Chapter 201: The Ways of the World
In the following two days, Uncle Kang and Old Madam Wang came to visit one after the other. Changbai had someone relay a message to Minglan: the previous matters involved her father, brothers, and husband, so she should just take good care of the Old Madam—this complete sentence was the result of the joint imagination of Hanniu and the Hai family.
Minglan was not one to stir up trouble; she immediately went along with it and honestly stayed in the Shou'an Hall, accompanying the Old Madam while telling silly jokes, reading a few volumes of Buddhist scriptures at her bedside, and occasionally inquiring about any news.
According to Xiaotao's report, in these two days, Master Sheng Hong had been performing exceptionally well.
When Uncle Kang came, he appeared quite dejected, repeatedly emphasizing the need to avoid conflict, saying it wouldn't be good to let the Wang family have a daughter who was truly abandoned. He requested Uncle Kang to take Aunt Kang back home. Uncle Kang was frightened, fearing that his over-the-top wife might revive once again and swear to demand being sent to the Strict Discipline Office. He quickly left in a hurry.
When Old Madam Wang arrived, Sheng Hong was filled with righteous indignation. He spoke of moral principles, invoking heaven and earth's conscience, quoting classics, and his voice was filled with tears as he almost threatened to sever ties with the Wang family, insisting on severely punishing the Kang family's Wang.
Most importantly, Madam Sheng walked out with her head held high, like a martyr, expressing her willingness to spend ten years at the family temple reciting scriptures as a sign of repentance. Old Madam Wang wanted to say a few more words, but her daughter, with a cold expression, left without even wanting to look at her mother again.
Old Madam Wang, feeling helpless, realized that this matter was beyond redemption, and finally nodded in agreement.
In the scorching summer daytime, lingering at the entrance and under the windows was quite exhausting. During a break, while Xiaotao was treating Hanniu to some chilled mung bean soup, she casually inquired about the recent situation of Changbai and his wife.
"... In the past two days, the Young Master has only said five and a half sentences in the house," Hanniu lamented about the difficulties of his work. "Yuyan beside the Young Mistress said it would be fine in three or four days, but I think it won't get better for at least ten days to half a month. This life is unbearable! Boohoo."
By the third day, the three families gathered at the Sheng residence to discuss all matters. Old Madam Wang agreed to send her daughter to the Strict Discipline Office, while Uncle Kang repeatedly assured that he would not treat the children of his original wife poorly, and Sheng Hong promised once again to treat his nephews as he always had.
In the afternoon, everyone gathered the horse-drawn carriages and took a detour along a remote path to the Inner Court. The eunuch in charge of the Strict Discipline Office was well-informed and, since Gu Tingye had already made the arrangements two days prior, he did not inquire about the mistakes made by Aunt Kang. Instead, he instructed both her natal and marital families to sign and seal the documents, then ominously announced that the matter was settled and could not be changed.
Aunt Kang was gagged, bound hand and foot, and thrown into the carriage. They traveled through a narrow, overgrown path lined with tall, thick green brick walls, and in the distance, the faint outlines of red and yellow tiles could be seen.
She was still unaware of what was happening until a few dry, indifferent women in coarse clothing pushed her through a secluded black lacquer door into a simple, eerie room. At that point, she began to struggle, calling out softly, as the Wang family members anxiously followed her inside.
Old Madam Wang, with tearful eyes, said, "Child, this is the Strict Discipline Office. You will be fine here, and I will come often..."
A loud rumble, like thunder, echoed in Aunt Kang's ears, drowning out the rest of Old Madam Wang's words. What kind of place was the Strict Discipline Office? Having been raised in comfort all her life, how could she endure such a wretched existence?
She began to wail frantically, and as soon as the old woman beside her tore the cloth from her mouth, she screamed like a madwoman: "How could you send your daughter to a place like this?! What kind of mother are you? And what kind of brother are you?! Do you want me to die? How cruel you are! Seeing the Sheng family wealthy, you don't care whether your own flesh and blood live or die!"
Her eyes were bloodshot, and she appeared deranged, like a wild beast ready to tear apart flesh, frightening the Wang family mother and son, who both took a step back.
"You refuse to save me, so why did you give birth to me! You watched over my father so closely, yet always demanded that I be a virtuous and obedient woman. I didn't meet your expectations, so you abandoned me! You're not my mother; you're a heartless, cruel person..."
Her younger daughter hated her, and now her elder daughter was this full of resentment too. Old Madam Wang could no longer bear it. She coughed up a mouthful of dark red blood and collapsed softly. Uncle Wang caught her, repeatedly calling out, and seeing that his mother had lost consciousness, her face as pale as gold paper, he furiously said to his sister: "Mother has worried herself sick over you, and yet you treat her like this? I'm not your brother anymore! Fine, from now on, you are no longer my sister!"
After saying this, he lifted his mother and walked out, leaving chaos in his wake. Once everyone had finally cleared out, a middle-aged woman in plain clothes slowly emerged from the corner of the room and eerily remarked, "Such disobedience and unfilial conduct—it's time she was properly disciplined."
As soon as Kang Wangshi opened her mouth to curse, the female official reached out and slapped her hard twice, leaving her ears ringing. Still unwilling to submit, Kang Wangshi barely got out the words "you wretch" before the official took a thin wooden plank handed to her by a nearby maid and struck Kang Wangshi's face with it. She hit her over ten times in a row, leaving both of Kang Wangshi's cheeks swollen and blood-filled, her lips split and bleeding.
"If you don't keep your mouth shut, I'll keep hitting you. Let's see which is harder, your stubbornness or my plank?" the official said coldly, her expression unchanged.
Half of Kang Wangshi's face was numb with pain, and she was on the verge of passing out. But since she was tightly bound, she couldn't move and could only grit her teeth and say, "If I have to suffer this humiliation from you, I'd rather die!"
The official was unmoved, replying indifferently, "I advise you not to pull that 'seeking death' act. Plenty of people have died here, one more won't matter." Of course, keeping her alive would be better, as it meant more offerings.
With that, she turned and left, and three or four coarse, burly maids swarmed over Kang Wangshi. They quickly stripped her of everything, took away her silk clothes, and tossed a set of coarse linen garments onto the floor. Humiliated and furious, Kang Wangshi was too scared to go out naked, so she had no choice but to endure the pain on her face, cursing under her breath as she resentfully put on the musty-smelling clothes.
The room was sealed tightly on all sides, the silence so oppressive it made Kang Wangshi more and more frightened. Could she really be trapped in this wretched place for the rest of her life? No, no, she wouldn't allow it. She had faced countless dangers in the first half of her life, and she always managed to get through them—this time would be no different! No one would dare mistreat her; after all, she was the eldest daughter of the prestigious Wang family of Lanxi!
Just then, the door creaked open halfway, and a middle-aged woman slowly entered. Kang Wangshi's eyes lit up, and she hurriedly rushed over to grab the woman's hand, exclaiming, "Dear sister-in-law, you've finally come! I… I…"
Aunt Wang gently shook off her hand, taking a satisfied look at Kang Wangshi's disheveled face and tattered clothes. Slowly, she said, "I've come to say goodbye. Mother was supposed to deliver the message, but she's been so enraged by you that she's half-dead, so I've had to come instead."
Kang Wangshi wept, "I was out of my mind just now to have insulted my mother! Please, ask her to come see me. I will kneel and beg for forgiveness… My brother must be furious with me too. Please, sister-in-law, speak kindly of me and get me out of here…"
"Heh, sister-in-law, you must be joking. You are so learned and knowledgeable, how could you not know the rules of the Shanjie Bureau? Once someone enters here, without an imperial decree, there's no way out. Do you expect us to storm the palace and rescue you?" Wang's wife covered her mouth, laughing.
Kang Wangshi shook her sister-in-law desperately and cried, "Then tell my brother to ask the emperor for mercy!"
Aunt Wang laughed even harder, "Oh my, sister-in-law, what a bold request! Too bad, with your insignificant rank, it's hard enough to get an audience with the emperor, let alone beg for special favors."
Kang Wangshi furiously shouted, "My father was a high-ranking official for three reigns, and his memorial tablet is enshrined in the Hall of Eminent Officials. The emperor can't show me any mercy?"
"Every new emperor has his own court, auntie. Look around, do you even know what times we live in? Besides, remember the third master of the Gao family who was punished a few years ago? His father was also a high-ranking official for three reigns."
Kang Wangshi's grip loosened, and she became overwhelmed with fear. "Is there truly no one who can ask the emperor for mercy?"
Wang's wife replied coldly, "Among our relatives, only two have any chance of speaking to the emperor. One is Lord Gu, and the other is the elderly Prince of Anyang. But..." She smiled, "Do you think the sixth daughter of the Sheng family would ask her husband to plead for mercy for you? Or perhaps your illegitimate daughter is eager to see you released?"
Kang Wangshi knew about Minglan's deep hatred toward her, but she clung to a desperate hope. "I still have Concubine Jin's indenture in my hands! If that wretched girl dares to disobey me, I'll sell her mother!"
Aunt Wang found it amusing and shook her head with a laugh. "You'd better stop thinking about selling others. All of your trusted confidants, starting with Mama Qi, are being sent to the borderlands of Yunnan in the next couple of days."
"Why is that?" Kang Wangshi asked.
Aunt Wang replied, "Do you think the Wang family would keep people who know about this affair? Moreover, these servants not only failed to dissuade you but encouraged your misdeeds. Mother is venting all her anger on them now."
Helpless, Kang Wangshi began throwing a tantrum, shaking her disheveled hair. "I don't care, I don't care! I must get out of here! Tell Mother to think of a way, tell my brother to think of a way, send money, offer people promotions, seek out Father's old friends…"
Aunt Wang interrupted her nonsense. "Stop dreaming. You're not getting out. Do you even know how you ended up here?" She sneered coldly, mocking her. "When the news broke, your brother-in-law was ready to write a divorce letter or even settle the matter with a white silk noose. The Sheng family wouldn't let it go either. In the end, to preserve the Wang family's honor—and to save your life—this was the only option."
Kang Wangshi indignantly said, "I knew that Mother was concerned about the Wang family's reputation. If the Kang family wants a divorce, then let them! I can live on my own; it's far better than suffering here!"
"The Wang family isn't just about you. Mother has other sons and grandchildren to consider," Wang's wife scoffed. "Don't think too highly of yourself; do you really believe you're a golden phoenix, a favored daughter of heaven?"
Kang Wangshi glared with resentment. "You must be delighted to see me in such a miserable state."
"You're not wrong there," Wang's wife admitted bluntly.
Kang Wangshi was enraged. "You…!"
"Everyone says the Wang family is a good match, with a kind mother-in-law and husband. Who would have thought I'd end up with a sister-in-law like you?"
Wang's wife adjusted her hair, and beneath her calm demeanor lay years of resentment. "…I knew early on that my future in-laws had two daughters. I have no sisters, so I always thought of treating you like my own younger sister, for a harmonious family. But from the moment I entered the door, you were whispering behind my back, constantly nitpicking and demanding rules, even sowing discord in front of your brother. You think I don't know… Hmph, I know everything. But I had no choice; I could only try my best to please you, even your maids and servants."
Recalling those days of humiliation, Wang's wife felt a surge of resentment.
"That year, when I had my eldest daughter, you incited Mother to ask my husband to take a second wife. I cried secretly countless times and woke up in fear at night. Fortunately, your brother is gentle, and Mother is reasonably understanding; they didn't listen to you. Hehe, you must not be happy about that... You've had this temperament since you were little, expecting everyone to listen to you, to read your face, and to elevate you above all else. If anyone disagrees with you even a little, you throw a tantrum. It's unheard of for an unmarried sister-in-law to meddle in her brother's marriage, but now I've seen it firsthand."
Kang Wangshi's facial muscles twitched—she had never thought much of this sister-in-law, but now…
"After waiting and hoping, you finally got married. Who would have thought…" Wang's wife looked at her mockingly, "that you would want my precious white jade Guanyin statue, which my mother had prayed for at Fengxia Mountain, kneeling and bowing every three steps. You insisted that if I didn't give it to you, you wouldn't marry. I had to smile and present it to you with both hands. Thank heaven I later had my son, but from that day on, I truly hated you deep down."
Remembering how her mother worried about her not giving birth for a long time and earnestly prayed at Fengxia Mountain, bowing and kneeling until she was bruised all over, Kang Wangshi unconsciously twitched her face, revealing a twisted expression of hatred.
Kang Wangshi suddenly thought of something and shouted, "You can't make things difficult for my Yuan'er! If you have any grievances, come at me instead…"
Wang's sister-in-law threw back her head and laughed, nearly crying from laughter: "I didn't dare touch her before; I only thought of taking a concubine, but now... Haha, don't worry, I'll find a good family for Yuan'er and seek her a primary wife!"
"Primary wife? How dare you?!" Kang Wangshi rushed forward to grab her clothing, screaming frantically, "Whether Yuan'er can bear children is still up for debate. Even if she can't, just take a maid as a substitute; let her leave the children to their mother!"
Wang's sister-in-law elbowed her away, sneering, "Do you think you're still that esteemed young lady of the Wang family? Bah! Look in the mirror! Let me tell you, Yuan'er definitely can't have children!"
"How do you know? Did you... sabotage her?" Kang Wangshi was quick to react on this matter, as she often did similar things herself. "How cruel of you! She's also your niece! She's your daughter-in-law!"
Wang's sister-in-law straightened her sleeves, her eyes cold as ice: "I wouldn't want a daughter-in-law like Yuan'er even if she were to give me mountains of gold and silver. It's infuriating that my mother favors her. I can only endure it. I thought she was still young and would behave well, but who would have known... Hmph, after she entered the family, she has been so disrespectful. I only reprimanded her a few times, and she ran back to her mother to complain. How did you speak to her?"
Kang Wangshi recalled that hidden matter, causing her to break out in a cold sweat.
Wang's sister-in-law said coldly, "You tell Yuan'er that her mother is too old to manage things, and that both You (Aunt Wang's son) and his father are honest men. As long as I die, not only will no one be able to restrain her, but the entire Wang family will also be in her hands! You've also given Yuan'er quite a few good things, haven't you? Hmph, it's a pity your daughter has only learned your malice but hasn't inherited your cunning. She easily trusted those around her, allowing me to figure everything out."
Suddenly, she raised her voice, "If people don't offend me, I won't offend them. Yuan'er has no way to take action against me, but I have plenty of opportunities. I had someone go to a brothel to find a good soup medicine for Yuan'er to take. She will never be able to bear children in her life!"
Kang Wangshi let out a sharp scream, extending her ten sharp fingers to pounce at her. Unfortunately, her steps were unsteady, and Wang's sister-in-law pushed her aside, causing her to fall heavily to the ground. Kang Wangshi could only cry out, "That was all my idea! If you're not pleased, you can certainly report us to mother, and we can be severely punished. Why go after a child?"
Wang's sister-in-law laughed mockingly, "So what if you report it? Mother has always favored you. This time, the Sheng family has exhausted all their strength to send you in here. I can't afford to take you lightly with your talents."
"I will tell mother about your poisonous actions!"
Wang's sister-in-law said with a smile, "Next time the Shenjia Department opens its doors, you'll have to wait until the first month of next year; by then, the whole family will have already followed your brother to his new position. Although your brother can't stay in the capital, he has secured a good place for himself in the warm and gentle Jiangnan, which is just right for recuperating. If nothing unexpected happens, it will be another two terms for him."
She lowered her voice, her eyes filled with smiles, "This time, mother must be quite angry with you. The doctor said her condition is not good; old ailments have resurfaced. You know, in seven or eight years, will she still be around? Or by then, will she still be able to act?"
A chill spread to Kang Wangshi's heart. Sitting on the ground, she felt like a helpless trapped beast—she was well aware of the old lady's condition, which had been deteriorating for many years. It was precisely because she feared her mother might not have long to live that she wanted to do more things quickly, so that when the time came, there would be no one to support her, making it difficult to move forward. Who knew she would hit a hard wall this time—it's all that girl from the Sheng family's fault for being relentless and insisting on investigating thoroughly.
Aunt Wang picked up her hand and clicked her tongue, "Sister-in-law, your hands are really well taken care of. At this age, they still look like a young girl's—delicate, white, and smooth. Alas, in the future, you'll have to chop wood, wash clothes, and do rough work. Over time, you'll get frostbite and calluses… tsk, what a shame."
She straightened up and slowly walked to the door. "Yun'er is a kind-hearted child and is also blessed; I believe the Sheng family won't make things too difficult for her. As for Yuan'er… she acts recklessly, being ostentatious and overbearing, almost like she's gone mad. I will find a courtyard for her to recuperate. Aunt, don't worry; as long as I'm alive, I will make sure she has good food and drink and lives well."
As she stepped outside, she heard Kang Wangshi's wailing and bitter curses behind her. The middle-aged female official approached like a ghost and quietly said, "Madam, there's no need to worry. Although the custom is to see family twice a year, rules are made by people. When the time comes, simply report that you're unwell and can't come out, and that will suffice."
In families of power and privilege, there are many tricks; she can earn quite a bit each year.
Aunt Wang smiled, "Thank you for your trouble, sister. I will send offerings every year, and I hope you won't dislike the small gifts."
As long as she can endure until the old lady passes away, it won't matter if Kang Jin and Yun'er find out. Besides, she has already wiped away all evidence, and without proof, Kang Wangshi's mad ramblings may not be believed by anyone.
After years of enduring grievances and compromising, today was the day Aunt Wang felt an indescribable joy in taking her revenge.
She thought about finally getting rid of this haunting and persistent nuisance. Her husband no longer had to plead and beg for favors, and she no longer had to save money each year to support her extravagance. Even the scorching summer sun beating down on her face didn't bother her—she still had her son, and this time, she would choose well. A lower social status wouldn't matter as long as the person had good character and was virtuous.
Once outside, she found no sign of the Kang family, and the Sheng family had already left. Because her mother-in-law had suddenly fallen ill, her husband had taken the lead in returning home. Aunt Wang took another carriage and, after thinking for a moment, decided not to go directly back to her residence but instead detoured to the Sheng residence.
After entering the estate, she looked for Wang Shi and offered her comfort and reassurance. Wang Shi, feeling both frightened and aggrieved, had tears in her eyes as she thanked her: "I know my sister-in-law means well, but it's frustrating that my own sister comes to harm me."
Aunt Wang sighed. Although this little sister had a bad temper, she had never made things difficult for her over the years; she was just unlikable due to her stubbornness. However, her daughter Rulan, she had heard, had become more composed. Sighing again, she thought that marrying Rulan back then would have been good too, but that wretched person had ruined her son's marriage.
Wang Shi wiped her nose and continued to cry, "My ungrateful child, I will be setting off in these two days, and he even said… the sooner I go, the sooner I'll return, accumulating a full ten years early!"
That dead kid truly has a heart of stone; he even sent a scroll with the date 'August 25 of x year'—the day he set for himself to depart—so she could hang it on the wall of the ancestral hall and look at it all the time to keep track of it. That brat also said generously that she could come back half a month early in August ten years later, just in time for the family to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival together.
[Wang Shi refers to her son as a "dead kid" (死小子, sǐ xiǎo zǐ), it's an expression of frustration and disappointment rather than a literal reference to death. It's a colloquial way of emphasizing her feelings towards her son, highlighting her anger or exasperation at his actions or decisions.]
Wuwuwu, is this what people say?!
Fortunately, Hai Shi secretly informed her that as long as the old lady's anger subsided and she softened her heart, if Wang Shi took the initiative to speak, she might be able to come back a few years earlier. She even sent a blank notebook she had personally ordered, with fine, straight lines drawn on the white silk paper, instructing her mother-in-law to learn more characters over the years, practice her calligraphy, and copy a few scriptures to send to the old lady as a token of repentance.
Wuwuwu, it's still better to have a daughter-in-law like her—filial and considerate. It's a pity that I really have no face to see her now.
Not only that, but Hui Jie was raised by Wang Shi since she was little and would cuddle with her grandmother to sleep every night. Three days ago, Chang Bai took his daughter away from her room, and the little granddaughter cried like a weeping person, unwilling to leave. In the end, they had to pry her away finger by finger—Wang Shi cried to the point of her heart breaking, feeling utterly devastated. At that moment, she began to feel profound regret.
Heaven above, she shouldn't have harbored ill intentions or evil thoughts; now the Bodhisattva was punishing her.
Wang Jiumu (Aunt) comforted Wang Shi and then asked a servant to lead her to the Shou'an Hall.
After greeting Old Lady Sheng, she saw that the old lady's complexion had improved. She was half-reclining against the head of the bed, chatting with Quan Ge, while Hai Shi was beside her, laughing and teasing with her few-month-old son. Chang Bai was scolding Minglan nearby, but his voice was too low to hear clearly.
Wang Jiumu sincerely wished for Old Lady Sheng's recovery, but not knowing whether she was aware of the poisoning incident, she did not mention it at all. Old Lady Sheng smiled broadly and chatted with her amiably. Chang Bai, Minglan, and Hai Shi also stood up to pay their respects and exchanged greetings. Seeing that the Sheng family was still kind to her, Wang Jiumu finally felt relieved. After saying a few more words, she took her leave.
Since Hai Shi was holding the child, Chang Bai pulled Minglan to send off their guest. Standing in the doorway, he watched as Aunt Wang walked away. Chang Bai turned back to speak again, but Minglan, holding her head in distress, pleaded, "Brother, please don't scold me anymore! I've already kowtowed to Dad to apologize; what more do you want from me?"
Chang Bai maintained a stern expression: "Words reflect the heart. When you say 'what more do you want,' it shows that you are still unwilling to accept it. The sage says..."
"Please, brother, I truly know I was wrong. I shouldn't have acted recklessly and blown things out of proportion, shouldn't have acted willfully to confine our aunt, and I definitely shouldn't have dared to catch people without permission..."
"That's not right; you didn't do anything wrong in those matters," Chang Bai said. "If I were in your shoes, I would do the same."
Minglan looked taken aback: "Then... what did I do wrong?"
Chang Bai gave her a light knock on the forehead and scolded, "You shouldn't rely on your husband's family's power to confront Father, forcing him into a corner. Even if Father is not right, he is still an elder. Instead of threatening him and making sarcastic remarks, you should analyze the pros and cons with him and explain the situation clearly. Naturally, the father and daughter would unite and face it together. Over such a small matter, you're making a fuss like the world is ending—where's all the cleverness you usually have? This is just petty cleverness."
Minglan felt as if she had been scolded all over her face, unable to retort even a single sentence. She mumbled, "I'm not as clever as you, Brother. Auntie poisoning someone can be discussed from the court to the inner chambers, from now to decades in the future…"
Chang Bai's eyes widened, and he was about to give her another knock on the head. Minglan shrank her neck and quickly said, "But I admit my mistake now. I was crying and serving tea, and Father doesn't blame me anymore!" In fact, Sheng Hong had just let it go as a result of the situation.
While they were talking, Minglan suddenly felt a wave of nausea, covering her mouth as if she was about to vomit, but nothing came out. At this moment, the brother and sister had already returned to the house, where they saw Doctor Lin checking the old lady's pulse.
Chang Bai continued to lecture, "Do my words make you feel nauseous?" His attitude toward admitting mistakes was extremely inappropriate.
Minglan shook her head and waved her hands. It was Hai Shi who noticed something was wrong and kindly said, "Sister, your complexion hasn't been good these past few days. Now that Doctor Lin is here, let's have him take a look."
Grandma Sheng, filled with worry, hurriedly asked Minglan to sit down.
Doctor Lin smiled and raised three fingers, but soon his face revealed a strange expression as he glanced at Minglan. He continued to take her pulse in silence. Seeing that the doctor was slow to speak, Grandma Sheng became anxious and asked, "What's wrong? What's wrong?"
Doctor Lin smiled as he stood up and clasped his hands together, saying, "Congratulations, Madam. You are expecting."
The room fell silent. Chang Bai looked at the two fingers he had just used to knock on Minglan's head, Hai Shi glanced at Minglan's flat belly, and Quan Ge'er looked at his sleeping younger brother like a little pig. Minglan sat in the armchair by the window, blissfully unaware, and foolishly smiled, "How long has it been?"
"Just over two months," Doctor Lin said with a wry smile, having never seen such an exuberant pregnant woman before. "The pulse is steady and strong, so there's no need for worry. It's just that you've been a bit overworked lately. You should rest well for a while." After giving a few more instructions, he bowed and left the room.
Grandma Sheng sat on the bed in a daze, remaining silent for a very long time. Suddenly, she flew into a rage, banging on the edge of the bed and shouting, "You hurry back right now! Leave today!" She turned to the housekeeper and said, "Go pack her things, including her husband's! You personally send her back to the Marquis's residence and hand her over to Mama Cui. Don't let anything go wrong!"
She then struck a soft pillow fiercely, pointing at Minglan and scolding, "You little troublemaker! The two of you are here eating and drinking at my expense. If you dare to delay even a moment longer, I'll make sure to break your legs!"
Seeing that Grandma Sheng was truly angry, Minglan hugged her head and fled, obediently following the housekeeper. Hai Shi smiled and took Quan Ge'er outside, leaving only the grandmother and grandson in the room, along with a little baby who was sleeping soundly on the kang, blissfully unaware of anything.
"That hateful little troublemaker!" Grandma Sheng had endured her anger for quite a while.
Chang Bai looked at his grandmother with a smile, and after a moment, he suddenly knelt down, saying, "Barring any accidents, I will be reappointed this time. Once you recover, let's go together."
Grandma Sheng remained silent, and Chang Bai gently added, "You know everything, don't you, Grandma?" Grandma Sheng smiled bitterly and replied, "The housekeeper cannot hide anything from me. Alas, human hearts are hard to fathom; who would have thought that at my age, I would have such an unexpected encounter?"
Chang Bai looked up and said, "Grandma, come with me to my post. Although it's not as bustling as the capital, the local customs are simple, the mountains are clear, and the waters are beautiful. Isn't it true that you often want to travel around? So come with me."
Grandma Sheng sighed and said, "The one who longs to travel is not me, but Mama Kong. Her health has not been good, and she left early. I have always wanted to fulfill her wish."
"This is just perfect," Chang Bai said. "I will definitely take good care of you, Grandma."
Looking into her grandson's clear and perceptive eyes, Grandma Sheng let out a quiet sigh.
She understood his intentions. She had always been someone who couldn't tolerate any nonsense. The little schemes of Sheng Hong had made her quite uncomfortable. Rather than having to put on a show of motherly affection, it was better to simply avoid him. Years later, when they met again, those feelings would have faded.
"I'm just afraid that it will not sound good if it gets out." Since they were father and son, if Sheng Hong's reputation was bad, Chang Bai would inevitably be implicated as well.
"Grandma need not worry. Just say that there is a famous doctor there, and your grandson has invited you to seek treatment," Chang Bai replied.
Grandma Sheng laughed: "Be careful; you might burst that big boast. Is there really someone who would go there to seek a famous doctor?"
Chang Bai smiled and said, "Then let's say that this famous doctor travels the world and left after treating Grandma's illness."
The old lady shook her head and smiled, suddenly feeling open-hearted, and the past didn't seem so despicable or hateful anymore.
Outside the door, Han Niu was sweating profusely, thinking, "Oh no, oh no, it seems the young master has said a lot inside today."