You expect me to serve your mistress? The mistress is driving this scumbag and his entire family cra

Chapter 25 I Don't Want to Become a Second Liangjiang
Grandma Fang grabbed him and said, "We have nothing left now. If you anger her and she changes her mind about marrying you, won't we lose both our wife and our money?"
Today, I borrowed money from Liang Jiang and promised to repay it today. Go find Tong Zhao and talk to her nicely; see if you can lend her five hundred taels to repay Liang Jiang.”

Grandma Fang didn't dare tell Fang Chengxu about mortgaging the house deed, fearing she would be blamed again.

Fang Chengxu said sullenly, "I understand."

He turned and left the courtyard, heading straight for Yixiang Garden.

Yixiang Garden.

Tong Zhao'er had already heard about Old Madam Fang's failed attempt to steal a chicken and ended up losing more than she gained. Instead of being anxious, she was actually a little gloating.

After all, she was a young lady from a powerful and wealthy family, and she couldn't even see a few thousand taels of silver in her eyes.

Fang Chengxu returned dejectedly, while Tong Zhao'er greeted him with a beaming smile, "You're back?"

Fang Chengxu sat silently in front of the child's cradle.

Tong Zhao'er teased, "This is what you call going in high spirits and returning in disappointment. Look at your disheveled appearance. It's just a few thousand taels of silver. If you can't sell it, keep it for our daughter."

"Are you hoping these pills won't sell?" Fang Chengxu asked coldly.

"If I gain it, it's my fortune; if I lose it, it's my fate. It's your mother's fault for being so clever. It has nothing to do with me. Why are you taking it out on me?"

"How can you say it's not related? My mother did all this for us!" Fang Chengxu tried his best to suppress his anger and said calmly, "Now that she's fallen ill from anxiety, we both bear responsibility."

"Hmph," Tong Zhao'er sneered, "If anyone's to blame, it's your Fang family for being poor! What responsibility do I have? I never knew before that such a large Fang family was all supported by Liang Jiang. If only I had known..."

"So what if you knew this would happen? Do you regret marrying me, Fang Chengxu?"

Seeing that his eyes seemed to be filled with ice and that he spoke coldly, Tong Zhao'er immediately retorted.

"What are you saying? I risked everything and alienated everyone to follow you, would I do that for your money? My daughter from the General's Mansion isn't so naive!"

Fang Chengxu's heart softened when he thought of the grievances Tong Zhao'er had suffered for his sake.

"The Fang family is indeed in dire straits right now. I just feel guilty that I can't give you what you want. I'm afraid I'll have to ask you for help to get through this difficult time."

Tong Zhao'er immediately refused: "If you were short of money, I would help you without hesitation. But it is impossible for me to help your whole family like Liang Jiang did."

Fang Chengxu continued to plead gently: "I know I've wronged you, but there are priorities. Take Fang Yuan's matter today, for example. You are, after all, her sister-in-law. If you refuse to contribute, Liang Jiang will ultimately forgive and forget..."

“You don’t need to use Liang Jiang to blackmail me,” Tong Zhao’er interrupted him. “Don’t think I don’t know what Liang Jiang is up to. She just wants to curry favor with you and deliberately outshine me!”

If you think she's good, then go back to her. I'm not going to be foolish enough to become another Liang Jiang!

Tong Zhao'er showed no mercy, giving Fang Chengxu a thorough dressing-down. Fang Chengxu, unable to save face, turned and left.

Tong Zhao'er, furious, asked from behind, "What are you going to do so late?"

Fang Chengxu didn't turn around, leaving only one sentence: "My mother is unwell, and it is a daughter-in-law's responsibility to take care of her at her bedside!"

Tong Zhao'er scoffed, "She can't even have a peaceful postpartum period. She's putting on an act, trying to manipulate me with the same tactics she used on Liang Jiang. These past few months, she's been full of energy and in great health!"

Zhao Ma gently put the sleeping child down and couldn't help but advise, "Miss, aren't you being a bit too stubborn? Why are you pushing your son-in-law away?"

"You don't expect me to lend you this money, do you? If you do it once, you'll do it again. The Fang family is a bottomless pit."

Aunt Zhao sighed softly, "The young master is in a low mood today. If you lend him the money, he might not remember your kindness. But if you don't lend it to him, he might hold a grudge against you for the rest of his life."

Besides, even if you don't want to lend it, you should clearly explain your difficulties and concerns so that he can understand, instead of simply refusing outright.

Tong Zhao'er thought about it and realized that she had indeed been a bit too forceful just now. Feeling remorseful, she instructed Zhao Ma:

“He’s just come back from a long day’s work, he must be hungry. Go to the kitchen and take the soup you just made for me to him.”

Aunt Zhao agreed and went to do it immediately.

Fang Chengxu was truly hungry after leaving Yixiang Garden, especially when he smelled the aroma of food wafting from Liang Jiang's courtyard, which was like a hook, drawing him in. He had heard that since Liang Jiang started cooking for herself in her courtyard, she prepared a variety of meals every day, creating a stark contrast to the food served at the Fang residence.

Liang Jiang was also good at winning people's hearts, and the maids and servants in the mansion often went to Tingzhu Garden to enjoy the feast.

The Fang family will likely have to cut back on food supplies soon.

Fang Chengxu thought that since Liang Jiang had been so generous in helping the Fang family despite past grievances, he should personally go and express his gratitude.

As soon as he entered the courtyard, the laughter and chatter inside immediately ceased. Yu Ma and the others all turned their heads, looking at him with eyes full of vigilance and wariness.

Liang Jiang sat on the swing set, swaying slowly: "Young Master Fang, is there something you need?"

Fang Chengxu rubbed his hands awkwardly: "I came to thank you."

“No need,” Liang Jiang said coldly, “I can’t accept this.”

In front of the servants, Fang Chengxu couldn't bring himself to admit defeat and remained silent for a moment.

With her keen eye, Aunt Yu led the group away.

Fang Chengxu then said, "But I can't repay this money today. At most, the imperial court's reward should be issued in three or four days."

"Okay." Liang Jiang said only one word, sparing with her words.

Fang Chengxu felt grateful: "I was the one who wronged you before. I never expected that you would not only not kick me when I was down, but also..."

Liang Jiang's voice grew even colder: "Don't misunderstand, I have never forgiven your family for what they did to me."

My willingness to help the Fang family today stems solely from my long-held admiration for soldiers who defend their country with unwavering loyalty. The Fang family, after all, is descended from loyal and virtuous descendants.

"I thought you looked down on us martial arts performers who wield swords and sticks."

"Your eyesight has never been good."

“No,” Fang Chengxu hesitated for a moment, “Before I went to the capital to participate in the martial arts examination, Madam Liang tried to dissuade me. I thought it was your idea, after all, you didn’t want to marry me back then.”

Liang Jiang was unaware of this and was somewhat surprised. She knew her mother didn't want any further involvement with the capital, but surely that wouldn't go so far as to interfere with Fang Chengxu's future?

"One general's success is built on the bones of ten thousand soldiers. She was just worried about your safety and didn't want me to follow in her footsteps."

"you……"

“My father died on the battlefield, and my mother cried so much that her eyes were ruined.”

Fang Chengxu's heart softened, and he felt a little guilty: "I'm sorry, I didn't know."

Liang Jiang shrugged: "I have admired my father since I was a child and hoped to be like him, riding a horse and wielding a silver spear, galloping across the battlefield. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil."

Fang Chengxu smiled wryly: "The battlefield is cruel, not as exhilarating as you imagine."

Liang Jiang tilted her head: "Of course I know. Fighting a war isn't just about horsemanship; you also need to be well-versed in military strategy and the Thirty-Six Stratagems. But it's still better than the intrigue and factionalism in the imperial court."

Seeing her naive tone, Fang Chengxu felt a surge of pride and blurted out, "Actually, it's the same in the military camp. Where there is power, there is intrigue and backstabbing."

Liang Jiang chuckled: "I don't believe it. I've heard that in the military, the most capable rise to the top, and whoever kills the most enemies becomes the general."

Her smile was like a spring flower in full bloom, charming and radiant. Fang Chengxu was momentarily stunned, as if he had lost his soul.

He said blankly, "Not entirely. Take, for example, that most capable deputy general under the Duke of Liang. He had countless military achievements throughout his life, but now he can only serve as a border guard. Do you know why?"

Liang Jiang's heart skipped a beat: "Why?"

Before Fang Chengxu could answer, he suddenly heard someone behind him angrily questioning, "Fang Chengxu, is this what you call caring for someone at their bedside? Under the guise of filial piety, you've come here to meet this slut in secret!"

(End of this chapter)