Chapter 200: The Way of the World - The Great Path of the Universe
In the midst of the constant sound of cicadas, the day gradually drew to a close. Having nearly choked during lunch, Sheng Hong sent word that he would be buried in his official duties and would eat in his study, telling his children to eat on their own and not to gather again. It seemed Hai Shi had anticipated this, as she had already divided the dishes and soups into several portions and instructed the maids to place them neatly into food baskets to be delivered to various rooms.
After finishing her tasks, she quickly returned to her own room and saw that her husband had already finished eating and was sitting by the table, blowing on a bowl of warm tea. Hai Shi quietly walked over and softly said, "It's still bright outside, eating in such a hurry—be careful not to harm your digestion."
Changbai put down the tea bowl, stood up, and said, "The sooner it's settled, the better."
Seeing his tired face, Hai Shi felt deeply concerned but refrained from saying too much. She stepped forward to tidy his attire and hesitantly asked, "Did Grandmother take well to your advice today? She seemed quite upset."
Changbai was silent for a moment before replying, "If she doesn't listen, I have ways to make her."
Hai Shi paused for a moment, then heard Changbai instruct, "After you've eaten, go to Shou'an Hall and take over for Sixth Sister in serving Grandmother. She looks exhausted."
Hai Shi smiled and said, "You don't need to tell me. I know. I'll bring Quange'er and his sister over as well. Perhaps seeing the children will cheer Grandmother up and help her recover."
Changbai nodded. "That would be good, but make sure the children don't disturb her too much since she's still unwell."
After saying that, Changbai strode out of the room. Outside the second gate was Old Lu, who had already harnessed the carriage, and together with a few other servants, they left. Heading south, they arrived at a large, four-paneled door painted in a jujube color in less than half an hour. On either side of the door were dark lacquered wooden pillars, and the plaque above the main entrance read "Imperially Granted King Ge Minister's Mansion." The gatekeeper, recognizing Changbai, immediately sent someone inside to report and personally led the way.
Inside, Old Madam Wang was feeling restless. She had barely eaten her dinner and was half-reclining on a Luohan bed, sighing continuously. Uncle Wang stood nearby, awkwardly holding a bowl of bird's nest porridge, unsure how to comfort her. Upon hearing that Changbai had come to visit, both exchanged surprised glances. Madam Wang quickly straightened up, full of suspicion, while Wang Jiufu put down the bowl and instructed the maids and servants to leave.
When Changbai entered the room, he made a deep bow in greeting.
Old Madam Wang sneered and said, "You're a great official, a judge of the highest order. This old woman dares not accept your courtesy. Perhaps today's scolding wasn't enough, and you've come to continue berating me?"
Changbai lowered his head and replied, "It was disrespectful of me earlier today. If Grandmother wishes to scold or punish me, it is only right. However, regarding Aunt, the decision cannot be changed. I have already asked Lord Gu (Gu Tingye) to submit a memorial to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, so that the matter may be handled quickly. I only ask for Grandmother's consent."
The Department of Punishment (慎戒司) cannot arbitrarily detain individuals; only when both the woman's family and husband's family jointly request it can the matter proceed.
Upon hearing this, Madam Wang's anger flared up again. She slapped the bed and cursed, "As long as I still draw breath, I will never let you disgrace your Aunt! Asking for my consent? In your dreams!"
Changbai was not surprised by her reaction and gently replied, "Aunt is your own daughter, and though I am merely a grandson and have not experienced the hardship of ten months of pregnancy, every time I see my young children, I always wish for them to live their lives free from hardship and suffering. How could I not understand your deep motherly love?"
Madam Wang's eyes reddened, though she stubbornly turned her head away, refusing to look at him. "You speak so nicely, yet you're determined to bully your aunt!"
Changbai took a few steps closer, standing by the side of the Luohan bed, and sighed, "When Grandfather Sheng passed away suddenly, great Grandfather and Grandmother were still in the capital, and they knew what had happened." Old Madam Wang sat upright, her face stern but silent. Changbai continued, "When Grandmother Sheng was newly widowed, she was barely in her early twenties. The old Marquis and Marquise of the Yongyi family were still alive, and the entire Xu family urged her to remarry."
Madam Wang maintained a tense expression, though her eyes betrayed a slight emotional shift.
"...There are some things I only came to know later," Changbai sighed. "In fact, the Xu family had already found a suitable match for Grandmother. Lord Tang Annian, who was then the governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, had recently become a widower. He was a two-time imperial scholar, though a bit older, but he only had two legitimate daughters and one son from a concubine. If Grandmother were to marry him, the family would surely have been harmonious and prosperous in the future."
Madam Wang remained silent, but Uncle Wang couldn't help but express his feelings, "The Tang family is an old, prestigious family from Songjiang. For Lady Sheng to remain loyal to her late husband and raise her brother-in-law, truly is..." He glanced at his mother's expression and stopped midway.
"Over these decades, not only did Grandmother protect Father's inheritance, but she also used her dowry to support him in many ways, even hiring renowned teachers for his education. When Father was seeking a marriage alliance, the Yongyi Marquisate had shown interest, but Grandmother saw that they were offering either distant relatives or illegitimate daughters, none of whom were suitable in terms of background or character. For the sake of Father's future, she would rather sever ties with the Xu family than settle for a lesser match. And as for my elder sister, myself, and my younger sisters, Grandmother treated us all as her own children... With all this, the Sheng family owes Grandmother a debt as deep as the mountains and seas. If Father and I do not seek justice for her, could we still call ourselves men?"
Changbai pounded his fist heavily into his palm.
Madam Wang couldn't help but let out a long sigh. Indeed, Lady Sheng was of upright and noble character, never concerned with trivial matters. A legitimate wife arranging for a concubine's son to marry a girl from her own family not only maintained familial ties but also strengthened the bond with the concubine's son—this seemed completely reasonable. In other words, if Sheng Hong had married a Xu family girl back then, Lady Sheng would not have suffered like this today.
"Grandson knows what weighs on Grandmother's heart," Changbai said. "Grandson, for the sake of someone not of my bloodline, severely punished Aunt and contradicted Grandmother, seeming to disregard my true blood relatives." He looked at her intently. Madam Wang let out a heavy snort, but her expression was no longer as angry as before.
"At that time, many people advised Grandmother not to raise someone who wasn't her own flesh and blood. Not only did the world think so, but even Aunt believed it in her heart. That's why she had no hesitation in harming Grandmother, assuming that Father and I would just brush it off lightly!"
Changbai suddenly raised his voice, speaking harshly, "There are gods watching three feet above us! Must we really wait until Grandmother regrets this in the afterlife for the heavens and earth to see that this world is full of people who repay kindness with ingratitude?"
Uncle Wang nodded repeatedly in silent agreement. Finally, Madam Wang let out a sorrowful sigh, slowly turning to face Changbai, and said, "How could I not know that your aunt has committed a great wrong? But... she is still my flesh and blood!"
"Is Aunt the only one who is your flesh and blood, Grandmother?" Changbai replied calmly.
Madam Wang was stunned.
Changbai looked directly into her eyes. "When she was young, Mother often said that although Uncle Wang treated her very well, her greatest regret was still not being able to enjoy the love of her biological parents. When playing with neighborhood children, she often couldn't escape being bullied and called 'abandoned by her parents.'"
Feeling a pang in her heart, Madam Wang began to tear up. "I owe your mother so much. I always thought I could make it up to her..."
Changbai replied, "Mother has been outside for over a decade, never receiving the love of her parents, while Aunt shows not a shred of sympathy."
Madam Wang opened her mouth but could find no reason to counter his words.
"This time, Aunt completely disregarded the safety of her biological sister and even intended to harm her," Changbai said, visibly angered. "Grandmother keeps talking about blood ties, but does Aunt have even a trace of concern for the fact that my mother is also her own flesh and blood?!"
Uncle Wang shook his head and said, "Eldest sister has indeed gone too far. Even I feel a chill from this."
Old Madam Wang glanced at her son and then at her grandson, feeling weak. "But there's no need to punish her so severely! The Shenjisi... really cannot go!"
Changbai said, "When I was a child and came to visit the Wang family, there was a time when Yuo cousin and I climbed a tree to pick hawthorn berries. After half a day's hard work, we managed to gather half a basket. Grandfather, however, told us to throw out half of what we had picked. I was very reluctant, but Grandfather explained, 'If you don't discard the rotten fruits, the remaining good ones won't last either.' That lesson about life and dealing with people has stayed with me ever since."
At the mention of her late husband, Old Madam Wang's expression became somber. She struggled to respond, "What do you mean by that...?"
Changbai replied, "Aunt has long since become a rotten fruit, only bringing harm to the family."
Old Madam Wang angrily retorted, "How can you speak of your elder like that?!"
"Over the years, Uncle has constantly had to clean up Aunt's messes. No matter how Grandmother tried to teach her, Aunt continued to act as she pleased—being cruel to her stepchildren, mistreating concubines, and frequently resorting to violence and even taking lives. This isn't the first time she's used poison!" Changbai then turned to Uncle Wang. "To cover up for Aunt, how many times has Uncle sacrificed his own dignity, sought out favors, pulled strings, and spent money? With Uncle's qualifications, he should have been appointed to a position in the capital long ago. Yet, for over a decade, he's been relegated to outside posts."
Even at the same level, capital officials outrank provincial ones. Initially, Wang uncle held a higher position than Sheng Hong, but by the time Sheng Hong arrived in the capital, they were equal. Now, Sheng Hong had risen a half-rank higher, and being a capital official made that difference even greater.
When thinking about his career, Uncle Wang couldn't help but feel downcast. The old lady glanced at her son, feeling guilty as she lowered her head with a sigh.
"It's not just about my uncle, but also about Cousin You. I've also heard about Cousin Yuan," Changbai continued, pressing further. "Although my eldest sister-in-law, Madam Wen, took years to conceive, she at least had other children. But Grandfather's line has only one heir, and it's been dragged on until now. Grandmother has already done more than enough for Aunt."
Doing right by her daughter meant neglecting the Wang family, and as the old lady thought of her late husband, her heart felt weak.
"Cousin You is getting older, and Grandmother should consider the Wang family more," Changbai gently advised. "As long as Aunt remains, the Wang family will continue to suffer because of her. Today it's murder, tomorrow it's poison—when will it ever end? Will Grandmother continue to protect a daughter who has done so much evil, while neglecting Uncle, Cousin You, and the other cousins? Aren't they also Grandmother's blood relatives?"
The old lady grew increasingly uneasy as she pondered this.
Her late husband was exceptionally talented and had accomplished great feats, his memorial tablet placed in the Hall of Eminent Officials, his name renowned throughout the land. Her son, though not as capable, was at least able to maintain the family's status, benefiting from the ancestral glory to shelter her grandson Wang You. But what about the generations after him?
As the Sheng family's rise to prosperity became increasingly apparent, with a growing number of offspring excelling in the imperial exams and establishing noble marriages, the Wang family appeared to pale in comparison. Moreover, her grandson still had no children.
"Must she really be sent to the Bureau of Caution and Discipline...?" The old lady wavered, thinking of her honest and filial son and grandson.
"She must be sent!" Changbai declared decisively. "Aunt has refused to change her ways. In the past, she confined her evil deeds to the inner household, but now her audacity has grown. Even disregarding familial ties, the Sheng family is a prominent official family, and yet she dared to strike. Framing her own sister without fear—Aunt is banking on Grandmother rescuing her. If we don't take decisive action now, the next disaster will be even harder to contain."
"But... she will never come out again..." the old lady wept, her resolve weakening.
"The virtue of a noble family only lasts five generations unless maintained. Many prominent families strictly discipline their children for fear of internal strife," Changbai gently placed a hand on the old lady's shoulder and advised, "Grandmother, in the future, you can still look after Cousin Kang. Besides," he added after a pause, "if she isn't sent there, Uncle Kang will surely divorce her. What will happen to Cousin Kang and the others then?"
The old lady wept silently, her heart torn with indecision.
Changbai leaned closer to his grandmother and said firmly, "Even if it costs me twenty years of my official career, I will not leave Aunt out in the open."
The old lady slowly wiped away her tears, knowing her grandson was resolute. She hesitated and said, "But your uncle may not agree to send her to the Bureau of Caution and Discipline." Her son-in-law had long despised her daughter, and once he learned of this matter, he would surely be eager to write a letter of divorce.
"No, Uncle will definitely agree," Changbai smiled for the first time.
...
"Why would he agree?"
In the study, father and son sat across from each other, a pot of clear wine, two cold dishes, and a plate of richly flavored duck tongues with soy sauce set on the table.
Sheng Hong looked utterly baffled, "Your uncle and aunt may be husband and wife, but they've been at odds for years. Now with such a perfect excuse, he would be eager to divorce her. Why would he obediently agree to this?"
Changbai calmly rolled up his sleeves and poured wine for his father, saying slowly, "There is a concubine in Uncle's household, surnamed Jin, who is quite skillful. She not only has children but has been favored for over a decade without falling out of favor."
Sheng Hong was taken aback and immediately said, "Could it be that the daughter given as a concubine to Old Prince Wang recently is the daughter of this Concubine Jin?"
Changbai nodded, placed down the wine jug, and said softly, "There are people under the Marquis who can connect with Concubine Jin's closest confidants. Whether Aunt is divorced or dead, once Uncle is without a principal wife, he will undoubtedly remarry. If he brings in a young and beautiful wife, how will this Concubine Jin manage?"
Sheng Hong slowly continued, "So, the person who would most like to see Aunt, the legitimate wife, remain only in name is Concubine Jin. This way, it prevents a new wife from entering the household, and she can maintain control in the inner chambers while her children benefit."
Changbai added, "Sending Aunt to the Bureau of Caution and Discipline, outwardly explained as being sent to the manor for convalescence, would preserve the reputation of all three families."
Sheng Hong chuckled, but then frowned, saying, "But your uncle has wanted to divorce your aunt for a long time. Would he listen to his concubine's advice?"
"He will. First, Concubine Jin's daughter is quite favored in the Wang household, and Uncle depends on Old Prince Wang for many matters. Second, Uncle will be told this: because of Aunt's poisoning incident, the Wang and Sheng families have quarreled intensely. The Wang family is determined to protect Aunt, while the Sheng family..." Changbai smiled slightly, "is on the verge of being persuaded."
Sheng Hong understood and smiled, saying, "If your uncle doesn't agree to send her to the Bureau of Caution and Discipline, then this matter will be brushed under the rug."
Changbai said, "And Father will say that after all, the old lady has woken up, and divorcing her would affect several nephews, which he cannot bear."
"Since he cannot divorce her, when the time comes, your uncle will likely insist even more strongly that I must not show any leniency and demand that she be sent away!"
Uncle Kang, lacking both witnesses and evidence, would be eager to quickly rid himself of Kang Wangshi, so he could only comply. Sheng Hong clapped his hands and laughed, praising, "I didn't expect my son to possess the strategic talent of Chen Ping!" Then he teased, "How do you know so much about the inner workings of the Kang family?"
Changbai replied solemnly, "The Kang family is a source of trouble, bound to cause issues sooner or later. Seeing how Uncle and Father have repeatedly helped them, I always felt uneasy and kept an eye on them."
Relieved that such a complicated matter had been resolved, Sheng Hong happily drank two cups of wine but then sighed with some regret, saying, "After all, she is your legitimate aunt. If it weren't for your sister stirring things up to this extent, I wouldn't have wanted to be so ruthless."
Unexpectedly, Changbai sternly replied, "Father, you are mistaken. Even if my sister hadn't caused this incident, I would still have pursued it."
Sheng Hong was taken aback, his mouth twitching slightly, "…Why is that?"
"Could it be that Father wants to be blackmailed for a lifetime?" Changbai poured another cup of wine for Sheng Hong. "This matter has erupted now, and reason is on our side. If it were delayed, Father would inevitably be accused of 'neglecting your legitimate mother and being cold-hearted and ungrateful.' It's fortunate that this came to light now. Otherwise, when Grandmother passes away, someone could bring it up. Even if we survive, we would be smeared with scandal."
"This matter has been covered up; who would bring it up again?" Sheng Hong was puzzled. Both Aunt Kang and the Wang family would be eager to bury the issue.
"There are plenty of people in the Xu family," Changbai responded.
Sheng Hong laughed, "The old lady severed ties with her maternal family long ago. Why would the Xu family come to seek justice?"
"What if someone were pulling the strings behind the scenes?" Changbai said coolly. "When things are smooth and prosperous, no one will mention it. But what if the Sheng family faces a critical moment? If I were them, I would hold onto this leverage and use it to strike at a key moment."
Sheng Hong's laughter abruptly stopped. As he thought it over, cold sweat began to drip down his back—he remembered something from his past. During the year he took his imperial exams, Grand Secretary Yuan and Grand Secretary Song were vying for the position of first minister. They were evenly matched, and even the late emperor found it difficult to decide. At that time, an imperial censor suddenly submitted a memorial, accusing Grand Secretary Yuan of embezzling his deceased brother's estate and causing his widow's death through grief.
In truth, the Yuan family's eldest sister-in-law had always been weak and frail, and having no children, it's plausible that she died from excessive grief. But her maternal family jumped out to cry injustice, bringing forward many dubious witnesses. A single bite from a scoundrel can sink in deep, and Grand Secretary Yuan was utterly defeated because of it.
"This matter simply cannot be covered up," Changbai said in a grave tone. "It's not just Aunt Kang; there are plenty of people around her who know about it. The stewards and old maids, just one day of questioning from Sixth Sister would bring it all out. Not to mention, if someone with ulterior motives decides to exploit it."
Sheng Hong, who had harbored grand ambitions since his youth to elevate the family, grew increasingly alarmed as he thought about his future descendants possibly achieving high office, only to be dragged down by this scandal.
"That's not all. There's also Aunt Kang. What if she uses this to blackmail Father in the future? By then, there will be no evidence or witnesses left, and she could claim that it was Mother who poisoned them. Father, concerned about his reputation and official standing, might be accused of ignoring the truth and covering up the facts."
Sheng Hong slammed the table in fury, "How dare that vile woman!"
"She dared to poison someone at a relative's house; what wouldn't she dare to do?"
In Changbai's view, Aunt Kang had long lost her sanity, her malice and madness reaching unfathomable levels. According to her twisted logic, anyone who crossed her deserved to suffer, and anyone standing in her way had to be eliminated. She should have been locked away years ago.
"For the sake of the future, we must act swiftly and decisively. Once the case is handed over to the Imperial Household Department, Father will have solid ground to stand on when it's brought up later— the culprit has already been punished, and Mother has been repenting in the family temple for years. Everyone in the old family can testify to that. Then, Grandmother can take control of the deeds and clear out Aunt Kang's people. The matter will be resolved properly."
Sheng Hong stared blankly at his son, feeling both proud and relieved. The more he looked at his son, the more he resembled his late father-in-law. Normally as silent as a closed gourd, but once he started talking, he spoke with clarity, logic, and precision, making you not only agree with him but also admire him.
Though he felt a stronger connection with his second son, Changfeng, Sheng Hong's greatest trust and reliance were on his eldest. Whether it came to being a person or an official, in terms of skill and prudence, the two younger ones couldn't compare to the eldest. When he eventually passed, the family would have to rely on Changbai to uphold it. No matter how much he might have disliked Wang's family, having such a capable son was a huge blessing.
"That's why Father cannot compromise. You must stand firm these few days," Changbai urged repeatedly.
Sheng Hong made up his mind, forcefully slamming the table and gritting his teeth, "Kang Wangshi must be locked away, no matter what!"
Changbai slowly let out a breath of relief. He understood his father far better than Sheng Hong understood him. Sheng Hong had always wavered emotionally, but only concrete benefits could truly solidify his resolve.
As he left the study and walked slowly in the cool evening breeze, without realizing it, he found himself in front of his mother's courtyard. After a moment of thought, he motioned to the maids and servants along the way to stay silent. He quietly walked to his mother's window and was about to call out when he suddenly heard soft sobbing inside.
"…My good lady, please stop crying," Liu Kun's wife gently coaxed.
Madam Wang wept, "I won't go, I won't go! Ten years… I might as well end it with a pair of scissors! That wretched child, I carried him for ten months, and he still has the heart to do this to me!"
Liu Kun's wife sighed softly, "Madam, you should go. The eldest son is doing this for your sake."
"…What do you mean by that…? I see his heart is completely with Shou'an Hall. He's forgotten his own mother! That heartless little beast!"
Liu Kun's wife said, "Madam, think about it. You are not a concubine who can simply leave. Once the Old Madam gets better, you will still need to serve her. No matter what she says or does in the future, you will have no choice but to accept it with gratitude. So, it would be better to endure a harsh punishment now. After a few years, when you return and the matter has long passed, you will have admitted your fault and been punished, and things will smooth over."
Madam Wang sobbed for a long while, then hesitated and said, "To be honest, I feel quite embarrassed to face the Old Madam; but... if I come back and she still makes things difficult for me, what should I do?"
Liu Kun's wife smiled and said, "I don't think the Old Madam has a hard heart. Besides, once you've been punished, the Master and the eldest son will understand. Moreover..." She gave a bitter smile, "If you don't go, the eldest son might resign from his post."
Madam Wang, furious, said, "If he wants to resign, let him! How dare he use that to threaten his mother!"
Liu Kun's wife quickly advised, "Please don't say that, Madam. You've seen it yourself—whether it's the Wang family or the Master, your status for the rest of your life depends on the eldest son. Right now, Feng is studying hard day and night. If the eldest son truly becomes stubborn, won't the Sheng family have to rely entirely on Feng in the future? Who knows, even Lin, the concubine, might return."
As soon as she heard the name "Concubine Lin," Madam Wang immediately stopped crying and cursed, "That wretch can keep dreaming!"
"Madam, as long as you understand. Going to the remote Yuyang village is like going away to take care of your health. To be honest, as long as the eldest son's official career is prosperous and his future bright, who in the hometown would dare to mistreat you? Who wouldn't show you the utmost respect? Even the head wife of the family will have to honor you, won't she?"
Madam Wang's resolve began to waver. She thought about it deeply and then, leaning over the table, cried, "I really don't want to go... It's a strange place, and I'll be all alone there..."
"I will go with you, Madam."
Madam Wang was both shocked and delighted. "You..."
For such a well-regarded housekeeper to be willing to leave the bustling capital and accompany her to a lonely temple in the countryside?
"My children are all married, and they can manage without me. Their father will look after the estate, and I will accompany Madam to recite scriptures and eat simple meals," Liu Kun's wife said with a smile. "Besides, how could Madam get by without her faithful servant?"
Madam Wang let out a chuckle through her tears, her face smeared with powder from crying. She was moved and said tearfully, "Good sister, not only was my heart clouded, but my eyes were blind too. All the good advice you gave me earlier, every word was full of wisdom, and I didn't listen!"
Changbai stood under the window, listening to the chatter between his mother and Liu Kun's wife—sometimes crying, sometimes laughing. After a while, he quietly left. As he stepped outside the courtyard gate, he took a deep breath of the cool air.
Naturally quiet and reserved, he had spoken so much today that he was already quite exhausted. Dragging his feet slowly, he walked with his head down. The soft moonlight spread a faint silver glow over the garden. Halfway down the path, he saw the servant Hanniu waiting there, his face full of concern.
"Young Master, you're finally back! The Young Mistress has been waiting for you for quite a while. I went to the gatehouse, and they said you went to find the Master. Then I went to the study, and the servants there said you had gone to see Madam," Hanniu said, hurrying up to Changbai with a smile.
Changbai nodded, glancing ahead. Hanniu understood this as a sign to "head home," so he immediately raised the lantern to light the way. After walking for a while, they reached the pond. Suddenly, on the other side of the pond, two figures appeared, moving slowly.
One tall, one short—it seemed to be a man and a woman.
Changbai stopped in his tracks. The dim night made it hard to see clearly, so he shook his head and motioned toward the figures with his mouth. Hanniu understood and said, "That's the Sixth Young Lady and her husband. I ran into them earlier while looking for you. It's cool tonight, and the moonlight is lovely, so the Marquis and the Young Lady are out for a walk to aid digestion."
From the scene and a few overheard words, it seemed the Sixth Young Lady was rather lazy and just wanted to go back to sleep, but the Marquis insisted that sleeping right after eating wasn't good for her, so he dragged her out for a walk.
Changbai glanced at the couple across the pond, clearly enjoying their leisurely moment. He remained silent for a while, then bent down and sat on a large rock by the pond.
Hanniu hesitated for a moment. "You're not heading back yet?"
Changbai nodded.
Hanniu, feeling awkward, asked, "So, what should I tell the Young Mistress?"
Changbai patted the large stone beside him and then looked up at the bright moon in the sky.
Hanniu, using all his years of experience, bravely guessed, "You mean... invite the Young Mistress to, uh... enjoy the moon?"
Changbai pointed at a stone on the ground with his left foot.
Hanniu's mind raced as he struggled to understand further. "Uh... and go for a walk? Maybe bring an extra cloak?"
Finally, Changbai nodded and waved him off.
Sweating profusely, Hanniu ran off—utterly convinced that the master had spoken too much today, and it might take days for him to recover his usual quiet demeanor.
As for the Young Mistress, she truly is remarkable!