Jia Baoyu probably never imagined this: right there on the distant watchtower, his own mother was being violated right before his eyes!
Her kind and dignified face transformed into a wanton and seductive one, her mouth emitting wanton moans, shamelessly responding.
Next year, he'd probably have another younger brother or sister. As for whose child it was, it would definitely be Lu Ming's!
Whether Lu Ming, as his son-in-law, would feel guilty, or whether Jia Baoyu's nominal brother-in-law would help him, that was another matter entirely.
He could find Jia Baoyu a woman of average looks to bear his child, because Jia Baoyu was good-looking, and the daughter born would certainly be beautiful, which he could then enjoy!
As for Lady Wang, although she was his mother-in-law, she was a concubine's mother-in-law, her status and position not as strong as the principal wife's, so having sex with her was no big deal.
Meanwhile, at the Green Bamboo Nunnery.
Wang Ziteng visited Grandmother Jia again, this visit being purely incidental.
His true purpose was to persuade Wang Xifeng. As her uncle, he knew it was shameful, but for the sake of the family's rise, it was necessary.
Ups and downs were inevitable, but as long as he made up his mind, everything would be alright.
This path, though humiliating, was nothing compared to the family's inheritance.
Wang Xifeng's face was grim. Jia Lian was still imprisoned, only released today as a special occasion.
Jia Lian was a relatively capable member of the family, but unfortunately, no matter how capable he was, he carried an aura of decay and decadence—a flaw that every inherited family would encounter.
Even the Yuan and Yang families were no exception; there were always those who sought to gain without effort, indulging in a life of debauchery and extravagance.
Many aristocratic families existed, but only a few survived.
Most didn't last three generations before fading into obscurity, becoming commoners.
Grandmother Jia's face remained grim; the decline of the Jia family had consumed too much of her energy.
Her maternal family, the Shi family, had also fallen into ruin, with the women sent to the brothels. She was utterly ashamed to face anyone.
"Sister Feng, this is the way of the world now. Aren't we women all for our families and our children? Ah, your aunt is quite clever; she's managed to secure a relationship with the Xue family." A heavily made-up middle-aged woman, reeking of rouge, chattered incessantly beside Wang Xifeng. She wasn't pretty, and even a bit gossipy, but she was Wang Ziteng's wife and Wang Xifeng's aunt—that was enough.
"Aunt, I can't get past this myself," Wang Xifeng said helplessly. She truly couldn't get past this herself.
Her skills were all learned from her aunt. Although her aunt seemed unremarkable, she managed the large Wang family household impeccably, and wasn't jealous, only a bit gossipy. Even though Wang Ziteng didn't like her, he treated her with great respect; there was affection between husband and wife, and also gratitude for how well she took care of the household.
Aunt Wang chuckled, poking Wang Xifeng's head. Only she could do something like that. "You silly girl, have you forgotten what I taught you! A woman must seize the opportunity. If things are hopeless, jump out quickly. Jia Lian is indeed good, but compared to the governor, he's nothing. You don't know, do you? Jia Lian has already brought a letter of divorce."
"What!" Wang Xifeng's last bit of resistance crumbled. If she were divorced, she'd be a worthless, unwanted woman!
"I don't believe it! He must have been forced! That beast Lu Ming, why would he do such a thing!"
No one believed Lu Ming was merely lustful; personal emotions played a part.
But the real force behind destroying the four great families was the palace's will.
They were involved in the struggle for the crown prince position. Although Liu Bian and Liu Xie were no match for them, their involvement didn't mean the last vestiges of the Eastern Han dynasty were truly weak. Dealing with them was simple, easy!
At this moment, Wang Ziteng entered, handing over a letter. "This is a letter of divorce. I've already informed the old lady. This whole affair was caused by Jia Lian; it has nothing to do with you. Xi Feng, your uncle begs you for a favor: become the governor's concubine. Only then can the Wang family enter the army, prosper again, and allow the four great families to continue to thrive. Your uncle is powerless to protect you and will only implicate you. I'm sorry, your uncle begs you."
Wang Ziteng knelt down as he spoke. A man's knees are precious; he shouldn't kneel lightly.
This isn't to say it's worthless, but kneeling will erode one's will and ambition.
High aspirations exist only for those with ability; for those without ability, even ambition is useless.
What's the point of a shepherd with ambition if he only has a hundred sheep?
"Ah! Uncle, please get up quickly, I can't accept this great gesture." Wang Xifeng could only hurry to help Wang Ziteng up. If others found out she forced her uncle to kneel, it would be impossible to explain herself.
Wang Ziteng didn't object, simply getting up. "Go if you want, it doesn't matter if you don't. Life is only a hundred years. The Wang family has been passed down for three hundred years, not short, not short at all." With that, he left dejectedly, as if he had seen through some things.
Seeing Wang Xifeng's remorseful expression, Aunt Wang knew things were more or less settled. She patted her back and said, "Even if it weren't for your uncle, you should think of Qiaojie. Your uncle raised you, and you've helped him a lot over the years; it's time to repay him. Get some rest; Aunt will come see you again tomorrow."
As Aunt Wang reached the door, Wang Xifeng suddenly asked, "Aunt, are you already the Governor's wife?"
"Sister Feng, you're joking. The Governor doesn't fancy me. I'm old and faded, unlike my aunts, who still retain their charm. It's your cousins who are fortunate enough to serve the Governor. Sister Feng, if you don't want to go, then don't. Aunt came to see you to persuade you. Aunt just hopes your two cousins can be taken care of. Ah, never mind, Aunt was overthinking it." Aunt Wang left.
Wang Xifeng was still in shock. No wonder she hadn't seen her aunt, Madam Wang, for the past few days; it turned out Madam Wang had gone to serve the emperor!