Madam Qi pushed the door open and walked in, clicking her tongue. “What kind of world is this, where the mother-in-law has to avoid the daughter-in-law? In the olden days, she would have to follow my rules—I’d sit while she stood, I’d eat while she watched.”0

Qi Xuansu felt a little awkward and cleared his throat. “What mother-in-law and daughter-in-law? Things between me and Qing Xiao haven’t been settled yet. Besides, it’s been 200 years since the Daoist Order took charge. Those rules are ancient history!”0

In the past, Confucians ruled the world, prioritizing loyalty and filial piety. Especially in wealthy households, daughters-in-law were expected to serve their in-laws diligently, handling chores and showing deference day and night. If a daughter-in-law rebelled, she would be labeled “unfilial” and condemned. 0

There were exceptions, such as when a princess married into a family. The mother-in-law would not dare exert authority in the household. At most, she would be exempted from...0