As Zhao Zhaodi was about to get up and kneel down, Ye Nian'an gave her a sharp look.

His gaze was like ice, nailing her to the stone bench, her knees freezing as soon as they left the ground.

Ye Nian'an tapped her fingertips on the stone table and said calmly, "Grandma, do you think I, as your mother, should understand your feelings?"

Yes, yes!

Zhao Zhaodi's eyes lit up, thinking there was a chance for things to turn around, and she nodded hurriedly: "What mother doesn't love her own child?"

"But when you felt sorry for your son, did you ever think about my little one?"

Ye Nian'an's voice suddenly turned cold: "Tell me honestly, how old are they? They've just learned to say 'Mama,' and you're already using those insidious methods to scheme against them, just because your son is incompetent and can't have a son? My little one has to be treated like this?"

The words "incompetent" and "unable to bear a son" pierced Zhao Zhaodi's brain like needles. Her face turned pale and then red, and she stammered, "I...I only found out later..."

Finally, unable to swallow his anger any longer, he added defiantly, "Also, my youngest son does have a son, but only one. He hasn't been able to have a second one. It's not that he's incompetent or unable to have a son..."

"Madam!"

The old butler tried to stop it, but it was too late.

"How dare you say that!"

Ye Nian'an's expression suddenly changed. She slammed her hand on the stone table and stood up: "I see absolutely no sincerity from you! You can leave!"

Before she finished speaking, she reached out and pushed Zhao Zhaodi and the others toward the door.

Caught off guard, Zhao Zhaodi felt a powerful force strike her, causing her to stagger back a few steps and nearly fall on the threshold.

"old lady!"

Fortunately, the old butler reacted quickly and caught him.

"Bang--"

With a loud bang, the courtyard gate slammed shut.

Zhao Zhaodi stood there dumbfounded, staring at the tightly closed courtyard gate, and murmured, "No, what does she mean? She clearly accepted our gifts, yet she says we weren't sincere?"

She suddenly realized what she had done and slapped her thigh: "Did I fall into her trap? This girl deliberately tricked me!"

The driver whispered his thoughts: "Grandma, could it be because you said the young master has a son?"

"After all, their little one suffered such a great injustice. You're saying that the young master having a son makes things even more outrageous..."

The old butler couldn't help but sigh: "Madam, you really shouldn't have said that the young master has a son. People will definitely be angry."

"Oh dear, how can you blame me? Ye Nian'an keeps saying that my youngest son is incompetent and can't give birth to a son. I just couldn't stand it..."

Zhao Zhaodi pouted, her eyes reddening, like a wronged child.

"The good thing is that our things weren't returned, which means there's still a chance. Madam, as long as we can win the Chu family's forgiveness, the young master won't be sentenced so harshly."

The old butler insisted on persuading him.

Zhao Zhaodi wiped away her tears, her tone becoming firm: "You're right, Lao Zhao. No matter what, he's the youngest son I raised with great difficulty. How can I just stand by and watch him be ruined?"

“His brothers and sisters are all distancing themselves and trying to protect themselves, but I am his mother. How desperate he would be if I abandoned him at this time!”

"The thought of my little grandson and granddaughter crying for their father breaks my heart..."

No matter how slim the hope, they have to try to find out the outcome.

"Madam, be careful someone sees us. Let's go back for now and find another opportunity next time."

"I understand, I'll do whatever you say, Lao Zhao."

The old housekeeper's words were like a pillar of support, and Zhao Zhaodi quickly calmed down.

The driver glanced furtively at the old housekeeper and Zhao Zhaodi, then pursed his lips and remained silent.

He used to be the Zhao family's driver, but he was dismissed during a special period and returned to his hometown.

Recently, those rebels were arrested, and the country gradually stabilized and became less alarming, which is why Zhao Zhaodi was able to find them.

Even during those chaotic times, Zhao Zhaodi never dismissed Zhao Jiadi.

Instead, they treated him like family and even made their children respect him, saying things like, "After serving you for so many years, we've become like siblings."

Even the old steward shared the same surname as the master of the house: Zhao. The old lady was named Zhao Zhaodi, and the old steward was named Zhao Jiadi.

Putting these two names together, anyone with a discerning eye can sense a different flavor; they seem a bit like a couple's names.

Unfortunately, so many years have passed, and the master died during a turbulent period. He didn't say anything while he was alive, so naturally, nothing can be investigated after his death.

Even Zhao Zhaodi's children were raised by the old housekeeper, so there was some affection between them, and he didn't say much.

At least there's someone trustworthy to talk to and live with Zhao Zhaodi, which makes life more comfortable and reduces the trouble for her children who have separated from the family and married.

Everyone had their doubts, but no one dared to say it outright or ask directly.

However, when the young master got into trouble this time, Zhao Jiadi seemed to be even more anxious than Zhao Zhaodi.

While everyone else was trying to distance themselves from the situation, it was Zhao Jiadi who suggested that Zhao Zhaodi bring gifts to visit and apologize.

They knew perfectly well that doing this would definitely enrage the young master and his family; it was a bribe, meant to kill them.

But Zhao Zhaodi actually did it without hesitation.

They were also told to keep this a secret from the young master, or they would be skinned alive.

The car engine started, kicking up a cloud of dust, and gradually disappeared into the alleyway.

Chu Xin'er then turned back to the courtyard, dusting off her hands: "They're gone. After this lesson, they should know our attitude. I suppose they won't come back, right?"

Ye Nian'an said with a smile, "Mom, Xin'er, let's put everything in the storeroom. We'll have the things that can't be stored away for dinner tonight."

"Niannian, should we really accept these things? Won't people gossip if word gets out?"