120. The grace of saving a life

"The...the richest person?" The system auntie notified the little dumpling that the task had been completed, but the little dumpling was still a bit confused.

Lin Fuman, however, was already dreaming about the future: "First, I want to start a business... I remember in time-travel novels, people usually make their fortunes by cooking modern dishes or making soap. Right, I'm a science student, I know a lot of things. Although it's inconvenient in ancient times because there's no electricity, gas, or Wi-Fi..."

Lin Fuman was speaking enthusiastically when she suddenly felt dizzy, and her face turned pale instantly.

She covered her forehead, her body swayed uncontrollably, and she almost fell back down.

"Sister Fufu!" the little dumpling exclaimed, "Yue'er, go and call the adults!"

"No..." Lin Fu weakly tried to pull Yue'er back, but saw the little dumpling run quickly towards the door.

The little dumpling's clear voice called out anxiously, "Sister Fufu is awake! She's feeling unwell!"

Immediately afterwards, a series of chaotic footsteps approached from afar.

Before Lin Fuman could react, the door was suddenly pushed open.

A dignified-looking middle-aged man and a woman rushed in almost simultaneously.

"Fu Fu!" Duke Anguo rushed to the bedside, his trembling hand stroking Lin Fu's pale cheek. "How are you? Is anything in pain?"

Although the aunt tried to remain calm, she couldn't hide the anxiety in her eyes: "Quickly, go and fetch a doctor!"

Lin Fu stared blankly at the unfamiliar parents in front of her, and suddenly found herself unable to control her emotions.

She considered herself a modern person, but when she saw the couple's concerned eyes, her heart clenched uncontrollably.

This was a kind of love from her parents that she had never experienced before.

Seeing her staring blankly at him, the Duke of Anguo hugged her tightly, tears streaming down his face, even as a dignified man: "My child... it's good that you're awake... it's good that you're awake..."

Until Lin Fuman spoke in a low voice: "Father?"

"Hey, Father's here, don't be afraid." Duke Anguo gently patted her back.

"Mother?" Lin Fuman looked at her aunt again.

Auntie realized something was wrong: "Fufu, what's wrong?"

Lin Fuman pursed her lips: "I...I don't remember anything."

Duke Anguo and his concubine were both shocked: "Why? How could this be?"

Jiang Xiyue stood to the side, holding Yue'er's hand, watching this scene with mixed feelings.

I was both surprised and moved.

I was surprised that Lin Fuman had lost her memory, and I felt sorry for such a bad child as Lin Fuman, who had such loving parents.

Little Tuanzi was surprised that her older sister Fufu said she had amnesia, even though she seemed to be acting strangely.

Something seems off. It should be getting better.

Sister Fufu protected the puppy and even said she would apologize to the older sister... Little Tuanzi thought she was a good person again.

After a thorough examination, the doctors waiting outside said, "Although the young lady has lost her memory, her physical condition is fine; she just needs to rest. She should eat a light diet for the next few days and avoid strenuous activity..."

The doctors looked at the little dumpling with a look of amazement and even awe.

"That's good, that's good..." Duke Anguo hugged Lin Fuman, "It's okay if you have amnesia, as long as you're alive, that's all that matters."

After waking up, Lin Fuman fussed around for a while, but the excitement wore off, and she quickly got tired and fell into a deep sleep.

After Auntie and Anguo Gong settled Lin Fu down, they left the room and came to Jiang Xiyue, who was holding the little dumpling.

The concubine was about to kneel before Yue'er: "Your Highness's kindness and virtue are unforgettable! If it weren't for Your Highness's great fortune, my Fufu would probably be..."

The concubine choked up and couldn't continue speaking. She turned to Duke Anguo and said, "My lord, don't you think we should properly thank the young county princess?"

Duke Anguo wiped away his tears and nodded solemnly: "Of course."

He looked at Jiang Xiyue and said sincerely, "Madam, your daughter saved my daughter's life. The Duke of Anguo's mansion will remember this kindness. If you ever need our help in the future, please don't hesitate to ask."

When Jiang Xiyue heard what the Duke of Anguo said, she forced a smile, but her eyes betrayed her disgust.

She gently stroked the little boy's head and said softly, "Your Excellency is too kind. It's just a connection between the children."

The little dumpling looked up, blinking her big, watery eyes: "Mommy, can Yue'er go see Sister Lin?"

Now that Sister Fufu is better, she should go and see her older sister.

The atmosphere in the room immediately became awkward after those words were spoken.

After a moment of contemplation, Duke Anguo turned to the maid beside him and said, "Go and fetch Lin Lingrong and her mother."

"No!" The little dumpling suddenly raised her voice, her little hands tightly gripping Jiang Xiyue's clothes. "Yue'er, go by yourself."

Duke Anguo waved his hand dismissively: "What is her status? How could she be worthy of the county princess personally going to see her?"

These words further enraged Jiang Xiyue: "Your Excellency, forgive my bluntness, but Miss Lin is also your own daughter. Just because you don't like her and her mother, does that mean she should be treated with such contempt?"

Duke Anguo's expression changed, clearly not expecting Jiang Xiyue to refute him to his face.

But because the other party was the little dumpling's mother, he had to suppress his anger and force a smile, saying, "Madam Hou has misunderstood."

“What does it matter whether a seven-year-old is worthy or not?” Jiang Xiyue sneered, her words carrying a veiled meaning. “It’s just the father’s injustice.”

It was common for men from wealthy and powerful families to take concubines, but almost no family would have such a scandal.

Originally, everyone followed the rules. Although the wife of the Duke of Anguo was weak, she was also of a mild temperament and would never make things difficult for the concubines and illegitimate children.

The whole family can get along well.

As a result, Duke Anguo insisted on favoring his concubine over his wife, which led to the current chaos.

Jiang Xiyue firmly believes that the Duke of Anguo himself is absolutely responsible for the current situation of the Duke of Anguo's mansion.

It seems that although the concubine is ambitious, if she has made any mistakes, they are firstly seizing control of the household and secondly spoiling Lin Fuman excessively.

They did not actually commit any evil deeds, such as beating or killing Lin Lingrong and her daughter.

Only the Duke of Anguo would have this idea.

Seeing the atmosphere tense, the little girl timidly tugged at her mother's sleeve: "Mother, don't be angry... Yue'er just wanted to see Sister Lin..."

Duke Anguo took a deep breath and forced a smile: "Since the young county princess insists on seeing me, I will personally lead the way."

The concubine hesitated for a moment, then followed, saying, "I'll come along too..."

Jiang Xiyue picked up the little dumpling and said coldly, "Thank you for your trouble, Duke."

The group walked through the winding corridors, with Duke Anguo leading the way, constantly urging them on—

"Ling Rong's place is simple and unrefined; I'm afraid it will be unfair to the young county princess..."

"That girl is stubborn. What if she offends the county princess...?"

"Her mother doesn't know any manners either..."

Jiang Xiyue simply hugged the little dumpling tighter, but her steps became even more determined.

Arriving at a small courtyard, Jiang Xiyue stopped and looked around before feeling a little relieved.

Fortunately, the place we stayed was quite nice. It was the best house in the Duke of Anguo's mansion besides the main courtyard. The furniture and facilities inside were all complete and looked to be of the highest quality.

Although the principal wife is wearing a plain dress today, it is made of the finest silk.

It seems that the concubine, who was in charge of the household, did not mistreat them materially.

She said, "Lord Duke, this is enough."

Duke Anguo frowned: "How can this be?"

The little dumpling peeked out from its mother's arms and said softly, "Yue'er wants to whisper something to Sister Lin..."

Before Duke Anguo could say anything more, Jiang Xiyue said coldly, "What? Is Your Excellency worried that my daughter and I might harm Miss Lin?"

Duke Anguo was speechless and had no choice but to compromise: "In that case... I will wait outside the courtyard."

Jiang Xiyue said no more and walked straight into the courtyard with the little dumpling in her arms.

Upon entering, one is immediately greeted by a strong smell of medicine.

The haggard-looking first wife was sitting in the courtyard wiping away tears when she saw them, and hurriedly got up.

Jiang Xiyue stepped forward: "Madam, we've come to see Miss Lin."

Upon hearing this, the first wife's eyes instantly reddened: "This... how could I possibly accept this..."

She took out a handkerchief to wipe away her tears and led them into the house.

Inside the house, when Lin Lingrong saw who it was, she was equally surprised: "Little...Little County Princess?"

The little boy got down from his mother's arms, ran to her, and only felt relieved when he saw that Lin Lingrong was unharmed.

Fortunately, they arrived early, so Sister Lin was not injured.

---

A note from the author:

Author's note: Sorry for the late update. I haven't been feeling well lately, so I didn't realize I'd run out of drafts. This was written hastily today.

Author: Although this book is so hopelessly doomed that just looking at it gives me anxiety, I still want to give it a shot. What if the readers like it and it makes the book better? So, today is a Q&A session.

Q: The female protagonist experienced betrayal and suffered so much, as the system said. How can she face her family in this life? Wouldn't forgiving them be unfair to herself?

A: The author hasn't answered this question because it would spoil the plot. Originally, it was supposed to be explained when the original female lead appeared, but now that I think about it, hinting at it shouldn't be a problem.

A: Well, to give you an example—do you, dear reader, think that when Little Dumpling grows up, she will become a truly vicious female supporting character? The kind who actually commits murder, arson, and other evil deeds.

Q: Would the original female lead like the little dumpling? What is her character like?

A: The author is also conflicted... because according to the outline, the original female lead not only appeared dozens of chapters earlier, but was also a pure villain.

A: But now, as you readers have seen, the plans have changed. Even the author is unsure.

A: Dear readers, what kind of female lead would you like to see? Please feel free to suggest it, and the author will consider your feedback and make revisions. The author doesn't mind changing the outline (this is not an excuse to give up).

A: In other words, sir, please make a wish.

A: Your suggestion may become the original female lead's character design and change the course of the plot.

A: The author usually only reads the comments on the homepage and the comments at the end of the latest chapter each day.