Chapter 1147: Sending Yao An and Yao Hong Away

Yao Tianqing gestured to Madam Yao to follow, and she complied.

After all, they still needed to take care of Yao An's injuries; they couldn't let things go too far.

Yao Tianqing walked up to Shu Yu and said, "Once Yao An's injuries are treated, I will have him sent out of the city to recuperate. After he recovers, I'll send him directly back to Huajiang Prefecture."

Indeed, Yao Tianqing had considered just sending Yao An straight to the authorities, but later he thought better of it and decided to administer family law himself.

It wasn't because Yao An was a relative; it wasn't that he wanted to be lenient.

Over these years, Yao Tianqing and Yao An had never met each other, and they had no emotional connection. There was even some enmity between him and Yao An's father.

In truth, Shu Yu seemed more like his junior, and he cared more about her.

But if Yao An were sent to the authorities, it would also harm Shu Yu's reputation. If she were an inconspicuous person, it might not matter, but her name had caused quite a stir recently due to her heating packs. The popularity of her name had yet to wane. Everyone had heard of her name, and even though Yao An hadn't succeeded, rumors could easily twist the story.

After all, Yao An was his nephew. Outsiders would think that he could be so ruthless to his own nephew, which meant that the situation must have been so serious that it was beyond control. Otherwise, why make such a big fuss?

Shu Yu had just come of age, and such a reputation would be detrimental.

Yao Tianqing was older and more experienced with the situation in the capital, so he couldn't help but consider more.

He had also asked Shu Yu, and she had agreed.

After all, Yao An had failed to carry out his plan, so even if he were sent to the authorities, he would probably only be beaten, similar to administering family law.

Besides, she had come to the capital with low-key intentions, and if she went to the authorities, it might involve her relationship with Meng Yunzheng.

So, after Yao Tianqing's family law, Yao An would suffer enough.

Shu Yu agreed with Yao Tianqing's approach. In any case, the three of them from the Yao family were not suitable to stay here any longer. It was best to handle the situation and send them away.

Zhao Xi was the one treating Yao An's injuries, and Yao Hong was initially worried. However, Zhao Xi assured her, "I'm a doctor, and I have the basic moral obligation to save and treat the wounded. When there's a patient in front of me, I can't just stand idly by. Or do you want to go outside and find another doctor and let others know what your brother has done?"

Yao Hong was indecisive, and the situation was beyond her control. The Yao family members were disdainful of them.

So when Zhao Xi said this, Yao Hong was placated and did not speak further. She silently watched as Zhao Xi treated Yao An's wounds.

She didn't understand the medicines Zhao Xi was using, but she saw him sprinkle layer after layer on the wound before bandaging it up.

After bandaging Yao An, he frowned uncomfortably, and his hands and feet trembled slightly as if in great discomfort.

Zhao Xi explained, "This is normal. The medicine stimulates the wound for faster healing. Don't worry."

Yao An's wounds were treated, but he had not regained consciousness yet.

Yao Tianqing didn't want them to stay any longer in the house. Ignoring Yao Hong's cries, pleadings, and curses, he had them sent away immediately.

The steward found a house to rent outside the city for them to stay in.

Throughout this process, Yao Tianqing didn't lay a hand on Wang Jiayi, even though she had tried to drug his son.

He didn't need to do anything.

Whether it was Yao An or Yao Hong, they would push all the blame onto her.

Just like now, Yao Hong didn't even look at her with a good expression; she even seemed disgusted.

Next Chapter▶▶

 Chapter 629: Chu Heng's Letter

"Don't worry, Madam. Third Young Master is talented and he will definitely pass the examination this time." Chu Liushi comforted.

Mrs. Xie liked hearing these words. What she cared most about was the lack of scholars in her family. Her eldest and second sons were both in business and had no talent for studying at all.

Since her third son loved studying and was being nurtured by her and her husband, he could finally participate in the imperial examination in a proper manner. She had high expectations and naturally spared no effort. She wouldn't allow anything to go wrong. That's why when she learned about the actions of Wang Landlord, she didn't intervene immediately.

"You all can rest in the guest rooms for now. Servants will come to take you over later."

"In the village, I will also arrange for a servant to inform everyone so that they won't worry."

"Thank you, Madam." Chu Liushi naturally thanked her.

Soon, Mrs. Xie left. She still needed to prepare for the banquet and there were many things to attend to. Personally informing Ye Muyu and the others was already a sign of her high regard for them.

However, Chu Liushi and the others didn't feel this deeply. They thought that Mrs. Xie treated everyone like this.

Ye Muyu thought for a moment and said, "Mother, you and Fifth Aunt stay at the Xie family to help me take care of the two children. I want to go out and inquire about the situation and also get news from my husband's side. I can find out by asking the steward at the bookstore."

"But you're alone..."

Ye Muyu smiled faintly, "Mother, isn't Han Zhuang still here? Previously, Landlord Wang couldn't catch me. Now that Landlord Wang 's family is all locked up in prison, there's no chance they can catch me, right?"

"We don't need to be like startled birds. There aren't many people like Landlord Wang . With his precedent, other landlords and gentry in the county won't dare to act recklessly. We can just live our lives normally as before."

"You're right, Mother was worrying too much." Chu Liushi nodded and didn't stop her anymore. "Then take Ah Xing with you."

"Okay." Ye Muyu naturally wouldn't refuse Chu Liushi's kindness.

Soon after.

Ye Muyu, with Ah Xing, left the Xie Mansion and arrived at the bookstore.

The door of the bookstore was still closed. The shopkeeper also came over and was about to open the door when someone opened it from the inside.

"Manager Luo?" Ye Muyu looked at Luo Qisheng in surprise. "Why are you here?"

"Madam, I'm here to guard the shop. I'm afraid the Wang family might set fire to the house." Luo Qisheng said truthfully. "Master ordered me to do so before he left."

"He said that the bookstore is the Madam's effort and must not be destroyed."

Ye Muyu was originally a bit resentful that Chu Heng left without waking her up or at least letting her see him off. But now, seeing how he carefully instructed everything at home, full of concern for her, her resentment disappeared and she even missed him a bit.

"Has my husband's letter arrived?" Ye Muyu stepped into the shop and glanced around. The shop was still neat and tidy, even the inkstone that she hadn't had time to clean before leaving was still placed as it was, following the owner's orders, the servants didn't dare to move it casually.

Luo Qisheng followed and closed the shop, following behind her respectfully, nodding, "Yes, Madam. I was originally going to the Xie Mansion to find you."

"Show it to me." Ye Muyu's eyes flashed with joy.

Luo Qisheng handed her the envelope, then waved his hand, indicating the other servants to go about their own business.

Ye Muyu sat down at the low table in the bookstore. This was usually a place where scholars read. The floor was covered with sheepskin blankets, cleaned and neat. There was even a cushion placed on top.

Next Chapter ▶▶

Chapter 630: Instructions

She sat down and slowly opened the letter.

Inside was indeed Chu Heng's handwriting, neat and elegant, just like him:

"Ah Yu, by the time you read this letter, the troubles in the county should have been resolved. I am also approaching the capital. In the upcoming time, I will focus on preparing for the examination. You don't need to worry about me. I will take good care of myself. I have used the food and medicine you prepared for me. My dear Ah Yu is truly clever."

Seeing this, Ye Muyu's cheeks turned slightly red, but her heart was filled with joy. She had never cared for others before, let alone prepared luggage for a man. Now that he cherished her, she felt a warm sensation in her heart.

Rubbing her face, Ye Muyu continued to read: "Actually, I had planned to let General Shen intervene this time. Not only is the Wang family involved with those bandits, but there are also others. However, those people are smarter and more patient than Landlord Wang , so they haven't been exposed. Later, General Shen will definitely take your elder brother to eliminate the bandits. To avoid trouble for him, find an opportunity to tell your elder brother that Tang Rou knows the true lair of those bandits."

"Let Tang Rou lead the way and we can resolve this matter as quickly as possible. Let Tang Rou leave midway due to a 'coincidence.' Remember, after reading this letter, burn it and leave no evidence."

"Other than that, you must take good care of yourself. I will come back as quickly as possible. Wait for me."

After reading the letter, Ye Muyu quickly crumpled the paper, took it from someone, and placed it on an oil lamp. The paper slowly burned into ashes.

Although she didn't know why Chu Heng let Tang Rou go, Ye Muyu's intuition told her that Chu Heng must have his reasons. As his wife, she only needed to cooperate with him.

"Manager Luo." Ye Muyu called softly.

Luo Qisheng quickly walked over from behind the counter and stood by her side respectfully. "Madam, what's the matter?"

"Tell me about the situation at the county office." she said.

"Yes..." Luo Qisheng honestly explained what happened at the county office, adding, "If General Shen and Lieutenant Ye hadn't arrived in time, both Magistrate Xu and Steward Xie might not have survived."

"Afterwards, all the relatives of the Wang family in the county were arrested."

"By the way, Young Master Wang committed suicide in prison, but the specific reason is unknown. Lieutenant Ye is probably investigating."

"Next, the Wang family will be searched, and after the case is established, the dossier will be sent to the capital."

"But during this time, the examination is approaching, and they probably won't have time to deal with this matter in the capital, even if it's Master Zhao." Compared to a local lackey of a landlord, the Zhao family naturally valued scholars who could potentially develop well in the officialdom. These individuals were suitable to befriend.

Zhao's family only had some influence in the capital. Once they arrived in the imperial capital, they would still be insufficient. Naturally, they would seek bigger support.

Ye Muyu whispered, "Do you think the Zhao family knows about the collusion between the Wang family and the bandits?"

"Madam, are you asking whether the Zhao family values the bandits behind the Wang family or Xie family's business?" Luo Qisheng, being an intelligent person, quickly understood Ye Muyu's implied meaning. He thought for a moment and said, "According to my inquiries, the Zhao family is more interested in developing into imperial merchants."

In other words, the Zhao family didn't know about the collusion between the Wang family and the bandits.

Then, where did the Wang family get the courage to collude with bandits and even boldly take action inside the county?

It was very likely that there was another backer behind the Wang family...

Next Chapter ▶▶

Chapter 192: The Whipping

“She has just returned; can’t this be discussed tomorrow?”

Princess Wen Yi had never pleaded with Bai Silang before. Since their marriage, they had always treated each other with respect. Seeing his beloved wife in this state made Bai Silang feel distressed, but for the sake of the family, he had to act as he did.

He said to his elder brother and his wife, “Elder Sister-in-law, please take Princess Wen Yi back. Elder Brother, Father needs someone at home. Since Siruo is back, you should take care of her first.”

He glanced at Bai Siruo with a look of disappointment and frustration, making her lower her head. After a deep breath, she addressed everyone, “This matter is my fault. I will go with Father now.”

The father and daughter left resolutely, and Princess Wen Yi tried to follow but was stopped by Bai Lin.

This time, Siruo was likely to suffer. Princess Wen Yi, having fainted and woken up today, was afraid that the shock might be too much for her, so she told the maidservants, “Send the princess back to rest. Everyone else, guard the gates. If any inappropriate details get leaked, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”

Bai Lin was decisive and efficient in her actions.

As soon as Bai Siruo returned to the residence, strict orders were given to the servants to keep family matters confidential. Any hint of a leak would result in severe punishment. The servants were terrified and no one knew the real situation outside.

In the ancestral hall, the Bai family had prepared a whip, its cruel intent made more apparent under the dim candlelight.

“Do you know your mistake?”

“Yes, I know my mistake.”

“What was the mistake?”

“I should not have trusted others easily, which not only harmed myself but also caused my family concern.”

The dialogue between father and daughter was brief. Bai Siruo knelt in front of the ancestral hall, ready to be punished. Bai Silang felt heartache, but no matter how much he cared, he had to make her remember this lesson. He adjusted his attire, raised his voice, and spoke slowly.

“Since you were born, you have been the treasure of our family. Anything you wanted was granted. I thought it would be fine to spoil you a little, but I didn’t expect you to become so reckless. Your behavior has become increasingly inappropriate, and today, I will tell you where you went wrong!”

Bai Silang, a teacher who loved to educate, was not only Bai Siruo’s father at this moment but also a member of the Bai family and a guardian of the laws of the Great Jin Dynasty.

“First mistake: Knowing that only you and Sihan are left in the family, you did not think to support or advise each other. Instead, you acted recklessly, disgracing the Bai family and causing Sihan to suffer. Second mistake: You lacked the ability to discern right from wrong with outsiders. You easily believed rumors and did not verify them privately. With such simple-mindedness, how can you support the family in the future? Third mistake: Knowing you are already betrothed, you still left with another man, disregarding the reputation of the Prince Kang's mansion and the Bai family. Now rumors are spreading outside, and how can I explain this to Mu Qian? Fourth mistake: Your actions involved Elder Sister Lin’s family. Do you know that if His Majesty were to punish them, your Uncle Lin’s family could be demoted or even exiled? Fifth mistake: You had no ability to protect yourself in a dangerous situation. If it weren’t for Ah Yao’s timely discovery and immediate action, you would either be a corpse or a wisp of a soul. You made your loved ones worry so much that they couldn’t eat or sleep. This is the unfilial behavior of a child.”

Each of these mistakes was a severe accusation. Bai Siruo had no defense, and if given another chance, she would never let a single obsession harm her entire family.

She gritted her teeth and kowtowed heavily in front of the ancestral tablets.

Then she said to Bai Silang, “Father is right. It is my ignorance and trust that caused all this. I am willing to bear the consequences and will not say a word.”

“Good. Since you know your mistake, you must be punished accordingly. One mistake, ten lashes. The rules of the Bai family cannot be broken because of you. Whether you can endure it or not, you must receive it. Understand?”

“I understand.” She stuffed a silk handkerchief into her mouth, closed her eyes, and prostrated herself in the ancestral hall.

Bai Silang was heartbroken but had no choice. He instructed the executioner, “Proceed!”

The whip descended one stroke after another. Bai Siruo, who had been pampered since childhood, and being a woman with delicate skin, soon had her back marked with blood after just a few lashes. Bai Silang could not bear to watch any longer. He turned away, standing with his hands clasped behind his back, his temples throbbing with anger. Each lash seemed to strike his own heart.

The relative in charge of the punishment acted swiftly and accurately, and the fifty lashes were soon completed. Bai Siruo, driven by sheer willpower, endured until the end.

When the executioner announced that the punishment was over, Bai Siruo fainted with a faint smile on her lips.

Bai Silang turned and hurriedly carried his bloodied daughter to her quarters. He instructed the servants to summon the family doctor and to bring various medicines for treating whip wounds.

Princess Wen Yi waited in the room while Bai Lin comforted her.

Before she could react, Bai Silang entered with his daughter. Seeing her condition, Princess Wen Yi’s usual grace and composure vanished. She rushed at Bai Silang, attempting to fight him.

“Isn’t she your own daughter? How can you be so harsh as to nearly beat her to death?”

“Sister-in-law…” Bai Lin tried to intervene but couldn’t stop Princess Wen Yi, who pounded Bai Silang’s back with her fists. He bore it silently without defending himself.

As a member of the Bai family, one cannot only enjoy wealth and honor. If their indulgence leads their children to lack the ability to make their way in the world, it is better for them to be punished now than to face oppression and humiliation later.

The family doctor arrived quickly, experienced in dealing with flogging wounds.

He had treated the wounds of Shen Shi before. Now, not only did they not affect her mobility, but her skin also showed no scars.

“Fourth Master, please place the eldest lady on the bed. I’ll examine her wounds.”

“Hmm.”

Her blood-stained clothes had stuck to the wounds. Haitang, who had always taken care of Bai Siruo, was now crying with swollen eyes. She carefully removed the blood-stained clothing from her back, cleaned the wounds with a cloth, and covered most of her body with an inner garment, leaving only the shoulder wounds exposed for the doctor to examine.

“These injuries are not severe. They look worse than they are, and they are only superficial. She will need to rest and avoid getting up for about two to three months.”

Princess Wen Yi, seeing the lack of healthy skin on her daughter’s back, shot a fierce glare at Bai Silang, who stood unmoving like a mountain.

“This is the medicinal ointment for the wounds. Apply it daily. It should scab over in about four to five days.”

Haitang nodded heavily and promised to take good care of Bai Siruo.

It was her carelessness. If she had persuaded the young lady sooner, today’s disaster might have been avoided.

Chapter 191: Anger

Bai Siruo knew that the mistake she made today was serious. The longer they delayed, the more their excuses would be questioned, so she said to Xiao Mu Qian, “You can come to see me tomorrow. Don’t worry.”

Frowning deeply and his face still tense, Xiao Mu Qian understood that this was the best outcome possible under the circumstances. He watched as Bai Siruo climbed into Princess Fulin’s carriage, while Haitang followed behind the maid.

The carriage was empty. At this late hour, it was natural that Princess Fulin wouldn’t accompany them, but with her entourage and capable maid present, who would dare to come forward and inspect them?

The procession, grand and imposing, headed toward the Bai residence, while Su Cheng made sure to take Feng Jinyao back to the Feng's mansion.

As soon as the servant at the Feng's mansion saw Feng Jinyao alight from the carriage, he hurried over and handed her the warming pot she was accustomed to using. “Miss, you’ve finally returned. This was just sent by Sister Yunxu, who had to hurry back to fetch a cloak.”

Feng Jinyao felt warmth in her heart from his words. “Brother Su must be tired today as well. I’ll remember this great kindness. If there’s anything you need help with in the future, just let me know!”

She expressed her deep gratitude with a bow. Su Cheng laughed heartily and said, “Do you need to bow to me just for this? Don’t worry; I’m not a man who seeks thanks. I’ll make sure to brag about today’s achievement to your second brother.”

Feng Jinyao smiled, understanding he was joking.

After ensuring she had safely entered her home, Su Cheng turned and headed toward the Dingwang Manor. There were still many things to clarify about today’s events, and he needed to report back to the prince.

Yunxu rushed to bring the cloak, and just as she exited the outer gate, she saw Feng Jinyao entering.

“Miss!” Yunxu called out and rushed forward. Noticing the cloak on her, she paused and asked, “Has Miss Bai been found?”

“Yes, she has been returned home. Yunxu, is there something to eat? I’m starving after the long journey.”

To distract Yunxu from her worries, Feng Jinyao shifted the topic.

“Yes, yes. Xiuqiu has been keeping an eye on the fire in the small kitchen and Lamei had prepared bathing supplies. You can eat first and then wash up.”

Yunxu helped Feng Jinyao into the Ning’an Courtyard.

Inside, they saw Madam Feng and Madam Wen waiting in the inner room. One was pacing anxiously, while the other, with a slightly rounded belly, stood by offering comfort.

“Ah Yao, you’re back?” Madam Wen was the first to see her. Her worried expression brightened instantly.

Madam Feng, seeing her daughter’s face frozen from the cold wind, was heartbroken. She pulled her close and asked, “How is it? Did you find the person?”

“Mother, don’t worry. Elder Sister Wen, don’t worry. Cousin has been sent back to the Bai residence. We can visit her tomorrow.”

“That’s good, that’s good. But were the villains caught? Hmph, daring to kidnap my Bai family’s niece; they’re asking for death!”

Madam Feng was so enraged she almost cursed, feeling the need to berate someone for causing such anxiety for the family all day long.

Madam Wen stepped forward to offer some consolation. “Mother-in-law, please don’t worry. Ah Yao hasn’t even had dinner after running around all day. Let her eat first.”

“Yes, yes. I’ve been so anxious I lost my mind.”

Madam Feng turned and instructed Yunxu to call for the servants to bring out the food. Yunxu complied with a smile.

Xiuqiu’s cooking was excellent, and the table was filled with exquisite and delicious dishes. Madam Feng, Madam Wen, and Feng Jinyao were all famished, having eaten only a small portion due to their anxiety. They all ate heartily.

Yunxu served them while Lamei and Xiuqiu stood by the door to prevent anyone from eavesdropping.

Inside, after Feng Jinyao finished the last grain of rice in her bowl, she slowly began to speak.

“Lu Yuanfeng is not a good person. He must have learned about how my cousin was once rescued from drowning and used that to impersonate the savior. Today, he used the pretense of his mother’s illness to lure my cousin away and drugged her in the carriage. If we hadn’t arrived in time, that beast would have violated her. I had to rush back to see Uncle Shou to get the antidote, which is why we’re delayed.”

Madam Feng felt horrified just from listening. “That scoundrel actually acted so ruthlessly. I wondered why Siruo, so clever, could be tricked so easily. So it was like this.”

Madam Wen sighed deeply. “It’s good that she’s been found. But her reputation…”

Her concerns were shared by the entire Bai family. Fortunately, Feng Jinyao mentioned Princess Fulin’s involvement, which reassured them.

“Father and Princess Fulin have always been close, and so has the Prince Kang's mansion. It’s likely they had already discussed this with the princess. Thus, Siruo’s reputation should be preserved.”

Madam Feng’s words explained Feng Jinyao’s previous thoughts.

It turned out to be arranged by her maternal grandfather. No wonder it was so thorough; indeed, he was the current Prime Minister! It was a pity that Xiao Tingyi’s careful planning, which hadn’t yet been acknowledged, was overshadowed by her future grandfather.

At this moment, the Bai family was on high alert.

After Princess Fulin’s carriage had returned Bai Siruo, the maid explained the whole situation, and the Bai family members waiting at the door expressed their gratitude.

Princess Wen Yi expressed deep thanks to the maid, saying, “Thank you for saving us. Tomorrow, I will personally visit to express our gratitude.”

“Please don’t mention it. It was just a small effort on the princess’s part.”

“Absolutely, you’ve saved our entire family.”

The maid, unworthy of such thanks, replied, “We’ll be waiting at the mansion.”

With that, she and Princess Fulin’s entourage left.

Seeing her daughter return unharmed, Princess Wen Yi thanked all the gods she could think of. Bai Lin also wiped her tears.

“It’s good that you’re back. Quickly go inside. After being out in the cold all day, you must be freezing. Have some hot food first.”

“Yes, yes, everything is ready. Hurry inside.” Bai Chaohai said.

However, Bai Silang’s face was stern. Although the heavy burden in his heart had lifted after seeing his daughter return, he still needed to reprimand her.

With a stern expression, he said, “Siruo, come with me to the ancestral hall.”

“Husband…”

“Fourth Brother…”

Everyone knew what he intended to do. But after narrowly escaping danger, how could she bear going to the ancestral hall right away?

  **Chapter 162: Madame He**

Someone was approaching.

However, they were still some distance away.

Upon hearing the voice, Qi Wangfei felt it sounded familiar.

She instinctively turned to look and saw that the person was less than five meters away.

When she recognized who it was, she smiled and greeted, "Madame He."

Madame He, seeing Qi Wangfei turn, hurriedly took her child's hand and walked a few steps closer.

In Madame He's hand was a delicate little girl with a pale complexion and a frail body.

The little girl was very pretty but exceptionally quiet, resembling a doll that could only blink.

As Madame He quickened her pace, the little girl kept up with surprising speed.

Qi Wangfei noticed that the girl's face had turned even paler and that beads of sweat had formed on her forehead, which made her heart race with concern.

She raised her hand and said with a smile, "No need to hurry; we aren’t rushing to the sermon. Take your time."

Madame He was aware that her pace was too fast for the child to handle.

However, when out in public, one had to consider etiquette.

Hearing Qi Wangfei's gentle reminder, she quickly bowed her head and thanked her, "Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness."

Since they were somewhat familiar, Qi Wangfei waved her hand dismissively, glancing at the child before gently asking, "How is your second daughter’s health?"

The five-meter distance was not far, and by the time she spoke, Madame He had already led her second daughter over.

Upon hearing the question, Madame He sighed lightly. "It's still the same."

Mentioning this topic brought her a sense of worry.

Qi Wangfei felt a pang of sadness as well.

Madame He's second daughter was only two years older than Suisui, still just a child.

At this moment, she quietly followed her mother, her large eyes filled with anxiety and curiosity as she looked around.

Since her mother told her to stay quiet, she obediently allowed herself to be led.

Other children at seven or eight years old would often be rowdy.

Yet Madame He’s second daughter, at seven, was so quiet that it was heartbreaking.

Qi Wangfei observed that the child appeared thinner than the year before.

In the capital, children of noble families often grew robustly by the age of nine or ten.

This was also why the Empress Dowager had previously hesitated regarding Suisui's status.

Looking at Madame He’s second daughter, who appeared frail, Qi Wangfei couldn't help but feel that her situation was indeed precarious.

It was hard to say whether she would survive.

But such unkind words should not be uttered indiscriminately.

Qi Wangfei merely cast a cursory glance, making sure not to show even a hint of pity in her gaze, afraid of being misunderstood.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Madame He intended to take her second daughter to the sermon as well.

They both aimed to pray for their children, and since Madame He was gentle in nature and not fond of mingling with the powerful, Qi Wangfei invited her to join.

Madame He accepted graciously, repeatedly apologizing for the trouble she was causing.

To this, Qi Wangfei felt a bit guilty.

The reason she invited Madame He was to avoid a possible encounter with Madame Tang later, as she did not want to hear her ramble on indefinitely, trying to ingratiate herself.

With a third party present, Madame Tang would likely tone it down a bit.

As they walked and talked, it wasn’t long before they ran into Madame Tang.

Had it not been for her previous suspicions, Qi Wangfei might not have thought much of it.

But given her prior conjectures, and having witnessed certain behaviors that now seemed to confirm her doubts, encountering Madam Tang made her feel somewhat awkward.

Fortunately, there was good news: Tang Lingheng was not with her.

He probably got tired around noon and was taking a nap now, right?

She wondered if he would be restless again after waking up from his nap.

With these thoughts, Qi Wangfei felt a headache coming on.

She thought it best to bring Xiao Liu and Xiao Qi along.

The children were young, so their lighter academic load wouldn’t be an issue.

Mainly, she felt uneasy about Suisui being alone without other children to accompany her.

Madam Tang was a woman very adept at socializing. Upon arriving, she quickly absorbed the conversation that Qi Wangfei and Madame He had been having, seamlessly taking over the dialogue.

Some people just have that knack.

They can easily seize the initiative in conversations.

However, since Qi Wangfei didn’t feel like competing for attention and Madame He was not inclined to either, it was easier to let Madame Tang take the lead.

Moreover, Madam He was mindful of the Princess Consort's position, and thus maintained a bit of decorum around Madam Tang.

So the three families walked together towards the sermon venue in the afternoon.

As the weather was warm, the sermon was held in a spacious classroom on the eastern side.

It was quite a large area, and by the time they arrived, the master had already begun speaking.

There were many attendees present. Although some had gone to gather wild vegetables, many still remained to listen.

Everyone maintained a basic level of silence.

After Madam Tang arrived, she too quieted her voice and ceased her chatter.

She intended for Tang Youqing to take the two children to play, wanting her daughter to make a good impression in front of Qi Wangfei.

Madam Tang was indeed considering the prospect of marrying Tang Youqing into the Qi's.

If she were to marry into the Qi's, she would become the legitimate wife of the heir and eventually the matriarch of the Qi Residence.

Since the Prince was the Emperor's younger brother, even after his passing, when his sons were distributed their territories, that heir would certainly be the most esteemed one.

At that time, Tang Youqing would be the head of the Prince's household, managing all affairs.

Wasn't that much better than becoming a secondary consort in the Crown Prince's palace, eventually serving as a concubine to the new Emperor?

In truth, Tang Youqing was not keen on abandoning the wealth of the Eastern Palace to marry into another family.

The mother and daughter had differing opinions on this matter.

However, Tang Youqing could not go against her mother’s wishes at the moment and had to comply for now.

At this time, when she heard her mother suggest she take care of the two children, Tang Youqing nearly blurted out in protest: Why should she be the one to take care of them?

She had no desire to deal with these noisy little brats!

Tang Wu had already been noisy enough, and the siblings had already clashed more than once.

At her young age, Tang Youqing still had trouble managing her expressions.

Thus, her displeasure was plainly visible on her face.

Neither Qi Wangfei nor Madam He were fools and easily noticed her attitude, so they smiled and gently declined the suggestion.

Madam He naturally said, "I thought it would be beneficial for Erniang to come and listen to the sermons, to bathe in the Buddha's light; perhaps it would help improve her health? The sermons are indispensable."

Upon hearing this, Qi Wangfei was suddenly inspired and smiled as she said, "I came here to pray for the children as well, so naturally, we should bring her along to listen to the sermons."

After clarifying, Qi Wangfei looked down at Suisui and gently asked, "Isn't that right, Suisui?"

Suisui had been holding onto her mother, occasionally observing the two beautiful older sisters.

Children's preferences are very simple.

If you harbor no malice, then you seem like a good person.

Tang Youqing bore no ill will; she just looked impatient.

Therefore, she kept a stiff expression, showing no sign of a smile, which made Suisui a bit anxious.

In contrast, Suisui felt fond of the equally curious but more gentle-eyed Erniang.

When her mother asked, Suisui smiled at Madam He's second daughter.

When it came to answering her mother’s question, Suisui quickly nodded, "Yes, Mother."

The child's voice was crisp and decisive.

Upon hearing this, Qi Wangfei couldn’t help but feel delighted.

Her child seemed to have made considerable progress today!

Next Chapter▶▶

"IF YOU LIKE THE TRANSLATIONS, CONSIDER SUPPORTING US ON PATREON."