Chapter 679: Chapter 680 Can’t Compare_1 Chapter 679: Chapter 680 Can’t Compare_1 Tianniu hurriedly said, “No, no, no, he hasn’t done anything to aggrieve me, it’s just me who likes to overthink things.”

“If he hasn’t done anything, how could you overthink? Speak clearly to me. If you even hide this from me, then you’re not treating me as your sister, and all my affection for you has been in vain,” Muniang poked Tianniu’s head.

Tianniu sighed, “I truly can’t hide anything from you. Although I knew you would definitely investigate thoroughly when I returned, I didn’t expect you to find out so quickly.”

Tianniu had no choice but to tell Muniang everything about the situation in the Capital.

“Mu, sometimes I feel like I’m the one who’s wrong. He has his own ambitions, and I once said that everything that concerns him is mine to support, instead of becoming a stumbling block in his path. If it weren’t for his consideration for me, he probably would have a much brighter future by now,” Tianniu said with tears filling her eyes, “But I just can’t bear to see him with another woman. I don’t have any confidence in myself. If he marries another woman, will he still love me?”

“He won’t!” Muniang said decisively.

Tianniu was somewhat stunned, “Why?”

“Tianniu, you can help him with anything but this one thing; it’s a line you must not cross. You’re not his stumbling block; he should feel fortunate to marry you. With your intelligence and wisdom, you’re the only one who matches him stride for stride. If he marries a trophy wife, he likely wouldn’t achieve as much as he has today. One can’t have it both ways, and he should understand this,” Muniang said with absolute certainty, leaving no room for doubt.

If it were in the past, she might have hesitated, as this was ancient times after all, and she shouldn’t apply modern thinking to define someone else’s marriage. But the truth was often clear and undeniable.

Hadn’t Jian Yue also made compromises? But did she really retain her love? Not at all. Her relationship with Marquis Chen had fundamentally changed, tainted with too much scheming and manipulation. To outside eyes, their marriage seemed deeply affectionate, but who knew how many tactics Jian Yue employed behind the scenes, with every smile calculated.

Such a life might not necessarily be unhappy, but Muniang truly didn’t wish this for Tianniu. She was originally a carefree wild child raised in the countryside; her unbridled joy and reckless abandon were her greatest charms and precisely what attracted Zhao Jiangshui. If she became like Jian Yue, Zhao Jiangshui’s feelings for her would likely only include guilt and the dutiful love of a husband.

“Tianniu, in this life, never compromise yourself for someone else. In this respect, you must listen to me.”

Tianniu nodded, “I understand. Jiangshui has also promised me that he won’t take a concubine, but I still feel uneasy.”

“No, don’t just take his word for it; you must say it yourself.”

“I say it? What should I say?”

“Clarify your terms to him directly—the impossibility of taking a concubine must be made clear. If he accepts, then your worries will be laid to rest. If he hesitates, then I can only advise you to think carefully about your future. As your sister, I just want you to be happy for the rest of your life. I don’t care which man it is, be he from a prestigious and wealthy family or a destitute scholar; what matters is your own happiness. Look at yourself now, do you really think living like this has meaning?”

Tears rolled down Tianniu’s cheeks as she threw herself into Muniang’s arms, “No meaning at all, it’s especially senseless. In recent days, the more I lose and gain, the more… the more I dislike it, but I just can’t help it.”

Muniang’s heart ached, and she harbored resentment toward Zhao Jiangshui. She had entrusted her dearest sister to him, and this was how he treated her?

“Alright, don’t cry. Tomorrow morning, go and speak clearly with Zhao Jiangshui. Tianniu, you must be able to both hold on and let go. You’ve already stated your bottom line to him, and if he dares to violate it by even a fraction in the future, remember that not only I, but also your parents are your way out. Don’t suffer in silence; I believe Zhao Jiangshui wouldn’t want to see you like this either,” Muniang said gravely.

Tianniu nodded firmly, “I understand!”

The next morning, Tianniu didn’t need to go to the Zhao Family to find Zhao Jiangshui; he had already come personally to visit. In truth, he couldn’t put his mind at ease about Tianniu. She had been somewhat mad at him to begin with, and seeing her parents now, who seemed more reliable than him, what if she impulsively wanted to leave him behind?

Zhao Jiangshui broke into a cold sweat just thinking about it, no matter what, he couldn’t let go of his wife!

“Jiangshui, have you eaten breakfast? Why are you up so early?” Madam Liu said with a smile as she came out to greet him.

Zhao Jiangshui laughed, “I have eaten. I usually have early court, so I’m used to getting up early. Where’s Tianniu?”

Madam Liu chided, “Haven’t you seen her for just one day and you’re already missing her? We can’t just sell her off.”

Zhao Jiangshui laughed sheepishly and Madam Liu didn’t tease him any further, pointing inside, “She’s still sleeping in there. She talked so late at her cousin’s house yesterday that she’s still sound asleep now.”

“Alright, then I’ll go take a look at her.”

With that, he headed straight for the inner room.

Madam Liu suddenly felt amused. They had been married for three years, and he was still so affectionate?

Qiao Yuanming just happened to bring breakfast up, “Wife, has our son-in-law eaten yet? Have him join us.”

Honghai said with a grin, “Dad, brother-in-law went to see Mu. There’s a saying, ‘Not seeing her for a day feels like three autumns.’

Hongde pinched his face, “You smart aleck, you always know so much.”

Qiao Yuanming was stunned for a moment, “Is he that anxious?”

Madam Liu felt a bit off and glared at Qiao Yuanming, “Yes, other husbands can’t compare to my own.”

Qiao Yuanming was a rather honest and straightforward person, and for a moment he didn’t understand why Madam Liu was suddenly upset. He stood there, not knowing what to do, while the young lads exploded into laughter, nearly doubling over in pain.

Madam Liu glared, “Still laughing! All of you, eat your food!”

The young lads then settled down and obediently started eating their rice.

Zhao Jiangshui pushed the door open and saw Tianniu sleeping soundly. She had become increasingly lighter sleeper, and it was rare to see her sleep so deeply. It seemed coming home felt different.

Zhao Jiangshui couldn’t help but feel a pang of self-reproach, perhaps he really hadn’t taken good care of her. Yesterday, when she saw her parents and Muniang, that hearty, genuine smile of hers, he had not seen it in a long time.

Zhao Jiangshui sighed and sat by the bed, gently touching her cheek, which to his surprise stirred Tianniu awake in a daze. Seeing Zhao Jiangshui by the bed, she was startled, “Why are you here?”

Zhao Jiangshui smiled, “Did I wake you up?”