Mrs. He's attitude was quite puzzling. She was not particularly warm towards Chen Afu, even looking at her disdainfully from the corner of her eyes, her smiles merely polite and insincere. Yet, she was chatty and cordial with Mrs. Jiang, often holding Mrs. Jiang's hand to display their closeness. When Mrs. Jiang wanted to sit next to Chen Afu, she would stop her from rising.
The Hes had always wished to form marital ties with The Chens, so why did Mrs. He have such different attitudes towards the mother and daughter of the Chen family? At the very least, she should not disdain Chen Afu's background?
After some thought, it made sense to her. Chen Afu was Chen Shiying's "illegitimate child." To these "mistresses," a child born out of wedlock was even more unwelcome than a child born to a concubine. They suspected that Mrs. Jiang also detested Chen Afu, but she tolerated her for her virtuous reputation and to win favor from the men.