"Sister Zhuang, what are you drinking? Can I have a sip?" Chi Tang asked with a smile.

Sister Zhuang is a child who likes to share, so she immediately nodded: "Of course you can, but we don't have any left."

Sister Zhuang obediently handed over the soup bowl she was holding.

Chi Tang glanced at the bottle; there was only a little left. She twitched her nose and finally drank the last bit.

After tasting it, she knew what to expect.

Chi Tang glanced over discreetly and, noticing that Old Madam Yang's attention wasn't on them, hid the soup bowl behind her back and said with a grin, "Grandmother, shall I go play in the garden with Sister Zhuang?"

"...Okay, but we need to bring Sister Zhuang back soon. I'm getting old, and it's more comforting to have a lively little child in the house."

"That's what Madam Yang said meaningfully."

Aunt Chi countered, "With so many children in the family, isn't it easy to find any one that Mother wants to keep you company?"

So why insist on her family's longevity?

If Changsheng comes again, not only will the child be ruined, but the eldest daughter-in-law will also be furious.

"No matter how many children I have, I still love you the most... You looked so cute when you were little..." Old Madam Yang said happily as she talked about Aunt Chi when she was a child.

But Aunt Chi was lost when she was just over one year old, so she has no memories to share.

So, Madam Yang only ever said the same few things over and over again.

Aunt Chi didn't find it annoying at all, and sat there obediently to keep Old Madam Yang company and help her pass the time.

After the initial joy of reunion and sharing of their lives, the mother and daughter found themselves with little to talk about.

Although Madam Yang did not come from a high social class, she grew up in luxury and privilege. Her maternal grandparents' family was also very wealthy. Although she was not a talented woman, she was skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

In contrast, Aunt Chi only knew about family matters and farming.

The two of them really had nothing to say to each other.

So they quickly fell silent.

"Alright, I'm going to lie down for a while, you can go back now." Old Madam Yang was drowsy in the sun.

My energy level is really not up to par right now.

Even in this state, it's outrageous that Changsheng isn't allowed to stay by her side.

Aunt Chi stood up, gave a simple bow, and left.

On the way back, they didn't see Chi Tang in the garden, and Aunt Chi didn't look for her either. She was at the Yang family's house anyway, how could she have gotten lost?

At this moment, Chi Tang had already parted ways with Sister Zhuang and went to Madam Yang's courtyard, where she picked a bunch of flowers and insisted on giving them to her aunt.

Children are like that; they do whatever comes to mind, so nobody cares.

After playing for a while, Chi Tang asked Madam Yang for something: "Aunt, do you have any good soup? Tang Tang is tired."

"Go and fetch a bowl of mung bean soup for Miss Biao."

"I don't want that kind, I want the soup my grandmother drinks in the morning."

Chi Tang was making a ruckus.

Chi Tang's words startled Madam Yang. "The soup your maternal grandmother drank this morning?"

A servant immediately replied, "Madam, the old lady drinks a bowl of ginseng soup every morning."

This isn't just any ordinary ginseng soup; it's a highly nourishing soup made with all sorts of good ingredients.

This was because Madam Yang's health had deteriorated significantly, and her spirits were low, so the imperial physician prescribed her tonics.

It is truly a great tonic.

"Ah, ginseng soup. Tangtang, you're too young to drink ginseng soup. If you don't want mung bean soup, your aunt will have someone make you some other delicious soup, how about that?"

"Can……"

"Wait, Tangtang, why do you want to drink your maternal grandmother's soup? Have you had it before?" Madam Yang keenly sensed that something was amiss.

The ginseng soup my mother-in-law drank was made with such generous amounts of ingredients that even she herself would likely feel unwell, let alone a child.

It's too nourishing, after all.

Chi Tang innocently shook her head and said, "I didn't get to drink it. Grandma gave it all to Sister Zhuang today, and when I wanted some, Sister Zhuang had already finished it. So I want to try it; it must be delicious."

Is that direct enough?

As expected, Madam Yang's expression changed instantly. She stood up abruptly and stared at Chi Tang anxiously, asking, "Tangtang, you said that your maternal grandmother's soup was all given to Sister Zhuang?"

Chi Tang shrank her neck and nodded somewhat fearfully: "Yes. It was specially given to Sister Zhuang by my grandmother, but I didn't get to drink it."

In short, she had really hit a nerve. Madam Yang suppressed her anger, but still considered that Chi Tang was still there, so she didn't immediately lash out.

Instead, he patiently discussed with Chi Tang and suggested that Chi Tang go back first.

He also promised to have the kitchen prepare a delicious soup and send it to her.

This aunt-in-law is truly very patient.

Having achieved her goal, Chi Tang pretended to be a child for a while longer before heading back.

She didn't want to cause trouble.

But my grandmother really went too far this time!

The ginseng soup she used to nourish her body was far too much for a six or seven-year-old child like Sister Zhuang to handle.

Hopefully, this is just the first time.

——

Madam Yang acted swiftly and decisively, and the truth was quickly uncovered.

"...I made Sister Zhuang drink three times in total. Every day, I would make Sister Zhuang do somersaults to amuse her. After Sister Zhuang finished doing somersaults, I would reward her with two gold beans..."

"You bastard!"

Madam Yang was furious and slammed her hand on the table.

Still not satisfied, he overturned all the teacups and saucers on the table!

The ground was shattered, and everyone trembled with fear, hastily kneeling down.

"Go and fetch a doctor, then bring Sister Zhuang to my courtyard immediately. No one can stop you, understand?"

Madam Yang gritted her teeth and spoke forcefully, to the point that her expression became slightly ferocious.

Should I do somersaults to cheer her up?

They even tipped with gold beans?

Should I give him ginseng soup?

What is her precious granddaughter?

A street performer?

That's really going too far!

"Go and fetch the master back, and tell him that if he doesn't come back now, he doesn't need to come back at all." Madam Yang was furious.

This matter cannot be resolved so easily!

To deal with the stepmother, one must persuade the master!

We can't let that wicked old woman ruin their marital relationship, can we?

"……yes."

The servants hurried away.

When Madam Yang learned that Sister Zhuang had been taken away, she was displeased and even smashed a teacup on the maid's head.

"Useless trash! Do you think just anyone can take people out of my yard? Do you think I'm dead?"

"Please forgive me, Madam. Please forgive me, Madam."

The maid endured the pain in her head and kowtowed, begging for mercy.

The lady sent people with a very forceful attitude; what could she do?

We can't afford to offend anyone.

"Go, Granny Qin, go and ask this Madam Yang what she wants! You must bring Sister Zhuang back to me!"

Madam Yang had a cold face.

Does she think everyone can step on her head now?

It was her daughter Ruan Ruan's idea to take Changsheng away; she had no choice and couldn't bear to lose her temper or use any means against Ruan Ruan.

Can……

Who do you think you are, the daughter-in-law of a concubine's son? How dare you disobey my orders?