Of the wives of Xu Mingwei and his two brothers, only Yang Ronghua had practiced neither martial arts nor cultivation. Like Bai Jing, she was an ordinary woman.
Yet neither woman forced the issue or felt troubled. They understood that those who knew contentment would always find happiness.
For Xu Chuan and Xu Mingwei each cherished their respective wives deeply.
Even if they had only sixty short years together, neither woman would have any complaints.
Bai Jing looked at everyone gathered under one roof, a faint smile lighting her face.
"Starting with your father, the Xu Household has grown steadily in your hands, reaching the prosperity we enjoy today. Every one of you deserves credit."
"Come, let us drink this cup together. May our Xu Household prosper and endure for ten thousand generations!"
"Prosper and endure for ten thousand generations!"
"Prosper and endure for ten thousand generations!"
Bai Jing's gaze settled on Zhang Wanqing and Wu Rushan. She smiled gently. "Wanqing, Rushan, thank you for bringing Yun'er and Rong'er into the world."
"Mother, you are too kind. Continuing the Xu Household's line is our duty. How could we call it hardship?" Born into an aristocratic clan, Wu Rushan spoke with greater composure than Zhang Wanqing.
"Yes, Mother, you are too kind."
Bai Jing nodded slightly, then continued, "Rushan, I heard about what happened to the Wu Household a while ago. Please take care of yourself in your grief."
"Mother, that is behind us now. The Fang, Wang, He, and Cao Households have also fallen into decline because of it." Wu Rushan sighed softly. "I know what the Wu Household used to be like. Had they been as discreet and benevolent as our Xu Household, they would never have suffered such a calamity."
"With my husband's tacit approval, I have sent