Wang Zhuzi and his companion helped each other to their feet, temporarily abandoning their intention to cause trouble, since they were being well taken care of at the Song residence.

Haitang was somewhat surprised that her young mistress could say such a thing. It seemed that her mistress was really angry. After all, her mistress was always very kind to the servants in the mansion, and had never spoken so harshly before.

Ultimately, it was those two who did something inhuman.

When Song Tangxue arrived at Chunxin Hall and saw Doctor Xie, she felt something was off, but she also knew that now was not the time to dig deep and ask questions.

"From today onwards, whenever you have free time, go to the street and set up a stall to provide free medical consultations." Doctor Xie put the last herb back in its place.

Song Tangxue agreed. Those people were innocent, and many of them were unfortunate enough not to even have the money to go to a pharmacy. She would help them however little she could.

The following days were peaceful.

After finishing a day of free clinics in the afternoon, Song Tangxue walked along the sun-drenched street, rubbing her slightly sore shoulders. Xie Qianzhong, surrounded by Imperial Guards, walked towards her.

His brows were furrowed, as if he had encountered something troublesome.

Upon seeing the officials, the people quickly retreated to both sides, none of them wanting to get into any trouble.

Because of the free clinics these past few days, many people recognized Song Tangxue, and Xie Qianzhong's gaze swept over her no differently than when he looked at the other people.

She also hid in the crowd and glanced at him indifferently.

In public, they must not overstep any boundaries, as this is the greatest protection they can offer each other.

She had run into Xie Qianzhong a few times in the past few days. When they were alone, they could exchange a few words, but if they encountered each other like today, she could only catch a glimpse of him from afar.

Xie Qianzhong has been busy lately, and sometimes he's rushed off before we can even exchange a few words.

They turned around and parted ways in opposite directions on the street.

Song Mansion.

After dinner, Song's father was invited by his colleagues to go drinking, while Song's mother and Song Tangli stayed together.

Song Tangli smiled and walked to her mother's side: "Mother's headache has flared up again recently, let me massage her head."

The obedient daughter reached out, her slender, slightly cool fingertips touching her mother's forehead. Her mother sighed softly, took her daughter's hand, and pulled her closer.

The face was clearly the same as before, but Song's mother felt that something was different, though she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

Song's mother couldn't say when things started to change, but by the time she realized it, things were already different.

"Why did you arrange for Wang Zhuzi and his wife to live in the Song residence?" Song's mother released Song Tangli's hand, her expression somewhat cold.

Mentioning this human body, Song Tangli panicked: "Mother..." She couldn't say it was aimed at Song Tangxue, as that would give her mother a bad impression.

"Do you still feel indebted to them for giving you life?" Mother Song knew that many prominent families cared about blood ties.

Their family was different; they truly raised their daughter like a precious jewel. Over the years, even a stone would have softened from the warmth.

This incident involving Song Tangxue truly broke her heart.

"No, I'm worried that my sister will miss her adoptive parents, just like a daughter misses her father and mother. How can she forget the kindness of being raised for so many years?" Song Tangli's eyes welled up with tears.

“Mother, how can you doubt Ah Li’s heart?” Song Tangli pulled her mother, knelt down beside her, and rested her head on her mother’s lap, just like when she was a child.

But in the blink of an eye, this little bean sprouted up and learned to make his own decisions.

Song's mother felt a bitter taste in her throat, unsure whether it was from the tea or the sourness rising in her heart: "Then why didn't you tell your mother first?"

Song Tangli stiffened for a moment: "I'm afraid my mother won't agree..."

"Since you're afraid I won't agree, and you know this is wrong, why did you still do it? I ask you, do you care more about your sister's feelings or your parents' feelings?" Song's mother felt a dampness on her knees, her heart softened, but the pain of being pricked by that soft thorn came over her heart in an dense, persistent way.

"I just feel the same way..."

"Alright, go back and rest early. I'll send someone to escort them out of the manor." Madam Song said firmly, gently lifting Song Tangli's head with both hands and wiping away her tears.

He patted her shoulder and comforted her, "Ali, don't cry."

Song Tangli came out in a huff, feeling extremely frustrated. If she hadn't caused Song Tangxue this trouble, would she have been suspected by her mother?

She was even chased out by her mother like this, something that had never happened before.

The maidservants around her didn't dare to breathe loudly, trying their best to hide their presence. The second young lady's temper was becoming increasingly irritable, and sometimes she would fly into a rage over the slightest thing.

She hurried back to the courtyard, her face still pale. A maidservant carefully served her tea.

Song Tangli caught it and slammed it to the ground, her eyes filled with malice as she asked, "How's Song Tangxue doing?"

The young maid knelt on the ground, her body trembling: "Miss..."

"I'm telling you to speak. If you keep stammering here, do you believe I'll sell you off tomorrow?" Song Tangxue's gaze fell on her, carrying a chilling intent.

"Wang Zhuzi and his companion haven't visited the young lady since the first day," the maidservant said hastily, as if being chased by a dog.

The room fell silent, then Song Tangli roared and smashed everything she could get her hands on.

Song Tangli sent someone to the courtyard where Wang Zhuzi and the others were staying. Wang Zhuzi, Liu Shi, and a young boy were enjoying a hearty meal.

Liu ate with gusto, her mouth brimming with oil: "The food at the Song family's residence is truly excellent."

"Still eating!" The servant kicked open the door, and the family of three stood up, looked at the group of people in front of them, and wisely stood still.

“Come with us.”

The family of three didn't dare to resist at all, and stood up and followed them.

After Song Tangli finished venting her anger, she ordered people to clean up the mess. Liu Shi and Wang Zhuzi left the child in the yard.

The fat boy's appearance didn't help either.

When they arrived in front of Song Tangli, the two men were very uneasy. Although she was their own daughter, they dared not be presumptuous.

Song Tangli walked up to them with a smile and looked them over: "Why didn't you two go and have a heart-to-heart talk with your sister?"

Wang Zhuzi and Liu Shi instantly recalled their previous experience, and smiled awkwardly, not daring to answer.

"As you all know, you are not Madam Song, and you won't be staying in the Song household for long,"

"Take this money." Song Tangli threw the noisy money bag in front of the two of them.

Even if Wang Zhuzi and Liu Shi were stupid, they would realize at this moment that Song Tangli was not as kind as she seemed, and that the money depended on whether they had the life to spend it.

For a moment, the two hesitated.

“I know what you’re thinking. Tomorrow, you can go and cause trouble for Song Tangxue again.” Song Tangli turned her back. “Then you can take the money and leave the mansion. Whether you can live a life of wealth and honor for the rest of your lives depends on your performance tomorrow.”