TSWPF -Chapter 449 Pretending

For families like theirs—prestigious clans with deep roots—wasn’t it enough for their descendants to rely on the family’s protection? Why did they still need to endure hardships and gain experience?

If she weren’t afraid of falling out with her husband, she would have nagged him every day to bring their son back home and stop letting him suffer in the military camp.

“Husband, Shan’er hasn’t come home for three months. What is he so busy with? Doesn’t the military have scheduled leave? Why hasn’t he returned?” Ever since her son was sent to the camp, seeing him even once had become as difficult as climbing to the sky.

From childhood until now, her son had never left her side. Suddenly being unable to see him for so long—how could her heart bear it?

If she had even a little less self-control, she would have rushed to the camp long ago and brought him back herself.

Liu Wenjie said impatiently, “What’s three months? Hao’er hasn’t been back for nearly five years, and I’ve never seen you worry about him.”

That was the difference between biological and non-biological children.

Hao’er hadn’t come home for so many years, yet she never mentioned him once. All she ever talked about was Shan’er.

No matter what, Hao’er was also her son. She should have treated them fairly.

Perhaps because his younger son wasn’t around to nag him anymore, Liu Wenjie had become clearer-minded. He began to realize how unfair he had been to his eldest son over the years.

No wonder the father and son relationship was so strained—it was all his own doing.

Was there still a chance to make up for it?

Jiang Yingying looked at Liu Wenjie strangely, then curled her lips. Liu Zhihao wasn’t her biological son—why should she care about him? Why should she miss him?

“Husband…”

Before she could finish, Nanny walked in and interrupted.

“Master, Madam, the steward is here.”

Liu Wenjie nodded and asked her to let him in.

After greeting them, the steward went straight to the point.

Hearing this, Liu Wenjie jumped up in surprise. “What? Hao’er is back?”

“When did he return? Why wasn’t I informed?”

“Yes, Master. The eldest young master returned at noon.”

At noon?

So much time had passed. There was no way Jiang Yingying didn’t know.

Liu Wenjie shot her a glare, then told the steward that they understood and would attend on time.

After the steward left, Liu Wenjie’s face darkened.

He frowned and asked Jiang Yingying why she hadn’t told him that Hao’er had come back.

Jiang Yingying clenched her fists, her nails digging painfully into her palm. She looked up and said, “Husband, didn’t you know? Didn’t anyone tell you after you returned home?”

She hated Liu Zhihao so much—how could she possibly take the initiative to talk about him?

Liu Wenjie took several deep breaths, then pointed at her with trembling fingers.

“You did this on purpose. You deliberately hid it from me!”

After he had said that Hao’er hadn’t come home in five years, she should have known he was unaware. Yet she pretended not to hear and said nothing.

If the steward hadn’t come to remind him, and he missed the family banquet, wouldn’t that have hurt Hao’er even more?

Clearly, that was her intention—to worsen the relationship between him and his eldest son.

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became.

“You… are unfit to be a mother.”

With that, he turned and strode away.

Seeing him leave without hesitation, Jiang Yingying screamed in anger and swept the teacups off the table.

Crash!

They shattered all over the floor.

“Madam, please calm down,” Nanny hurried in and comforted her softly.

Jiang Yingying was panting in rage. She grabbed Nanny’s hand so tightly that it hurt, yet Nanny didn’t dare cry out.

“Nanny, do you think he’s fallen for another woman? Is that why he’s getting more and more impatient with me? How could he… how could he say something so hurtful?”

Tears streamed down her face.

“He wasn’t like this before… he wasn’t…”

When had he changed?

Seeing the madam she had raised since childhood crying so bitterly, Nanny felt distressed. She gently patted her hand and tried to comfort her.

Jiang Yingying sobbed, “How can I not overthink things when he hurts me like this?”

Men were all the same—always chasing new loves and abandoning old ones.

Maybe she should change too.

Stop centering her life around him. Live for herself instead.

After thinking chaotically for a long time, she looked at Nanny.

“Nanny, what should I do?”

Nanny sighed inwardly and began giving her advice.

Her madam wasn’t very sharp and was impulsive. If she didn’t protect her well, who knew what kind of ending she would meet?

For her sake—and her own—she had to help her.

After Nanny’s persuasion, Jiang Yingying finally calmed down.

She wiped her tears and let Nanny help her wash and change.

Nanny was right.

She had to pretend.

No matter how much she hated Liu Zhihao, in front of others—and in front of her husband—she had to act as if she loved him.

She had to let everyone know she was a kind, loving mother.

She would learn this skill properly.

After helping her get ready, Nanny saw that it was almost time.

Jiang Yingying put on a smile again and slowly walked out to attend the family banquet.

When she arrived at the dining hall, many people were already seated. She glanced around but didn’t see Liu Zhihao.

So he hadn’t arrived yet.

She snorted inwardly, then sat beside Liu Wenjie with a smile.

“Husband, why hasn’t Hao’er come yet? Should we send someone to urge him?”

Liu Wenjie looked at her suspiciously.

“What trick are you trying to pull now?”

Before she could answer, he warned her not to cause trouble at the banquet. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to protect her.

If she angered his father, the consequences would be severe.

Jiang Yingying put on a hurt expression, her eyes reddening.

“Is that how you see me, Husband? As such a despicable person?”

Liu Wenjie glanced at her again and softened his tone.

“Better if you’re not.”

Seeing his attitude ease, Jiang Yingying seized the chance.

She admitted her mistakes and promised she wouldn’t vent her anger on Hao’er again.

“Really?”

“Really,” she replied calmly, suppressing her excitement.

“After you left, I reflected for a long time and realized my mistakes. I won’t repeat them. You can supervise me.”

After carefully observing her, seeing that she seemed sincere, Liu Wenjie nodded.

He would believe her once more.

There would be no next time.

Jiang Yingying secretly breathed a sigh of relief and nodded repeatedly.

Nanny was right.

Men needed coaxing too.

She would slowly win Liu Wenjie back.

After lecturing her a bit more, Liu Wenjie turned to Old Master Liu.

“Father, why hasn’t Hao’er arrived yet? Should we send someone to—”

Before he could finish, a tall figure with a stern, murderous aura walked in.

Liu Wenjie stood up excitedly.

“Hao’er!”

As expected of his eldest son—more outstanding than ever.

Liu Zhihao greeted him calmly.

“Father.”

His cold demeanor was like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing Liu Wenjie’s enthusiasm.

He laughed awkwardly and asked when he had returned and how long he would stay.

“Enough. Let Hao’er sit down first. We’ll talk after dinner,” Old Master Liu interrupted.

After greeting everyone, Liu Zhihao took a seat beside Old Master Liu.

Seeing his eldest grandson, Old Master Liu was in excellent spirits. After saying a few words, he ordered the meal to begin.

After a silent meal, the men went to the study, while the women dispersed.

“Big Brother, how many days are you staying?” Liu Zhiyan asked eagerly, eyes full of admiration.

“In a few days, I’ll return to the border,” Liu Zhihao replied.

“So soon?” Liu Zhiyan said disappointedly.

Seeing his little brother who used to follow him around, Liu Zhihao teased, “Can’t bear to part with me?”

Liu Zhiyan blushed. “Of course not!”

When did Big Brother learn to tease people?

Liu Zhihao patted his shoulder hard, making him grimace in pain. He smiled faintly.

“Fourth Brother asked about your studies. Are you confident?”

The family already had enough men on the battlefield.

War wasn’t a joke—it could cost lives.

He wanted his younger brother to walk the civil official path safely. The rest could be left to them.

“Big Brother, you met Fourth Brother?”

“Yes. I also met our niece.”

Liu Zhiyan’s eyes lit up.

“Is she pretty? Can she talk yet? Does she like the toys I sent?”

“She’s beautiful and smart,” Liu Zhihao said with a smile. “She can’t speak yet, but she expresses herself clearly. There’s a portrait at Grandpa’s place. You can go see it.”

Before he finished speaking, Liu Zhiyan rushed over.

Old Master Liu glanced at him, went to the desk, and carefully took out a box. From it, he removed a painting and unfolded it.

Solemnly, he said, “You may look, but not touch. There’s only one. What if you damage it?”