Chapter 953: Chapter 953: Go to Bed Early
Hui Niang smiled and said, "Mother, there’s no need. Liu Lang is still young, and taking a concubine doesn’t bring a good reputation. It’s better not to make a big fuss."
Mrs. Chen felt somewhat uncomfortable hearing this.
She was initially worried about putting Xiao Wan in a difficult position; after all, Xiao Wan is a girl from a good family. Her father fell ill and needed Silver for treatment, leaving her no choice but to become a concubine.
But Hui Niang spoke as if taking a concubine is not a good reputation, yet wasn’t she the one suggesting it? Now she says such things!
Mrs. Chen didn’t show her feelings outwardly, only nodded, "Alright, we’ll go by your suggestion."
During dinner that evening, the table was set with food, but only Mrs. Chen and Hui Niang were present. Mrs. Chen asked, "Where’s Xiao Wan? Why isn’t she here to eat?"
Hui Niang looked at Mrs. Chen a bit surprised, "Mother, how can Xiao Wan eat with us? She was bought to be a concubine."
Mrs. Chen felt a bit choked.
What Hui Niang said wasn’t wrong.
After all, she wasn’t unfamiliar with large households, and understood the rules well, though for a moment, she considered Xiao Wan as Liu Lang’s wife-to-be.
Mrs. Chen said, "Xiao Wan, that girl, is too thin. She needs to eat better; otherwise, in the future, having children might be difficult."
Hui Niang replied, "Don’t worry, Mother. I’ve already asked the kitchen to make meat dishes for her."
Mrs. Chen said no more.
For several days, Xiao Wan stayed hidden in the room in the east wing, never coming out.
Mrs. Chen was worried the girl might get too lonely, so she specifically sent Zhu Er to call Xiao Wan out.
Xiao Wan came out, head lowered, and respectfully greeted Mrs. Chen and Hui Niang.
Mrs. Chen said, "In the future, don’t stay in that room all day."
"There’s no man in the backyard. Zhu Er’s father stays in the front and won’t come to the back."
"The family consists of us ladies. During the day, we sit together, do needlework, chat a bit; that’s how to pass the days. Alone, how can these days be endured?"
Xiao Wan replied softly in agreement.
The next day, Xiao Wan indeed came out to do needlework with Mrs. Chen and Hui Niang.
That afternoon, the three women were doing needlework under the hall porch when Liu Lang strode through the front door.
Mrs. Chen, facing the door, saw Liu Lang at once and exclaimed happily, "Oh, my son is back."
Hui Niang and Xiao Wan scrambled to their feet.
These days, Xiao Wan’s heart has been uneasy, not knowing the kind of person she will marry.
Seeing Liu Lang now, he is tall and, although not exceptionally handsome, his features are well-formed.
Especially since the weather is warm now, he wore a single garment, his muscles bulging.
Xiao Wan’s face reddened, and she turned around.
Hui Niang glanced at Xiao Wan, smiled, and greeted Liu Lang, "Husband."
Liu Lang saw a strange girl in the house immediately, but didn’t dwell on it, thinking she was a neighbor’s girl visiting.
He didn’t want her feeling uneasy, so after exchanging a few words with Mrs. Chen, he went back to his room.
Xiao Wan hurriedly returned to her own room soon after.
Only then did Mrs. Chen call Liu Lang out again to explain about Hui Niang unable to bear children and the need to take a concubine.
Liu Lang was silent for a while, "Since everything has been arranged, and the person was bought, then let’s proceed."
Mrs. Chen was delighted. After dinner, she constantly hinted for Liu Lang to go to Xiao Wan’s room.
She was truly anxious to have grandchildren.
Hui Niang felt a bitter ache in her heart but still managed to say, "Husband, bathe and rest early."
Liu Lang couldn’t resist the two women urging him, so after bathing and as the sky turned dark, he walked to Xiao Wan’s room and knocked on the door.
Inside came Xiao Wan’s soft voice, "Who is it?"
Liu Lang’s deep voice replied, "It’s me."
