The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law had been contending with each other for two or three months, and Lady Zhao, out of helplessness, finally lost heart.
She once considered suggesting Xiuqin to become Wong Qiao's concubine. However, not only did Wong Qiao refuse, but Xiuqin remained silent, and even the neighbors said that it was inappropriate to add a concubine for a son right after the daughter-in-law enters the house.
Moreover, this daughter-in-law not only comes from a powerful family but also has backing from the palace. Doing such a thing would invite trouble.
Thus, Lady Zhao could only pinch her nose and continue living as if she had no daughter-in-law, wallowing in self-pity.
Zhou Biyao entered Lady Zhao's room with Qian Yue, first paying respects to her mother-in-law and then standing aside quietly, waiting for Lady Zhao to speak.
Lady Zhao had no chance to reproach Zhou Biyao, but she still maintained her mother-in-law's air of authority.
