smiled fearlessly. “You’ve made money I can’t even spend. If it’s ruined, so be it!”

Mr. Li was furious and raised his hand to strike. “Wicked woman! From now on, you’re confined to the backyard—no going out.”

The masters believed the couple conspired to summon them, intending to extort something after bringing them there. The two played roles—one the stern face, the other the angry one—trying to brush the matter aside.

Did they think they were fools?

Master Zhou sneered, “Cut the act. What do you want?”

He was willing to give reasonable demands. If too much, he didn’t care if his wife found out.

Mrs. Li hurriedly said, “You misunderstand. I invited you to clarify your true relationship with Aicao. This fool here doesn’t believe Aicao is a promiscuous woman. He thinks she’s faithful and sends her silver, worried it won’t be accepted.”

Mr. Li was speechless.

Three masters had arrived, all trying to keep Mrs. Li’s discovery secret. In comparison, he suddenly felt she was right—he really was a fool.

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