No matter whether it was the Dayu Dynasty or the previous dynasties, women have always upheld the concept of obeying their father at home, their husband after getting married, and their son if their husband dies.
Many families also believe that a married daughter is like water thrown out - she is no longer part of her own family and belongs to her husband's family after marriage.
However, this does not apply to the prestigious families in the capital Fengjing, especially those from the prominent families.
Women may not be as precious as boys, but they can bring affinal ties and become a bond between two families. They have the qualification to obtain protection, which is the backbone for minor families to survive in Fengjing.
These families often teach their daughters that no matter who they marry, never forget their natal family. The natal family is the warmest harbor and the most solid backing. Only when the natal family is well off can they be well off.
When marrying a wife from an upper-class family becomes popular, minor families have thoroughly found a shortcut to advance.
"But isn't Fengjing the most particular about matching social status?" Jiang Sheng asked doubtfully while resting her cheek in her hand.
Old Lady Jiang chuckled. "Then let me ask you, how can the prince and princess match each other in status?"
The imperial family is already the most dignified existence in the Dayu Dynasty. Apart from foreign marriages, there is no one who can truly match them in status.
Even the seemingly well-matched families in Fengjing are no more than intentionally courting each other and exchanging resources.
For example, the Zhu family and the Tao family, as well as the Yao family and the Jiang family.
"There are no absolutes in this world. Married women often take care of both the husband’s family and the natal family at the same time, occasionally favoring the natal family more, which is common," said Old Lady Jiang indifferently. "It also happens frequently that the downfall of the natal family implicates the married daughters."
It can be said that married daughters are not estranged from their natal families after getting married. On the contrary, the relationship becomes even closer and they form a community of shared interests.
"In terms of feelings, after over ten years of upbringing by the parents, how unfilial and heartless would it be to become strangers to them just because of marriage?" sighed Old Lady Jiang.
"In the end, when ties with the natal family are severed and one still can't integrate into the husband's family, that would be the real tragedy."
Just like Zhang Xianglian, who lost her home after getting married.
Jiang Sheng looked a little sad and clumsily patted Old Lady Jiang to ease the atmosphere.
"Grandma, don't be upset. You still have me."
The child probably misunderstood.
Old Lady Jiang held back her laughter. "My dear, don't worry. I'm fine. The Jiang family has a close relationship with the Yao family. We rise and fall together. Although the Yao family's development is slightly weaker than that of the Jiang family, as long as I'm still alive, the Yao family's status will remain as steady as a mountain."
Although she and Madam Liao are both Jiang family daughters-in-law, Old Lady Jiang accompanied Old General to the battlefield and raised the general who fought on the battlefield. She handled the funeral of her parents-in-law and personally saw Old General off at the end.
As long as she does not commit a grave mistake to overthrow the dynasty, the Jiang family can only treat her respectfully.
On the other hand, it would be acceptable for Madam Liao to marry up and take out money to assist the Liao family. The Jiang family is even willing to help take over the lychee business, clearly preparing to give a hand in this marriage alliance.
What she should never ever have done was to confuse the Jiang family bloodline, switch the crown prince surreptitiously, treat Jiang Sheng coldly without remorse or repentance.
Old Lady Jiang did not immediately issue a divorce decree. First, there was no solid evidence. Second, it was to leave some dignity for Jiang Chengyuan. Third, she would let General Jiang personally handle this himself.
But the Liao family would definitely no longer receive any assistance from the Jiang family.
"Old Lady, I've been holding back this question for a long time..." Tan Yue finally could not refrain from asking, "Why did the Jiang family marry into the Liao family back then?"
For the older generation’s marriages, the Jiang family chose the Yao family, which was of this level of prominence. How did it become Madam Liao in General Jiang's generation?
Including Second Madam Jiang of the West Wing Courtyard who was not from a prominent family, just an ordinary merchant's daughter.
It was understandable for Jiang Jizong as an illegitimate son, but General Jiang was the legitimate heir of the Jiang family and the Yao family. To exaggerate a little, even a princess would have been fitting, so why did he marry someone as insignificant as Madam Liao?
Old Lady Jiang pondered for a long time. "Because the Jiang family's status couldn't continue to grow."
Military power attracts scrutiny.
Looking at the entire Fengjing, no military commander who wielded huge military power dared to unscrupulously form marriage alliances to continuously expand his influence after his ambition and desires swelled simultaneously.
General Fang, for example, married the daughter of a minor family in Anshui Prefecture.
How could Old Lady Jiang dare to find a lady from a prominent family for General Jiang or get a formidable father-in-law with power and influence?
The Liao family was small in stature with some shops for business and no influence in the court. Back then, Madam Liao was beautiful and conducted herself properly. She caught General Jiang’s eyes and this marriage was thus accomplished.
Unfortunately, after eighteen years, Madam Liao has proven with her actions today that General Jiang’s eyes had failed him back then.
"The General would probably be very heartbroken if he knew all this," said Tan Yue sympathetically.
Old Lady Jiang glanced at her. "He already knew."
In May, letters had been sent to the border, and although no reply had been received, her informant in the palace reported that the General had begun preparing to apply for a recall to Beijing.
Yes, this was also the sorrow of being a general.
Due to the military power they wielded and the need to guard the borders, they could only return home once every three to five years. Not only did they have to prepare the defense properly in advance, but they also needed to apply for recall and could not return without permission.
Back then, when Old General Jiang’s parents passed away, constrained by intense battles, he couldn’t even return to personally oversee their funeral arrangements and could only leave it to Old Lady Jiang.
Similarly in the future when she dies, it is likely her son would not show up either, leaving it to her grandchildren to send her off by Old General’s side.
Such is the life of military families - sacrifice is the reason for the Jiang family’s glory!
There is no top-notch prominent family that gains power easily. Even civil officials need to scheme, let alone military commanders who stake their future with blood.
"It’s a pity the Jiang family lacks successors," sighed Old Lady Jiang.
From the perspective of grandmotherly love, she should feel glad her later generations don’t need to fight desperately without concern for their lives.
But from an overall perspective, she felt sad that the centurial pride of the Jiang family would eventually be cut off here.
A faint sadness lingered in the air. Jiang Sheng rubbed her furry little head over, trying to lift the depressing atmosphere.
Old Lady Jiang stroked her hair, but the smile did not reach her eyes.
Madam Liao’s words seemed like displaced anger without any logic. What did the relations between the Jiang and Liao families have to do with the Yao family? Was there something she still didn't know?
"Grandma, don't think about it," Jiang Sheng coaxed like a spoiled child. "Look at me, look at me."
The chubby little girl deliberately pushed up her nose on purpose, revealing round pig-like nostrils, even twitching them twice, making her look even more like a piglet.
Tan Yue chuckled.
Old Lady Jiang was helpless but still more tearful than happy.
The gloomy atmosphere was eventually dispelled, and the whole room was filled with joy.
Everywhere was fine, except Zheng Ruqian who had been waiting outside for a long time and whose legs were shaky. "Where is my sister? Is my sister lost? Why isn't she coming out yet?" If she didn't come out soon, the ice would melt!
