Chapter 128: Not Your Father's Daughter

“That’s your own younger sister!” Xue Jingren felt he could no longer tolerate Xue Jingxiao and nearly shouted it out.

Xue Jingxiao was equally unyielding. “Qi Niang is my own younger sister as well. Moreover, Big Brother, don’t forget that Qi Niang is also your own sister. You shouldn’t show favoritism!”

“You’re utterly stubborn!” Xue Jingren threw down the words and swept away with a flick of his sleeve.

Yet, even though the two brothers parted ways, their quarrel had already stirred others.

Lady He and Xue Wanying were sitting in Xue Yang’s chamber when they heard the commotion. Wanying instructed the servants to inquire about the matter. Before long, her maid A Jie returned and recounted the brothers’ dispute.

After hearing the story, Wanying dismissed all the servants and then turned to her mother, whose smile held a hint of pride. “Those two scoundrels again, daring to discuss Mother’s affairs in secret! When the opportunity arises, I’ll tear them apart with my words!”

Lady He spoke softly and pleasantly, “Wanying, you know I don’t mind these things. How they view me is their concern, but none of it will stop me from making my own decisions.”

What decisions did Mother have?

For example, disregarding gossip and coming to Father’s courtyard?

For instance, celebrating the birthdays of Xue Jiaoyue and Xue Fanzhi?

Mentioning this, Wanying’s face showed a trace of sorrow. “They’re only two girls. How could they be so noble as to deserve Mother’s personal attention on their birthdays? Surely the Xue family will gossip again, all because of those two wretched girls!”

“They are your father’s daughters,” Lady He said with a smile. “How could Mother not come for your father’s daughters?”

Her tone was laden with meaning.

Wanying remained disdainful, “But Yue Niang is not Father’s daughter! Mother, you can’t fool me.”

Lady He smiled calmly. “Indeed, Wanying, nothing can be hidden from you. But in your father’s eyes, she is his own daughter. So even if you know the truth, you pretend not to. She is your father’s biological daughter.”

“I’ve known from the moment she was brought here that she’s not. Yet Father still believes it after all these years. What does that mean? That I’ve never mentioned it to anyone!”

“That’s good,” Lady He nodded with satisfaction. “That’s good, then I can rest easy.”

“But I’m worried! I feel uneasy!” Wanying said indignantly. “Mother, do you resent Father?”

Lady He smiled faintly, looking at her daughter without uttering a word.

Wanying was certain. “You hate him, don’t you? Otherwise, you wouldn’t use this method to spite him. But it only eases your anger for a moment. Why don’t you reconcile with him? With his guilt towards you, he would treat you well. You would once again be the lady of this house!”

“Is the lady of this house really so glorious?” Lady He shrugged indifferently.

Wanying considered this and said, “Yes, Jin Shi isn’t very glorious, but if it were you, you would be.”

“That’s my own glory,” Lady He said. “It’s my own character that shines. As long as I have that, I will be glorious wherever I am. Just like now, am I not glorious? So why must I seek glory as the lady of this house?”

“B-but…” Wanying hesitated, then said, “Still, you can’t let Jin Shi have it easy!”

Lady He laughed even more. “Do you think Jin Shi has gained anything? Because she has the head of the Xue family? Because she has the body of a man who, for the sake of heirs, disregards his first wife’s life? I don’t think so.”

Indeed, Jin Shi came from a wealthy family and bore two sons but still gained no respect from the man. What kind of life is she living now? What advantage has she really gained? Nothing at all.

Wanying snorted. “But I still hate her. I hate the stepmother.”

Lady He nodded in agreement. “I hate her too. I’m just like you.”

She spoke frankly about sharing her daughter’s feelings, though it was unclear whether she hated the stepmother or hated Lady He herself.

Wanying seemed to understand and said, “Then Mother, come back. Not for anything else, but to chase away Jin Shi, who has gained nothing yet whom I despise. If you return, Father will surely be overjoyed to welcome you. He loves you so much!”

“So, you’ve always thought that way?” Lady He’s tone grew serious. “Wanying, remember my words: your father only loves himself!”

Only loves himself?!

Seeing her daughter’s confused expression, Lady He sneered, “A man like that, who refuses to take a concubine when his wife can’t bear children, refuses to listen to his mother’s advice, insists on divorcing his wife before marrying another to have sons—such a man isn’t selfish?”

Wanying said angrily, “Of course! If Wei Lang treated me like that, I would kill him!”

Lady He nodded. “This man finally got his two sons, yet remains unhappy, treats the other wife poorly, and spends all his time fawning over his ex-wife. Isn’t he selfish?”

“Selfish to the extreme, hateful selfishness,” Wanying whispered. “I know he’s Father, but Father feels guilty towards you. He must have come to understand!”

“He hasn’t understood. He’s always been selfish,” Lady He shook her head. “He treats me well now, but still resents me for not bearing a son—that’s irresponsible in love. As for Jin Shi, even though she bore him two sons, he remains cold—that’s irresponsible in marriage. Neither responsible in love nor marriage, he’s simply a man without a sense of duty. He loves no one but himself, and that selfishness of his—how could I ever go back to him? And rest assured, for the sake of his sons and reputation, he won’t let me return!”

The light in Wanying’s eyes slowly chilled, her pride dimmed as well.

“Mother, why are men so cruel?” she sighed.

“What? Has your husband treated you badly?” Lady He asked anxiously.

Wanying curled her lips. “He wouldn’t dare!”

She continued, “I’m not ready to have children yet. He said he would wait for me, and he treats me well. I’m just venting! Men are so selfish and cruel!”

Lady He sat beside her daughter, stroked her hair, and held her close. She whispered, “My silly Wanying, people are different. Your husband is kind-hearted, a good man. You must cherish him and not be too harsh. Hearts are fragile; if you push too far, you two will drift apart.”

“I’m not afraid. He wouldn’t dare!” Wanying said proudly. “He’s doomed to be defeated by me in this life. Mother, don’t worry—I’m nothing like you, and I won’t let Wei Lang be the kind of man who’s a terrible father. If he dares, I’ll kill him!”

Lady He naturally didn’t believe her daughter would actually kill anyone, nor did she believe Wei Lang was so perfect. But hearing the happiness in her daughter’s tone, her heart was somewhat at ease.