Once Granny Chen was ready, two maids lifted her onto a sedan chair and carried her out.
Outside, she saw everyone, aside from Mr. Chen, standing in the courtyard with stern faces, glaring at her. Even her son was among them, his face dark with displeasure.
Granny Chen felt an inexplicable guilt, but when she remembered that her son was a high-ranking official and these clansmen were merely country peasants, she regained her composure. She straightened her solid gold phoenix hairpin encrusted with pearls and addressed a few elders, "I apologize for the wait. My old age has rendered me slow. Why stand outside? Come in for some tea, let's chat. Is there another problem in the clan? Rest assured, I will ask my son to..."
"Shut up! You wicked woman!" Mr. Chen reprimanded. "You've even brought your own son to ruin, and yet you dare flaunt the airs of a lady?"
